The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 176

176. Sibling Fight (4)

“Chief Song, I want to blow up the National Assembly building.”

[Please be patient.]

“Well, if Chief Song is holding back, I guess I should too. But I still want to flatten it.”

[Take a deep breath and pet Piece if he’s nearby.]

They told me at the Blue House that safety was the top priority, but those bastards. Not all of them, but a good number were problematic.

The Upper Awakened sparring event was progressing well despite the short preparation time. We didn’t bother building an arena. It would just get destroyed anyway unless we poured in a ridiculous amount of money using dungeon byproducts, and there was no need to admit general spectators for safety reasons. So, the location was set near the Upper Hunter Training Center, below a mountain neatly cleared by Evelyn’s shooting. The broadcasting station complained about the lack of facilities, but access was forbidden to non-awakened individuals and even mid-level hunters without defensive skills. Live broadcasts of the matches were only possible via drones or upper-level hunters.

Other rules and scoring systems were quickly established without major issues, thanks to the future ranking battle rules I provided. Although they didn’t accept them as is and stubbornly made modifications, the foundation was solid, so completion was swift.

‘Preparation is good, and the buzz is insane.’

I was just planning to award prizes to the winner and the top four in a tournament format, but the Association wanted a league system. Of course, they couldn’t have everyone fight each other, so they divided them into ten groups, determined the winners, and then ranked them from 10th place upwards.

In other words, they intended to rank the combat-type A-class hunters in the country.

Even though just watching the fights was fun, few could resist the excitement of ranking the strong. The news stirred up excitement both domestically and internationally, and several underground gambling rings were established.

– A-class hunters are still dominated by Sesung, right? Isn’t Gu Hasa, the team leader of the S-class lower dungeon team, the obvious number one?

– If Haeyeon’s Kim Sunghan had become an S-class a little later, he would have won! If you’re S-class level, you’re definitely the strongest among A-classes.

└ What about defense types, idiot?

└ If attacks don’t work, it’s over! I heard Kim Sunghan has attack skills too!

– Why did Kang Soyoung go into the dungeon?ㅠㅠㅠㅠ Show us Soyoung fightingㅠㅠㅠㅠ

– Go, Hwang Saemun of the Haepung Guild, the guardian of Busan!

Attention poured onto the A-class hunters as people debated who was the strongest in which guild. They had been relatively overshadowed by the S-class hunters, but they were clearly excited by the continuous interview requests and the support from the public.

Just when it seemed the event, the 1st Korean A-Class Hunter Ranking Battle, would be a success.

‘Riete had to pop up.’

Kang Soyoung was exhausted but still expressed regret that the preliminaries were over. And Riete cheerfully shouted, ‘Then I can fight Pebble at the tournament!’ right in front of the Association officials waiting in front of the dungeon, since Riete was still a wanted criminal.

The news that the S-class siblings were going to duel spread quickly, and some people, already hyped up by the excessive attention, shouted, ‘Jackpot!’ The status of S-class and A-class hunters was vastly different. Even in the ranking battles before the regression, S-class and A-class were separated, but the difference between the two was like the World Cup and a domestic league.

Live broadcast of an S-class hunter battle for the first time.

A significant number of Association officials insisted that this had to happen. But, thanks to the recent personnel changes, they considered the risks, and battles between S-classes outside dungeons were rejected. Moreover, Noah and Riete both used powerful poison skills, so they couldn’t be allowed to reveal their full power, even in a remote location.

Just when it seemed to end well.

The higher-ups intervened. Politicians wanted to latch onto this opportunity to add another line to their resumes and boost their approval ratings.

In the past, they had attracted public attention with the opening of the Awakening Center, but since that fell through, they seemed to have turned their attention to this ranking battle. I wanted to tell them to get lost, but the Hunter Association was still a national institution, so it couldn’t ignore the pressure. On top of that, broadcasting stations and major corporations chimed in, suggesting they just widen the safe zone and not use poison.

Still, if the parties involved didn’t want to do it, they couldn’t force them, so I told Riete that she wouldn’t like this and that her skills might be exposed.

‘If it’s the first time for me, I welcome it~’

That was the infuriating answer I got. She said that even if her skills were revealed, she would still be strong, and she would provide it as a service for the opening ceremony. Noah even stared at me and agreed that it was okay.

In the end, the Noah VS Riete match was scheduled for the opening ceremony.

“At least they agreed not to use poison, so it’s manageable. But they’re experts at adding a few words at the end to increase the workload. Damn people.”

