The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 613: Time Left (2)

“We’ll give you all the support we promised.”

Mari spoke coolly.

“So catch that fake Sesung Guild Leader, Isabella, and Samir, and drag the truth out into the open.”

The photos on social media and the nonsense about the Sesung Guild Leader’s engagement needed to be corrected as fast as possible. Right now, even if she stepped forward and claimed to be the real Sesung Guild Leader’s bride–to–be, everyone would just write it off as another crazy rumor. She wasn’t exactly the first person to say something like that.

“If, in the process, Song Taewon and Han Yujin end up dead, that’s even better for me.”

[We have no intention of killing Han Yujin.]

The Prophet on the other end of the communicator replied.

[He’s an important sacrifice who will connect us to the outside.]

“Whatever. I just want him out of my way. At least until my wedding is over.”

As long as the wedding ceremony was carried out safely, she didn’t care what happened afterwards. It didn’t matter what kind of nonsense dungeon worshippers spouted or what insane things they did.

[We’re certain Han Yujin is somewhere in Africa. Specifically, northeastern Africa. We’re narrowing down the range as much as we can, so all you need to do, dear bride–to–be, is keep an eye on his escape routes.]

“Sure, I’ll pass that along.”

A few more words were exchanged, and then the call ended. In the quiet room, there was a loud bang as she kicked one of the table legs.

“What is this even.”

Mari grumbled, her face puffy with irritation. She stood up, wrapping and unwrapping one long side braid around her finger over and over.

“Princesses aren’t supposed to be the ones doing this kind of thing.”

Normally, even if they went through some hardship, they at least got to dress up beautifully for the wedding and just sit and wait. But right now, the situation was–

“I sound like the villain. Some wicked witch or something.”

She’d kidnapped the prince, locked him up, and was trying to get rid of anyone who might interfere with the wedding. Mari gnawed lightly at her teeth, then cupped her cheeks with both hands.

“No, it’s fine. Times have changed. They said modern princesses take initiative! When the world changes, you’re supposed to keep up. Besides, it’s better to do the choosing yourself than to wait around for the prince to choose you, right? If you don’t like him, you can just dump him!”

Yeah, this is fine. The world’s different now. Fighting back the sudden lump in her throat, Mari walked quickly – and at the same time, as gracefully as she could.

‘Hayul still doesn’t know anything.’

His combat ability wasn’t even on par with a mid–rank Hunter, but Park Hayul was not someone she could treat just any way. So she threw out false information about Han Yujin and sent him off somewhere else.

‘Princess Isabella, of all people. Why a princess!’

She had to deal with this before it was too late. The easiest way would have been to bring out the real Seong Hyunjae, but…

Mari’s steps stopped dead in front of the sunlit indoor garden. Amid the picture–perfect setting, high–end gift boxes were stacked in piles. A full–length mirror stood before a cluster of light purple hydrangeas, and glossy catalogs were spread across a snow–white table.

In the middle of it all sat Seong Hyunjae. Every trace of blood had been washed off, and he now wore pristine white formalwear; the light in his two eyes was sharp and clear. For a moment, Mari just stood there, captivated by the scene. With a bored expression, those long fingers turned the pages of a catalog.

“Nothing but dull, unimpressive things.”

The people who had prepared the products forced stiff smiles onto their lips, their faces tight with nerves. Seong Hyunjae had never harmed an unawakened civilian who wasn’t one of the Hunters under Mari’s command. But even just his complete lack of consideration made them shrink back like small prey in front of a predator.

“They’re all from top brands.”

Mari said as she stepped into the garden. Golden eyes flicked toward her for a second, then dropped back to the color pages.

“You mean they’re my everyday brands.”

“W–well…”

Mari’s hand, which had been about to fist her dress skirt in frustration, relaxed and smoothed it down again. He was the perfect prince, sure, but a few days after he woke up she had started to feel – just slightly, only a little – like there was a crack in her feelings for him. Honestly, he was impossibly picky. But he was also someone who was used to this kind of treatment and had probably enjoyed it daily, so she couldn’t exactly tell people to just half–ass it.

“Before brands, this is a matter of taste.”

“I–is it?”

“Disappointing.”

Seong Hyunjae’s fingertips closed the booklet. He gave a casual look that clearly meant “leave,” and the people hurriedly scooped up their things and shuffled out of the garden. Mari swallowed a small sigh.

“You still have no intention of showing yourself?”

“I told you I’d consider it once the wedding was prepared to my satisfaction.”

But Seong Hyunjae looked at the wedding hall and all the preparations with a cold, critical gaze. She’d even considered filming him in secret, but his abilities made that impossible. They had him captured, but not completely neutralized. Unless he cooperated, it would be difficult for Mari to put out any proof to the world that she was his true fiancée.

“…Still, I’m glad you’re not outright refusing.”

