SSS-Rank Overlord: Defend the Dungeon or Die-Chapter 186: Episode _Rivixian

[The Droster Raid Party has exited Heimdal.]

[The Curse Raid Party has exited Heimdal.]

[The Toner Raid Party has exited Heimdal.]

Bus raid parties streamed in and out of Heimdal. The Zen income from the new dungeon was already comparable to that of the Labyrinth of Balak. The bus plan was, by all accounts, a resounding success. In addition to the raiders who had been acting as porters, many others now sought out the bus to gain much-needed combat experience. As people journeyed to Balak from all corners of the continent, it further solidified its position as the center of the West.

[A new waterway has been installed in the small city of Myol.]

[Dungeon residents are requesting to open shops, starting in the small city of Myol.]

[The Rough Rock Tribe Dwarves wish to import dark beer.]

[The lower-ranked guards of Myol have captured raiders who were committing crimes.]

[Knight Grai has succeeded in training a unit of dungeon residents.]

[Dungeon resident Rahel is requesting to open an equipment repair shop.]

[Grains have begun to grow in the Revived Plains.]

Meanwhile, the small city of Myol was slowly developing in its own right. Taehyun reviewed the report while observing the fields of the Revived Plains. This week, as always, Melden had reported numerous requests and deficiencies.

"First, give the order to open the shops the dungeon residents want," Taehyun said. "The residents of Myol are starting to make a living, so it should be fine to start collecting taxes."

"Yes. I will contact Tupelus separately," Riel replied.

"How is the Balak Merchant Guild?"

"They are operating smoothly. The territories we’ve traded with before have already signed contracts with the guild. As long as damaging rumors don’t spread, they will likely continue to trade with us."

The Balak Merchant Guild’s business had expanded to the point where it now owned five wyvern carriages. It sold goods in high demand and purchased requested items, and had already established trade routes with fourteen different territories. Consequently, the guild itself had grown considerably. Taehyun assigned additional dungeon residents to the merchant guild, ordering that its management not be neglected.

"Trade activities will only continue to increase," he mused. "Oh, and contact Kobel. Tell him to buy a large quantity of dark beer this time."

"The Rough Rock Tribe Dwarves will be very pleased."

"Of course, it’s not free. They have to pay for it with their labor. Now, since the dungeon residents have been trained into a unit, shall we go check on them?"

"Oh! Master Taehyun, the deal with the Magic Tower comes first."

The Magic Towers were located in each of the western kingdoms, and this deal would likely be conducted without the kingdoms’ knowledge. Since some of the towers were associated with the Anshlayke family’s guild, Taehyun felt no pressure.

"Alright. Tell them I’ll meet them one by one."

"Yes. I’ll contact Melden."

---

The Blue Magic Tower, located in the Soderer Kingdom, was a gathering place for mages who, unlike others, dedicated themselves to the relentless pursuit of magical knowledge. The key to their research was magical ingredients, particularly the rare plants that grew only in the Forest of Silence, which were among the most essential materials.

"It seems the Tower Master has finally decided to open trade with Balak," one elder commented.

"It can’t be helped. Anyone would covet ingredients infused with the magic of High Elves," said another.

"I don’t like the idea of dealing with a demon, but with those ingredients, we might be able to uncover unknown realms!" a third exclaimed.

The elders of the Blue Magic Tower were buzzing with anticipation. Just then, someone descended from the top floor.

"Have you been waiting long? It’s almost time for our appointment."

It was none other than the master of the Blue Magic Tower, Haimel Kenveris. He stroked his long beard and cast a teleportation spell. Their destination was a coastline on the western frontier, where an abandoned ruin served as the meeting place.

’Whoosh.’

A wind blew in from the vast sea. Haimel spotted the ruin across the shore and entered without hesitation.

"You’re Haimel Kenveris, Master of the Blue Magic Tower, right?"

"Ahem."

