SSS-Rank Overlord: Defend the Dungeon or Die-Chapter 202: Episode

[Sixth Faction War Final Rankings]

[1. Blood Lion (17 points)]

[2. Secret (13 points)]

[3. Foxy (12 points)]

[4. Tarantula (9 points)]

[5. Rodria (8 points)]

[6. Resistance (7 points)]

[7. Black Alliance (7 points)]

The sixth Faction War was over. The Resistance had secured a spot in the top six, but if they lost the next war, they would be relegated to the lower ranks. There was no need to panic, however. As the faction points awarded for missions steadily increased, landing in the lower ranks for now was exactly what they had intended.

"I heard you were invited to the Aneis Kingdom’s royal succession ceremony."

"Rumor is Duke Centrix visited Balak himself. Just how strong is he to waltz into an A-rank dungeon alone?"

"Is this the first time a Dungeon Master has shown his face in the political world? Taehyun Yoo, you’re a total superstar."

Most of the Dungeon Masters leaving the arena were staring at Taehyun. He was the first Dungeon Master on the continent to be invited to a royal succession ceremony—and for the Aneis Kingdom, no less, a nation in the throes of great change. The other factions were buzzing with interest.

The man himself, however, was oblivious to their stares.

’Even if I go, is my life guaranteed? Can I stop the nobles from plotting against me? Can I even make it back safely? I know nothing.’

Thanks to a message from Seonghwi, Songyi and Narae were coming as his companions, but he still felt uneasy. If even Songyi’s teleportation skill was blocked, he would be completely exposed. Since he couldn’t bring his core forces or supporters, he had no choice but to hope Leon’s faction had made arrangements for his safety.

"Tsk. To think I have to rely on the guy who dragged me into this. This is unbelievable."

"...Taehyun, don’t worry. I’ll protect you," Songyi said softly.

"I appreciate the thought. For now, let’s head back."

Taehyun was about to leave the arena with Songyi in his arms when Narae approached from the entrance.

"Ah, Narae. About you coming with me, I’d appreciate it if—"

"I thought you said you’d drop the formalities."

"...Right. I’d appreciate your help."

"Don’t worry about it. You’re a member of our faction, and besides, I have my own orders from Seonghwi!"

At the mention of Seonghwi, Taehyun’s eyes glinted. Narae might have said it casually, but the implications were not lost on him. Seonghwi would undoubtedly use her to gauge the situation and atmosphere within the kingdom. If things went wrong, he might even reveal their faction’s existence to bind Taehyun to the Resistance.

"Hmm. I... I understand. Both of you, come to my dungeon tomorrow at the time I give you."

"What? That’s it? No preparations? No rules we need to know?"

"I was practically threatened into going. If I try any funny business, I’ll be attacked on sight in the capital."

He had been cast as a clown; all he had to do was play his part. With that, Taehyun sent the two on their way and started back to Balak.

---

On the day of the royal succession ceremony, not a single Raider came to Balak, as if they had all been notified in advance. To be precise, every Raider in the West had been forbidden from entering dungeons. Count Dinen was likely pulling the Raider’s Association’s strings. The air was thick with an unusual tension.

"Master, please be careful," Riel said, her voice laced with concern.

"Don’t worry. They invited me, so they won’t try anything. Raviz, summon."

-Understood, Master.

Raviz’s skill transported him to the border of his territory. Songyi and Narae were already waiting, pointing to a carriage several times larger than those of the Balak Merchant Guild. The crest on its side confirmed it was a royal carriage.

"We have been waiting. I am Haongard Ponats, vice-captain of the Penverse Knights. Our order will escort you to the capital, Aslan. We hope you have a comfortable journey."

The Penverse Knights were the Noah royal family’s elite guard. Dispatching the vice-captain himself showed just how seriously they were taking this escort.

"They seem unusually polite for knights, don’t they?" Narae whispered.

"They must have gotten orders from Leon. We just have to keep quiet for the trip."

The kingdom was currently split into three factions. By inviting a "demon," Leon’s side must have anticipated resistance from the others. Taehyun glanced at the coachman before boarding the carriage.

"My seat is here." Songyi immediately snuggled into his lap, while Narae sat beside them with a look of displeasure. Fortunately, the carriage was spacious. Through the window, Taehyun watched the knights positioned on either side.

’If they’re Royal Guards, they must be as strong as Raiders. I’m actually looking forward to this succession ceremony. I wonder what will happen when the two superhumans, the Yuda Raid Party, and Count Dinen’s Raiders all face off.’

A myriad of thoughts crossed his mind as the carriage began to move.

"Ugh!"

A sudden jolt shattered the mood. Taehyun and Narae both winced as they were jostled in their seats, settling in for what was sure to be a long ride.

---

-Announcing the arrival of Count Pennsylvania Einz.

A magically amplified voice announced the nobles’ entrance into the grand banquet hall. From key foreign dignitaries to the kingdom’s own aristocracy, anyone invited to celebrate the royal succession was permitted entry.

-Announcing the arrival of Count Dinen Pradio.

Soon, the de facto ruler of the West appeared. Accompanied by five Raiders, Count Dinen moved to a table on the left. Baron Momonte, who was already waiting, immediately approached with a glass.

"You’ve arrived, Count Pradio."

"...Where is that bastard?"

He could only be referring to Leon van Noah. Branch Manager Gelix, standing beside them, answered in his stead. "He has yet to show himself. He’s likely planning a late entrance to heighten his presence."

"Hmph. That damn brat. How dare he challenge me?"

