The Dungeon Monsters Keep Offering Sacrifices - Chapter 104: Civil War in the Sael Kingdom (1)

The dungeon monsters keep offering sacrifices – 104

EP.104 Civil War in the Sael Kingdom (1)

The most esteemed guild in South Korea, the Sacred Guild.

Just as befitting its status, both internally and externally, it exuded a sense of exceptionalism and grandeur.

The meticulously designed, luxurious building made of exquisite marble and transparent glass emanated a modern yet mystical atmosphere.

In the lobby, alongside works of famous artists, the glorious achievements of the guild were showcased.

A sculpture reinterpreting the guild logo in a modern style adorned the center of the lobby, attracting attention.

Passing by the lobby, one would encounter the guild’s training facilities.

As the top guild in the nation, the training facilities were equipped with state-of-the-art technology,

optimized solely for the improvement of individual hunters’ skills.

Today, hunters affiliated with the Sacred Guild were diligently training for excellence.

However, contrary to the passionate atmosphere, the highest echelon of the Sacred Guild, the Guild Master’s office, exuded a cold atmosphere.

This was the place where Kim Tae-hwan, the Guild Master and the supreme commander of the Sacred Guild, conducted his duties.

Naturally, security measures were rigorously enforced, with top hunters stationed as guards around the Guild Master’s office.

Upon opening the door, a space with high ceilings, gleaming white marble walls, and sophisticated wooden furniture bathed in intense light would appear, but currently, the Guild Master’s office was rather dim.

All windows were covered, and the interior lighting was mostly blocked.

On one side of the dim Guild Master’s office, a simple seating arrangement was set up, with Guild Master Kim Tae-hwan sitting at the head, conducting a meeting.

“Recently, the difficulty of dungeons has been continuously increasing. While we have succeeded in subjugating dungeons, the losses of guild members have also been accumulating.”

Present in this gathering were the top executives responsible for the Sacred Guild, including the Vice Guild Master.

The meeting proceeded in a format where the executives directly reported to the Guild Master.

“Guild Master, it’s been reported that the government is attempting to strengthen taxation on monster subjugation profits.”

“Well, they can’t reduce taxes, but they’re raising it! Guild Master, we need to address this at the guild level! We are sacrificing resources to maintain safety, and yet the government is imposing even more taxes! It’s outrageous!”

The meeting continued with discussions like these, intensifying the atmosphere further.

Not only guild-related issues but also domestic incidents were discussed during the meeting.

“I’m curious, recently, communication networks related to the Black Sun Guild have been disappearing. It seems like someone is targeting the Black Sun Guild.”

“We captured one of their members during the investigation, but they were already in a state of madness, so we couldn’t confirm any accurate information. They kept muttering something. Diet? They were uttering strange words.”

The meeting extended to discussions involving international matters as well.

Throughout the meeting, various topics were swiftly addressed by Guild Master Kim Tae-hwan.

During this process, guild policies and regulations were amended according to his orders, and the goals pursued by the guild were consistently adjusted.

After the exchange of broad topics, the focus shifted to questions from Kim Tae-hwan.

“Well, anyway, how is Soo-Ho doing lately?”

Kim Tae-hwan inquired about the current status of his son, Kim Soo-Ho, to the Vice Guild Master.

To an outsider, this moment might seem like a simple father’s concern.

However, those present here were well aware of the Guild Master’s true intentions.

In response to Kim Tae-hwan’s question, the Vice Guild Master replied in a blunt tone.

“Indeed, since the last incident, Kim Soo-Ho has been changing. He hasn’t been meeting anyone and continues to immerse himself in training.”

Upon hearing the report from the Vice Guild Master, Kim Tae-hwan nodded his head.

The incident mentioned by the Vice Guild Master referred to the monster wave, the worst incident since the Great Cataclysm.

Fortunately, it didn’t result in significant damage. Instead, it became a positive turning point for Kim Tae-hwan.

“That fool, it’s about time he came to his senses. It’s fortunate, if belatedly.”

His voice carried a hint of displeasure.

“Well, if he works hard, it’s only natural for us to support him.”

