The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 337: Nice to Meet You (1)

— This is set in the past relative to the current timeline.

“Mister, we really have to go get our licenses this time!”

Yerim said,

“I heard I have to get a new license that matches my Hunter rank.”

Myungwoo said,

“I also need to get a license again in Korea.”

Noah said. So it was that four people without driver’s licenses had gathered, naturally requiring someone to take the wheel. There were plenty of people who could drive, of course.

“I’ll give you a ride.”

Yuhyun chimed in. And Peace staged a protest at the front door. Chirp stared at me with Belare. It wasn’t a dangerous place and it was a Hunter-only facility, so fine.

So I left the house holding Peace in my arms, with Chirp on my head and Belare coiled around my wrist.

“Yerim, didn’t you say you haven’t practiced driving at all? Are you going to be okay?”

“I’m good in real situations, so don’t worry!”

She passed the written test and had learned the basics of operating a car, but still, I was concerned. Yuhyun chimed in beside us.

“I passed on my first try without any practice too. Even if you make a mistake, the worst that’ll happen is the car gets damaged, so don’t stress. But are you sure you’re okay, hyung? I offered to help you practice, and you refused.”

“I just don’t have the license, but it’s not like I’ve never driven. I used to move vehicles around at my old job, like parking or on-site transfers.”

As long as it wasn’t on public roads, he said it was fine. Of course, the real reason I felt confident now was because I’d gotten my driver’s license before I regressed.

“Still, the Hunter license testing ground is supposed to be kind of tough.”

“How different is it?”

“I can’t say much because it’s confidential, but they say it’s nearly impossible for non-awakened people to pass the advanced Hunter test. The intermediate level isn’t said to be that hard though.”

Is the course that difficult? But I’m not exactly a beginner, so it should be fine.

When we got to the building, Myungwoo and Noah were already waiting.

“Myungwoo, you gonna be okay? I heard the advanced Hunter test is no joke.”

Unlike me, Myungwoo had been officially recognized as an A-rank Hunter, so he had to take the advanced Hunter test. I walked up next to him and tapped his arm.

“Weren’t you even a closet license holder? Just in case, make sure you’ve got potions ready. There’ll be a healer on standby at the test center, right?”

“Yeah. They said there is. And thanks to my skill traits, I’m allowed to use items. Though only the ones I make myself.”

“Still, be careful. Don’t get hurt.”

Noah, being an S-rank Hunter, shouldn’t have any issues. I just told him to do well on the test, but he visibly drooped. Damn.

“Noah, please take care as well. They say it’s easy for S-rank Hunters, but still, just in case.”

“Yes! Thank you, Yujin.”

Only then did he beam brightly. Still sparkling today.

The Hunter-exclusive driving test center was pretty far away. And oddly, the parking lot at the front was lined with foreign luxury cars. It felt like a motor show. As soon as the people in suits standing among the flashy cars noticed us, their eyes lit up.

“Best of luck on your test!”

“We’re rooting for you, Hunters!”

Don’t tell me…

“…Are those car dealers?”

Did they hear some rumor and swarm over? Some even brought banners. Most of them were cheering for Yerim, with Noah coming in second. Myungwoo and I had far fewer supporters. Maybe because we were more likely to fail?

Amid the cheers of the import car dealers, we entered the test center. A nervous-looking staff member came to greet us.

“Hunter Park Yerim has already completed the written test.”

“Yes!”

“Then we’ll start by guiding you to the driving skills test. Course A is the standard test course. In Course A, use of skills and items is prohibited. Course B is a Hunter-only road test where skill use is allowed. Only Hunter Yoo Myungwoo is permitted to use items.”

The test supervisor told Yerim to follow them.

“I’ll come back with a pass~”

Yerim headed off to the driving test area, and just as we were about to move to the written test area—

“Hello!”

A cheerful voice rang out. Kang Soyeong entered with Liette, and behind them appeared Song Taewon. After confirming who we were, Song Taewon spoke to a staff member.

“Is Hunter Park Yerim currently taking the skills test?”

“Yes. Since she passed the written test, she entered the skills test first.”

