Epilogue

The three-year journey was over. The race to return to modern Earth had ended without a finish line. The Dungeon Master's final objective had long since lost its meaning. There was no longer any need for the Demonic King candidates to engage in a kill-or-be-killed competition. It was a given, considering no Dungeon Master had ascended to become a Demonic King in the first place.

[Dungeon Master's Final Objective]

[Defeat S-rank or higher Attacker Expeditions: 147/1,000]

[Defeat Named-rank or higher Attackers: 184/1,000]

[Raise the Dungeon's rank to SSS-grade: 1/1]

[Raise the Dungeon Crystal Sphere's rank to SSS-grade: 1/1]

It was a game rigged from the start to seize the Tainworth dimension. The possibility of achieving the final objective had never existed.

[The Demonic God, Duke Nikunbel, has been annihilated.]

[You have acquired the first Dimension Management Authority.]

The Dimension Management Authority, which had been split in two, merged back into its original form. Duke Nikunbel had fostered great ambitions after obtaining a portion of the authority through a dimensional rift twenty years ago. He had even absorbed the God of Desire, Beirimp, and plotted the final battle as a Demonic God, but in the end, he was annihilated, and his plans vanished into thin air. The Celestial Realm, which had been dyed white, soon began to regain its original colors, signaling the end of the battle. As his flickering vision gradually recovered, the eyes of the last Dungeon Master opened.

'Yeah, this should be enough.'

The traces of the annihilated being turned to dust and scattered in the wind. The powder, sparkling in five colors, painted over the scenery. It was the first time he felt such comfort since being summoned to this dimension. Now, he wouldn't have to defend a dungeon against anyone. He could meet his end just like this, without any worries or concerns.

[The duration of Summon Lord has ended.]

[All abilities return to their original state.]

Soon, the equipment he was wearing returned to his inventory. Taehyun lost all strength in his body and collapsed right where he stood.

"Taehyuuuuun!"

"My loooord!"

"Brotherrrr!"

Familiar voices could be heard from afar. It was Balak's Main Forces, who had stayed with him until the final battle. Taehyun looked up at the sky with an awkward smile.

[The conditions of the Contract have been fulfilled.]

[The God of Contracts, Morpina, has appeared.]

It was the contract he had made with the Divine Realm Paonir for the final battle. Now that he had reclaimed the rest of the Dimension Management Authority from Duke Nikunbel, he had to hand over the authority as per the agreement. Landing lightly on the ground, Morpina adjusted her glasses and pulled out the contract.

"You really did defeat Duke Nikunbel. On behalf of the Divine Realm, I express my gratitude. The Supreme God, Excellia, is also very satisfied."

"Glad she's satisfied. So, what happens to this dimension now?"

"As soon as we take over the Authority of the Dimension, we plan to expend Divine Power to restore the twisted dimensional rifts back to normal. Tainworth will likely be assigned a new manager. Are you worried by any chance?"

"Worried? Please. Tainworth is a dimension that has nothing to do with me anymore. I just need to return to modern Earth."

"For someone who says that, you have a very regretful look in your eyes."

"Tsk."

It was the dungeon Balak, which he had personally managed for a whopping three years. Although there were times he had forced sacrifices to survive on the continent, he still had some lingering attachments. Taehyun stood up, looking at the merged key on his palm.

"Now it's time to fulfill my final condition."

"And we will take ownership of your soul."

"You talk big for someone who didn't even explain the duration of the soul's servitude beforehand. Here."

According to Duke Nikunbel, his soul would be bound to the Divine Realm as the price for using the Dimension Management Authority. That duration alone was a staggering tens of thousands of years. Since he had revived all of Balak's former soldiers for the final battle, the price was bound to be steep. Morpina, having received the Dimension Management Authority back, unfolded the contract again and asked with a serious expression.

"Are you truly okay with this as your final condition? It's still possible to modify it now."

"This is the contract you guys traded to get the Dimension Management Authority. Adding a condition like this is only fair. Do you have a problem with it?"

"No. I have no complaints. I only asked in advance out of concern that you might change your mind later. Will you truly not regret this?"

