The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 98

98. Traditional Play (2)

Seeing the picnic basket being pulled from the car trunk, I wondered what Sung Hyunjae was planning. Was he really here to relax and have fun? Noticing Noah’s subtle excitement, I kept my questions to myself. There’s no rule saying you can only bring simple meals to dungeons. Of course, since we were expecting to be here for around two days, I had packed separately.

Sung Hyunjae took out a white coat from the picnic basket and put it on. It was an impossibly clean white coat, made of something that was neither fabric nor leather. Knowing it was equipment used by him, it had to be at least S-class.

On the other hand, Noah’s V-neck tee, pants, and the short robe cardigan that wasn’t from our world’s style were all B-class. It wasn’t that Noah didn’t have S-class equipment. He also had a well-designed racing suit with good options, but the problem was its incompatibility with his full-body transformation.

I wracked my brain trying to figure out a way to specially treat the racing suit to accommodate his full-body transformation, but the necessary materials were lacking—specifically, the materials to specially treat equipment above A-class. I had already arranged for them, so I should be able to get them soon. Still, comparing him to Sung Hyunjae made me feel sorry for him for some reason.

And then there was me, of course, wearing ordinary clothes. I had brought magic power and mental power enhancing equipment, but the basic clothing option was defense. With my F stats, it wouldn’t make much difference whether I wore it or not in an A-class dungeon; I’d be gone in one hit. It’s like unfolding a newspaper to block rain in a storm. If it had a high-level skill attached, excluding resistance types, it would be useful, but those are rare. Besides, if high-level equipment with skills appears, I should give it to the kids who run dungeons first; it’s too precious for me to use.

‘I want to get Yerim a full S-class set.’

Sunghan also needs to upgrade his equipment. I guess pleading with Myungwoo would be the fastest way. But before that, whatever I’m making now has to be finished.

“It would be good to practice combat in full-body transformation this time.”

It’s a lower-level A-class monster, so it’s suitable for practice.

“But leaving Yoojin here is……”

Noah trailed off and glanced at Sung Hyunjae. Sung Hyunjae raised the corner of his lips at the wary gaze.

“To think you believe you can protect him just by staying by his side. How confident.”

Noah’s eyes sharpened at the blatant provocation. Well, Noah is also an S-class in his own right, um…… Annoying, but Sung Hyunjae is stronger than Yoohyun. He was the undisputed number one in the rankings until he disappeared.

“It’s okay, Noah. That guy won’t hurt me, even if he says things like that.”

“Do you think you can trust the Seseong Guild Leader?”

“Rather than trust, I think he won’t do anything that would be a loss for him.”

He’s not the kind of man to fall for such a simple trap. Noah hesitated and then nodded. Let’s use my baby’s skill this time; the growth rate is applied at +200%, which is twice as fast. Even the cooldown time has been halved to 15 days. …I wish Yoohyun could get the Cursed Poison Dragon species transformation skill somehow. It’s really good.

Anyway, Sung Hyunjae, that guy is really something.

“Is it fun for an adult to tease a child who is much younger?”

“I’m leaving you alive and well, just like an adult would. It’s an honor that Hanyoojin thinks of me as a good adult, though.”

I realized my mistake at Sung Hyunjae’s words. Even if he treats me lightly and playfully, he’s not really that kind of person. There’s not much reason for him to be lenient with Noah, who he practically abandoned. Especially if he bares his teeth like he did a moment ago.

“I’d appreciate it if you could at least pretend to be a good adult in this dungeon.”

“How can I refuse someone’s request? I’ll try.”

Don’t smile so kindly; I might get attached. I should avoid leaving Noah and Sung Hyunjae alone as much as possible, just in case.

As I was about to enter the dungeon building, someone approached. It was a man in his early thirties with a cold impression. No, it was more that his gaze towards me was cold.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve received such a look.’

Everyone’s been so kind lately. Noah’s was directed at Riet, not that he had any grievances against me. Feeling strangely affectionate, I returned the man, Sudam Guild Leader Yoon Kyungsoo, a smile.

“I wanted to meet you, and I’m glad we ran into each other like this.”

Yoon Kyungsoo smiled only with his mouth at my greeting.

“I should have visited you first; I apologize for the late greeting.”

