The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 268

Thwack! The A-Grade guard, struck hard in a vital spot, collapsed unconscious. The other guards protecting the Akates Mana Hole were in similar straits. The surroundings were quickly cleared by the assault of two S-Grade guards.

“Damn bastards!”

Mindiva, one of the former Alpha managers, kicked the fallen guard. The new Akates Defense believed that the remnants of the former Defense had fled the city, as it was nearly impossible for the two remaining S-Grade guards to stage a comeback.

However, the remnants were hiding within the city, biding their time, waiting for the moment they could access the Mana Hole.

And that moment was today. Though not quite SS-Grade, a number of S-Grade monsters had appeared, drawing most of the S-Grade guards into battle. The remaining S-Grade guards were also protecting the temporary Defense headquarters, not the Mana Hole. The Mana Hole and the former Defense site, with only temporary walls erected, were being guarded by just a few A-Grade guards, as reconstruction hadn’t even begun. The few remaining important facilities had been moved to the temporary Defense headquarters, and the Mana Hole itself could do little more than replenish mana.

That’s what the current Defense thought.

“I wish to make a new contract.”

Panuz, one of the former Defense’s leaders, stood before the Mana Hole, speaking. The mana around him fluctuated wildly. Panuz and his group felt a chilling gaze and reflexively stiffened. They felt like mice before a snake.

“The, the price is, these two S-Grade Awakened…”

The S-Grade guards, who had been educated and brainwashed for so long that they firmly believed Panuz’s orders were the right thing to do to protect the city, stepped forward. A low voice responded to their actions.

[I have no interest in human sacrifices.]

“…Huh? What are you suddenly saying!”

Panuz shouted, bewildered. The Hyodo-addict [a powerful entity or individual with a specific addiction, likely related to power or a resource called ‘Hyodo’] he had a contract with had been taking S-Grade or higher guards, or Awakened with special skills, as payment. Panuz was also behind the kidnapping of Mede-ssang guards. He hated to reduce Akates’ power, so he occasionally sent Alpha to capture S-Grade guards from other cities.

“We also contracted for you to continuously help us grow Akates’ power to conquer other cities!”

[Do you expect me to water rotten seeds as well?]

“What, what did you say?”

[Be polite.]

As soon as the words were spoken, Panuz’s knees buckled. A nonchalant voice pressed down on his head as he knelt on the ground.

[You should make a request. If you have nothing to pique my interest, shouldn’t you at least beg?]

“No, I, I…”

[I even have some regrets regarding your side.]

“Wh, ack!”

The oppressive force that crushed his entire body spread out at once. Panuz, as well as the S-Grade guards, gasped for breath with pale faces, as if their throats were being strangled.

[My dear partner suffered a bit thanks to you.]

“Wh, what…”

[This isn’t revenge. That’s for my partner to decide. I’m simply annoyed and displeased.]

How should I relieve this feeling? Panuz’s body trembled at the last words, which were almost a whisper. The fact that it was difficult for the other party to exert direct force on this side without any contract was completely erased from his mind. Seized by an irrational fear that he would be crushed and killed like a mere bug at any moment, he bowed his head.

“I, I sincerely apologize! I only wish to return Akates to its original state…”

[So. What do you want?]

Panuz quickly raised his head and answered, hearing that the contract would at least be considered.

“A new SS-Grade guard, no, make me stronger than an SS-Grade combat-type Awakened!”

The Alpha, whom he had believed he had completely tamed, had also gone berserk and left. Therefore, he was uneasy about others. The gaze coldly looked down at Panuz, who, despite having suppressed combat-type guards, was saying he would become stronger himself.

[You’re greedy, considering you only have two S-Grade guards to offer.]

“I’ll offer anything else as payment…”

Poof, a contract appeared with a white light. In exchange for giving Panuz power greater than SS-Grade, it stipulated the voluntary sacrifice of two S-Grade guards and obedience to ‘White Tail’ [likely the name of the entity offering the contract]. It also included a clause that White Tail would bear minimal responsibility for its subordinate.

Panuz quickly got up and signed the contract. Immediately after the two S-Grade guards finished signing, their figures melted away as if disappearing. And then.

A figure appeared beyond the Mana Hole. A tall man with white hair and golden eyes resembling those of a reptile or a feline predator leisurely raised the corner of his mouth. A gloved hand took the contract and looked at Panuz.

“As per the contract.”

Mana surged. Powerful magic enveloped Panuz’s body, penetrating into him. Feeling the soaring power, Panuz smiled brightly.

“Now, Akates will once again—”

The voice stopped abruptly. Instead of human words, a growl leaked out, and Panuz’s body began to transform. His size increased as if swelling, and reddish-brown fur, the same color as his hair, grew all over his body. Following pointed ears and a long tail, membranous wings spread out greatly, and horns and thorns rose along his head and neck.

– Kyaaah!

Mindiva, who had been standing blankly, was hit by the swung tail and slammed into the temporary wall. The monster, resembling a mix of dragon and leopard, snarled, baring its fangs. Golden eyes slightly curved as it watched the scene.

