The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 419

417. Hide and Seek

The surroundings were silent. It was a stillness so profound it felt as though the sound of clouds drifting by would brush against one’s ears. In that space where the sky, the air, and everything around was dyed black, Song Tae-won stood like an ancient stone statue. Moss grew faintly on his north-facing shoulder, and nameless wild grasses flourished at his feet, damp with dew.

It would be easier if he could shut down his thoughts. If he only focused on the tasks at hand, abandoning his own reflections like a stone tossed onto a forest path. Let fallen leaves pile up, rain cascade down, and an acorn, once rolled away, sprout and remain forever hidden beneath the roots of an oak tree.

However, he couldn’t simply sever his thoughts as if they were unwanted limbs.

Creak, the closed door opened. Under the dim moonlight, a blurry shadow entered first. Song Tae-won turned his head to look at the visitor. Golden eyes, shining as if lit from within, were sharply etched into his vision.

“Let’s move our location.”

“What happened?”

Song Tae-won’s gaze fell on the blood-soaked collar of the coat. His ears seemed unharmed, but judging from the tears in the fabric, it had been ripped quite badly. One arm was also injured. The coat sleeve was intact, but the end of the shirt sleeve that should have been visible underneath was missing. If clothing made from dungeon byproducts under an SS-class coat was torn, the injury must have been severe.

“Could it be above SS-class?”

“No.”

Sung Hyun-jae said as he moved forward.

“In terms of raw stats, it’s S-class. Strength is weaker than the average S-class close combat type, speed is fast, and magic control is perfect.”

“Then it shouldn’t have been too difficult to deal with.”

“It can use all the skills of the surrounding S-class Hunters.”

Han Yu-jin, whom he had seen at Sung Hyun-jae’s house, flashed into Song Tae-won’s mind.

“Didn’t you say the Dragon was asleep?”

“It woke up when I called. The skill usage time limit is one to three hours. It conserved skills, perhaps thinking of Song Tae-won.”

In other words, if he found Song Tae-won, there would be no holding back. Sung Hyun-jae quickly scanned the dark street, chose a direction, and quietly began to run. Despite the tremendous speed, his footfalls made almost no sound. Song Tae-won followed close behind.

“So, I was going to buy as much time as possible, but as expected, I ended up drawing him to myself.”

“How much of Han Yu-jin’s ego remains?”

“Most of it.”

The influence of the crescent moon was definitely present. But Han Yu-jin was still largely himself.

“I got out while the three of them were holding him back, but he’ll be chasing after us before long.”

“Then wouldn’t it be better to go back and rejoin them?”

Above all, there was no healer present. On the other hand, Han Yu-jin possessed healing skills as well as various resistances, poisons, and special attack skills. Song Tae-won quickly analyzed Han Yu-jin’s strengths.

“…It seems difficult without a healer after all.”

“That’s why we’re moving the location, isn’t it?”

Sung Hyun-jae said, greatly reducing his running speed. Stopping on the road, he looked up at the building in front of him: a large department store.

“I heard that dungeon items have become commonplace around this time.”

The majority of people had awakened to at least F-class, and everyone had an inventory [a personal storage space accessible through a skill]. Of course, dungeon items were still expensive. So, they weren’t common in ordinary marts, but department stores that handled luxury goods were different. Sung Hyun-jae entered the first floor of the department store and pulled out a directory.

“Second floor, Dungeon & Jewelry.”

The two went up the stopped escalator. As soon as they arrived on the second floor, a warning sign caught their eyes.

[Inventory use is prohibited on this floor. An inventory use prohibition contract is in effect for the entire second floor, and by passing the line below, you agree to the contract. Customers with C-class or higher curse resistance are requested to voluntarily report to the information desk on the left in case of emergency.]

“The world has changed a lot in just a few years.”

Even now, some Hunter-related stores prohibited the use of inventories. However, it was unheard of for an entire floor of a department store frequented by ordinary people to be prohibited.

The two headed straight to a potion specialty store. Low-grade, mid-grade, and high-grade potions were on display. High-grade potions were still rare at this time, so only a small amount was displayed behind special glass, but there were quite a few mid- and low-grade potions. The warehouse in the back was piled high with boxes, because it was an expensive but popular product that could safely and immediately treat injuries.

