The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 31

After parting ways with the Goblin, I headed to the infirmary where Seok Hayan was. On the way, I stopped by the convenience store on the first floor and bought a coffee with less sugar. Consider it a get-well gift, or maybe a bribe.

She’s going to be a goldmine in the future, so I need to treat her well.

“Is Seok Hayan here?”

To my question, the doctor in charge of the infirmary pointed to a room. After signing the visitor log, I entered the room and saw Seok Hayan lying in bed. She was still asleep. I pulled up a chair, placed it by the window, and sat down.

The weather was good today as well. It’ll get hotter soon. This year, I can blast the air conditioner without worrying about electricity bills. The company paying for it is the best.

‘Five years ago, in the summer.’

Despite all the things that happened, it hasn’t even been a week since I returned to the past. It feels like I’ve been really busy. It’s all because of Yoo Hyun trying to imprison me… no, it’s because of the title.

‘Once the training is over, I really need to take it easy.’

I regressed with the intention of living quietly while benefiting from my talented younger brother, but somehow it turned out like this.

But when a big catch is circling right in front of me, I can’t just not cast my line. Especially when the equipment is so good that the probability of catching it is around 90%, how can I just stand by and watch?

Seeing is wanting. It’s impossible to abandon my desires until I achieve enlightenment.

Still, I need to be moderate with my greed.

‘Let’s see, they said there’s in-guild practice tomorrow. I wonder if they’ll use real monsters here.’

The practice targets in the Association’s education were people in monster costumes. Of course, they don’t give you real weapons either. But at Haeyeon, they probably practice with real monsters and real weapons, and even go to dungeons.

‘My first dungeon raid since regressing.’

Of course, it’ll be a low-level dungeon around F or E rank with plenty of protectors, so there won’t be much for me to do. Probably A-rank Hunter Kim Ji-yeon, who is designated as Yerim’s hunter education mentor, will be with us.

‘Finally, I can use my skills on Yerim and Myungwoo.’

I’ve been putting it off until now because it’s most efficient to use them before entering the dungeon. The problem is that the skill duration is 3 days.

Yerim will be constantly leveling up in dungeons with the guild’s support for a while, so it doesn’t matter, but what about Myungwoo? It’s a waste to lose two days, and I don’t think he’ll gain enough experience to learn a skill from just one low-level dungeon.

‘I want him to run at least one more dungeon before the 3 days are up… Should I find one personally? If I ask Kim Sung-han for a raid, he might help.’

Please grant your grandfather’s wish just once.

While I was thinking about this and that, Seok Hayan woke up.

“Are you alright?”

“…Han Yoojin?”

Seok Hayan sat up, looking at me with a frown. Why the eyes… ah.

“Here are your glasses.”

She took the glasses and smiled faintly.

“Thank you. You got caught up in the Goblin’s mischief because of me.”

“No, it’s the Goblin’s fault.”

“I even prepared the Woochunghwangsimhwan [a traditional Korean medicine for calming the nerves], but I didn’t expect him to appear so quickly. And he was scarier than I thought.”

Seok Hayan shuddered slightly. It was startling enough. I handed her the coffee. Her eyes narrowed behind the lenses as she smiled.

“The Goblin is gone.”

Probably. He might still be around here, though.

Seok Hayan was surprised by my words.

“Already?”

“Goblin, your fashion sense is terrible. Blue clothes with a red mask, are you a five-year-old’s coloring book?”

“…E-excuse me?”

“He’s quiet, so he must be gone.”

If he were here, he wouldn’t have hesitated to say something with his personality. At the very least, he would have left a bald spot on the back of my head.

“What I just said is absolutely secret from the Goblin.”

Seok Hayan chuckled at my serious tone.

“That’s a shame. There were many things I wanted to ask. Hunters don’t usually reveal their skills, especially special skills. Cases like the Goblin are rare.”

That’s true. Even I’m hiding mine.

“Instead, can I make you another offer?”

“An offer?”

She looked expectant.

“How about joining my lab? Or collaborating?”

“It’s closer to collaboration. However, it’s not collaboration between labs. What I can provide you with is information.”

“Information, like dungeons?”

“Yes.”

Seok Hayan looked like she expected it.

“I knew you had a special route for obtaining information. You know too much to have gathered it from personal investigation.”

“You could say that.”

More accurately, it’s going to happen.