Yet, his tone wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

He considered it fortunate that his eldest son was finally getting his act together.

At least, in this regard, the monster wave had been a blessing.

Until now, his son had been causing trouble, but such matters were inconsequential.

In a world where strength was paramount, Kim Tae-hwan hoped that Kim Soo-Ho would pursue great strength.

“And bring me a list of his close friends.”

Kim Tae-hwan wanted to manage his son more thoroughly.

As the successor who would eventually lead the Sacred Guild, he wanted to scrutinize him more carefully.

However, he didn’t intend to prolong the meeting with just his son’s matters.

He immediately moved on to the next agenda.

“Any additional information regarding the wave?”

To Kim Tae-hwan’s subsequent question, everyone fell silent.

The cause and purpose of the monster wave remained unknown.

As it left many with question marks, not even the government or the top guild in the country, the Sacred Guild, could grasp it.

Moreover, the dungeon where the monster wave occurred vanished without a trace.

“The government investigated the Phoenix Guild, which managed the dungeon, but they found no useful information.”

All attention turned to the Phoenix Guild, but there was nothing substantial.

Thanks to that, the incident became even more enigmatic.

“Hmm.”

Yet, Kim Tae-hwan didn’t seem concerned.

Whether it was the Phoenix Guild’s management of the dungeon or the fate of the monster wave, he didn’t care.

His interests lay elsewhere.

“More importantly, it’s the presence of the Black Mask. What happened to tracking the Black Mask?”

The presence of the Black Mask was his primary concern.

Not only Kim Tae-hwan but everyone else was also interested in the whereabouts of the Black Mask.

Both the government and top guilds, even overseas guilds, were chasing the Black Mask’s movements regarding this monster wave incident.

However, all efforts were in vain.

In this situation, it was no different even if it was a sacred guild.

The fact that they couldn’t provide answers to the Guild Master’s question was evidence of that.

“We’re expanding our information network as much as possible, but the government seems to be interfering in this matter.”

“He’s the one who ended the monster wave incident. We must ensure that neither the government nor other guilds find him first.”

His determination was firm.

“This time, attach hunting dogs to it. We must find him at all costs.”

“Understood, Guild Master.”

The Vice Guild Master bowed his head obediently.

He didn’t dare to express any difficulty in carrying out the Guild Master’s order to deploy his direct subordinates as hunting dogs.

Kim Tae-hwan gave the instruction and then fell into thought.

‘Black Mask…’

The sudden appearance of that entity brought an end to the monster wave.

With ease, they defeated the A-rank monsters, Death Knight and Arch Lich, in one fell swoop.

Just because one was an A-rank hunter didn’t mean they could easily defeat A-rank monsters.

No matter how awakened they were, there was a fundamental difference in the physical specifications between hunters and monsters.

Yet, the Black Mask alone managed to take down two A-rank monsters.

‘At least S-rank, perhaps?’

It couldn’t be confirmed, but the possibility was high.

In a world that experienced the Great Cataclysm 25 years ago, dungeons and monsters were becoming increasingly powerful.

One could argue that the previous monster wave signaled the beginning of this trend. In such circumstances, the value of the Black Mask would surely rise.

‘I must make sure to make them mine.’

Kim Tae-hwan licked his lips in anticipation.

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While Azmo and Vetter were establishing a foothold on Earth, Celia was making efforts in various ways as well.

First and foremost, she reinforced the dungeons using the demon merchant goods brought by her master.

Basic equipment was distributed to the mid-bosses.

The equipment obtained from the demon merchant was of pretty good quality, and the sword made from the fangs of a young wyvern was given to Death Knight.

Even though it was made from the fang of a young wyvern, the main body was still a wyvern, making its cutting power exceptional.

As the Death Knight’s main weapon was a sword, it was Celia’s consideration, especially since it had suffered the most recently.

Next, the armor made from salamander leather was given to the Goblin Lord.

As it was made from salamander leather, wearing it provided some resistance to fire attacks.

Moreover, it also provided some protection against the cold, making it highly versatile.

It was a perfect fit for the Goblin Lord, who had weak defense, so Celia gave it to him.

