The Resistance's newest member was the Dungeon Master of Balak. Announcing this fact would have three immediate effects.

First, it would breed envy and jealousy, particularly among the other B-rank Dungeon Masters. Those located in the West, who had already been irritated by Balak's growing influence, would be especially displeased to learn its master was a newcomer in their own faction. While fighting between comrades was forbidden, he would now be a permanent thorn in their side.

Second, it would attract the interest and scrutiny of the A-rank Dungeon Masters. Some of them, through their own intelligence networks, already knew that Balak was the dungeon that had defeated the infamous Sebastian. Now, seeing him skyrocket from C-rank to B-rank, they would all be forming their own assessments. They would undoubtedly approach him, especially those who enjoyed watching the chaos unfold.

Third, it would ignite competition among all members, regardless of rank. Taehyun had been recognized as a top contender the moment he hit C-rank. He'd earned respect by taking down Sebastian as a mere D-rank, and now he was B-rank. His explosive growth would create a sense of crisis, sparking rivalry and a burning desire in others to prove themselves before he could surpass them.

In short, Seonghwi had just used him to light a fire under the entire Resistance.

'He forbids us from fighting each other, but he pulls a stunt like this?'

He had no idea how the others would react now. Some might test him to gauge his strength, while others might become openly hostile. He was supposed to be working with Gyeonghui to take down enemy dungeons, but her attitude had already soured completely.

'He's testing me while simultaneously creating a competitive powder keg.'

Seonghwi wasn't just letting him dip a toe in the water; he was dragging him into the deep end. The truth about Balak was out, and now he was the center of everyone's attention. Whether they extended a hand in friendship or a knife in the dark, a reaction was coming.

'He must have already spoken with the faction's key players. Otherwise, a man who forbids infighting wouldn't make such a reckless announcement. This is his way of testing me, of forcing me to grow even stronger under pressure.'

He ground his teeth. Seonghwi had effectively thrown him off a cliff and told him to survive. Forced to participate in this faction-wide hunt, he couldn't escape the competitive storm that was brewing. His foot wasn't just in the door; it was sinking in quicksand.

'Just grow up big and strong under our protection. You've got potential. You'll be an amazing Dungeon Master.'

Seonghwi's words from after the Holy Kingdom invasion echoed in his mind. 'So this is the 'protection' you were talking about? A series of kicks to the teeth? You're not watering the sprout; you're stomping on it.'

From the very beginning, Seonghwi had seen him as a weed, something to be tested and tempered by hardship.

Taehyun forced his anger down and rose from his seat. The meeting was over; targets had been assigned, and people were beginning to leave. Songyi tugged on his sleeve.

"…It's okay. I'll protect you."

"No need to worry," he said, feigning nonchalance. "What could they possibly do?"

She nodded, seeming to understand the tense atmosphere. Taehyun maintained his calm facade as he exited the meeting hall.

"Leaving already?" Seonghwi's voice called out. He was leaning against the doorway as if he'd been waiting. "Why not stay a little longer?"

"Ah, things have gotten very busy at Balak," Taehyun replied smoothly. "I need to get back. The raiders, you know."

"Well, can't be helped then," Seonghwi said with a grin that didn't reach his eyes. "See you next time, Dungeon Master of Balak. Yoo. Tae. Hyun!"

"…Likewise." The man was grating on his last nerve, but Taehyun managed to keep his expression neutral as he finally stepped outside the mansion.

"You must. You must call me," Songyi insisted.

"Yeah, I'll call you soon."

"If you're in danger, tell me. I'll help you anytime."

"Thanks for the thought," he said, watching as she vanished after one last reminder. Now alone, Taehyun looked up at the window where Seonghwi stood watching and let the mask of civility fall. The raw, predatory instinct he'd been suppressing finally surfaced.

"If that's what you want, I'll devour them all," he snarled under his breath. "You brought this on yourself. You'd better not regret it."

---

Inside the mansion, Seonghwi felt the wave of killing intent wash over him and simply smirked.

"Don't you think you revealed his identity as Balak's master too early?" Seunghun asked, his tone worried. "Many of our members weren't at the Nikunbel event."

At that meeting, Taehyun had been recognized as the top C-rank, and it was revealed he had defeated Sebastian. But his connection to Balak had remained a secret. While some might have pieced it together from raider reports, most of the Resistance had been in the dark. Now, thanks to Seonghwi, everyone knew. With Balak's location public knowledge, the fallout was predictable.

"It was going to come out eventually," Seonghwi said dismissively. "I just moved up the timeline. Some of them already knew, anyway."

"But what if they try to kill each other?"

"Well, then 'we' will have to stop them," Seonghwi replied. "And while I've forbidden fighting, a little bickering can be healthy. Taehyun is a monster of a rookie, but our other kids aren't weak either."

"…Aren't you underestimating him?" Seunghun pressed. "This is the man who stopped Sebastian and the Rexner raid party. He will surely overwhelm the others."

"That would be even better," Seonghwi said, his eyes gleaming. "I'm hoping this little extermination mission will light a fire under everyone. And in the middle of it all, Taehyun will grow into an even bigger monster."