She had dealt with countless humans through contracts. There was a high chance that he would suddenly change his tune after the final condition of this contract was fulfilled. By nature, Dimension Travelers were agents of the gods who carried out crucial missions for the Divine Realm. If they made a mistake and plunged an entire dimension into chaos, the Divine Realm would have to bear all the responsibility. Morpina subtly glanced at Balak's Main Forces as she emphasized the final condition.

"Regret, huh."

Taehyun also noticed her gaze and let out a bitter laugh. Deeply affectionate feelings bloomed among Balak's Main Forces as they slowly approached. However, he now had to end his life as a Dungeon Master. Taehyun watched Hyena running towards him while calling his name, then nodded.

"Understood. Then I will fulfill the final condition right away. I will visit you again later, so we can discuss the Dimension Traveler role in detail then."

"Sure."

The contract in Morpina's hand glowed. At the same time, a blue light swirled around him and began to seep into his body.

'I might not look it, but I'm saving a dimension here, so I should get a reward too. Especially since I'm making a contract with all the gods over the Dimension Management Authority, I might as well raise the stakes a bit. The final condition is...'

The first condition was to use the Dimension Management Authority; the second condition was the authority to revive annihilated beings. And the final, third condition was...

"M-My Lord. Where are you goooing!"

"Where else? I'm going home. You guys will return to where you belong too. Don't worry."

"Where we belong? What in the world...!"

It was the game system that Duke Nikunbel had created using a portion of the authority. No matter how many players he had summoned from modern Earth, there was no way he could know the details of modern civilization. He, too, must have accidentally learned about the game through someone he summoned.

'Like this. We're both from South Korea. Besides, if you've played Dungeon Defense Online, you should know. I'll be really useful. I have a ton of talent!'

He suddenly remembered Sanghyuk, a new player, and Dungeon Defense Online, which was currently trending on modern Earth. In a way, his claim of having talent was only possible because the systems of Dungeon Defense Online and the Dungeon Master were so strikingly similar. Taehyun took one last look at Balak's Main Forces and smiled warmly.

"Thank you for staying with me until the en..."

[The fourth condition of the Contract has been activated.]

[All systems in the Tainworth dimension will be reset.]

On that day, starting with the activation of the contract, everything within the dimension was reverted. As if it had never happened in the first place, as if nothing had ever occurred, the world was being reset.

---

An attendance book hit the desk with a heavy thud. The teacher standing at the podium adjusted his tie and scanned the students. Judging purely by first impressions, they could be divided into students who were diligent in their studies and those who were indifferent. Most of them were floating on high expectations because of the new school year and new semester, but it was time to give them a reality check.

"Alright, attention. I'm Seonghwi, newly appointed to Cheongsol High School. I understand you're all excited about the new school year, but don't forget. You are students, and you must stay faithful to your main job: studying."

A textbook teacher's introduction followed. The students sitting in the back began to grumble with dissatisfied expressions. Anyone could tell he was trying to establish dominance from their first meeting, so these reactions were natural. However, Seonghwi was a veteran among veterans who had been teaching for years. He could easily suppress the students' complaints.

"Do the guys sitting in the back think my words are a joke?"

The students fell silent.

His usually relaxed, slit-like eyes narrowed. The students flinched at his sharp glare and clamped their mouths shut. Only then did Seonghwi smile pleasantly and open the attendance book.

"Now, shall we start with roll call? First, Baek..."

In the silent classroom, only a single person's voice echoed.

---

The bell above the coffee shop door jingled as it opened. A woman who had come out to the downtown area brushed off her expensive coat and swiftly turned around. At that moment, a young man who had followed her out grabbed her arm.

"S-Sohee. Why are you suddenly doing this? I at least need to know the reason!"

"Did you hear me and still not understand? I told you I'm sick of you. A person should know their place. Clinging to me like this won't do any good."

"D-Did I do something wrong? Or was I lacking something for you? Huh?!"

The gazes of the people strolling downtown gathered on them. Suddenly the center of attention, the man and woman spat out what they had to say without caring about the stares of others. In particular, the young man who had followed her out was clinging to her, desperately calling her name. It was a pathetic sight to anyone watching. However, the young man continued his ugly display, clinging to her leg until the end.

"Sohee. I'll do better. P-Please don't do this!"

"Seokwoo, do you know how pathetic you look right now? Stop being so miserable and find another woman," she sighed.

"S-Sohee. Soheeeee!"

