The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 352

350. Under Discussion (2)

Three pairs of eyes turned towards Song Tae-won. The energy they held and even their colors were all different, but their underlying question was the same.

It was a bizarre sight. To see predators from vastly different habitats – land, sea, and air – who would never normally encounter each other, gathered together with a shared purpose and cooperating, was something he couldn’t have imagined even in his wildest dreams. Song Tae-won met their gazes head-on.

Non-awakened individuals, especially those with high social status, were usually pleased when he took a step back and bowed. Some even enjoyed or took pride in being treated as equal to or superior to an S-Rank Hunter. Yielding appropriately often made it easier to manage the other party.

But these people were different. Quite the opposite, in fact. If someone who could match them deliberately humbled themselves, they would show their displeasure. Song Tae-won suppressed his own emotions and opened his mouth as calmly as possible.

“We will seek cooperation from China, but official protests are impossible.”

“What does that mean?”

Han Yu-hyun asked sharply. Park Ye-rim tilted her head, while Sung Hyun-jae wore an expression as if he had expected this to some extent.

“The response we received was that they were unaware of the incident themselves. If they claim it was the work of a Chinese guild, the Korean government cannot directly interfere in another country’s internal affairs. We can only ask for cooperation to protect our citizens.”

Even if Koreans were kidnapped and taken abroad, all they could do was request an investigation from the country in question. It was naturally impossible for Korea to rush in and conduct their own search. It would be possible if the country in question granted Korea a search warrant, but China would never agree to that. Furthermore, even if they were granted permission and entered the country, their actions would naturally be restricted.

“What, so we just have to watch Ahjussi [term of endearment for an older male, like ‘Uncle’ or ‘Mister’] get kidnapped? You went directly to Hong Kong back then.”

“Officially, that never happened.”

“Ah, right. Then we can go unofficially this time too. Park Ye-rim, stay in Korea for about a month or so. I might go to Japan occasionally, but I’ve never been to China. Is that okay? Ah, I wanted to go to China, but I can’t. How disappointing.”

Park Ye-rim looked up at Song Tae-won as if asking for his approval. Her attitude resembled someone quite a bit. Song Tae-won suddenly recalled his conversation with Moon Hyun-ah.

When Kim Sung-han grew into an S-Rank, there was talk of Park Ye-rim moving to another guild. Not only MKC, which had now collapsed, but also Breaker’s backer had expressed such intentions. In particular, Moon Hyun-ah had built a friendship with Park Ye-rim and was asked to convey the message, as it would look good since they were both women.

Of course, Moon Hyun-ah refused outright.

‘Why would I pull Ye-rim out of that good position?’

She wouldn’t want to leave, and there’s no reason for her to leave, Moon Hyun-ah had said with a pleased expression.

‘It’s not easy for a young S-Rank Hunter to receive such protection. Usually, they act independently. Even if they go under someone, Ye-rim will never be given the same environment.’

If one awakened to a high rank, they would inevitably be treated as a strong person regardless of age. Especially if they were staying right next to them, it would be difficult to be fooled by their young appearance. They would constantly feel how strong the other person was every hour.

But Han Yu-jin treated Park Ye-rim like an ordinary child. No matter what anyone said, no matter what abilities she possessed, she was a fifteen-year-old he had to protect. At the same time, Han Yu-jin also had the foundation to protect Park Ye-rim as a guardian.

Even S-Rank Hunters were not without weaknesses. Especially socially, family relationships, age, gender, and even race could be exploited if they went abroad. But if anyone tried to latch onto Park Ye-rim using such things, they would face retaliation that no one could handle. If Han Yu-jin set his mind to it, a terrifying thing could happen: turning countless S-Rank Hunters around the world into enemies. With Gi Seung-soo and S-Rank or higher weapons alone, there were plenty of people who would be tempted.

‘Ye-rim has settled into a perfect nest. Especially as an S-Rank Hunter, it’s the best condition. What could she be lacking?’

Han Yu-jin and Han Yu-hyun were right next to her. She also hung out with Moon Hyun-ah, the S-Rank Guild Leader, and there were many talented people in her affiliated guild, Hae Yeon. Kim Ha-yeon also adored Park Ye-rim quite a bit. In that environment, she would naturally learn and grow, like water seeping in. However.

