The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 540

538. Lightly (1)

As I entered the hall, all eyes turned to me. I should be used to this kind of attention by now, but I still felt a prickling sensation on my skin. Honestly, I wouldn’t be able to wander around alone like this without fear resistance.

‘…And no bodyguards.’

We decided to just bury the paparazzi incident from yesterday. Still, I made a complaint call, saying security was too lax. But all I got in return was the operator saying they would protect me perfectly, so not to worry.

Unlike yesterday, the hall prohibited the use of force to ensure smooth proceedings. So, I shouldn’t relax, even though there shouldn’t be anything dangerous. There might be some crazy person who decides to skip the party altogether! That’s the problem with a hundred people gathering – there are a hundred different personalities. There are too many variables. Especially those with great power often have weak or completely broken brakes. They can recover easily even if they make mistakes or fail, unlike the weak who fall to the bottom if they lose everything.

“Uncle!”

Yerim’s voice rang out. I turned my head to respond with a smile, but ended up biting my tongue slightly.

‘W-what is that…….’

Yerim was waving a magazine high in the air. My photo was plastered right on the cover… of it. Calm down, be natural, act like it’s nothing. It’s a common occurrence. It’s going to be a really common occurrence from now on. …How embarrassing.

“The picture turned out really well!”

Yerim said with a bright smile. Before I knew it, Yoohyun had also arrived with Peace in his materialized form. My younger brother was also holding the same magazine. It was a thin special edition, hastily printed overnight.

– Kkiang!

“Hyung, you look really cool.”

“…Thanks.”

It was the photo that paparazzi took yesterday. The one who handed me a business card that made me wonder if D○sney would sue. It was just a spider-related nickname, and he didn’t even dress up, but… the photo was well taken. Still, Chief Song, standing slightly behind Yerim, had empty hands.

“That guy from yesterday is over there, but we can’t touch him right now.”

Yerim grumbled, sounding disappointed.

“Leave him be. I should handle it if possible.”

Reflexively, I turned my gaze to where Yerim was pointing and made eye contact with the cowboy. …Even though he looks like that, I heard he’s a popular Hunter. It’s a relief he’s not wearing a full-body spandex suit. The cowboy grinned, flashing his pearly white teeth beneath his mustache. Ah, okay…….

‘Still, those kinds of Hunters are supposed to have good personalities.’

At least, outwardly. I heard they’re good at fan service.

“Yoojin-ssi.”

Noah approached with Moon Hyuna, holding up a magazine. Moon Hyuna was also waving a magazine. Both had my photo plastered largely on the cover.

“I bought one too.”

“Yes…….”

Why is everyone showing off their magazines like they’re some kind of admission ticket? I chuckled and subtly avoided eye contact, only to meet the gaze of another unfamiliar Hunter. That Hunter grinned and held up a magazine. What, what is this, a hidden camera? Was someone selling magazines at a stall in front of the hall? Is that it? Some famous magazine that everyone buys a copy of, like the New York Times?

“Hanyujin Director, your hand.”

Moon Hyuna said. I unconsciously extended my hand, and she took it as if escorting me, then leaned down. Her red-dyed hair cascaded down, and Moon Hyuna looked up at me slightly. Then, she kissed the back of my hand and raised the corners of her lips.

“Disinfection.”

What…….

“…Hyung?”

“Unnie [older sister], Uncle is spacing out! I told you to not tease him so much! He won’t be able to get married at this rate.”

“Hyungnim’s [term of respect for an older brother or male friend] reaction is so funny, sorry, sorry. But isn’t he cute?”

“Hyung, can you see me? Hyung?”

“Oh, yeah.”

My younger brother’s face came into view. He’s handsome as always.

“Yeah, um.”

I moved behind my younger brother. Let’s calm down for now. It’s just a joke. …No, on the back of my hand, on my hand, my hand!

“Hyungnim?”

“…I’ve calmed down. But Hyuna-ssi, you should do that to someone you’re dating.”

“Shall we date, then?”

“You don’t mean that.”

Moon Hyuna draped her arm around my shoulder, pulling me close as I grumbled. Then, she whispered very softly.

“You’re even more like that, Hyungnim.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Even if I really asked you to date, you’d refuse, wouldn’t you?”

“No, I.”

“Dating is also about taking care of yourself.”

