The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 503

501. Surface Layer (1)

“Then, I’ll entrust it to Hunter Han Yoojin.”

Chatterbox’s invitation was extended to me. Yesterday, after revealing Chatterbox’s mark and mentioning my close relationship with him, I quietly spread the word. I spread rumors that I was deeply involved in Chatterbox’s party and that the party wasn’t very safe. Also, that Han Yoojin’s S-Rank Hunters would take the winning prize anyway, and the rest would be lucky if they weren’t exploited.

After spreading the story, some Hunters came to me. They were the ones who doubted the safety of the party.

“I don’t think I can handle it.”

Even the invitation alone was suspicious, and the amplified power of the mark made even S-Rank Hunters shrink back. Not all S-Ranks were fearless. Even if they didn’t care about their own lives, there were cases where they had people to protect.

Those people came to me to safely dispose of the ominous invitation. Even if I said I would return it safely, honestly, how could they believe me? They didn’t know the inside story like me, and it wasn’t guaranteed by another Transcendental [a being who has transcended human limitations].

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to return it to the owner.”

With a gentle smile on my face, I carefully took the invitation. This makes three. Including the one I had, there were four. Since two people can register per invitation, that’s a total of eight people.

‘I want to get one or two more if possible.’

The fewer party attendees, the better. Especially, I hope the competent Hunters don’t go. After sending the guest away, I handed one invitation each to Yoohyun and Yerim.

“Don’t register yet, just keep it. You can bring one more person each.”

“If hyung [older brother or respected male figure] isn’t going, I don’t care who it is.”

He didn’t say it, but his eyes said he would accompany me if I went. On the other hand, Yerim was deep in thought.

“I want to go with Ahjussi [term of endearment for an older man] too, but it’s true that I’m weaker than Han Yoohyun. I’m confident if there’s a lot of water.”

“I want to recommend Sung Hyunjae.”

His attribute matches well, and above all, Yerim will be safe.

“Or Noah. You said you worked well together in the Chinese dungeon, right?”

“Yes. Noah oppa [term of endearment for an older brother or male friend] and I can both fly. I can stack buffs and attack from a distance, and I can mix poison in the water. However, my poison resistance item is low-grade.”

“Ah, this is the A-Rank antidote I got this time. With this, plus the poison resistance item, you should be able to block it sufficiently. Or Hyunah would be good too.”

In fact, Yerim had good compatibility with most Hunters. Except for Yoohyun. These two have attributes that are too incompatible.

“If Gyeol and Peace are treated as one person, should we not take them both?”

As soon as I said that, Gyeol spread his wings wide and then drooped them powerlessly. What’s wrong?

– Yes, Daddy.

”
…Hangyeol? Are you sick somewhere?”

The fairy dragon shook his head.

– No. But if two people can go together, Uncle is better than Gyeol. If Gyeol can go too…

Gyeol trembled all over and opened his mouth.

– I want to go with that.

“Uh… with Sung Hyunjae?”

– Yes. I can go find Daddy as soon as I get in.

That seemed like a good idea too. If Sung Hyunjae accepts, that is. Gyeol won’t be able to help at all, so it would be disadvantageous for Sung Hyunjae, as it would be the same as going in alone. If possible, I wanted him to refuse so Gyeol could stay safe.

I went downstairs to the dining area. After catching the turtle, about half of the Hunters went ashore. Since they were all Guild Leaders, they needed to leave the crowded small island and quietly exchange information. Anyway, it was difficult to accommodate all those people in this mansion, so I sent them away, telling them to return by 5 PM.

Still, quite a few Hunters remained. There was still no news from Park Hayool. Did she even come?

Some of the Hunters in the dining area recognized me and greeted me. Their attitude was definitely much different than before. Kidnapped, kidnapped, kidnapped… Well, anyway, until now, most high-level Hunters, as well as mid-level Hunters, treated me lightly. But now, they seemed to see me as an equal.

Not at the S-Rank level, but maybe around the level of a raid team member.

“Should I make something? Is there anything you want to eat?”

I shook my head at Yoohyun’s words.

“I told you, just eat what’s available. I asked skilled chefs.”

The labor costs were considerable. Still, my brother didn’t seem to like it. In the very large dining room, many people were bringing food that suited their tastes and eating lunch. Among them.

‘Sung Hyunjae is there too.’

He was occupying a window seat. Even among the prominent S-Ranks, he stood out uniquely. …Sitting alone felt a bit pathetic. Well, that’s how it looked to me. In reality, they probably couldn’t approach him easily. Still, isn’t it tasteless to eat alone?

And Chief Song was standing by the wall near the entrance.

“Aren’t you eating?”

“I have.”

“At least sit down.”

“I’m fine.”

As the host of the gathering, I felt bad. He should rest.

“Sit here, hyung. What do you want to eat?”

Yoohyun pulled out a chair, and Yerim raised her hand.

“Please grill some steak, Guild Leader.”

Yoohyun didn’t even pretend to hear. Yerim grumbled, ‘What’s the point of leaving fire if you don’t use it~’ Then she crouched down in front of Peace and grabbed Peace’s front paw.

“Peace, can’t you grill meat too?”

– Keuheung.

“We’re appearing on TV together! A cow plus steak grilled by a cat, no, a lion!”

Peace pulled his front paw away with a snap and lay down next to my seat.

“Should I grill it for you?”

