The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 488

486. Welcome (1)

“We kindly request that you arrive at the designated area by 5 AM on the day of the exam. Blue and Peace are strictly prohibited from flying until the exam concludes. Unless it’s an emergency, Peace should remain in its materialized state, and please ensure Blue doesn’t leave the breeding facility.”

Song Tae-won, visiting the Haeyeon Guild, delivered his instructions in a stern voice. Even though I’d grown quite familiar with Beast King, he was still intimidating in person. Tigers and lions might be familiar to the point of being all over the media, but people would still be terrified to encounter one on the street. So, Director Song repeatedly warned us not to create any situations that could startle the test-takers.

“As requested, Hunter Park Ye-rim will accompany Hunter Han Yu-hyun.”

Instead of a lottery, the region was set as Busan. The number of dungeons is proportional to the population, making it the most likely place for a dungeon break. In practice, it also covers Changwon. The year dungeons first appeared, the national college entrance exam itself was canceled, and since then, there hadn’t been a dungeon break on the exam day. Still, if an accident were to happen on the exam day and its impact were to be significant…

“In the event of the national college entrance exam being canceled due to a dungeon break, the exam will be rescheduled within a month.”

The exam date would be postponed. Thanks to that, there was a reserve team of test creators. Those people would be stuck for another month if they were unlucky. Director Song provided detailed information about other precautions and handed over written materials.

“Han Yu-jin, you’re free to move around as long as you manage Beast King.”

“Yes. You’re working so hard.”

At my words, Director Song shook his head briefly with a weary expression.

“It’s nothing.”

“You’re already busy, yet you came all the way here. Shouldn’t the Association be in charge of this originally?”

“I’m in charge of only S-Rank Hunters, and the Association sends official documents to other guilds and hunters. And…”

Director Song hesitated slightly before continuing.

“Personally, I find it a welcome task.”

His voice was even softer than before. His expression remained the same, but it seemed like Director Song was a little embarrassed.

“Of course, I shouldn’t think that way—”

“Why shouldn’t you! If it’s something you enjoy, you’ll be more motivated and efficient.”

I quickly cut him off and shouted. Helping students with their exams must suit Director Song’s personality better than managing high-ranking hunters. If he had no connection to hunters or awakenings, wouldn’t he have become a teacher instead of a police officer?

Perhaps his current stern face was unimaginable, and he always had a gentle smile. Still kind and not bothering to hide his affection. Being much more generous to himself, freely expressing his love for what he likes.

“Still, don’t overdo it. Even if you’re an S-Rank, you’re not tireless. Above all, maintaining your condition on the day is the most important thing. Sung-han and Riet will remain in Seoul this year, but Director Song, you’re more reliable than anyone else.”

Riet was more of a worry.

“Yes. Thank you.”

Director Song’s sensitivity during the national college entrance exam period might be because it involves the few remaining ordinary aspects of life. Usually, he mainly deals with high-ranking hunters. Of course, preventing high-ranking hunters from causing accidents also protects the daily lives of non-awakened people, but the feeling of direct involvement is inevitably different. He might be willingly doing national college entrance exam-related broadcasts, even if his expression is stiff and awkward.

“What do I do when I take the national college entrance exam? I have special admission, but taking the exam is good for my image.”

Ye-rim raised her hand and asked.

“You’ll go to the designated area and take the exam in a specially prepared test center. If the exam is interrupted due to hunter duties, you’ll be given a score based on the average of your mock exam scores plus additional points. However, if the number of S-Rank Hunters is higher than it is now during Park Ye-rim’s national college entrance exam, you may not be selected.”

With the current number, it wouldn’t be a problem even if Ye-rim was missing. Ye-rim looked a little disappointed at that.

“I wanted to be cheered on the day of the national college entrance exam. S-Ranks can’t properly monitor anyone other than other S-Ranks, so can’t I just take it at a regular test center?”

“No, you can’t.”

“Ye-rim, we’ll all go together. I’ll ask Yu-hyun to be assigned to Seoul.”

It would inevitably be different from a regular test center crowded with test-takers, but we should still bring as many people as possible.

“That’s right, there are no restrictions on taking the national college entrance exam as long as you have a high school diploma, right? Can I go into the test center with you?”

“Uncle? Yes! Let’s take the exam together!”

“Then me too, hyung [older brother/male friend].”

Ye-rim frowned at Yu-hyun’s words.

“No way! It’s a nuisance if you get good grades, Guild Leader!”

“I won’t solve anything. I don’t plan to go back to college anyway.”

“Yeah, the more the merrier. Let’s eat lunch together.”

