SSS-Rank Overlord: Defend the Dungeon or Die-Chapter 173: Episode

[The third Faction War between the Tarantula Faction and the Resistance Faction is being prepared.]

[Tarantula: Mihye Han]

[Resistance: Seonghwi Hyun]

The two faction leaders were transported to the mission grounds. Tarantula and Resistance had been clashing long before the Faction War was even introduced. This battle would surely be a fight with no quarter given.

Taehyun watched Seonghwi on the screen, feeling anxious.

’The coin toss is crucial again. For the Capital Baltricia mission, it’s more convenient to be on the conquering side.’

’You’re right,’ Seonghwi had said before entering. ’The defending side has to stick close to some prince. Being the army commander would definitely be easier.’

’Are you confident?’ Taehyun had asked.

’Don’t worry. This time, I’m sure I’ll get the advantageous side. You just watch, newbie.’

Seonghwi had been full of bravado before entering. He’d been a nervous wreck during the last coin toss, and this time seemed no different.

’A coin toss is a game of luck. What kind of trick does he have up his sleeve to be so confident?’

Facing Mihye now, Seonghwi was smiling leisurely, a stark contrast to last time. Taehyun broke into a cold sweat as he saw Duke Nikunbel appear behind them.

---

Inside the puzzle-like waiting room, the two leaders faced each other across a table.

"My, my. To think we’d meet again like this," Mihye purred.

"I know, right?" Seonghwi shot back. "I said I’d wring your neck last time. It’s a shame I won’t be able to."

"Oh my, I was looking forward to that, too. What a pity. But I think it would be more thrilling to die at Taehyun’s hands than yours, Seonghwi."

"Our newbie is certainly popular."

They exchanged light banter, but blades were hidden within their smiles. Duke Nikunbel, standing between them, smiled at the psychological warfare already unfolding.

"Have you both made your choice?" the Duke asked.

"I’ll take tails," Mihye said.

"I’ll take heads, then," Seonghwi decided.

Their roles would be determined by the coin.

"Understood. Then I shall toss it."

The coin was flipped into the air. In previous wars, Nikunbel would have caught it, but after protests from the Dungeon Masters, the new method was to let it fall directly onto the table.

Nikunbel smiled as he watched the coin descend.

Just then, the table shook for a moment.

’Hmm?’

It was a faint vibration, one Mihye didn’t detect, but he certainly had.

The coin landed with a clatter, flipping from tails to heads.

"Heh. So close," Mihye sighed. "I was sure it was tails."

"Looks like my luck was good this time. Sorry about that," Seonghwi said with a grin.

He had won priority by a hair’s breadth. However, Duke Nikunbel smiled and grabbed his arm.

"Huh?"

"I’m sorry, Mr. Seonghwi," Nikunbel said, his voice smooth as silk, "but striking the table to change the face of the coin is against the rules."

"I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t done a thing."

"Hmm. Then I shall show you in slow motion."

A small screen appeared in the center of the table, replaying the scene from the moment the coin began to fall.

"Right here."

Nikunbel paused the playback just before the coin touched the table. In slow motion, Seonghwi’s kick was clearly visible.

Opposite him, Mihye clutched her stomach and collapsed to the floor in a fit of laughter.

"Hahahaha! I never imagined this would happen!"

The leader of the Resistance had cheated by kicking the table to flip the coin. He might have tried to hide it with his practiced movements, but he couldn’t escape Duke Nikunbel’s eyes.

Seonghwi scratched his head and laughed shamelessly.

"Ahaha. Well, look at that. Busted. Can’t you let it slide?"

"Impossible," Nikunbel declared. "Since you cheated, priority automatically passes to the Tarantula faction."

"Ugh. I really suck at this kind of thing."

And so, Mihye became the conqueror, while Seonghwi was forced to defend.

---

"Ahaha. Well, look at that. Busted. Can’t you let it slide?"

"Impossible. Since you cheated, priority automatically passes to the Tarantula faction."

"Ugh. I really suck at this kind of thing."

Seonghwi’s cheating was broadcast on the arena screen. Cheers had erupted from the Resistance seats the moment the coin had shown heads, but now there was only silence, followed by outrage.

"What the hell is that idiot doing?!"

"My god, our leader is shaming the entire Resistance! You son of a bitch, just get back here already!"

"I can’t even lift my head. It’s so embarrassing."

His kick had been revealed to everyone in slow-motion replay. The other factions in the arena were openly laughing. The Resistance members hurled insults, their faces burning with shame.

Meanwhile, Taehyun, sitting at the end of the row, rubbed his forehead and lowered his head.

"...I knew it."

"Seonghwi is an idiot," Songi muttered beside him.

"Yeah. You’re right, Songi."

He had been anxious from the moment Seonghwi showed such overconfidence, and in the end, he’d caused a disaster. Because he cheated, the Resistance was now stuck defending the capital. They had purchased a faction item, but with a second objective looming, they had no choice but to watch for now.

’First, I need to gather information from the screen. That bastard Seonghwi has to hold out through the first objective for as long as possible.’

Mihye led a faction that had even recruited raiders. With her as the opposing commander, she was undoubtedly a formidable opponent.

Taehyun watched Seonghwi with a tense gaze.

---

[Connecting as Hendrick Prois, Archmage of the Agnis Kingdom.]

[Synchronizing with Hendrick Prois’s information.]

[General memories are being synchronized.]