“Hey, I grill better than Ahjussi. How many years of experience do I have! But the taste is different between skills and regular fire.”

“Really?”

“I didn’t know before, but things with magic power and mana taste better. So these days, I even use skills when I drink water. To practice.”

I see. The more sensitive you become to magic power, the more differently you might feel. Or maybe Yerim’s taste is a bit special. It was right after Yoohyun went into the kitchen to get food. Suddenly, the atmosphere in the dining room dropped. Just in case, I turned to look at Sung Hyunjae, and sure enough.

“SeSung Guild Leader.”

An S-Rank Hunter approached and stood next to the table where Sung Hyunjae was sitting. Instead of answering, Sung Hyunjae was cutting off the crust of the bread.

“Don’t you have popcorn? Or even popcorn kernels?”

Yerim said, looking excited. It was troublesome when it was my business, but it’s fun when it’s someone else’s. Is he just picking a fight, or is he unilaterally cut off?

“We’re both S-Rank Hunters anyway, how great can you be alone─”

Sung Hyunjae held out the bread crust. His golden eyes looked up at the bewildered Hunter. It was as if he was asking why he wasn’t taking it. There was no reason to take it, of course, but the Hunter’s hand unconsciously reached out. Somehow, it made him feel like he had to take it. Sung Hyunjae’s gaze did.

And then another piece, two pieces. The neatly cut bread crusts were held out one after another, and the Hunter obediently received them while hesitating. Sung Hyunjae then spread jam on the bread with only the soft part left and took a bite.

The midday sun shone through the window, and his light-colored hair sparkled. Geez, it’s like he’s in a different world. It was as if a transparent wall had been erected between the Hunter holding the bread crust and Sung Hyunjae. He took another bite of the bread and raised his cup, whether it was coffee or tea. It was a model example of how to ignore someone, worthy of being included in a best practices collection.

“I warmed up the soup too. Should I bring you more side dishes?”

And our Yoohyun also has a knack for cleanly ignoring him, whether he’s banging a gong or performing a ritual next to him. Riete also had some of that, is it a characteristic of a born S-Rank?

The rice was instant rice warmed up and transferred to a bowl. Most of the food was individually vacuum-packed. Otherwise, there might be cases of tampering with the food. While Yoohyun was setting the table, the bread crust Hunter’s expression gradually distorted.

“Sung Hyunjae!”

Song Taewon, who was standing near the entrance of the dining room, tensed up slightly. Was he trying to fight? He’d be crushed right away anyway. Since that Hunter provoked him first, the claim for damages should be directed there. I quickly took out my notebook and wrote down the Hunter’s name. But the Hunter couldn’t easily rush in and only gnashed his teeth. He knew very well that he was weaker, and it seemed like he had even experienced it.

At the sound of grinding teeth, Sung Hyunjae raised his head slightly and looked up at the Hunter. Then he opened his mouth nonchalantly.

“Why are you just holding it?”

He said it as if he was wondering, and then finished eating the remaining bread. Was he really giving it to him to eat? The bread crust that he wouldn’t eat himself? ‘I’m throwing it away, so you eat it,’ he seemed to be saying. Moreover, the attitude was so natural, without any hint of sarcasm, that it felt even more demeaning. I’d rather he just swear outright.

Song Taewon quietly moved towards the two of them. Before that, the Hunter, who was trembling with anger, threw the bread crust on the floor and picked up a knife from another table. That damn, who’s going to clean this up?

Still, he didn’t take out a weapon and threw an ordinary knife at Sung Hyunjae. That’s about it.

“…Huh?”

An embarrassed sound unconsciously escaped from my mouth. Besides me, several people gasped. Kang! The knife was half-embedded in the wall, and a long red line was drawn on Sung Hyunjae’s cheek.

‘…Did he deliberately not dodge it?’

Of course, right? There’s no way he couldn’t dodge that. The Hunter who threw the knife also stumbled back in surprise. Song Taewon grabbed his shoulder.

“Please step back at this point.”

“No, I.”

“If there is a problem that requires a complaint, please contact the Korea Awakened Management Office or the Hunter Association officially.”

The Hunter glanced at Sung Hyunjae, shook off Song Taewon’s hand, and stepped back. Sung Hyunjae finished his tea as if nothing had happened.

“Why didn’t he dodge it?”

Yerim said quietly. Was he trying to shake it off quietly like now? But deliberately getting hurt wasn’t like Sung Hyunjae. Eventually, Song Taewon stood guard as if protecting Sung Hyunjae, and Sung Hyunjae emptied his teacup and got up from his seat.

We also finished our meal and left the dining room.

“I’m going to go see Sung Hyunjae for a bit, so keep an eye out.”

I said to Yoohyun and Yerim, entrusting Gyeol as well. I had to give him the invitation and get an answer about the mark. Why did he break his phone? Fortunately, the floor where Sung Hyunjae’s room was located was quiet. I went to the room located at the very end so that the building would be less damaged even if someone attacked and knocked on the door.

“Sung Hyunjae-ssi [term of respect, similar to Mr./Ms.].”

I called out softly, but there was no answer. He seemed to have gone up to his room. I knocked again and thought I should go in and wait, so I opened the door. The door wasn’t even locked. I went inside…

“……!”

For a moment, my mind went blank. Even though it was a scene I saw with my own eyes, I couldn’t accept it.

