The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 438: Thank You for Your Hard Work (2)

“It’s both fitting and unfitting to say it’s thanks to you.”

A soft smile lingered on the lips of the Murim Alliance leader.

“It was the military that kidnapped Director Han, and the Murim Alliance merely offered some aid to the enemy of our enemy. The outcome is simply profit from an investment.”

“As you say, you were little more than a guide. But you can’t tell me you had no idea what the result might be. How many S-class Hunters were involved? Someone who has led a group through dangerous circumstances wouldn’t fail to predict at least that much.”

Even with a skill that made her more persuasive, she would need the ability to attract S-class Hunters. Dan Unbi, who had been quietly watching me, finally spoke.

“Lord Xinling ascended the eastern steps.”

…What kind of out-of-nowhere nonsense is this? Who the hell is Lord Xinling? Still, it didn’t seem wise to blurt that out, so I kept my mouth shut, feigning thought — fortunately, Seong Hyunjae answered in my stead.

“Director Han has no reason to refuse five cities. You may regret losing the military’s Hunters and airport facilities, but that’s not reason enough to hold it against them.”

Cities? Now what’s that about? I didn’t know the details, but it sounded like he was saying I’d done enough damage in China that I couldn’t only claim credit with the Murim Alliance. They could at least give me Wi-Fi so I could look this up instead of speaking in riddles only they understood.

“And before Deok In Mang Ji comes In Deok Bul Mang.”

Seemed like another four-character idiom. They might as well have served me honey tea for all this. The more I listened, the more irritated I felt.

“Eastern steps, western steps — I climbed your rugged mountain path on sore legs without any damned steps at all. What great hospitality.”

“Lord Mengchang even offered a carriage.”

Now who’s Lord Mengchang? I know Mencius, but that’s about it. Still, it was obvious they were the ones picking a fight with me. I beamed at Dan Unbi.

“Some good relationship this is. My apologies for being so poorly educated. Should I just throw myself at you, frail body and all?”

“These are Chinese historical tales — it’s natural you wouldn’t know. I’d intended to explain, but Guildmaster Sesung beat me to it─”

“Explaining to someone is just a way to stand above them. Also—”

Seong Hyunjae lazily traced the rim of his teacup with a fingertip.

“Lord Xinling of Wei saved Zhao, but humbly refused credit. The King of Zhao offered him the land of Hu instead of five cities, so the Murim Alliance will offer only an appropriate reward in kind. Lord Xinling’s sister was married to the King of Zhao’s younger brother, and the fact that he deceived the King of Wei to send reinforcements — perhaps they intended to stop at that level of explanation.”

Seong Hyunjae even added that Lord Xinling was the Wei king’s half-brother. So in the end, all this ‘refusing credit’ business was just a family matter. I’m an entirely different people here.

“Even with family helping, it’s five cities. If you mean you won’t give as much because we’re strangers, well, I can understand that.”

“Please forgive the discourtesy.”

Dan Unbi stood and dipped her head slightly before sitting again. A clean, efficient apology — she cut things off the moment she felt the disadvantage.

Still, why bring up random Chinese historical trivia out of nowhere? If I go to France, will they start spouting about Napoleon, and in America about Lincoln? I’ll admit it had some effect — for a moment, I felt pressured. Without Seong Hyunjae’s translation, I’d definitely have lost ground in the exchange. Quoting Confucius and Mencius does make you sound smart, after all.

“In any case, I’ll decline any ‘cities’ I can’t carry on my back.”

Surely now she wouldn’t speak in riddles again.

“I can understand your caution. Even with the military faltering, the Murim Alliance must mobilize all its human and material resources to seize this opportunity. You’d have nothing left to spare.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“I too hope the Murim Alliance will change the Chinese Hunter community. So I won’t make excessive demands.”

Of course, if they offered, I’d take everything without hesitation — but they clearly had no intention of doing so.

“But my standards and the Murim Alliance’s will differ, so please start by telling me what’s impossible to give.”

After a brief pause, Dan Unbi spoke.

“First, we cannot offer high-rank Awakened or high-rank items.”

“I’ve never had the slightest intention of touching the Murim Alliance’s assets, so no need to worry.”

Though it would be nice.

“…Dungeon rights are also impossible. Long-term contracts will also be difficult.”

Just cut out everything that might hurt them, basically.

