Chapter 242: Episode 242

“You demon bastard!” a message flared to life from Roland, the finest blacksmith of the Rough Rock Tribe. “We’re short on low-grade iron ore! The purity is already abysmal, but what am I supposed to do if the quantity is lacking, too?!”

They had been mining nonstop since developing the Zephyrin and Anamanto Mines, but it seemed they had finally hit their limit. With an upgrade to an advanced forge already in the works, running out of ore now would be a colossal waste of Zen. But there was only so much they could extract. They were already supplying the Grondz Merchant Guild alongside Rakodic; a material shortage now would be disastrous.

“Riel, what’s the total number of contracts the Balak Merchant Guild has secured?” Taehyun asked.

“Fifteen territories, four kingdoms, and one empire,” she reported. “We released a minimal quantity as you instructed, Master, but it’s already sold out. Other regions are requesting visits, so we need to produce more dwarven equipment.”

“Tsk. I guess no one cares about dungeons anymore,” Taehyun muttered. “And I can’t just order the residents to mine faster.”

“That’s not all,” Riel added. “For the past few days, the dwarves have been complaining that the heat from the furnace is insufficient. They say they need a stronger flame.”

“Ah, send Riashu to handle that. An intermediate fire spirit should be more than enough. Tell her it’s punishment for that incident last time and that she’s to help the dwarves.”

A Spirit Master was useful for far more than just combat. Taehyun mulled it over for a moment before activating his communication device.

—”Taehyun,” Momont’s voice crackled through. “I see you’ve heard. You should have been there. That bastard Gelix was grinding his teeth. Heh heh!”

“Cut the chatter and send me information on any new ruins,” Taehyun ordered. “We’re about to run out of iron ore. You have an exclusive contract, too. If we can’t produce dwarven gear right now, it’ll be your problem as well.”

—”Oh, dear. I’ll look into it right away. Just wait!” Momont seemed genuinely unaware of any new sites and quickly ended the call. The Balak Merchant Guild had promised a steady supply to Count Dinen’s faction, and they had even signed an exclusive contract. Any disruption would be a major problem.

’Come to think of it, he said that bastard Leon approved the equipment supply,’ Taehyun mused. ’What is he thinking?’

Momont was a double agent, so a report on the dwarven gear must have reached Leon. Yet, he had approved it, fully aware that strengthening the raiders would only prolong the civil war.

’Those S-rank raiders who showed up during the last battle… they must be from the Tarantula faction. Is this confidence? Or is he planning to use this situation to his advantage?’

It was true that Count Dinen was getting hasty after receiving the new equipment, but in a direct clash, it would be the kingdom’s army that suffered the most losses. It was almost as if Leon was enjoying the chaos. Giving up on deciphering the king’s motives, Taehyun turned his attention to Raviz. Her recent level-up had increased the number of permanent teleportation magic circles she could maintain. With two new slots available, one could certainly be used for other purposes.

’Ah. Right. Those guys.’

He suddenly recalled the Tarantula faction members who had visited Balak. He reviewed their contract one more time, then opened a communication channel.

“The preparations are not yet complete,” a voice on the other end stated formally. “As per the contract, we will share our vision, so wait.”

“No, that’s not it,” Taehyun cut in. “Do you have any information on ruins? No, you ’must’ know. So you’re going to tell me. Hand it over. Now.”

He received no response.

The Dungeon Master of Balak was now using their contract for blatant extortion.

—

[The entrance to an unidentified ruin has been discovered.]

[The entrance to an unidentified ruin has been discovered.]

A new ruin had been found, located in a valley between the western and southern territories. The distance was irrelevant. With Raviz, he could create a passage using a permanent teleportation circle. All that remained was to conquer it.

“Tsk. This useless achievement reward always pops up,” Taehyun muttered. “Alright. Shall we begin?”

“Oh, my lord,” Raviz observed, pointing. “Those appear to be the soldiers of another Dungeon Master.”

From the opposite side of the valley, a legion of undead soldiers was descending. The Tarantula faction had warned him that other Dungeon Masters were targeting this ruin, so a confrontation was inevitable.

“Huh?” The Dungeon Master at the head of the undead army spotted Balak’s forces and brought his troops to a halt.

“Hey!” he bellowed across the chasm. “I found this ruin first! Don’t you know who I am? I’m one of the top A-rank Dungeon Masters! Back off now if you don’t want to die!”

Dozens of Death Knights radiated a menacing aura around him. Taehyun recognized him as Chan-hwi Baek, the B-ranker who had been clinging to Duke Nikunbel at the last gathering. He had apparently clawed his way up to A-rank. Taehyun merely snorted at the threat.

“You seem to have forgotten me,” Taehyun called back coolly. “Then again, you weren’t at the Faction War, so I suppose it’s understandable.”

“I don’t give a damn who you are! You want me to wipe your dungeon off the map?!”

“Wow. The little leech who used to cling to others is all grown up. But is that really the best you can do? Allow me to demonstrate what truly threatening undead soldiers look like.”

