The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 563: Awards Ceremony (1)

Splash!

Water sprayed high into the air. As the water suddenly rushed in, my feet couldn’t touch the bottom, and I flailed until my brother quickly grabbed me.

“Are you okay?”

“Ye—Yeah. Peace, are you okay?”

– Kkeu-ung.

Having confirmed I was safe, Peace let out a disgruntled whine and flew up above the water’s surface. Beyond Peace, who was shaking his body dry, I could see other Hunters. Is this… a swimming pool? No wonder the water was warm. It looked like a luxury resort with a wide pool, sunbeds, a buffet, and a cocktail bar. Staff members in formal uniforms were moving about, guiding the Hunters.

“You may retrieve your personal belongings over here.”

“Personal broadcasts have been temporarily ended. The general channel is still live, and filming options apply the same as personal broadcasts.”

“Individual resting rooms and bathrooms are prepared. Automatic mosaic processing will be applied when undressing, but please block video and audio if possible. We are not responsible for issues caused by participant carelessness.”

“Aside from the outdoor buffet, there is a restaurant and cafe on the first floor of the building. Hunter Moon Hyunah has sponsored the alcohol.”

“There may be penalties for fighting during the break time.”

“Game results and awards will be announced in one hour.”

It really felt like the aftermath of filming a competitive variety show. I climbed out of the pool with Yuhyun. Even though it was outdoors, there must have been heating everywhere because it wasn’t cold. The floor was warm too.

There weren’t many people who had fallen into the pool like us, but most looked like drowned rats. The culprit who had soaked the Hunters laughed delightfully in front of Song Taewon. Even though the Outlaw hadn’t achieved the victory conditions, she looked incredibly high on excitement.

“Mister!”

Yerim, who flew over to me in a flash, clasped my hands and made her eyes sparkle.

“That was definitely a Giant Cat Transformation Skill, right? I’m right, aren’t I?”

“…I told you, it’s not a cat.”

“Transform again!”

Yerim hung onto me, pleading, “Please, it’s my lifelong wish, just once!” I barely managed to refuse, saying it was too crowded here, but the look in her eyes was unusual. …I must absolutely never get caught on the fact that I can turn small too. That is a secret until I die.

“Han Yujin-ssi, that skill is–”

“My stats are still F, F!”

As soon as I heard Chief Song’s tired, low voice, I spoke quickly.

“Thanks to that, I thought I was going to die from the pain when I stepped on the motorcycle. My front paws, no, my palms are scraped. Look.”

“Please bring a first aid kit.”

Song Taewon spoke to a nearby staff member. Then he looked back at me.

“I would like to request a list of your possessed weapons.”

“Eyy, even the government can’t interfere with a Hunter’s inventory originally!”

“I am requesting a list of weapons other than those from dungeons.”

“I’ve never taken them out in the US or Korea! If I don’t take them out, it’s not treated as crossing borders.”

The first aid kit arrived. It was a high-end kit that even contained potions, but all I could use were ordinary ointment and band-aids. Yuhyun examined my hand meticulously.

“What about your feet?”

“My feet are fine. Chief Song, when we get to Korea…”

“Sit down, Hyung.”

“Should I carry him? Yujin-ssi, please stay still.”

Noah, who had approached before I knew it, also helped Yuhyun.

“No, my feet are really fine! When we go to Korea, I’ll organize everything and give it to you! I promise.”

I just need to dump everything out and go to Japan one more time. Some were gifts, but I bought some with money too. It’s not like I stole them; I received them legitimately! Shishio told me to ask anytime. Are you doing well, Shishio-ssi?

“You have wounds on your feet too.”

“It’s just a small prick. I’ll apply medicine after washing up. Just trust me this once, Chief Song. I told you I’d absolutely never take them out outside of dungeons. Oh my, Chief Song, you’re soaked through too. Let’s go in and wash up quickly. Don’t forget to turn off the broadcast options~”

Other Hunters also packed their belongings and went into the building one by one. I washed up in a hurry, changed my clothes, and came back outside. Some Hunters went to the indoor dining area, but most chose the outdoors.

‘The atmosphere is a bit different.’

There was definitely a difference compared to before this game started. Before, everyone played separately. Unless they knew each other originally, you could feel a sense of wariness and distance. Since there were only a few S-Rank Hunters, they were in a relationship where they could become competitors at any moment. It was similar to beasts that didn’t live in packs with their own kind.

