The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 502

500. I’m a Hunter

“Unfortunately, not a single team succeeded in the Giant Turtle Raid Special Event!”

The Hunters who failed the raid looked crestfallen, but the Hunters who were just spectating were beaming. If they weren’t worried about appearances, they would have applauded my announcement.

“As expected of an SS-Rank monster, it’s not easy. Instead, we will be providing souvenirs to all paid participants. Please line up over there, where Hunter Noah is.”

Noah and the other A-Rank Hunters were handing out souvenirs.

“…A towel?”

“It’s a Dodam Breeding Center naming 기념 [commemorative] towel. When it comes to souvenirs, it’s gotta be a towel~ Made from dungeon byproducts, it’s a top-quality item that can even go in your inventory!”

There were plenty of regular 기념 towels, but the ones made from dungeon byproducts were limited edition and not many. I was originally planning to hand these out on the last day. I should make sure to get a few more for Chief Song.

“In addition, Dodam souvenir store overseas shipping will begin next week, so please make good use of it and spread the word. Now, let’s start the raffle. Today, just like yesterday, the time limit is 30 minutes!”

Despite being free, not many teams applied for this challenge. In fact, the prevailing opinion was that it was impossible to raid. As experienced Hunters, some had tried to see if the monster would weaken if they dragged it out of the water, but the Giant Turtle didn’t budge. Even if it moved a little, it would only go deeper, extremely reluctant to expose its body beyond a certain point.

“If it were a river, you could at least block it up and down, but it’s the sea.”

“If it were just a lake, we could try to pump the water out.”

“The Caspian or Baikal?”

Hunters were saying that the only way to defeat that monster was to lure it into a cove-like area, block the entrance, and pump out the water. But there was no way the monster would just sit still while the water level decreased. It would try to break through the blocked entrance and escape. To pump out that much water before that happened, wouldn’t we need like three Yerims?

They were saying there wasn’t really a way.

‘The hints are all there.’

Meanwhile, the first team to challenge hit the shell a few times with their weapons before shaking their heads and backing away. I checked my phone in between watching them.

‘Did he 침수 [immerse] his phone in wine?’

There’s no way he’d use a phone that’s not waterproof. Or maybe it got smashed during that 습격 [raid] or whatever.

“Hyung [older brother/term of endearment for a close male friend], don’t forget what you promised.”

Moon Hyun-ah approached me, lightly tapping my shoulder.

“Yes, yes. Of course. If we succeed, it’s Hyun-ah 씨 [Ms./Mr.]’s.”

Moon Hyun-ah, who was smiling and turning her head, stopped her gaze at one spot on the beach. Tables and chairs had been lined up on the sand since last night. There were plenty of food, drinks, and alcohol. In other words, 관람객들 [spectators].

Among them, Evelyn was sitting elegantly, holding a wine glass in her hand. With a long beach dress, long cardigan, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed white hat, the season disappeared altogether. It was like a photo for an August vacation special.

Hyun-ah 씨’s expression showed that she didn’t like Evelyn’s appearance very much. I wonder if I should ask why.

“By any chance, are you very bothered by Evelyn 씨?”

“She’s picking a fight.”

“Yes?”

“There’s something like that.”

What is it? I was curious, but Hyun-ah 씨 turned her body and left. I hesitated to ask further.

‘I don’t like that bastard either.’

That 황림 저 새끼 저거저거 [Hwangrim, that punk]. Today, he was still fluttering around in his Hawaiian shirt, 영업행위 중 [doing business] at every table. And why are his shirt buttons all undone again? I couldn’t stand it anymore and shouted into the megaphone.

“Hey 잡상인 [peddler]! Stop right now and get lost!”

Hwangrim made a heart with his hand towards me.

“Yeah, I love you too!”

저 이 씨- [That…] I really haven’t been swearing lately because of the kids, 진짜, 어우 진짜 [really, oh really]. But is that 새끼 [jerk] really just here to sell cigarettes? He’s being 쓸데없이 성실하게 장사 중이라 [unnecessarily diligent in his business], it’s confusing.

The second team gave up before long, and the third, our turn, came.

