The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 420

Clang! Metal clashed against metal, sparks flying in the darkness. Han Yoojin’s sword was forced back by Song Taewon’s strength, scraping a long line down a nearby pillar as it flew. Song Taewon roughly seized Han Yoojin’s swaying collar. Just before he was pulled in and thrown, Han Yoojin spun his sword, cutting off his own collar in one swift motion.

The relatively small body, already half lifted, flew in the direction it was being pulled. He stepped on Song Taewon’s shoulder, nimbly rolling over his back like a squirrel. At the same time, he threw a bomb in front of Song Taewon.

Kwang!

The powerful explosion struck Song Taewon’s chest. Han Yoojin, already behind Song Taewon, used his broad back as a springboard, instantly creating distance between them.

“You should think about the difference in size, this is really… Ouch!”

Crack! The end of a golden chain pierced the spot where Han Yoojin had just been standing. Sung Hyunjae retracted the chain, closely following Han Yoojin, who narrowly dodged it. The heel of his shoe scraped the floor, aiming low for Han Yoojin’s ankle, but a golden tail blocked it a fraction of a second faster.

Thung! The tail that deflected the kick swayed like a ripple. Crimson flames rose, using it as a smokescreen to make Han Yoojin disappear from Sung Hyunjae’s sight. Instantaneous movement. Even if he could guess the path with battle precognition [the ability to predict an opponent’s moves], it was difficult to completely stop such a terrifyingly fast movement.

Moreover, Han Yoojin was now attacking Song Taewon, not Sung Hyunjae. Since it was only battle precognition, it wasn’t very effective against an opponent who was trying to evade rather than attack.

Jjeojeojeok—

No sooner had the heat from the explosion subsided than one of Song Taewon’s legs froze. Instead of breaking the ice, Song Taewon wrapped Loot [his weapon/ability] around his hand and held it out in front of his head. At the same time, a blade of black flames flew in as if to split Song Taewon’s head in one swift motion.

Kkadeudeuk!

A large hand grabbed the blade, and Han Yoojin, unable to win with brute force, released his hand without hesitation and stepped back. The corner of his lips quirked up towards Song Taewon.

“Why are you struggling so much?”

The blade held in Song Taewon’s grip burst into dozens of flames. Shadows flickered across his stiff face.

“The opponent is a poor victim bound by the moonlight.”

Spreading his wings, Han Yoojin flew towards the open center of the department store, saying,

“Aren’t you worried about me? Even if it’s an Incarnation Body [a temporary body], I’m the one who feels the pain. Look at this, my neck.”

He tilted his head to one side as if to show off. Despite his S-Rank stats [a measure of power], his neck was bruised a deep purple.

“Even a glancing blow leaves me like this. Are you perhaps planning to break my neck altogether?”

Instead of answering, Song Taewon put strength into his frozen leg. Eujijik, his foot detached from the floor and lifted up before slamming down hard. The ice that had been wrapped around his leg shattered into pieces.

“Be honest, I’m annoying, aren’t I?”

Han Yoojin continued, pretending to sit cross-legged in the air. It was a pose similar to his usual one, as if imitating Sung Hyunjae.

“There must have been an enemy you wanted to get rid of.”

“That’s not true.”

“Don’t answer.”

Sung Hyunjae said, lightly stepping onto the railing. His silver eyes curved into a wide smile.

“Ah, yes. After all, I’m just a negligible F-Rank [the lowest rank].”

Sung Hyunjae and Song Taewon frowned simultaneously.

“Even if I’m dragged around and my neck is squeezed, I shouldn’t even be able to voice a proper complaint, right? Originally, I should be trembling in front of an S-Rank, keeping my mouth shut and following orders, but I’m so sorry. For not knowing my place. What? What are you saying? Since you’re not saying anything, you both agree—”

“Han Yoojin-ssi.”

“What is it, S-Rank-nim [term of respect]? Ah, I shouldn’t treat the wonderful Song Taewon Team Leader like any other S-Rank. He dedicates himself to the country and lives frugally, like an ordinary commoner with nothing special. But he’s still an S-Rank.”

Han Yoojin tilted his head as if he really didn’t understand.

“If you hate being an S-Rank so much, why strangle someone else instead of your own neck? Whether you’re an Awakened or non-Awakened, an F-Rank or an S-Rank, a sheep or a wolf, once you’re dead, it’s over! Death makes everyone the same! Isn’t that what you wanted?”

