The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 500: I’m a Hunter

“Unfortunately, not a single team managed to clear the Special Raid Event against the Giant Turtle!”

The Hunters who failed to clear it looked crestfallen, but the ones who’d only been spectating were grinning ear to ear. If they didn’t have to worry about how it looked, they probably would’ve applauded my announcement.

“As expected of an SS–class monster, it’s not easy in the slightest. Instead, we’ll be handing out souvenirs to our paying participants. Please head over there and line up where Hunter Noah is.”

Noah and the other A–class Hunters handed out the souvenirs.

“…A towel?”

“It’s a Dodam Breeding Facility Naming Commemoration Towel. When it comes to souvenirs, towels are the classic, right~? Made from dungeon by–products, top–tier quality that even fits in your inventory!”

We had plenty of ordinary commemorative towels, but the dungeon–by–product ones were limited. I’d actually planned to give these out on the final day. I should set aside a few extra for Chief Song.

“In addition, international shipping for the Dodam gift shop starts next week, so please look forward to it and help spread the word. Now, we’ll start the drawing lot challenge. As with yesterday, today’s time limit is 30 minutes!”

Despite being free this time, not many teams applied. The prevailing opinion was that it was effectively un–clearable. Some veteran Hunters tried to drag the monster out of the water, figuring it might weaken, but the Giant Turtle didn’t budge. Even when it did shift a little, it only moved deeper; it strongly resisted exposing more than a set portion of its body.

“If it were a river, we could at least block it upstream and down, but this is the ocean.”

“Even a lake would do — we could try bailing it.”

“You mean the Caspian or Baikal?”

The Hunters said the only way to take that monster down would be to lure it into a round, recessed headland, block the entrance, and pump the water out. Of course, the monster wouldn’t sit still while the water receded. It would try to break through the blocked entrance and escape. And to drain that ridiculous amount of water before it got out, we’d probably need at least three Yerims.

They were basically saying there was no method at all.

‘All the hints are already on the table.’

Meanwhile, the first challenge team whacked the shell a few times with various weapons, then shook their heads and backed off. While watching, I checked my phone now and then.

‘Did my phone get drowned in wine?’

No way I’d be using something without basic water resistance. Or did it get smashed during that ambush or whatever?

“Hyung, don’t forget what you promised.”

Moon Hyunah came over and lightly tapped my shoulder.

“Yeah, yeah. Of course. If we succeed, it’s yours, Ms. Hyunah.”

As she grinned and started to turn away, her gaze halted on a spot along the beach. Since last night, tables and chairs had been set up in rows on the sand, piled high with food, drinks, and plenty of alcohol. In other words, spectators.

Among them, Evelyn sat with elegance, holding a glass of wine. In a long beach dress with a long cardigan, sunglasses, and a wide–brimmed white hat, the sense of season evaporated on sight. She looked like a photo from an August vacation special.

Hyunah’s expression made it very clear she did not appreciate Evelyn’s look. I wondered if I could ask why.

“Just a thought — do you find Ms. Evelyn really irritating?”

“She’s picking a fight.”

“Huh?”

“There’s a way they do it.”

What. I was curious, but Hyunah swung around and left. I hesitated to pry further.

‘I don’t like that bastard either.’

Hwang Rim, that jerk. As always, he was fluttering around in a Hawaiian shirt, working every table like a salesman. And why are all your shirt buttons undone again? I couldn’t take it anymore and grabbed the loudspeaker.

“Hey, peddler! Stop right there and get lost, immediately!”

Hwang Rim formed a heart with his hands at me.

“Yup, love you too!”

You son of a— I’ve been keeping my language clean for the kids these days, but seriously, ugh. Is he really only here to sell cigarettes? He was hawking so dutifully it threw me off.

The second team gave up quickly, and then it was the third — our turn.

“It’s a bit awkward to step in personally, but as promised, I won’t use that skill.”

That was because of protests that if our kid’s skill — no, not Palbul’s — was used, it’d be over too easily. Not that I planned to use it anyway.

Our team was me, Yuhyun, Yerim, and Peace. Ah, and Gyeol. I would miss Mr. Noah’s buffs, but we needed flight, and Mr. Noah didn’t have Fire Resistance. If we had to use double offensive skills, Yuhyun would need to get in close.

We headed to the starting line and climbed onto Peace’s back, me and Yuhyun together.

“Ready!”

Mr. Noah raised the flag high, then brought it down with force. At the same time, I used the teacher skill on the three of them.

“Yuhyun, attack! We need to lure it to the destination!”

I shouted through the loudspeaker. Truth is, I can say it briefly and he’ll get it, but in this setting I had to show myself actively directing.

Peace spread his wings and shot over the turtle in a flash, and from his back, Yuhyun leapt. A smooth spin — Ruler’s Sword angled its blade downward. And straight into—

KWAANG!

Right before impact, with the Regalia’s instant acceleration layered on, he slammed the shell with brutal force. With a clamorous bang, shhhiiiik– steam billowed up like clouds. Scarlet flames roared up, evaporating the steam, then darkened into black–blue and wrapped around Ruler’s Sword as it struck the turtle’s back again.

BANG!

The shell swathed in heat lost its sheen for a moment. As hairline cracks faintly formed—

Guuuurrrk, guruk!

A whirlpool rose roughly where we assumed the turtle’s head was. The sea churned hard for a heartbeat, and the parched shell was instantly moist again. Perfectly restored, glossy and smooth.

“Oh, but it did crack a little.”

“Isn’t that the first time?”

Spectating Hunters murmured. Because the monster’s attacks weren’t that dangerous, a few people with flight or levitation skills had even approached the area. I wouldn’t take responsibility if they got burned.

– Grrrrrk.

Maybe sensing a threat, the monster growled from under the water.