“It’s a little embarrassing to directly 끼어들기 [intervene], but as promised, I won’t use that skill.”

It was because of complaints that if I used 팔불, 아니, 우리 애’s [fool, no, our kid’s] skill, it would be easy to finish. Not that I was planning to use it anyway.

Our team was me, Yoohyun, Yerim, and Peace. Ah, Gyeol-i too. Noah 씨’s buff was a shame, but flight was necessary, and Noah 씨 didn’t have fire resistance. If I had to use the double attack skill, I would have to approach Yoohyun, so.

I went to the starting line and climbed onto Peace’s back with Yoohyun.

“Get ready!”

Noah 씨 raised the flag, then lowered it with force. At the same time, I used the Teacher Skill on the three of them.

“Yoohyun-ah, attack! We have to lure it to the destination!”

I shouted into the megaphone. In fact, Yoohyun understands even if I say it briefly, but here I had to show that I was actively directing.

Peace, who spread his wings, quickly reached the turtle, and Yoohyun jumped off Peace’s back. 빙그르 [Spinning], the Ruler’s Sword sharpened its blade downwards. And 그대로 [directly].

콰앙 [Wham]!

Just before the collision, the Momentary Acceleration of the 예장 [ceremonial attire] added force, roughly hitting the shell. With a loud noise, 치이이익 [hissing]- steam rose like a cloud. Red flames rose, evaporating even the steam, and then darkened again to 검푸르게 [dark bluish-green], wrapping around the Ruler’s Sword and striking the turtle’s back again.

쾅 [Bang]!

The shell, engulfed in heat, lost its luster for a moment. The moment it faintly cracked.

꾸르륵, 쿠륵 [Gurgle, Kuruk]!

A whirlpool formed near where the turtle’s head was presumed to be. The seawater shook greatly for a moment, and the dried shell instantly became 촉촉해졌다 [moist]. Perfectly restored and 반들반들거린다 [gleaming].

“Oh, it still cracked, though.”

“Isn’t that the first time?”

The Hunters watching 수군거렸다 [whispered]. Since the monster’s attack wasn’t very dangerous, some people had approached nearby with flight skills or levitation skills. I can’t be responsible if they get burned.

– 그르륵 [Grrr].

The monster also felt threatened and 그륵거렸다 [grr-ed] underwater.

“I guess it won’t work just like that, huh?”

“Yeah.”

Yoohyun answered, jumping into the air using 푸른 버들잎 [blue willow leaves – likely a skill or item].

“It’ll be difficult as long as it keeps replenishing the seawater.”

“Okay, then let’s drag it away!”

Yoohyun and Yerim took out their bows, and I aimed my 살쾡이 총 [wildcat gun]. Monsters that had been out of the dungeon for a while had reduced aggression than inside the dungeon. Especially defensive types like that one were even more docile, but still, a monster is a monster.

콰득 [Crack]! 콱 [Thwack]! 퍼억 [Thud]!

As small attacks continued to 두들기 [pound] the shell, it slowly turned its body towards us. And then, 촤아아 [Whoosh]- cutting through the water, it began to swim after us at a fairly fast speed.

“What, where is it going?”

“It’s moving to a deeper place?”

“A support type who can cast a flight skill! Cast it on me!”

“Is there no 나무판 [wooden plank]? Just something to support my feet.”

The 구경꾼들도 부산스럽게 [spectators also busily] followed us. Yeah, there have to be 구경꾼 [spectators]. The place we were heading to was none other than a small nearby uninhabited island. It was much smaller than the one with the mansion, so it was a 버려진 바위섬 [abandoned rocky island] with almost no use, but it was bigger than the turtle. Also, the center was 적당히 움푹 파여 있었다 [moderately hollowed out]. Enough that it would be difficult to get out once you went in.

“Is he luring it there?”

“It won’t go up there, though.”

As we approached the island, the 구경꾼들 던져왔다 훈수 [spectators threw advice]. Just watch. I took out an item from my inventory and shook it 크게 보란 듯이 [largely, as if to show off]. Then I used it towards the island.

A mini lake in summer. When I used the item I received from Moon Hyun-ah, the island was 가득히 [full].

쿠르르르 [Krrrrr].