So I’m saying I’ll kill you. The moonlight surrounding Han Yoojin flickered. Sung Hyunjae immediately spread his chains wide. Jalgreung! Several silver chains shot out from the moonlight, and Han Yoojin, standing on them, shrank down.

Holding onto the moonlight chains that crisscrossed the building’s interior, his small body shot out as fast as a high-speed train. Some of the chains were blocked and entangled by the gold, but the chain Han Yoojin was hanging from brushed past Sung Hyunjae’s outstretched fingertips and instantly reached Song Taewon.

“Once you buy snacks, you keep eating them!”

Kang!

The end of the chain slammed into Song Taewon’s forearm, which was covered in Loot, like a bullet. At the same time, Han Yoojin stepped on the chain and jumped up, returning to his original size. Spinning sharply in the air like a top, his nails aimed for Song Taewon’s neck, and his tail lashed out like a whip. It was an attack imbued with Black Blood Flames and poison.

He couldn’t use Loot on both arms at the same time. The hand wearing the SS-Rank handcuffs blocked the dragon’s claws, but black flames wrapped around Song Taewon’s wrist. His clothes burned, and even the tough skin imbued with enhancement skills was weakened by the heat.

While his hand was still grabbed by Song Taewon, Han Yoojin brought his upper body closer and opened his mouth wide. Fangs that were not human emerged, and he bit down hard on the weakened arm! Immediately after, Song Taewon lifted his arm and slammed his forehead down on the back of Han Yoojin’s head.

“Ack!”

Han Yoojin flapped his wings in horror and pulled his body away. The dizziness that shook his entire skull was not helped by healing skills. Since it wasn’t a direct impact from an attack, pain transference was also impossible. Song Taewon’s hand brutally grabbed his staggering wings.

Poison and stat-reducing skills seeped in through the bite wound, but the effects weren’t immediate. There were also resistance items for poison, so he prioritized attacking over healing.

Holding Han Yoojin’s wings and the back of his neck tightly, Song Taewon’s foot stomped hard on the floor. At the same time, he put his weight on it and swung Han Yoojin’s body around in a circle.

Kwaaaang!

With a tremendous sound, the entire second floor of the department store shook violently. Han Yoojin’s back broke through the floor and fell below. Once again, kwaang! A large hole appeared on the first floor as well. Han Yoojin, who had fallen through two floors and landed on the first basement level, crashed into displays and fixtures.

“Ah… crazy.”

His whole body throbbed.

“…Sticky.”

One of his arms was stuck in a cake. A decorative cherry rolled off and fell near his ear. If he hadn’t used a shield skill on his back, his spine would have been crushed. Han Yoojin jumped up and looked up at the hole in the ceiling.

“Healed, huh.”

Clicking his tongue, he soared upwards. He didn’t go straight to the second floor but went to the wide center on the first floor before flying back up to the second floor. As expected, Song Taewon’s wrist had been healed. Han Yoojin threw the cake he had brought at the two of them. Splat, pure white whipped cream spread out and scattered in front of Sung Hyunjae and Song Taewon’s feet.

“Rejecting someone else’s sincerity. Are you saying you don’t want to eat what I give you?”

“Only when it comes to Han Yoojin-gun [term of endearment], I prefer to be fed.”

“And you accept other people’s food well?”

“There’s no way. I’m picky, you know.”

Sung Hyunjae’s shoe tip pressed into the whipped cream, slowly smearing it.

“Food is what goes into the body and becomes blood and flesh. Everyday meals are one thing, but I don’t easily give or receive gifts.”

“Oh, really?”

Han Yoojin raised one eyebrow. Sung Hyunjae said with a soothing smile.

“Of course. Especially since there are only two people I’ve brought home and made food for myself. My beloved Han Yoojin-gun and our Song Taewon Team Leader.”

“Didn’t you ever give it to Soyoung-ssi [Ms. Soyoung]?”

“She’d choke and run away in disgust.”

Han Yoojin shrugged at the words that subtly emphasized that he was special to him, unlike a common F-Rank.

“Well, our Yoohyun is picky about food too. He likes what I make the most.”

“Of course, the Young Master would only want to eat what Han Yoojin-gun gives him. Because you’re the only one he can trust.”

“You’re good with words.”

Han Yoojin’s lips twisted slightly. His silver eyes turned up sharply for some reason.

“So you’re saying you can end it by coaxing me with sweet words, still.”

“Shall I tell you honestly?”

Sung Hyunjae’s hand swept back the hair that had fallen over his forehead. The eyes shadowed beneath the gloved hand narrowed for a moment.

“I want to suppress you and crush you.”

Han Yoojin smiled brightly.