Sung Hyunjae is collapsed.

No, he’s a person too, but still. I stood there blankly and quickly ran over.

“Sung Hyunjae-ssi!”

Is he alive? Except for the wound on his cheek, there were no signs of injury. He’s breathing too. Did someone put poison in his tea? I pulled his body and hugged him. I was about to take out my phone to call a healer when Sung Hyunjae opened his eyes. They were more sleepy than painful.

“What on earth happened?”

He blinked silently and then rolled his eyes to look down at his arms and legs.

“…Slowly.”

“Yes?”

“Moving, the method. I’m recalling it.”

Wha, what are you talking about? The method of moving? Sung Hyunjae slowly raised his upper body and sat up. Then he looked up at me.

“There’s nothing to worry about.”

“How can I not worry when someone has collapsed?”

“Just.”

Sung Hyunjae’s knees bent, and he carefully raised his body as if he were a child standing on two legs for the first time.

“I was just testing the method the Elder taught me.”

“…The young Chaos? What on earth did you do?”

“It’s a secret,” Sung Hyunjae smiled as he stood up completely. Did the Elder teach him something on that night of the Christmas dungeon? When he taught Yoohyun and Yerim, he made them exhaust all their mana and become exhausted, so it might be a similar training. If so, it’s understandable that he collapsed.

“Do it at your guild, it’s dangerous.”

“If it can be dangerous, that would be good too.”

It was a careless and light answer, but my mouth felt bitter. He can’t die. Still, there’s no need to do this here. Even if he doesn’t die, he can still get hurt.

“I’m the host of the gathering. I don’t guarantee safety, but please be careful.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

I pushed down the uneasy feeling and took out Chatterbox’s invitation. Sung Hyunjae’s gaze reached the jewel in my hand.

Extra Story of CSAT (1)

“Mareu! We’re going to the sea!”

– Kyureureu!

“The sea is salty! And it’s huge! The Chinese lake was big too, but.”

Yerim put half of her body in a water bubble, grabbed Mareu’s front fins, and shook them as if shaking hands. They spun around excitedly as if dancing.

“Is there anything else to pack?”

Yoohyun asked me, lifting the luggage bag.

“No. Anyway, the hotel has most of the things we need. We just need to pack clothes and the kids’ stuff.”

It’s good to have money. If we need something, we can buy it right away at the travel destination. But there’s nowhere to sell monster supplies, so the kids have the most luggage. Since there are so many kids, an SUV was waiting today. Noah was visible next to the car.

“Noah-ssi [term of respect, similar to Mr./Ms.] was in Jeju Island, right?”

“Yes. Can I go to Busan after the exam? It doesn’t seem that far.”

“Of course, you can. I’ll give you the hotel address.”

Noah-ssi could fly over quickly if he transformed. We all got in the car and headed to the airport. We were supposed to arrive in the area by 5 AM that day, but we decided to leave the day before in the afternoon. If I hadn’t been busy preparing for the gathering, I would have adjusted my schedule and gone two or three days earlier.

‘I’ll be able to go on vacation again someday.’

Someday, leisurely.

Chief Song was waiting at the airport. He hasn’t been sleeping well lately, and he looked very tired.

“You didn’t have to come out.”

“No. It’s my job.”

“Here, please eat this.”

I approached Chief Song and slipped him a root fruit. It was none other than the ingredient for a stamina potion.

“That won’t do.”

“Come on, the product hasn’t even come out yet, and there’s no price. You need to replenish your energy for tomorrow.”

“I can manage for a day.”

“Am I chopped liver or something?” [Am I not important?]

I forcibly shoved the root fruit into Chief Song’s pocket as he refused. He couldn’t resist properly, knowing that his wrist would snap if he used force. Being this tired, it would be difficult to handle even a stubborn F-rank hunter with care.

“No one in my family is taking the college entrance exam. So, this much is okay. Cheer up and finish everything perfectly tomorrow. Just think of it as giving you a snack—like a canned coffee or something.”

After repeated persuasion, Chief Song offered a small thank you. ‘Oh dear, how am I going to give him the stamina potion? Should I insist it’s a special care program for the young Giseungsu’s [awakened being] guardian?’

“Please make sure to follow the precautions I gave you in advance and follow the instructions of the person in charge of the area.”

I boarded the plane, seeing off Chief Song. Not long after takeoff, an announcement was made that we would soon arrive at Gimhae Airport.

“It’s really quick.”

“Have you ever been to Busan, Uncle?” Yerim asked while feeding Mar.

“No. It’s my first time taking a domestic flight. I didn’t go on a school trip in high school, and I took a chartered bus in middle school. You, Yoohyun, have you been there for work?”

“Yes, for dungeon raids.”

S-rank hunters were gathered in Seoul, but high-level dungeons naturally appeared in other regions as well. Therefore, S-rank hunters took over dungeons of a rank that local hunters had difficulty handling.

“Dungeon raids outside the metropolitan area usually involve traveling by helicopter and returning immediately after the raid. If it’s beyond the cruising range, we use a private jet.”

“That sounds tiring.”

“Still, most hunters prefer to return to the guild rather than resting in other regions.”

Indeed, unless it was a business trip abroad or to a terribly large country like the United States or China, it would be more comfortable for both the body and mind to rest at the guild. Especially after a battle. Yoohyun also doesn’t sleep well outside the house.

