The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 513: Dogfight (4)

The smells of gunpowder and fire mingled together. Similar acrid scents stung the tip of his nose. Han Yujin slowly looked back and forth between Song Taewon and Seong Hyunjae. Seong Hyunjae spat out the blood that had pooled in his mouth.

“It ended faster than expected.”

“I had a gun, after all. My younger brother’s still young too. And what are you doing, Mr. Seong Hyunjae, leaving good weapons behind? Quite a sight to watch.”

Of course, he hadn’t seen it from the beginning. But it didn’t seem like Seong Hyunjae would lose his gun easily. He’d just gotten into that state because he wanted to.

“How cold-hearted, just watching.”

“You seemed to be having fun though.”

Han Yujin snapped open the pistol he’d been holding. Shell casings clattered down to his feet.

“Anyway, Mr. Seong Hyunjae, you survived.”

Exactly one bullet with a dull metallic gleam was pushed into the pistol. Then, click—he returned the gun to its original form.

“Congratulations.”

Han Yujin spoke while aiming the muzzle at Seong Hyunjae.

“Doing this makes it feel just like a hostage situation. Though Chief Song really doesn’t suit the role.”

With his neck wrapped in Seong Hyunjae’s arm, Song Taewon looked at Han Yujin.

“It’d look more natural to switch positions with me, but as you know, that’s how the world is. There are hardly any gears that mesh together perfectly. They’re shoved together all crooked and turn with creaking sounds.”

Even mass-produced industrial products made through thorough calculations came out defective—how could all sorts of different things mesh together perfectly?

“Chief Song.”

The calling voice was cold. The eyes that met his gaze directly also held distinct anger. He had reason to be angry. Song Taewon thought to himself. Even if done for another’s sake, without consent it was ultimately just self-righteousness. Especially actions taken knowing the other person would be hurt—there was even less room for excuses.

“Chief Song lost.”

“…Yes.”

“The matter between you two is finished. So now it’s my turn.”

The pistol’s end twitched. Seong Hyunjae obediently released his arm. Despite being freed, Song Taewon stood as if nailed to the spot. He didn’t even tend to the shoulder wound that hadn’t stopped bleeding yet. As if saying he’d take any venting, he was motionless like a target scarecrow.

At that sight, Han Yujin’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

“Your shoulder—was it bitten, by any chance?”

Seong Hyunjae asked while approaching Han Yujin.

“You’ll need to manage your younger brother well.”

“Don’t worry. Before he bites others, I’ll blow away the bastard who does things worth biting first.”

Han Yujin also stepped closer to Seong Hyunjae. Then he pressed the muzzle right under Seong Hyunjae’s chin.

“You should exit now.”

“I’m confident I’ll be a model audience member.”

“I reject freeloading spectators.”

“I left my wallet behind though.”

“If you don’t have money, you shouldn’t watch. What kind of excuse is that?”

“Isn’t there a staff seat?”

“Uh… your name is… Seong… something? I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere.”

Who was it again—the gun barrel climbed along his jawline.

“Be quiet now.”

Han Yujin spoke while lightly pressing his lips.

“I really didn’t expect I’d be blowing your head off twice.”

“I’m honored.”

Han Yujin met the gaze of the golden eyes looking down at him. It was annoying yet reassuring that he looked so pleased. Rolling around on the dirt ground with hair grabbed—if he’s having fun, what does it matter?

“You don’t have to watch.”

“I’m not a child.”

“Adults need to be protected too. Seeing good things, hearing good words.”

“You mean I should throw Mr. Seong Hyunjae away.”

“Isn’t he nice to look at?”

“Ah, yes yes. So talkative, really.”

Seong Hyunjae smiled and opened his mouth. Tilting his head slightly, he lightly bit the muzzle. Han Yujin blinked then closed his eyes. The trigger was pulled and the gunshot rang out. When he opened his eyes, Seong Hyunjae’s figure had vanished.

Han Yujin turned to Song Taewon. Song Taewon was still standing without budging. Even though only the two of them remained and he could sufficiently subdue Han Yujin, he just quietly exhaled.

“Mr. Song Taewon.”

Han Yujin threw down the gun.

“Come at me.”

“…”

Song Taewon’s eyes widened momentarily then heavily settled again.

“I lost.”

At his attitude showing he wouldn’t resist at all even if approached defenseless and strangled, Han Yujin’s eyes grew even colder.