“But we can promise that, once China’s Hunter society stabilizes, it will be cooperative toward you and the two guilds.”

So — not a contract, just a verbal promise. “We’ll treat you well later, that’s enough, right?” Trying to get something for nothing, are we?

“I assume you don’t mean to end it there. This is under the premise you’ll grant my request, yes?”

“Any request that harms the Murim Alliance is impossible.”

“I won’t ask for much — something intangible will do.”

Really, I was being generous.

“Information on the military. You must know plenty — you even said you have ties to the government. I don’t need it all. First, an A-class or higher healer.”

Time to bring at least one high-rank healer into Haeyeon Guild.

“I’m sure there are plenty of Awakened the military has forcibly detained. The Murim Alliance would see them as rescue targets, so you should have detailed information. Give me the high-rank Awakened among them. Mid-to-low ranks are fine if they have useful special skills.”

Dan Unbi’s expression didn’t change, but Gu Yuyeong beside her stiffened slightly. What, why? I’m not asking for your Awakened.

“And items. I doubt you’re keeping high-rank items in an ordinary warehouse — you must be using Awakened as ‘living vaults.’ Give me information on them too.”

“All of them?” Dan Unbi asked calmly.

“Of course. We’ll probably recover less than ten percent anyway. I’m not exactly living the easy life.”

Honestly, I was being generous here. I wasn’t touching anything belonging to the Murim Alliance. And military property was, technically, spoils of war. I was just asking for the inventory list so I could collect my spoils efficiently — if they refused, that meant their conscience was out on vacation.

“Understood.”

Dan Unbi stood.

“We will provide the information and assist as much as possible.”

“Ah, then please sign a contract.”

I smoothly pulled out a prepared contract from my inventory and offered it. Gu Yuyeong really couldn’t hide his expression. How are we supposed to trust you otherwise? Let’s just keep things clean.

It seemed the Murim Alliance had already been preparing to plunder the military, as the list came quickly. Limited to high-rank, so there weren’t many — but the contents were decent.

“Yuhyun, Yuhyun. They have an A-class healer.”

Even though he was sixty-one years old, he wanted to emigrate abroad for his family’s safety — extra points. A long-term contract would be possible. Most high-rank healers had low stats, making high-rank dungeon raids impossible. It’d be amazing if he could go inside a dungeon, but even having him outside would be a huge gain.

This would greatly boost guild welfare. Most injuries could be treated without having to hunt down a healer. And having a high-rank healer made a guild more respected in society. In politics or business, anyone could end up with life-threatening injuries — having connections to call in such a moment made people more willing to bend a little.

“And not far from here. I hope he’s safe.”

Couldn’t have our precious healer getting bitten by undead. He was being held in a military facility, along with many other Awakened forced to work there.

“His family is in a special district by Lake Chao.”

That came from Eun Sesun, a Murim Alliance Hunter who’d guided Yuhyun and Yerim earlier.

“A rescue team from the Murim Alliance has already been sent there.”

“Then all we need to do is get the healer. By the way, I heard special Awakened were also detained in the Chaohu special district?”

“They were all moved two days ago.”

Makes sense — with that chaos coming, they wouldn’t have left them there.

Yuhyun, studying the military base photos and blueprints, turned to Noah.

“Hunter Noah, will you take the job?”

“Do you want a standard contract, or special consideration?”

“Standard.”

Noah pulled out a contract with practiced ease. Come to think of it, I’d heard his guild took external requests more than direct raids.

“Normally, we require at least a week of preparation, and urgent requests cost extra.”

“Nothing to amend, it seems.”

Yuhyun scanned the contract at nearly the speed of reading Korean. Wait — was that English? Lots of people could read English, but at that speed?

“You’re really good at English, huh? Noah, don’t you mainly use French?”

“You can’t use translation items for contracts. And this much, I could read in middle school.”

What? Was the education system that different now, or was my little brother just that amazing?

“For foreign clients, we usually use English contracts — not just in Europe, but also Asia and the Middle East.”

Do all S-class guildmasters speak multiple languages? I mean, English is a common lingua franca, but still. Yerim sidled up to me and whispered.

“Mister, if I go abroad… do I have to be able to read English contracts? In Japan they gave me one in Korean.”

“Uh… maybe there’s a translation item lying around somewhere. Or a translator.”

“Reading and checking a contract yourself is basic.”

