[Rabiz, Ruler of Space]

[Rank: A (Named)]

[Level: 32]

[Class: Mage]

[Title: The One Who Rules Space]

[Affiliation: Balak]

[Loyalty: 62]

[Affection: 21]

[Obedience: 55]

[Skills: Summon, Spatial Bind, Gravity Control]

[Special Ability: Teleportation Mana Circle]

[Strength: 1] [Endurance: 1] [Agility: 1] [Stamina: 1]

[Mana: 29] [Divinity: 1] [Affinity: 4] [Luck: 3]

'She doesn't have many damage-dealing skills, but with Summon and Teleportation Mana Circle alone, Rabiz is an incredible Guardian.'

Rabiz had already leveled up considerably in Yuslan's Ice Palace. He was pleased with her two new skills, but Summon and her special ability, Teleportation Mana Circle, were truly amazing. This gave him another movement skill in addition to the Location Shift and Return items. With the Teleportation Mana Circle, he could instantly move Balak's soldiers. Furthermore, her Summon skill had the same effect as a companion rescue coin. Actively utilizing Rabiz would make thwarting raids and expanding his influence in the West much simpler.

"From now on, you are Balak's main mage," Taehyun declared. "You will be in charge of training the mage soldiers."

"Thank you," she replied flatly.

[The A-rank Named Guardian, Rabiz, Ruler of Space, is flustered by the Master's praise.]

[Loyalty increases by 1.]

[Affection increases by 2.]

Her relationship stats increased, but she merely bowed with a blank expression, her eyes half-lidded. 'How is that supposed to be her getting flustered? She's like an emotionless machine.'

Taehyun sent Rabiz to the small city of Myol. With Deshukar stationed there, teleportation magic was essential. There was always a chance that someone might target Myol along with the watchtower, and he had to be prepared. With her Summon skill, it was also possible to bring Grai to Myol in an emergency. Taehyun sent her along with the mage soldiers and ordered them to train and stand guard.

'Since I got all that Zen from those two idiot viscounts, maybe I should secretly start rebuilding Myol.' As long as Deshukar and the watchtower were there, no one could see inside the city. Even if intruders appeared, they would be discovered quickly. He summoned Larkan.

"It's been a while. What is it, Taehyun?" Larkan greeted him, his voice sharp with exhaustion. "That damn supporter bitch has been working me so hard I haven't gotten a wink of sleep while you were gone. Just get to the point."

Riel had been in charge of Balak in his absence, and judging by the dark circles under Larkan's eyes, she had worked him to the bone. Taehyun smirked and pointed to the small city of Myol on the monitor. "I'm thinking of starting the restoration. Can you do it without being noticed from the outside?"

"If you provide the manpower, it's possible. I'll have it completed by the date you want."

"Good. I'll assign the captured villagers along with some soldiers."

"Understood. But keep this in mind: even with the transmutation circle, it will take at least a month. Tell me the completion date after that." The damage to Myol was severe.

Taehyun provided the necessary materials and sent Larkan to the city. He began the initial phase through the transmutation circle inside Balak.

[The C-rank Named NPC Larkan is attempting to restore the small city of Myol.]

[He has entered the initial phase through the transmutation circle inside Balak.]

[The estimated time required is approximately 30 days.]

[The captured villagers have been moved to Myol via Rabiz's Teleportation Mana Circle.]

And so, the work began. Pleased, Taehyun handed over 5 million Zen each to Kinjo and Edchan.

"Muahaha. Thank you! It seems the second Balak will also become a B-rank dungeon soon!" Kinjo cackled.

"Thank you as always. I will never betray Master Taehyun's trust," Edchan vowed.

The other two Balak dungeons were also growing steadily, which was to be expected since he was deliberately letting some raiders pass through from Myol.

[Through Grai's training, the Stamina stat of the High Evil Goblins increases by 1.]

[Through Grai's training, the Strength stat of the Intermediate Werewolves increases by 1.]

[Through Grai's training, the Endurance stat of the High Orcs increases by 1.]

In addition, the B-rank soldiers were growing through Grai's training. At this rate, he might soon be able to raise the C-rank soldiers to B-rank using the evolution system. The soldiers who were once D-rank had all evolved to C-rank, so the possibility was high. Taehyun used some of the remaining Zen to summon B-rank soldiers, filling the hundred slots that had been emptied for Deshukar. It was a worthwhile trade-off for Myul's defense.

