The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 466: Even Good People (2)

It was certain that Burn Cave’s members were treating me differently. They listened a little more closely to what I said and paid a little more attention to how I moved. Like Seong Hyunjae said, people don’t spare interest for someone who seems like a nonentity. Picture a famous celebrity and an ordinary passerby walking down the street. How many eyes linger on the latter? The same goes for the negative side. If someone looks menacing and is holding a knife, everyone drifts away while pretending not to see—yet still can’t help but keep tabs on them.

Han Yujin is F–rank and has a one–and–only skill, but outwardly he’s under the protection of S–ranks. Since we’re not an independent facility but seem to follow the words of nearby S–ranks, requests for rearing often go not to me but to the guilds—mainly Haeyeon.

That result was natural. If a lion has a rabbit tucked under its arm, how many would go up to the rabbit and ask, “Do you have a moment to help me?” Most would ask the lion first. “May I borrow that rabbit for a bit?”

‘But since Seong Hyunjae yielded the floor to me—’

It would make them blink. Yuhyun and Yerim stuck close to me through the tour, but they’re family. Yerim’s young, besides. And both mostly showed themselves protecting me.

But Seong Hyunjae put me out front. Not family—just a contractual tie—and yet the Sesung Guildmaster did that. In other words, it was like saying, Han Yujin stands in a place the Sesung Guildmaster deems worthy of courtesy.

‘In the end I’m riding Seong Hyunjae’s coattails, but…’

I pushed down the small dip in my mood. Getting here is also because I rolled hard. Three months ago, would Seong Hyunjae have accommodated me like this? Instead of putting me forward, he’d have kept me at his side and gone, My rabbit has many tricks; if you have business, speak through me. That sort of thing.

So, say, ten percent of this is my own power. It is.

“I can guarantee growth up to A–rank, so please don’t worry.”

I smiled at Jason.

“I imagine word has already reached you, Guildmaster of Burn Cave—the skill that checks information on non–awakened people.”

“Ah, yes. It’s actually fairly widespread now.”

There were even people who sold the intel all the way to China. I’d told the Hunter Association about the Awakening Center stuff, so I never thought the secret would hold long. By now, most national Associations and big–guild masters probably know.

“That treats baby monsters as non–awakened, so we can check their growth–capable stat range. The monster you brought is guaranteed to grow to at least A–rank.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. In addition—”

I took a sip of water. Through the conversation I tried not to glance toward Seong Hyunjae. If I looked like I was seeking his approval that I was doing well, it would be for nothing. Pretend he isn’t there at all.

“I can also discern the method to mature it to full adult.”

“…Pardon?”

Jason’s face showed surprise. The other guild members focused on me all at once. The clink of tableware stopped; a brief silence fell.

“Of course, the conditions aren’t easy. For a high–rank monster, meeting the conditions could take years. Even so, a path exists.”

“…You mean it would be possible to obtain a high–rank mount without going through the Monster Mounts Breeding Facility.”

“Yes. Since you’re my first overseas guests, I’m giving you a small preview. Before long, a small gathering for high–rank Hunters who need mounts will be held. You saw the broadcast from China, I assume.”

“The information you mentioned then…”

“The only Monster Mounts breeder in the world is getting a bit tired.”

I kept it light, as if it were nothing much.

“I feel bad making people wait indefinitely. So I decided to open up the information.”

A few Hunters swallowed dryly. S–ranks might want mounts, but for A–ranks it was pie in the sky. Who knows when their turn would come. It would take years just to give one mount each to all the S–ranks in the world. And there would still be countless competitors left. But now there was a way to raise one yourself.

How could they not be tempted.

Big guildmasters would covet it too. No matter how big the guild, it usually had one S–rank; even five years later, none had hit double digits. The rest were A–ranks. If you could pair each with a high–rank mount, your power jumps.

“Since preparations are needed, the schedule isn’t fixed yet.”

“Are there conditions to attend?”