“SSS-Grade monster. Quite well-made. The contract is complete.”

There was no mention of remaining human. In the first place, growing to SS-Grade in his original form was far too insufficient a price. But transforming him into a monster belonging to himself was not difficult. It was even possible to raise the grade higher than the contract stipulated.

The white-haired man reached out his hand, and the monster obediently lowered its head.

“It’ll be hard to notice in this state.”

He took out a bright pink yarn and tied it to one of the monster’s horns. With just one hand, he skillfully tied a knot and lightly tapped the monster’s head. Following the command, the monster soared into the sky. The man’s body, which had been watching it, quickly blurred and soon disappeared.

A small lake was visible among the lush forests. To avoid being attacked by the monsters that would appear immediately after installing the disc, the ship stopped a little further away.

– Kyaang!

Peesa, who had gone up to the airfield on the ship, jumped out of my arms, excited. Then, it increased in size and spread its wings.

– Grrr.

It gestured for me to hurry and get on, so I glanced at Noah and climbed on. I can’t transform into a dragon here because my body is different. I guess it’s okay. Other skills aside, it was said that it’s difficult to use exclusive transformations that completely change the body into another race. Moreover, Noah’s current body is not purely human, making it even more difficult to apply the skill.

Yoohyun and I rode on Peesa’s back together, and Yerim had flight skills, so only the remaining people boarded the small airship.

“Is it really okay to do Mede-ssang last?”

I muttered softly, looking at the disc I had taken out. If I installed the last disc, something more dangerous than ever would definitely happen. Newbies, jellyfish, and other Transcendents were likely to get involved.

That’s why I suggested going to Mede-ssang first, but Noah surprisingly opposed it. It’s better to install the last disc in a slightly more advantageous location. And anyway, after we leave, it’s unlikely that this world will be safe.

“They said they’re evacuating all the citizens. Mede-ssang has two cities, right?”

“That’s true, but…”

The reason why Mede-ssang had two SS-Grade guards was because it had merged with a nearby city. Rarely, two Mana Holes had appeared close to each other, and initially, cities were created separately, but as the gap between Mede-ssang and the former Nepos City widened, Nepos City eventually became affiliated with Mede-ssang.

Even though it’s nearby, it’s a two- or three-hour drive away, so if the citizens are evacuated, a huge disaster wouldn’t occur. The evacuation would be over quickly if Noah opened a portal.

“Still, I’m worried about Noah. He said it was okay too easily.”

“It’s probably because his hyung’s [older brother or close male friend] safety is more important than Mede-ssang City. The Hyodo-addict is targeting hyung, too.”

“…Yerim or Hyunah would have worried more.”

It’s a slightly different situation because there’s a city to evacuate to, but I’m still concerned. Mu was definitely loved, too.

“Hyung can’t completely take responsibility for Noah Hunter. It’s a decision he made himself.”

That’s true, but. In the first place, it’s impossible for me to accept everything about Noah. I don’t just have Noah. Yoohyun has to be the top priority, and then there’s the younger Yerim.

I helped him escape from Riet and took care of him in various ways, but the reason why Noah still shows signs of instability might be because of that. I didn’t hear the details of Noah’s childhood. But since that Riet was his sister, it couldn’t have been a happy time.

I wondered if I was insufficient to fill that long-standing emptiness. I had such thoughts, but I still wanted to be of some help. Because Noah likes me and helps me, too.

“I want Noah to be a little happier than he is now. Not completely, but… Can’t we just live together?”

“…If hyung wants to. But he might feel more deprived than he does now. Noah Hunter and Park Yerim are different.”

“…I see.”

It’s difficult, really. At first, I just thought of him as a kind and gentle person who was hurt and struggling. I thought he would be fine as soon as he got out of Riet’s influence. Everyone has different wounds and heals at different speeds. It’s obvious, but. I can’t say, ‘Someone became cheerful so quickly, why aren’t you?’

Peesa folded its wings and landed on the lakeside. It was more skilled at flying than I thought, and the ride was even comfortable. I petted Peesa a lot, as if asking how it was. Our Peesa, how can you be so good at everything?

“Ahjussi [term for ‘uncle,’ used to address an older man], don’t worry and press the button. The lake is enough!”

Yerim said confidently as she approached.

“There’s more water than I thought, oh? There’s one here too. Hello!”

I wondered why she was suddenly waving her hand, but before I knew it, a horse’s head popped out of the lake’s surface. I also saw a turtle. It’s a spirit.

The white foal and the blue turtle came out of the lake and approached Yerim. They couldn’t speak yet, probably because they were young and weak. They rubbed their heads against her feet as if trying to act cute.

“It’s safer to go to the sea. This place will be dangerous soon, so stay away for a while. Can you see that ship over there? It’ll be okay if you go in there. Noah oppa [term for ‘older brother,’ used by a younger female], please contact them.”

“Yes. You can go to the water tank.”

