The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 241

239. Han Yu-hyun’s World (2)

The plum blossoms bloomed unusually early that year. It was only early February, yet delicate white flowers had already unfurled at the tips of the branches. Perhaps the recent warmer weather was to blame, or maybe it was the unusually bright sun. Despite the imminent threat of a battering from icy snowflakes, several blossoms had fully opened on the long, reaching branches.

Han Yu-hyun paused, his gaze drawn to the plum blossoms. It wasn’t the flowers themselves that held his attention, but rather the memory that surfaced – his brother’s birthday had been just the day before. As a small kindergartener, Han Yu-hyun had painstakingly folded paper flowers and scrawled a heartfelt message on a card. His brother had enveloped him in a tight hug, cherishing the younger brother who’d chirped, “Happy birthday, Hyung [older brother].”

There had been cake, of course. Their parents, after presenting the brothers with a ten-thousand-won bill [approximately $8 USD] alongside the cake, instructed them to buy something delicious with their friends. Then, as if having fulfilled their parental duty, they retreated to the master bedroom to watch a movie. Han Yu-jin carefully tucked the money away.

That ten thousand won would be reserved for Han Yu-hyun’s birthday. As it was every year.

A cake, a present, and flowers. Han Yu-hyun stepped deliberately into the flower bed. The branch bearing the blossoms was too high for a child to reach. Without hesitation, Han Yu-hyun clambered up the tree, grasping the branch with one small hand. The branch, far too thick for a kindergartener’s grip, snapped with surprising ease. He then jumped lightly down from the tree.

Discarding the thick, broken piece, he held only the slender branch adorned with the delicate flowers. Just then, a voice rang out, approaching rapidly.

“You mustn’t go into the flower bed! Even if the branch was already broken, you shouldn’t be picking the flowers!”

Han Yu-hyun turned to face the old man scolding him. Far from being intimidated, the old man momentarily recoiled at the sight of Han Yu-hyun’s coolly composed eyes. Outwardly, he was an undeniably cute and handsome child, the kind that would charm anyone. Nevertheless, the old man felt an instinctive flicker of fear sparked by that cold, unwavering gaze.

He’s just a small child, the old man told himself. He shouted even louder, as if trying to deny his own apprehension.

“Hey, whose kid are you! Where are your parents!”

Han Yu-hyun simply turned away without a word. There was no need to waste his attention on someone who was merely shouting, driven by his own fear. Han Yu-hyun returned to a home where no one truly welcomed him, and presented the flowering branch to his brother, who arrived home from school a short while later. Han Yu-jin smiled brightly, but a shadow of worry flickered across his face.

“You shouldn’t break branches carelessly, Yu-hyun.”

Han Yu-jin patiently and earnestly explained to his younger brother why he shouldn’t trespass into flower beds and pick flowers or break branches, and why climbing trees was dangerous. Han Yu-hyun nodded in acknowledgment. The reasons weren’t particularly convincing, and he certainly didn’t perceive any danger to himself, but he accepted the scolding nonetheless.

And a few days later, he encountered the old man again. Han Yu-hyun bowed his head slightly towards the now wary old man.

“I’m sorry.”

“…Oh, okay.”

The old man offered an awkward smile at the sight of the child apologizing. Han Yu-hyun returned home and recounted the incident to Han Yu-jin, earning praise for his actions.

‘Han Yu-hyun’ was created in that manner.

Originally, he was born fundamentally incompatible with everything. Among the rare singularities, he possessed a solitary nature. A flame that dared not be approached, consuming everything in its path. His true essence was to burn with unrestrained freedom, unburdened by any constraints, uncaring of anyone.

But Han Yu-hyun was different. He *had* to be different.

His brother loved him. With childlike innocence, he couldn’t help but adore his younger brother for no particular reason. It wasn’t that Han Yu-hyun reciprocated that love from the start. He simply accepted it because there was no compelling reason to reject it, and nothing more.

Even though there was nothing given in return, Han Yu-jin never wavered in his affection. *Because he’s a baby*, he reasoned. He didn’t find his brother’s behavior strange, and instead, he questioned his parents, who seemed wary of his younger brother. He would hold Han Yu-hyun’s hand, offering comfort and hugs. Until Han Yu-hyun eventually recognized the warmth that was far smaller and weaker than his own flame, but that he couldn’t bear to relinquish.