“Hard to say. But I’ll send you a personal invitation. You’re a valued client.”

“Thank you.”

If I sprinkle the bait, they’ll gather on their own. I can’t designate and summon first, but it’s fine if they come of their own accord.

‘I can’t walk around with Seong Hyunjae then, either.’

I almost glanced at him again. Still, since this is important intel, with this as bait… That guy doesn’t need any of that, though. I was disgustingly jealous. He looks like someone who could toss that body anywhere and swallow a country. Was he always like that? Is that why he caught the Crescent Moon’s eye? Being too outstanding is its own hassle.

“I hear you’re very busy.”

Meanwhile, Jason was speaking to Myungwoo. He’d come to Korea for mounts, but there’s no way he wasn’t interested in Myungwoo. Once Yerim’s SS–rank weapon is finished, it’ll flip the table. He’s still debating whether to announce it.

“I heard you’ve refused invitations and visits alike.”

“I’m not taking overseas commissions yet. And I don’t like events like this much.”

R–really? Myungwoo’s eyes slid to me.

“I came because Director Han invited me.”

Eyes shifted back to me. Unlike before, I felt a little embarrassed. Myungwoo kept a somewhat stiff, cool demeanor. Did something sour him before coming…? No, he was fine. He even gave me that honey dragon’s beard.

Conversation turned this way and that and touched on Noah as well.

“Many are still puzzled by the Arc Guildmaster’s sudden move.”

Sounded like he’d gotten a lot of offers. Since Arc took more support commissions than direct raids, medium–large guilds were all bemoaning it. If it were just an S–rank guild, they’d chalk it up to one rival gone, but Mr. Noah is… special.

“I plan to remain in Korea.”

Asked if he’d go back, Noah smiled faintly.

“Of course I can’t promise circumstances won’t change. But whatever I do from now on, I am a Hunter belonging to Director Han Yujin.”

I felt shy again. Honestly, I’m receiving way more than I’ve given. At least he’s getting along with the Building folks—that’s good. Reflexively, I glanced aside and met Yuhyun’s eyes. He slanted his eyes and laughed silently. From the other side, I could hear Yerim quietly chatting with Ms. Hyunah.

“Director Han Yujin.”

Jason looked at me.

“You can’t be called merely a mount breeder.”

I pondered what to say, then just smiled.

A dessert buffet had been laid out in the wide lounge. Moon Hyunah lined up ten bottles of liquor across a white table.

“These are special wines made from dungeon–grown fruit.”

Beaming, she lifted her arm in a little bow.

“Even high–rank Awakened can feel a slight buzz. Ah, Chief Song—it’ll be formally licensed, so don’t worry. And this is a personal investment, not a Breaker–guild product.”

So they made it already. Looked like they researched based on alcohol brought out from the world inside a dungeon. Hunter–grade liquor would net big profits, but that’s probably a showy lure. If she makes something to make Breaker’s patrons drool, but frames it as a private investment…

‘That’s a nice card to shake people with.’

And usable in all sorts of ways.

“I’d like to sponsor the drinks for your gathering, Director.”

“More than welcome.”

Perfect for promotion.

“Yerim, not you.”

I quickly stopped Yerim’s hand sneaking toward a wineglass. She narrowed her eyes and grumbled.

“It’s way too long until I’m an adult!”

“Time flies.”

I should be turning off Fear Resistance soon—maybe I should drink a little. Will it even affect me? As I lifted a glass, Yuhyun tilted a bottle over it like he’d been waiting.

“Not too much.”

“Don’t worry.”

I don’t really like wine, anyway—ugh.

“Hyungnim should drink this one. That’ll be bitter.”

Moon Hyunah pointed at a different label. Yuhyun took my glass, downed it instead, and poured me a fresh one. This one was sweeter.

“Honestly, the Guildmaster and I have similar mental ages. Honestly–honestly, I might be older.”