“As we discussed in the training room, what we lack most now is data on dungeons. I will provide that to Seok Hayan.”

“Great, that kind of collaboration. I was wondering if I should go abroad.”

“Let’s split the profits from the results 50/50. Also, do you need any investments?”

Even though I’m poor right now.

“No, not yet. After all, data collection is the most expensive part. I’m already excited about what to research first.”

She said, sounding very excited. What to research first?

“How about researching the dungeon generation rules?”

“Dungeon generation rules?”

“Yes. It’s a field I’ve also investigated a bit. There seems to be a kind of rule in the generation of dungeons. It’s possible to find out some of the information inside the dungeon, mainly based on the generation time, surrounding environment, and location.”

Seok Hayan’s eyes were more serious than ever at my words.

“If that’s true, it would be possible to predict when and where dungeons will appear by reverse-engineering.”

“Huh? Um, maybe?”

Even after 5 years, I couldn’t predict the generation location and time.

Wait, did I really not do it? Or did I not do it? Hearing Seok Hayan’s words made me suspicious.

It was 3 years later that Dungeon Parsons, where Seok Hayan belonged, discovered the dungeon generation rules and earned huge royalty revenues. After that, the accuracy of the rules increased, but no new research results were produced.

Looking at that alone, it might be that they couldn’t do it.

‘Four years from now, the White House and major facilities moved.’

Around the time when the number of dungeons increased, the grades went up, and the saturation speed also increased, causing more damage, at that time. Of course, it wasn’t strange to move to a safer place at such a time.

But if my memory is correct, even 5 years later, the major facilities in the United States had never suffered damage from dungeon breaks.

‘Not that they couldn’t do it, not that they didn’t do it… but that they hid it?’

No way. No matter what, no way.

But if they really hid it… So that after the governments of each country, especially the United States’ main rival countries, were in a pinch, they would announce that they could know the dungeon generation in advance.

They would be able to gain much greater benefits than if they announced it in a peaceful time.

‘…I don’t think they would do such a crazy thing. Whether they profit from war or ignore dungeon damage, it’s the same thing.’

If it had been just a year, or even half a year later, they could have divided up China. Russia’s situation wasn’t that good either. They would have gleefully played the role of world police, which they had temporarily lost, by saying they would protect them from the dungeons.

“Seok Hayan.”

“Yes?”

“I’ll help you as much as possible, so please succeed in your research in Korea.”

“If that’s possible, I’d be happy too.”

Is this lady alone enough? Should I fish for some more researchers somewhere? Who are the famous people in dungeon studies? Among them, they must have a strong sense of justice or morality. Or they must be the type who are satisfied as long as they can do research.

“Then I’ll contact you again next week. Let’s talk in more detail then. Can you give me your contact information?”

“Ah, yes. Please give me yours too.”

After exchanging contact information with her, I went outside.

Unexpected speculation has been added, making my head a little complicated, but it’s something that hasn’t happened yet. I can change it.

With just Seok Hayan and the Goblin, the preparations are almost complete, so there’s not much more to do.

‘Should I give up my desire for royalties?’

It’s not like I necessarily need that money, so I’ll do something good for people. I’ll just release it because the stingy Americans will be upset.

…No, let’s only receive royalties from the developed countries that are causing trouble. Especially Japan, it’s okay to receive from them. Even if I receive double, I won’t feel guilty.

* * *

– Grrr!

The Fang Mole that was caught in the F-grade dungeon was grunting while trapped in our cage. The Haeyeon Guild’s rookie hunter training practice was, as expected, conducted with real monsters.

“Wow, are we supposed to catch that?”

Yerim showed curiosity at the sight of the monsters baring their teeth fiercely, while Myungwoo was very intimidated. As for me, F-grade monsters weren’t scary even without fear resistance.

Even if they are F-grade hunters, it’s not like they have one or two years of experience, so that’s easy to deal with. Still, I pretended to be a little scared. I’m a newly awakened rookie hunter now.

“…But why are you here?”

I looked at the Haeyeon Guild Master, who was standing right next to me. My younger brother smiled nonchalantly.

“Safety inspection.”

“Aren’t you too free?”

“Want to have lunch together?”

Yerim suddenly shouted at Yoo Hyun’s words.

“I have a prior engagement!”