'Alright. Shall I check on Balak's status for the first time in a while?'

[Dungeon Name: Balak]

[Master: Taehyun Yoo]

[Rank: B(2)]

[Location: Western Frontier of the Astral Continent. Cave deep within the Valley of Silence.]

[Supporter: Riel of Healing (B)]

[Bosses: Elite Intermediate Gargoyle, Elite Intermediate Werewolf, Elite Intermediate Centaur, Elite Intermediate Harpy, Intermediate Salamander, High-grade Direct Subordinate Fairy]

[Mercenaries: None]

[Guardians and Keepers: Orc Swordsman Grai, Ruler of Space Rabiz]

[Soldiers: High-grade Orc, High-grade Lizardman, High-grade Fenrir, High-grade Goblin, High-grade Imp, High-grade Wild Dog, Peak-grade Minotaur, High-grade Troll, High-grade Wyvern, Intermediate Catapult Drake (Modified), Larkan, Intermediate Salamander, High-grade Direct Subordinate Fairy]

[Monsters: High-grade Orc, High-grade Lizardman, High-grade Fenrir, High-grade Goblin, High-grade Imp, High-grade Wild Dog, Peak-grade Minotaur, High-grade Troll, High-grade Wyvern, Intermediate Salamander, High-grade Direct Subordinate Fairy]

[Servants and Maids: Dallas Village Residents]

[Traps: Sticky Trap, Hunting Trap, Arrow Trap, Deep Pit, Mana Blocking Trap, Rolling Boulders, Wall Spikes, Binding Net, Illusion Formation, Flame Trap, Coffin of Sacrifice, Skill Blocking Trap, Radar Sealing Trap, Skill Restriction Prison]

[Installed Measures: Flower of the Abyss Landrozel, Madria's Bookshelf, Hideous Spider Egg, Glittering Sack, Thick Chest, Low-grade Mana Turret, Intermediate-grade Mana Turret, Mysterious Mana Powder, Merchant's Corpse, Lost Cat, Soldier's Corpse]

[Modification and Alteration Status: Corridor Change Between Rooms (Level 6), Room Position Change (Level 3), Corridor Length Change Between Rooms (Level 5), Room Interior Size Expansion (Level 8), Forest Environment (Level 4), Corridor Remodeling Between Rooms (Level 6), Corridor Size Expansion Between Rooms (Level 6), Overall Dungeon Scale Expansion (Level 5)]

[Rooms: 22]

[Dungeon Status: Upon ascending to B-rank, Balak had undergone a tremendous evolution. The overall scale of the dungeon has grown, and its interior has likewise expanded. It currently possesses soldiers, traps, and installed measures befitting a B-rank dungeon. Due to this evolution, the modification and alteration statuses have also been automatically upgraded. Balak's crystal sphere now exhibits an immense level of mana, making the dungeon itself feel alive. Additionally, the transmutation circle is sharing Balak's mana and is currently active.]

Not much had changed while he was away, but it was well-maintained, likely thanks to Riel fulfilling her duties. 'I should invest a certain amount into the dungeon and save the rest.'

Taehyun finished his arrangements by making one last investment of Zen. He still had some left, but he planned to keep it for emergencies.

"Did you call for me?" Riel asked, returning to the Master Room.

Taehyun pointed to the Direct Subordinate Fairies on the screen. "From now on, you'll be in charge of them. Train them as priests."

"I was wondering why you summoned fairies in a forest environment. So you were planning on increasing the number of priests."

"That's right," he confirmed. "Grai has the melee soldiers, Mederia has the ranged, Angelina has the shield bearers, and Rabiz has the mages. From now on, you'll be in charge of the priests."

He hadn't expected to have Guardians and Keepers so evenly distributed across different classes, but this allowed him to utilize his forces more effectively. That was why he had summoned fairies despite it not being a fairy-type environment. Now that he had a priest like Riel, he needed to steadily increase his number of priest soldiers.

"I understand. I'll take care of it," she agreed. "But please don't expect too much. Training in Divinity isn't like physical training."

"I'm sure Raviz feels the same. In any case, thank you," Riel replied, taking charge of the high-ranking fairies and beginning their training as priests.

