The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 350: In Discussion (2)

Three pairs of eyes turned to Song Taewon. Each aura they held, even their color tones, were distinct. But they were all asking the same question.

It was a strange sight. Like predators from land, sea, and air—who would never encounter one another due to their different habitats—gathering together for a common goal and cooperating. Something that couldn’t even be imagined, not even in dreams. Song Taewon met those gazes head-on.

Non-awakened individuals, especially those with high social status, welcomed it when he stepped back and lowered himself. There were even those who took pride in acting equal to or superior to an S-Rank Hunter. Offering that deference made handling the other party easier.

But these people were different. Quite the opposite. If someone capable of matching them lowered themselves deliberately, it would only provoke displeasure. Song Taewon suppressed his own emotions and opened his mouth as calmly as possible.

“We will seek cooperation from China, but an official protest is not possible.”

“What do you mean by that.”

Han Yuhyun spoke sharply. Park Yerim tilted her head, while Seong Hyunjae looked as though he had expected as much.

“They’ve already responded that they were unaware of the situation. If they claim it was simply the doing of an unofficial guild within China, then the Korean government cannot directly interfere in another country’s internal matters. We can only ask for cooperation in protecting our own citizens.”

A Korean citizen had been kidnapped and taken overseas. Even so, Korea could only request an investigation. It was, of course, impossible for Koreans to swarm in and tear things apart. If the country in question granted a search permit, then maybe. But it was obvious China wouldn’t do such a thing. Even if, by some chance, a permit was granted and they entered the country, there would naturally be restrictions on their actions.

“What, so we’re just supposed to sit and watch while Mister is kidnapped? You went directly to Hong Kong before.”

“That was never official.”

“Oh, right. Then we can go unofficially again this time. Park Yerim is staying in Korea. For roughly a month. Might go to Japan now and then, but never been to China, not even once. Guess I won’t get to see it this time either. What a shame.”

Park Yerim looked up at Song Taewon as if to ask, how’s that? Her tone closely resembled someone else’s. Song Taewon suddenly recalled a conversation with Moon Hyunah.

When Kim Seonghan rose to S-Rank, there had been talk that Park Yerim might be better off transferring to another guild. Not only MKC, which has now collapsed, but even Breaker had shown interest in backing her. Especially since Moon Hyunah was on friendly terms with Park Yerim, and as a fellow woman, it would seem like a good fit. Song Taewon had been nudged into delivering the suggestion to Moon Hyunah.

Of course, Moon Hyunah rejected it instantly.

‘Why would I pull Yerim out of such a good position?’

She wouldn’t want to leave anyway, and she had no reason to. Moon Hyunah said with a satisfied smile,

‘It’s not easy for a young S-Rank Hunter to receive that kind of protection. Normally, they act independently. And even if they’re under someone, Yerim’s kind of environment wouldn’t be given to them.’

Upon awakening to a higher rank, one had no choice but to be treated as a powerhouse regardless of age. Especially for those who stayed close, it was hard to overlook the strength behind the young appearance. They would constantly be reminded of just how powerful the individual was.

But Han Yujin treated Park Yerim like a normal child. No matter what others said, or what abilities she had, to him she was a fifteen-year-old who needed protecting. At the same time, Han Yujin had the foundation to protect Park Yerim as her guardian.

Even S-Rank Hunters were not without weaknesses. Especially socially, where family ties, age, gender, and if they went abroad, even race could be targets of attack. But anyone who tried to use that against Park Yerim would suffer retaliation no one could withstand. If Han Yujin truly made up his mind, it could lead to the terrifying possibility of turning countless S-Rank Hunters worldwide into enemies. There were plenty who would be tempted by Monster Mounts and above-S-Rank weapons alone.

‘Yerim is nestled in the perfect nest. Especially for an S-Rank Hunter, it’s the best condition. There’s nothing she lacks.’

