Preparations for the Demon King's Castle
As Park Taemin stepped out of the meeting hall, he spotted Yoo Hyuk waiting outside.
"Guild leader."
"Yeah. Were you waiting?"
"I had something to ask. You said to split the raid team into two groups, but I have no idea what criteria to use."
"Hmm. Honestly, I don't have a detailed plan either... How many people are in the raid team? By rank."
"Twenty-eight special-rank, 145 first-rank, and 162 second-rank."
"Then group the special and first-rank with the branch members into one team, and put the rest with the executives for the second team. Most of the manpower is from the raid team anyway. Split them evenly— what do you think, Yoo Hyuk?"
"Doesn't matter to me. Should I report it like that and get things ready?"
"Yeah. Prepare so we can head out tomorrow."
"Got it. But, guild leader... if I may be so bold, do you think it's possible? I trust your abilities, but... the Demon King's Castle is where even our top executives used to go in teams. It's right below the Heavenly Stairs that the three commanders cleared."
It was only natural for Yoo Hyuk to worry like this. The Demon King's Castle was one of the highest-difficulty dungeons, where even S-rank hunters typically formed teams of two or more. Back when Wolfsrein was at full strength, only division commanders and top-level hunters from each combat unit could enter.
To push into such a place solo—it was understandable to worry, even knowing Taemin's abilities to some extent.
Taemin patted Yoo Hyuk's shoulder with a reassuring expression, as if to say not to worry.
"You've hunted with me plenty of times. It'll be fine, so don't worry and just prepare. It's not as big a deal as you think. Oh, almost forgot—once you've split the personnel, gather everyone for dinner. I need to explain the dungeon and points to watch out for."
"Understood. My heart's already pounding. The Demon King's Castle..."
"It'll be fun. Very."
After discussing raid details with Yoo Hyuk, Taemin parted ways and headed into his tent for a quick nap. Frequent night hunts and the big event(?) from last night had left him exhausted.
How long had he slept? A voice calling him from outside woke him up. Taemin checked the time, got up, and stepped out.
The one looking for him was Sin Dong-hyun, the strategy team leader.
"Found you?"
"Yeah. The raid leader said to bring you since the personnel are gathered."
"Ah, right. Where is it?"
Yawning hugely to shake off sleep, he followed Sin Dong-hyun. Passing the meeting hall and kitchen, they reached an open area near the freezer. There, people stood in four neat rows, at attention. In front were the chief of staff and other executives.
As Taemin approached, Yoo Hyuk came forward to greet him.
"You're here? Everyone's gathered."
"Looks like a lot of people."
"Yes. Since everyone needs to hear it anyway, I figured two explanations would be a hassle. So I called both Team 1 and Team 2. Shall we start?"
At his urging, Taemin moved to the center and began briefing on hunting precautions. Main topics were field movement and class-specific roles in combat.
"Once you pass the field like that, you'll reach the Demon King's Castle, their main base. It has seven floors total. Floors 2 and 5 are wave sections, 3 and 6 are like our usual small hunting rooms. Floors 4 and 7 have bosses—they use magic, so be extra careful. I'll lay traps right away anyway, so unless someone screws up, no sparks will fly your way... Still, mages should keep shields up just in case. Hmm, and the monsters..."
After explaining the dungeon's basic structure, Taemin delved into the monsters inhabiting the Demon King's Castle.
About an hour passed like that.
"I think that's the gist of it. For the rest, just follow my orders when we get there. Any questions? If not, we're done here."
Once Taemin finished, the personnel dispersed under their division executives' control, quickly returning to their duties.
After everyone left, Taemin sat alone by the lake, checked the time, rubbed his stomach, and muttered.
"Dinner time soon. What to do till then?"
After skipping stones by the water until even that got boring, he headed back to his tent. Just as he reached for the flap, Seo Ji-hoon, passing by, spotted him and called out.
"Hyung."
"Oh, hey, Ji-hoon. Heading to work?"
"Yeah."
"You've got it rough."