“Yu-hyun, should Hyung read you a fairy tale?”

The more Han Yu-hyun showed even the slightest reaction, the more devoted Han Yu-jin became to his younger brother. Perhaps it was because he sensed that his parents were trying to distance themselves not only from his younger brother but also from himself. Han Yu-jin chose his younger brother over his parents, and Han Yu-hyun ignored everyone else except his brother. The one he ignored included the original Han Yu-hyun, himself.

“You have to greet adults properly. No, you have to use polite language.”

“Listen to your teacher and don’t fight with your friends.”

“Even if you don’t like it, Yu-hyun, just bear with it a little. There are many things in the world that you have to do even if you don’t want to.”

He didn’t understand why he had to treat adults with respect. They were opponents he could easily intimidate if he so desired, but Han Yu-hyun followed his brother’s instructions. Kindergarten teachers and elementary school teachers were annoying and bothersome. But Han Yu-hyun endured it. He didn’t have anyone he could truly call friends, but when he was required to interact, he suppressed his instincts and persevered.

In that way, piece by piece, Han Yu-hyun was molded by Han Yu-jin’s unwavering affection. But there wasn’t a complete absence of resistance.

“What will Hyung do if I kill Mom and Dad?”

It’s annoying. What would Han Yu-jin do if he didn’t hold back? Han Yu-jin’s face crumpled with tears at his younger brother’s chillingly calm question. He pulled his young brother into a tight embrace.

“…I’m sorry, Yu-hyun.”

He apologized profusely and tried to reason with him, explaining that Mom and Dad were simply very busy. He carefully explained, step by step, that he shouldn’t hurt people, that Yu-hyun would face severe consequences in prison, and that Hyung would be heartbroken.

Even when Han Yu-hyun occasionally revealed glimpses of his true nature, Han Yu-jin’s love for his younger brother remained unchanged. From some point onward, Han Yu-hyun ceased contemplating escaping that affection. Like a beast accustomed to breathing air suddenly plunging into water, he stepped into a world entirely foreign to his true self.

A new world with Han Yu-jin as its very foundation.

To remain in that world, Han Yu-hyun had to endure and bear a great deal. Learning, understanding, and adapting, Han Yu-hyun’s world gradually expanded. Guided by what Han Yu-jin taught him, he began to act independently.

Without needing constant reminders, he did things that would please Han Yu-jin, avoided actions that would worry him, and strived for a future where he could safeguard his world.

Just as suppressing and enduring had become an ingrained habit, dungeons appeared.

“There’s a strange rumor going around these days. They say monsters have appeared. Some say it’s because of environmental pollution. Come straight home after school, Yu-hyun.”

From the time when only a very small number of the lowest-ranked F-class dungeons rarely appeared, and most people had yet to even notice the anomaly, Han Yu-hyun sensed the shifting atmosphere. He realized that he could draw upon the power he possessed without any external triggers.

If he desired, he could burn down his small nest at any moment and soar anywhere. Freely and alone, unconstrained by anything.

But Han Yu-hyun resisted the final temptation to revert to his true nature.

When he finally awakened after being attacked by a monster, the flames that enveloped Han Yu-hyun were suppressed and restrained black flames. And Han Yu-hyun had to endure once more.

“Hyung and my world have changed.”

Han Yu-hyun left Han Yu-jin. He didn’t anticipate being away for too long. At most, three or four years; he could endure that much. Han Yu-hyun became the fifth S-class Awakened in Korea.

Even though he was separated from Han Yu-jin, Han Yu-hyun’s world remained unchanged. Rather, it became even more fortified. Han Yu-jin was at the heart of everything he did to establish himself as a Hunter, build a guild, and amass power. And that wasn’t all.

“Wow, I’ve never seen a high schooler wash his hands so diligently before eating. Han Yu-hyun must have been raised incredibly well. Come to think of it, he used polite language when we first met. He’s a complete young master, a true gentleman. Isn’t he going to set the table?”