I don’t remember that. Yerim glared at Yoo Hyun, and Yoo Hyun raised one eyebrow slightly. Why are those two so hostile? Is it because of their attributes?

“Practice is ready…”

The person in charge said, looking at Yoo Hyun’s expression.

“Indoor practice for rookie hunters is education to reduce fear of monsters. When entering a dungeon and facing a monster for the first time, most hunters below the intermediate level get scared.”

Upper-level hunters have high mental strength, so that doesn’t happen often, but it was still different to have experienced monster hunting in advance and not to have experienced it.

After the explanation about dungeon raids and monster hunting, Yerim stepped forward first.

“The combat box is made strong using dungeon byproducts, but we ask that Hunter Park Yerim be careful as she is S-class.”

“Yes! I’ll finish it quickly.”

Combat box, Yerim entered the space surrounded by special glass. She awkwardly spun the spear in her hand, then smiled brightly at me.

Okay, do well.

Then the Fang Mole was pushed into the combat box.

– Grrr!

The mole ran towards Yerim quite fiercely. Even the speed was quite fast. But Yerim stepped to the side and lightly avoided the mole’s attack, spinning like she was dancing.

The spear in Yerim’s hand rotated greatly with her body and stabbed out, instantly piercing the mole.

“Ah! I should have used Lament! Can I do it one more time?”

She’s S-class, but she’s still a kid, and she catches them so well without any problems. It’s much better not to have an aversion to monster hunting than to have one.

The person in charge brought in a new monster, and this time a white mist spread throughout the box. There was no need to stab it with a spear, the mole froze solid.

“Huh? Is it already over?”

“It’s an F-grade monster. Lament is enough.”

Yerim nodded and used the magic stone detector according to the person in charge’s instructions. The lower the monster’s grade, the lower the probability of a magic stone appearing. Both of the ones caught now did not have magic stones.

“Okay, now it’s Myungwoo’s turn.”

“Ugh, okay.”

Myungwoo swallowed hard and gripped the spear tightly. Will he be okay? Fortunately, the person in charge noticed Myungwoo’s condition and ordered the weakest monster to be released.

“Fang Moles have poor eyesight and only go straight. You can easily catch them just by thrusting the spear forward.”

“…Yes.”

Myungwoo nodded with a half-dazed face. He was wearing armor, so he wouldn’t get seriously hurt even if he made a mistake. Still, I’m worried.

The combat box door opened, and Myungwoo staggered inside like a cow being dragged to the slaughterhouse. A moment later, when the Fang Mole was released, Myungwoo’s face turned pale.

“Myungwoo, just extend the spear forward!”

“Ugh! I can’t do it!”

– Grrr!

Myungwoo jumped to avoid the charging monster. Oh dear.

– Kyaruk!

“Save me!”

Completely panicked, Myungwoo threw away the spear and sat crouched on the floor. He really doesn’t have any combat aptitude.

In a way, that was the reaction of an ordinary person.

Eventually, the person in charge rescued Myungwoo and dealt with the Fang Mole. Well, it’s okay. He’s not going to raid dungeons anyway.

“Yoo, Yoojin…”

“It’s natural to be scared of monsters. I’m scared too. But let’s not drop our weapons, okay?”

“O-okay.”

I comforted the very intimidated Myungwoo and headed to the combat box last. I’m also a newly awakened F-grade, so I have to pretend to be scared.

Ah, that’s a really scary monster. I swallowed hard. I also held the spear awkwardly in a clumsy posture.

‘It would look suspicious if I caught it properly.’

Above all, my younger brother, an experienced S-class hunter, was here. With his keen eye, he would easily notice whether my movements were those of a beginner or not.

Then should I just cower like Myungwoo? I wouldn’t reveal my experience, and Myungwoo’s confidence wouldn’t be hurt as much. It’s a win-win.

Okay.

“Get ready. The monster is being released!”

The door to the monster cage opened, and the Fang Mole crawled out. Even though I’m F-grade, you’re a piece of cake.

“Ugh…”

I took a step back, pretending to be scared. Yerim cheered, “Uncle, do your best!” I’m sorry, but I’m going to fail this time.

– Grook, Krruk!

The Fang Mole started running towards me, clacking its front teeth together. Then now.

“I, I can’t do it!”

Ah, scary. I crouched down while holding the spear tightly─

Swish.