The young man sitting at the table had deep black hair and rare black eyes. He had to be the Dungeon Master of Balak. Haimel nodded and sat across from him. The other elders watched nervously.

"...Ahem. That young lady appears to be a mage as well."

"But her attire is a bit... much. I suppose all mages from dungeons dress like that."

"Why are you all blushing? Act your age. Tsk."

The outfit worn by the girl standing beside the demon was enough to make anyone blush. As the elders exchanged uneasy glances, a contract was placed on the table. The Dungeon Master—no, Taehyun—gestured lightly.

"There needs to be trust before we can make a deal," he said. "But since I’m a demon, it’ll be hard for you to trust me. That’s why I’ve prepared this contract. Go ahead and read it."

"I understand."

Indeed, trust was a luxury that didn’t exist in a transaction between a demon and a human. A contract, however, was a reliable substitute. Haimel hummed as he examined the document.

’There’s nothing in here that would harm us. But why do I feel so anxious? Was this deal a mistake after all?’

The contract was dense with text, but it contained no disadvantages. In fact, its terms were mutually beneficial. Haimel felt a pang of regret but quickly shook it off. Magical ingredients infused with the power of High Elves were nearly impossible to obtain on the continent. With even the hunters who once raided elven forests now flocking to the Forest of Silence, Balak was their only source.

"...I assume other Magic Towers have also contacted you. Am I wrong?" Haimel asked.

"Of course you’re right," Taehyun confirmed. "I’m meeting with the other Magic Tower representatives after you. And you lot in the back, don’t try anything funny. You’re not the only ones with teleportation magic."

"Hmph. All of you, stay put," Haimel commanded.

The elders who had been secretly preparing a teleportation circle flinched. They had been setting up a contingency, but they had no choice but to obey their master. Taehyun looked satisfied and asked again.

"So, what’s it going to be?"

"Increase the amount of Parasite beyond what you offer the other Magic Towers," Haimel requested. "The Blue Magic Tower is not satisfied with this amount. We are willing to pay double the price."

Parasite. A white flower that contained the most potent elven magic. The Blue Magic Tower, with its insatiable thirst for knowledge, would surely need a considerable quantity. Since they were offering double the price, there was no reason to refuse. Taehyun agreed with a grin and signed the contract first.

"Alright, your turn."

"This deal will be strictly confidential, I trust?"

"Of course. It’s written in the contract. Officially, we never met. The trades will always happen here. Don’t set up a teleportation circle in advance; just remember the coordinates."

"Mm. Understood."

Since they couldn’t receive the goods at the Magic Tower every time, the remote coastline was a suitable location.

[The contract procedure has been completed.]

[The contract has been activated.]

[The God of Contracts, Morpina, watches over Player Taehyun Yoo and NPC Haimel Kenveris.]

The contract was sealed. With this, the Blue Magic Tower and Balak had entered into a regular trading relationship. Taehyun placed the magic ingredients on the table and gestured lightly.

"Understood, Master," Rabiz said.

The signal was for a summoning skill. The girl immediately called forth another of Balak’s denizens.

[A-rank Named Guardian, Ruler of Space Rabiz, has cast a summoning skill.]

[Kinjo of Intrigue has been summoned.]

A gloomy face, a long nose, green skin, and a short, stout frame appeared. It was Kinjo, the supporter who ran the second Balak.

"Hee-hek-hek. Let the negotiations begin, yes?"

"See?" Taehyun said. "You heard him. Settle the price with this guy."

"Wh-what?!" Haimel shot up from his seat, aghast. "You want me to negotiate with a mere goblin?!"

But Taehyun had already vanished. And so, the Blue Magic Tower found itself at the negotiating table with a goblin.

---

"Master Taehyun, we’ve successfully signed contracts with a total of nine Magic Towers," Riel reported. "This means our Zen income will increase even more."

The deals had been completed in a single day. Some towers had refused the offer, but they couldn’t avoid signing the contract that ensured their silence. Taehyun looked down at the documents and let out a sneer.