Mari said with a forced smile. Seong Hyunjae half ignored her words and lightly swung one ankle bound by invisible chains.

“The ceremony itself has to be to my taste.”

In a more perfect venue. His golden eyes, which had been icy from start to finish, softened just a little, curving faintly. The two most important guests would come find him there. Without fail. So he had to prepare everything for them with the utmost sincerity.

“Good thing I’ve got two hands.”

“…What?”

For the sake of that future joy, he could endure a bit of inconvenience.

I spent several days half asleep. It felt like all the accumulated fatigue slammed into me at once, leaving me completely drained, but at least the fever didn’t spike or anything like that. I was worried about what was happening outside, but the names on the keyword window hadn’t changed. It would’ve been nice if I could see more detailed information than just names and ranks – whether they were hurt or not, at least.

“Dad, you’re really okay?”

Gyeol, who had been diligently taking care of me the whole time, twitched his eyebrows up and down as he spoke. As bad luck goes, it could’ve been worse – Gyeol was doing pretty well. Maybe because it really just looked like I had a nasty case of the flu and not something more serious, he’d started to genuinely enjoy looking after me. I was able to sit up, at least, so we spent time talking about this and that, played board games together, and even made Christmas cards.

“Yeah, I’m a lot better. I can’t go out right away, but I should at least start getting ready.”

Since we’d randomly tossed some Christmas decorations outside, there might be people watching the airport. So it would be safer to go out only once I was in a condition to run if I had to. Even if it was just a cat suddenly popping out of nowhere, that would look suspicious.

“You packed all the Christmas cards, right?”

“Uh–huh. I stored them in my inventory.”

Gyeol beamed. I stretched my arms out, doing a light warm–up. I wanted to go out right away, but after lying around so long I was in rough shape. I could move around okay, but I should at least walk out there looking somewhat normal.

“I’m gonna go down to the basement for a bit, Dad.”

“The basement?”

“That’s where Ru Ga Pheya’s items are. I want to take a look before we go.”

I hadn’t taken out a single one yet. The item vault in the basement was a secure zone, so with my current permissions I still couldn’t take outsiders down there. I’d even left Grace out on purpose. I went down to the basement with Number 71 and searched through the items on display. Among all the different items, I found exactly what I was looking for.

‘Prey in Hand.’

It was an item that told you the condition of your target. I swallowed once and used the item on myself. Mana flowed out of the item and swept through my body, and then a window appeared.

[Physical Rank F

Overall Value Rank ?

Weak Points ALL

Stamina F

Vitality ?F

Speed F

Chance of Escape None

Vulnerable State

Injuries None

Illness None

Poisoning None

Curses None

Other Status Ailments None

Estimated Remaining Lifespan of Entity 30–35 days]

…Well, at least I’m not sick or anything. I’d expected as much, but it looked like my overall condition was pretty bad.

“Thirty days, seriously.”

I didn’t know how much I could trust this thing, but my remaining time being 30 to 35 days felt ridiculous. That was way too steep of a drop. I stared quietly at the faintly glowing window. It felt weird.

“I thought I’d finally gotten to a point where I could accept it.”

My brother’s death, and my own. I had thought that, finally, I could slowly accept it, and that after everything ended, I’d be able to live out each day as just another normal day. Five years already felt short, but one month was just too much. Guess the burden really was that big.

“…Yeah, it was a lot, honestly.”

Almost becoming the King of Harmless probably did have a bad effect on my body. When Chatterbox disappeared, the strain of my mana engravings that he was supposed to take responsibility for probably stayed behind as well. Thinking about it, one month actually started to feel… generous.

‘It still doesn’t feel real.’

It’s not like there’s absolutely no way around it. Even the Unfilial Children won’t want me to die. And, well, I did have one idea, though I didn’t know if it would work. I had no idea if the Elder would even agree to it. He’d definitely get mad.

I put the item down. I started to look around for something I could bring with me, then gave up. I really did feel a bit drained.

“I didn’t just think I should live for the kids’ sake. I honestly felt like… it’d be okay if I stayed alive.”

And this is what I get. Hang on, when’s Lunar New Year next year? I have to at least make it past that. And then… there’s more. At least I’d be able to go to Seong Hyunjae’s wedding. I guess that’s… good? I forced away the heaviness settling in my chest. It’s not like I don’t have any options. The item might just be wrong. It’d be more reliable to go into a dungeon and talk to Rookie and Senior Tree.

I let out a big breath and turned to Number 71.

“How’s the drawer doing? I’m a little worried I’ve been using it too much…”

“It was recharged recently.”

“What? How?”

“The effect of Ru Ga Pheya’s power spreading in your world, Master. She is the creator of this drawer.”

Thank you so much, Ru Ga Pheya–nim! Giving me a nice present right at the end, huh.

“Your spatial control over this place has also increased slightly, Master.”