A sound of something being cut off smoothly was heard. Immediately after, the Fang Mole that had run up to me,

– Kieeek!

Burst into flames. In an instant, it was scattered on the floor with a smoky smell, leaving only ashes. What, what is it?

“Hyung, are you hurt?”

Yoo Hyun, who was already by my side, propped me up as I was about to crouch. No, you burned it before it even touched me.

When I turned my head, I could see that one wall of the glass box had been cut out like paper. He really cut it cleanly.

“I could have been faster!”

Yerim said regretfully. No, you shouldn’t break the guild’s facilities. The person in charge was out of his mind.

“I’m, I’m fine.”

“Should we stop here and skip the practice? Were you very surprised?”

I was very awkward with my younger brother, who was worried about me so kindly. Put this down and give me some time to adapt. It hasn’t been long since I regressed.

“Uh, we have to go into the dungeon anyway. It’s better to experience it. I’m fine.”

“Tell me anytime if it’s hard.”

“O-okay. Let’s go eat lunch!”

I’m looking for a way to reduce my younger brother’s overprotection. It seems to be getting worse.

* * *

And on the last day of rookie hunter training.

The Goblin had not yet come, and we were finally going to enter the dungeon. We headed to the raid preparation room early in the morning.

“The equipment you rent must be returned after the dungeon raid, and you will be compensated for loss or damage. However, Hunter Park Yerim is not obligated to compensate.”

The person in charge of the preparation room said. Yoo Myungwoo, who was touching the weapons on display at the word compensation, flinched and took his hand off. I really need to fix his timid personality. Well, if he gets an SS-class skill, he’ll soon become confident. Like when you grab the steering wheel of a sports car, you naturally put strength in your shoulders.

‘Shall I use my baby’s skill?’

I used Single Skill Growth Focus on Yerim, who was swinging a battle axe in the display case specially prepared for the S-class. Then a message window popped up… popped up… Why isn’t it coming out?

‘…Did the system have an error?’

What is it? I was about to use it again when the window finally popped up.

[My Baby is the Best L Single Skill Growth Focus is applied to the target Park Yerim!

Unacquired Optimized Skills

Pale Rain (S)

Frozen Earth (S)

Cold Resistance (A)

Magic Power Up (B)

Other Recommended Skills

Ice Attribute Enhancement (A)

Fire Resistance (A)

Magic Power Up (A)

Agility Up (A)

Effective Cold Compress (B)

The following is omitted

Other Random Skill Selection Available]

…Excuse me, person who made the system? There’s a typo here. Isn’t it “random” instead of “random”? And it’s redundant with “random”.

‘They’re not writing the skill description window in real time, are they?’

If that’s the case, the lack of explanation is understandable, but no way. Still, I felt strange because it took time to pop up and there was even a typo. Is it really God? Or something else?

Even if I knew, nothing would change. Even before and after that, for 5 years, many people diligently contemplated and researched what the system was, but what was revealed was minimal. It’s a terrifying existence that has completely changed this world, so it wouldn’t be strange if human abilities couldn’t find even a single strand of hair.

Still, seeing the typo, it seemed that it was not omnipotent at least. I want to let the cults know that claim that dungeons and awakened people are given by their god.

‘Let’s just use the skill.’

First of all, there were four optimized skills. I don’t know what the difference is from the initial optimized skills, but since there are two S-grades, there was no need to hesitate for long.

Pale Rain. That would be better. I had a feeling that it would be better to get Frozen Earth after acquiring Cold Resistance. Since I can’t see the explanation, let’s go safely first.

When I selected Pale Rain, a message window appeared again.

[Target Park Yerim’s Pale Rain (S) Acquisition Conditions

Achieve Level 10 (Progress 1/10)]

It seemed that it was possible to acquire it if the conditions were met. The conditions are very easy.

Usually, you get a new skill every 10 levels, so it was just a basic condition.

Then I used the skill on Myungwoo. Various miscellaneous skills popped up, but there was only one SS, so there was nothing to worry about.

As soon as I selected the Owner of the Golden Blacksmith skill, a message window containing the conditions popped up.

[Target Yoo Myungwoo’s Owner of the Golden Blacksmith (SS) Acquisition Conditions

Achieve Level 10 (Progress 1/10)

Sharpen 10,000 Blades (Progress 17/10,000)]

…Let there be light at the end of the grind. Our Myungwoo fighting.