It was at the first meeting of S-class Awakeners organized by the Hunter Association. Han Yu-hyun’s brows furrowed slightly at Moon Hyun-ah’s teasing words, recalling the time he had poured water during a meal with Seok Si-myung. Han Yu-jin’s influence was still evident in Han Yu-hyun’s actions.

Under Seok Si-myung’s guidance, he had corrected some of the incompatible aspects of his personality as an S-class Hunter and guild leader, but the foundation laid by Han Yu-jin remained the strongest. Moon Hyun-ah found it quite amusing.

“Please take care of me, young master.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, where destroying the restaurant seemed to be a more prominent activity than eating, Moon Hyun-ah lightly extended her hand. He found it unpleasant to touch others. But Han Yu-hyun endured and shook her hand. Similar situations would undoubtedly arise in the future.

After that, Han Yu-hyun continued to persevere. To expand the guild, he had no choice but to interact with numerous people. Although Han Yu-hyun’s workload decreased as more individuals joined after Seok Si-myung, he still had to consider others, abide by the law, and restrain his impulses.

“I don’t know why you’re holding back so much.”

Sung Hyun-jae, who had noticed his restraint, inquired casually. Han Yu-hyun offered no explanation to Sung Hyun-jae, who was clearly curious about the underlying reason.

And then again, continuously.

Until things spiraled out of control, becoming irreversible, and the suppressed and restrained black flames eventually harbored even venom.

In the original future, he would have been forced to endure and endure in that manner.

“My brother, Han Yu-jin. I love you.”

The moment he heard those words from Han Yu-jin, Han Yu-hyun abandoned all restraint. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say that he was incapable of doing so.

Many things transpired while he brought his brother back and attempted to protect him a little earlier than anticipated. Even amidst those events, Han Yu-hyun still suppressed himself out of habit. The number of annoying individuals surrounding his brother steadily increased, but he endured it.

The Flame Horned Lion was no exception.

He knew that it was his designated ride and that it would be beneficial, but he disliked the way it constantly clung to Han Yu-jin’s side. He resented the way it, an S-class monster, would nuzzle into his brother’s arms and beg for affection like a helpless young cub, even after reaching adulthood.

He understood the behavior, which only exacerbated his irritation. It must be nice to be loved, he thought. It’s only natural to be drawn to Hyung. Even the useless juvenile skill that forcibly shrinks its large body.

They all resembled Han Yu-hyun.

The moment he recognized that, he felt a strange unease. He was the only one who acted that way towards Hyung. He experienced a sense of crisis and a faint feeling of kinship simultaneously, as if he was being deprived of a part of Hyung.

What should I do? Should I simply eliminate it? But Hyung cherishes it so much.

-Krrr!

With a deafening roar, the Flame Horned Lion’s entire body erupted in flames. Han Yu-hyun reached out and seized its thick neck, disregarding the flickering flames. He had no intention of harming it. It was merely a simple assertion of dominance. Even if it bore the owner’s mark, its own self-preservation would always override any commands, so he wanted to firmly subdue it at least once.

He refrained from using any skills or drawing any weapons. Han Yu-hyun simply applied his strength, prepared to sustain injuries himself.

Koo-oong! The massive monster was slammed violently into the ground. Han Yu-hyun continued to press down on the Flame Horned Lion. A forefoot lashed out at him, accompanied by fierce growls. It would be difficult to escape unscathed if he blocked the claws, which were as sharp as blades, with his bare hands.

But Han Yu-hyun raised his arm to block the attack without any equipment or skills. Puh-uk, Han Yu-hyun’s body recoiled ever so slightly upon impact. That was all.

“……?”

Peace refrained from extending its claws. It contorted its eyes and bared its teeth, expressing its anger, but it kept its claws retracted. It avoided any action that could inflict serious harm on Han Yu-hyun’s body.

“…You.”

It wasn’t concerned about the owner’s safety. Han Yu-hyun realized it instantly. Peace was worried about Han Yu-jin. Knowing how important he was to the person he loved, it suppressed its instincts and endured.

Han Yu-hyun released his grip and stepped back. Peace shook its entire body and rose to its feet. Their eyes met.

“…I can’t kill you either.”

-Kheuheung

“You love Hyung that much. But I am Hyung’s priority.”