“So it won’t work as is, huh?”

“Yeah.”

Leaping into the air with Blue Willow Leaves, Yuhyun answered.

“As long as it keeps replenishing seawater, it’s going to be tough.”

“Alright, then let’s drag it!”

Yuhyun and Yerim drew their bows, and I aimed the wildcat rifle. Monsters that had been out for a while after a Dungeon Break tended to be less aggressive than inside a dungeon. Defensive–type ones like that were even more docile — but a monster’s still a monster.

Crunch! Thud! Thump!

As small, rapid strikes kept beating on the shell, it slowly turned toward us. Then, shaaaa– it cut through the water and began swimming after us at a decent clip.

“What the heck, where are they going?”

“They’re moving to deeper water?”

“Support–types who can grant flight! Cast it on me!”

“Anyone got a plank? I just need a footrest.”

The lookers–on bustled after us. Good — we needed an audience. We were headed for a small, uninhabited islet nearby. Much smaller than the one with the manor, practically a worthless rock, but still bigger than the turtle. It also had a suitably concave center — once inside, getting out quickly would be hard.

“Are they luring it there?”

“It still won’t climb up, though.”

As we approached the islet, backseat coaches tossed advice. Just watch. I ostentatiously pulled an item from my inventory and waved it big, then used it toward the island.

Mini Lake of Summer. The item I got from Moon Hyunah. As I used it, the island—

Rrrruuuumble

—sprouted a huge lake. More than half the island vanished, and the sea surged in toward the lake. It had effectively become part of the ocean.

“No way!”

A quick–witted spectator shouted. Yes, exactly. The lake was quite deep and fully connected to the sea, so the turtle entered without hesitation. The instant it moved into the island’s center—

“Yerim! Get ready to drain it!”

—I canceled the item. Just like when it formed, the lake vanished in an instant. In its place, the island — solid ground — returned.

– Gururuk!

The seawater that had filled it suddenly spilled back out, cascading down the newly higher ground and into the ocean. The Giant Turtle, now more than half exposed above the waterline at last, flailed in panic. Immediately, the water pooling around it—

ShaaAA–!

—shot up, every last drop.

“I can’t drain the ocean, but this much is nothing!”

With a sweeping motion of her spear, Yerim hurled the water away, leaving not a single droplet.

“Han Yuhyun!”

I shouted at the same time, and as if waiting for the cue, Yuhyun kicked off the air. The bow in his hands jumped to mine, and I drew the string hard. The arrow reached the turtle a heartbeat before Yuhyun did and—

POOM!

—burst, scattering pitch–black powder. A powerful desiccant item. It wouldn’t have done anything while the turtle was submerged, since it wasn’t high–grade, but now—

Sssssiiiik–

—it was enough to parch the creature’s body. Of course, Yuhyun’s flames would work even better, but we had to save mana; besides, I should do some of the moving myself.

As the desiccant sucked up the remaining damp, Yuhyun’s strike came down on the turtle. Feeling threatened as it thrashed for the sea, the Giant Turtle yanked its four legs and head into its shell. But the black blade wasn’t aiming for the head or limbs — it was targeting the hard carapace.

KWA–KWA–KWA–BOOM!

Ruler’s Sword, wreathed in flame, split the dried shell. Unlike last time, when even scratching a hairline crack was tough, the murky bronze–tinted shell shattered with ripping cracks as shards flew. Landing on the turtle’s back, Yuhyun raised the sword high again. The broad sleeves of the Regalia slid back, and thick veins stood out along his wrist and the back of his hand gripping the hilt. Under the garment, every muscle from arm to shoulder to back must have gone taut.

He set his feet and swung the sword wide once more.

KWAANG!

Flames roared sky–high, and the scent of burning flesh rose.

– Guruk! Grrrk!

Deprived of water, the Giant Turtle was nothing more than a sturdy S–class monster. When its own shell — its armor — couldn’t endure, its head and limbs popped back out. As it tried to crawl into the sea no matter what—

Slaaash–

—a blade flashed in and severed its head in an instant. The turtle’s head tumbled, and its massive body collapsed with a thud, power gone. Flames wrapped Yuhyun’s body, warding off the geysering blood, and he stepped on a Blue Willow Leaf to come back to me.

“It’s done, hyung.”

At his bashful, praise–me smile, I shouted loud.

“Great job! You were incredible! Thanks for the hard carry!”

And of course, I didn’t forget Yerim and Peace.

“Yerim, that timing was perfect! Your water control feels even sharper, doesn’t it?”

“Right! It’s definitely more delicate now!”

“Thanks, Peace, good boy. You did so well.”

– Grrrr.

The spectators wore faces mixed half with regret and half with admiration.

“Why didn’t we think of that!”

“Ugh, I have a similar item too.”

Some lamented that it could’ve been an easy catch, while others said—

“Not even half an hour passed.”

“Their coordination is insane. Is it because they’re in the same guild?”

—honestly, that even with the item, finishing that fast and that clean would be hard. And, of course—

“No matter if he’s his brother, isn’t he following him a bit too well?”

“What kind of F–rank charges an SS–rank?”

“Flying–type Monster Mounts really are the best.”

—there were all sorts of comments. The bits about me were so embarrassing I almost turned off the teacher skill. It helped that the turtle wasn’t very aggressive; otherwise, I might’ve been a hindrance — some sniped that — but there was more praise overall. Not just this time — I’d been showing since the banquet that I dealt with S–class Hunters casually and handled them with ease. Thanks to that, people seemed convinced it wasn’t empty bravado backed by other S–classes, nor a one–off fluke.

“Then, the Equipment Upgrade Voucher will go to the Guild Master of Breaker, who provided the essential item for the clear!”