‘The only downside is that neither Han Yu-hyun nor I can properly guide Ye-rim in combat, even though we can pass on our experience. Our styles are different. The same goes for Noah Hunter and Kim Sung-han Hunter, of course. By nature, Sung Hyun-jae is perfect, but that human won’t easily try to help.’

Even if Han Yu-jin asked him to accept, there would be little to gain unless Sung Hyun-jae was genuinely willing to engage with Park Ye-rim. It would only end up being superficial.

Such a conversation had taken place. Song Tae-won narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Park Ye-rim. Certainly, among the same S-Rank Hunters, there was no S-Rank Hunter who was coddled and grew up being treated with favor by those who yielded to them. The future was promising and could be frightening at the same time, but… the future.

“…Come up with plausible excuses, each of you. You can’t leave right away.”

“Yes!”

Park Ye-rim answered excitedly first.

“In addition, I have submitted a vacation request.”

Vacation. Sung Hyun-jae and Park Ye-rim, as well as Han Yu-hyun, looked at Song Tae-won with slightly surprised eyes.

“Wow, really? Are you really going on vacation?”

“I thought I’d hear about your retirement before your vacation. Amazing.”

Instead of answering, Song Tae-won continued in a businesslike manner.

“During the vacation period, the status as an S-Rank Hunter takes precedence over the status as a public official under special provisions. Originally, it was a welfare provision for Hunters working in public office.”

“Director Song Tae-won has never used it properly.”

“I didn’t have time to use it.”

Hunters who were public officials had their dungeon raid rewards revert to the state. However, there was an exception during vacation, and at this time, the priority right to raid efficient dungeons was given as vacation expenses. But Song Tae-won didn’t have the leisure to personally raid dungeons leisurely.

“Oh, then take Song-ie! Take Songsong-ie with you! Lamb.”

Park Ye-rim shouted, raising her hand.

“…Only the rewards from personally raided dungeons can be acquired individually, and Gi Seung-soo is not a dungeon reward.”

“You’re not a public official right now, though.”

“The priority is different, but I am a public official.”

“Aw, who cares. But did you really name him Taesan [Korean name, meaning ‘big mountain’]? So-young Unni [term of endearment for an older female, like ‘Sister’ or ‘Ms.’] said that Ahjussi was speechless, but Song Director wasn’t easy either.”

Song Tae-won was silent. He swallowed the words, ‘I also think Taesan is cute.’

“…Please refrain from unauthorized solo actions. The official announcement of the kidnapping of Han Yu-jin, the head of the breeding center, and the announcement of each guild’s external response methods should come first. Guild Leader Sung Hyun-jae, do you have connections in China?”

“I do, but it’s one of the countries where my influence is minimal compared to others. Their vigilance is high, so I’ve placed connections under different identities. Enough to help with Director Song Tae-won’s vacation plans.”

“I ask for your cooperation.”

Song Tae-won repeatedly emphasized to Han Yu-hyun and Park Ye-rim that it was a priority to create plausible actions, and then left the room with Sung Hyun-jae. After the two disappeared, Park Ye-rim opened her mouth.

“I’ve been wondering for a while, why does Guild Leader Sung Hyun-jae like Song Director so much? He’s a unique Ahjussi, but my Unnis said it’s amazing how long it’s been going on.”

Besides, he’s more ordinary compared to Ahjussi, isn’t he? She tilted her head. Han Yu-hyun didn’t even react as if it had nothing to do with him.

“Yeah, what interest would you have in something unrelated to Ahjussi, our Guild Leader. You just keep living like that, I’m leaving.”

“What? Leaving.”

“I’m going to advance overseas. It’s only Japan for now, but I’ll go further when I get older.”

Han Yu-hyun wore an incomprehensible expression at Park Ye-rim’s words that he should live well without her.

“How can you leave Hyung [term of endearment for an older brother or male friend] behind?”

“Who said I was leaving forever? And Ahjussi has Han Yu-hyun, 있잖아 [Korean expression, meaning ‘you know’].”

Park Ye-rim pointed her finger and continued.

“You’re going to stick right next to Ahjussi anyway and not fall off, right? Since you want to stay in Korea and wag your tail while saying ‘Hyung, Hyung,’ I, with a generous heart, have to step up.”

“…Step up?”