A large lake was created. More than half of the island disappeared, and seawater 밀려들어온다 [poured in] towards the lake. In fact, it had become part of the sea.

“설마 [No way]!”

A 눈치 빠른 구경꾼 [quick-witted spectator] shouted. Yes, that’s right. The lake was quite deep and perfectly connected to the sea, so the turtle entered without any hesitation. The moment it entered the center of the island.

“Yerim-ah! Prepare to drain the water!”

I canceled the use of the item. The lake disappeared as quickly as it had been created. Instead, the island, the land, filled its place.

– 구르륵 [Grrr]!

The seawater that had been 가득 차 있던 [filled up] suddenly flowed down to the sea along the raised ground. Finally, the Giant Turtle, which had 반 이상 드러낸 모습을 [revealed more than half of its form] out of the water, 버둥거렸다 당황하며 [struggled in panic]. Immediately after, the remaining water 고여 있는 [stagnant] around it.

촤아아 [Whoosh]-!

Yerim powerfully 휘둘렀다 창 [swung her spear], as if not leaving a single drop.

“Han Yoohyun!”

At the same time, I shouted, and Yoohyun 박찼다 허공 [kicked the air], as if he had been waiting. The bow that Yoohyun was holding was in my hand, and I 힘껏 시위를 당겼다 [pulled the bowstring with all my might]. The arrow that was 쏘아진 다다르고 위에 거북이 먼저 한발 Yoohyun보다 [shot, reached the turtle one step before Yoohyun].

퍼엉 [Boom]!

It 터져 나갔다, scattering 시커먼 가루 [burst out, scattering black powder]. It was none other than a powerful dehumidifying item. Of course, it wasn’t a high-grade item, so it wouldn’t have been of any use when it was in the sea, but now.

치이이익 [Hiss]!

It was enough to make the turtle’s body 메마르게 [dry]. Of course, Yoohyun’s fire would have been more effective, but I also wanted to save mana, and above all, I had to move my body directly.

As the desiccant absorbed even the remaining moisture, Yoohyun’s attack 내리쳤다 거북이 [struck the turtle]. The Giant Turtle, 발버둥 치던 [struggling] to escape into the sea, 쏙 감추었다 네 다리와 머리를 [hid its four legs and head]. But the 검은 칼날 [black blade] was targeting the 단단한 등딱지 [hard shell], not the head or legs.

콰과광 [Kwagwang]!

The Ruler’s Sword, 휘감고 불길을 [wrapped in flames], 갈랐다 메마른 등껍데기를 [split the dry shell]. Unlike the last time when it was difficult to even make a 실금 [hairline crack], the shell, which had a 탁한 청동빛 [dull bronze color], 부서지며 쩌저적 튀어 올랐다 파편이 [shattered and cracked, fragments flying up]. Yoohyun, who had 내려선 등에 거북이 [descended on the turtle’s back], 치켜들었다 높이 검을 다시 [raised his sword high again]. The 너른 소맷자락 [wide sleeves] of the 예장 흘러내리고 [flowed down], 굵게 선다 힘줄이 손등에 움켜쥔 검을 and 살짝 드러난 손목 [thick veins stood out on the back of his hand gripping the sword and slightly exposed wrist]. Also, all the muscles 이어지는 등으로 and 어깨, 팔, 아래 옷 팽팽해졌을 잔뜩 것이다 또한 [connecting to his back and shoulders, arms, the clothes below would also be taut].

He 휘두른다 크게 검을 한번 다시 주며 힘을 발에 두 그대로 [swung the sword greatly once again, putting strength into both feet].

콰앙 [Kwang]!

The smell of 살이 타들어가는 피어올랐다 [burning flesh rose], and the flames 치솟으며 거세게 [soared fiercely].

– 구륵 [Grrr]! 그르륵 [Grrr]!

The Giant Turtle, 잃은 물을 [having lost the water], 지나지 수준에 몬스터 S급 단단한 그저 않았다 [did not merely remain at the level of a solid S-class monster]. As its shell, its armor, couldn’t hold out, the turtle’s head and legs 튀어나왔다 도로 [popped out again]. The 거북이’s 머리를 to enter the sea somehow [turtle’s head tried].