The Dungeon Master of the Astral Continent synchronized with the Archmage of the Kan Continent. His original body was long gone. Now, he was simply the Archmage of the Agnis Kingdom.

’So this is how it works.’

A splendid golden robe, a staff embedded with a giant jewel, a cape adorned with magic stones. He certainly looked the part.

Seonghwi—no, Hendrick—surveyed his surroundings.

[Top Floor of the Agnis Mage Tower]

He was on the top floor of the thirty-five-story Agnis Mage Tower.

’It seems like maps and place names are provided, too.’

He looked ahead.

[To the Prince’s Side]

[King Kondrik Balconis of Agnis has already been captured by the enemy. The Kantime Kingdom’s army is currently advancing toward the capital, Baltricia. Protect Rinal Balconis, the sole remaining royal bloodline.]

The first objective was briefly explained. The King of Agnis was already captured. The premise seemed to be that he had to aid the sole remaining prince in fending off the Kantime army.

’Then the commander of the Kantime army must be Mihye.’

He roughly understood the mission’s story. If the Kantime army hadn’t invaded yet, he still had some time.

’I should show the newbie as much information as possible.’

Hendrick first checked the information window.

[Hendrick Prois]

[Rank: S]

[Level: 85]

[Class: Mage]

[Title: Archmage of Agnis]

[Affiliation: Agnis Mage Tower]

[Skills: Permafrost, Short-Range Teleport (Restricted), Tornado, Fire Buster, Chain Lightning, Wall of Earth]

[Special Ability: Mana Detection]

[Strength: 3] [Endurance: 5] [Agility: 4] [Stamina: 10]

[Magic: 102] [Divinity: 1] [Affinity: 74] [Luck: 55]

Befitting the Archmage of the Agnis Kingdom, his rank was a staggering S. Hendrick clicked his tongue as he reviewed the skills and stats. They were all incredible, but unfortunately, Short-Range Teleport was restricted.

’So they’ve made it so I can’t escape beforehand.’

With his check complete, he had to follow the mission’s story. Hendrick stepped onto the teleportation circle before him and entered the royal castle.

[Agnis Royal Castle, Top Floor Interior]

The corridor of the top floor appeared before him. Hendrick followed the glowing arrow and entered the room at the very end.

[Recollection Mode Activated]

An important mission system activated. Hendrick looked at the three figures standing before him as memories flooded his mind.

"Those trashy aristocrats have all tucked tail and fled to their own territories. I will protect Prince Rinal!"

"The royal bloodline that has continued for decades must not end here. I will follow His Majesty’s command and assist Prince Rinal!"

"This is the land my father protected. Although he has been captured, I must protect the capital. I ask for everyone’s help."

Memories of them surfaced, one by one.

[Kubik Alons]

[Deis Brotanian]

[Rinal Balconis]

He felt a sense of familiarity, as if he already knew them.

"Why are you so late? We’ve been waiting," said the aristocrat with sharp eyes on the left. This was Kubik Alons, one of the most steadfast royalist nobles. It was said no knight in the Agnis Kingdom could match him.

"Oof. Hendrick, you’ve come. What do you make of this situation?" asked the noble with a gentle impression on the right. This was Deis Brotanian. He had protected the royal family alongside Kubik and was currently the commander-in-chief, known for possessing the wisest judgment in the kingdom.

"I am all that is left," said the young man sitting in the center. "Hendrick. Please assist me to the best of your ability." This was Prince Rinal Balconis, famed for his intelligence but now burdened with heavy responsibility. He was said to be very shy due to his feminine appearance.

’Hmm. So these three are the NPCs I’ll be working with? Seeing as there’s a favorability rating, this looks like it’ll take a while.’

As soon as the recollection ended, information about each person filled his mind. Hendrick knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

"Your Highness Rinal. I may be lacking, but I will risk my life to protect you and Baltricia."

"Mm. Hendrick, your arrival puts my mind at ease. I’m counting on you."

"Yes!"

He didn’t know the etiquette of nobles; he simply paid his respects as his body’s experience dictated. Hendrick rose and looked at the two men on either side.

[Kubik Alons]

[Favorability: 15]

[Status: Displeased]

[Deis Brotanian]

[Favorability: 49]

[Status: Relieved]

Kubik turned his head away with a look of disapproval, while Deis let out a sigh of relief.

’Should I try to win over that Kubik guy first? Ugh. I thought this was just about fending off an army, but it looks like I have to win over my allies first. I’m really not confident in this kind of thing.’

The mission details didn’t mention a time limit, but the existence of favorability ratings implied it would be a long affair.

Hendrick scratched his head and finally looked at Rinal. The prince was sitting calmly, watching the situation outside, but his hands were visibly trembling.

’For a prince, this kid looks awfully pretty.’

Fair skin, perfectly coiffed hair, delicate features—an appearance hard to see as male. Hendrick checked Rinal’s basic information.

[Rinal Balconis]

[Favorability: 74]

[Status: Nervous, Relieved, Affection] 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Unlike the other two, his favorability was quite high. His status showed he was relieved despite his nervousness. Hendrick was taken aback by the last part.

’This is... troublesome.’

The ’Affection’ he had only seen from the female members of his own dungeon was present in Rinal. According to the mission, Rinal was a prince, and the archmage character was also a man.

Hendrick broke out in a cold sweat and kept a slight distance.

The arduous journey to protect Baltricia was beginning.