I wonder why you didn’t contact me. The conversation that followed was routinely ordinary. As it was a dungeon managed by Sudam, there were some related stories, asking about this and that, and wishing for a safe completion of the attack.

In other words, it wasn’t something the guild leader had to come all the way here to say. Maybe he was so bored he wanted to take a walk.

Noah decided to enter the dungeon first and clear the surroundings. When I was left alone with Sung Hyunjae, I immediately asked what I was curious about.

“The Sudam Guild Leader seems to have a lot of grievances against Haeyeon [a major guild]?”

The only reason I could think of for him to show hostility towards me was Yoohyun. The current me is quietly raising monsters under the protection of the giant guilds, so.

I’ve never contacted Sudam. There’s not much reason for an S-class hunter to have animosity towards a stat F-class person with useful skills.

So, it’s more accurate to say that he has grievances against my guardian, not me.

“Yoon Kyungsoo underestimated the young master first. Then he got bitten badly.”

“Then isn’t it his own fault? He’s more narrow-minded than he looks.”

“The young master is so young that he’s probably even more prideful. Yoon Kyungsoo tried to become independent and approached him, but he was pushed back and used as a stepping stone, so he has reason to grind his teeth. He probably thinks Hanyoohyun stole his place? But all he can do is grind his teeth.”

Unlike Breaker or MKC [other major guilds], he tried to create a guild himself and tried to use the young and easy-to-look-down-on Yoohyun, but was instead taken advantage of, is that it?

“I’m surprised Yoohyun sent me here without saying anything.”

“He didn’t say anything to Hanyoojin, but they already had a fight. During the last kidnapping, he searched Sudam like he was catching mice, just in case.”

“Was that so? He’s the same S-class hunter, so there must be a lot of backlash… Is there anything that could threaten Haeyeon?”

There were no problems before the regression. But now that I’m here, Yoohyun’s attitude has changed considerably. The kidnapping and this dungeon trip didn’t happen originally.

So, with the different excessive suppression, there’s a good chance that Yoon Kyungsoo will harbor a grudge and attack Haeyeon, Yoohyun. What was Yoon Kyungsoo’s main skill? And why isn’t Sung Hyunjae answering?

As the silence grew longer, I turned to the side and met a gaze that seemed to be carefully observing me.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because I’m amazed.”

There are many things to be amazed by. You must enjoy living.

“It’s not easy for a dog that has surrendered and turned its belly up to bare its teeth again. Unless something that will surely give him the upper hand supports him, he’ll be quiet. The young master knows that well, so he’s keeping Yoon Kyungsoo alive.”

“So, you deliberately came to a dungeon belonging to Sudam? Because you thought he might have joined hands with something to support him?”

Talking about bait and going to a dungeon belonging to another guild. Even the number of people is small. It’s like waving a glow stick, saying, ‘If there’s anyone aiming for us, please attack us at this opportunity.’ Of course, since there are two S-class hunters, it’s ambiguous to say it’s a small number, but it means the opponent also has that level of power.

This could also be dangerous, couldn’t it? But I gave Noah the bead, and Sung Hyunjae will take care of himself. He’s not the kind of person to act without thinking.

“It could be, or it could not be. If nothing happens today, I should go to MKC next time. And check Hanshin and Breaker too. As far as I know, Haeyeon is definitely not involved.”

…Let’s end it with Sudam, please.

* * *

About ten minutes later, I entered the gate. This time, the greeting message window didn’t appear. Since I’ve created my own personal dungeon, I guess they’re not planning to intervene usually.

A vast meadow unfolds under the blue sky. The golden dragon that was crossing the dazzlingly blue sky twisted its body in the air and landed in front of me. The landing motion has definitely become more skillful than before. The faint poison that was swirling around the golden body disappears.

– I have dealt with all the monsters nearby.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

The gray eyes narrowed and smiled. Because it’s a dragon, I keep thinking I should pat his head and tell him he did a good job. And scratch his neck a little. Comet liked it when I rubbed between his horns; I wonder if Noah would too.

“There’s no need to deal with all the monsters on the first floor, so let’s move towards the lake first. It’s not far from the gate.”

Sung Hyunjae said. Then, as if it were natural, he approached Noah.

“It seems like it would be difficult for Noah to carry two people. It’s not far, so let’s walk slowly.”

He just doesn’t want Noah to carry you, but he’s doing that even though he knows it. Noah, I’m sorry. Please bear with it this time.