The spirits, who seemed reluctant to leave, flew towards the ship at Yerim’s urging. After the spirits had completely disappeared, I took out the disc.

I looked at Yoohyun, Yerim, Noah, Hyunah-ssi [honorific suffix], Sigma, and even Peesa as if confirming them, and then pressed the button. I was confident that it would be okay unless a big shot like a parricide or a Hyodo-addict popped out. Everyone is so reliable.

The space shook. A tingling sensation spread along my spine. I was still wearing the mana sensitivity control item, but I could definitely feel it. The wave is bigger than the third one.

I used Teacher Skill. Yoohyun and Yerim stood in front of me as if protecting me. Peesa also stuck close to my side. Noah unfolded his support skills, and Gochang appeared in Moon Hyunah’s hand, and chains appeared around Sigma.

– Krrrr.

The fierce growl of an SS-Grade monster was heard right in front of me, but it only felt like a cat’s purr. It’s not just because of fear resistance. My people are too good to be afraid.

Five SS-Grade monsters. There was no threat beyond that. First, the water in the lake soared. The chain bound the monster on the right, and Moon Hyunah rushed in as if she had been waiting. As soon as Gochang tore a long gash in the monster’s side, lightning struck. Teacher Skill wasn’t even applied to Sigma, but their teamwork was perfect. Was it thanks to Moon Hyunah, who had a lot of experience cooperating due to the nature of her skills?

In an instant, one monster was dealt with by the two’s teamwork, and the monster caught in Yerim’s hand was also thrown into the lake. Yoohyun didn’t just watch either. He didn’t step forward right away, but after checking the situation and making sure I was safe, he immediately burned the head of the nearest monster. After cutting off the monster’s front paws that were attacking without dying instantly, he jumped up in one breath and plunged the fire spear, which had transformed into Irin, deep into the crown of its head.

In the meantime, Moon Hyunah and Sigma killed one more monster, and just as Yoohyun and Yerim were about to rush at the last one as if competing.

“Hyung!”

“Ahjussi! It’s dangerous!”

Suddenly, the two abandoned the monster and returned to me. Peesa also bristled its fur. I was also a step late in sensing an unusual energy.

“Our moon is popular~”

“I’ll give it to you if you’re jealous.”

Moon Hyunah whistled, and Sigma stabbed the last remaining monster with a chain that sparked with electricity. With a loud noise and a flash of light, the vision that had been dyed white recovered, and the figure of a monster flying towards this side came into view.

A beast with dragon wings and horns, and reddish-brown fur.

“Yujin-ssi [honorific suffix], I will have Peesa move you to the ship.”

Noah said that it would be better to stay out of the way. But if I go to the ship, Teacher Skill will be released, so I was about to take out Mini Mini Cookie when I saw something familiar fluttering on one of the approaching beast’s horns.

“Wait, that! Is that yarn?”

At my words, everyone looked at the fluttering hot pink yarn.

“Oh, it’s the same one that Ahjussi gave to the Seseong Guild Leader as a gift!”

“Right? Could it be…”

…Could it be that the monster is Sung Hyunjae? No, it doesn’t necessarily have to be in human form. The place I met him was in the system, close to the mental realm, so he might have changed his appearance. It was yarn at first.

For now, let’s just prepare without attacking. The monster landed on the opposite side of the lake. It definitely didn’t seem to have any hostility. Rather, it wagged its tail.

“Um… by any chance, are you Sung Hyunjae-ssi…? Are you my partner?”

– Krreureung.

The monster growled at my words. Did it answer? Is it Sung Hyunjae?

“Why are you in that state!”

– Grrr.

“Is it real? Is it really you?”

Aigo [expression of dismay], how did he end up like that? Can’t he even speak human language? Yoohyun and Yerim grabbed me at the same time as I tried to approach the monster.

“Be careful, hyung.”

“That’s right, you never know.”

“…Is that Sung Hyunjae?”

Sigma muttered, puzzled. No, he doesn’t usually look like that. But is it really him? He’s too docile for Sung Hyunjae. It feels like if I go up and say ‘paw,’ he’ll give me his front paw.

“If you’re the Seseong Guild Leader, raise your right front paw.”

The monster only wagged its tail, growling. Hmm, is it not him? But why is it wearing yarn? The monster, which had been sitting quietly, slowly flew across the lake and landed in front of me. It lowered its large head towards me amidst Yoohyun and Yerim’s vigilance.

“It’s really docile.”

When I reached out and stroked its head, it purred. It’s not Sung Hyunjae, but it’s wearing yarn, and it’s docile without hostility.

“…Sung Hyunjae sent it.”

“A monster?”

“I don’t know why, but I think so. Did he send it to help when I install the fifth disc? It seems to be SSS-Grade. If it’s him, please send me a short message.”

[□]

Oh, it came. I can’t understand the content. Is the system’s control over the system getting worse as I install the discs? I can’t even send quests anymore.

Anyway, it’s an SSS-Grade monster, so it’s reassuring. Now, only one last disc remains.