서걱 [Thwack]-

The 검날 날아든 어느새 잘라냈다 단숨에 [blade flew and cut it off in one go]. The 거북이’s 머리통이 굴러떨어지고 데구르, 무너져 내린다 힘을 잃고 쿠웅, 육체가 거대한 [turtle’s head rolled and fell, collapsing powerlessly, the huge body]. Yoohyun, who had 깔끔하게 막아 낸 핏물을 오르는 치솟아 휘감아 몸을 불길로 [neatly blocked the rising blood by wrapping his body in flames], 돌아왔다 쪽으로 다시 내 밟고서 버들잎을 [returned to my side, stepping on the willow leaves].

“I finished it, Hyung.”

I 크게 외쳐 주었다 향해 동생을 미소 짓는 배시시 [shouted loudly towards my brother, smiling bashfully], as if asking to be 칭찬해 [praised].

“You did well! You’re really the best! You worked hard!”

Of course, I didn’t forget Yerim and Peace either.

“Yerim-ah, the timing was the best! It seems like your water control has gotten better?”

“Right! It’s definitely gotten more 섬세해졌어요 [refined]!”

“Thank you, Peace, you’re a good boy.”

– 그르릉 [Grrr].

The 주위 구경꾼들’s faces were a mixture of 감탄 반, 아쉬움 반 [half admiration, half regret].

“Why didn’t I think of that!”

“Ah, I have a similar item too.”

While some people 아까워하는 하고 [regretted], that they could have caught it easily.

“It hasn’t even been half an hour.”

“Their teamwork is really good. Is it because they’re in the same guild?”

There were also people who 솔직히 칭찬하는 [honestly praised], saying that even if they used that item, it would be difficult to finish so quickly and perfectly. Of course, besides that.

“Even if he’s his hyung, isn’t he too 잘 따르는 [obedient]?”

“How can an F-Rank 덤벼드냐 [charge at] to an SS-Rank?”

“As expected, a flying mount is the best.”

Various sounds like this were heard. Among them, the story about me was so 쑥스러웠다 [embarrassing] that I wanted to turn off the Teacher Skill. It was fortunate that the turtle’s aggression was low, but there were also 짠소리 [nitpicking] that I might have been a 방해 [hindrance] 자칫하다간 [if I was careless], but there were more 칭찬 [praises]. Not just this time, but from the 연회장 [banquet hall], I had been showing the 모습 다루는 and 대하고 아무렇지도 않게 S급 헌터들을 내내 [image of handling and treating S-Rank Hunters casually]. Thanks to that, it seemed to give them the 확신 [conviction] that it wasn’t 허세 or 일회성 운, 우연 따위가 등에 업은 S급들을 다른 [bluster or one-time luck, or other S-ranks riding on chance].

“Then, we will give the 장비 업그레이드 신청권 [equipment upgrade application ticket] to Breaker Guild Leader, who supported the 공략 필수 아이템 [essential raid item]!”

In the end, there were complaints that I was going back to Korea, but it wasn’t that big. Anyway, it was a fair game, and it was better than an SS-Rank weapon being given to a competitor in their own country.

Hae Yeon’s Hunters received the call and came by helicopter to 수습하기 시작했다 몬스터의 거대한 사체를 [begin to handle the monster’s huge corpse]. They immediately took the most important SS-Rank 마석 [magic stone] and checked the remaining 재료로 쓸 만한 부위를 [parts worth using as materials]. It would have been nice to have the extra rewards that the system gives in the dungeon. It was the same in Japan, but it’s still a shame.

I returned to the original island, leaving the 몬스터 사체를 [monster corpse] behind. The beach where so many people are gathered is…….

‘…What.’

The people, that is, they were divided into two sides, and in the middle of them, 성현제 [Seong Hyunjae] was standing. Holding a 큼직한 해바라기 꽃다발 [large sunflower bouquet]. Hasn’t 해바라기 철 [sunflower season] passed? Where did he get the 꽃다발 대체 언제 어디서 [bouquet, when and where], and what is he trying to do before that!

“…Peace-ah, stop.”