In the meantime, the plane landed. As we got off the plane, a prepared vehicle approached.

“Hello, I’m Jung Woomin, in charge of the College Scholastic Ability Test [Korean university entrance exam] at the Hunter Association’s Busan branch.”

“I’m Jo Byeongchan.”

The association staff bowed their heads. They were clearly nervous and intimidated in front of Yoohyun and Yerim, but their faces showed even more curiosity. They kept glancing at Peace and Tiger at my feet, and they were too busy stealing glances at Mar in the water droplet, Bbyak in my arms, Bellare, and Hangyeol on my shoulder.

“Hunter Han Yoohyun and Hunter Park Yerim, please come to the Hunter Association’s Busan branch by 6:30 AM tomorrow. Do you need any security personnel for Director Han Yoojin?”

“No, it’s okay since Peace is here.”

If necessary, we can take the kids and hide in the drawer.

“Yes, I understand.”

“Excuse me, if you don’t mind, may I ask you a personal question?”

Jung Woomin asked.

“Yes, sure.”

“Will a Giseungsu shop open in Busan as well? When are you planning to open it?”

Hmm… I haven’t thought about it. But I didn’t want to disappoint the expectant eyes. There were plans to open a branch.

“It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we expect it to be within this year.”

“I hope it comes out soon! Online ordering is available, but buying in person is different.”

He then said that the Peace doll was too cute and hoped that more diverse products would come out, grinning. Our Peace is very popular.

We took a car to a hotel near Haeundae. I didn’t think it was necessary, but they rented out an entire hotel. It’s an official duty, so the guild covers the expenses. The tax exemption is limited to S-rank hunters, so the Haeyeon Guild itself was, of course, paying taxes. Still, it felt a bit much to include this as an expense… but it’s like using two S-rank hunters.

“Can we go to the beach now?”

“Let’s put our luggage down first. We have to eat dinner too.”

I soothed the excited Yerim and went up to the room. The night sea was spread out beyond the glass windows that filled the wall.

“Mar, that’s the sea!”

– Kyuu.

“It only looks black.”

Bbyak sat on the sofa, and Bellare brought the remote control. As soon as the TV turned on, a familiar face appeared. He’s been on TV a lot lately.

[In the event of a dungeon break, the emergency reporting number is─]

Chief Song calmly explained the S-rank hunter assignments for each region and the emergency evacuation procedures.

“Chief Song seems to have become a bit more skilled, perhaps because he’s been appearing on TV consecutively.”

“That’s only temporary. He was like that during last year’s college entrance exam, but he was very stiff during this year’s Chuseok [Korean Thanksgiving]. It was the same during Seol [Lunar New Year].”

“You saw it every time?”

“Well, he’s handsome. There are kids in my class who are fans of Chief Song, so I show them videos. They even circulate personal photos. There’s a kid in another class who followed Chief Song and got scolded. They said it was dangerous. She said it was very scary, but now she wants to get scolded just one more time.”

Chief Song is popular. We had dinner and went out to the beach. Yerim and Mar ran straight to the sea.

“Don’t go too far!”

“Okay!”

– Kyur!

Splash, splash. Both fearlessly jumped into the water. As the weather was chilly, there were naturally no swimmers. Still, quite a few people were strolling along the beach.

– Kyang, Keuang!

Tiger, who was prancing on the sandy beach, prostrated himself in front of Peace. With his butt raised, he wagged his tail excitedly, then rolled over, showing his belly and rubbing his back. He then stood up again and repeatedly crouched and stood, asking to play together.

– Gyarururu.

– Keuheung.

Peace looked up at me as if he was a little annoyed.

“Don’t do that, go play with him.”

Still, it wasn’t that Lang was completely disliked, so Peace hesitated for a moment and then ran forward. Lang was excited and ran alongside him, bumping his head against Peace. Peace’s gestures of accepting the tiger, who was entangling his front paws and pretending to bite without hurting him, were a bit awkward.

‘Come to think of it, Peace has never played with a friend similar to himself before.’

Bbyak and Bellare, of course, and even Comet, who had been with him for quite a long time, were completely different species. Blue, who had the same body as a lion, preferred to fly. His head was a bird. At least there were wolves, but they avoided Peace. Seeing him playing together, even if awkwardly, made me think it was good that Lang came.

– Kyururuk!

“Where do you think you’re going! Ugh, salty!”

Yerim and Mar were having fun playing in the water. Bbyak and Bellare were playing with sand. Bbyak was trying to pile up sand with his wings.

– Kyaang!

The slightly piled-up sand was crushed by Tiger’s hind feet as he ran excitedly.

– Bbyak!

Lang didn’t hear Bbyak’s protest and ran off after Peace. As Bbyak gathered sand again, Bellare wrapped his body around it to support the lower part.

Everyone is having fun. Watching them made me want to increase the harmless King’s drawer control as soon as possible. …But I could barely understand half, no, about 90 percent of Myungwoo’s words. He said that working with my body was the best, so I’ve been practicing in between, but I’ve been busy lately.

“Aren’t you cold?”

My brother, who was standing next to me, said. Gyeol also put his front paw on my neck.

“I’m okay. Shall we take a walk too?”

I can’t go too far. If Lang tries to cause an accident, Peace will stop him, but I felt more at ease being nearby. There are people nearby… a lot of them. Before I knew it, a crowd of people had gathered to watch us. Well, um. The baby monsters must be fascinating.