Song Taewon gave a small nod. Probably came to prepare for any accidents, since a bunch of S-rank Hunters were here for licenses. The problem is that there’s no one who can substitute for Song Taewon’s duties. I almost want to go find another S-rank under government control from somewhere.

…From Song Taewon’s perspective, it might feel like he’s just gained another headache. Even if an S-rank had the same personality as a clone of him, he’d probably still find them uncomfortable.

“Hey there, darling~ Noah, you’re here for your license too?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

His short reply was neutral. It didn’t carry familial affection or warmth, but there was no hostility either. It’s not like everything has been resolved, and not everything can end with a “we all got along just fine~.”

“Soyeong, you’ve probably got a license, and Liette, you didn’t have a Korean one?”

“It got revoked. So it’s a retest~”

What the hell did you do. An S-rank Hunter license doesn’t get revoked that easily.

Aside from Yuhyun and Kang Soyeong, the rest of us headed into the written test center. Peace and Chirp were temporarily left with Yuhyun. Belare was half in bracelet form anyway. Since it was a test center for intermediate and higher-ranked Hunters, there weren’t many desks and chairs.

“The written test consists of a total of 60 questions, 40 of which are the same as the general exam. The remaining 20 are Hunter-exclusive questions. Hunter Liette and Hunter Noah, please come to these seats.”

Separate test papers were handed out for the two who weren’t fluent in Korean. Then the written test began. The general questions were easy, and the Hunter-specific ones weren’t hard either. They included topics like seatbelt use, poison resistance, exceptions to DUI based on stat levels, and traffic control during dungeon breaks.

Everyone passed the written test safely. Only the driving test remained.

“Hunter Han Yujin, please follow me this way.”

Since I was the only intermediate-level Hunter, my test site was different. Yuhyun handed me Chirp and said,

“Be careful, hyung. Just in case, take Peace with you too.”

“I’m not gonna crash just trying to get a license. Is it okay to bring Peace?”

The supervisor said it was fine. However, if I received help from a monster mount, it would result in immediate failure. Skill use was allowed, but borrowing someone else’s ability was not. I had to pass purely on my own strength.

The others were guided in the same direction Yerim had gone. Kang Soyeong, shouting “Go Liette unnie!”, then called loudly to Noah.

“Noah! If you pass, tomorrow we’ll─!”

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay! Good luck on your test!”

Persistent, isn’t she. The two of them really do suit each other, though.

I followed the supervisor to the test site. Just as we arrived, I got a message from Seong Hyunjae, who must’ve heard the news already.

[Good luck^^]

Well, thanks anyway. At the entrance to Course A, there were two test vehicles parked. I got into the truck for Class 1 licenses and started driving right away. The basic course wasn’t hard. It had been a while since I used a stick shift, but I’d reviewed how to drive beforehand, so I just needed to recall the feel.

After safely passing the test, I was immediately directed to Course B.

“The vehicle is… kind of unusual.”

It was a large, heavy SUV, and even at a glance, it wasn’t a regular commercial model. Almost certainly a special vehicle made with dungeon byproducts. Sure enough, the license plate indicated it.

“Course B is designed to simulate a dungeon break scenario. While the course layout changes periodically, the basic route remains the same, so please do not disclose the details to anyone who has not obtained a Hunter driving license.”

“Then is retaking the test not allowed?”

“The passing threshold increases upon retaking the test. If you fail three times in a row, you’ll be disqualified from taking the driving test.”

Strict, huh. Still, since you can retake it, I should at least memorize the course properly if it seems difficult.

“If you wish to abandon the test midway, please press the red button next to the steering wheel. A healer and rescue team will be dispatched immediately.”

“Okay.”

Even if it’s simulating a dungeon break, it’s not like monsters will jump out—what’s with the rescue team? I mean, I guess a beginner could get into an accident driving alone.

After listening to the rest of the precautions, I got in the car. Peace sat in the passenger seat.

“Chirp, go sit next to Peace.”

— Chirp.

Unlike Course A, this one required higher speed, so it might get dangerous. I left Chirp with Peace and started the car. The previously closed door opened, revealing a road partially broken in places.

