The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 166

The Next Day (3)

– Kkyauuuung!

Peace lay flat on the floor, whimpering. I forcibly lifted him, protesting against entering the bathtub.

“You have to wash, even if you don’t like it. Good boy, Peace.”

– Grrr.

“Should I help you?”

I shook my head at my brother’s question.

“If you really resisted, I wouldn’t be able to handle it. You’re just pretending while being considerate of me.”

Even in his juvenile form, let alone as an adult, one swipe of his front paw would send someone like me flying. I hefted the struggling Peace into my arms and headed to the private bathroom.

After coming out of the dungeon, Yerim and Peace headed straight to the public bathhouse within the Haeyeon Guild. Why a public bathhouse instead of home? Because it was a bit much to go home in such a messy state right after a dungeon raid.

It’s common to be covered in monster fluids and flesh after not being able to wash properly for days. It’s not right to go home like that. It’s perfect to go straight to the public bath filled with warm water, relieve fatigue, throw on some of the provided clothes or a gown, and then go home to sleep.

Of course, this was only possible if the facilities were good and transportation was available within the guild. Lower-ranked Hunters usually prepared clothes and wet wipes to change into at the gate. Otherwise, they’d likely be refused a ride in their messy state.

‘I was so exhausted that I really hated just wiping down and changing clothes.’

When I had my own car or carpooled, I would just change my shoes and wear a raincoat. But the smell still lingered, so when it was bad, I would just change clothes and tightly seal the dirty ones in a plastic bag. Even in these small ways, the difference between high- and low-ranked Hunters was significant.

I took Peace into the private bath, where the space was completely separated, and put him in the water. I hesitated for a moment about putting a monster in a bathhouse used by people, but it’s not for ordinary people, it’s exclusively for Hunters. A Summoned Beast should be treated as an equal teammate.

“How is it? Not bad, right? The water’s good here.”

– Kkuung.

His round eyes narrowed, filled with dissatisfaction. Peace, who had been grumbling, suddenly jumped up.

Splash!

He grew into his semi-adult form in mid-air and fell straight into the tub. Naturally, the water splashed high, and I was soaked as if I’d been hit by a waterfall.

“…Is that funny?”

– Gyarururu.

Peace purred contentedly. But perhaps he felt sorry, as he licked my cheek for a long time and then curled up in the round tub without any more fuss. I’m glad you feel better. I patted Peace’s butt and told him to return to his juvenile form, then washed him thoroughly. Yoohyun brought me some of the provided clothes. Simple top and bottom, similar to sauna wear.

“You can burn away the filth with fire, so you don’t have to wash him so carefully.”

“But is that the same as washing properly? It’s hard to control fire resistance that precisely, right?”

“It’ll be easy for him since he doesn’t have clothes. He can dry himself right now but he’s deliberately staying still.”

Yoohyun said, looking at Peace wrapped in a towel. Peace, who was looking back at Yoohyun, flipped onto his back.

– Kyaang.

“Okay, okay. I’ll dry you quickly.”

There’s no need to make him work hard when he’s already tired. After drying his fur with a hairdryer, I went out to the lounge.

Yerim, who had come out earlier, was sitting at a large table in the lounge, which was equipped with various facilities. When she saw me, she shook a bottle of sweet rice drink [Sikhye, a traditional Korean beverage], signaling me to come quickly. There were also eggs next to her. They provide things like that even though there’s a sauna?

“I usually spend about half a day here.”

“Do you use it often?”

Her movements as she poured the sweet rice drink were practiced. Yerim put the bottle down with a thud and said,

“I come here right after dungeon raids because it’s too much trouble to go far, and I often go to Hyunah unni’s [older sister in Korean, used as a term of endearment for a close female friend] place. Their seaweed soup is delicious, but the dumpling ramen is to die for. There’s even a rumor that the kitchen ajumma [middle-aged or older woman] has a cooking-related skill.”

Of course, she didn’t forget to add the flattery that Myungwoo oppa’s [older brother in Korean, used as a term of endearment for a close male friend] side dishes were just as good.

“Yerim, don’t be surprised when you hear this.”