“Please don’t get too close.”

Some of the Haeyeon hunters and Hunter Association Busan branch staff, who had come to the hotel earlier to wait, came out and blocked people from approaching. It was something I had experienced many times, but it was a bit embarrassing every time.

“It would be a nuisance to stay out here too long.”

“It’s okay. We’re here to help too.”

That’s true. I’m glad it’s not summer.

“Peace-yah!”

Someone shouted Peace’s name loudly. I also heard someone say, “I love you!” Our Peace is very cute. Of course, Yoohyun and Yerim, and even my name, were a little, audible. I’m still embarrassed. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this.

“Giant Mar!”

Chwaaa-! Yerim, who had been making various things with water since earlier, created a huge Mar figure nearly 10 meters tall. Then, jeojeojeok- she froze it as it was. Cheers erupted from everywhere. It was a bit distorted and simplified, but it was made quite well.

“How is it, Uncle!”

“Awesome!”

And giant hearts, giant Peace, giant Bbyak, giant Bunny Bear, etc., began to line up along the beach. No, not me. Don’t make me!

“Oh, really? It was on TV?”

[Yes, HBS has been broadcasting about the college entrance exam all along.]

It’s a hunter-specialized channel, but since S-rank hunters were dispatched for the college entrance exam, they were focusing on related content. When did the camera come too?

“How is it there? Noah-ssi, you said it was your first time in Jeju Island, right?”

[The hotel here also has a good view of the sea. …Minyi hyung is a bit noisy, though.]

Noah said quietly. Noah-ssi was unfamiliar with Korea, and Kim Minyi was an S-rank hunter, albeit a limited one, so the two of them headed to Jeju Island together. If it weren’t for the final work on Yerim’s weapon upgrade, Myungwoo would have come along to either side.

“If he’s annoying, just ditch him as soon as the college entrance exam is over.”

[Yes, I might do that.]

Minyi must have been very noisy. The kind Noah-ssi is saying he’ll ditch him in a heartbeat.

“Is the beer good?”

Yerim asked, splashing water.

“It’s not good.”

“Ehhh. Then why are you drinking it?”

The outdoor hot spring and the sea were originally closed, but they were specially opened for us. Yerim ordered shaved ice with red beans.

“We came to work, but it’s still nice. You still don’t like beer?”

Yoohyun’s glass was almost empty. My brother tilted his head slightly.

“Actually, I don’t really know what other alcohol tastes like either.”

“It’s not very tasty. Soju [Korean distilled beverage] is a bit sweet, though.”

“Still, I like drinking with hyung.”

“Of course, I like it too.”

How great would it be if we could live like this every day? In the past, we didn’t have the money to do so, and now we have the money but not the time.

“I should have bought a new rash guard. It’s too small, isn’t it?”

“It’s okay.”

“Let’s buy one that fits next year.”

There will be another day to go to the beach. If possible, every year, continuously. Wouldn’t it be even more fun if everyone who isn’t here next time came together? …Except for Chief Song. Chief Song would be tired. But he might be a little happy. By then.

I thought about calling Sung Hyunjae, but I stopped. Well, he’ll be fine. He might be with Chloe and unable to answer.

“Be careful on your way.”

“Yes, I’ll be back!”

“Yeah, I’ll be back. Hyung, sleep a little more.”

– Kkiang!

Yerim and Yoohyun, and even Peace. They left the hotel early in the morning. I said I would go out with them, but they stopped me, so I only saw them off to the front door and then stretched out on the bed again. The sea visible beyond the large window was reddish. It’s pretty.

“The sky and the sea are really beautiful.”

– It looks delicious.

“Are you hungry? Shall I order room service?”

Gyeol shook his head. Bbyak and Bellare were still in dreamland, and Tiger was sitting in front of the door where Peace had left with sleepy eyes, and eventually curled up there and fell asleep again. I dozed off for another hour or so and then woke up and turned on the TV.

– Eugh.

As soon as the TV turned on, Gyeol shuddered as if he had seen something he shouldn’t have. Sung Hyunjae’s appearance was on the hunter channel.

“Why does that human look so good on camera?”

– Annoying from the morning.

He was greeting the staff of the Hunter Association’s Gwangju branch with a gentle, kind face. What time is it now? A little past seven. There’s still about an hour left until the college entrance exam.

[To all test takers, I hope your efforts will bear good fruit.]

It was an ordinary message of support, but it was so normal that I got a slight chill. That’s what the average person thinks of the Seseong Guild Leader. Then Moon Hyuna’s appearance came on. Students who had arrived early were cheering for her as she stood in front of a school.

Originally, high-ranking hunters should not approach the test site unless a dungeon breaks out, out of concern for the test takers’ condition, but exceptions were made for support requests. To prepare for any protests, there was a strict condition that the application could not be made if even one student or parent assigned to the test site refused, but the competition rate was high.

The reason was, of course, safety. Almost no one would dislike having an S-rank hunter watching over them for free nearby.

[Yes, do well on the test.]

Hyuna-ssi spoke in a much more affectionate and gentle voice than usual.

[Unnie! I love you!]

[I’m really going to do well on the test, Unnie, and I want to join Unnie’s guild as an office worker, even!]!

There were several students who didn’t go into the test site and stayed to see Hyuna-ssi. Hyuna-ssi smiled and told them to go in.