There were some grumbles that it would end up going back to Korea, but not much. It had been a fair match, and better that than an SS–class weapon landing in a rival country’s hands.

Hunters from Haeyeon arrived by helicopter and began recovering the giant monster’s corpse. They secured the most important SS–grade magic stone immediately and checked what other parts were usable as materials. If it had been inside a dungeon, the system’s extra rewards would’ve been nice and juicy. Same as in Japan — a shame.

Leaving the corpse behind, we returned to the original island. The beach where people were gathered in the distance was…

‘…What.’

People had split into two lines, and between them stood Seong Hyunjae. Holding a big bouquet of sunflowers. Aren’t sunflowers out of season? Where did he even get that bouquet? And more importantly, what the hell is he trying to pull!

“…Peace, hold up.”

If it were for someone else, I wouldn’t care if it was sunflowers or a man–eating plant, but it was obviously aimed at me. Did you really toss all the act aside? A bouquet of reconciliation? Or a new spin on screwing with me? Seong Hyunjae looked up at me hovering in the air and spoke.

“Congratulations.”

“…Eh?”

“On being acknowledged as a Hunter.”

For a moment, I was at a loss for words. Right — yeah. I’d regressed, awakened, and taken down a monster or two, but I’d never done an official dungeon or monster raid. As far as people knew, I’d just tagged along as a breeder raising monsters. In Japan, I only used our kids’ skills.

But now, countless Hunters had watched me. Regardless of whether they liked me or not, every one of them would acknowledge that Han Yujin is a Hunter. Not just a title printed on a registration card, but a fellow Hunter who goes into dungeons and clears them.

“Th… at’s true.”

After regressing, I meant to live quietly. I didn’t really care about that label, and yet it still felt strange.

“Hyung.”

Using Blue Willow Leaves, Yuhyun stepped off Peace’s back. There was an apologetic tinge in his gaze as he looked at me. Flames bloomed between his hands.

“Sorry I didn’t realize. To me, you’ve already been a perfect Hunter for so long that I just… didn’t notice.”

“No need to be sorry. It makes sense — it’s not like we’ve only gone into a dungeon once or twice together.”

“Even so, I want to give you the flowers first.”

The dark blue–black flames took the form of roses, and red flames likewise became blossoms wrapping around them. I obviously had Grace on, but conscious of the Hunters around us, Yuhyun wrapped my hand together with the flaming bouquet. That way he could pass along Fire Resistance.

The resplendent bouquet swayed as if alive. The drifting sparks looked like fluttering petals.

“Thanks, Yuhyun.”

“Now it’s my turn.”

“Then put the fire out already,” Yerim said, forming water droplets. She tried to make something showy, but the finished ice bouquet was a simple cluster of white chrysanthemums.

“I should’ve brought food coloring! Hey, come on! My ice is melting.”

“Yeah, Yuhyun. It’s hard to hold that shape.”

Keeping flames that delicate and detailed is no ordinary task. Not to mention, until recently, he couldn’t even weaponize them. At my words, Yuhyun nodded and let the bouquet scatter. The flames briefly wrapped my hand once, then faded quietly. Yerim immediately offered me the ice bouquet wrapped in a shawl.

“Next time I’ll make roses — no, what was it — peonies! Anyway, something huge and gorgeous for you!”

“Thank you. It’s really pretty.”

Gyeol, on my shoulder, fidgeted and then flitted up to rub her head against my cheek. Peace, catching the mood, purred and wagged his tail.

“Mr. Yujin, I also, the flowers…”

Mr. Noah looked flustered, standing a little apart from Seong Hyunjae, and Chief Song wore an even more distinctly awkward expression than usual. They probably felt they should offer congratulations, but as a public official — and given that being recognized as a Hunter might not be something Chief Song should celebrate — it put him in a bind.

“It’s fine! Both of you!”

The thought alone was more than enough. Chief Song, please don’t stress over it. I headed to the beach and dismounted Peace. Seong Hyunjae, as if waiting, held the bouquet out to me.

“This is a bit bewildering.”

“Just act like you usually do. I do take care of staff and stakeholders, believe it or not.”

…Do you, though. Well, Soyoung did say he never forgets birthdays or anniversaries. Cutting off personal interest doesn’t mean he treats people coldly — that wouldn’t be very Seong–Hyunjae–like. He’s just not as indulgent as before.

…Even so, a bouquet? It’s not my birthday. And even when he does send things, I heard for Yuhyun or Ms. Hyunah’s birthdays he just had the secretary’s office handle it. Soyoung received hers personally, but she’s a guild member. Granted, there’s no secretary’s office here.

But I couldn’t exactly refuse, so I accepted it. And then the bouquet went up in flames. The culprit was, of course, Yuhyun.

“My bouquet is melting too, hey!”

“This is fair.”

Ash and melted water trickled down my hands.

“Thank you, anyway. By the way — why aren’t you replying.”

The last bit was barely audible, his lips scarcely moving.

“I broke it.”

With that answer, Seong Hyunjae turned away first. So the phone really is busted. At least it didn’t look like anything worse happened. …Though the fact that he said he broke it, not that it broke, stuck with me a little. Did he get a message worth smashing a phone over?

CSAT Side Story (1)

“Mar! We’re going to the ocean!”

– Kkyurur!

“The ocean water is salty! And it’s insanely big! The Chinese lake was huge too, but this is on another level.”

Yerim, half–soaked and bobbing inside a globe of water, grabbed Mar’s front fin and shook it like a spirited handshake. The two of them spun in excited little circles as if they were dancing.

“Got anything else to pack?”

Lifting a duffel, Yuhyun asked me.

“Nope. The hotel will have most things anyway. We just need clothes and the kids’ stuff.”

