Chapter 291: Episode 291

[Crybaby Eclat]

[Grade: A]

[Sub-grade: None]

[Evolution EXP: 8,900/12,000]

[Evolution Chance: 88%]

[Evolution Materials: A-rank Mana Stone x31, Intense Soulstone]

A Dungeon Master evolving an angel. The situation was absurd, but Eclat was a permanent mercenary of Balak. He’d always made her conceal her wings and features from raiders, so no one outside his inner circle knew her true nature, but his core forces were well aware of the power of her buffs.

“Alright,” Taehyun said, his voice firm. “From now on, you’re not a crybaby. You’re going to be the strongest angel.”

She whimpered softly. “I don’t understand. And calling me a crybaby is so mean.”

“The point is, you’re going to evolve. If angels have ranks, yours is about to go way up.”

“I-it’s frightening,” she stammered, “but if it will help me be of more use to you, I’ll do it.”

Her Favorability was over eighty, making her completely compliant. Taehyun nodded and initiated the evolution.

[Crybaby Eclat has been targeted.]

[Attempting evolution using materials.]

[Evolution successful!]

[Crybaby Eclat has evolved.]

Mana swirled around her, her form beginning to shift and change. She was now an A-rank Named being. With plenty of materials for her special ability as well, there was no reason to stop. Taehyun pushed her evolution further, raising Eclat all the way to S-rank.

[Evolution successful!]

[Evolution successful!]

[Evolution successful!]

A triumphant fanfare echoed as two pairs of brilliant wings unfurled behind her. An angel’s rank was determined by the number of their wings. The emergence of a second pair was proof of her successful transformation. Taehyun felt the Divinity radiating from her as he examined her new form.

[S-rank Named Eclat, Guide of the Celestial Realm]

Her hair was now a cascade of silver waves, she stood slightly taller, her features had become even more delicate, and a fierce, golden Divinity burned around her. She had been completely reborn. Eclat blinked, staring at her own hands as if she couldn’t believe the change.

“Am… am I stronger?”

“I don’t know about stronger, but you’ll definitely be more helpful.”

“More helpful? I’m happy with just that!” She clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling. She seemed genuinely thrilled, perhaps harboring a long-held desire for promotion from her time in the Celestial Realm. Taehyun’s gaze flickered to her chest, which swayed beneath her white gown, before he pulled up her information window.

[Eclat, Guide of the Celestial Realm]

[Rank: S (Named)]

[Level: 1]

[Race: Angel]

[Class: Priest]

[Title: One Who Leads the Heavens]

[Affiliation: Balak (Permanent Mercenary)]

[Loyalty: 91]

[Favorability: 87]

[Obedience: 88]

[Skill: Celestial Light]

[Special Ability: Serenade that Brightens the Dawn]

[Strength: 3] [Endurance: 2] [Agility: 4] [Stamina: 3]

[Mana: 2] [Divinity: 84] [Affinity: 67] [Luck: 51]

[Status: Happy]

Her stats were incredible, far beyond what he could have imagined when she was A-rank. Her Divinity, in particular, had skyrocketed, amplifying her effectiveness as a Priest. Combined with her new skills, the result was more than satisfactory. Her level had reset, but that was a small price to pay.

Pleased, Taehyun patted her head. “From now on, you’re the best Priest in Balak.”

“Hehe. You’re making me blush, Sir Taehyun.”

“Alright, shall we head to the Ice Palace?”

She faltered. “C-Can’t we… not go?”

“Of course not.”

Growth was always better the faster it happened. And so, Eclat was dragged off to the Ice Palace without a moment to savor the joy of her promotion.

—

[Blessing of Parmian]

[Rank: S]

[Restriction: Level 80 or higher, all classes]

[Description: A dwarven-made mithril armor of legendary class. A masterpiece born from Roland personally imbuing it with the energy of fire. Wearing the Blessing of Parmian increases all elemental resistances and greatly enhances fire elemental power. It also significantly boosts the wearer’s physical and magical defense and provides a temporary invulnerability buff, usable three times a day.]