“This is pretty realistic.”

There were even building models set up along the roadside. I drove along the four-lane road.

‘Of course there are obstacles.’

Here and there, cars were stopped. Fallen utility poles and building debris blocked the way. Since it wasn’t a real situation, the well-constructed course was kind of fun. So this is why the test was expensive.

‘Should I go slow or fast?’

It was a timed mission requiring you to reach the dungeon break point within a set period, and they said the time limit was tight. If time runs out, do I have to turn back midway? I didn’t ask that. Anyway, I sped up to finish the course.

Obstacles kept increasing, and I was just thinking that a beginner wouldn’t make it in time when—

“Help me!”

“Whoa!”

A person jumped out onto the road. I slammed the brakes, but—

Thud!

“Ugh!”

The man who’d been hit flew into the air. Then he rolled and tumbled down the road before coming to a stop. What the hell was that. I quickly opened the door and ran over.

“Are you alrigh─”

“You failed to avoid a civilian. That’s a 5-point deduction.”

The man sat up and said calmly.

“Your post-collision response was also inadequate. That’s another 2-point deduction.”

“…Excuse me?”

“This area is near a dungeon break site, so you never know when a monster might appear. Even if an accident occurs, you must not forget to stay alert to your surroundings.”

That’s… not wrong. But still, what is this.

“…You really are okay, right?”

“Don’t worry. I’m a C-rank defense-type Hunter. But, Hunter Han Yujin.”

The man hesitated and looked behind me.

“Could I take a picture with Chirp? I’m a big personal fan. The timer is paused right now.”

When I turned around, Peace had followed me with Chirp sitting on his head. Well, no reason to say no. I placed Chirp on the examiner’s head and took a photo for him with his phone. The examiner thanked me repeatedly and told me to do well on the test before walking off.

“…A little too realistic, isn’t it.”

If I didn’t have fear resistance, my soul would’ve left my body. Muttering, I got back into the car. So it’s supposed to be as close to real as possible. Still, they wouldn’t actually release monsters. …No way, right?

I took a deep breath and started driving. I couldn’t accelerate as much as before, and ran a red light while crossing a pedestrian area. There were no deductions for traffic signals. In a situation where even staying in lane was impossible, of course not. As I turned the corner—

“Ah!”

Something suddenly jumped out again. Seeing the dark lump, I slammed the brakes. This time, I was going slower and prepared, so I managed to stop about thirty centimeters away.

“What is that. Move.”

What was blocking the road was none other than a person in a mascot costume. I honked the horn repeatedly, but they didn’t budge.

— Shiiik.

Seeing me honk, Belare poked her head out. Then she wrapped herself around the steering wheel and pressed the horn insistently.

“Stop that, you little thing.”

I told the kids to wait a bit and got out of the car. Peace immediately leapt out after me. I looked around carefully this time as the mascot-costumed person approached.

“That’s a 10-point deduction.”

“Sorry?”

“You’re supposed to run over low-level monsters. Also, since you approached unprotected, an additional 3-point—”

Vrooom—suddenly, the car took off. It sped forward and crashed into a building model before stopping. Both I and the monster-costumed examiner stared blankly at the car.

“…Chirp!”

Was it you? Or Belare? Or both? I rushed over and opened the door. Chirp, who had been in the driver’s seat, looked back at me. Belare had wrapped herself around the gear lever. The sight made me sigh involuntarily.

“Chirp, this isn’t a toy car! And Belare, I told you not to just go along with whatever Chirp wants!”

— Chirp.

— Shiiik.

“What if you got hurt? And if this weren’t a test site, someone else could’ve been injured. No, I’m the one at fault for leaving you two alone. I should’ve at least taken the keys.”

Ever since Chirp started hanging out with Belare, he’s been getting bolder with his mischief. What’s fortunate is that only Chirp seems able to teleport for now.

“The children’s fath… I mean, Hunter Han Yujin.”

The monster examiner approached and said,

“There’s no relevant category, so there will be no deductions, but please be careful in the future.”