Money sure is convenient. If we need something, we can just buy it on the spot. But nobody sells monster supplies, so the kids’ luggage was by far the bulkiest. Since there were a bunch of them, we had an SUV waiting today. Beside the car, I spotted Noah.

“Mr. Noah, you’re posted to Jeju, right?”

“Yes. After the exam, may I head over to Busan? It doesn’t seem all that far.”

“Of course, no problem. I’ll send you the hotel address.”

For Mr. Noah, it’d be a short flight in his dedicated form anyway. We all piled into the car and headed for the airport. Officially, we just had to arrive in the assigned area by 5 a.m. on the day, but we chose to leave the previous afternoon. If we weren’t busy prepping the event, we would’ve adjusted schedules and gone a day or two earlier.

‘We’ll be able to go just to relax again.’

Someday, when there’s real downtime.

At the airport, Chief Song was waiting for us. He looked very tired — I’d heard he hadn’t been sleeping well recently.

“I told you there was no need to come out.”

“No, this is my duty.”

“Here, please have this.”

I sidled up and slipped him a root–fruit. It was, in other words, a stamina potion ingredient.

“That’s not appropriate.”

“Oh, come on, it’s not even a released product and there’s no price. You should replenish yourself for tomorrow.”

“I can hold out just fine for a day.”

“I turned Grace off, I did, okay?”

I forcibly stuffed the root–fruit into Chief Song’s pocket despite his refusal. When I remarked that if I put in force his wrist might snap, he didn’t resist too hard. Being this exhausted, carefully handling a pushy F–rank like me had to be taxing.

“Nobody in my family’s taking the CSAT anyway. So this much is fine. Get your strength up and let’s finish tomorrow perfectly. Just think of it like I’m handing you a snack~ Like a canned coffee or something.”

After repeated pestering, Chief Song murmured a quiet thank you. Phew, how am I going to foist an actual stamina potion on him later. Maybe call it a “special care program for young Monster Mounts’ guardians” and bluff it through.

“Please be sure to follow the precautions I sent ahead of time, and comply with instructions from the local coordinators.”

With his send–off, we boarded the plane. Not long after takeoff, an announcement said we’d soon arrive at Gimhae Airport.

“That was seriously fast.”

“Mister, have you been to Busan before?”

Feeding Mar a snack, Yerim asked.

“No. This is my first time on a domestic flight, too. In high school we didn’t go on a field trip, and in middle school we took a chartered bus. Yuhyun, you’ve been for work, right?”

“Yeah. For dungeon raids.”

S–class Hunters were concentrated in Seoul, but of course high–rank dungeons also appeared elsewhere. If locals couldn’t handle a dungeon’s rank, S–class Hunters covered it.

“For raids outside the capital region, we usually go by helicopter and return immediately after the clear. If it’s beyond range, we use a private jet.”

“Sounds exhausting.”

“Even so, most Hunters prefer returning to their guild rather than resting in another region.”

Naturally. Unless it’s a foreign business trip or a continent–sized nation like the U.S. or China, resting at the guild is easier on body and mind. Especially right after a fight. And Yuhyun doesn’t sleep well away from home.

The plane landed in the meantime. As we disembarked, a prepared vehicle pulled up.

“Hello, I’m Jung Woomin, CSAT coordinator from the Busan Branch of the Hunter Association.”

“I’m Cho Byungchan.”

The Association staff bowed. In front of Yuhyun and Yerim, their nerves and intimidation were obvious, but curiosity was even thicker on their faces. They kept sneaking peeks — at Peace and Tiger at my feet, at Mar in the water bubble, at Chirp and Belare in my arms, and at Hangyeol on my shoulder.

“Hunter Han Yuhyun and Hunter Park Yerim, please come to the Busan Branch of the Hunter Association by 6:30 a.m. tomorrow. Director Han Yujin, would you require any security detail?”

“No, Peace is enough.”

If needed, I could whisk the kids into the drawer and evacuate.

“Understood.”

“Um, if you don’t mind, may I ask one personal question?”

Jung Woomin ventured.

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Will a Monster Mounts shop open in Busan as well? When do you think it might be?”

Uh… I hadn’t thought it through. But I didn’t want to dash those hopeful eyes. We did plan to open branches anyway.

“Nothing is finalized yet, but we’re expecting within the year.”

“I hope it’s soon! There’s online ordering, but seeing things in person is different.”

Grinning, he added that the Peace plushies were too cute and he hoped for a wider product lineup. Our Peace is very popular, huh.

We drove to a hotel near Haeundae. It felt excessive, but they’d rented out the entire place. Since this was official duty, the guild would expense it. Tax exemption only applied to S–class Hunters personally; Haeyeon Guild, of course, paid taxes. Still, expensing something like this felt a bit… but we were, in effect, working two S–class Hunters.

“Can we go to the ocean right now?”

“After we drop our bags. And we need dinner.”

I soothed the excited Yerim as we went up to our rooms. Beyond the wall–to–wall glass, the night sea spread out — a glimmering black.

“Mar, that’s the ocean!”

– Kkyuu.

“It just looks pitch–black, though.”

Chirp hopped onto the sofa, and Belare fetched the remote. The TV flicked on to a familiar face. He’s been on TV a lot lately.

[In case of a Dungeon Break, the emergency number is─]

Chief Song calmly explained which S–class Hunters were deployed to which regions and how to evacuate in emergencies.

“Maybe because he’s done a few appearances in a row, Chief Song is a tad more at ease now.”

“That won’t last, they say. He was like that during last year’s CSAT coverage, but his Chuseok address this year was super stiff. Same for Lunar New Year.”

“You watched every time?”

“Well, he is handsome. There are girls in my class who are Chief Song fans — they share clips around. They even circulate candid shots. Someone in another class got scolded for trying to follow him around. Dangerous, they said. She said it was terrifying back then, but now she wants to get scolded just one more time.”