Yerim muttered, sipping strawberry juice. Changeling—when did she move to Yerim’s shoulder—took a small sip and, apparently quite pleased, reached her forepaws for more.

‘It’s about time to say it.’

My mind churned. I emptied the glass and looked toward Chloe standing over there.

“Want me to come with?”

Yuhyun whispered. Who drags his kid brother along to confess? That’s asking to get slapped.

“I’m fine.”

“Or you could say it here. Do you have to go somewhere private?”

“Yuhyun, public confessions are a no.”

“No?”

“If possible, you do it one–on–one somewhere with nice ambiance. After, ideally, a little pre–dating. Charging in with ‘I like you’ out of nowhere is… well, it’s what I’m about to do, but—it’s a no.”

After a few meetings, meals, coffee, and some rapport—that’s when. I beckoned Changeling to me, drew a deep breath, and stepped out. As I approached Chloe, curious gazes gathered. My neck felt like it was turning red.

“Hunter Chloe Alger.”

“Yes, Director Han.”

Chloe looked down at me with a faint smile in her eyes.

“Could you spare me a moment? You visited D&L, the developer of the filming gear.”

“It was valuable. Thank you for permitting the visit.”

“Not at all. As an investor, it’s good publicity.”

Stop staring, everyone. I suggested we move under the pretext of work talk. In addition to Yuhyun, Chief Song sent me a worried look, but didn’t stop us. Everyone but Seong Hyunjae and Moon Hyunah still thought Chloe was A–rank. And with Grace plus Changeling, I could hold S–rank ability for a short time.

“Please don’t go outside the hotel.”

Just before we left the lounge, Chief Song cautioned me. I said of course, then glanced at Seong Hyunjae and Moon Hyunah. Both gave small eye signals. With those two, even if something happened, there’d be nothing to worry about.

I stepped into the corridor and turned off Fear Resistance. My heart started hammering. I should’ve brought Peace. This is insane. I’m embarrassed already. My ears burned. My face must look ridiculous.

Work talk. Start with work and, in the middle, just a little. Breathing steady, I led the way to the preselected spot. Chloe followed and spoke up.

“It’s a shame live broadcasting is impossible.”

“…Yes. But you could call a dungeon a different world. If we had communications, it’d mean we could go in and out without a gate—that would be a problem.”

I opened the glass door and stepped into the terrace garden. It was a small outdoor space settled between buildings. You couldn’t see it from below, but some of it was visible from above. I walked to where it could be seen. By now, Seong Hyunjae and Moon Hyunah had probably left the lounge and headed up.

“I was impressed that a high–rank Hunter like you makes broadcasts on evacuation know–how for lower–rank Hunters and non–awakened people.”

“There are others besides me.”

“But none put in the effort yours do.”

“It’s easier to shoot because I’m high–rank, that’s all.”

Chloe answered modestly.

“If filming inside becomes possible, I imagine it would be mostly high–rank dungeons?”

I probed lightly. My mouth felt a bit dry. I really should’ve brought Peace.

“I will shoot high–rank dungeons too, but I’d rather leave records on mid– to low–rank dungeons. Compared to high–rank, their攻略 data is lacking. Low–ranks struggle just to clear; high–ranks clear them too easily.”

True. Especially for low–rank dungeons, even years later detailed攻略 rarely existed—people thought time spent was a waste. Low–ranks suffer; by mid–rank, you can breeze through.

“A good… intent.”

Before regression or now, that hadn’t changed. I lifted my head and met Chloe’s gaze straight on. What filled my chest was fear, not flutter—but on the surface, it would look like I was scared to bare my heart.

“So—I like you, Ms. Chloe. It’s really early to say this, and it will sound sudden. Given my situation, I don’t know when I’ll get another chance. So please take it lightly and let it pass. I love you, Ms. Chloe. I respect you.”

I blinked after closing my eyes for a moment. A message window popped up.

[The target is under the influence of another similar skill! Keyword application is impossible.]

Right. Of course.