“I said that was about Mr. Seong Hyunjae. Right now, I’m picking a fight because I’m pissed off!”

“Yes, it’s natural for you to be angry.”

“Then come at me.”

Song Taewon hesitated while looking at Han Yujin. By general standards, he couldn’t be called small, but compared to him, he was unavoidably small. Not only was there a considerable height difference, but the physique difference was incomparable.

Even if he couldn’t properly use one arm, the outcome was obvious. It would end the moment the distance closed. To Song Taewon, it felt like meaningless stubbornness, but if Han Yujin wanted it, he had no choice but to accept.

“…Please take the gun.”

“No. I’ll use everything except guns and bows, so don’t worry.”

“…Then I’ll face you barehanded.”

The corners of Han Yujin’s lips rose savagely.

“So arrogant to the end.”

“Even barehanded, I’m at an advantage.”

“You must have thought the same before entering here.”

Han Yujin spoke while drawing a dagger and spinning it around.

“That I’d definitely lose.”

“…”

“Yes, I know well that I’m weak. Anyone would place their bet on you. So let’s fight properly.”

“…Mr. Han Yujin.”

“Mr. Song Taewon.”

Rumble—thunder rolled across the cloudy sky. Plop, patter. Between the raindrops that began falling one or two at a time, both men clamped their mouths shut. Hiss—the dying flames writhed as they met the rain.

Silence flowed, and the first to move was Han Yujin. He knew well that close combat was disadvantageous. Han Yujin, who’d pulled one foot back, spun his body around and started running. Song Taewon, who’d hesitated, also chased after him.

Better to catch him quickly and end it. Though he’d hesitated a bit at first, Song Taewon began picking up speed with that thought. If one’s physique was large, they might appear sluggish outwardly. But if it was a trained body, they could move even faster with stronger power. The stride difference was also significant.

Once Song Taewon made up his mind, the distance between them closed in an instant. Han Yujin nimbly turned the corner along the building wall. The moment Song Taewon also turned the corner—

Boom!

A cabinet that had been hanging above fell down. While Song Taewon hesitated to avoid the obstacle, Han Yujin’s figure vanished. The sky filled with dark clouds grew even darker and the rain grew heavier. Crash! Lightning struck again.

‘…He must have prepared.’

He would have surveyed all of this area and set up traps like this. The weather gradually clouding over was also likely within his calculations. Hadn’t he waited for it to become completely dark and for rain to fall before starting to move?

Rainwater pounded Song Taewon’s hardened face, his broad shoulders. Mixed with blood, it flowed thinly down his arm. A large hand wiped across his soaking face. Even so, if he’d only face him with close-range weapons, Han Yujin was still at a disadvantage.

It was definitely so, yet strangely, he didn’t think he would win.

Song Taewon moved his steps while calmly surveying the surroundings. As the rain intensified and even thunder overlapped, Han Yujin’s presence completely disappeared. Still, since it was daytime, finding traces around wasn’t difficult. Song Taewon’s gaze moved while sweeping across the dirt ground. Once the ground got wet, footprints would inevitably remain. And even now—

Faint traces remained. Song Taewon, who’d confirmed the direction Han Yujin had headed, carefully stepped forward. In his mind, Han Yujin’s expected means of attack rapidly flashed by.

He’d utilize the terrain as much as possible like before. He had to be careful of above his head and below his feet. With Han Yujin’s physical strength, throwing heavy objects was impossible. At most, he could only drop things. He could make a sling too, but given Han Yujin’s current attitude, it didn’t seem like he’d use ranged weapons even if not guns or bows.

He wanted to clash directly.

“…Hoo.”

Song Taewon exhaled deeply. Was it because of the wound he hadn’t even given first aid to? Heat seemed to spread from his shoulder.

Thanks to the rapidly soaking ground, the traces Han Yujin left became increasingly distinct. Following the footprints, the collapsed watchtower came into view. At the end of a pillar jutting up sharply in the center, bright pink yarn was tied. And that yarn—

“…”

Was spread in all directions. Like a giant spider web. Song Taewon carefully approached that way. Centered on the watchtower remains in the middle of the small plaza, he’d filled a considerably wide range with yarn, linking it to surrounding houses, warehouses, the well, fences, and such.