“Oh, yes. I’m sorry. I’ll be careful.”

I quickly bowed my head and apologized. It felt like passing today was a lost cause. Still, I got back in the car to check the rest of the course. Though the car had crashed into a building model, thanks to the reinforced materials, it had only a few scratches.

“I guess I’ll have to retake it.”

The test fee was a waste, but whatever. Since I was going to fail anyway, I stepped on the accelerator with a relaxed mind. I ran over another monster-costumed person that jumped out, swerved past a fallen street tree, and crossed a water puddle and even a sidewalk.

At a spot where both the road and the sidewalk were completely blocked, I hesitated briefly, then smashed through the glass door of a nearby building model. Coming out the other side, the road appeared again.

“At this rate, I might pass next time.”

Following the route markers, I made a left turn at an intersection. Just then—

Rumble.

A crashing sound played from the speakers. The surrounding building models began collapsing toward the road—toward the car.

“Do I fail if I get crushed?”

Is this supposed to simulate a nearby fight involving a high-rank Hunter? Or maybe it’s an A-rank or higher dungeon that broke open. I pushed the car to full speed. The cracked and damaged road rumbled under the tires. Recorded sound effects echoed threateningly behind me.

A flipped-over truck blocked the way. I turned the wheel and drove up onto the sidewalk, bounced off a signboard, smashed through a stand, and steered back onto the road. As I rounded the corner—

— GRAAAAH!

Sure enough, accompanied by a recorded monster roar, a giant inflatable creature blocked the road. What is that? Am I supposed to crash into it too? But at that size, if it were real, I’d be the one getting flattened.

Yeah, I better get out of here.

The collapse sounds had stopped, so without hesitation, I shifted into reverse.

Thunk!

“…Huh?”

As soon as I started reversing, the previously intact road gave way. The rear of the car dropped suddenly, and the front lifted high into the air.

— Chirp!

Chirp rolled forward, but Peace caught him with his front paw. What the hell is this!

— GRAAAAH!

The recorded monster roar continued, followed by heavy footstep sounds. What the hell am I supposed to do?

“Let’s get out of the car first.”

I opened the door and climbed out onto the road. Peace followed, holding Chirp in his mouth. The car’s rear end had completely fallen into a pit. Without a tow truck, there was no way it was coming out.

— GUAAAH!

“…What the hell do you want from me.”

Am I supposed to run for it? But this is a driving test, right? They said I had to reach the destination with the car to pass. Was reversing not allowed?

As I stood there pondering, the monster balloon suddenly burst with a loud pop. White powder flew everywhere, and an announcement played from the speakers.

[Hunter Han Yujin, you have been marked as failed.]

…I knew I wouldn’t pass, but come on. I didn’t even make it to the end.

“You should head back now.”

The examiner appeared out of nowhere. Then, with both hands, he pulled the car out of the pit and set it back on the road.

“…How are you even supposed to pass that section?”

“If you retrieve the car from the pit and move it back ten meters within the allotted time, the giant monster disappears.”

“You want me to pull the car out?”

“Yes.”

“…With my bare hands?”

“You may use skills.”

What the hell. Am I supposed to whisper sweet nothings to the car or something? One thing’s for sure—I have no shot at getting a license for intermediate-level Hunters.

“Hyung!”

Yuhyun, who had been waiting at the entrance to the intermediate test site, ran over to me. I gave him a weak wave.

“…I failed.”

It was just a driver’s license test, but I still felt kind of embarrassed. Yuhyun brushed off the powder that had settled on my shoulder.

“You didn’t get hurt, did you?”

“It wasn’t that dangerous. The buildings were all models. But for someone with F-grade stats, it was a bit much.”

I grumbled as we walked to the waiting room together.

“It’s hard enough dodging people that suddenly jump out, but how am I supposed to pull a car out of a pit? If I had the strength to lift a car on my own, would I still be F-grade?”

Even if I retook the test ten times, I’d fail every time with my current strength. I can’t pass.

“So the intermediate test has a pit. The advanced one had a collapsed bridge.”

“…What?”

“It wasn’t completely destroyed, just a few wires left hanging.”