Moon Hyuna said that it’s easy to put it behind everything else that takes priority, like family and work. That’s, that’s… Of course, even if there’s someone who loves me now and I love them… it would end there. Right now, the situation is like that.

“If you ever really think about it, Hyungnim. Tell me anytime!”

Moon Hyuna patted my back. Yerim chirped that if she wanted to date Uncle, she’d have to deal with Hanyoohyun first. I don’t have any thoughts of dating, though.

“A celebrity has arrived.”

At Moon Hyuna’s words, I turned my head and saw Sung Hyunjae approaching through the Hunters. Most of the Hunters gathered here were S-Rank, but they were clearing the way without much fuss. If it weren’t for me, Sung Hyunjae would be the main character of this event. He seemed to be even now. He would have taken the magazine cover too.

I thought he had gotten better lately, but I felt inferior again. Gyeol, on Sung Hyunjae’s shoulder, had an almost pale silver glow, but it turned pink when it saw me. It couldn’t speak, but its front paws were tapping anxiously. And Sung Hyunjae held up a magazine with a picturesque smile. Was this planned, huh? Should I send a copy to Myungwoo too?

“There are many of you.”

Suddenly, like a crack of lightning, Chatterbox’s voice crashed down. The hall instantly fell silent as if cold water had been poured over everyone. Everyone simultaneously turned their heads to the stage. Chatterbox, who had appeared unnoticed, continued to speak from behind his brightly smiling mask.

“So, we’ll start by reducing it a little.”

Before I could wonder what he meant, my vision blurred. I felt my body floating slightly.

“Ugh.”

Hot sunlight suddenly poured down. I reflexively opened my eyes, which I had closed. What unfolded before me was an endlessly wide wasteland. A thick black line was drawn in front of the people. I guess we’re not supposed to go past that. Looking around, I saw Yoohyun and Peace not far away. Were the positions randomly assigned? Everyone was bewildered, unable to move rashly.

“Hello, everyone~!”

A lively voice rang out. Someone in short sleeves and shorts was standing on top of a tall pillar. Next to them, four cameras were whirring around in all directions. It seemed to be a staff member.

“From now on, we will start with a simple warm-up! The rules are simple: when the signal sounds, run to the finish line! You can use items, skills, etc., anything is allowed. However, intentionally hindering others is prohibited!”

A race, huh. Several Hunters turned to look at me. Some had pity in their eyes.

“Minor rewards will be given in order of arrival at the finish line, and the bottom ranks will be eliminated! This is a long-distance run, so be careful with your stamina distribution~”

“The last place is decided then.”

A Hunter sneered at me. At the same time.

Thump!

A jeep appeared next to me. An off-road jeep with a top speed of over 250, with dungeon byproducts applied. The top is wide open. I tilted my head, looking back at the Hunter who had sneered.

“Huh? What did you say just now?”

The Hunter’s face twisted. An S-Rank Hunter can reach speeds faster than a car for a moment. But without related skills, it’s hard to maintain that for a long time. A short distance is one thing, but for a long distance, a high-performance car is definitely more advantageous. I looked at the Hunter as I climbed into the car with the top wide open.

“Hey, want a ride?”

The great S-Rank Hunter gritted his teeth. Originally, I would have to go into the drawer [inventory skill] to take it out, but I had painstakingly learned from Myungwoo the application of drawing out Ismual’s flames from the smithy. Not all of them, but I could immediately take out only a few items I designated with the help of No. 71. It consumed less mana than going in and out directly, but I couldn’t use it too much either.

“Teammates can help each other! In the case of other teams, one gold coin must be paid per team to receive help! Also, they will unconditionally be ranked lower than the team that provided the help!”

There were many Hunters who had not yet obtained gold coins, unlike us. Even if they did, they would be reluctant to waste bonus items that they didn’t know how to use yet. Who knows, they might exchange gold coins for SS-Rank weapons at the last minute.

Clang!

At that moment, a gold coin flew towards me, spinning. As I caught it, Evelyn opened the passenger seat door and said.

“Would you mind if I asked for a favor?”

“You are welcome anytime, customer.”

Evelyn, dressed in an elegant party dress, took a seat, followed by her team members in the back seat. Immediately after, a rumbling sound came from afar. Turning my head, I saw a huge dragon rising like a hill.

– Gold coins! Give me gold coins!

It was Riet. The jet-black dragon roared, and Kang Soyoung rode on its horned head, waving her arms excitedly.