Song Taewon reached out his hand toward the outermost yarn then withdrew it again. Anyone could see it was a trap. He didn’t know how it worked, but it seemed better not to touch it as much as possible.

Song Taewon stepped over the lowly strung yarn and went inside. When he ducked his head to avoid the third yarn, he saw wire cleverly hidden beyond the yarn. That wire was probably the real thing. If he touched it carelessly, wouldn’t something activate?

He could throw a stone to quickly deal with it, but he’d said he’d face him barehanded. Song Taewon stubbornly moved while avoiding the yarn. He didn’t let down his guard in case Han Yujin appeared midway and activated the trap, but only the rain continued to echo.

And when he bent his upper body to avoid the last yarn that came up to his chest and emerged—

Twang! Along with the sound, a pink dot rapidly rushed toward Song Taewon. It was a bicycle that had instantly picked up speed riding down the slope. Song Taewon, who’d reflexively tried to dodge, abruptly stopped his feet. The side was a wall and behind was the yarn trap.

Don’t tell me. Had he deliberately made a direction that was easy to avoid the yarn to lure him here? As soon as that thought occurred, the bicycle reached right in front of him. Instead of dodging, Song Taewon bent both legs to support his body to catch the bicycle head-on. At the same time—

Shing.

Han Yujin drew the sword he’d hung on the back of the bicycle. It was the Ruler’s Sword that Han Yuhyun had dropped and left behind. The jet-black sword was swung with the force of the bicycle’s speed added, and Song Taewon hastily lowered his upper body. Whoosh—right after the blade grazed above Song Taewon’s head—

Crash!

The bicycle rammed straight into Song Taewon. Song Taewon, whose balance had collapsed in an instant, couldn’t withstand the heavily accelerated collision and was pushed backward. Rip rip—the yarns tore and wrapped around Song Taewon’s body. Right before the bicycle fell, Han Yujin, who’d jumped off, rolled once across the ground then sprang up. Then he swung his sword at the yarns.

Rustle—the cut yarns poured toward Song Taewon with the recoil from being pulled taut. Next, Han Yujin, who’d released the wire he’d tied, quickly grabbed its end and swung it around.

“That yarn is sturdier than expected.”

It wasn’t difficult to cut with a bladed weapon, but if pulled with force, it wouldn’t budge in most cases. He wound and fixed wire over the yarns that were wrapped around him. Of course, since Han Yujin couldn’t keep holding and withstanding the wire with his strength, he tied the wire to a pillar connected to the building again.

Han Yujin approached Song Taewon while holding the longsword. Though he’d gotten up, Song Taewon’s upper body, his uninjured arm, was in a bound state. Song Taewon silently watched Han Yujin approaching him. His legs could move. But the reach was shorter compared to the longsword.

The rain continued falling and the wet yarn’s color was stained even darker. It looked almost red.

“If I stab here—”

Han Yujin spoke while aiming the sword.

“Will we be satisfied?”

Both of us. At that moment, Song Taewon moved. His toes scraped the ground and kicked up a stone. The flying stone accurately struck Han Yujin’s hand. He barely managed not to drop the sword, but the moment his stance crumbled, Song Taewon lay down on the ground and extended his leg.

Whack! Han Yujin was kicked at the gap closed using his whole body. Han Yujin, who’d rolled backward, laughed with a mud-splattered face. That’s right.

Song Taewon stood the fallen sword up with his toes. Han Yujin sprang up and rushed in, but before that, the yarn was cut and the wire also loosened. Song Taewon, who’d avoided Han Yujin’s punch, extended his uninjured hand. He barely avoided having his neck grabbed, but Han Yujin’s shoulder was firmly caught.

“Ugh.”

While letting out a groan at the terrifying grip strength even as a non-Awakened, Han Yujin also grabbed Song Taewon’s shoulder. Precisely where the wound was—raising his fingers, he dug in mercilessly. No matter how strong one’s pain tolerance, it was difficult to endure even that.

Thud!

While releasing Han Yujin’s shoulder, Song Taewon kicked him. Han Yujin’s body flew lightly and tumbled across the ground. Coughing and clutching his chest, he barely got up and glared at Song Taewon.

“A bit weak.”

Han Yujin raised the corners of his mouth while coughing again.

“You should kick with intent to kill.”

While completely releasing the wire, Song Taewon, this time without hesitation, rushed at Han Yujin.