The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 323

321. Sibling Rivalry (1)

Why is he so happy? Could it be that he’s been harboring some secret resentment towards me…? Even if he had, he’s not the type of brother to resort to violence. Still, maybe he’s wanted to beat me up at least once. It’s not like I haven’t caused him some heartache. My conscience pricked me slightly.

“Um, hey Yoohyun. How about you tell me all your complaints about your brother today?”

“Complaints? Of course not…”

Yoohyun trailed off. Ah, so there is something. I patted my brother’s shoulder, telling him it was okay.

“Tell me, tell me. It’s alright. I’ll listen to anything.”

“I don’t like you going outside. I don’t want you getting caught up in dangerous things.”

“…Oh, that’s…”

I was taken aback by his sudden answer, but Yoohyun shook his head briefly, telling me not to worry about it.

“I’m just saying it because you told me to. You didn’t like me becoming a Hunter either. You’re probably still anxious when I go to attack dungeons.”

“Yeah. Well, if it were possible, I’d want you to do only safe things. Yerim too.”

It would be even better if you didn’t work and just went to school. My brother and I looked at each other and smiled faintly at the same time. It was still unavoidable, but it felt different than before. Maybe it was thanks to the few days of peace, but I had a vague hope that it might be possible someday. Yoohyun probably felt the same way.

“And exercise a little.”

“…Huh?”

“Even if your physical condition isn’t good, you should at least do some light stretching. They say you need to exercise consistently beforehand to maintain your health as you get older.”

Yoohyun sent me a stern look, asking why I wasn’t doing it. It’s not like I didn’t want to, it’s just… well. It just ended up that way.

“Don’t eat late at night either. Eat your meals on time, don’t skip them because you’re too lazy. Park Yerim said she won’t let you eat the snacks she buys anymore. And don’t let the Breaker Guild Leader and Hunter Kang Soyoung buy you food—”

“Hey, Yoohyun! It’s not like I eat that much…”

“It’s fine to eat a lot, but don’t just skip meals and eat snacks. It’s okay if you eat three proper meals. And I’ve booked a dentist appointment for you tomorrow. In the morning.”

When I’m alone… I’m too lazy to make food. I had no excuse, so I replied that I would take care of myself from now on. If I get sick a couple more times, he might even assign a dedicated monitor to me. Like a trainer who manages my diet every day.

“Don’t tell me you were happy to be able to use mental skills on me because you were planning to train me. It wouldn’t be very effective to exercise in there, though.”

I might be able to develop a habit of exercising, though.

“It’s not that.”

“…Then?”

“Just because I like it.”

Yoohyun tilted his head as if wondering why I was asking that, then continued his explanation.

“I’m not very interested in other things. The only thing I’m interested in besides things related to you is fighting.”

I knew that too. That Yoohyun had a rather belligerent disposition. Other S-Rank Hunters who specialized in combat, especially those focused on attack skills or stats, were also belligerent.

“Maybe it’s because I can unleash what I’ve been suppressing, but it feels pretty good. Hunting monsters isn’t bad, but fighting Hunters is more enjoyable.”

“I heard that you and Hyunah caused a lot of fights.”

“I haven’t been able to do that since dungeon breaks almost never happen anymore.”

Yoohyun said, slightly dejected.

“In Korea, S-Rank Hunters are in public office. It’s different from overseas, where it’s difficult to legally punish high-level Hunters even if they run wild. There are also many restrictions to prevent S-Rank Hunters from harming each other.”

“It would be a big loss if something went wrong.”

At least fighting outside was noticeable and could be quickly stopped, so it was okay, but the problem was inside dungeons. That’s why it was forbidden for two or more combat-type S-Rank Hunters, especially those from different guilds, to enter the same dungeon, both domestically and overseas. If they killed someone in the dungeon and said they were attacked by a monster, there was no way to investigate. It was even more strictly prohibited to enter with only two people, unless there were three or more. Except for Song [Song Taewon, a public official], who was a public official.

Yoohyun and Yerim were in the same guild, so it was okay. Evelyn probably wouldn’t have any restrictions with Sung Hyunjae either. Although it seemed likely that Evelyn would try to stab Sung Hyunjae in the back.