“If you submit a blank paper, okay!”

Ye-rim smiled brightly again and nodded. I was secretly sad that I couldn’t take care of Yu-hyun, but I felt happy at the thought of going into the test center together. Yu-hyun and I were extras, but still.

“Has there been anything else unusual?”

Before leaving, Director Song looked at me and said. Specifically, his gaze was on my turtleneck and the bandage below my ear.

“Nothing unusual.”

I’m glad it’s getting colder. It’s a season where it’s not strange to wear a turtleneck that covers the entire neck. Director Song stared at me for a moment before turning away. Watching Director Song’s back, I rubbed my neck with my hand for no reason. I wasn’t planning on not telling him, but he’s already busy.

“Hello, Hunter Noah! Director Han!”

As soon as I got out of the car with Noah at the Seseong Guild parking lot, Kang So-young ran over and greeted us happily. From the first time I met her after the regression until now, she never seemed to be anything but energetic. I wondered if So-young was the happiest person because of my regression.

“Was the traffic bad? How about flying when you leave? I’ll bring the car over!”

Kang So-young said, her eyes sparkling. She had heard that Noah’s dragon transformation had changed, but she was impatient because she hadn’t seen it in person.

“It’s not that far.”

“It’s also good for the environment! Oh, and Hunter Noah, you have to wait on the first floor. For the time being, Director Han has to follow the rules too.”

So-young lowered her voice.

“Originally, it’s not allowed for S-Rank Hunters who aren’t affiliated with the guild to visit like this. Director Song’s bodyguard was the only exception.”

Chloe suddenly came to mind, but she was still known as an A-Rank.

“I’ll take good care of Hunter Noah, so don’t worry and go do your business~ Hunter Noah, have you eaten?”

“Yes, I ate before coming.”

“Then how about a simple tea or snacks or flying?”

“…Excuse me?”

“I thought you might be bored!”

When I went up to the lobby, Evelyn was waiting. She bowed her head lightly towards me.

“I will be responsible for Director Han’s safety within the guild. Please follow me.”

“Yes, please take care of me.”

I parted ways with Noah and headed to the elevator, following Evelyn. It was indeed someone else’s guild, but it had been a long time since I felt like I was visiting someone else’s guild to this extent. When I thought about it, the purpose of my first visit was to take a walk in the garden. It was really personal. I also flew straight into the garden with Noah.

“Um, Hunter Evelyn.”

“Yes, Director Han.”

“Would you still be uncomfortable teaming up with the Breaker Guild Leader?”

I brought it up just in case. Hyun-ah, of course, and Evelyn would also dislike it…

“I welcome it.”

“Oh, really?”

“The Breaker Guild Leader’s skill characteristics and combat style are a good match for me.”

Evelyn said, pressing the elevator button. I guess so.

“But the Breaker Guild Leader is sulking at me.”

“…Sulking?”

“It seems she doesn’t like me.”

“That’s, it’s not that she dislikes Evelyn… she just said you don’t get along.”

“I see.”

Evelyn smiled faintly and got into the elevator. I knew Evelyn wasn’t ordinary, but maybe it was because of her calm and neat appearance, but she had a strangely melancholic feeling.

“Then, can the relationship be restored?”

“…Excuse me?”

“I still like her very much.”

Her eyes, with a sad, slender smile, turned to me. I knew Evelyn wasn’t an ordinary person, but perhaps it was because of her calm and neat appearance that she had a strangely melancholic feeling.

“The Breaker Guild Leader is someone you can’t help but like.”

“Well, yes. I think so too. Um, you two seemed to be fine before.”

“I used to call her ‘unnie’ [older sister/female friend] comfortably.”

“Ah…”

“I did.”

“…Yes?”

Wasn’t Evelyn older? As the elevator stopped and we stepped outside, Evelyn showed a strong hint of regret.

“Was she very bothered that I lied about my age? It seems Korea values age a lot.”

I didn’t think Hyun-ah would be upset just because of that. But Evelyn seemed to believe that was the reason. I would welcome it if the two of them got along… But where and how did the two of them meet? Overseas? Or had Evelyn stayed in Korea before?

“Then, Director Han, please call me when you go back.”

“Thank you.”

Evelyn opened the door herself and turned around after a polite greeting. She was really kind, unlike an S-Rank Hunter right now.

‘…I don’t know.’

Except for using her skill on me, there was nothing to criticize. As for shooting Sung Hyun-jae with an arrow, well, I would have wanted to shoot him too. Besides, her tone and attitude were gentle. But judging from Hyun-ah’s reaction and Ye-rim and So-young’s words, she was someone you shouldn’t let your guard down around.