She had both Han Yujin and Han Yuhyun at her side. She spent time with Moon Hyunah, an S-Rank guild leader, and Haeyeon, her guild, was filled with outstanding people. Even Kim Hayun found Park Yerim quite endearing. In such an environment, she would naturally absorb and learn many things as she grew. However—

‘The one thing lacking is that neither Han Yuhyun nor I can properly oversee her combat. We can pass on experience, but our styles are too different. Same goes for Hunter Noah and Hunter Kim Seonghan. In terms of traits, Seong Hyunjae would be perfect—but that guy isn’t the type to help easily.’

Even if he accepted the request because of Han Yujin, unless Seong Hyunjae had the genuine desire to engage with Park Yerim, there would be little to gain. It would just end up as a surface-level experience.

There had been such a conversation. Song Taewon narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at Park Yerim. Among S-Rank Hunters, there was no such thing as an S-Rank who grew up surrounded by goodwill, supported and yielded to by others. Her future was full of promise—and perhaps also fear… The future.

“…Come up with convincing excuses, each of you. You cannot depart immediately.”

“Yes!”

Park Yerim was the first to respond, clearly excited.

“In addition, I have submitted a leave request.”

Leave, he said. Seong Hyunjae, Park Yerim, and even Han Yuhyun looked at Song Taewon with slightly surprised eyes.

“Wow, really? You’re actually taking a vacation?”

“I thought we’d hear about your retirement before a vacation. Amazing.”

Song Taewon continued in an official tone instead of answering.

“During the leave period, under special provisions, my status as an S-Rank Hunter takes precedence over that of a public official. It is originally a welfare clause for Hunters in public service.”

“Chief Song Taewon, you’ve never really used that.”

“I never had the time to.”

When a Hunter is a public official, dungeon conquest rewards belong to the state. But during vacation, there was an exception. Sometimes, priority rights for efficient dungeons were even granted as a form of vacation bonus. However, Song Taewon had never had the leisure to personally raid dungeons for himself.

“Oh, then Songie! You can take Song Song with you! The lamb!”

Park Yerim raised her hand and shouted.

“…Only the rewards from dungeons personally cleared may be privately acquired, and Monster Mounts are not dungeon rewards.”

“But you’re not a public official right now, right?”

“My status changes in priority only, I am still a public official.”

“Geez, who cares. But did you really name him Taesan? Soyeong unnie said that even though Mister is something else, Chief Song wasn’t exactly normal either.”

Song Taewon remained silent. He swallowed the words, I also think Taesan is cute.

“…Please refrain from acting independently without reporting. We must first make an official announcement about the kidnapping of Han Yujin, Director of the breeding facility, and clarify each guild’s public response. Guild Leader Seong, do you have any connections in China?”

“I do, but it’s one of the countries where my influence is weakest. Due to their high level of vigilance, I used a different identity there. I can assist enough to support Chief Song Taewon’s vacation plans.”

“Your cooperation would be appreciated.”

After once again stressing to Han Yuhyun and Park Yerim the importance of establishing a plausible front, Song Taewon left the room with Seong Hyunjae. Once the two disappeared, Park Yerim opened her mouth.

“I’ve been curious for a while… Why does the Sesung Guild Leader like Chief Song? He’s a strange Mister, sure, but it’s surprising even my unnies said it’s lasted so long.”

She tilted her head and added that, compared to Mister, he seemed pretty normal. Han Yuhyun didn’t react at all, as if it had nothing to do with him.

“Yeah, as if our Guild Leader would care about anything unrelated to Mister. Just keep living like that. I’m off.”

“What? Off where.”

“I’m going international. For now it’s just Japan, but when I get older, I’ll go farther.”

At Park Yerim’s words, telling him to live well without her, Han Yuhyun looked genuinely confused.

“How could you leave hyung behind.”

“I never said I was leaving forever, did I? And besides, Han Yuhyun, you’re here for Mister.”

She pointed a finger and continued.

“You’re gonna stick to Mister like glue and never let go anyway, right? Stay planted in Korea wagging your tail and calling ‘Hyung, hyung,’ with that smile of yours. That’s why kind-hearted me has to step up.”

“…You’re stepping up?”

“Hyunah unnie said if we become the world’s top guild, we can take Mister with us. So let’s be number one first. How long are we going to stay stuck in Korea? We should expand overseas. And if we’re number one, Mister won’t have to suffer like this again.”