Even though he called out desperately, Sohee did not return. Seokwoo watched her retreating figure grow distant and soon dropped his head. Meanwhile, the people gathered around were watching the slumped Seokwoo with various reactions.

"Wow. That guy must have just gotten dumped by that woman. Did you see him clinging to her?"

"In a way, it's a bit pitiful. Well, yeah."

"Just looking at him, you can tell he's the type to cling pathetically when dating. Hey, hey. Let's go back to the lecture hall and show the others this."

"Why go that far? He's pitiful. Let's just go."

The arm of the woman recording the video was grabbed. Her friend in the white cardigan hurried her steps, trying to leave the street.

"Alright, alright. You've got some crazy arm strength for a girl. Phew. Here. Let's go. Lead the way!"

"I didn't even use any strength. Stop exaggerating, Yeeun."

"What about me? I look like a middle or high schooler. Our Narae knows me too well."

"Jeez, let's hurry. The lecture is going to start."

The two of them left the street and headed toward the university.

---

"Wow, being late has completely become a habit now. If you're going to be like this, just quit!"

Manager Kim's nagging had continued since early that morning. Punctuality was a fundamental rule of the company, but Junhyun had consistently attended morning meetings without ever being late. Seeing the manager make a fuss over a single minute, it was clear he was taking out stress accumulated from elsewhere.

'That damn Manager Kim. He's really roasting me from the morning.'

Just looking at his whispering coworkers made anger well up inside him. He placed his briefcase on his desk and headed straight for the employee break room.

"Oh? You're a bit late today, Junhyun."

"Ugh. Are you going to be like this too, Inhye? I might just cry at this rate."

"Hey, you're not that weak. Stop exaggerating."

"Hmm. By the way, how long are you going to keep commuting here, Inhye? I heard you're a famous web designer on the front-page sites. Is it okay for a freelancer to keep coming into the office?"

By the nature of a web designer, it was a profession that operated freely without being tied to one place. Normally, Inhye would have received commissions online and handled her work from home. She took a sip of the coffee in her hand and replied.

"The commission I took on this time involves working with the other employees. I'll probably be commuting here until next week. Why, do you have a problem with that?"

"No, no. Not at all."

"Hehe. I heard everything from inside earlier. Cheer up, Junhyun."

Junhyun sighed.

Left alone, Junhyun let out a deep sigh. Manager Kim had been quiet for a while, but then he blew up, giving him every bit of embarrassment possible. Since he had shown such a pathetic side even to Inhye, whom he had been particularly interested in for a while, his plan to subtly get her phone number would have to be pushed back. Junhyun scratched his head and secretly pulled out his phone.

[Dungeon Defense Online]

It was a mobile game that was providing even more enjoyment to users with its recent new update. In Dungeon Defense Online, at least, no one could touch him.

—Huxley: Sabastan, I've been watching your defense plays for a while now. Would you like to form an alliance with me? I can cover your shortcomings.

'An alliance?'

Huxley was a pro gamer currently ranked 2nd in the game. Receiving an alliance offer from such a player meant his own skills were quite recognized. However, Junhyun wasn't happy; instead, he let out a chuckle.

"Ranked 2nd and so full of himself. Alright. Let's go trample on the 2nd ranker. Oh, wait. Before that, I should warm up my hands by hunting some low-levels."

Before he knew it, Junhyun was naturally moving from the break room to the restroom.

---

"We have a newly rising star in the judo world recently. Now, please come out. Athlete Seungpil Seo!"

"Ahem. N-Nice to meet you. I am Seung. Pil. Seo from Byeongjin Judo Gym!"

"Hahaha. It seems athlete Seungpil Seo is very nervous."

An interview scene of an athlete appeared on the large screen installed inside the mart. Since they mainly handled electronics, such a sight was an everyday occurrence. The employee, who was attending to a customer, rambled on with explanations about various products before turning his head toward the delivery worker carrying the products.

"Ah, wait. Hold on a second. You can't carry it like that. For something like a wall-mounted TV, even if it's in a box, you absolutely have to carry it upright horizontally."

"I'll take care of it, so you just mind your own business."

"W-What did you just say?!"

"I said I'll take care of it. As long as it doesn't break, it's fine, isn't it? Stop meddling for no reason and finish what you were doing."