…So you’re supposed to carry the car and walk across a wire?

“Mister!”

Yerim, who was in the waiting room, waved at me happily when she saw me. Myungwoo and Noah were there too. I guess all three of them finished already. I must’ve taken the longest.

“Did you pass?”

“…No. I decided to give up on getting a license.”

I can’t do it. It’s impossible. Unless I cheat, there’s no way. The three of them looked at me with sympathetic expressions.

“It must’ve been really hard. Don’t worry.”

“There are plenty of people without a driver’s license. Don’t stress about it.”

“You have me, Yujin. There’s no need for you to drive.”

They’re all so kind. When I asked if they did well, they all proudly said they passed. I was the only one who failed.

“They say the advanced course has a broken bridge. How did you make it across?”

“I just flew over carrying the car.”

Yerim said. She has a flying skill, so it must’ve been easy.

“When I took the test, I still couldn’t use Blue Willow Leaves as a flying skill substitute, so I threw the car.”

Yuhyun said that carrying the car while crossing the wire would’ve snapped it, so he had to throw it. If you throw the car, the impact has to be below a certain threshold.

“I also flew over while holding it.”

Noah used the same method as Yerim.

“The car’s an inanimate object. I just put it in the forge and crossed alone.”

Myungwoo passed easily, too. Everyone’s so capable. There’s no way I’d ever pass. But with all that, is it even necessary to be driving through a dungeon break? Wouldn’t it be better to just fly or run?

Just then, a loud rumbling shook the ground.

“…Is that Liette taking the test right now?”

No sooner had I finished speaking than an announcement came over the speakers.

[This tremor is due to Hunter Liette’s driving skills test. For safety, non-awakened individuals and awakened below E-rank, please evacuate the building.]

What the hell is she doing? After several more shakes, Liette finally appeared with Kang Soyeong. Song Taewon followed, looking exhausted.

“Technically, it counts as a pass, right?”

“This is a driving test. You’re not allowed to carry the car from start to finish.”

“I’m faster than the car! Chief Song, if a dungeon breaks open, she’s better off running!”

“…The course’s roads and buildings were completely destroyed.”

“Come on, lighten up, civil servant. Doesn’t Korea say it doesn’t matter how you get there as long as you reach Seoul?”

“Destroying Seoul is not allowed.”

Song Taewon said flatly. Chief Song, you’re working hard today too. I was worried they might start fighting, but thankfully, Liette just grumbled and backed off. Kang Soyeong sighed, saying she’d wanted to buy her unnie a new car.

“Mister, I’ll give you a ride!”

As soon as we stepped outside, Yerim stood next to a sleek sports car and offered. The face of the car dealer lit up immediately.

“You’re buying a car right away? You sure about that?”

“Oh please, this is pocket change. Though the ones for advanced Hunters are a bit pricey.”

Then she asked which car I liked.

“This black one’s pretty too. What do you think?”

“They all look fine to me.”

They were all expensive, even at a glance. Just then, Myungwoo walked over to a heavy SUV.

“How are we supposed to ride in something that small with the kids?”

Oh, right—Peace too. At Myungwoo’s words, Yerim shouted that she could buy a big car too.

“Just pick whatever you like, Yerim. It’s your first car.”

“This one’s pretty big and looks sturdy too.”

“Um, Yujin.”

Noah, who had quietly been watching, finally spoke up. He looked at both Yerim and Myungwoo before continuing.

“I think it’s risky for someone driving for the first time to take the wheel. But I’ve been driving continuously.”

That’s true. Myungwoo had a closet license, and Yerim was a total beginner. Both of them looked a bit caught off guard.

“I’m confident I can drive safely…”

“I’ll practice more. I know I can protect you, Yujin, but it’s best if there’s no accident at all. Maybe I’ll try making some driving-related items.”

When Myungwoo stepped back, Yerim also turned her gaze regretfully back toward the sports car. The victorious Noah smiled brightly.

“A large car is more comfortable, after all, right?”

