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CHAPTER 244 – CALVADOS EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY 2

 

— Calvados’s Wislo Headquarters

「Then, with our response to Seiha settled… let us move on to the next topic—our main agenda.」

To reset the mood of the room, Steadman took a long breath before continuing.

「There are two major points on the main agenda. The first concerns the expedition team for the Plainevelt Labyrinth.」

Gasps echoed through the chamber for what felt like the umpteenth time today. Yet, as if this reaction had been anticipated from the outset, Steadman’s expression didn’t waver in the slightest as he pressed forward.

「The Plainevelt Labyrinth is a dungeon in the Kingdom of Alto that has recently undergone significant changes. A sizable settlement is beginning to form around it, and a renowned dungeon scholar recently announced a link between it and the newly discovered ‘Phantom Castle Labyrinth’.

Moreover, those currently attempting to conquer it aren’t even considering a clan-based approach—they’re fledgling amateurs who don’t understand what a true large-scale dungeon entails. That being the case, Calvados can seize dominance there just as we have in Wislo. Should we succeed, we stand to triple our profits in the long run—not to mention, our grip over Wislo will become all the more unshakable.」

The sudden appearance of the Phantom Castle Labyrinth had become a major topic among dungeon scholars, and its rumored connection to the Plainevelt Labyrinth had naturally reached Calvados in Wislo.

Because of the similarities between the two dungeons, the prevailing theory was that they were under the control of the same Dungeon Master—a theory that, by extension, implied the emergence of a new Dungeon Master.

However, this was a narrative deliberately seeded by Aun. The most crucial details—namely, that the town of Plainevelt is actually the first floor of the dungeon, and the identity of the Dungeon Master—remained successfully hidden, exactly as intended.

Back to the current discussion: based on the large-scale transformation of the Plainevelt Labyrinth and progress in its exploration, Calvados’ higher-ups were now convinced it was a mega-dungeon on par with Wislo. At this meeting, they moved to make its conquest a second operational pillar and were preparing to organize a first-wave expedition team.

「H-Hold on! You all know that the second faction, led by Tekirana, has managed to win over the previously neutral third faction, right? There are even rumors they’re plotting some massive ‘Liberation Battle’! Are we really going to split our forces at a time like this!?」

「We’re well aware. In fact, that Liberation Battle is the third topic on our agenda. But this isn’t a new development, is it? It may be a larger-scale battle than we’ve seen before, but we currently hold overwhelming superiority in every factor—funding, supplies, personnel. So we’ll proceed as we always have. That’s the winning formula. Besides, our top parties—【Ambrosia】, 【Empire】, and 【Gala】—are all on par with, or superior to, 【Iós】, the team that Tekirana’s ace members Ciel and Heil belong to. Even if we temporarily pull one party out… the big picture won’t change.」

「S-Still… are we seriously sending one of the Three Fingers to Plainevelt at a time like this!?」

「Tch, what’s the problem!? It’s not like Garcia-sama or Steadman are the ones going, right? Then it’s fine! Hell, let us from 【Empire】 handle Plainevelt! The raids in Wislo have been getting stale anyway!」

「I agree. I believe this is the optimal move.」

Within Wislo, four parties were commonly known as the ‘Top Four’. As Steadman had explained, one of these was 【Iós】, a party led by the up-and-coming Tekirana faction’s stars, Ciel and Heil.

However, the remaining three top parties belonged to Calvados. In terms of total personnel and power, their dominance within Wislo had become an unshakable fortress.

Since Calvados adopted its current structure, it had pursued rigorous systemization and standardization, elevating the faction to what could be called its golden age.

One of those systems was a ‘Numbering’ structure—a hierarchy determined by contribution and combat power.

Meetings like this one were attended only by party leaders and sub-leaders of numbers one through nine, and the masters of allied clans. The higher one’s number, the more influence their words carried in shaping the meeting’s course.

Here’s a breakdown of the parties and their rankings mentioned thus far:

Number 1:【Ambrosia】 – The party of Clan Master Garcia and Sub-Master Steadman. The absolute apex of Calvados, boasting Garcia’s overwhelming combat strength and Steadman’s masterful strategy. Every member is ranked SS, forming a party of unparalleled quality. In large-scale warfare, they served as both the command tower and final line of defense.

Number 2:【Empire】 – A dungeon-focused party currently operating at the forefront of the massive Wislo Labyrinth. Specialized in monster combat but, under Steadman’s direction, also formidable against humans. Alongside Ambrosia, they were a household name in Wislo. The one who volunteered to lead the Plainevelt expedition was this party.

Number 3:【Gala】 – A party focused on fighting humans. Despite a long history of battle with rival factions, they’ve yet to lose a single member to death. Of all parties, they have the deepest grudge against 【Iós】.

Number 4:【Envy】 – Proposed as the response unit against Seiha in this meeting. They operate across the Empire of Ibrudia, constantly on the move. Very few inside the clan know their full details, and the name alone inspires fear.

 

「Steadman, wrap this up.」

「Very well. Things have gotten a bit heated, so allow me to summarize our discussion, with my own recommendations included. If there are objections, we can revise accordingly.

First, against 【Seiha】, we’ll deploy 【Envy】. The method of elimination will be left to them—likely assassination or ambush. Following the previous incident, no engagement with Seiha is permitted until we receive confirmation from Envy. If you spot them in the dungeon, even on the upper or top floors, you are to ignore them.

Next, 【Empire】 will be entrusted with the conquest of Plainevelt. You’ll have one week to prepare. Choose three other elite parties and depart for the Kingdom of Alto’s Plainevelt afterward. We’ll handle the travel documentation.

Lastly, regarding the so-called Liberation Battle: we expect the primary battlefield to be top-tier dungeons. The only real danger is an unexpected ambush and subsequent disruption to our command structure. So, we will strengthen our intelligence gathering and aim to win through information warfare. As for the chain of command, we will flatten the barrier between command and field units, and continue our systematic response as before.

If there are any questions or objections—please raise your hand.」

The meeting room fell into the deepest silence yet.

It was a silence of agreement—no one present had any better plan to offer. In effect, it was unanimous support for Steadman’s strategy.

After quietly scanning the room, Steadman exchanged a glance with Garcia. Garcia slowly stood, his voice ringing with unwavering resolve.

「We, the Calvados Union, are strong! And the future we envision is not a tepid status quo—but to become the greatest clan in the world! Conquering Plainevelt and establishing outposts in other nations are mere stepping stones toward that goal!」

His words dominated the room.

Garcia carried a charisma entirely unlike Aun or Ciel. From every word and gesture radiated an unshakable confidence, backed by a track record, trust, and time that lent his presence immense weight.

A mix of tension and anticipation filled the chamber. All eyes were fixed on the so-called Tyrant of Wislo, awaiting his next words.

「…Now then, Calvados. Let’s take this world for our own!」

「「「「「「「UOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH!!!!」」」」」」」

A spontaneous wave of fists raised high and throat-tearing roars shook the very walls.

Thus ended the Calvados Emergency Assembly—what had begun in fear and confusion concluded with a surge of blazing unity.

At long last, the slumbering giant—Calvados—began to move in earnest.