Chief Song is pretty popular. After dinner, we headed to the beach. Yerim and Mar sprinted straight for the waterline.

“Don’t go too far!”

“Okay!”

– Kkyur!

Splash, splash. Both of them plunged right in without hesitation. It was chilly, so of course nobody else was swimming. Still, plenty of people were out for an evening walk along the shore.

– Kyeng, kraang!

Bounding across the sand, Tiger flopped flat in front of Peace. With his butt up, he wagged his tail like mad, then rolled over to show his belly and squirmed, rubbing his back in the sand. Then he popped up again, bowing and bouncing in invitation, repeating his play–bow dance.

– Gyarrurur.

– Krhng.

Peace glanced up at me as if faintly annoyed.

“Don’t be like that — go play with him.”

Apparently not outright hating Rangi, Peace hesitated a beat, then dashed forward. Rangi yipped with glee, running alongside and bumping his head playfully into Peace’s shoulder. He pawed, tangled gently, and mouthed without biting down, clinging with puppyish energy; Peace’s body language accepting him was a touch awkward.

‘Come to think of it, Peace has never really played with a similar playmate.’

Chirp and Belare, sure — but that’s different species entirely. Even Comet, who’d been with us for quite a while, wasn’t the same. Blue was a lion like Peace, but she preferred flying — and her head was a bird’s. There were wolves once, but they’d avoided Peace. Watching them awkwardly but earnestly play together, I felt glad Rangi came.

– Kkyururuk!

“Where do you think you’re— ugh, salty!”

Yerim and Mar were joyfully fooling around in the surf. Chirp and Belare played with sand. Chirp tapped at a pile with his wings, trying to mound it up, but—

– Kyaang!

Racing past, Tiger’s hind paw came down on the little mound and crushed it flat.

– Ppiyak!

Unheeding Chirp’s protest, Rangi tore off after Peace down the beach. When Chirp gathered the sand again, Belare curled her body around the base to support it.

Everyone’s playing so well. Watching them made me want to raise my mastery over the King of Harmless’s drawer as quickly as possible. …But I only understood half, or really like 10 percent, of Myungwoo’s explanations. He did say body memory is best, so I practiced when I could — these days I was busy, though.

“Not cold?”

My brother, standing shoulder to shoulder with me, asked. Hangyeol set his forepaws on the back of my neck.

“This much is fine. Shall we walk a bit too?”

Not too far, though. If Rangi started trouble, Peace would handle it, but staying close felt safer. There were people nearby… a lot of them. At some point, a sizeable crowd had gathered to watch us. Um. Baby monsters are, understandably, fascinating.

“Please don’t get too close.”

A few Haeyeon Hunters who’d come ahead to the hotel, along with staff from the Association’s Busan Branch, stepped out to hold back people trying to approach. I’d been through this scene many times, but it was embarrassing every time.

“If we stay out too long, it’ll be a nuisance.”

“It’s okay. We did come to help.”

True enough. Thank goodness it wasn’t summer.

“Peace–yaaa!”

Someone shouted loudly for Peace. I also heard, “We love you!” Our Peace is indeed very cute. Along with Yuhyun and Yerim’s names — and, well, mine a little too — drifted to my ears. This is mortifying. I’ll never get used to this, ever.

“Giant Mar!”

ShaaAA–! Yerim, who’d been shaping things out of water, created a huge figure of Mar nearly ten meters long. Then, chrchrchr– she froze it solid. “Waaah,” cheers erupted all around. It was a bit squished and simplified, but honestly quite well done.

“How is it, Mister!”

“It’s awesome!”

And then a giant heart, a giant Peace, a giant Chirp, a giant Bunnybear, and so on began lining up down the beach. No, not me. Do not make me!

“Oh, really? We were on TV?”

[Yes, HBS has been running CSAT coverage all day.]

It’s a Hunter channel, but with S–class Hunters deployed for the CSAT, they were focusing on related content. Cameras must’ve swung by at some point.

“How’s it over there? Mr. Noah, wasn’t this your first time in Jeju?”

[Our hotel has a great ocean view too. …Minui–hyung is a bit loud, though.]

Noah said quietly. Korea was unfamiliar to him, and since Kim Minui had limited S–class authorization, the two went to Jeju together. If Yerim’s weapon upgrade wrap–up hadn’t been scheduled, Myungwoo might have come to either here or there too.

“If he’s a hassle, ditch him the moment the CSAT ends.”

[Yes, I was considering it.]

Minui must’ve been really noisy. For the kind Mr. Noah to say he’d dump him without hesitation?

“Is the beer tasty?”

Splashing water, Yerim asked.

“It’s not.”

“Eeeeh. Then why drink it.”

The outdoor onsen — and its bar — had technically closed by this hour, but they opened it specially. Yerim ordered, “One red bean bingsu, please!”

“It’s work, but it’s still nice. Beer’s really meh?”

Yuhyun’s glass hardly went down. He tilted his head a little.

“To be honest, I don’t really get the taste of other alcohols either.”

“They’re not exactly delicious. Soju’s a little sweet, but.”

“I still like drinking with you.”

“Me too, obviously.”

If only we could live like this every day. Back then we didn’t have the money; now we have money, but no leisure.

“You should’ve bought a new rash guard. That one’s clearly tight.”

“It’s fine.”

“Let’s get one that fits next year.”

We’ll come to the sea again, surely. Ideally every year, again and again. Next time, if we bring everyone who’s not here now, it’ll be even more fun. …Except Chief Song. He’d be exhausted. Although maybe he’d enjoy it a little, by then.

I thought about calling Seong Hyunjae, then didn’t. He’s probably fine. Might be with Ms. Chloe and unable to pick up.