Noah said, walking toward a car with a winged logo from Company B. The way he bought it on the spot without hesitation was impressive. Yerim and Myungwoo each chose what they wanted, too. The dealers who hadn’t been selected sent me hopeful looks. I failed, everyone. Even if I had passed, I’d still go with a domestic model… not that I’ll ever pass anyway.

“Yujin.”

Noah called me. And then—

“Hyung.”

The final obstacle appeared.

“I don’t want to go back alone.”

My younger brother looked at me with eyes that asked if I was really going to abandon him. I mean, but. Yerim, who had picked a sleek navy sports car, booed that the Guild Leader was being cheap.

“Then let’s ride together. You can have Haeyeon send someone to pick up your car, right?”

I couldn’t turn down Noah’s offer, but I also couldn’t leave my brother behind. Even though it was just about riding in different cars, still. Yuhyun glanced at Noah and gave a small nod. Noah’s face briefly stiffened at Yuhyun’s interruption, but he soon smiled again and opened the door for me.

“Let’s grab lunch together before we head back. My treat.”

A consolation lunch for failing.

The day after the license test.

“I heard the news.”

Seong Hyunjae showed up. Don’t you have anything better to do than come all the way here just because someone failed a driving test? I stayed crouched on the grass next to where Chirp and Belare were playing and looked up at Seong Hyunjae.

“If you came to congratulate me on failing, you’re late. Hyuna already did plenty of that earlier, and I still haven’t digested.”

She started with ‘What a shame, big bro~’ and ended with ‘It’s fine, it’s fine, call me anytime!’ Seong Hyunjae smiled softly and said, “Too bad.” The sun was at his back, making him pointlessly radiant.

“I brought a gift for my heartbroken partner.”

“I’m not heartbroken. I’ve got people lining up to give me rides. Riding in someone else’s car is the most comfortable anyway.”

“Call me anytime.”

“Go stand at the end of the line.”

So what’s the gift. I didn’t really want it, but I was curious. He didn’t seem to be carrying anything, so maybe it was in his inventory? If it’s an item, I’ll take it gladly. Under my impatient gaze, Seong Hyunjae brought out the so-called gift.

“…A bicycle?”

“It’s a custom piece that fits into an inventory. You don’t need a license. It’ll be good exercise too.”

It was a bicycle with a basket on the front. Chirp floated up and landed right inside the basket. Seemed like he liked it.

Bicycles made from dungeon byproducts that could be stored in inventories would eventually become pretty common, but they shouldn’t exist yet. And he just casually gives me one the day after? That means—

“…Did you pray for me to fail or something?”

Your text said “Good luck,” but you ordered this expecting I’d fail!

“I’ll just say it was inevitable.”

“Honestly, shouldn’t the test difficulty be based on stat grades, not Hunter rank?”

Muttering, I stood up and examined the bike. It was nice that it could go in the inventory, but still, a bike? Would I even use it? Inventory space isn’t infinite, after all, and it might just end up taking up room.

“Anyway, thanks for thinking of me.”

“Do you even know how to ride one?”

“Of course.”

I put Belare in the basket too and grabbed the handlebars. It had been a really long time since I’d ridden a bike, but after a moment of hesitation, I circled the rooftop garden and returned to where I started. Chirp seemed to love it, flapping his wings happily.

“See? Just because I’m F-rank in stats doesn’t mean I can’t ride a bicycle.”

It actually seemed pretty good for getting some exercise while taking the kids out. Running with them was too slow and exhausting for me.

“As a special service, I’ll get you some tea.”

I parked the bike and led the way to the elevator. I really do want a driver’s license. I’m the only one who doesn’t have one. But at this point, it might be faster for Peace to pass the test than me.

Noah opened the car door for me. Flying would’ve been the fastest, but today we were going to recruit someone, so we decided to take a normal car. I needed to buy some gifts too.

“Peace’s fur is still here. Sorry about that.”

Even though it was a new car, red fur was already stuck to it. I glanced down at Peace, cradled in my arms. Lately, he was shedding even more. There were already scratches on the seat too—Chirp and Belare had caused them playing around during the first test drive.

“It’s fine. Make yourself comfortable.”