"You must calm yourself, my lord. For now, as long as our faction’s influence remains superior, they won’t dare act rashly."

A quick glance confirmed it; the hall was filled with nobles from the Dinen faction. Most had already gathered at the tables on the left, so there was little cause for concern.

Meanwhile, Baron Momonte glared at Gelix and ground his teeth. ’This bastard... Just you wait. I’ll crush both of you and absorb this faction for myself.’ He was still in the initial stages of using the Bus Raid Party, but his alliance with Balak would create plenty of opportunities. ’By the way, who are those five Raiders?’ The men who had entered with Count Dinen caught his eye. They were personally escorting the count; they couldn’t be ordinary. Dinen must have drawn his own sword to counter the two superhumans. The sheer number of A-rank and higher Raiders gathered in the capital was a show of force in itself.

The first day was for socializing at the banquet; the actual succession would take place on the second. The real clash of factions would begin tomorrow.

-Announcing the arrival of Viscount Ron Aindain.

The key nobles had all arrived. All that remained was the man who was now the center of attention in the West.

"Is a demon really coming here? I, for one, am quite anxious."

"It’s utterly revolting. To think a mere demon would set foot in the royal capital. What on earth was His Highness Leon thinking?"

"It seems I’m not the only one who’s tense. You feel it too, don’t you?"

The banquet hall grew louder as the gazes of nobles, their daughters, and their wives all turned towards the entrance.

-Announcing the arrival of the Dungeon Master of Balak, Taehyun Yoo, and his companions!

At last, the name on everyone’s mind rang out. As expected, he had already arrived in the capital and been added to the guest list. Count Dinen, Branch Manager Gelix, and Baron Momonte all stared at the figure who appeared in the doorway.

Deep black hair, exotic features, and eyes as dark as ink. He certainly looked the part of a demon.

’The Dungeon Master of Balak!’

’So it was you!’

’I’ve only heard his voice, but now I finally see his face.’

The hall fell silent. Taehyun, now the center of attention, walked to a corner table without a hint of nervousness.

Just then, Count Pennsylvania pointed at him and shouted, "You demon! How dare you set foot in this place? Even at His Highness’s invitation, you are not welcome here! Get the hell out!"

"Th-that’s right! There’s no seat for you!"

"You’re disgusting! It’s a pity I can’t cut off your head right now! You’d do well to leave on your own two feet!"

Long-suppressed anger erupted from all corners. Taehyun, however, simply picked up a glass and shrugged.

"I only came because I was told to. If you have a problem, take it up with the man who’s about to become your king. Why are you taking it out on me?"

"Y-you bastard!"

"Just you wait, demon!"

From the very beginning, the banquet teetered on the brink of chaos.

---

—How’s the reaction over there? Is it awesome?

—Observe your surroundings calmly. There might be a surprise attack.

—Wow. You’re a total superstar. Taehyun, you’ve hit the big time!

Messages from the Resistance members poured in. Taehyun shut the community window and scanned the hall.

"The tables are split on two sides. It seems there really are factions here."

"Y-yeah, it seems so."

"By the way, why do you keep staring at me?" Taehyun asked Narae.

"N-no! It’s nothing! Don’t mind me!" Blushing, she quickly turned away.

Songyi, nestled in his arms, tugged on his collar and whispered, "...Taehyun. You have to be careful of Narae. Don’t let your guard down. Ever."

"What do I have to be careful about?"

"Just be careful."

"No, but what?"

She wouldn’t elaborate. Taehyun sighed, handed Songyi some food, and continued to enjoy his seat on pins and needles.

Just then, Count Dinen approached their table with Gelix and Momonte in tow. "Eating well, are we? Dungeon Master of Balak. No, I should call you Taehyun Yoo now."

"Well, if it isn’t Count Dinen. Thanks to you, I’ve been raking in Zen. I’m eternally grateful."

Their gazes clashed. Both maintained polite smiles, their expressions carefully managed. Songyi and Narae could only watch, unable to intervene.

Count Dinen chuckled and introduced Gelix. "I’m sure you know him well. Branch Manager Gelix. Though you’ve never met, you must know a fair bit about each other."

"A pleasure, Taehyun Yoo," Gelix said, extending a hand. "Is this our first meeting since our clash nearly a year ago? It’s an honor to finally see you face-to-face."

"No need to call it an honor. And it wasn’t just one clash, was it? Have you forgotten?" A faint smile played on Taehyun’s lips as they shook hands. The first clash had been their standoff in Hylon Forest. The second was the confrontation over the High Elves.

Understanding his meaning, Gelix glanced nervously at Count Dinen and withdrew his hand. The slight twitch of his lips betrayed his suppressed anger.

After being introduced to Baron Momonte, Taehyun turned back to the count. "This must be quite a predicament for you, Count Dinen. Not only have the two superhumans returned, but the Yuda Raid Party is here as well. Things could get messy if you’re not careful."

"Hmph. It’s not a problem you need to concern yourself with. Look, he’s coming down now. Watch closely. That is His Highness Leon van Noah, the one who personally invited you."

A young man was descending the grand staircase Count Dinen had indicated. The hall fell silent once more. The daughters of noble families watched Leon with sparkling eyes. With his handsome face, flowing golden hair, and tall physique, Crown Prince Leon van Noah had always been a heartbreaker.

"H-he just looked at me!"

"What are you talking about? He looked at ’me’!"

"Aaaah! I can’t take it!"

While the young ladies erupted in a flurry of excitement, Taehyun and Count Dinen quietly watched the prince.

’...So that’s Leon van Noah.’

’That damn little brat.’

---