Other miscellaneous equipment was distributed to the subordinates under the mid-level bosses.

“Hmm, this seems to be a problem.”

However, Celia also had one troublesome item to deal with, a directional spray.

Unlike a typical directional spray, this one was made from a basilisk’s venom sac.

It emitted a pleasant scent, but ultimately, it was poisonous. There was nowhere suitable to use it.

“Hmm…!”

After much contemplation, the image of the maid uniform hung on the Death Knight’s shield came to mind.

“Ah!”

Could it be used to imbue the maid uniform with a scent? After all, it wouldn’t cause much harm to the Death Knight.

Of course, she would have to forbid its use inside the dungeon.

After distributing the items while contemplating, the next task was trap installation.

Among the items obtained from the auction, there were traps as well.

One of them was a trap activated by mana, which turned intruders into charcoal.

Celia installed the trap without hesitation in [2nd Floor, Area 1].

[2nd Floor, Area 1]

It was a recently expanded area in the dungeon.

A second floor had been created underground beyond the existing first floor, providing more space to utilize.

In fact, considering the current level of the dungeon, there was no need to install traps in the 2nd floor, Area 1.

Various subordinates loyal to the master were already stationed on the 1st floor.

Even if intruders were to appear, they wouldn’t even be able to set foot in the central part of the dungeon, let alone the 2nd floor.

However, Celia installed traps in the 2nd floor, Area 1, as she had other plans in mind.

“I’m going to establish a department here that deals with information.”

Why would there be an electric trap in a department handling information? The skeleton knight beside her tilted its head, but Celia simply smiled.

“If we place humans here, wouldn’t they spill out information on their own?”

In a department dealing with information, information was life.

This meant that acquiring the opponent’s information quickly was crucial.

Celia chose torture as a means to that end.

“Hehe.”

Her voice was filled with joy, like a child receiving a new toy.

Celia was very pleased with the current situation.

With the dungeon expanding and various monsters and items being supplied from the demon merchant auction, there were many more choices available.

This meant she could make more plans for her master.

“Now, let’s select those suitable for the information department. Sir Necros?”

Celia called Necros, who had recently been appointed as the guardian of the 1st floor, thanks to the great master’s favor.

As he became the guardian of the 1st floor, he regained the name Necros.

“Sir Necros, select those suitable for the information department and submit them.”

“Tick!”

Upon Celia’s instruction, Necros saluted and left.

“This should be fine.”

The distribution of items, installation of traps, and the outline of the information department were established.

But there was still work to be done.

Celia immediately moved on to the next task, which was related to the Sael Kingdom.

Celia read the report handed to her by the shadow that appeared behind her.

It contained information about recent events in the Sael Kingdom.

“Indeed. The actions of the White Order are worsening day by day.”

It had been quite some time since the official envoy of the White Order arrived in the Sael Kingdom.

As priests and holy knights sent to the Sael Kingdom continued to disappear, an envoy was dispatched for investigation.

However, that information was thoroughly concealed.

Since it was an event that occurred within the dungeon, no one could know about it.

Celia also ordered Princess Elena not to take any action.

As a result, the actions of the White Order were worsening.

Without any substantial gains, it was likely becoming desperate for the White Order.

However, they couldn’t just accuse the royal family or nobles based on suspicions alone.

As a result, the common people were likely suffering.

Thanks to this, the sentiment of the people in the Sael Kingdom was drifting away from the White Order.

“This should be enough.”

Of course, this was also part of Celia’s plan.

She needed to swallow up the Sael Kingdom in the future.

However, there was no need to leave the seeds of the Order within the kingdom during this process.

The humans she had seen tended to immerse themselves in religion to forget their fears.

Just looking at the adventurers who had entered the dungeon so far confirmed this.

Therefore, it was her intention to distance the kingdom’s people from the influence of the Order.

The result was successful.

“Let’s move on to the next plan. Inform Princess Elena. Tell her to prepare to weed out the rats.”

At her command, the shadow bowed and disappeared.

“Now, let’s build a nation to pledge allegiance to our great master.”

It was time for Celia’s chess pieces to shine.