Noah said as he got into the driver’s seat. Despite being an S-rank Hunter, he dutifully buckled his seatbelt.

“You said you wanted to buy the gift first?”

“Yes. There’s a department store I contacted through Haeyeon.”

I could’ve had someone else buy it, but once again, I wanted to do it myself. When we arrived, they had a separate area prepared with gift set samples. I tried to remember what the person liked and bought a few different sets.

As we neared the first destination, my heart started pounding. It wasn’t fear, so fear resistance didn’t help at all. Maybe I should’ve taken something to calm my nerves. I had to stay calm. It wouldn’t do to come off weird when meeting someone for the first time.

Not long after, the navigation system said we had arrived.

“Peace, stay here and wait.”

— Kkiang.

Leaving Peace behind, I got out of the car holding one of the gift sets.

“I’ll carry it.”

“I can carry this much.”

“But you were just discharged recently. I was told to take good care of you, Yujin.”

Noah snatched the dried yellow corvina gift set from my hands. I bought it because the old man liked grilled fish, but the price was almost on par with premium Korean beef.

“They said it’s on the third floor of this building.”

For no reason, I adjusted the position of my tie and started walking. It was a five-story building with no elevator. Supposedly a “family-like” small business—emphasis on the sarcastic pronunciation. As I climbed the narrow stairs, Noah looked up at me worriedly. Come on, I’m a young man in my twenties. My insides might be thirty, but even at thirty this is no problem.

When we reached the third floor, I opened the glass door with the company name laminated on it and stepped inside. A typical office with a small number of employees greeted me.

“…Ah?!”

One of the staff who spotted me first opened their eyes wide.

“Th-the breeding facility!”

“What?”

Startled voices followed one after another. When they saw Noah following behind me, they gasped again. This is a little embarrassing.

“Hello, I’m Han Yujin, director of the Monster Mount Breeding Facility. This is Hunter Noah Luhir.”

“It’s really him, seriously.”

“W-what’s going on? Is this a shoot or something?”

Everyone was so flustered that they couldn’t properly greet us. A middle-aged man popped out from a small office marked “President.”

“What brings you here? Hello, I mean.”

“I came to see Deputy Manager Seo Kyunghoon. He doesn’t seem to be here—could we meet with him?”

“Ah, yes. He’s out at a vendor meeting. Please wait a moment!”

The president hurriedly made a phone call. Meanwhile, the staff, having regained their composure, offered us seats to wait in. When someone asked if we’d like coffee, Noah declined first.

“Apologies, but if it’s instant coffee, Director Han should not drink it.”

Why not? Sure, instant coffee isn’t great for you, but isn’t that a bit too picky? The staff member who offered the coffee nodded quickly and retreated. Everyone looked at me like I was a zoo lion—curious but too scared to come near.

Soon the glass door opened, and a man in his early thirties walked in. A familiar but confused face made me stand up without realizing it.

“Nice to meet you.”

He—Kyunghoon—bowed awkwardly as well.

“I’m Deputy Manager Seo Kyunghoon… but may I ask what this is about?”

“Well, actually.”

I took a breath. Then, smiling like it was nothing, I continued.

“I’m here for new recruitment at the Monster Mount Breeding Facility.”

“…Excuse me? Recruitment? But I didn’t apply for anything…”

“It’s by recommendation. Above all, we prioritize trust, and you, Deputy Manager Seo Kyunghoon, were one of the names recommended.”

I added that due to anonymity I couldn’t say who recommended him. Kyunghoon blinked at my words. In his place, the president cut in.

“You can’t just come and say that to someone who’s working here like normal—”

“If Deputy Manager Seo decides to transfer and you, President, process it quickly, we will of course offer compensation appropriate for that. Enough to satisfy you.”

He didn’t seem like a great boss, but maybe he was sharp enough to read the room, because he shut up right away. I turned my gaze back to Kyunghoon.

“Let’s move to a different space and at least go over the terms. That should be fine, right, President?”

“…Y-yes, yes.”

I took the lead, and though hesitating, Kyunghoon followed. I was still okay. I could act calm. But still, inside, there was a little sting.