At his mental command, Raviz summoned three of his core undead powerhouses: Lich Bigdream, Death Knight Granzle, and Death Knight Grizzle. The true, terrifying undead of Balak materialized on the battlefield. With the most malicious smile he could muster, Taehyun gave the order to attack.

“I’m talking about ’these’ guys.”

“Wh-what are those things?!” Chan-hwi shrieked. “Stop them! Stop them now!”

Granzle and Grizzle charged forward. Chan-hwi hastily commanded his shield bearers into a defensive formation, but it was utterly useless.

[A-rank Hero Guardian, Knight of Silence Grai, has used Crescent Storm Sword.]

[A crescent-shaped shockwave imbued with the energy of a storm is launched toward the frontline shield bearers.]

[Crescent Storm Sword uses remaining: 1/1]

Grai, in his newly evolved form, annihilated the shield bearers in a single, sweeping blow. Chan-hwi screamed in horror at the sight of the valley floor being cleaved in two.

“That’s insane! What kind of single-use skill is that?!”

“Still don’t remember me?” Taehyun taunted. “Fine. Maybe you’ll remember once all your soldiers are dead. Raviz.”

“Understood, Master,” she replied.

The knight had shown his prowess; now it was the mage’s turn. Raviz raised her new staff, gathering a vortex of magic.

[A-rank Hero Guardian, Pioneer of Space Raviz, has cast Black Hole.]

[A black hole that sucks in everything has been created at the center of the Swordnals Dungeon soldiers.]

[Black Hole uses remaining: 1/1]

A sphere of absolute darkness materialized, slowly swallowing the enemy soldiers. Even Swordnals’ main forces, who had been preparing a counterattack, were helplessly dragged into the vortex, clumped together into a single, struggling mass. To deliver the final blow, Taehyun summoned Tartas.

“KUUUOOOOOOOH!” the golem roared.

“Shut up and smash into that,” Taehyun ordered.

“Krrrr. My body burns. I must release this heat!”

The blazing mass of rock launched itself into the air.

[S-rank Keeper, Cinder Golem Tartas, has used Heart of Cinder.]

[Tartas unleashes a cinder explosion at the designated area.]

[Heart of Cinder uses remaining: 1/2]

Tartas slammed his molten body directly into the black hole. The super-condensed heat instantly erupted in a cataclysmic explosion that devastated the entire area. The undead soldiers, packed tightly together, couldn’t withstand the blast and were vaporized.

Chan-hwi collapsed to his knees, his face a mask of utter despair. The army he had brought to conquer the ruin had been obliterated in a matter of moments.

“…This is cheating,” he whispered. “An S-rank Dungeon Master…”

“I am a bit of a cheat, aren’t I?” Taehyun said, his voice echoing in the sudden silence. “Now, do you remember me yet?”

“N-no way… The Dungeon Master of Balak?!”

“So, what’s it going to be?” Taehyun asked, already brandishing a contract that seemed to appear from thin air. “Hand over the ruin, or have your dungeon destroyed, too? Oh, and just so we’re clear, you’ll be signing this either way.”

—

[You have conquered the Abandoned Imperial Capital.]

[You have conquered the Polnavir Mountain Fortress.]

The conquest of the newly discovered ruins was completed without a hitch. Though both were A-rank, they stood no chance against Balak’s mobilized S-rank forces.

[A large cache of hidden titanium ingots has been discovered in the Polnavir Mountain Fortress.]

[A hidden mine has been discovered connected to the Polnavir Mountain Fortress.]

[A hidden mine has been discovered connected to the Polnavir Mountain Fortress.]

While the abandoned capital yielded little of value, the Polnavir Mountain Fortress was a treasure trove. Having served as a bandit hideout for years, its spoils exceeded all expectations. Taehyun installed a permanent teleportation circle at the mine entrance and summoned the villagers.

“From now on, you will develop these two mines,” he announced. “I’ll provide additional Zen based on your output, so work hard.”

“WHOOO-HOO!” the villagers cheered.

“LONG LIVE MASTER TAEHYUN!”

In this world, Zen was king, and the small city of Myol was no exception. With the new mines in full operation, the iron ore shortage was solved overnight.

[Intermediate and advanced titanium ores are being extracted from the Python Mine.]

[Advanced and highest-grade iron ores are being extracted from the Vilag Mine.]

The new ores were of exceptionally high grade and purity. As a result, the dwarves of the Rough Rock Tribe were able to ramp up production, finally starting to meet the overwhelming demand.

“Master Taehyun, the response to the new titanium equipment has been incredible,” Riel reported. “They say the difference in penalties, restrictions, and effects is several times greater than anything that’s come before.”

“What? I specifically ordered them to make it look as cheap as possible.”

“The dwarves claim they’re only using about half of their skill, but I think the materials are the issue,” Riel explained. “The purity is so high now that even a light tap seems to produce high-grade equipment.”

“That won’t do,” Taehyun said decisively. “Tell them to just dip the metal in water and forge it as is.”