Yuhyun’s firm tone made Yerim’s face take on a determined look.

“Let’s make Korean the lingua franca of the Hunter world, Mister.”

“…Huh?”

“If our country becomes the most powerful, it could happen.”

Well, she’s not wrong.

“You’ll have to study for college entrance exams anyway.”

“I’m going to natural sciences. I’m good at math.”

“Even in sciences, English is basic.”

“I can do a liiittle. And S-class Hunters get special admission, right?”

“You’re taking the exams properly,” Yuhyun said, making Yerim scowl.

“What? Why!”

“Korea’s stabilized. Unless society gets chaotic again, S-class special admission doesn’t look good. You might get extra points, but you need the basics.”

“Why me! What about you!”

“…Yerim, Yuhyun’s last national mock exam score was in the top 1%.”

That was after founding the guild, during a time when he wasn’t even attending school properly. He never did take the real exam, though. At my whisper, Yerim narrowed her brows and muttered darkly.

“I’ll beat Han Yuhyun no matter what.”

Go Yerim! Maybe I should set up a study room in one of the empty rooms.

With the contract signed, Yuhyun and Noah left. Sunset was still far off, but Noah had a stealth skill. As long as they avoided S-class Hunters, it would be easier to strike in daylight than at night with heavy security. I even gave them mini-mini cookies to make the trip more comfortable.

“Hyung, do not leave here under any circumstances.”

“Got it.”

“I’ll protect Mister, so don’t worry!”

Noah transformed into his dragon form. Golden feathered wings spread wide, and the Murim Alliance members’ eyes widened. They should have known about his transformation — it was even on TV — but the sight still amazed them.

Carrying Yuhyun, Noah soared into the sky and activated stealth.

“A golden yinglong.”

Eun Sesun gazed up at the air in awe. A what now?

“Yinglong?”

“A dragon with the wings of a hawk. And golden, no less — magnificent.”

Samokwol also voiced his admiration. Was there really that much difference between feathered wings and membrane wings? Noah looked slightly less Western-dragon-like than before, but aside from wings and tail feathers, not much had changed.

The others murmured like they’d just seen a rare spectacle.

“Now for the items.”

“We’ve identified several ‘item vaults,’ but all are bound by powerful contracts,” Eun Sesun explained.

“So forcibly taking the items will be difficult.”

“I have a way — pick the one most likely to cooperate.”

I’d get the item, they’d get their freedom. Win–win. Eun Sesun quickly pointed one out. Let’s see.

“Not that heavily guarded, thanks to the contract. Yerim, you could probably do it.”

“I’ll go,” Seong Hyunjae said.

“Since I’m doing the work, it’s 50–50.”

“If that’s the split, Young Master Han, we’d like to lend a hand too,” Samokwol quickly cut in. The Murim Alliance apparently had no way to do this themselves.

“That’s my partner rate. If the Murim Alliance is commissioning me, it’s 70–30. And I’m the 30.”

“…That’s quite the cut.”

“Without my help, you’d get zero. And there aren’t many special items for this kind of job. They’re rare. Frankly, I should charge 80.”

Of course, no such item existed — I was just giving them a ‘special discount.’ After a brief consultation with Eun Sesun, Samokwol accepted. I even got first pick of the items. How nice of them.

“Well then, good luck~”

Until they got back, I’d rest with Yerim and Peace. Wasn’t there supposed to be a hot spring here?

Mun Hyunah Side Story

The wind blew. On the vast plateau, the long grass carpeting it rippled all at once. Red hair fluttered, and a large, calloused hand brushed it back.

“Let’s begin.”

At the low command, the Breaker Hunters moved in perfect sync.

The target — the final boss of the S-class dungeon, Sunset Plateau. A massive red Masuma with six legs. Once it began moving, it was nearly impossible to catch, boasting extreme speed skills. The first time the Breaker Guild attacked this dungeon, it had taken three whole days just to take down this monster.

It had been hell. Mun Hyunah looked at the distant Masuma with a trace of regret.

‘If only I could get a young one, it’d be perfect for a Monster Mount.’

But in this place, the Masuma never appeared with a mate, let alone offspring. Taming a full-grown one seemed utterly impossible.

While Mun Hyunah was salivating over the unattainable prize, her team moved busily. The plateau jutted out in a U-shape with a cliff behind it — fortunately, the monster couldn’t leave the area. Using the waist-high grass as cover, they set traps around the plateau.