Even if that wasn’t the case, it would be foolish to send two or more S-Rank Hunters into the same dungeon for a simple raid without a good reason. The dungeon difficulty wasn’t that high yet, so why would they waste such valuable resources? Maybe in two or three years, but it would be a waste of manpower.

“Still, Song Taewon was the most fun to fight. Especially when I had just awakened, he was a tough opponent to face in close combat. I even fought without using Black Flame on purpose.”

…Song, I’m sorry. I really want to repay you, but it makes me sad that you won’t accept anything.

“He was also easy to call out, so I fought him the most. Other S-Rank Hunters probably fought Song the most too.”

“You’ve really suffered a lot, both domestically and internationally.”

“The Breaker Guild Leader was also good. The Sesung Guild Leader wasn’t bad either. The rest were boring.”

So Sung Hyunjae was worse than Hyunah? He must like close-combat styles like Song. Well, Yoohyun himself preferred to approach and deal with things directly rather than burning them from afar.

“But you’re the best, Hyung!”

Yoohyun said, looking at me with expectant eyes.

“Everything is good when I’m with you, but to be able to fight you too. I thought that would be impossible.”

“Oh… I thought so too.”

“Can I use Park Yerim’s and the Sesung Guild Leader’s skills like last time? And my skills too?”

“Yes, you can use them. However, the proficiency is much lower compared to the original owners. The more difficult the skill, the harder it is to use.”

“You were using them skillfully, though? What about weapons? Can I bring them in?”

“You can use the items you had when you used the mental skill.”

“Then I need to prepare a bit. Since you can use a variety of skills, I’ll bring cold resistance items, and do you use poison too?”

“Yes, I can use Noah’s skills.”

“Really? That’ll be tricky.”

My brother said excitedly, like a child the day before a picnic. Although Yoohyun didn’t really like picnics.

“When are we going to do it, Hyung?”

“We both become defenseless, so we need to ask Yerim to protect us. It won’t take long, but we should clear our schedules just in case.”

Yoohyun smiled brightly, saying he would check his schedule and arrange it as soon as possible. Why is he so happy?

‘Once we fight, it’ll be easier to talk about the Black Dragon Heart Fragment.’

If we fight, it’s inevitable that we’ll get hurt, so he’ll be less resistant to me putting a knife in my back. Also, I won’t just seem weak to him. Even if the mental world is different from reality, his thoughts will inevitably change a little once he experiences it.

I’ve been busy since the dungeon changes were announced, but Yoohyun made time just two days later. There was a lot to do within the guild, but it was also thanks to the fact that dungeon raids had become more relaxed. Yerim also came home that day to protect us.

“So you’re finally hiring official employees for the Breeding Ground.”

Seok Simyeong said, very pleased, having rushed over at my request despite his busy schedule.

“I have people in mind for the office positions.”

Once my eyesight is fully restored, I will go and bring them myself. But all the people I know are low-level Hunters.

“I would like Haeyeon to help with hiring mid- to high-level Hunters for security and monster management.”

“Of course, we must help you. Please let me know if you need any other professional personnel.”

Seok Simyeong said that he would find them with all his heart and effort. He seemed eager to kick out the Hunters from other guilds in the Breeding Ground as soon as possible. It must be even more concerning since Yoohyun and Yerim live there.

Yes, I need to get along with someone who cares about the kids. It’s also helpful to me. And he was bullied by Sung Hyunjae.

“The Sesung Guild Leader said he would help too.”

I brought it up casually, even though that never happened. At the same time, Seok Simyeong’s expression crumbled ever so slightly. But it quickly returned to normal.

“To be honest, I don’t think he’s a good person to be close to. The Sesung Guild Leader is a dangerous person.”

“He’s nice to me. He’s a decent person when you get to know him.”

“Ah… yes. Still, it’s not for nothing that people who have experienced the Sesung Guild Leader all advise you to avoid him. There are many people who have been ruined by his glamorous appearance.”

“Are you perhaps one of them, Team Leader Seok?”

Seok Simyeong coughed awkwardly at my seemingly innocent question. He showed his agitation that much, so he must have been bullied quite a bit by Sung Hyunjae. I felt a little relieved and a little sorry, so I changed the subject.

“Since Noah Hunter is in the building and the Haeyeon Guild is right next door, I would like you to find someone trustworthy rather than someone with great Hunter abilities.”