But now, that wary atmosphere had eased significantly. Of course, this was limited to the Hunters who remained and cooperated until the end, and those who were eliminated early were the same. Also, even if they stayed until the end, not everyone changed, but it was certain that a significant number had shifted.

‘Fighting together once is pretty huge.’

It wouldn’t have been to this extent with just Delroux, but Yerim and Chief Song played a big role. If you roll around getting hit by water together, a bit of camaraderie is bound to form, even if it’s just the size of a fingernail.

“The grilled pineapple over there is tasty.”

As I approached the place where they were making barbecue fresh among the rows of tables, someone spoke to me. It was a trivial, everyday comment. But that’s why it was special. It was a tone treating me not as an F-Rank stuck among high-ranking Hunters or a peculiar object of curiosity, but just as a fellow participant.

“Really?”

I answered lightly, saying I should try it. And it was indeed delicious. I handed some to Yuhyun and Noah-ssi to try as well.

‘This really does change things.’

I thought it would take longer even if things changed. Though this is just the start. When I turned my head, I saw Song Taewon half-buried in an extra-large beanbag. He could have rested comfortably during the break, but he chose to come out where many Hunters were. Yerim, who went with Moon Hyunah, Kang Soyeong, and Liette, was not yet visible. It reminded me of when I first met them.

‘Yuhyun didn’t trust me at first either.’

It hasn’t even been a year, but it feels like something from over ten years ago. Among them, the most difficult one, whom I still don’t know if I can completely trust, is…

‘Speaking of the devil, he’s coming out.’

Dressed in a light shirt, with hair that was dried but slightly messy, and… beach slippers? Well, I dragged slippers out here too. Gyeol, who was sitting on Seong Hyunjae’s shoulder, waved his front paw at me. You both worked hard.

“Just a moment.”

I told Yuhyun and Noah to stay here and walked toward Seong Hyunjae. Gyeol quickly climbed onto my shoulder and hugged my neck. I turned off the audio and spoke quietly to Seong Hyunjae.

“It bothers me a bit that the Sesung Guild Leader and Gyeol didn’t gain anything. Especially Gyeol.”

“Playing the spectator wasn’t bad either. Especially since a certain thief was very kind.”

Seong Hyunjae smiled, and I felt embarrassed. No, I really didn’t know back then, okay?

“…Who would have dreamed that the mighty Guild Leader of Sesung would hit rock bottom in scores? How did you end up becoming a slave anyway? I still don’t understand.”

“I walked. Just that.”

What are you talking about? Did monsters just not appear or something? It sounded like Seong Hyunjae just went his own way and got captured as a slave out of nowhere. Was the slave role assigned randomly? They definitely said it was by score order. Anyway.

I slipped two gold coins to Seong Hyunjae.

“One is Gyeol’s share.”

“There’s no reason for Han Yujin-gun to take care of me.”

“Ah, well, you did help. I won the individual victory too, so just take it without complaint.”

“Still as kind as ever.”

“…Actually, that thief wasn’t me, there was a twin among the thieves, anyway!”

It’s fortunate that it wasn’t my original appearance at least… But the broadcast would have shown both of us in our original forms! Damn it, would they listen if I requested the footage be deleted? Unless I wipe the memories of everyone in the world, I’m screwed. While I was grumbling inwardly, a few Hunters approached us.

“Is that Fairy Dragon perhaps Guild Leader Seong’s Monster Mount?”

“Pardon?”

“Dodam announced it as F-Rank, but it doesn’t look like an ordinary lower-grade monster, and you’re carrying it around personally.”

“Above all, it’s a dragon species capable of flight.”

Gyeol tapped his tail as if displeased. But usually, people would think that way. Seong Hyunjae didn’t reveal why he participated in the party with an F-Rank Fairy Dragon, so they’d assume it was a Monster Mount. I turned the audio back on and flashed a business smile at the Hunters.

“I cannot reveal it yet, but it is true that this monster has a relationship with the Sesung Guild Leader.”

– Kkeu-eu.

Gyeol groaned softly. Gyeol, it is true that Seong Hyunjae contributed a speck of effort. Of course, I have no intention of sending you to him. Seong Hyunjae also wore a gentle smile.

“It is indeed Director Han and my child.”

“Dodam Monster Mount Breeding Facility raises baby monsters with sincerity and love, just like our own children~”

I spoke shamelessly without flinching. It’s not like I hear that kind of talk only once or twice.