What a mess the day before. It’s easy for them since they just flap their tongues and watch with their hands behind their backs. I couldn’t help but sigh. By now, TVs and portal sites would be filled with ads for the S-class duel. I even got a ton of calls from Noah asking for sponsorships. They wanted me to have them fight wearing brand-name products instead of hunter gear. After politely telling them they were crazy, they asked me to at least wear it during the interview.

“Anyway, I’m really sorry. If it weren’t for Riete, you wouldn’t have to come out on the weekend. Since an S-class hunter got involved, you have to… work, right?”

[I would have been on standby even if Riete Hunter hadn’t been involved.]

“…I’m truly sorry. I should have stopped that Sesung Guild Leader somehow.”

[It’s alright. Thank you for your help in many ways.]

“You’re welcome. It’s my duty.”

Since I was also responsible, I couldn’t just ignore it. After a bit more work-related conversation, I said I’d see them tomorrow and hung up. I looked up and saw the sky was darkening.

“Ah, mosquitoes.”

There were still many bugs in the rooftop garden. I waved my hand and looked down at my phone.

‘I can’t leave it like this.’

It’s annoying, but let’s be patient and ask for help. I went into my contacts and called ‘That Damn Skill.’ He must be free since he picked up the phone quickly.

[Have you finally cooled down?]

“…For now.”

[You didn’t even reply to my apology gift. You must need something.]

“Apology gift, my ass… Don’t talk nonsense.”

I’m in a position to ask for a favor, so let’s be a little humble.

“…I received the gift well. I’m sorry I couldn’t reply.”

Sending a string of flower baskets to me and Song Taewon at the Hunter Association every three minutes was insane. The delivery guys couldn’t come inside, and we were in the middle of work that couldn’t be leaked outside, so the announcements kept blaring. The message that he wanted us to hear it in person was killer. Tears of bitter emotion flowed.

Meanwhile, Song Taewon remained calm and composed, which I found admirable. He had been dealing with that guy for three years longer than me… Ah, I suddenly feel like crying again.

[Oh, it must be because of Han Yoojin’s cute children again. Is it Noah this time?]

“Sometimes, pretend you’re not so perceptive… No, you’re really sharp. Amazing.”

I tried to flatter him, but even I could tell my voice was insincere.

“It’s not a difficult task, it’s easy. Please do me a favor.”

Sung Hyunjae chuckled at my request but agreed to help. It really wasn’t that difficult.

Hanging up, I turned and looked up at the building. A faint golden object was crouching on top of the building. I gestured for it to come, and it jumped off as if it had been waiting. Golden wings spread wide, scattering a soft light as it slowly descended in front of me.

“Why are you in dragon form?”

Noah tilted his head slightly at my question and replied.

– I was wondering if I should practice flying a bit more. I hope I can become as skilled as Blue.

“Your natural wings are different. And you’re good enough now. Don’t worry too much and go in and get some rest. It’ll be fine.”

I didn’t say he would win. It might put pressure on him. But I was confident. Not everything goes as planned, but the preparations were sufficient.

I habitually stroked his outstretched head. Noah smiled, narrowing his gray eyes.

– Yes. Good night, Yoojin-ssi.

See you tomorrow, he said, and the dragon soared again. I watched him disappear towards the building for a moment before leaving the garden. Ugh, mosquitoes.

* * *

The day of the 1st Korean A-Class Hunter Ranking Battle dawned. Everyone was excited and thrilled. At least, that’s what the broadcast on my phone showed. The arena itself was desolate. It was just an empty field below a mountain.

Dozens of drones were floating in the sky for filming. However, none of the cameras were pointed this way. I had warned them that some S-class hunters didn’t want to be filmed and might casually destroy them if they were bothered.

There were few people near the empty arena. Just one healer for emergencies, two defensive A-class hunters to protect the healer, and three defensive A-class hunters in charge of drone management. Besides them, there were only Noah, Riete, Yoohyun, Yerim, and Sung Hyunjae.

All the other event staff were at the Upper Hunter Training Center. The A-class hunters participating in the ranking battle, the people hoping to get a piece of the action, broadcasting station staff, and Song Taewon, who would be silently waiting.

As the TV broadcast showed, it would be very noisy there. Don’t get too excited and cause an accident, A-classes. Don’t make the civil servants working on the weekend work too hard.

“Hyung, it’s good to reapply sunscreen every two or three hours.”

Yoohyun said, taking out the sunscreen. When Yerim first applied it to me, they looked at me like I was crazy, but after I said, ‘You know, since I’m an F-class, I might get skin cancer if I don’t take care of myself!’ they both started diligently taking care of me.