“Hyun-ah Unni said that if we become the world’s best guild, we can take Ahjussi with us. So, we’re going to take first place first. How long are we going to stay in Korea? We have to expand overseas. Besides, if we secure the top spot, Ahjussi won’t have to suffer like this time.”

Park Ye-rim smiled, saying that becoming the best so that no one could touch them was the safest path.

“So, leave it to me. Guild Leader, please protect the house well and take good care of Ahjussi. I’ll sweep everything away so you two can live in peace~”

Han Yu-hyun blinked slowly. What was she saying right now?

“I’m going to… help Hyung be comfortable by his side?”

“Is that how it is? It’s more because I want to take first place in the world. But don’t cry even if I set up a completely new guild instead of Hae Yeon Guild’s overseas branch, Guild Leader.”
Han Yu-hyun blankly stared at Park Ye-rim, who was chattering about what name to give the new guild if she made one, Hae Yeon was pretty, but. It was the first time. It was the first time someone had stepped up to help him with what he wanted most. Not like Irin, who prioritized his will, but to hear such words from a complete stranger.

Even Han Yu-jin had shown signs that he should become independent someday.

From a very young age, there were only obstacles around him. Starting with his parents. The same was true for other people. Even his own strength became an obstacle, and he eventually had to leave Hyung’s side. The guild he founded to protect Hyung also made his relationship with Han Yu-jin even more distant. Even now that he had reconciled with Hyung, most people expressed concern that he was paying too much attention to Han Yu-jin. Because he was a Guild Leader and an S-Rank Hunter. Because it was natural to stand tall on his own, to leave the nest and move forward as a talented individual and a strong person.

Even so, he wasn’t affected by those words. He didn’t care, he couldn’t even brush them off. Unlike those meaningless things, the words ‘I’ll help you’ felt unfamiliar, new, and a little strange.

“…Thank you.”

“…What?”

Park Ye-rim, who had been talking happily, stiffened. She looked at Han Yu-hyun with an unbelievable expression.

“Just now, what did you say…….”

“I said thank you.”

“헐 [Korean slang expression of disbelief, like ‘OMG’ or ‘WTF’], Ahjussi! Come back! Han Yu-hyun is crazy! Oh no, was the shock of Ahjussi’s kidnapping too great!”

“What’s wrong with saying thank you for saying you’ll help?”

“Still! Was it because it was about Ahjussi? Still!”

Park Ye-rim jumped back and rubbed her arms with her hands.

“Ew, that’s so cheesy. Let’s not be awkward like this, okay?”

Park Ye-rim left the room first, saying let’s go make an alibi quickly. Han Yu-hyun also followed behind her.

* * *

“Too much chatter, is it because it’s been a while since we gathered?”

The black-haired, red-eyed boy stood on the snowfield. Where he was was a winter forest, but some places were spring flower gardens, summer mountains, and autumn lakes. There were also wastelands where the seasons could not be felt, melted lands, endless seas, and completely empty spaces.

The owners of those spaces took their places one by one. Almost no one stepped outside their territory.

Then, a newcomer appeared, fluttering clothes like layers of petals.

“Chaos!”
The newcomer, looking around, conveyed the words to the young Chaos so that he could not hear them.

[Honey has left Korea!]

“…What?”

[Honey’s country is Korea, and it’s the best protected there. Even after the system is connected, transcendents can’t intervene. But suddenly I can feel Honey clearly.]
The newcomer drooped his ears, wondering what to do. The young Chaos’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“That damn Brook Song-aji [Korean slang, a derogatory term for a young person]. What about the second one?”

[I don’t know. I can only know about Honey because he’s still in the virtual world system. He still has the point store. Usually, it’s hard to check the location outside the dungeon. Even now that the system connection is less complete.]

“…I think he followed, but maybe not.”

That guy wouldn’t leave his Hyung alone, but if he was by his side, he wouldn’t have let him go outside the safe country. So, it seemed more likely that the first one moved alone.

[No one has noticed yet except me, but when the system is fully connected, Chatterbox might find out. At least it’s under discussion, so it might be impossible to directly touch Honey depending on the decision…….]

“Then delay the time as much as possible.”

[Oh, how?]

The boy sighed briefly.

“What do you mean, how?”

A huge attitude with a blue light was held at his fingertips.

“I’ll overturn the 판 [Korean word for ‘game board’ or ‘situation’].”