“Be careful out there.”

“Yes, we’ll be back safely!”

“Mm, I’ll go. Hyung, sleep a bit more.”

– Kkiang!

Yerim, Yuhyun, and even Peace headed out early in the morning. I said I’d go too, but they talked me down, so I saw the kids to the door and then sprawled back onto the bed. Beyond the big window, the ocean was tinged rosy. Beautiful.

“The sky and sea are really beautiful.”

– Looks tasty.

“Hungry? Should I order room service?”

Hangyeol shook his head. Chirp and Belare were still in dreamland, and Tiger, after sitting by the door where Peace had left with sleepy eyes, curled up there and fell asleep again. I dozed another hour, woke up, and turned on the TV.

– Uuugh.

The moment the screen lit, Hangyeol shuddered like he’d seen something dreadful. On the Hunter channel, Seong Hyunjae appeared.

“Why does that man look good on camera too.”

– Annoying from the morning.

With a warm, friendly face, he greeted staff at the Hunter Association’s Gwangju Branch. What time is it now — a bit past seven? About an hour to the CSAT.

[Students, I hope your hard work bears excellent fruit.]

A generic cheer–on message, but he looked so flawlessly normal it gave me a tiny chill. For the general public, that’s the Triple–S Guild Master’s standard image. Next, Moon Hyunah appeared. Students who’d arrived early at some school cheered toward where she stood.

Normally, high–rank Hunters stay away from test sites unless there’s a Dungeon Break, in consideration of students’ condition, but cheering on is an exception. To preempt complaints, the rule is strict: if even a single assigned student or parent for that site refuses, you can’t apply. Even so, competition is fierce.

The reason is obvious — safety. With an S–class Hunter guarding nearby for free, almost nobody would say no.

[Alright, do well on your exam.]

Ms. Hyunah spoke in a voice much softer and more affectionate than usual.

[Unni! We love you!]

[I’ll score great and, um, try to get into your guild as office staff at least!]

Several students lingered outside, maybe because they’d come early to see Ms. Hyunah. Smiling, she told them to head in.

[It’s cold out. Go on in now. Let me see your hands, they’re already red.]

They answered brightly with “Yes!”, but few actually moved. Kids, you need to go in. The broadcast flicked past several other test sites, and Yerim appeared too.

[Big sisters and big brothers, you’ve got this!]

So cute, honestly. Park Mingyu sent a short message as well, but Yuhyun didn’t appear. My brother speaks so sweetly to me, but… it makes sense he’d skip it. Mr. Noah seemed to have declined filming too. In his stead, Kim Minui goofed on camera, “I’m cheering for you all!”

[Hunters across Korea will do their utmost to protect all examinees’ safety. Please take heart and return with the results you desire.]

This time Chief Song was a bit stiff. The last message, against the backdrop of the Seoul Hunter Association, was from Song Taewon, and that wrapped up the S–class CSAT cheers. Chief Song’s clip was a rerun from the previous evening, anyway. Not many people would watch a morning–of cheer live.

The start time for the CSAT was drawing near. I ordered room service and ate breakfast while watching familiar faces pop up now and then on TV.

“Oh, there’s Yuhyun.”

Unlike Yerim, he wasn’t at a test site; he was waiting at the Busan Branch of the Hunter Association. He really looked like a statue. Handsome, yes, but he sat with literally no wasted motion. The lower caption covered a small incident — a candidate heading to a test site got assistance from the police, etc. Happens every year.

Yuhyun’s shot ended, and then Mr. Noah — oh!

[With the road blocked due to an accident, Hunter Noah Luhir is airlifting a bus carrying examinees to the test site.]

On screen, a golden dragon lifted a bus wrapped in “Waaai.” Mr. Noah effortlessly took off with the bus, flew over the jam and the accident, and set it down beyond. Then he reverted to human form to help clear the scene.

With how expensive high–rank Hunters’ time is, the problem is cost; otherwise, once they step in, it’s faster than calling a tow truck. Especially S–class — even if a big rig toppled, they could right it and move it aside with ease.

‘Which is why they often assign community service instead of fines.’

Hunters hated that, of course. Aside from some minor incidents, nothing major happened, and at last the CSAT began. I hoped, with all my heart, it would end safely and well.

CSAT Side Story (2)

The final bell of the CSAT rang out, echoing far beyond the campus. Before long, examinees poured out in a rush, wearing every kind of expression imaginable. Some clung to lingering regrets, others looked light as air, but everyone had, at least, set down a heavy burden.

Even Song Taewon’s face, tense all morning, loosened a little at last. The S–class Hunters dispatched to each region reported no unusual incidents. If everyone returned safely now, he could finally breathe easier.

“Let’s get a proper meal, sir. You’ve had nothing but a cup of coffee since dawn.”

A Hunter from the Awakened Management Office spoke. Song Taewon hesitated briefly, then shook his head.

“There’s somewhere I need to stop by first.”

He drove an Office vehicle to the Monster Mounts Breeding Facility. The head keeper was away, but an employee remaining on site greeted him warmly.

“Don’t worry — Sorok and Songi have been playing together just fine.”

Asked how the little lamb had been, the staffer smiled and replied.

“I get the feeling the facility suits her better. She’s got friends here, too.”

“That may be so. But, Chief Song, sheep are surprisingly stubborn animals. Monster or not, Songi still won’t do what she doesn’t want to do.”

“She was… somewhat like that.”

“And she isn’t timid, either. If she hadn’t wanted to go with you, Chief, she would’ve run away on the spot.”

“…I’m relieved to hear that.”

Even as he said it, he didn’t understand why the lamb chose to follow him. The employee produced the key to Songi’s pen and excused himself to let the wolves in to play. Following a now–familiar path, Song Taewon entered the animal room. Before he even reached the pen, a tiny clop–clop–clop of hooves pattered to the front, as if she’d sensed him coming.