The traps weren’t enough to damage an S-class boss monster, but they could trip its legs and slow it down.

Meanwhile, ranged attackers took positions midway up the cliff.

For all its terrifying speed, the Masuma’s attack and defense were comparatively low. So the Hunters other than Mun Hyunah focused on slowing it and blocking its charge.

A green flag waved from the cliff.

Preparations were complete.

“Let’s go.”

Mun Hyunah rose from her crouch, twin spears in hand. These weren’t her usual, massive spears, but slim, straight ones for throwing — speed and mobility mattered more than raw power here.

The Twin Hawk Spears.

An A-class weapon, but with both forming a pair, their combined options approached S-class. It had been hard enough to obtain the second one since they never dropped together.

– Prrrr.

Far off, the Masuma, which had been standing idly, snorted as it spotted her. Mun Hyunah’s lips curled into a grin.

“I doubt you remember me, but it’s been a while.”

Combat boots that came down just below the knee cut through and crushed the grass. Behind Mun Hyunah, support-type Hunters boosted her Agility stat and cast acceleration skills.

“Today, I need your body more than your mana stone, so be good and get caught, okay?”

Preferably intact — something I could take back in one big piece. Last time, it had ended up completely shattered.

“There’s a kid who likes horse meat.”

Maybe feeding S-class Masuma meat would help him grow faster. Pawpaw— its hooves scraped the ground. Torn-up blades of grass fluttered in the air.

Mun Hyunah’s steps began to quicken. The acceleration buff of the Twin Spears activated, and her combat support skill, Path of the Wind, spread open.

A straight road without a single obstruction, even air resistance minimized. The grass split wide, opening the way, and the heels of her boots struck the ground hard. At a speed unbelievable for a two-legged human, Mun Hyunah charged at the Masuma.

– Hiiiiiihhhng!

The Masuma lifted its two forelegs high. It was a monster with solid hooves and powerful legs, but sensing an instinctive threat, it backed away. Then, in an instant, it swerved and began galloping around the plateau.

“Drive it to A! Get ready!”

Fwap, fwish! Chasing the Masuma like she was about to take flight, Mun Hyunah shouted. One arm swung back hard, and she hurled a spear. Fweeee! The spear cut through the air, grazing the Masuma and forcing it to change course.

Then, as she swung the remaining spear like a fishing rod—

Whoosh— the thrown spear snapped back toward her as if it were attached to a line. It was the special ability of the Twin Spears.

“Fire!”

Hunter Seo Heeyeon shouted. She was the one commanding the Breaker S-class team in Mun Hyunah’s stead, since Mun Hyunah often fought solo.

At the signal, arrows and dark energy shot toward the Masuma. Thud-thud-thud— as the Masuma sharply turned, the ground was torn open. It avoided the attacks perfectly, not a hair harmed, but just as it was about to regain speed—

– Prrrrr!

Something caught on its hooves. Tink! The transparent line snapped under the Masuma’s power, but its speed definitely slowed. At that moment, the spear blade came flying in with terrifying force.

Sslash!

Its long, fluttering mane was cut clean off. Ducking unnaturally low for a horse, the Masuma dodged the spear and darted away again. Retrieving her thrown spear, Mun Hyunah chased after it once more.

“C!”

Calling out a zone, Mun Hyunah had the ranged attackers aim their weapons and skills ahead. The Twin Spears cut through the wind, driving the horse exactly where she wanted.

“Now!”

Seo Heeyeon, watching the movements of Mun Hyunah and the Masuma closely, shouted. As the ranged attacks fired, Mun Hyunah hurled her spear at the Masuma. Dodging the spear, it stumbled into another trap — and in that moment of hesitation—

– Hiiiiiihhhng!

Arrows pelted its hide savagely. The wounds weren’t deep, but the arrows carried a special skill — one that slowed the target’s movements.

“Nice!”

Grinning widely, Mun Hyunah leapt toward the Masuma. The Masuma, deciding to fight instead of flee, planted all four legs firmly, then lashed out with both hind legs. There was a reason people spoke of horse muscle — even without sharp teeth or vicious claws, a Masuma’s kick had immense destructive power.

She was airborne and couldn’t dodge. But neither Mun Hyunah nor her teammates looked the least bit worried.

