The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 486: Come On In, Everyone (1)

“Please arrive in the designated area by 5 a.m. on the day, and until the exam ends on test day, Blue and Peace must not fly under any circumstances. Unless it’s an emergency, Peace should remain in a fluidized state, and please make sure Blue doesn’t leave the Breeding Facility.”

Chief Song Taewon, who had come to the Haeyeon Guild, cautioned us in a stiff voice. Even if Monster Mounts have become familiar, they’re still scary when you see them in person. Tigers and lions flood every kind of media to the point of overfamiliarity, but if you ran into one on the street, you’d still jump out of your skin. So Chief Song reminded us again and again that we mustn’t create a situation where a test taker might be startled.

“As requested, Hunter Park Yerim will accompany Hunter Han Yuhyun.”

In exchange, the region was set to Busan without a draw. The number of dungeons is proportional to population, so it’s the place most likely to have a dungeon break. Practically speaking, it has to cover up to Changwon as well. In the first year after dungeons appeared, the CSAT itself was canceled, and since then there hasn’t been a dungeon break on the day of the test. Even so, if something happened on CSAT day and the fallout grew…

“In the event the CSAT is canceled due to a dungeon break, it will be rescheduled within a month.”

So the test day gets pushed back. Thanks to that, the test–writing committee also has a reserve team. If they’re unlucky, those people have to stay locked in for another month. Chief Song went over the other precautions in detail and handed over a written brief as well.

“Director Han Yujin, as long as you handle Monster Mounts management, you may move freely.”

“Sure. You’re working really hard.”

At my words, Chief Song gave a small shake of his head, fatigue coloring his face.

“No.”

“You’re already busy, and you still came in person like this. Shouldn’t the Association be handling this, originally?”

“I personally handle only S–rank Hunters; official notices for other guilds and Hunters are sent by the Association. And…”

Chief Song hesitated a little, then continued.

“Privately, I welcome this.”

And in a voice smaller than before. His expression didn’t change, but it felt like Chief Song was a bit embarrassed.

“Of course, I shouldn’t be thinking that way—”

“What’s wrong with it! If it’s work you like, you’ll have more drive and better efficiency.”

I quickly cut in and raised my voice. Aiding students with their exam suits Chief Song’s disposition better than managing high–rank Hunters. If Hunters and Sources had nothing to do with his life, maybe he’d have become a teacher instead of a police officer.

Maybe the stoic face he wears now would have been unthinkable then—always holding a gentle smile. Still kind, but no longer hiding his warmth. Much more forgiving toward himself, openly liking what he likes.

“Still, don’t overdo it. Even S–rankers aren’t inexhaustible. More than anything, keeping your condition steady on the day is most important. This year, Seonghan and Liette will also be staying in Seoul, but you’re more reassuring than anyone, Chief Song.”

Liette’s actually more of a worry, really.

“Yes. Thank you.”

Is Chief Song particularly sensitive around CSAT season because it’s one of the few things left that touches ordinary daily life? Usually, he’s dealing mostly with high–rank Hunters. Of course, stopping high–rank Hunters from causing trouble is also protecting the everyday lives of the unawakened, but the direct and the indirect inevitably feel different. He probably does exam–related broadcasts gladly too, even if his expression is stiff and awkward.

“What about when I take the CSAT? There are special provisions, but I heard sitting the exam is good for your image.”

Yerim shot her hand up and asked.

“You’ll go to the designated region and take it at a special test center. If you have to stop mid–exam due to Hunter duties, your score will be your mock–exam average plus a bonus. However, if there are more S–rank Hunters at the time of your CSAT than now, you might not be called up.”

With the current numbers, losing one Yerim wouldn’t be a huge problem. At that, Yerim looked a bit disappointed.

“I wanted to get exam–day cheers. If it’s S–rank, you can’t even monitor them properly unless you’re also S–rank, so can’t I just take it at a regular test center?”

“No.”

“Yerim, we’ll all go with you. I also asked to have Yuhyun assigned to Seoul.”

It can’t be helped that it’ll be different from a regular test center packed with test takers, but we should bring as many people as possible.

“Right, as long as you have a high school graduation qualification, there aren’t many restrictions on taking the CSAT, right? Should I go in with you too?”

“Mister? Yes! Take the exam with me!”

“Then me too, hyung.”

At Yuhyun’s words, Yerim’s face scrunched up sharply.

“No! If you score well, it’s a nuisance, Guild Leader!”

“I can just not solve the questions. I’m not planning on going back to college.”

“Right, the more the merrier. We can eat boxed lunches together.”