“That’s right, Director Han and I have a child between us too.”

Moon Hyunah, who appeared at some point, said with a laugh. No, wait a minute! Moon Hyunah approached with long strides, showed a picture of Sorok on her phone, and looked at me with a tender gaze.

“You’re working hard raising our kid, Director Han.”

“Ye… Yes.”

“Our Comet too! And in the future as well!”

Kang Soyeong quickly cut in and grabbed my hands.

“Director Han, I think the more children, the better! Let’s work hard and make a soccer team!”

“That… I will try, my best…”

“Hyung, our kid too.”

Yuhyun appeared holding Peace. Peace growled low but didn’t struggle. Such a good boy.

“Thank you so much for raising Peace.”

“Uh… Yeah. Get along well in the future too…”

“I don’t need a Monster Mount, but…”

Noah looked disappointed.

“Honey and I have Belare and Noah!”

Liette spouted nonsense. Even if Belare counts, why is Noah included?

“Mister!”

And even Yerim shouted. Wait, Yerim! I hurriedly shook my head at Yerim. Even if others do it, you can’t! Even if we’re talking about Monster Mounts, let’s not say unnecessary things! Fortunately, Yerim looked disappointed and pointed at the innocent Chief Song instead.

“There’s Little Song between Mister and Chief Song too! Chief Song, show us the picture, the picture! It’s on your phone!”

Song Taewon remained silent. How does Yerim know that? did you raid Chief Song’s phone?

The Hunters looked at me. This is being broadcast too, haha. Stay calm, stay calm.

“Dodam’s Monster Mounts are all loved. We don’t even accept requests from Hunters who won’t cherish them like this. The conditions for accepting a request are very strict. It’s not just about raising them. We are striving so that Monster Mounts, monsters that can be with people, can naturally live together in the Hunter world, and furthermore, in our world.”

Like my own children! A condition where Hunters who take the Monster Mounts cherish them like their own children! At this point, wouldn’t it look like PPL or something?

“Someday, I would like to entrust a child to Director Han as well.”

“Ahaha, yes. I’ll be waiting for your contact.”

What the heck, it’s not a bad thing. If they treat the kids well, it’s good. Anyway, I said that there is a Monster Mount contract relationship with the Sesung Guild Leader. Before that, there were Comet and Vare-nim too. With Sesung, this is already the third one. Though Haeyeon has the most.

“We want to entrust more too.”

Moon Hyunah said with a bit of regret. But those were just words; she would likely try to hide it even if she got a high-ranking baby monster before her guild became independent. She said Sorok might become an issue when they become independent.

I was buried in a beanbag after eating when other Hunters approached me again. When they asked if we could talk separately, I stood up obediently. I turned off the broadcast audio too.

“You said Hunter Han Yujin’s transformation is a skill.”

“Yes. It’s not that useful. As I said, the stats remain F-Rank.”

“But the fact that such a skill exists means.”

“It probably means such monsters could appear.”

It was a sharp point. Right, there would of course be Hunters with these questions. I looked at them a bit more seriously.

“I don’t know for certain. But I won’t answer that it’s not true.”

The Hunters fell silent. There might be Hunters who simply enjoy conquering dungeons and getting drunk on Awakened power, but there are also Hunters who doubt the very existence of dungeons. Because it was a phenomenon that couldn’t be understood by previous common sense.

“So.”

One of the Hunters opened his mouth.

“We aren’t completely oblivious either. We think the Hunters of Korea, and Director Han, know something more. The Monster Mount Breeding Facility, the Whitey Research Center, and Chatterbox’s party right now.”

“…Isn’t it certain that Director Han Yujin and Chatterbox have a separate personal acquaintance?”

I gave a small nod.

“I don’t know everything either, nor can I tell you everything I know. But it is true that dungeons are not simple natural phenomena.”

Someday, they might come to know as well. Or perhaps the world could be protected peacefully without them ever knowing. Indescribably complex gazes were exchanged. What could I say to them?

“Then, just one thing.”

The Hunter spoke again.

“Can we… do it?”

It was a question containing many things. Hesitation rushed in, but I suppressed it and answered immediately.

“Yes, of course.”

If everyone gathers their strength to protect it, just like in the game. Then the dungeons can definitely be stopped. Because the Hunters of our world are not weak. Even before the regression, we were protecting it by cooperating, albeit clumsily.

However, the matters beyond that are…

A moment later, the staff announced that the awards ceremony was starting.