Given the abilities Taehyun had displayed, becoming an S-rank was not out of the question. Seonghwi had high hopes for him. If he continued to ascend, he would be an invaluable asset in the eventual conquest of the Demon World.

"Don't forget, Seunghun. Our ultimate goal is to conquer the Demon World. To do that, we need to eliminate rival factions and strengthen our own forces. If Taehyun can become our trump card, I'm willing to make a few sacrifices along the way."

Seunghun sighed. "You're so fickle. Not long ago, you said you could never forgive the deaths of your comrades."

"That was different. I was pissed about losing pieces so senselessly," Seonghwi said with a wave of his hand. "This is different. For now, let's just watch."

A fierce competition was about to begin. Seonghwi looked down at the spot where Taehyun had disappeared, his eyes bright with anticipation. 'I can't just let you dip a toe in. Taehyun, you're going to become my trump card.'

---

[Successfully transported to Balak.]

A flash of light resolved into the familiar sight of the Master Room. Taehyun opened his eyes and took a deep, steadying breath.

"Master Taehyun, you're back already?" Riel asked, rising from her seat before the monitor. She was holding an item, clearly in the middle of dealing with a raid.

"…Riel, what's the current level of our soldiers?"

"Hmm. They're around the mid-40s, I believe."

"Use this," Taehyun said, pulling out the Zen he'd been keeping in reserve. "Equip the soldiers I just summoned." He had planned to save it, but the order to hunt down other Dungeon Masters had changed everything. He needed his forces at peak condition.

"Did something happen?" Riel asked, her expression serious.

"I'm now targeting two B-rank Dungeon Masters. We have one other person on our side, but she won't be of any help. In fact, she might even get in the way."

"That sounds… complicated. Is there anything else you need?"

"Leave only enough troops to guard the watchtowers and Myol. Send Raviz and Deshukar back."

"I understand." Riel immediately set about carrying out his orders.

Taehyun sank onto the sofa, turning the communication device over in his hands. 'My contract with Junhyun expires in a month. After that, he'll be another threat to manage. I need to end this before then.' He couldn't begin to imagine how much stronger Junhyun had become since reaching B-rank. With his hidden 'Reaper' class and the backing of the powerful Peyton Ducal Family, he was a ticking time bomb.

'Of course, knowing his personality, he won't involve the Peytons… he'll come for me himself. But you can never be too careful.'

Having made his decision, Taehyun initiated a call to Junhyun.

---

"Lord Claim, have you brought another woman to your room?" Gildan's voice was laced with exasperation. "How many times must I tell you? As the heir to the Crowley territory, you must begin to learn your duties. At this rate, the residents will all flee!"

"Agh! Enough with the nagging!" Claim whined. "You take care of everything anyway, Gildan. There's nothing for me to do!"

"Sigh. I am merely a butler, my lord. When you inherit the title, I can only offer my assistance. And where did you find this one? Have you now stooped to preying on young girls?" Gildan's eyes widened in disbelief. The heir was not only shirking his duties but was now consorting with children.

"She's not a 'young girl.' Her name is Raviz. Address her properly, Gildan."

"That is correct. My name is Raviz—"

"Whatever, just get out!" Claim snapped. "I'm trying to have some fun with Raviz!" He lay back on the bed, pulling Raviz into an embrace and starting to unfasten her top. It was clear what he intended.

With a heavy sigh, Gildan turned and left the room.

Silence fell. The man on the bed let out a sigh of relief and looked at Raviz. She seemed entirely unfazed by the situation, merely blinking her large eyes.

"Are you not going to continue?" she asked.

"Hah. Just fix your clothes," Taehyun muttered, his disguise as Claim melting away. "I was almost caught because of you." He had brought the A-rank Named Guardian Raviz to Behetel. The rumors of Claim's debauchery had made it easy to bring her in, but her formal manner of speaking had nearly given them away. If Gildan had grown suspicious, the entire plan would have been jeopardized.

'Still, it's a relief he was just disappointed that Claim had stooped to dallying with a young girl.' The incident would only deepen Gildan's disillusionment with the heir, perhaps even making him give up on the territory entirely.

"My apologies, Master," Raviz said.

"Hey, your clothes are slipping. Tidy up… no, just change back into your original robes. Now!"

"Understood."

Raviz promptly changed back into her mage attire. Taehyun sighed and peered out the window. Raiders from the local branch were still loitering outside, but they couldn't enter the mansion. He could proceed with his plan without being discovered.

"Raviz, can you set up a movement magic circle inside a building?"

"Yes, Master. I can install it on any surface with a solid foothold, including indoors."

"Good. As soon as I get the signal from Roquin, we're heading to the basement. Stay close and don't get seen."

"Understood."

Having given his instructions, Taehyun waited. Soon, the signal came.

"Everything's ready."

It was Roquin. Holding the communication device, Taehyun slipped out into the hallway with Raviz.

"Turn left there," Roquin's voice directed him, her doll providing a real-time layout of the mansion.

Moving stealthily, Taehyun avoided the mansion staff and descended into the basement with Raviz.

"Alright," he said, a satisfied smile curling his lips as he surveyed the spacious cellar. "Begin setting up the magic circle."

"Understood," Raviz replied, getting to work in the center of the large, empty room.

---

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