With a fierce smile, the Twin Spears vanished from Mun Hyunah’s hands, replaced by a hefty great spear. Wind coiled upward along the tip, red hair whipping wildly.

Veins stood out on her hands, the backs of her hands, and her wrists, muscles taut from her forearms to her shoulders. The muscles of her back rippled beneath her clothes, audibly tensing.

And then—

Kwaaaang─!

The crash rang out. The great spear spun half a turn, grinding against steel-like hooves. The Masuma’s hard, muscular legs twisted and shredded like reeds caught in a whirlpool. It stumbled away on the remaining legs as the impact slammed into the ground.

Boom! The earth caved in, clods of dirt mixed with grass flying high. As the staggering Masuma retreated, arrows rained down without pause. Just as it barely dodged—

Vwoooong─

With a heavy whoosh, the great spear’s blade grazed the Masuma’s flank. Its tough hide tore like paper, and with another crash, the glancing blow split the ground wide. Mun Hyunah shook her head lightly amidst the dirt falling like rain.

“Almost turned it into ground meat again.”

She meant she had avoided a direct hit on purpose. The Masuma, unable to understand words but clearly sensing danger, backed away on its remaining legs. The great spear vanished, replaced once more by the Twin Hawk Spears in her hands.

“Let’s finish this!”

As if waiting for the words, arrows cut through the air — and Mun Hyunah’s body shot forward faster than them.

“Well done!”

Cheerful voices rose all around. Ranged attackers on the cliff leapt down, and even the support-types with lower physical stats descended with assistance. They collected the loot, chatting about what had dropped.

The Masuma lay on its side, mostly intact except for its hind legs and head, wrapped in waterproof tarps made from dungeon byproducts and split into thirds. Some Hunters jogged or swung their weapons to work off the post-battle adrenaline.

Mun Hyunah sprawled out on the soft grass. Clouds drifted lazily across the reddish sky.

“That was faster than last time.”

Seo Heeyeon crouched beside her.

“I’ve gotten the hang of it. I’m used to driving horses now.”

In the beginning, she’d wasted all her time just chasing them. Now she could steer them exactly where she wanted.

A dungeon was a brutal world, but it could also reward effort with honest results — a place where nothing else about a person mattered, only their own ability and work.

“Sometimes I don’t want to leave.”

“It’s simple in here.”

“Fewer headaches.”

It was always possible to cut ties with everything else and just move forward alone. Still—

Mun Hyunah stretched wide. The green scent of crushed grass felt good.

“You eat so well.”

Han Yujin spoke in admiration. The golden griffin, Blue, chirped happily, hopping around the garden lawn.

“Thanks, Hyunah.”

“It’s nothing. I’m doing it for my kid.”

“Please stop saying that. And Blue’s not your kid.”

“If Blue were there, it would’ve been a three-minute fight. She could’ve eaten the fresh meat right away.”

“Well, maybe you can take her next time.”

With her belly round and full, Blue fluttered over to Han Yujin and flopped onto her back. Han Yujin reached out, roughly rubbing her belly and neck.

– Kyawuu.

“Feels good? Huh?”

– Kyak! Kyaa!

Her long lion’s tail thumped the ground.

“You should eat well too, Director Han. Raising kids takes stamina.”

“That’s true.”

Mun Hyunah pulled out a sausage, stripped the wrapper, and offered it.

“What’s this?”

“Cheese sausage. It’s good.”

Grumbling, Han Yujin took a bite anyway.

“I mean, I may be younger than you — but I’m not a kid.”

“Sure, sure. But sometimes you’re like an old man, especially with your naming sense.”

“…Is it really that bad?”

Han Yujin tilted his head just as someone approached from behind.

“Hyung, don’t snack before a meal.”

Han Yuhyun strode up, nodding lightly to Mun Hyunah.

“It’s lunchtime.”

“This isn’t enough to spoil my appetite.”

Still, Mun Hyunah watched him with amused eyes as he nagged.

‘The young master who never cared about anything.’

She still found it funny to see Han Yuhyun acting like a little brother, when she’d once wondered why he’d even founded a guild at all. She’d thought he’d never spare anyone a glance. But everything changes eventually.

“Lunch is on me, let’s go!”

“Lunch? I should be treating you after what you did!”

“Just follow me. You too, young master.”

Spinning around, Mun Hyunah headed for the elevator, with Han Yujin and Han Yuhyun following behind.