I said while peeling a boiled egg.

“The Guild Leader of MKC died. Just last night.”

“Ah, you finally killed him.”

“…Huh?”

“The Guild Leader told me, right? I’ll keep the secret.”

Yerim poured sweet rice drink into a cup and pushed it towards Yoohyun. The cup slid across the table and stopped right in front of my brother.

“That bastard tried to harm Uncle, right? He deserved it. I understand, I understand.”

“…No, Yoohyun didn’t kill him.”

“Yes, yes. That’s what happened. The Guild Leader was in the dungeon with me. I know.”

Look at what this girl is saying. Yoohyun opened his mouth, taking a sip of the sweet rice drink.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t kill him.”

“What? Really? I’m disappointed, Han Yoohyun.”

“What do you mean disappointed! You shouldn’t talk so lightly like that. No matter the reason, don’t harm people if you can help it. Obey the law.”

I gave the peeled eggs to Yoohyun and Yerim.

“Even though the world has changed, don’t prioritize violence. Both of you. Of course, if the other person attacks first, there’s no need to be lenient. Eradicate them to the root, no, you still have to keep some limits. Especially Yerim, instead of getting directly involved, contact me or the guild first.”

Even if she’s an S-Rank, she doesn’t need to get her hands dirty when there are adults around. I offered an egg to Peace, who had settled on my lap, but he only sniffed it and didn’t take a bite.

“Now that the MKC Guild Leader is gone, there will be many A-Rank Hunters who want to leave. Among them, there will be people who want to join Yerim’s team. Especially since you’ve proven that you’re capable of raiding S-Rank dungeons.”

If there are A-Rank Hunters who want to continue being part of an S-Rank raid team, they wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity. If you do it well, you can negotiate favorable terms.

“Team Leader Seok Simyeong will prepare a list of useful A-Rank Hunters and positions, so interview them and choose.”

“Me, directly?”

“Of course, you have to see them yourself. It’s your team. For now, just make sure you have the basics. Three types: defense, support, and healing. There are few healers with the stats to enter an S-Rank dungeon, so accept them as long as there aren’t any major problems. For support, focus on your attributes. For defense, anything with mediocre defense skills or stats is not good. They need to be focused on defense to be able to block attacks from S-Rank monsters as an A-Rank Hunter.”

They can’t withstand it with ambiguous defense in higher-ranked dungeons, let alone dungeons of their own rank. But if they focus on defense and are supported by a healer, even an A-Rank defense Hunter can play their role in the upper S-Rank dungeons.

“But I don’t really need protection.”

“Of course, you don’t need it. The healers and support Hunters are the ones being protected. In S-Rank dungeons, it’s common for S-Rank Hunters to be at the front and supported by them.”

However, for lower-level S-Rank dungeons with perfect raid information, raid teams can be formed with only experienced A-Ranks.

“Yerim, didn’t you experience it this time?”

“Peace and I swept everything away in front. I didn’t really receive any support or healing skills either.”

“You can’t act like a lone wolf. If you can’t get help in an emergency, it’s a problem. Conversely, your teammates could be wiped out while you’re distracted, so never stray too far.”

Safety is the top priority anytime, anywhere. I gave her other advice I could offer. Yoohyun also chimed in with a few words, though reluctantly. Yerim grumbled, telling me not to scam her.

“Since Yerim, you practically led the first S-Rank dungeon raid… I should give you a congratulatory gift. What should I buy you?”

“Instead of a gift, let’s have dinner and hang out together! I’ll even include the Guild Leader specially.”

“I’m fine with that, but Yoohyun, are you free?”

“I have to report the raid details to the Association, but it won’t take long.”

“Guild Leader, good luck.”

“Park Yerim, you have to go too.”

“No, why!”

“You have to provide detailed information about S-Rank dungeon raids whenever there are special circumstances, and the special circumstance of this raid is Park Yerim. From now on, you’ll have to report as the team leader, so learn from this opportunity.”

“Ah, I just want to be Team Member 1~”

Yerim grumbled and lay sprawled on the table. I should also take care of one thing before dinner.