“And here I thought you were going to protect me!”

“That’s why I’m holding back, isn’t it?”

“If you’re going to hold back, then just step aside!”

Chuckling, Han Yoojin spread his wings wide. With a single flap, his body soared upwards. He quickly passed the 3rd and 4th floors, reaching the 7th floor in an instant. Then he disappeared over the railing. Sung Hyunjae and Song Taewon narrowed their brows at the same time.

“…What is he trying to do?”

“I’m not a prophet.”

At first, he thought he was going to break through the ceiling of the top floor to draw in the moonlight, but he stopped at the 7th floor.

“Just in case, don’t go up.”

Since it was a building with more than 10 floors, even if there was a hole in the ceiling, it would be difficult for the light to reach the lower floors. Before long, Han Yoojin reappeared. A faint hum could be heard, and a bomb was thrown towards the ceiling.

Kwagwaang─!

Building debris rained down, and a large hole appeared in the ceiling. Moonlight trickled in, but the only place directly affected was the 6th floor. Han Yoojin, who dodged the debris, dusted off the dirt on his hair and turned his gaze downwards.

“I know this timing better.”

Han Yoojin’s arms spread wide like wings. From his fingertips, something thin spread out, rustling. It was none other than dozens of fishing lines.

“Dungeon byproducts are disgustingly expensive. So more than everyday items.”

Hobbies. It was only natural that sports where equipment had a big impact on the results would develop first. Unlike the 2nd floor, which mainly had pure dungeon items and luxury goods, the 7th floor had high-end sporting goods stores. Among them, the fishing lines were of such high quality that they could be considered dungeon items. They were meant for catching monster-level fish in dungeons.

“An expensive hobby that even the Sesung Guild Leader enjoys!”

The moonlight settled on the fishing lines spread out like a spiderweb. The highest quality dungeon fishing lines had strength comparable to mid-grade combat wires, and they could even be infused with elemental power. Of course, the degree to which they accepted elements was at the level of low-grade items, but the crescent moon’s moonlight was relatively easy to permeate anywhere compared to other elemental powers.

Moreover, the translucent fishing lines were an item that went well with moonlight.

Threads of silver light, each strand scattering. Han Yoojin, standing at the center, bent down towards the bottom. His golden wings folded in, and he dropped straight down to the 2nd floor.

“Get back!”

Sung Hyunjae said to Song Taewon amidst the rippling silver light. Song Taewon immediately moved away, and golden chains tore through the spiderweb-like threads.

Kwareureung!

Golden light burst forth. A dazzling light that seemed to burn the eyes swallowed the subtle light and raged wildly. The railings on the 2nd floor were completely shattered, and the ceiling, along with part of the floor on the 3rd floor, was charred black. The 1st floor, which was mixed with a terrible fragrance, was also swept away by a powerful current.

Even the air was drying up in that midst.

Jalgreung!

A bell sound, insignificant compared to the thunder, rang out. Dozens of silver threads accepted the golden rain and burned away, but there were still many more left. Han Yoojin smiled in the middle of the silver and gold that were intertwined and scattering light as if intersecting. His black hair swayed like it was submerged in water.

Sung Hyunjae looked up at that sight as if engraving it in his eyes.

To him, all the beings around him were nothing more than subjects to be raised. Whether they were non-Awakened, high-ranking Awakened, or S-Rank from birth. Everything was beneath his level and couldn’t continue beyond a brief interest.

Song Taewon, who was directly related to Sung Hyunjae’s survival, was the only exception, but he tried to suppress and kill himself, not Sung Hyunjae.

That’s why it was impossible for Sung Hyunjae to have a satisfying battle. The one who could kill him existed outside the world. All the numerous worlds he had gone through were like that. Fighting against an opponent who couldn’t threaten him was as boring as a simple sport with perfect protective gear and strict rules.

What fun was there in a little squabble that would at most leave him with a few bruises?

Compared to the repetitive daily life, it could be said to be a minor stimulus, but that was all.

‘If Han Yoojin-gun attacks me to kill me.’

That would be more than delightful.

“Too bad. Today is not your turn.”

The crescent moon would not harm Sung Hyunjae. Sung Hyunjae’s expression turned slightly sullen, and the fishing lines that had been swaying on the 7th floor fell down, filled with moonlight.

As the golden light began to clearly recede, Sung Hyunjae retracted the chains of the Seeker. Part of the chain, which had been carrying the current and dyed gold, was tinged with silver. Immediately after he wrapped the chain around himself as if to protect himself,

Kang! Kagang!