[It’s cold. You should go in quickly. Look at your hands, they’re already red.]

They answered well with “Yes!”, but not many of them moved. You guys should go in. Scenes from other test sites flashed by, and Yerim also appeared on TV.

[Unnie and oppas, good luck!]

How cute. Park Min-gyu also sent a short message of support, but Yoo-hyun didn’t show up. My brother is so good at talking to me… but I guess it’s understandable that he wouldn’t come. Noah also seemed to have declined filming. Instead, Kim Min-yi was being a nuisance, saying, “I’m cheering you on!”

[The hunters of Korea will do their best to protect the safety of all test-takers. So please be assured and get the results you want.]

Chief Song was a bit stiff this time. Song Tae-won’s message, set against the backdrop of the Hunter Association of Seoul, marked the end of the S-class hunters’ support for the university entrance exam. Chief Song’s part was a replay of what was broadcast the previous evening. In reality, how many people would watch the support on the morning of the exam?

The start time for the university entrance exam was approaching. I ordered room service and ate breakfast while watching familiar faces occasionally appear on TV.

“Oh, it’s Yoo-hyun.”

Unlike Yerim, Yoo-hyun was waiting at the Busan branch of the Hunter Association instead of going to a test site. He really looks like a sculpture. It’s partly because he’s handsome, but he’s sitting perfectly still. The subtitles below showed happenings such as a student heading to a certain test site receiving help from the police. There’s always something like that.

Yoo-hyun’s image disappeared, and then Noah, ah!

[Due to an accident blocking the road, Hunter Noah Louhir is lifting a bus heading to the test site.]

The screen showed a golden dragon lifting a bus wrapped in wyverns. Noah lightly lifted the bus, flew over the blocked cars and accident site, and set the bus down again. Then, he returned to his human form and helped clean up the accident site.

The problem is that high-level hunters are so expensive, but if they step in, things can be resolved much faster than calling a tow truck. Especially with S-class hunters, even if a large truck is overturned, they can easily lift it up and move it to the side.

‘That’s why they often get community service instead of fines.’

The hunters didn’t like it. There were other minor accidents, but no major problems occurred, and finally, the university entrance exam began. I hope it ends safely and well.

University Entrance Exam Side Story (2)

The final bell of the university entrance exam echoed beyond the campus. Soon, students rushed out with various expressions. Some had regrets, and others felt relieved, but they all had one thing in common: they had put down a big burden.

Song Tae-won’s face, which had been stiff the whole time, softened slightly. The S-class hunters dispatched to each region also had no major problems. Now, he could breathe a sigh of relief once everyone returned safely.

“Shall we go for a meal? You haven’t had anything since a cup of coffee this morning.”

The hunter from the Awakened Management Division said. Song Tae-won hesitated for a moment before shaking his head.

“There’s somewhere I need to go first.”

Song Tae-won drove the Awakened Management Division’s vehicle to the Gi Seung-soo breeding center. The head of the breeding center was away, but the remaining staff greeted him warmly.

“Don’t worry. Sorok is playing well.”

The staff member smiled and replied to Song Tae-won’s question about whether the baby sheep had been doing well.

“I think the breeding center might be more comfortable for him. He has friends here, too.”

“That might be the case. But Chief Song, sheep are surprisingly stubborn animals. It might be different since he’s a monster, but Song-i doesn’t do things he doesn’t like.”

“He was a little like that.”

“Besides, Song-i is fearless. If he didn’t want to go with Chief Song, he would have run away.”

“…That’s a relief.”

Even as he said that, Song Tae-won couldn’t understand why the baby sheep followed him. The staff member took out the key to Song-i’s pen and left to let the wolves in. Song Tae-won entered the breeding room, following the path he was now quite familiar with. Before he even got close to the pen, he sensed his presence, and the sound of small hooves tapping on the floor echoed.

He put the key in the lock, entered the password, and opened the door. The small, black sheep standing right in front of the door wagged its short tail.

– Baaa.

It jumped up and down in place, turning around once, and then scratched Song Tae-won’s pants with its front hooves. Song Tae-won crouched down in front of the baby sheep.

“Have you been well?”

– Baaa.

“There will be more cases like this in the future.”

He said it, even though it was unlikely that the sheep would understand human words.

“My work comes first. There will be times when I have to leave suddenly, and I may not return for days, or perhaps longer, forever.”

The baby sheep nudged its head as if asking to be petted. Song Tae-won skillfully petted Song-i’s head and neck, scratching the itchy spots.

It’s not that he doesn’t know the feeling of liking something, the feeling of something precious being created. Rather, it is because he knows it that he rejects it, and he was able to reject it.

“…I am not strong.”

That is why he had to bind himself more strongly. And until now, he had silently protected Song Tae-won.

But now, with the unknown anxiety and unease that had taken root deep within him becoming increasingly clear.

He was wavering even more. If he could no longer suppress himself and became a monster that swallowed even the strongest hunter.

“I’ve heard that young animals forget easily.”

Song Tae-won picked up the baby sheep in his arms and stood up. As if waiting for it, Song-i began to chew on his tie.

“So that’s a relief.”

Even as he said that, there was regret. Would faint memories of his childhood remain? Like small fragments that he occasionally recalled vaguely. Even though he thought it was better to be forgotten, that it was the right thing to do. Feeling the small warmth in his arms, Song Tae-won slowly walked away.