He tapped the key to the lock, entered the code, and opened the door — right there stood a small, black lamb, wagging her stubby tail.

– Baa.

She spun in place with two jaunty hops and then raised her forelegs to paw at his trouser leg. Song Taewon crouched down to her level.

“Have you been well.”

– Baaa.

“There will be times like this again.”

She couldn’t possibly understand human speech, and yet he spoke, quiet and steady.

“My work comes first. Sometimes I’ll have to leave without warning, and there may be days I don’t return for several nights. Perhaps longer — perhaps forever.”

The lamb nudged her head forward, plainly asking for pets. With hands that had grown deft, he stroked her head and neck and scratched the spots that made her wiggle.

He didn’t not know what it felt like to like something, to grow attached to something precious. It was precisely because he knew that he refused — and could refuse.

“…I am not strong.”

Therefore he had to bind himself all the more tightly. And thus far, he had silently guarded the man named Song Taewon.

But now, with a nameless anxiety and dissonance growing sharper in his depths, he was wavering. If one day he failed to suppress himself and became a monster that devoured even the strongest Hunter—

“I’ve heard that young animals forget easily.”

He lifted the lamb into his arms and stood. As if waiting for it, Songi began masticating his necktie with determined little bites.

“That’s fortunate.”

Even as he said it, a sliver of reluctance lingered. Would a faint memory of childhood remain? Some blurry shard, surfacing only now and then. Forgetting was better — he believed that was right — and yet, feeling the small warmth in his arms, he walked slowly on.

“In a few days, I’ll have to be away briefly again.”

S–class Hunters would gather in Japan. When he returned, it felt about time to look for a new car; he couldn’t use public transportation with Songi in tow. And then… if time flowed without incident, he might even need to move.

If — by some miracle — Korea continued to stabilize, then farther out, to a smaller house with a larger yard. He absentmindedly pictured the scene — then hurriedly drove it from his mind. His lips set stiffly, as if in guilt.

“Times like this, I’m so glad I’m not a guild master!”

Spinning on a swivel chair, Park Yerim chirped. At the neighboring desk, Han Yuhyun was drafting a report to send to the Awakened Management Office.

“You’d still have to write it if you’d come solo, master or not.”

“Ah, then I’m glad I’m underage~ Right, you must’ve filed one last year too.”

Whether Yerim chattered or not, Yuhyun’s fingers flew across the keyboard. Yerim spun again, then scooted in, propping her elbows on the long desk and her chin on her hands. Staring at him in a not–great posture, she spoke up once more.

“Hey, Han Yuhyun.”

No answer. He didn’t even glance over. Only the rhythmic clack of keys continued. But knowing he was listening, Yerim kept going, undaunted.

“I don’t really know how different you are, to be honest. You’re curt without Mister, sure, but that’s kind of it. So, I think I need to understand better. The Yuhyun without Mister — like, completely without him.”

They’d told her he wasn’t like other people. She’d heard the explanation of a born S–class. But Yerim couldn’t feel that big a difference — not in Yuhyun, and not even in Seong Hyunjae or Liet. Liet had been a bad guardian to Noah, sure, but to her she was a bold, strong unni. Seong Hyunjae felt weird and dangerous, but he treated Mister well — and he could be entertaining.

“If hyung weren’t here, I would…”

Yuhyun chose his words, then spoke again.

“To me, a person’s abilities, appearance, age, gender, temperament, race, social standing — all of it is meaningless. There’s no difference at all between one person and another. Same between people and animals, or people and trees or rocks.”

Without going through Han Yujin, he couldn’t categorize at all. He recognized shapes, yes. But it was like how a round stone or a jagged stone rolling by on the roadside means nothing to a passerby who doesn’t care.

“If I had to divide anything, it’d be into what burns easily and what doesn’t. Anything else can’t affect me, not in the slightest.”

The keystrokes stopped. He took up a pen and signed on the screen.

“If hyung weren’t there, I likely wouldn’t even talk to people. There’s simply no reason to.”

Conversation requires recognizing the other as an independent entity distinct from the crowd. Otherwise it’s just talking to yourself. Yerim scrunched a brow.

“So, if Mister weren’t here… you’d just, like, not interact with anyone at all?”

“If I’d survived until awakening. Ordinarily, people would’ve found me unsettling — no, they would’ve tried to kill me. Before I got any bigger. Because I was dangerous. If I awakened safely, I would’ve burned from there. Anything.”

He spoke evenly, as if about someone else entirely. Not to harm others, not with any such intent — simply as naturally as breathing. When conditions are met, fire burns. That’s all. It’s just a phenomenon.

“…But that’s not you now.”

“Because hyung is here. I face the world through him. The Han Yuhyun who feels like a person is wholly a being that hyung created. Without him, I would be something altogether different.”

“I don’t totally get it but, bottom line — you mean you only see me through Mister? Not as ‘just Park Yerim’?”

Feeling a twinge of hurt, Yerim pouted. Yuhyun looked over.

“Right. But there is no ‘just Park Yerim’ to my eyes.”

“…Huh?”

“The pure Yerim only existed right after you were born. After that, countless people and environments made the current you. And everyone besides me sees you through their own tinted lenses.”

“Uh… that sounds philosophical?”

“It’s just simple fact. I’m different only in that I’m influenced solely by hyung. But hyung is a being influenced by countless external factors, so through him I can pass for roughly human. At the same time, people judge me by their own yardsticks.”

He wore a human face and imitated human ways; some approached, convinced they could exchange feelings with him like with an ordinary person. Some treated him the way they were used to treating a child, judging by age. They fashioned their own idea of Han Yuhyun to fit their prejudice and common sense, and blabbed it on broadcasts and in articles.