Taehyun surveyed the new developments within Balak, a sense of satisfaction washing over him before he descended to the underground prison.

"It's the… Dungeon Master."

"That damn demon bastard. He's the one who destroyed Myol!"

"Bring our families back, you son of a bitch!"

The prisoners' glares were daggers of pure hatred. Their resentment ran deep for the Dungeon Master who had destroyed their homes, but Taehyun didn't spare them a single glance. They had been captured too recently to be of any use as a workforce. For now, all he could do was keep them locked away and monitor the situation.

"Hey, Rexner," Taehyun called out, his voice echoing in the gloom as he approached the man imprisoned at the far end of the cells. "Still haven't changed your mind?"

It was Rexner, the B-rank Raider with the special ability, Time Freeze. Since being incarcerated, he had done nothing but sit on the floor, head bowed in defeat.

"Rexner—no, Seongjun Han," Taehyun said, his tone softening slightly. "I'm giving you a chance. I won't abandon you."

Rexner remained silent.

"All you have to do is sign this contract," Taehyun continued, pressing his advantage. "The raiders all abandoned you. Even if you make it out of here alive, there's no one left who will look out for you."

He had learned Rexner's story from the other raiders he'd interrogated. The man had been cast aside and left for dead countless times before gaining his Time Freeze ability. To be betrayed by his comrades once again must have been a devastating blow. Taehyun saw the crack in his resolve and drove the knife in deeper.

"…And what good would it do me to become your dungeon's dog?" Rexner finally rasped, his voice raw. "Our goals are fundamentally different. It's obvious you'll just use me up and throw me away, so why should I accept?"

He had a point. The objectives of a Dungeon Master and a Raider were diametrically opposed. Even if he joined Balak, he would only be helping Taehyun achieve his aims, with nothing to gain for himself.

But that was never Taehyun's intention.

"Why do you assume I'll just use you and throw you away?" Taehyun countered smoothly. "My proposal is beneficial for both of us."

"That's absurd," Rexner scoffed. "What kind of proposal could possibly make you spew such nonsense?"

"See for yourself," Taehyun said, sliding a contract through the bars. "I'll be back later. Make your decision by then."

With that, Taehyun turned and left the underground prison. Left alone, Rexner glared at his retreating back before his gaze fell to the document on the stone floor.

"This is…!" he breathed, his eyes widening in disbelief. The contract contained terms he could never have imagined.

---

As he walked away from the prison, Taehyun allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Everything was proceeding exactly as planned. 'Rexner is halfway convinced. Now, I just have to wait.' The contract he'd offered Rexner was fundamentally different from the one he'd given Roquin. As a Raider, Rexner would never accept a deal that only benefited a Dungeon Master. So, Taehyun had proposed terms from which they could both profit. Abandoned by his comrades and trapped in a cell, he was sure to give in eventually.

'Alright. Time to grow the dungeon by devouring some more raiders.'

With Roquin's doll serving as a perfect double for Claim, he could focus on Balak with peace of mind. He was about to head back to the Master Room when the communication device in his pocket buzzed.

'Isn't this the device I got from Seonghwi?'

It was Hyeon Seonghwi, the S-rank leader of the Resistance. He hadn't seen him since the Holy Kingdom invasion, but now he was calling. A sense of foreboding washed over Taehyun as he answered.

"Yes. This is Taehyun Yoo."

—"Heard you ranked up to a B-rank dungeon," Seonghwi's cheerful voice came through the device. "Congrats, newbie."

"Ah, thank you. It just sort of happened."

—"It's all your skill, my friend. Anyway, about that meeting I mentioned. Looks like all the Resistance kids are gathering tomorrow. You have to come, too. I'll send a movement scroll to your dungeon, so just be there on time. That's it."

The call ended as abruptly as it began.

[2 Movement Scrolls have been delivered from S-rank Dungeon Master Hyeon Seonghwi.]

Instantly, two scrolls materialized before his eyes. Taehyun scowled, looking down at the now-silent device. A meeting of the Resistance. Seonghwi had definitely mentioned it during the invasion. Back then, he'd planned on making an excuse to skip it, but with the scrolls already delivered, he was out of options.

"…Damn bastard."

---

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