The silver chains began to savagely strike Sung Hyunjae’s entire body, the chains that were wrapped around him. Following that, glittering silver threads illuminated the inside of the 2nd floor and stretched out, strand by strand. Han Yoojin, who had trapped Sung Hyunjae with the chains, stepped on the silver threads and ran to find Song Taewon.

“There’s not much time left.”

He poured out not only the power of the Changeling but also the power of the crescent moon excessively. As if knowing that, the desire that stirred in his head grew stronger.

Eliminate the shadow that will soon swallow the rising moon.

Han Yoojin licked his lips, which had dried up in the wave of electricity.

“Song Team Leader shouldn’t run away. Leaving me behind.”

Did he go to the 1st floor? Or to the 1st basement level, or to the connected subway? That would be troublesome. But the place where he found Song Taewon’s presence was the 3rd floor. Silver threads quickly began to occupy the 3rd floor. Kwadeuk, piercing through the display window and wrapping around the mannequin.

Sliding on the silver threads stretched out in all directions, Han Yoojin rushed towards Song Taewon, who was standing tall in the darkness where moonlight flowed. Song Taewon met the silver gaze that was fiercely glaring at him.

On the outside, he looked as indifferent as usual, but he was already exhausted and tired. As always, he felt like he was sinking deeper into a swamp. It would be more comfortable to be completely buried up to his head and stop breathing, but Song Taewon didn’t have the cunning to find a comfortable path for himself.

That’s why he moved.

Death was a sweet temptation, but that’s why he lifted his arms, bent his legs, and faced the raging force.

Using the taut silver thread like a bowstring, Han Yoojin’s body was fiercely shot out.

Kwagaak─!

The sword made of black flames roughly pounded on the handcuffs. With the charge imbued with auxiliary skills and the elasticity of the silver thread, Song Taewon’s toes were pushed back, jiik, even a little. The fishing line that was draped behind his back sharply pierced his clothes and skin. A few drops of blood splattered.

If he could somehow inflict injuries and buy time to prevent healing, Song Taewon’s stats would decrease. If his stats, his strength, weakened, the next result was obvious.

“Please rest now.”

Instead of answering, Song Taewon pulled the sword held in his grip and threw the other fist. Han Yoojin immediately lifted his arm to defend. The difference in strength was clear, but just before the fist landed, ice wrapped around Han Yoojin’s forearm like armor.

It wasn’t just simple ice. It wetted the surface as smoothly as possible.

Kajik!

Song Taewon’s fist slipped slightly and hit Han Yoojin’s arm. It was a slight slip, but that alone reduced the force enough to withstand it. Han Yoojin, who had blocked Song Taewon’s fist, rotated his body and kicked. But Song Taewon also quickly raised his knee to block the attack.

At the same time,

Jjeojeojeok─

The floor beneath Song Taewon’s feet froze over. He was already standing and supporting himself with only one leg. He had blocked the attack, but Song Taewon’s body was helplessly pushed back. The silver thread savagely wrapped around his back and the back of his neck, and a few drops of blood splattered.

There were many injuries. Sung Hyunjae still hadn’t come up. Even if he arrived, he only needed to restrain him with the chains and prevent Song Taewon from using potions.

“Now it’s really just a matter of time.”

Taking out a potion from the inventory and healing the wounds on his back, not his front, was not an easy task during battle. Han Yoojin relentlessly pounced on Song Taewon. Dudududuk, Song Taewon cut off the silver threads with his whole body and stepped back. Countless minor injuries appeared all over his body, and as he received Han Yoojin’s continuous attacks, Song Taewon kicked the floor hard.

Kwadeuk! The flooring broke, and Song Taewon’s toes kicked up debris.

The debris that flew up strongly struck the ceiling, not Han Yoojin.

“What are you doing─”

At that moment when Han Yoojin was bewildered by the attack in the wrong direction.

Jureureuk

Liquid flowed down from the broken ceiling. Above Song Taewon’s head.

“…Potion?!”

Potions poured out of a large container. It was a low-grade potion, but it was enough to heal the minor wounds all over his body. Han Yoojin laughed briefly.

“You used your head well.”

He had swept all the potions from the 2nd floor, put them in a large container, and hidden them in various places. So that he could break them and use them when needed.

“But what a pity.”

Han Yoojin smiled savagely. His magic power spread out more precisely, sensing all the liquids on the 3rd floor.

“Originally, it would be difficult to handle potions with a strong mana imprint from others. But I have a mana imprint.”

Kureureung!

Various places on the 3rd floor burst, and hidden potions soared up.