Just as the reinforcement of his forces was nearly complete, Tuberus arrived with a new piece of equipment. He had apparently used the mithril Taehyun had given him as an apology to craft a suit of armor.

“Demon, what do you think?” the dwarf chief boomed. “Made by the best blacksmith of our Rough Rock tribe! That human apprentice pitched in, but it’s still a tremendous masterpiece!”

“The human… you mean Alstein, the former master blacksmith? This is incredible. It truly deserves to be called a masterpiece.”

“Hmph, this much is basic for us.”

“You didn’t even make it,” Taehyun teased.

Roland, the master smith of the Rough Rock tribe, was said to have received the blessing of Parmian, the god of fire. He had finally lived up to the legend and forged a legendary item. The level requirement was steep, but its effects were undeniably powerful. Taehyun considered who should wear it.

’It’s plate armor, so the candidate has to be a melee fighter. Let’s see…’

He pulled a quill and parchment from his inventory. With so many core units, he needed to list out the options. He cross-referenced the troop window as he wrote.

– Grai

– Tartas

– Cheder

– Grizzle

– Granzle

– Angelina

– Kumakuma

– Modelle

– Maurat

– Gottman

Ten candidates. It was more than he’d expected. Normally, he’d give plate armor to a Keeper, but this piece was special.

’The armor will resize to fit, so that’s not an issue. The fire amplification makes Tartas an obvious choice, but giving it to a guy whose main strategy is body-slamming enemies seems like a waste of durability. Hmm… then Grai is the most logical choice.’

Grai already wielded the legendary weapon Gravolta, but he was also his most loyal and longest-serving commander. Since every one of his attacks created an explosion, he would benefit from the fire enhancement just as much as Tartas.

Decision made, Taehyun looked up. “Huh? You’re still here?”

“Demon, what takes you so long to think?” Tuberus grumbled. “I have another report.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“We’re preparing to issue new equipment to all soldiers in Balak. Some of the dwarves are working on upgrading the siege units, so you can look forward to that!”

“Hoh. That’s excellent news. Thanks as always, Tuberus.”

“Hmph. Flattery will get you nowhere, demon!” the great chieftain huffed, though the grin twitching at his lips betrayed his pleasure.

—

[The training of the dungeon residents has ended.]

[Dungeon Resident Unit]

[Personnel: 5,432]

[Grade: B]

[Sub-grade: Hero]

[Class Composition: Shield Bearer, Knight, Mage, Priest, Archer, Scout, Ambusher]

[Equipment Status: B (Average)]

The dungeon resident unit, personally trained by Grai and the beastmen, had come a long way. Once a mere D-rank militia, they had now reached the level of B-rank raiders, a proper standing army. Taehyun made a leisurely appearance at the training grounds.

“Ahem. Approach.”

“Gasp! It’s Sir Taehyun!”

“Sir Taehyun is here!”

Adoring gazes fell upon him, as if he were a cult leader. The residents bowed deeply to greet their master. Just then, a true devotee came sprinting over.

“My Loooooooord! Welcome!”

“You always come running like a dog,” Taehyun noted dryly.

It was Grai. Without a hint of fatigue, he subtly wiped the sweat from his brow and bowed. The beastmen behind him were also bowing, indicating they had been training alongside him. Taehyun paused for a moment before presenting his gift.

“Here. It’s been a while. Use it well.”

“Th-This is…?!”

“You can tell just by looking at it. It’s extremely rare. If you so much as scratch it, you’ll answer to me.”

“Sniff.’ I am moved! My Lord, you are truly the sky, the sea, and the earth!”

The knight’s flattery was certainly improving. His eyes shining with emotion, Grai swiftly shed his old gear.

“The instructor is taking off his clothes!”