’The most important clause is the one that strictly forbids any disclosure of our trade. This applies to anyone belonging to Balak, but it’s a different story for those who aren’t.’

If the Holy Kingdom or another nation came after Balak, for instance, he would simply reveal the truth of their dealings. If word got out that the Magic Towers and noble territories had been consistently trading with a demon, they would naturally turn against the Holy Kingdom. It was a classic case of dragging them down with him. It might seem unfair from their perspective, but for Taehyun, it was the perfect plan.

"Riel, what about the soldiers I sent out to scout? Is there still no news?"

"There was no news while you were away, Master."

"Hmm. Then for now..."

As he turned toward the screen, a blue message flashed before his eyes.

[Ruin Exploration Radar has been activated.]

[A hidden crystal cave has been discovered in the Kollad Mountains.]

[A hidden crystal cave has been discovered in the Kollad Mountains.]

The Kollad Mountains, located just west of the city of Magrit. He had given the Ruin Exploration Radar to the dungeon soldiers he had sent out scouting, and it seemed they had finally found a ruin. Taehyun checked the area around the Kollad Mountains on the world map.

"Hmm. This is near Rivixian."

"Rivixian is one of the few A-rank dungeons in the West, isn’t it?" Riel said. "I heard that even the raiders have given up on it because of the dungeon soldiers that dominate the mountains. To think the crystal cave is right near there."

"...Wait a minute. Looking at this closely, it seems to have been hidden intentionally."

Suddenly, the entrance to the crystal cave, visible through the shared vision, looked suspicious. It was cleverly concealed, as if someone had deliberately hidden the ruin. Taehyun looked at the Rivixian icon and grinned.

"That bastard. He was hogging two ruins all to himself."

---

If one were to name the most difficult A-rank dungeons to raid in the West, they would be Balak, Rivixian, and Aquantile. Balak now coexisted with the raiders as the center of the West, while Aquantile was located in the middle of Lake Riff, making it nearly inaccessible. Rivixian, on the other hand, had taken over the entire Kollad Mountains to block any approaching parties; the mountain range was so treacherous that it was difficult to even get near the dungeon.

Because of this, the latter two dungeons earned Zen comfortably through other means, without ever needing to deal with raiders.

"Master, Master! It’s news about Balak again!"

"Ah, geez, you’re so loud. I can’t get any sleep," a young man grumbled.

"Look at this! I had the dungeon soldiers bring it. Balak is in this week’s association newsletter, too."

A young girl came hopping over and handed him the paper. The young man, lying on a bed, yawned languidly as he glanced at it.

-A-rank Dungeon Balak Opens New C-rank Dungeon, Attracting Low-Level Raiders in a Departure from its Labyrinth Model.

-Is Heimdal Exclusively for Bus Raid Parties?

-The Steadily Developing Territory of Balak: Now a Familiar Space for Raiders.

Indeed, the front page was filled with news about Balak. The young man, however, tossed the newsletter aside with a look of utter disinterest.

"Aah! Master!"

"Balak this, Balak that. As long as it doesn’t affect me, I don’t care. I’m going back to sleep, so don’t wake me up."

"No! You can’t sleep! Absolutely not! You have to play with me!" The girl puffed up her cheeks and pulled at the young man’s mouth.

Just then, a red message appeared before their eyes.

[Dungeon soldiers have appeared from the Kollad Mountains.]

It was an unexpected invasion. The young man shot up and checked the screen. Goblins that looked like scouts were killing his familiar summons one by one.

"Haa... What kind of lunatic is this?"

"Master, Master, put on some clothes first!"

"Putting on clothes is a pain. I’ll deal with this as quickly as possible and go back to sleep."

There would be no forgiveness for whoever disturbed his nap. The young man—the Dungeon Master of Rivixian, Geonsun Park—scratched his head as he began to deploy his soldiers.

---