“Of course, that’s what we should do. I already have Hunters in mind.”

As the head of the personnel team of a large guild, I could trust Seok Simyeong’s judgment. Above all, most of Haeyeon’s members had gone through his hands. He was the one who created the unwavering guild of today, so it would be much better than me going around looking for people myself.

“Ah, and there are differing opinions about the Awakening Center.”

“The Awakening Center? It’s still a long way from reopening.”

I had Riete destroy it, and it was being rebuilt diligently, but it would take quite a while to complete. Maybe I should have only destroyed half of it.

“It will take time to build the center building, but the internal facilities themselves have already been researched, so it is possible to temporarily reopen in another location. However, there is a lot of talk because the dungeon situation has changed and there is less need to increase the number of Awakened.”

Ah, well, it’s much easier to manage dungeons now. Still, considering the future when the number and difficulty of dungeons will increase, the Awakening Center is necessary. Above all, the inventory is convenient.

“They’re not going to get rid of the center altogether, are they?”

“No. But they’re reducing support…”

“Wow, who the hell is doing that? They should be reducing the number of Awakened as I requested before, not reducing support! Strengthening education is essential!”

I need to set a date and visit the Hunter Association. Or maybe the National Assembly? The Association has changed half of its people, but the National Assembly is still the same. Are they holding a grudge because an S-Rank Guild didn’t form in Yeouido [an island in Seoul, South Korea, known for being the location of the National Assembly]? The spot where the MKC Guild used to be is still vacant.

“We can’t ignore Director Han’s proposal, so don’t worry too much and focus on the Breeding Ground for now.”

Seok Simyeong comforted me, telling me to just be aware that such talk was going around. It would be difficult to ignore my opinion and act unilaterally right now. It’s tied to the successes of the research institute in the Japan case and the consecutive major successes. And stamina potions are coming out soon.

I feel a little pressured.

Seok Simyeong said he would organize the list and send it to me within the week before leaving. I was about to get up, check on the baby monsters, and go home when—

– Hyung!

Suddenly, Riete popped out. The red lizard wrapped around my wrist. What is it?

“Riete, what about Yoohyun?”

– Yoohyun is busy. Riete said I could come play for a bit.

“Do you wander around alone too?”

– Yoohyun’s side is the best, but sometimes. I can’t go far! It’s usually hard to come even this far, but it’s okay next to Hyung.”

“Still, why come if it’s hard? Should I take you back?”

– More than that, Hyung!

Riete wagged its tail and looked up at me.

– You said Yoohyun is going inside.”

“Yeah, tomorrow.”

– Are you very strong in there, Hyung?

If you ask if I’m strong, I am strong. Even excluding my twenty-five-year-old brother’s abilities.

“I can double the power of attack skills. So, if you only count attack skills, I’m stronger than Yoohyun.”

– Then that won’t do!

Riete tapped the back of my hand with its front paw.

– Can’t you adjust it to be about the same as Yoohyun? Huh? Hyuuung. If Hyung is too strong, it’ll be over before Yoohyun can move freely.”

“I’ll try to adjust it well.”

– What about restricting skills altogether? Yoohyun will notice right away if Hyung is holding back!

That’s true. What should I do? Just like Diarma blocked my grace, I think I can block some of my skills.

“Hmm, I’ll try.”

– Thank you, Hyung! Hyung is the best!

Riete spun around excitedly. Could it be that you just don’t want Yoohyun to lose, you little rascal?

“I want to fight Ahjussi too~”

Yerim said, settling on the sofa.

“I just have to protect you, right?”

“Yeah. On the outside, it’ll just look like we’re asleep. Yoohyun, are you ready?”

Yoohyun nodded. He seemed a little nervous.

‘I just need to block the double application of attack skills.’

And the stat values of Yoohyun from before the regression that were doubled. What about Black Blood Flame? The fact that I can use Yoohyun’s abilities at twenty-five won’t seem strange. Teacher’s skill isn’t a skill I gained thanks to regression. So, Black Blood Flame, should I show it? It might be helpful.

I closed my eyes and applied the mental skill to Yoohyun. The skill was accepted without resistance.

“Hyung.”

The dim view brightened, and I saw Yoohyun standing in a desolate field.