“I will be away again for a few days.”

The S-class hunters will be gathering in Japan. After returning, he thought he should get a new car. He couldn’t use public transportation with Song-i. And also… if time passed safely without any major incidents, he might have to move.

If Korea continued to stabilize as it is, even if it was just a remote possibility, he would move further out, to a place with a small house but a large yard. Song Tae-won inadvertently imagined the scene before quickly pushing it out of his mind. His lips stiffened as if he felt guilty.

* * *

“It’s a relief I’m not the guild leader at times like this!”

Park Yerim said, spinning around in her swivel chair. Next to her desk, Han Yoohyun was writing a report to send to the Awakened Management Division.

“Even if you weren’t the guild leader, you’d have to write it if you came alone.”

“Ah, then it’s a relief I’m a minor~ Oh, Han Yoohyun must have written a report last year too.”

Whether Park Yerim was chattering or not, Han Yoohyun quickly moved his fingers over the keyboard. Park Yerim spun around again, then pulled her chair up to the long desk, rested her elbows on it, and propped up her chin. She stared intently at Han Yoohyun in a rather poor posture before opening her mouth again.

“Hey, Han Yoohyun.”

There was no reply, no glance back. Only the sound of the keyboard continued rhythmically. But knowing that he was listening, Park Yerim continued regardless.

“I don’t really know how different you are. You’re taciturn without Ahjussi [term of endearment for an older man, like ‘uncle’ or ‘mister’], but that’s it. So, I think I need to know more. About Han Yoohyun without Ahjussi at all.”

It was said that Han Yoohyun was different from other people. She had also heard the explanation about being a born S-class. But Park Yerim couldn’t feel that Han Yoohyun, as well as Sung Hyunjae and Riette, were that different. Riette was a bad guardian to Noah, but she was a cool and strong older sister. Sung Hyunjae felt a bit strange and dangerous, but he was good to Ahjussi. He was also quite fun.

“Without hyung [older brother], I am.”

Han Yoohyun chose his words carefully before opening his mouth again.

“To me, people are meaningless in terms of ability, appearance, age, gender, personality, race, or social status. There is no difference between people. The same goes for people and animals, people and trees or rocks.”

Without Han Yujin, distinction itself was impossible. He recognized the form. But it was similar to how a stone rolling on the street, whether round or angular, had no meaning to those passing by.

“If I had to make a distinction, it would be between things that burn easily and those that don’t. Nothing else can affect me.”

The sound of the keyboard stopped. Han Yoohyun picked up a pen and signed the screen.

“If hyung hadn’t been there, I probably wouldn’t have even talked to people. There’s no reason to speak.”

Conversation can only take place when the other person is recognized as an independent entity distinct from others. Otherwise, it would only be a monologue at best. Park Yerim frowned, tilting her eyebrows.

“Oh, if Ahjussi wasn’t there. Han Yoohyun would just, not interact with anyone, is that what you’re saying?”

“If I had survived until awakening. Usually, someone would have felt uneasy and tried to kill me. Before I grew any further. Because I’m dangerous. If I had awakened safely, I would have burned everything from then on. Everything.”

Han Yoohyun said calmly, as if dealing with someone else’s affairs. Not to harm others or those around him. Without even such intentions, it would have been a natural act, like breathing. Fire burns when the conditions are met. That was all. It was just a natural phenomenon.

“…But that’s not the case now.”

“Because hyung is here. I am experiencing the world through hyung. The Han Yoohyun who is felt as a person is entirely created by hyung. The me without hyung would have been a completely different being.”

“I don’t really understand, but what is it? You’re saying that you only see me through Ahjussi? Not just Park Yerim?”

Han Yoohyun turned to look at Park Yerim, who was pouting as if she felt somewhat disappointed.

“That’s right. But in my eyes, there is no such thing as just Park Yerim.”

“…What?”

“The pure Park Yerim would have only existed when she was first born. After that, countless people and environments would have created the current Park Yerim. And people other than me will look at you through their own various colored glasses.”

“Oh… does that sound like a philosophical story?”

“It’s a simple fact. It’s just that, unlike other people, I’ve only been influenced by hyung. But because hyung is a being who has been influenced by numerous external factors, I look somewhat like a person. At the same time, people judge me by their own standards.”

Because he has the form of a person and imitates them. There were those who mistakenly approached him, thinking that he could exchange feelings like an ordinary person. Seeing only his young age, they treated him in ways they were familiar with. They created Han Yoohyun according to their own prejudices and common sense, talking about him on TV and writing articles.

Park Yerim tore at her hair. The hairstyle she had groomed for the broadcast was instantly disheveled.

“…I don’t know, but anyway! I like the current Han Yoohyun. So, I mean, I like you. As family. With absolutely no other meaning!”

“I also like the me that hyung created.”

A soft smile formed on Han Yoohyun’s lips. When he showed such a face, it was impossible to think that Han Yoohyun was different from other humans. He cried, laughed, and got angry, doing everything. Han Yujin’s appearance was also clearly visible in Han Yoohyun when he was teaching or explaining something like now. The appearance of an ordinary, kind person.

“And Han Yujin’s Han Yoohyun thinks that Park Yerim is annoying, bothersome, and occasionally irritating, but trustworthy, helpful, and generally harmless. It’s okay for you to be in my house. In summary, it means I have a liking for you.”