Humanity has lived for over a thousand years without sunscreen, but whatever… The kids want to take care of me, so what can I do? It’s annoying, but I have to take care of my face. …And my neck, hands, arms, and legs too.

“It’s almost time. Yerim, I’m counting on you.”

“Yes!”

With her answer, Yerim took out her spear, and the water she had prepared beforehand surged up. She could create ice-like water, but that would consume more magic.

The soaring mass of water split to both sides, moving to the ends of the arena where the boundary lines were roughly drawn. Then, it curved and twisted, creating ornate entrances, and froze in place. The ice passages sparkled beautifully under the summer sun. The drones spun around, filming it.

“We need at least this much.”

It’s Noah’s first battle broadcast, so we can’t start on a bare dirt floor. Even if the S-class ranking battle will be destroyed, the start should be spectacular.

The scene was quiet, but the broadcast playing the scene was filled with background music. Checking the broadcast on my phone, I gestured to Riete and Noah. Riete, who deliberately wore a long sword askew on her hip, grinned and took the first step.

Glossy black leather boots stepped onto the ice path. Halfway through the curved passage.

Whoosh!

Flames soared from below. It was Irin, who had gone ahead. Bright red flames swelled up, melting the ice and engulfing Riete. Short black hair swayed in the heat, and golden eyes shone like the heart of the flames.

She was unaffected by the heat and walked calmly through the melting ice, her appearance broadcast with majestic background music. The broadcast was slightly delayed compared to the scene, as it wasn’t a live broadcast for various reasons.

Riete, who showed off her dazzling figure, threw the coat she was wearing, the Wings of Silakia [likely a powerful artifact or equipment], high and far.

[The world-renowned S-class free hunter, Black Dragon Riete!]

A caption introducing Riete was prominently displayed along with her appearance. The Wings of Silakia were quickly retrieved by an A-class hunter who had been waiting. 1 thanks to Sung Hyunjae for his cooperation.

The drones turned in unison and now focused on the ice passage on the opposite side. Noah, looking slightly nervous unlike the relaxed Riete, was shown on the screen. His gaze was fixed on his sister, who was standing diagonally on the opposite side.

His steps moved, and he reached the middle of the passage.

Rumble!!

Lightning struck. Light divided into hundreds of strands wrapped around the ice, flashing dazzlingly. In that instant, everyone’s vision was obscured.

Crack!

A pair of golden wings spread wide, shattering the light-filled ice. Amidst the scattering of thousands of jewel-like ice fragments, a golden dragon appeared.

Light burst from the ground again, and the dragon, wrapped in electricity spreading in all directions, soared high like an incarnation of the sun. The quickly filmed low-angle shot was breathtakingly fantastic.

‘I’m glad I asked Sung Hyunjae!’

I knew it would suit him well! Awesome! 2 thanks to Sung Hyunjae for his cooperation. I hope the pre-recording is going well? Just in case, I asked Do Hamin to record it separately.

“I didn’t know it would be used as a special effect.”

“You’re good at it. You could make it a side job.”

The attack power was minimized, and the light effect control was perfect. Not too much, not too little, just right. Perfect. Of course, our Yoohyun and Irin also added flames that really suited Riete, and Yerim is the main one, no need to say more.

[The younger sibling of the S-class siblings, former Arc Guild Leader, Golden Dragon Noah Luthier!]

Wait, why is Noah’s introduction starting with ‘younger sibling’? Are they ignoring support types? Following that, an explanation appeared that Noah would receive many special support skills and items due to the difference between combat and support types. I couldn’t reveal my skills, so I made up that excuse.

I had been using a stealth skill since before I came here, so only the S-classes could see me. Even now, I had set up a simple partition, claiming it was for special effects preparation, so as not to arouse suspicion among the surrounding A-classes.

I had also checked in advance how my stealth skill would appear during filming. Even when looking closely at a still image, there was only a small, faint shadow, barely noticeable. Even if they were S-class hunters, they could only see the same thing as ordinary people on the filmed footage, so there was no way I would be exposed.

If someone raised a question, I could just say it was one of the support skill effects Noah received.

“Then, I’ll be off.”

“Be careful, Hyung. Don’t overdo it.”

“Be careful, Ahjussi [term of endearment for an older man].”

“Don’t worry. I have Grace.”

Just in case, I replaced the bracelet I might take off with a necklace. And it was a form that stuck right to my neck. Since I decided not to use poison, I turned off poison resistance and took motion sickness medicine in advance.

I took a deep breath and headed towards Noah, who was standing on the ground. If everything goes according to plan, there’s a good chance of winning.