* * *

The gate, still in an active state, emits a blue light. About twenty minutes before it closes. People began to enter the quiet space where only the faint cracking sound of the gate’s energy echoed.

They were hunters centered around MKC’s Guild Leader Choi Seokwon and Sudam’s Guild Leader Yoon Kyungsoo. Except for healers and support types, all fifteen hunters were A-class or higher. With the addition of two S-class hunters, it was a force capable of easily attacking any existing dungeon.

Nevertheless, a deep sense of tension lingered on the faces of the people. Even S-class hunter Choi Seokwon couldn’t completely hide his anxiety.

“I never thought I’d face Sung Hyunjae again like this.”

During the period when dungeon breaks were frequent, battles between hunters in break areas were common. Battles between S-class hunters were rare because there were so few of them, but they weren’t nonexistent. Choi Seokwon had also fought Sung Hyunjae before.

The fight wasn’t long, and Choi Seokwon was clearly defeated. Feeling an insurmountable gap, he never dared to challenge Sung Hyunjae again.

“Sung Hyunjae, Hanyoohyun, and even Moon Hyunah. Those three are definitely crazy.”

Choi Seokwon muttered like a grumble. In particular, the latter two were famous for actively seeking out people to pick fights with. Sung Hyunjae didn’t come out of his area very often, but you never knew when you might run into Hanyoohyun and Moon Hyunah. Of course, they were just as fiery with each other.

They didn’t bother with A-class or lower because they were boring, but for other S-class hunters, it was a disaster. There were even ridiculous rumors that the problem was that their names contained the character ‘Hyun’.

“Are you already scared? How pathetic.”

Choi Seokwon retorted with a sneer at Yoon Kyungsoo’s taunt.

“It’s better than being completely helpless and just watching a guy who’s ten years younger.”

“Shut up.”

“Even when a stat F-class guy is moving around defenselessly in front of you, you’re just sucking your fingers and doing nothing. That’s why Hanyoohyun just left Sudam alone.”

The sound of grinding teeth could be heard. His face was distorted fiercely, but Yoon Kyungsoo didn’t respond further and stared at the gate. As Choi Seokwon said, he was completely crushed by Hanyoohyun. A lucky kid who awakened as an S-class. After that short assessment turned into fear, he couldn’t even dream of resisting and just suppressed it inside.

“If I cut off his precious blood relative’s fingers one by one and send them to him, his face will be worth seeing. I’m already looking forward to it.”

“You were told not to kill him.”

“Isn’t it enough if he’s alive? When I saw him in person, he looked more like Hanyoohyun than I thought. So even more—”

Yoon Kyungsoo couldn’t finish his sentence and crossed his arms to raise them in front of his face.

Thwack!

“Keuk!”

A sharp kick landed on his reflexive guard. Even though he blocked it in perfect form, Yoon Kyungsoo felt a strong pain and was pushed back. Golden eyes looked at him with contemptuous ridicule.

“You weaklings.”

Lowering the leg he had raised, Riet clicked her tongue.

“If you’re scared of someone stronger than you, you should tuck your tail and stay in the corner. Why are you thinking of taking it out on the wrong person? How can you be so pathetic? And you’ve been strutting around with your chest puffed out as an S-class combat hunter? Why don’t you cut off your manhood? Huh?”

“…Damn it.”

Yoon Kyungsoo glared fiercely at Riet, but that was all. She was an opponent he didn’t even properly sense approaching. Even with just one exchange, the difference in power was clearly felt. He wouldn’t have easily rushed at her at other times, but now was definitely not the time to fight.

At the sight of such a man, Riet lowered the corners of her mouth as if she was bored.

“Oh, geez, this is really boring. How did I end up joining such boring people?”

She roughly scratched the back of her head and sighed deeply.

“Thanks for sending the private plane, MKC.”

“You’re welcome. I’m counting on you.”

Unlike Yoon Kyungsoo, Choi Seokwon looked at Riet with a much more relieved expression. He felt like he could finally do something.

Riet turned her body and walked towards the gate.

“Okay, let’s hurry up and finish the job. We can’t keep our darling waiting for too long.”

She stepped into the dungeon first, and the remaining people disappeared one by one beyond the gate. The room fell silent again, and the gate was deactivated earlier than scheduled.