“If you promise to hand in a blank sheet, fine!”

Yerim beamed again and nodded. I’d felt a bit bad for not doting on Yuhyun enough, but the thought of all of us entering the test center together made me happy. Yuhyun and I are just tagalongs, but still.

“Has anything out of the ordinary happened in the meantime?”

Before leaving, Chief Song looked at me as he spoke. To be precise, his gaze went to my turtleneck and the bandage under my ear.

“Nothing special.”

Thankfully, the weather had gotten chilly. It’s the season where a full–neck turtleneck doesn’t look strange. Chief Song quietly watched me, then turned away. Looking at his back, I rubbed around my neck for no real reason. It’s not that I’m not going to tell him; it’s just that he’s especially busy right now.

“Hello, Hunter Noah! Director Han!”

As soon as Noah and I got out into the Sesung Guild parking lot, Kang Soyeong ran up and greeted us brightly. From the first time we met after regression to now, she’s never not been that lively. Sometimes I think Soyeong might be the person who became the happiest because I regressed.

“Was the traffic okay just now? How about flying on the way back? I’ll bring the car over for you!”

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. I’d heard Noah’s full dragon form had changed, but she hadn’t actually seen it yet and was itching to.

“It’s not that far.”

“It’s good for the environment too! Oh, and Hunter Noah will need to wait on the first floor. For the time being, they said Director Han has to follow the rules, too.”

Soyeong lowered her voice.

“Originally, S–rank Hunters not belonging to the guild aren’t supposed to visit like this. Other than Chief Song, Director Han’s bodyguard was the only exception.”

Chloe popped into my mind, but she’s still publicly listed as A–rank.

“I’ll take good care of Hunter Noah, so don’t worry and take care of your business~ Hunter Noah, have you eaten?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Then how about a quick tea or some snacks—or a flight?”

“…Pardon?”

“I thought you might get bored!”

When we went up to the lobby, Evelyn was waiting. She gave me a slight nod.

“I’ve been assigned responsibility for Director Han’s safety within the guild. Please follow me.”

“Yes, thank you.”

I left Noah and followed behind Evelyn toward the elevator. It is someone else’s guild, but it’s been a while since visiting one felt this much like visiting someone else’s turf. Come to think of it, the original purpose of my first visit here was a garden stroll. Truly personal. Noah and I had even flown straight into the garden.

“Mm, Hunter Evelyn.”

“Yes, Director Han.”

“Teaming up with the Breaker Guild Leader is uncomfortable for you, right?”

I thought I’d at least broach it casually. Not only Hyunah, but Evelyn, too, would hardly be thrilled…

“I welcome it.”

“Oh, really?”

“The Breaker Guild Leader’s skill set and combat style fit well with mine.”

Evelyn said as she pressed the elevator button. Well, that tracks.

“However, the Breaker Guild Leader is sulking at me at the moment.”

“…Sulking?”

“She seems to dislike me.”

“It’s not that she dislikes Hunter Evelyn… she just said you don’t mesh well.”

“I see.”

With a faint smile, Evelyn stepped into the elevator. As expected, something must have happened between the two, but prying would be rude.

“Then could things be mended between you again?”

“…Pardon?”

“I still like her a great deal.”

Her eyes, holding a fragile smile tinged with sadness, turned to me. I knew Evelyn wasn’t ordinary personality–wise either, but perhaps because of her calm, neat looks, there was a strangely plaintive air.

“The Breaker Guild Leader is someone you can’t help but like.”

“Well, true. I think so too. Mm, so things were okay before? Between you two.”

“I even called her unnie comfortably.”

“Ah…”

“I did, that is.”

“…Sorry?”

Wasn’t Evelyn the older one? As the elevator stopped and we stepped out, Evelyn visibly let her disappointment show.

“Was it that I hid my age that bothered her? It seems Korea considers age very important.”

I don’t think Hyunah would be hurt over just that. But Evelyn seemed convinced that was the reason. I’d welcome it if they reconciled… But where and how did they even meet? Overseas? Or had Evelyn stayed in Korea before?

“Then please call me when you’re heading back, Director Han.”

“Thank you.”

Evelyn even opened the door for me herself, gave a polite bow, and turned away. At least for now, she was uncharacteristically gentle for an S–rank Hunter.

‘…I don’t know.’

Other than using a skill on me, there’s nothing to fault. As for shooting an arrow at Seong Hyunjae—well, even I might have wanted to try that once. Her tone and attitude are soft too. But judging from Hyunah’s reaction and from what Yerim and Soyeong said, she’s someone we shouldn’t relax our guard around.