“The most important thing to watch out for among Han Yu-jin’s skills is that it reduces stats through wounds. But if you just treat the wounds, you can remove the skill, so mid- to low-grade potions will be enough. And detoxification potions and…”

Sung Hyun-jae moved to the special exhibition area in the center of the second floor. If it were during normal business hours, or even after hours, there would be Hunters standing guard, but there were three dungeon items on display. Among them, a sign that read ‘Poison Resistance S’ was prominently placed in front of the bracelet in the center.

Smashing the special glass lightly, Sung Hyun-jae took out the bracelet.

“There are some very useful items here.”

Poison resistance items were something that even non-Hunters would covet. Even now, wealthy people often secretly smuggled out poison resistance and curse resistance items. Sung Hyun-jae threw the bracelet to Song Tae-won.

“Han Yu-jin’s poison is a relatively weak paralysis type, so even if the effect is doubled, S-class should be enough. It seems impossible to take it out.”

Sung Hyun-jae said, looking at the warning message window that appeared in front of him. The message stated that only hunting and raid reward items could be used inside the dungeon, but could not be taken out.

“So, feel free to use it. It seems there are no combat items for the general public.”

They went around the stores on the second floor. Apart from potions and a few items, there wasn’t much that was useful. On one side, there was a row of various famous brand general merchandise stores made from dungeon byproducts. Sung Hyun-jae held up a shirt from an overseas brand.

“Your current clothes will be torn in an instant, so change.”

“There’s no need to go that far-”

“It will help with defense a little. The size can be adjusted to some extent with the provided item.”

Sung Hyun-jae threw the clothes to Song Tae-won, and he also changed his shirt, which had a torn sleeve. Then, he began to prepare for Han Yu-jin’s arrival.

“If moonlight doesn’t reach, there will be restrictions on the use of chains. Also, teleportation is bound to be limited in movement if there are many obstacles.”

Before, he couldn’t bring Han Yu-jin indoors because he had to stop him. But now, Han Yu-jin had to chase Song Tae-won.

So, move indoors as much as possible. If necessary, move the location via subway. Treat injuries as soon as possible. Do not head to the Han River or places with large amounts of water.

Lastly.

“How about wearing earplugs?”

“Blocking the senses will reduce combat ability.”

“Or gagging Han Yu-jin.”

Sung Hyun-jae, sitting on the escalator handrail, frowned slightly. Song Tae-won looked at him, refastening the SS-class handcuffs he had received from Han Yu-jin.

“Was it that bad?”

“Actually, that was more of a problem than the self-harm threats. As long as there is a first priority goal of ‘killing Song Tae-won,’ it will be difficult for Han Yu-jin to self-harm to the extent that it restricts his actions. There may be types where the aftereffects appear slowly, though.”

On the other hand, the tongue could definitely hurt Han Yu-jin. Knowing how much he cherished his children, it was even more dangerous. The fact that Sung Hyun-jae chose to break away and join Song Tae-won was largely due to that reason.

Because these two people here were older than Han Yu-jin.

“I miss Hunter Moon Hyun-ah.”

“…If she were here, the situation would have been better.”

Song Tae-won agreed with Sung Hyun-jae’s words. She would have been able to easily parry Han Yu-jin’s words, even while protecting others.

“But right now, I’m most worried about Song Tae-won. I still think it’s better to cover your ears.”

“It’s okay.”

“I think it’s a good idea to protect your own body and leave the rest to me.”

The golden eyes saying that narrowed, containing a faint excitement. It was a fragment of emotion that was difficult for others to recognize, but Song Tae-won immediately noticed.

“Can I look forward to it?”

“Apart from worrying about Han Yu-jin.”

Sung Hyun-jae’s index and middle fingers lightly pressed against his lips.

“I can’t help but get excited. Instinctively.”

That silver eye. The moment he faced it, his heart raced with a strong sense of discomfort. Crescent moon. The existence she created with her power couldn’t help but be drawn to it.