“Unnie [older sister], drive!”

– First come, first served, ten people! If you fall, we’ll leave you behind!

She’s having fun. Every time Riet swung its tail, the surrounding Hunters recoiled in disgust. Four legs, a large build, and outstanding stamina. There were hardly any Hunters fast enough to catch up with Riet. Following that, Noah also transformed into a dragon. The relatively small golden dragon carried Moon Hyuna and soared into the sky.

After all is said and done, flying types are the best.

“It’s a race. Isn’t that cheating?”

Someone protested to the staff member.

“Skills and items are all okay! Feel free to use them!”

– Keuheung.

Peace increased in size, and Yoohyun climbed on. After all, this combination is pretty good. However.

“Civil servant uncle! Just trust me!”

“I’m fine.”

“I carried that uncle around lightly too, you know? Even if he’s S-Rank, he’s not particularly heavy, so it’s okay!”

“I’m fine.”

Yerim was beckoning with both hands, saying she would carry Song Taewon and fly. Song Taewon calmly declined. But Yerim didn’t give up.

“It’s a long distance. I’ll carry Chief Song and fly, and then Song Ajusshi [term of respect] can carry me and run from the middle! Then we can be in the top ranks!”

With S-Rank strength, carrying one person wouldn’t make a big difference in speed, so that would be more advantageous.

“Yerim’s words seem right, Chief Song.”

“I…….”

“Look, look! If you hold him like this, don’t move!”

Yerim tried to pick up Song Taewon in a flash. Song Taewon resisted.

“Just, hold from behind or grab my arm─”

“That’s uncomfortable.”

“It’s not uncomfortable.”

Chief Song looked back at me with pleading eyes. He’s weaker to the kids than I thought. I kind of want to see Chief Song being carried in a princess carry.

“Yerim, grab him from behind and hold him.”

“Aww.”

Yerim nodded, sounding disappointed. That kid, she’s mixed in some mischief too. But let’s indulge her since this scene is probably being broadcasted. At that moment, a shadow fell over me.

“Is there room?”

It was Sung Hyunjae. He was offering a gold coin with a small fairy dragon on his head, sparkling in the sunlight.

“There happens to be exactly one seat left.”

If it weren’t for Gyeol, I would have told him to run hard in the hot sun, but I’ll let him off the hook because of Gyeol. Sung Hyunjae climbed into the remaining back seat, and I took out the sunglasses that were in the car door storage compartment and put them on. Then, I raised my thumb towards the Hunter who was glaring at me.

“It’s good to be sturdy because you’re S-Rank. Run until your feet sweat~”

I’m going by car. There’s even air conditioning. At my words, the Hunter pretended to step back, then,

“Oh, my foot!”

He staggered greatly and slammed his foot down on the ground with a thud. The ground under his feet caved in, and the ground in front of him soared up. Dirt and stones flew towards me, towards the car, with terrifying force. That bastard! What if he punctures the tires! At the same time.

Clatter─

Long, extended golden chains wrapped around the car. They perfectly blocked the dirt and stones, sparking a weak current that wouldn’t affect the car. Following that.

Thud!

“Cough!”

– Keureureu.

A flame-horned lion fell right on top of the Hunter. Yoohyun, riding Peace, opened his mouth in a monotonous voice.

“It’s a mistake. Peace hasn’t had much time to learn flying skills.”

“G-get out of the way!”

Peace crunched the Hunter underfoot and spread its wings again to fly. The Hunter, with soot marks here and there on his clothes, retreated while grinding his teeth, then.

“Ugh!”

He slipped and fell. Ice had already been laid under the Hunter’s feet.

“Oh, I’m sorry! It’s hot today. But it’s cool, right? One gold coin per cup of ice!”

Moon Hyuna on Noah burst into laughter. Noah flapped its wings greatly, looking down at the Hunter who was getting up from his seat.

– I can carry one more person.

Shall I help you? It kindly asked, wiggling its venomous claws. The Hunter shook his head with a deeply frowning face and moved away as if running away. I tried not to receive help as much as possible, but it felt refreshing. This much is okay. Sung Hyunjae was riding in my car too.

“Get ready!”

The staff member raised his arm high and shouted. I took off my coat and tossed it into the back seat and started the car.

“Start!”

The S-Rank Hunters, dragons, ride beasts, and cars all powerfully shot forward.