“…What?!”

Park Yerim, who had been listening vaguely with an ‘ah, yes, yes,’ opened her eyes wide at the last words. Irin, who had appeared unnoticed, tapped Han Yoohyun’s hand with her front paw, slightly dissatisfied.

“Han Yoohyun you… ! You can like someone other than Ahjussi?”

“It’s completely different from hyung. I also like the food that hyung makes.”

“Oh… yeah. Are you not treating me like a person? Still, still! Anyway, am I the first person other than Ahjussi?”

Han Yoohyun nodded. The only opponent he could say he had good feelings for.

“The only one besides hyung.”

“I don’t know if I should like it, but I feel good anyway~ Oh, what about Peace?”

“Hyung told me not to treat him like an item, so I’m trying. He’s somewhat similar to me.”

“…I’ll keep it a secret from Ahjussi. Anyway, Han Yoohyun, you’re a bit strange. Honestly, I don’t really understand. I don’t even understand that people all feel the same to you.”

“It’s normal not to understand. Even hyung had a hard time accepting me.”

“Sometimes, I feel like I’ve become Alice in Wonderland.”

Park Yerim said, lying face down on the desk. Just when she thought she had gotten used to dungeons and awakened ones, even stranger things kept popping up. A volleyball manages the system, Han Yujin regressed, and other races that aren’t from this world are swarming around.

“If you said Han Yoohyun isn’t an ordinary human, he’s fire itself, without all this, I would have thought, ‘Oh, he’s not a child, he’s too old to be like that.'”

Thinking that Han Yoohyun had read too many comic books.

“Ahjussi would definitely worry so much that he might try to keep me away safely, so I haven’t said it, but I’m sometimes anxious. What will happen in the future?”

“At least you, Park Yerim, will survive until the end. Because hyung will try to protect you no matter what.”

“…I don’t want to be left alone, but I don’t want to die either. This is absolutely a secret from Ahjussi.”

Park Yerim let out a big sigh. She knew that the current world and going into dungeons were dangerous. But she was okay because she had awakened, become strong, and most dangers didn’t bother her.

“I’m a little worried these days. What if I run away? Han Yoohyun, you’ll stay by Ahjussi’s side until the end. I like Ahjussi a lot too, but I don’t think I can be like you.”

No matter what happens, without even cherishing her life. If you really like someone a lot, does that happen? Park Yerim was also feeling it. The fact that Han Yoohyun couldn’t even live without Han Yujin.

“I’m different. Before I like hyung, it’s a natural and obvious result.”

Han Yoohyun said calmly. It’s just that the fire that has lost what it will burn will go out. If Han Yujin told him to live, he might swallow those words and endure by burning. But it would only be a short reprieve, and eventually, it would have to fade away. Because Han Yoohyun is such an existence.

“But you, Park Yerim, can run away.”

“…Even if it means abandoning Ahjussi? Didn’t you hate that?”

“I don’t think you’ll run away easily. That would be the very last moment, so hyung would want that too. You keep living.”

Silence fell. Park Yerim scratched the desk a little with her fingertips.

“I’ve thought that I wouldn’t be able to go back to the way I was before if I was left alone again. So even if I’m left alone again, I might live well again.”

That might be the case. Even after hurting a lot, she might start anew again. Still.

“Still, I wish it would stay like this.”

Han Yoohyun nodded at the voice that was deliberately raised brightly. The two were different in many ways, with opposite attributes and even different innate natures, but still, their current feelings were the same.

“Me too. If hyung took a little more care of his health.”

“Grandpa was originally a low rank, right? Can’t we somehow make Ahjussi an S-class?”

Park Yerim jumped up from her seat.

“You’re done with the report, right? Let’s go quickly! I miss Ahjussi.”

Han Yoohyun felt the same way. The two hurried away.

* * *

The car stopped in front of the hotel entrance. As soon as Han Yoohyun and Park Yerim got out, a welcome face appeared beyond the glass door. Han Yujin, who had been waiting for them in the lobby, was smiling more brightly than ever. Park Yerim rushed out as if to break down the door first.

“We’re back!”

Han Yoohyun also quickly approached his hyung.

“Nothing happened?”

“No, I was resting comfortably. Welcome, both of you!”

Han Yujin spread his arms towards the two, saying they had worked hard. Park Yerim hung on one arm as always, and Han Yoohyun also stuck close to the other side. Han Yujin’s face, with the two of them on either side, looked very happy. To the point that even the person watching couldn’t help but smile.

“Did you eat lunch well?”

“I ate well, but Han Yoohyun ate convenience food again.”

“Yoohyun.”

“But it was a delivered lunch box. Hyung wasn’t here. The convenience food I make is better in terms of nutrition.”

“Why are you giving that kind of thing to someone you called for free?”

“Don’t be fooled, Ahjussi. It was a really high-end lunch box.”

“Park Yerim eats anything well.”

Han Yujin quickly grabbed each of their hands.

“Yoohyun, you shouldn’t say that. Yerim, let’s just let it go. You can’t fight after coming all the way here.”

Han Yujin shook the hands he was holding and soothed the two.

“Noah also left. Hyunah will be here too.”

He smiles brightly, saying that they should all hang out together in the evening since the flight is tomorrow morning. Smiles were also blooming on Han Yoohyun and Park Yerim’s faces.

University Entrance Exam Side Story End.