If it were the power of the crescent moon itself, he might have simply felt hostility. But the one who accepted that power was none other than Han Yu-jin. A weak and ordinary human, and at the same time, a human who wanted to stand by his side.

And with the power of the crescent moon, he stood by his side, even one step above.

“I’m trying hard to hold back, though.”

It was similar to the feeling of finally reaching the end after a long, long time and countless worlds. Or perhaps it was like encountering the only member of his own kind. Perhaps it was because he was deeply intertwined with the crescent moon, but even knowing that, he couldn’t help but be excited.

“I’m glad there are no physical problems.”

He wanted to tear it apart violently, to pieces. To slowly dig into it and dismantle it one by one. Sung Hyun-jae bent one leg over his knee and crookedly propped up his chin.

“Isn’t it true that you want to destroy something if you like it too much?”

“…What nonsense are you talking about?”

“To the point where you feel a threat to your own life if you don’t eliminate it. Whether it’s positive or negative. Similar to wanting to kill someone you hate extremely.”

Song Tae-won frowned slightly. It was then.

A loud footstep, intentionally made, echoed.

“Where could you be?”

A humming voice came from the first floor.

“Hide and seek, hide well, don’t let your hair show.”

Again, thump, a heavy sound echoed to the high ceiling.

“Mr. Sung Hyun-jae~ Mr. Song~”.

Sung Hyun-jae took out a painkiller for Hunters from his inventory and handed it to Song Tae-won. It was for the silent scream skill.

“You were so insistent on aquariums, but why a department store? Could it be that you want to see the department store’s seafood section? Does the food section have a seafood section? Or a 횟집 [hoe-jip, a Korean-style raw fish restaurant] fish tank?”

Han Yu-jin looked around, slowly crossing the first floor store. Various accessories sparkled, reflecting the moonlight that seemed to cling to him. Han Yu-jin’s hand lifted a perfume bottle, shook it lightly, and then threw it away. Clang! The sound of glass breaking and a strong scent spread to the second floor.

“This is really not a place for Mr. Song. Could it be that you haven’t joined us?”

Again, clang, a perfume bottle broke. The sound of stepping on the wet floor echoed softly.

“Where, where are you hiding? Let’s see your faces.”

Swoosh, a wire was swung widely. Glass shattered, and all kinds of cosmetics were swept away, not only outside the display case but also inside, falling to the floor and breaking, and liquid mixed with all kinds of scents overflowed. The viscous liquid with that thick scent floated into the air in droplets.

And then, whoosh, it began to spread widely. After quickly scanning the entire first floor, Han Yu-jin tilted his head.

“The food section is usually on the first basement floor, right? Then is it the basement? Is there a subway connected here? I think Mr. Song is in the basement and Mr. Sung Hyun-jae is upstairs.”

The tracking item disappeared at the department store entrance. Upstairs or downstairs? Han Yu-jin reached out his hand. The water droplets brought the department store directory and placed it in his hand. Han Yu-jin, who opened the directory, tilted his head upwards.

“Dungeon & Jewelry.”

Crack, Han Yu-jin’s feet exerted force, and cracks formed on the smooth floor. At the same time, he drew his sword and jumped upwards strongly. Passing through the open center, Han Yu-jin, who had risen to the second floor in one go, spread the water droplets widely. The thick scent spread throughout the second floor, and Sung Hyun-jae and Song Tae-won began to move.

The sound of footsteps made the corners of Han Yu-jin’s lips rise slightly.

“You’re both here.”

Sliding across the marble floor, Han Yu-jin shouted towards the two.

“Were you two leisurely shopping? Next is the restaurant area? Cafe?”

The two stopped with a creaking sound. Han Yu-jin slowly approached them. Silver eyes scanned Sung Hyun-jae and Song Tae-won.

“You’ve changed your clothes too. It must be expensive.”

“Han Yu-jin.”

Song Tae-won looked into Han Yu-jin’s eyes and called him in a low voice. Han Yu-jin smiled brightly.

“Dear Mr. Song. Won’t you commit suicide for me?”

“I refuse.”

“Then I have no choice.”

Whirr, flames rose up as if enveloping Han Yu-jin’s body, and the sword in his hand slashed his own arm.