If he was going to give it to someone else, I wouldn’t care if it was 해바라기든 식인식물이든 [sunflowers or carnivorous plants], but it looked like he was targeting me. Did he 진짜 때려치웠냐 다 연기 [really quit acting]? A 화해의 꽃다발 [bouquet of reconciliation]? Or a new way of 엿 먹이기 [screwing with me]? 성현제 [Seong Hyunjae] opened his mouth, looking up at me 떠 있는 공중에 [floating in the air].

“Congratulations.”

“…Yes?”

“On being 인정받은 [recognized] as a Hunter.”

When I heard those words, I was speechless for a moment. That’s right, 참 [indeed]. I had 회귀해서 각성하고 잡은 마리 한두 몬스터 게 아니었지만 [regressed, awakened, and caught not just one or two monsters], but I had never officially 공략을 몬스터, 던전 적은 한 번도 [raided a monster or dungeon even once]. I was just known as a 사육사 키우는 몬스터를, 얹혀갔다, 라고만 [caretaker raising monsters, freeloading, that’s all]. In Japan, I had simply used 우리 애’s [our kid’s] skill.

But now, 수많은 헌터가 나를 지켜보았다 [countless hunters watched me]. Regardless of whether they had 호감을 내게 [good feelings towards me], 그들 모두가 인정할 것이다 만큼은 사실이라는 헌터 한유진이, 반감을 가지고 있든 [they would all acknowledge the fact that Hunter Han Yoojin, whether they had antipathy or not]. Not just a title 새겨진 등록증에 [engraved on a registration card], but as a 동료로서의 헌터 공략을 하는 들어가 던전에 함께 [a fellow hunter raiding and entering dungeons together].

“I… guess so.”

I tried to live quietly after 회귀한 [regressing], but. I didn’t really think about 연연할 그런 거 [being attached to such things], but I felt strange for no reason.

“Hyung.”

Yoohyun 내려섰다 등에서 피스의 쓰며 푸른 버들잎 [descended from Peace’s back, using blue willow leaves]. His expression 바라보는 나를 was 깃들었다 미안함이 [looking at me was filled with apology]. 이어 피어올랐다 불꽃이 사이에서 손 두 동생의 [then flames rose between my two brothers’ hands].

“I’m sorry I didn’t think about it. I didn’t know because you were already a 완벽한 헌터 [perfect hunter] to me.”

“What are you sorry for, it’s not like I’ve only entered a dungeon with you once or twice, it’s understandable.”

“But I wanted to give you flowers first.”

The 검고 푸른 불꽃 변화하고 형태로 장미의 [black and blue flames transformed into the shape of roses], and 붉은 불꽃 역시나 꽃이 되어 감쌌다 그 주위를 [red flames also became flowers and surrounded them]. I was 당연히 켜고 은혜는 [of course turning on Grace], but Yoohyun 감쌌다 손을 내 함께 꽃다발과 불의 의식해 헌터들을 주위 [wrapped my hand together with the bouquet and fire, conscious of the hunters around]. This way, I can 전해줄 수 화염 저항을 [convey fire resistance].

The 화려한 꽃다발 하늘거렸다 듯 살아 있는 [splendid bouquet fluttered as if alive]. The 흩날리는 불꽃 was like 꽃잎 [scattering flames were like flower petals].

“Thank you, Yoohyun-ah.”

“Now it’s my turn.”

So, 예림이가 만들어 냈다 물방울 [Yerim created water droplets], saying to turn off the fire. She tried to make a 화려한 꽃 나름 [splendid flower in her own way], but the 얼음 꽃 완성된 was a 하얀 소국 다발 of a 단순한 모양새 [ice flower completed was a white chrysanthemum bouquet of a simple shape].

“I should have brought 색소 [pigment]! This is 쫌 [a bit]! My 얼음 녹는다고요 [ice is melting].”

“Okay, Yoohyun-ah. It’s hard to maintain.”