"Nah. Just guard that spot and it's done. But tomorrow... we're really going, right?"
Taemin gave him a look like why ask again and replied.
"You heard earlier. You were sitting in the back."
"It was just so sudden. Aren't the Hwarang guys outside?"
"They're already on it. Don't worry."
"I'm not worried. No way you'd have gaps in your plans. I was just curious..."
"Oh? Flattery?"
"Come on, do I seem like the flattering type?"
"You flatter well."
"Hyung."
"Kidding. Good timing, though. Wait here."
Taemin opened his inventory, pulling out a weapon stashed in the corner and a hood item, setting them on the ground.
"Take these."
"What's this?"
"Gear, what else? I don't need 'em, so use them. Pretty decent."
"Whoa, hyung, touching."
Excited by the unexpected gift, Seo Ji-hoon checked the options. Moments later, his eyes widened in shock.
"Th-this! H-hyungg?"
He was so stunned he was even stuttering. It wasn't just any gift—it was beyond anything he could've imagined.
"What? Not good?"
"No! I mean, perfect. Totally perfect. For real."
"Your face says otherwise."
"What? I'm dying of joy here."
Fearing Taemin might change his mind, Seo Ji-hoon nodded frantically, repeating how great it was. The options were beyond imagination.
"Hyung, can I really have this? For real?"
"Dude, only ask once. That good?"
"Obviously. Who wouldn't love this? Even Buddha would bow."
"What? Haha, funny guy."
"Hyung, seriously, thank you. I'll be grateful forever. Seriously."
"Ease up. It's no big deal for me. When we first got here and formed teams, I couldn't even make room for you. Felt bad, like I wasn't looking out for you. So take it, no biggie."
Touched by Taemin's warm words, Seo Ji-hoon teared up.
"Hyuuung."
"Kid, overdoing it again. Crying over this? You're a grown man. Anyway, they'll be looking for you at the worksite. Go on, it's time."
"Yeah. Hyung! I'll use it well. Thanks."
"Yeah, yeah."
After sending Seo Ji-hoon off, Taemin smiled warmly, watching him go. Giving a meaningful gift to someone truly felt great.
And even more so when that someone mattered to you.
"That good, huh? Well, even I'd..."
Muttering to himself, Taemin entered his tent.
Let's see. For the Demon King's Castle tomorrow...
He mentally rehearsed tomorrow's battle, running image training. He'd boasted to everyone not to worry, but he couldn't help it himself.
With so many people, extra caution for safety was essential. At their levels, one slip could mean casualties.
Lost in such thoughts, Taemin noticed the savory smell of food wafting into the tent—dinnertime.
"Time to head out. Wonder what's on the menu today?"
Stepping out, he headed to the kitchen where smoke rose. Many were already lining up for food. Taemin grabbed a tray and stood aside, but people spotted him and made way.
"You first."
"Guild leader's here. Make some room."
"Guild leader. Stand here."
Even insisting it was fine wouldn't work with these folks, so he accepted their kindness and enjoyed his "privilege."
Finding a spot with his food, he saw Kim Yoon-jin waving from afar. Tired of eating alone, he joined her.
There were the old crew from the ruins hunt.
"It's been ages since we ate together like this."
"Back then, no one imagined this."
"Eating here like this... feels like we're out on a hunt."
"Right?"
Chatting in small groups over dinner, Taemin considered a hunt but scrapped it, heading to Yoon Ji-young's quarters instead.
No need to overdo it today when tomorrow's the real raid.
Rest well tonight.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The next day. Time for the first team raid dawned.
After a quick breakfast, Taemin led Team 1 out with the executives, heading to the nearest Demon King's Castle he'd scouted.
Moving swiftly, they soon reached the portal.
"Final headcount. Executives, check your groups and report."
"All present."
"Ours too."
"Everyone's here."
Taemin nodded at the reports and addressed the hunters.
"I'll go first to scout. Follow in one minute."
With that, Taemin stepped into the portal.
Moments later, the rest vanished inside one by one.