“Kuh, look at that muscular body! As expected of Sir Grai!”

“Dammit, I’m jealous. He’s handsome and has a manly physique!”

A chorus of envy and admiration rose from the residents. They glanced from Grai’s chiseled form to their own bodies and sighed. Taehyun, however, turned away and grimaced.

“Ugh. I need to unsee that.”

—

[The construction of walls throughout the Balak territory is in progress.]

[The 3rd stage modification of siege-type soldiers is in progress.]

[The dwarves of the Rough Rock tribe have begun producing soldier-exclusive equipment.]

[Riashu is about to collapse from dizziness.]

[The overall sub-grade of S-rank soldiers has risen to Elite.]

[The average level of Eclat, Modelle, Bellamichi, Lucienne, and Verard has risen above 40.]

His plans were finally nearing completion. If things went wrong, he could be facing the entire continent. This might be his last chance to prepare. The Frost Queen of the North, Duke Peyton of the Derk Empire, the Enais Kingdom, the Ainkart Holy Kingdom, the Gogol Kingdom… the list of formidable enemies was long.

—Faction Leader: It’s my turn, right? I heard Narae, Songyi, and Hyunjun already went.

—Faction Leader: When are you going to evolve me? I have a guardian I’m dying to evolve.

—Faction Leader: The preparations are finished, just like you said. You’re the leader now, so do as you please, rookie.

On his side, Taehyun had the Resistance, allied dungeons, Momont Anslake, Karon Dake, various allied races, raiders, and his core forces. But the greatest threat was undoubtedly Leon van Noah. Having absorbed two superhumans and the entire Tarantula faction, he was the most dangerous enemy on the board.

“By the way, Brother,” Hyena began, “that faction member, Songyi. I’m sure I’ve seen her somewhere before. Do you know anything about her?”

“Hmm, I’ve lost most of my memories of my old life,” Taehyun admitted. “Especially when it comes to people. Come to think of it, she did approach me for no apparent reason. There must be a motive, but I have no idea what it is.”

Hyena was his only link to his forgotten past, but even her memories were incomplete. Taehyun briefly pondered the mystery of Songyi before his gaze swept over his territory. He had spent nearly three years developing this land. Balak, and all the dungeons under its protection, was the proof that he had survived.

’It was so damn grueling. But I’m still here. It feels like just yesterday that I was summoned.’

The familiar landscape now seemed new, filled with a strange sense of nostalgia. The wildcard of Duke Nikunbel still loomed, but this would likely be his final war on the continent. Hyena, sensing his mood, tugged at his sleeve with a worried expression.

“Are you worried?” she asked softly.

“My mind has been clearer since I woke up from the coma, but… yeah, I guess I am.”

“Oh. So you do get worried, Brother.”

“Did you think I was some kind of monster?”

He had always charged forward without looking back, so her perception was understandable. Taehyun chuckled and lifted her into his arms. “Well, it’ll work out somehow. You just focus on staying safe. I won’t be able to protect you once the war starts.”

“I can take care of myself. You should worry about you,” she retorted. “And if you’re really that worried, I can help ease some of it.”

Smiling mischievously, Hyena tilted his chin up. Before Taehyun could react, she kissed him.

“Wh-What are you doing? You’re my sister!”

“Th-this is okay,” she insisted. “Besides, back when I lost my memory…”

“That’s enough.”

“A-Anyway, this is the Astral Continent, so it doesn’t matter! It’s different from our world. A little sister can be in love with her older brother, right?”

“Now you’re just confessing shamelessly. Well… I guess it was helpful, in a way. Thanks.”

As Hyena said, this was the Astral Continent. It was another dimension, one without the laws and order of his old world. The idea of affection between blood siblings was still repulsive to him, but survival came first. In this world of predators and prey, he had to trample the weak to stand above the strong.

’Time to run toward the finish line.’

Taehyun prepared to face his final battle on the continent.

—

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