"H-Hey. Hey!"

He yelled in anger, but the delivery worker didn't turn around. The mart employee huffed and recalled the name written on the nametag.

'He said his name was Sihan. A guy who looks way younger than me acting like a delivery driver and doing whatever he wants. Just wait until I see him again!'

Friction between branch employees and delivery workers was something that happened occasionally. Normally, he would have suppressed his temper and let it go, but he couldn't stand Sihan. The employee trembled his fists and glared outside. Just then, a customer who had been looking around at cell phones tapped his shoulder.

"Excuse me, could I hear the rest of the explanation from earlier?"

"Ah, yes, yes. I should get right to it. Here, here. Let's return to our seats, ma'am."

Recently, cell phones from various carriers could also be purchased through electronics marts. The employee skillfully explained the contract periods and data plans while eyeing the woman's figure. The curves revealed above her frilly blouse were truly a feast for the eyes.

"Ah, then could you check how much of my remaining installment balance there is?"

The employee fell silent.

"Excuse me?"

"Ah, yes, yes. Of course, I can check. First, could you tell me your name and current contact number?"

The employee asked with a dopey expression. She wore a bright smile and tucked her hair behind her ear.

"I'm Mihye. And my contact number is..."

---

[Please call an employee.]

A perplexing message popped up on the transit card recharge machine's screen. He was heading home late after hearing about a canceled class early in the morning, and now even the machine was acting up. The young man sighed and pressed the red button.

"What's the matter?"

"It seems this machine... ate my money."

His pupils wavered at the sight of the employee. The young man broke out in a cold sweat as he looked at the nametag hanging on the jacket.

'Seongjun.'

A very familiar face. And a voice he had heard until his ears bled. Looking closely, Seongjun was definitely 'that' Seongjun. As the image of a man holding a sword gradually overlapped with his figure, Seongjun flipped open the machine's cover.

"Please wait a moment."

The young man waited in silence.

"Ah, there was a brief error. Let me return your money first. Here, try again."

"Yes."

Following Seongjun's gesture, he inserted the bill again. Unlike before, the screen clearly showed the recharge processing normally.

"It's working fine this time. I'll be going then."

"Ah, thank you."

With an awkward greeting, Seongjun returned to the customer service center. Left alone, the young man scratched his head and soon clicked his tongue.

"To think the day would come when I'd speak respectfully to that guy. I really don't like it. Anyway, was that guy living in Busan too?"

In a way, you could say it's a small world. The young man muttered as he looked at the papers posted on the wall bulletin board.

"So he was a transit corporation employee."

---

The front gate creaked shut, and the interior of the house came into view. The girl lying on the living room sofa nodded her head briefly before turning her attention back to the TV.

'Are our parents all out?'

Normally, his younger sister would be holed up in her room, stressing over her studies. Seeing her lounging around leisurely like that, he judged that there were no adults in the house. The young man looked at his younger sister, who had no interest in him, and soon stepped into his room. At that moment, a little girl ambushed him from inside the room.

"Taehyun!"

"Gah!"

"Oh, I forgot. The lady next door said she can't come back until late tonight again and asked us to look after Songyi."

Along with Hyena's voice, his body's balance collapsed. Fallen to the floor, Taehyun broke out in a cold sweat as he looked at Songyi in his arms.

'You sure told me early.'

Songyi, the girl from next door, had frequently been left in their care since she entered elementary school. Because of this, she naturally grew attached to everyone in the family, but she followed one person in particular with exceptional enthusiasm. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she acted like a girl in love, but Songyi was still young. The cause was likely that he had taken care of her more than others.

"S-Songyi. Could you let go a bit?"

"Yeah!"

"R-Right. Good girl."

His body felt much lighter. Taehyun stood up and let out a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Songyi took a sketchbook out of her bag and was showing him the pictures she had drawn.

"Taehyun, I drew this today. How is it?"

"It's great."

"Hehe, Taehyun complimented me."

"Hmm. Did you finish all your homework today?"

"Yeah. I already finished it all!"

Taehyun was at a loss for words.

It seemed having some time to himself was out of the question. Just thinking about being pestered by Songyi all day made his whole body shudder already. Taehyun put down his bag and sat Songyi on his lap. Then, naturally stroking her head, he asked about what happened at school.