It’s usually difficult to 잡다 형태로 섬세한 이렇게 불을 [catch fire in such a delicate form]. Even the 동생은 지금의 하지 못했으니까 무기화조차 얼마 전까지만 해도 [my brother couldn’t even weaponize it until recently]. Yoohyun 끄덕이곤 고개를 말에 내 [nodded at my words]. The 불길 감싸고 한번 손을 내 사라져 갔다 조용히 [flames wrapped around my hand once and disappeared quietly]. Then, 예림이가 내밀었다 꽃다발을 얼음 감은 숄로 [Yerim held out the bouquet wrapped in an ice-covered shawl].

“Next time, I’ll make you 장미 [roses], 아니, 뭐더라 [no, what was it]. 작약 [peonies]! Anyway, something huge and 화려한 [splendid]!”

“Thank you. It’s really pretty.”

Gyeol-i above my shoulder was 안절부절못하다가 날아올라 포르르 비볐다 머리를 자기 뺨에 내 [restless, flew up and rubbed his head against my cheek]. Peace also 흔들었다 꼬리를, 갸르릉거리며 건지 알아차린 분위기를 [wagged his tail, purring, realizing the atmosphere].

“Yoojin 씨 [Mr. Yoojin], I also, 꽃을 [flowers]…….”

Noah 씨 [Mr. Noah], who was standing in a place 떨어진 조금 성현제와 [a little away from Seong Hyunjae], 당황하고 송 실장님 되어 버렸다 표정이 난감한 더 뚜렷하게 평소보다 [was flustered, and his expression became more difficult than usual, like Chief Song]. I guess he has to 축하를 [congratulate me], but it’s not something that 송 실장님 would 축하할 만한 as a 공직자 and also that I was 인정받았다는 헌터로서 [Chief Song would congratulate as an official and also that I was recognized as a hunter].

“It’s okay! Both of you!”

I’m grateful enough for just the 마음 [thought]. Song 실장님 [Chief Song], please don’t 고민하지 너무 [worry too much]. I went to the beach and 내려섰다 피스에게서 [descended from Peace]. 성현제 내밀었다 꽃다발을 내게 듯 기다렸다는 [Seong Hyunjae held out the bouquet to me as if he had been waiting].

“This is a bit 당황스러운데요 [embarrassing].”

“It’s 평소대로라네 [as usual]. I’m the type to 잘 챙겨 주는 관계자들은 봬도 이래 [take good care of people I’m related to, even if it looks like this].”

Is that… so. I guess 소영 씨도 잊지 않으시더라고요 기념일이나 생일은, 했었지 라고 [Sooyoung also didn’t forget anniversaries or birthdays, I think]. It wasn’t like 성현제 if he 대하면 냉랭하게 끊었다고 관심 [Seong Hyunjae if he cut off interest coldly]. It’s just that he won’t 봐주지 관대하게 전과 달리 [won’t be lenient like before].

…Even so, it’s not a 꽃다발 [bouquet]. It’s not my birthday. 심지어 챙겨 준다고 해도 들었는데 보냈다고 시켜서 비서실 그냥 땐 생일 씨 현아나 유현 [Even if he took care of it, I heard he sent it by ordering the secretary’s office on Hyun-ah or Yoohyun’s birthday]. She 길드원이지만 받았다 직접 씨 소영 [Did Sooyoung receive it directly], Of course, there’s no 비서실 here, but [secretary’s office here], but.

But I couldn’t 안 받을 수도 [not receive it], so I 받았다 일단 [received it first]. And the 꽃다발 불타올랐다 [bouquet burst into flames]. The 범인 was 당연히 Yoohyun [culprit was of course Yoohyun].

“My 꽃도 녹잖아, 요 [flowers are melting]!”

“It’s 공평한 겁니다 [fair].”

The 재 and 녹아내린 물 흘러내렸다 타고 손을 내 [ashes and melted water flowed down my hand].

“Thank you for now. But why aren’t you answering my messages.”

The words 뒤의 were very small, and his lips hardly moved.

“I 부쉈다네 [smashed it].”

성현제 [Seong Hyunjae], who said that, turned his body first. So, his phone is 망가진 거 맞구나 [broken after all]. Anyway, there didn’t seem to be anything wrong. …But it was a little 걸렸지만 that he said 부쉈다는, not 부서진 게 [bothered me that he said smashed, not broken]. I wonder if he got 연락이라도 받을 만한 어디서 열 [got a call from somewhere].