* * *

“Is it finally over?”

The young man, whose face looked a bit haggard, perhaps because he hadn’t seen the sun for the past few days, said with a bright smile. Seeing his completely oblivious face, a feeling of pity welled up inside me.

Kim Minui, whose identity had been stolen by Yoohyun, had been locked in a secret room in the Haeyeon Guild the whole time. He woke up when Yoohyun was home, but he was blocked from going outside or communicating. This was to prevent any leaks.

‘Thanks to that, he doesn’t know anything about what’s been going on.’

He could watch TV, but since he was awake late at night, he hadn’t been able to catch any news related to Kim Minui. The suspicion that he might be an S-Rank Hunter was still an unconfirmed rumor, so it hadn’t been discussed on TV, unlike on the internet.

“I was getting bored with games, so it’s a relief. The cat you’re holding is Peace, right? He’s even cuter in person!”

His cheerful attitude, despite being suddenly confined, made me feel even more sorry for him. He seems like a really nice young man.

“Kim Minui-ssi [Mr. Kim Minui].”

When I called him seriously, Kim Minui’s expression also stiffened. He opened his mouth anxiously.

“Uh… Do I still have to be locked up? I think I’ll be okay for another three or four days. There are still titles I haven’t cleared.”

“No, you can go out now. However… In the meantime, Kim Minui-ssi has become a quasi-S-Rank Hunter.”

“…Huh? I’m a B-Rank Hunter? My stats are only C-Rank.”

I calmly explained to him, seeing the look of utter bewilderment on his face.

“Hunter Kim Minui deflected an oncoming truck and rescued people.”

“Yes…?”

“He also restrained an S-Rank Hunter’s rampage, tying him down.”

“Wh-What rank…?”

“He easily subdued an A-Rank Hunter from the Seseong Guild and cooperated with other S-Rank Hunters to stop an SS-Rank Hunter’s rampage.”

He stared at me with a blank face. I put on the most apologetic expression I could muster. My brother has done a lot in a short amount of time. Seok Simyeong, who was standing next to me, handed him a contract.

“This is a new contract to keep the secret about this incident. The conditions are a bit heavier, but the compensation will be sufficient.”

“Of course, I’ll keep my mouth shut… But…”

I kindly answered his lost expression, wondering what to do.

“First, I offer my condolences and apologies for the unexpected situation, and there are roughly three options.”

“Three options?”

“Yes. The first is to insist that everyone is mistaken and that you are a B-Rank Hunter. You will be suspected because there are many witnesses and evidence, but it will eventually subside.”

However, Kim Minui made a face as I told him that he would have to suffer for a while because many people wouldn’t believe him.

“We will take responsibility and provide security because high-ranked Hunters who feel deceived may cause trouble.”

“Trouble…?”

“There is a high possibility that those who are support type will have more antipathy [strong dislike]. The second option is to wash your identity and disappear. You can spend a few years abroad.”

It was excessive, but the safest solution. If we spread the rumor that he was secretly scouted overseas and left the country, it would soon quiet down.

“Oh, that’s a bit… I have to cut off contact with all my acquaintances. I even have a female friend I’m flirting with.”

“That’s true, isn’t it? The last option is to just make you an S-Rank Hunter.”

Kim Minui’s mouth dropped open at my words that it was the most recommended method.

“N-No, I’m a B-Rank, you know? How can I become an S-Rank Hunter?”

“You’re already a quasi-S-Rank Hunter. With three people coordinating, even a cat can become a tiger.”

Kim Minui was reluctant even after I told him that we would handle it safely and reliably.

“I’m not good at lying. Can I think about it a little more?”

“It’s better to start quickly, so please give me an answer by tomorrow.”

Kim Minui nodded and received his cell phone back from Seok Simyeong, which had been confiscated. He smiled as he checked the messages he had received.

“Ah, crazy, everyone is congratulating me on becoming an S-Rank Hunter. They’re demanding I treat them… Ugh, why are you guys dating!”

Kim Minui exclaimed like a scream. Oh dear, it seems the person he thought he was flirting with has started dating someone else.