She smiled, saying that being the best so no one could touch them would be the safest path.

“So leave it to me. Guild Leader, you stay home and take good care of Mister. I’ll sweep everything away so you two can live without worry~”

Han Yuhyun blinked slowly. What is she even saying right now?

“You’re… going to help me stay by hyung’s side comfortably?”

“I guess that’s what it amounts to? Though mostly I just want to be number one in the world. First it’ll be a Haeyeon Guild overseas branch, but even if I start a new guild, don’t cry about it, Guild Leader.”

Han Yuhyun blankly watched Park Yerim chatter about what to name the new guild, mumbling that Haeyeon was a pretty name. It was the first time. That someone had stepped forward to help him get what he wanted most. Someone who wasn’t like Iryn, who followed his will naturally, but a complete other person—saying such things.

Even Han Yujin had often hinted that he would have to become independent eventually.

Since he was very young, there had only been obstacles around him. His parents were the first. Everyone else was the same. Even his own strength became an obstacle, and he had to leave his brother’s side. Even the guild he built to protect his brother ended up distancing their relationship further. Even now, after reconciling with his brother, most people expressed concern that he paid too much attention to Han Yujin. Because he was a Guild Leader and an S-Rank Hunter. Because he was supposed to stand proudly alone. A talented and strong person expected to step out of the nest and move forward.

Even so, it wasn’t because he had been influenced by what others said. He didn’t care in the slightest, and no matter what anyone said, it never even brushed past his ears. Unlike all those meaningless things, the words offering to help felt unfamiliar and new, and gave him a somewhat strange feeling.

“…Thanks.”

“…What?”

Park Yerim, who had been chatting cheerfully, froze stiff. She stared at Han Yuhyun with a look of disbelief.

“What did you just say…”

“I said thank you.”

“Gasp, Mister! Come back! Han Yuhyun’s gone crazy! Oh no, I think the shock of Mister getting kidnapped really hit him hard!”

“What’s so weird about thanking someone who said they’d help.”

“Still! I was being totally serious, you know? Since it’s about Mister and all? Still!”

Park Yerim jumped back and rubbed both her arms.

“Ugh, seriously, that gave me goosebumps. Let’s not be awkward like this, okay?”

Saying they should go set up alibis, she left the room first. Han Yuhyun followed after her.

“Is it because it’s been a while since everyone gathered? There’s so much pointless chatter.”

A black-haired, red-eyed boy stood atop a snowy field. The place he was in was a forest of winter, but it was also a spring flower field in some spots, a summer mountain in others, and even an autumn lake elsewhere. There were wastelands with no sense of season, melting lands, endless seas, and even completely empty spaces.

In each of those places, their owners had taken their positions. Few ever stepped outside their own domains.

Just then, a newcomer appeared, fluttering sleeves like layered petals.

“Lord Chaos!”

The newcomer glanced around and then spoke in a voice that wouldn’t be heard by the young Chaos.

[Honey has left Korea!]

“…What?”

[Honey’s country is Korea, right? It’s the place where he’s best protected. Even after the system link was established, transcendent beings couldn’t intervene there. But now I can sense Honey clearly.]

The newcomer drooped her ears, asking what they should do. The young Chaos furrowed his brows slightly.

“That damned green calf. What about the second one?”

[I don’t know. Honey’s still connected to the virtual system, so we can detect him. He still has access to the point shop too. Normally, it’s hard to detect someone’s location outside of a dungeon. And the system connection isn’t even fully complete yet.]

“…He probably followed, but maybe not.”

That guy would never leave his brother alone, but if he were with him, he wouldn’t have let him go beyond the borders of a safe country. So it seemed more likely that the elder brother had moved alone.

[So far, no one else has noticed, but once the system is fully connected, Chatterbox might find out too. Depending on what’s decided in the current discussions, it might become impossible to touch Honey directly…]

“Then drag it out as long as you can.”

[Uh, how?]

The boy let out a short sigh.

“How else.”

In his hand, a massive blue-glowing blade appeared.

“Flip the whole board.”