Yerim raked her hair, instantly ruining the style she’d had set for TV.

“…Whatever, anyway! I like the current you. I mean that I like you — as family. No other meaning at all! None!”

“I also like the me that hyung made.”

A gentle smile touched his lips. Seeing that, it was hard to think he was different from other humans. He cried, laughed, got angry — all of it. When he explained or taught something like now, there was clearly a shade of Han Yujin in him. The look of an ordinarily kind person.

“And the Han Yuhyun that Han Yujin sees thinks Park Yerim is annoying, bothersome, sometimes exasperating — but trustworthy, helpful, and generally harmless. It’s fine to have you in our home. Put together, that amounts to… a positive impression.”

“…What?!”

Yerim had been half–listening with an “uh–huh, sure,” but that last bit made her eyes fly open. Iryn, appearing at some point, tapped the back of Yuhyun’s hand with a forepaw, slightly displeased.

“Wait, you…! You can like someone other than Mister?”

“It’s completely different from hyung. I also like the food he makes.”

“Uh… okay. So I’m not even being treated as a person? Still, still! Among people other than Mister, I’m the first, right?”

Yuhyun nodded. If there was anyone for whom he could say he felt something like a favorable emotion:

“Other than hyung, the only one.”

“I don’t know if that’s something to celebrate but it does feel pretty nice~ By the way, what about Peace?”

“Hyung told me not to treat him like an item, so I’m working on it. He’s somewhat similar to me in his way.”

“…We’ll keep that secret from Mister. Anyway, you’re kind of weird. I honestly don’t quite get it. People all feel the same to you? I can’t imagine that.”

“Not understanding is normal. Even hyung struggled to accept me.”

“Sometimes I feel like I’ve fallen into Wonderland or something.”

Yerim sprawled across the desk. Just when she thought she’d adjusted to dungeons and Awakened, stranger things kept popping up. A volleyball runs the system, Han Yujin has regressed, and non–human races teem in this world.

“If it were just, ‘He’s not human at all, he’s pure fire,’ I’d be like, uh–huh, you’re not a kid anymore, tsk tsk.”

As in: he’s read way too many manga.

“I’ve never told Mister — he’d worry himself sick and try to park me somewhere safe — but sometimes I get scared. What’s going to happen to us?”

“At the very least, you’ll live to the end. Hyung will protect you somehow.”

“…I don’t want to be left alone again, but I don’t want to die either. Mister must never hear this.”

She let out a long sigh. She wasn’t ignorant that this world — and entering dungeons — was dangerous. But after awakening, getting sturdy, and shrugging off most dangers, it had felt okay.

“These days I’m a lii–ttle worried. What if, like, I run away? You’ll stay by Mister to the very end. I like him a lot too, but I don’t think I can be like you.”

No matter what happens — staking even your life, unhesitatingly. Does that happen when you love someone that much? Yerim sensed it, too: that without Han Yujin, Han Yuhyun might not be able to live at all.

“I’m different. Liking hyung is secondary — it’s the natural, inevitable result.”

He spoke calmly. A fire that’s lost its fuel simply goes out. If Han Yujin told him to live, he might grit through, burning and swallowing that command. But it would be only a brief reprieve; in the end, it would die down. That was what he was.

“But you, Yerim — you can run.”

“…Even if it means leaving Mister? Didn’t you hate that kind of thing?”

“I don’t think you’d run easily. When it happens, it’ll be the very last of last resorts, and hyung would want it then. Keep living.”

Silence settled. Yerim traced a fingertip along the desk.

“I’ve thought that if I was left alone again, I couldn’t go back to before. So maybe even if I’m alone again, I’ll somehow manage to live well.”

Maybe. Hurting a lot — and then starting anew again. Still—

“I still want things to stay like thisss.”

In her intentionally brightened voice, Yuhyun nodded. They were two people with many differences, opposite in attributes, even their inherent natures diverging — and yet, for now, their hearts were the same.

“Me too. If only hyung would mind his health a bit more.”

“Grandpa used to be low–rank, right? Can’t we make Mister S–class somehow?”

Yerim sprang up from her chair.

“You finished the report, right? Let’s go! I suddenly really want to see Mister.”

Yuhyun felt the same. The two hurried out together.

The car rolled to a stop at the hotel entrance. The moment they stepped out, a beloved face appeared beyond the glass doors. Han Yujin, who’d been waiting in the lobby for them, smiled as bright as sunshine. Yerim practically burst through the door.

“We’re back!”

Yuhyun hastened to his brother as well.

“Nothing happened, right?”

“Yeah, I got good rest. Welcome back, both of you!”

Praising their hard work, Yujin opened his arms. As always, Yerim hooked onto one arm, and Yuhyun pressed close to the other. With them tucked at his sides, Yujin’s face looked blissful — the kind of happiness that makes even onlookers smile unconsciously.

“Did you eat a proper lunch?”

“I ate great, but Yuhyun says he had another one of his convenient meals.”

“Yuhyun.”

“But it was a delivered bento. You weren’t there. The ready meals I make are better nutritionally.”

“What kind of cheapskate calls people out and feeds them that.”

“Don’t be fooled, Mister. It was a super fancy bento.”

“Yerim just eats anything.”

Yujin quickly took both their hands, one in each of his.

“Yuhyun, don’t say it like that. Yerim, let it slide this once. We can’t come all the way here and start bickering.”

He swung their linked hands big and playfully, soothing them both.

“Mr. Noah says he’s on his way. Ms. Hyunah will be coming here too.”

Their flight was in the morning, so he beamed, “Let’s all have fun tonight.” Smiles bloomed wide across Yuhyun and Yerim’s faces.

CSAT Side Story — end.