Balak was still a dungeon, after all. Arming raiders with top-tier equipment would only make defending against them more difficult.

—”Hmph! You demon bastard, do you seek to insult the pride of the Rough Rock Tribe?” Roland’s indignant message arrived moments later. “How can you ask us to make it even cheaper?!”

It was a direct blow to the blacksmiths’ pride, but Taehyun didn’t care.

[Master blacksmiths from across the Astral Continent are gathering in Balak’s territory.]

[The greatest blacksmith, Alstein, wishes to become Roland’s disciple.]

Master craftsmen, struggling to survive in the changing market, were flocking to him. If he could absorb them into his forces, he would achieve complete and total domination of the equipment market, with Balak at its center.

“Cough, cough!’ Isn’t this place just awful?” Riashu complained from within the forge. “There are men here, men there, and on top of it all, dwarves dripping with sweat! This is hell!”

Her complaints fell on deaf ears.

[S-rank Keeper, Spirit Master Riashu, has activated Spirit Summoning.]

[S-rank Keeper, Spirit Master Riashu, has used Aura of Fire.]

[Intermediate Fire Spirit Aniron has been summoned.]

The fire spirit had already become indispensable to the dwarves. On the monitor, Taehyun could see the furnace flames roaring with renewed intensity.

“Girl, draw out more heat!” a dwarf barked.

“Don’t order me around! I’ll do it myself!” Riashu shot back.

“Hmph. Such a whiny lass. You’ll never find a husband with that attitude!”

“Kyaa! Where do you think you’re touching?!”

And so, amidst the chaos, the Rough Rock Tribe continued to churn out their legendary equipment.

—

In the suffocating darkness of a basement, a lone woman hung from shackles, her body limp. The silence was absolute until the door creaked open and footsteps approached.

“Hoh. Have you already lost your mind?” a voice sneered. “That’s no fun at all.”

It was Leon, the king of the Enais Kingdom. He tilted the woman’s chin up, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

“How does it feel? Stripped naked and imprisoned. Isn’t it fantastic?”

“Hmph. Not particularly,” Mihye Han replied, her voice raspy but steady.

“Still so defiant. Good, good. That’s just like you,” Leon chuckled. “Shall I tell you some interesting news? A moment ago, some little flies tried to summon dungeon soldiers right in the capital. Aren’t you curious who they were?”

Mihye’s laughter was sharp and brittle. “Was that supposed to shock me? Too bad, it’ll take more than that. It’s obvious, isn’t it? My remaining faction members. So? Did your precious superhumans wipe them out?”

The Tarantula members who had stayed behind in the capital. They would have assessed the situation and made their move. Even chained in the dark, Mihye’s confidence was unshaken. Leon’s smile faltered for a second before he erupted into a booming laugh.

“Ahahaha! You really are something else. I truly like you. To maintain this attitude after I’ve had you beneath me dozens of times… you’re the most impressive woman I’ve ever met.”

“Oh, what a shame,” she purred. “You’re not my type.”

“It doesn’t matter. You’re already mine,” he said, his tone hardening. “And your answer from before… half right, half wrong. It wasn’t just the superhumans. The raiders your faction was so proud of also stepped up. Comrades killing each other. Isn’t the thought just delightful?”

Mihye fell silent. No matter how skilled her A-rank Dungeon Masters were, they were powerless against S-rank raiders. Worse, facing their own comrades would have caused hesitation and confusion. The outcome was a foregone conclusion. She bit her lip, glaring at Leon with pure hatred. He simply smiled and turned away.

“I plan to end this civil war. By using your faction members, of course.”

“…Is that how you tamed those two superhumans as well?”

“No. Those bastards follow me willingly. Something about honoring the dead King Leopard by helping me. Not that I care,” he said dismissively. “And my skill doesn’t seem to work on Dungeon Masters like you, so I’ll only be using the raiders. But that will be more than enough to take Count Dinen’s head. Heh heh.”

“You psychotic bastard.”

“Ah, yes. I am. And here’s another fun fact for you,” Leon added, pausing at the door. “I’m sending one of those raiders to Balak. To that Taehyun Yoo you were so interested in. He’s about to receive a little gift from me.”

Balak, the heart of the west. A dungeon that was rapidly expanding, even securing its own trade routes. According to the latest reports, it was still only A-rank. An S-rank raider could inflict devastating damage. Leon tilted his head slightly.

“I’ll be sure to tell you how it goes, so look forward to it. In the meantime, I’ll send your precious subordinate raiders down here to keep you company. I’m terribly curious what it would feel like to be violated dozens, hundreds of times by your own comrades. Do try to have fun. I do hope your mind doesn’t break.”

“I’ll kill you,” Mihye hissed through clenched teeth.

“I’ll be back later,” Leon said, his voice light. “Try to keep that fire in your eyes until then.”

“I will kill you! I’ll kill you, you son of a biiiiitch!” she screamed as his footsteps faded, leaving her alone in the crushing darkness once more.

—

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep