The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 196

196. Director (6)

“Hello.”

Han Yoojin greeted softly. His voice, expression, and demeanor were all noticeably subdued. As an F-stat individual among high-level Hunters, it was a natural reaction, so the two Japanese men bowed their heads without any suspicion.

“Amaterasu, Japan’s top guild, is very interested in Director Han Yoojin’s taming skills for ride-type monsters.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

“You want the ‘Black Cow Forest’ dungeon to acquire ride-type monsters, I presume.”

“…Yes.”

It was a reluctant answer. At the same time, Nakajima noticed Han Yoojin glancing at Sung Hyunjae, the Guild Leader of Sesung.

“Since the basic adjustments are already done, there’s no need to talk at length.”

Sung Hyunjae said as he sat down. Han Yoojin hesitated before sitting a little away from him. Nakajima, seeing the shadow cast over Han Yoojin’s face, opened his mouth in a very kind tone.

“Director Han Yoojin needs the Black Cow Forest, and the Slime Dungeon isn’t owned by the Haeyeon Guild. So, we dare to say that Director Han Yoojin’s opinion is important to us.”

On the surface, it was a statement for Han Yoojin’s sake. But hidden inside was the intention to grab someone easy to deal with and manipulate them. At the same time, there was also a scheme to leave a good impression on the owner of the ride-type monster breeding center.

If the rumors that the Monster Breeder was being oppressed by the surrounding S-Rank Hunters were true, it might be possible to coax him away. Judging from his current appearance, it didn’t seem like a false rumor, so Nakajima wore an even kinder smile.

“Han Yoojin-gun [a polite suffix used to address young men], do you think so too?”

At Sung Hyunjae’s light question, Han Yoojin’s gaze fell to the table.

“I’m just…”

“Please speak comfortably, Director Han.”

At Nakajima’s words, Han Yoojin raised his head slightly. His eyes darted around before glancing at Sung Hyunjae. As he couldn’t bring himself to speak and only moved his lips, Nakajima encouraged him again.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry and speak. I, Nakajima, will listen carefully.”

“…As you said, the Slime Dungeon belongs to the Haeyeon Guild.”

Han Yoojin said, clenching his fist tightly. He was still subdued, but he seemed to have gained some courage.

“The baby monsters that can be obtained from the Japanese dungeon are also under my jurisdiction.”

“Of course. You are absolutely right.”

Nakajima nodded in agreement, watching the Guild Leader of Sesung. Sung Hyunjae, unexpectedly, didn’t show any particular reaction.

“So, in this negotiation…”

Han Yoojin’s voice, which seemed to have gained strength for a moment, became small again. Nakajima stiffened his neck and turned his gaze to the Guild Leader of Sesung as Han Yoojin sighed and drooped his shoulders.

“Guild Leader of Sesung, if you don’t mind, I would like to ask you to leave the room for a moment. I think Director Han Yoojin would be able to talk more comfortably if you did.”

For Nakajima, asking an S-Rank Hunter to leave was something that required great resolve. As a Japanese Hunter where rank was absolute, even this level of defiance made his spine tingle. But the other party was a foreign Hunter, and more than anything, it was for the sake of his own country’s guild.

Sung Hyunjae slightly curved his eyes and opened his mouth.

“Our Director Han is such a precious and valuable person. I can’t leave him alone with foreign Hunters without a guardian.”

“Unless someone has ten lives, how dare they harm someone under the protection of the Guild Leader of Sesung? If anyone touches even a hair on Director Han Yoojin’s head, I will personally cut open my stomach without dirtying the hands of the Guild Leader of Sesung.”

“There’s no need to go that far…”

Han Yoojin muttered softly, and Nakajima smiled as if to ask him to trust him.

“I ask again, Guild Leader of Sesung. Please give Director Han Yoojin a chance.”

Sung Hyunjae, who had been lightly resting his chin on his fingers, slowly moved his gaze to look at Han Yoojin.

“What do you think, Director Han?”

“I’m…”

“Please answer honestly without worry.”

Under Nakajima’s encouragement, Han Yoojin bit his lower lip. He hesitated for a long time before getting up from his seat.

“Guild Leader of Sesung, please come this way for a moment.”

Han Yoojin, who went to the corner of the conference room, whispered something small to Sung Hyunjae. It was a voice so small that even the two Japanese A-Rank Hunters couldn’t hear it. Then, he earnestly said to Sung Hyunjae.

“I’m begging you.”

“I won’t forget what you just said.”

“Yes.”

Sung Hyunjae turned around and went outside without saying much. Han Yoojin, who had been watching his back, returned to his seat powerlessly. He must have offered some kind of compensation and sent the Guild Leader of Sesung out. Nakajima wore a very worried expression.

“Weren’t you pushing yourself too hard?”

“…It’s okay. The Guild Leader of Sesung knows his limits, so he won’t be excessive.”

Even as he said that, Han Yoojin, who was fidgeting with his hands clasped together on the table as if he was anxious, let out a big sigh.

“To be honest, I don’t want the Black Cow Forest dungeon.”

“…Yes?”

Nakajima and the Japanese man next to him were taken aback.

“It takes a lot of time and effort to raise baby monsters. You can’t raise several of them in a short period of time. But the Guild Leader of Sesung… has been demanding that I quickly raise several ordinary ride-type monsters. If we occupy the Japanese dungeon, it will be easier to secure baby monsters.”

Han Yoojin continued with a worried face.

“He’s using the dungeon owned by Haeyeon, not Sesung, as bait. On the surface, he says it’s a good opportunity to help Haeyeon and increase the size of the ride-type monster breeding center… but in reality, it’s no different from Sesung trying to wear me down. He said he would create an S-Rank raid team with fully equipped ride-type monsters in a short period of time.”

“Ah… is that so.”

Nakajima and his colleague looked at each other as if they were in trouble. It was a completely different story from what they had expected. He doesn’t need the Japanese dungeon. No, he was thinking of it as a burden.

“But if you can stably obtain A-Rank baby monsters, wouldn’t it be helpful in the future?”

“I’m fine with just receiving requests. No, to be honest, it’s overwhelming. I have no intention of going out and getting baby monsters myself. So, if possible, could you cancel this negotiation?”

At the earnest voice, Nakajima narrowed his brow. There was no way he could cancel the negotiation as Han Yoojin wanted. He couldn’t miss the opportunity to occupy the Slime Dungeon, which was the source of materials for various products. Above all, only C-Rank or lower Slime Dungeons had appeared in Japan so far. They had to import all the high-grade material slimes from overseas.

“…I don’t think the Guild Leader of Sesung will accept it.”

“…Yes. I guess so.”

Han Yoojin nodded powerlessly. Not missing that, Nakajima persuaded Han Yoojin.

“Since we can’t invalidate the negotiation anyway, then—”

“No. It’s too early to give up.”

Han Yoojin suddenly raised his gaze straight up. He straightened his shoulders and looked back at Nakajima.

“Even a foreign Hunter I’m meeting for the first time is cheering me on this much, wouldn’t it be shameful to keep being discouraged?”

“Ah, that is…”

“Mr. Nakajima, you’re on my side, right?”

Nakajima stammered at the words spoken with a shy smile. He had to occupy the Slime Dungeon no matter what. But it was also important to take Han Yoojin’s side. Should he threaten him with his A-Rank Hunter status, or should he persuade him nicely until the end? Nakajima, who had been agonizing, nodded his head greatly.

“Of course.”

“Thank you. Then please help me.”

“Of course, I will help you, but Director Han. Proceeding with the negotiation isn’t a bad thing.”

Nakajima said in a soothing tone. It was a small voice that even an S-Rank Hunter would have difficulty eavesdropping on outside the conference room door.

“Wouldn’t the Guild Leader of Sesung be too much of a big shot to openly rebel against? So, for now, pretend to submit and take profits under the table.”

“Profits?”

“Yes. Harada Hunter.”

At Nakajima’s call, the Hunter next to him took out a contract and a bundle of documents from his inventory.

“To tell you the truth, the value of the Black Cow Forest dungeon isn’t that high without Director Han Yoojin’s existence. So, we’ve prepared some kind of bonus in case of an emergency.”

They were things prepared for when the negotiation didn’t go smoothly.

“The Guild Leader of Sesung seems to be satisfied with a simple exchange, so how about Director Han Yoojin quietly taking them?”

Han Yoojin’s gaze went to the documents on the table. The documents, written in both Japanese and Korean, had a list of various items lined up.

“…I don’t know Japanese, so I’m a little suspicious of whether it’s been translated accurately.”

“That’s why we have this contract here. If you sign a contract to provide the items you want…”

“How about signing a contract to honestly and truthfully explain the items I ask about for the next 30 minutes?”

“Ah, yes. That would be good.”

Nakajima looked at Han Yoojin a little strangely as he wrote the contract. He knew that Han Yoojin had dropped out of high school, passed the GED [General Educational Development test, a high school equivalency test], and hadn’t gone to college, doing only mediocre jobs, and was only twenty-five years old at best. Naturally, this kind of situation should be awkward and clumsy.

But strangely, he felt like he was skilled.

‘He’s just an F-Rank in the hands of an S-Rank Hunter, though.’

Even now, he shows a brief burst of motivation like that, and then lowers his eyes.

“I sincerely appreciate your consideration, but I’m still worried about the Haeyeon Guild.”

“The Haeyeon Guild?”

“Yes. It’s no different from Sesung stealing the Slime Dungeon to satisfy my greed. There are various behind-the-scenes circumstances that I can’t explain in detail… It looks like a loss on the surface, and it actually is, so it would be better to just call this off if possible…”

Nakajima clicked his tongue inwardly at Han Yoojin’s hesitant appearance again. For some reason, he wasn’t easily 넘어오질 [overcome/persuaded]. Nakajima, racking his brain, cunningly lit up his eyes.

“Then how about this method? In Japan, if there is a dispute between Hunters, the winner takes all through a duel of the same rank.”

“A duel?”

Han Yoojin’s eyes widened.

‘It’s finally here.’

He cheered inwardly while pretending to be bewildered on the outside. Naka-whatever nodded his head with a greasy face.

In countries like Japan, where the power of Hunters is so strong that it exceeds the law and rank is treated like a medieval class, it was common to resolve disputes over dungeon management rights or item ownership by holding guild wars or individual battles. Literally, the strong took everything.

It was a barbaric and unreasonable method, but it was welcome now.

“Yes. Since the Slime Dungeon is owned by the Haeyeon Guild, the Haeyeon Hunter and our Hunter will have a duel. The winner takes the loser’s dungeon, not an exchange.”

“…If it’s a Haeyeon Hunter.”

“Hunter Park Yerim would be suitable. It’s only been three months since she awakened, so even if she loses the match, it won’t be a blemish. If she fights well enough to make the result close, she might even become more famous as a promising prospect with a bright future.”

The Japanese were targeting Yerim again. A fledgling Hunter who hasn’t even had the experience of raiding an S-Rank dungeon with her team yet. She must seem easy.

“But in the end, isn’t Haeyeon just unilaterally losing the dungeon?”

“Of course, we have to pay a price. Under the table, Director Han Yoojin and the Haeyeon Guild will receive compensation, and the Sesung Guild will get nothing. How about it? Wouldn’t it be a good blow? Moreover, it will seem like you’re following the Guild Leader of Sesung on the surface, so you won’t have to fear any repercussions.”

I gave a clumsy smile while facing the grinning Namo-ssi [term of endearment, like ‘mister’]. This is, you’re being too nice, I’m starting to feel a little sorry.

“It seems like a really great method… but the value of the Slime Dungeon isn’t small. Can you give Haeyeon that much compensation?”

“We have something prepared in case of an emergency.”

Na, what’s his name, made a solemn expression and took something out of his inventory. It was a black piece of clothing, shaped like something between a robe and a coat.

There were unknown patterns and bird feather-shaped decorations on the waist tie. It was definitely equipment I remembered, so it was hard to hold back the corners of my mouth from rising.

Is that really it? Is it real? It was definitely the property of the Japanese Guild Leader, but are they really going to put that out?

“It’s the ‘Blue Thunder Bird’s Vestment’ that came out during the first raid of the Japanese S-Rank dungeon. It’s a whopping SS-Rank equipment.”

“SS-Rank?”

“Yes, would you like to check it yourself?”

Namo-ssi got up from his seat and put the clothes on me. Of course, he was holding onto the hem of the clothes. In case I put it in my inventory.

“Basic option increase, instant speed increase skill, defense power increases cumulatively as you take damage… and even S-Rank lightning resistance!”

I smiled genuinely without needing to act. I know this. It’s the equipment that the Amaterasu Guild Leader often used in ranking battles. He boasted that he was the only one who could defeat Sung Hyunjae, who was ranked number one, while showing off his elemental resistance.

Of course, he was all talk and had never won. But if Yoohyun gets it, it will be different. The other options besides elemental resistance are also excellent, and it’s best to match each element and wear it according to the situation, so it was very coveted equipment.

“SS-Rank equipment isn’t common even in Japan.”

“Of course, that’s true, but our Guild Leader has a separate SS-Rank coat that he mainly uses. The Thunder Bird’s Vestment doesn’t match the Guild Leader’s abilities, and the type of elemental resistance isn’t needed at the moment. On the other hand, the Haeyeon Guild may clash with Sesung at any time, so it will be very useful.”

Since there isn’t an S-Rank world ranking battle yet, it was plausible that they would come out like that. But they have another SS-Rank coat. Even if Japan has about twice as many items as our country, there are only two or three at most, but they’ve scraped together all the top-tier items in their country. It’s the tyranny of a giant guild.

“Then are you really giving this as compensation?”

“Of course. I believe you will be satisfied.”

Yoohyun! Hyung [older brother] did it! I got you clothes! I want to kiss the vestment. Oh, you pretty thing.

“Haeyeon Guild will be satisfied with this. It must have been a difficult decision even though the value of the Slime Dungeon is great, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. We fully expected and prepared for the Haeyeon Guild’s backlash. I hope our relationship will become even stronger in the future.”

I was thinking of ripping off about four or five S-Rank equipment, but this is a jackpot. Even if it’s equipment they don’t use, it’s SS-Rank, and they’re handing it over to another country, the Amaterasu Guild Leader’s power in Japan must be greater than I thought.

Judging from the fact that he’s exchanging it for something he needs instead of giving it to someone else, he seems to have a lot of personal greed. Securing the A-Rank Slime Dungeon will further solidify the guild’s position in Japan. Is that why? Anyway, thank you.

“The Japanese side wouldn’t have the Guild Leader come out, would they? I’m worried because Hunter Park Yerim is young.”

“Of course not. We plan to have a 2-year Hunter do it. I’ll write a contract right here to make it clear. Ah, do you need to get permission from the Haeyeon Guild Leader separately?”

“No, I’ve been delegated full authority for this matter. That’s why I was even more careful. Here are the related documents. If you don’t mind, please make the location near the sea. It could be a big wound to a young heart if it’s too one-sided of a fight.”

“We will try to accommodate you as much as possible.”

The Japanese man said confidently. Yerim, it’s okay to sink the stadium. Go wild. It’s not our land.

‘If it’s by the sea, it was about equal to Yoohyun.’

I don’t need to worry. Still, I wish the Japanese side had designated Yoohyun as the opponent, but they wouldn’t want to take that risk.

I’ve already finished talking with Yerim. She kept regretting that she couldn’t participate in the ranking battle, so she’ll be happy.

Na, what’s his name, took out a contract with the Guild Leader’s signature on it. On the surface, it was a simple betting duel.

I wrote the contract twice and took one S-Rank bracelet for Yerim, including the Blue Thunder Bird’s Vestment. It was a deal that made my heart feel warm.

“The Guild Leader of Sesung might not like this, but are you okay with it?”

The Japanese man said, pretending to worry, while taking the contract. If Sung Hyunjae oppresses me because of this, they’ll be happy, what.

“Don’t worry.”

“If you ever have any difficulties, please contact us at any time. Director Han Yoojin is very welcome.”

He hands over his business card while saying that. Why don’t you just tell me to come over? They occupied the Slime Dungeon, ruined my relationship with Sesung, strengthened the relationship with me and Haeyeon, and laid out a lot of schemes.

I took the business card, put it in my inventory, sent a text message on my phone, and got up from my seat.

The door opened and Sung Hyunjae entered. He approached me with big strides and handed me what he was holding.

“It’s the Iced Caffe Latte you ordered.”

“Thank you for listening to my request.”

“It’s what my partner wants, so I have to listen.”

I sucked on the straw amidst the dumbfounded gazes of the two Japanese.

“You said you wouldn’t forget what I said, but it’s too sweet. I told you to take out the whipped cream.”

Iced Caffe Latte, medium size, not too sweet, no whipped cream. But it’s sweet. There’s also cocoa powder sprinkled on top of the whipped cream.

“Isn’t it delicious?”

“It’s delicious. This hotel makes good coffee.”

Is it because it’s expensive?

Since everything is done, I was about to turn around without regret, but oh, I took out my business card. And I put it on the table, wearing a smile full of business-like intentions.

“I’ll be waiting for your call, customer. Please prepare as quickly as possible.”

“W-wait a minute, Director Han!”

“Yes?”

“No, that… the two of you…”

Nakajima stammered, unable to continue speaking, and looked back and forth between me and Sung Hyunjae. It was as if I could hear the sound of his head spinning. He seemed very embarrassed.

“…It’s nothing. I’ll contact you again soon.”

After much deliberation, he ends up just taking my business card. He must still be thinking that he just needs to win against Yerim. Look forward to it.