“No one’s here.”

The reception room I was guided to was empty. I sat down on the chair and placed my briefcase on the table. No, should I put it next to me? On the floor? Should I take out the documents in advance? Should I take them out after greeting him? After hesitating, I put it on the chair next to me.

‘The view is good.’

There was still some time left until the appointment. So, even though Sung Hyun-jae wasn’t late, I felt strange. I expected at least someone to bring me tea.

‘Is this what it feels like?’

To be cut off overnight after receiving special treatment. Still, this was just a little disappointing. It wasn’t even ticklish compared to a good sibling suddenly leaving home and cutting ties. It wasn’t real. It might become real someday, though.

Exactly at the appointed time, the door opened. I stared blankly at Sung Hyun-jae entering, then realized and stood up. Chloe followed him in. What, he didn’t say she was coming with him.

“Greetings, Seseong Guild Leader.”

“Dadam’s secretarial team must be inadequate.”

Sung Hyun-jae immediately threw a knife [made a cutting remark]. What, what. He casually threw the words and sat down on the opposite side of me.

“I will stand.”

Chloe said that and stepped back one step behind Sung Hyun-jae’s side. I sat down again for now.

“There’s no reason for me to hear such words from the Seseong Guild Leader.”

Why the secretarial team, not me? Sung Hyun-jae raised his hand instead of answering and pointed to his neck. Neck… turtleneck? Sung Hyun-jae was wearing a suit, though.

“This is the outfit I wanted.”

Besides, semi-formal was okay. Was the tie that important? …It might be important. I had heard advice that it would be better to wear a proper suit, but I thought it would be okay. Sung Hyun-jae wore a look of blatant disbelief.

“Taking my time must have been a light and easy thing for Director Han.”

“That’s, it’s not that.”

It was ordinary treatment, ordinary treatment. I slightly understood the people who were sharpening their knives at Sung Hyun-jae. This was subtly infuriating.

“Appropriate attire for the occasion is a basic of social life. I greeted you with sincerity and respect, but.”

His light-colored eyes sank coldly.

“Director Han.”

“…I’m sorry. But I can’t change now. Let’s just—”

“It’s not impossible.”

Sung Hyun-jae took out his phone.

“I’ll have clothes brought here.”

“Excuse me?”

“So you can change.”

Here. At those words, not only me but even Chloe, who was standing behind him, frowned slightly. What was this malicious abuse of power? The urge to curse came to my lips, and at the same time, I wondered if he was trying to find out what I was hiding. No, then he should send a secret text or something! He also had the purpose of showing Chloe that our relationship had hit rock bottom, but hey, you.

I clenched my teeth and tried to calm my mind. Right, that bastard in front of me had even made Director Song kneel. His personality was originally terrible, yes.

“As you said, attire should match the occasion and the person, so I thought this would be okay.”

I raised the corners of my lips and smiled as I continued.

“I thought that someone who abruptly hangs up the phone would have thrown away etiquette a long time ago.”

I lightly touched the neck of the turtleneck.

“I was worried that I might be too formal, but I didn’t know you were such a fickle person. I’ll pay attention from now on.”

Your attitude was terrible first, Sung Hyun-jae covered his mouth slightly with his hand at those words. His round eyes turned to my neck.

“Of course, matching the Seseong Guild Leader, that is.”

Did you think you’re the only one who’s great? I’m great too. If you hang up the phone unilaterally again, I’ll wear jeans next time. Sneakers and a field jacket, huh?

“Director Han, you’re still the same.”

Sung Hyun-jae said calmly, as if he wasn’t impressed. Even I, who was looking at him from the front, was fooled, so Chloe wouldn’t notice at all.

“So I’ll let it slide today.”

It was a sound that he would let it go because he didn’t seem to have adapted to the fact that our relationship had changed yet. Take your eyes off my neck and say that. It was a look that he would have checked even if he had to force it if Chloe hadn’t been there.

As soon as Sung Hyun-jae finished speaking, Chloe stepped forward as if she had been waiting.

“Director Han Yu-jin, are the three people safe?”

I looked up at her. She seemed to be worried enough to stay quietly in Seseong.

“I don’t know what nonsense you’re talking about, but since you’re asking about their well-being, I’ll answer you. Recently, my surroundings have been peaceful.”

“I heard you’re holding a meeting on an island in Japan.”

“Yes. If you wish, I’ll give Chloe an invitation too.”

“There are people besides me who want to attend.”

My ears perked up at Chloe’s words. I didn’t know how she persuaded them, but it seemed like Park Ha-yul’s sister was going to come on her own. Then I welcome it.