Peace flicked its long tail. Then, it narrowed its eyes as it shrunk its body. The expression was so clear, so human-like, that it seemed to be saying, ‘I know, shut up,’ and Han Yu-hyun burst out laughing without realizing it. I know, I know.

“Indeed, you are like me.”

Peace’s world was also constructed around Han Yu-jin. It mirrored Han Yu-hyun’s own world.

For the first time, another being had entered Han Yu-hyun’s world. A Flame Horned Lion had taken its place beside him, who had always been alone.

That alone was astonishing. He never imagined there would be anything similar again. But contrary to Han Yu-hyun’s expectations, many things happened again.

One night, Park Ye-rim summoned Han Yu-hyun outside. Then, she abruptly extended her hand.

“…What is it?”

“It means please take care of me. We’re living together for now, anyway.”

She shook the outstretched hand, urging him to shake it at least once. When Han Yu-hyun continued to wear a face that seemed to say what nonsense she was spouting, she shrugged her shoulders.

“I believe you.”

Park Ye-rim declared.

“You’re annoying and obnoxious, but it’s undeniable that Han Yu-hyun loves Ahjussi [term of endearment for older man, like ‘Uncle’] enough to risk his life to protect him. As much as you like Ahjussi that much, I think you’re a decent guy.”

There was an instinctive aversion to her completely opposite attributes. But Park Ye-rim acknowledged and accepted Han Yu-hyun. In any case, he wasn’t a bad person, and he cherished the same individual.

Han Yu-hyun glanced back at Park Ye-rim, who was looking up at him, and reached out his hand. He also acknowledged Park Ye-rim. So he reasoned that he could endure this much and shook her hand.

‘…Huh?’

But it wasn’t unpleasant. Han Yu-hyun’s lips faintly tightened. Even though their hands touched and were clasped, there was no need to endure. It wasn’t as pleasant as when he touched Han Yu-jin, but it wasn’t unpleasant. He didn’t have to force himself.

For the first time with someone else.

“What, aren’t you going to let go of my hand? Why are you staring at me like that?”

“…It’s strange.”

At Han Yu-hyun’s words, Park Ye-rim roughly yanked her hand away and frowned.

“Hey! It’s not like you look normal either? I’m trying to get along, but you’re picking a fight.”

“Hyung said Park Ye-rim you are handsome O―”

“Aaaagh! Ack! Ack! Ahjussi! Come on, Han Yu-hyun! I’m going to beat you up until that memory is completely erased!”

Park Ye-rim flailed about, declaring that she had to erase the biggest mistake of her life. Han Yu-hyun smiled as he lightly melted and evaporated the flying ice blades. It wasn’t bad, really.

One more person had stepped into Han Yu-hyun’s world. It wasn’t exactly the same as Peace, but it was similar. A comrade in a world that prioritized Han Yu-jin above all else. An ally who acknowledged the place Han Yu-hyun occupied in Han Yu-jin’s life.

The desire to monopolize Han Yu-jin was still present. But at least, there was no need to endure against Peace and Park Ye-rim. Han Yu-hyun pushed them away as much as he desired, and they retaliated in kind, vying to occupy Han Yu-jin’s lap and side.

“I also ate out with Ahjussi alone!”

So he created work for Park Ye-rim and ate out with his brother one more time.

-Kkiang!

“Peace?”

“Hyung is taking care of Bbyak [baby bird]. I’ll go get Peace.”

He set fire to Peace, who had deliberately dirtied himself in the rooftop garden, to make him clean.

“Ahjussi’s swimsuit, don’t forget it!”

He gratefully accepted the opportunity to take care of Han Yu-jin. Of course, he had no intention of repaying him.

Han Yu-hyun felt relieved simply by the fact that new people had entered his world, which had always been solitary. He didn’t have to carry his world alone. Peace and Park Ye-rim were by no means weak. They possessed the ability to protect Han Yu-jin. And like him, they would give everything to protect their world.

Han Yu-hyun naturally clung to his brother and acted spoiled more comfortably. He reveled in the fact that he was Han Yu-jin’s top priority, incomparable to anyone else, and flaunted it as if boasting.

Honestly, he enjoyed it. All of it.