"Today, with my friends..."

The front gate creaked open just as they were about to converse. A young man with a tall, well-built physique took off the dress shoes he was wearing and looked into the room.

"Where are our parents?"

"I think they all went out. Ask Hyena for the details."

"Don't ask me. I don't know either!"

A voice automatically rang out from the living room. Taehyun shrugged and pointed at Songyi. The young man—no, Taehwan—gave a light wave to Songyi and soon headed back to his own room.

'Did he say his interviews start today? I hope it goes well.'

As his college life was nearing its end, getting a job was also very important. In the midst of such a severe employment crisis, breaking through the immense competition and landing a job at a company would depend entirely on Taehwan's capabilities. Taehyun took his phone out of his pocket and launched an app.

[Dungeon Defense Online]

Soon, a beautiful girl with green hair appeared on the screen. Wearing a white nurse's uniform, she bowed deeply in greeting.

—Supporter Riel: Welcome. I look forward to working with you again today, Claim.

Although she was made of 2D graphics, she had an appearance anyone would dream of. Songyi, who was in his arms, puffed out her cheeks and asked.

"Taehyun. Aren't you going to play with me?"

"Just a moment. I'll just check my dungeon and play with you right away."

"You promise!"

"Yeah, yeah."

Taehyun's eyes darted around as he tapped the screen.

[The first Guardian has been summoned.]

[B-rank Hero Guardian Orc Swordsman Grai has joined the Balak affiliation.]

—Grai: I am Grai, a former warrior of the Morata Tribe. I am confident in my swordsmanship, so I believe I will not be lacking.

"Doesn't this guy ever get tired of this?"

"What do you mean?"

"No. It's nothing."

Suddenly, memories from the continent came to mind. Whether by coincidence or inevitability, the dungeon name in Dungeon Defense Online was identically Balak. Furthermore, including Balak's supporter Riel and the newly summoned Grai, it was no different from back then. Taehyun first focused on grinding with Grai, steadily accumulating Zen. Just then, a woman's voice echoed in his mind.

"Taehyun, it's about time for your mission. I will freeze the time of the entire dimension shortly, so please be ready."

An interruption came right when he was focusing on his game. It was a fate a Dimension Traveler could never avoid. Since his soul was bound through a deal with the Divine Realm, he had no choice but to follow instructions. Taehyun let out a deep sigh and was about to close the game. However, at that moment, a message popped up on the screen.

[S-rank Dungeon Master Sabastan's soldiers have invaded the dungeon.]

[525,000 Zen has been plundered.]

[Orc Swordsman Grai has reached an incapacitated state.]

—Sabastan: Thanks for the 500k Zen.

Taehyun was rendered speechless.

S-rank dungeon soldiers had invaded. Balak, which was merely a B-rank dungeon, couldn't possibly withstand Sabastan's soldiers. Taehyun trembled all over at the familiar nickname and ground his teeth.

'I'm taking a vacation today, so don't look for me.'

"No. Wait a minute. The concept of a vacation doesn't exist for a Dimension Traveler!"

'If Excellia asks, tell her I went to fight a battle with my soul on the line.'

"Your soul is bound here in the first place, you know?! Taehyun? Taehyuuuuun?!"

Morpina's desperate voice could be heard. However, Taehyun didn't answer at all and began to focus on the game.

—Claim: A high-level going around robbing low-levels. Aren't you embarrassed?

—Sabastan: If you're mad, you should become a high-level too. Tsk tsk.

—Claim: Wow. Look at the attitude on the bastard who got completely wrecked by me.

—Sabastan: Did you have a dream or something? I'm busy, so I'll be going!

Soon, his anger reached its peak. With bloodshot eyes, Taehyun looked down at the name Sabastan and began to let out a maniacal laugh.

"Kuhahaha. Yeah, so that's how you're going to play it? Alright. Let's do this. Let's have round three on DDO!"

"T-Taehyun?"

"Yeah, yeah. This is the fastest way to grow. Alright. I'll grind with Grai to the max and rob other dungeons blind!"

Already one with the game, Taehyun couldn't return to reality.

"Just wait. Junhyun, I'll make you pay double what you stole this time!"

And so, the Dungeon Master of Balak was diving into the prelude of yet another battle.

<The End>