“No one’s here.”

The reception room I was shown to was empty. I sat down and set my briefcase on the table. No, should I set it on the chair beside me. Or on the floor? Should I take the documents out in advance? Or after he arrives and we exchange greetings? After some hemming and hawing, I set it on the chair next to me.

‘Nice view, though.’

There was still a little time until the appointment. So it wasn’t that Seong Hyunjae was late, but I still felt weird. At the very least, I thought someone would bring tea.

‘So this is how it feels.’

Going from special treatment to being cut off overnight. Still, this much is just mildly disappointing. Compared to a good little brother suddenly running away from home and cutting ties, this doesn’t even tickle. And it’s not even the real thing. Though someday it might be.

Right when the appointed time struck, the door opened. I stared blankly as Seong Hyunjae stepped in, then jolted up belatedly. Chloe followed in behind him. Huh? There was no mention of her coming along.

“Hello, Guild Leader of Sesung.”

“It seems Dodam’s secretary team is rather lacking.”

Seong Hyunjae opened with a jab. Wh–what. He tossed the words offhandedly and then went to sit across from me.

“I’ll remain standing.”

Chloe said that and stepped back one pace behind Seong Hyunjae’s chair. I sat back down for the moment as well.

“…I don’t see why I should hear that from the Sesung Guild Leader.”

Why drag my secretary team into this. Instead of answering, Seong Hyunjae raised his hand and pointed at his own neck. The neck… the turtleneck? As for Seong Hyunjae, he was dressed in a suit—

“This is what I chose to wear.”

And semi–formal is acceptable. Is a tie that important? …I suppose it could be. I’d been advised that full formal would be better, but I thought this would be fine. His gaze turned openly incredulous.

“Stealing my time seems to be a light and easy thing for Director Han.”

“That’s not what I meant…”

It’s ordinary treatment, it’s ordinary treatment. I could see why some people wanted to sharpen knives at him. It’s really getting under my skin.

“Dressing to the occasion is the basic rule of social life. I made every effort to receive you with courtesy.”

His light–colored eyes cooled.

“And Director Han.”

“…My apologies. But I can’t exactly go change now, can I. For today, let’s just—”

“It’s not impossible.”

Seong Hyunjae pulled out his phone.

“I’ll have clothes brought.”

“Excuse me?”

“So you can change.”

Here. At that, not just me but even Chloe furrowed her brows slightly. What is this, an abusive power trip. The instant I wanted to curse, I also realized he was thinking of checking if I was hiding something. Then at least text me secretly! Part of it was to show, in front of Chloe, that we’d hit rock bottom—sure, but hey.

I clenched my teeth and tried to calm down. Right, that bastard once even made Chief Song kneel. He’s always had a rotten personality, yes.

“As you say, one should dress to the place and the person, so I thought this would be adequate.”

I lifted the corners of my lips into a smile and continued.

“Since you’re the type to hang up abruptly, I figured you’d thrown out courtesy back in the Dark Ages.”

I lightly smoothed the neck of my turtleneck.

“I worried I might be overdressed for you, actually. I didn’t realize your standards were so fickle. I’ll be more careful going forward.”

After all, your attitude was garbage first—at that, Seong Hyunjae raised a hand to half–cover his mouth. His crescent eyes glanced at my neck.

“Of course, I mean I’ll match the Sesung Guild Leader.”

You’re not the only precious one—I’m precious too. Hang up on me again, and next time I’m coming in jeans. Sneakers and a field jacket, yeah?

“Director Han, you’re the same as ever.”

He said calmly, as if unruffled. Even I, watching him head–on, could have been fooled; Chloe definitely didn’t notice a thing.

“So I’ll let it slide today.”

As in, he’d cut me slack because I still hadn’t adjusted to our changed relationship. Take your eyes off my neck when you say that. If Chloe weren’t here, his gaze said he would have forced a check.

As soon as he finished, Chloe stepped forward as if she’d been waiting.

“Director Han Yujin, are the three of them safe.”

I looked up at her. You were worried enough to stay put in Sesung, huh.

“I’m not sure what you mean by that, but since you’re asking after them, I’ll answer. Things around me have been peaceful lately.”

“I heard you’re hosting a gathering on an island in Japan.”

“Yes. If you like, I can send you an invitation as well, Ms. Chloe.”

“There are others besides me who wish to attend.”

Her words made my ears perk up. I didn’t know how she’d persuaded them, but it sounded like Park Hayul’s older sister’s side would come on their own. Which I’d absolutely welcome.