“Really? Guess I might be able to manage it myself someday.”

Someday… if I’m still around by then. Okay, enough pointless thoughts. Anyway, at least there was one bit of good news.

I went back upstairs and started preparing to head out with Gyeol.

“Should we put blankets in the car too? I can drive. If you teach me, Dad. You don’t even have a license.”

While we were loading the luggage into the same car we’d used before, Gyeol spoke up. No, kiddo. Not that. Your dad may not have a license, but he actually has a pretty decent amount of driving experience and a clean reco– well, not completely clean, but still.

We packed, did some light exercises, and stayed two more days before leaving the drawer. Of course, both Gyeol and I turned into cats first. Dry sand crunched under our paws.

It was just turning dawn, the sky dim and gray. In that place, where broken building fragments and traces of battle remained exactly as they were–

‘…’

A sword was stuck in the ground. A pitch–black greatsword stood planted upright, and there was a lone figure sitting with his back to us, wrapped in gray cloth that matched the desert sandstorm. I knew instinctively that he’d been there longer than a day or two. Unkempt hair, left unattended, shifted as his head turned. On the face that had been blank and calm, a smile bloomed.

His expression lit up, bright like it had come back to life, as he looked at me.

“Hyung.”

Yuhyun stood up and ran toward me in a single bound. Yuhyun.

– Meow.

– Uncle!

Spreading his wings, Gyeol fluttered up into the air. Yuhyun carefully scooped me up in his arms. I could see flecks of blood on my little brother’s cheek. There were bloodstains on his clothes here and there as well.

“Thank god. You really were here. I’m glad I listened to Chief Song and waited.”

…So the letter got to him. Still, come on. How long did you think I’d be gone, to just sit here waiting the whole time. My throat tightened for no good reason. Since I couldn’t talk like this, I quickly changed back into a person. Yuhyun put me down and glanced at Gyeol, who was circling us in the air.

“The white cat was for the fairy, huh.”

“You seriously still with that fairy nonsense? It’s Gyeol. Han Gyeol.”

“Mm. Gyeol.”

– Gyeol took care of Dad, Uncle.

Proud of himself, Gyeol landed on my shoulder. Yuhyun thanked him, but in a stiff, formal way. Couldn’t he be even a tiny bit more affectionate?

“How many days have you been here? Are you hurt anywhere?”

“No. There were a few attacks, but I was fine.”

“‘Fine,’ my ass! What about everyone else? Oh, Cho Hwawoon was here too!”

“Everyone’s fine. Hey, Hyung.”

Yuhyun looked down at me with an unbelievably gentle gaze.

“Thank you.”

“…Huh?”

“For not giving up on me. I really wanted to say that.”

My little brother smiled. The memories from before the regression – yeah, Yuhyun had seen them too. I was worried those memories would leave scars, but instead…

“How could I possibly give up on you? You’re my little brother. I’d never… I could never give up on you.”

On my little siblings. Embarrassingly, the corners of my eyes burned. Yuhyun flustered and started making excuses.

“I know it was hard for you, Hyung. I’m sorry. But I like that you didn’t let go of me until the end…”

“No, that’s not it.”

I grabbed his arm and looked up at him.

“You’re happy now, right, Yuhyun?”

“…Yeah. Really.”

My brother pulled me gently into a hug. He smelled faintly of burned fire. The air was dry and rough.

“So waiting wasn’t hard at all. I was actually happy. Because I was guarding the place you’d come back to. And now, I can greet you with a smile when you return.”

“…Then that’s enough. If that’s how you feel, then I’m good.”

If that kid had felt that way, too. If my thrashing till the very end had at least given him some comfort. Things had changed and were still changing, but since this was Yuhyun, if he felt that way…

I pressed my sleeve to my eyes and, feeling a bit awkward, took a step back. Iryn hopped over to me and burst out with all the words he’d been holding back.

– Hyung! Iryn missed you too! Hi, Gyeol!

– Hi.

– I need to hurry up and grow so I can talk properly! It was soooo frustrating!

“Yeah, I missed you too, Iryn. Where is everybody else?”

“We split up. I think they’re trying to keep you from leaving Africa – they stopped all the flights.”

“What?”

– They kept stopping the planes regular people were on too, and tried to blow them up!

Are they insane. Well, yeah, they follow Chatterbox and worship dungeons, so it’s not like they care about stuff like that. Before the regression they’d been notorious as terrorists too.

“So we decided not to go near the airport. Instead, we’re making a show of moving around out in the open.”

“…Guess I really did rest too long.”

“No, Hyung. Let’s move first. Turn back into a cat.”

“Got it. You got a car? Want me to pull one out?”

“Yeah. My bike got wrecked.”

I pulled a car out of the drawer and turned back into Delroux. Holding me in his arms, Yuhyun climbed into the car. He could’ve just set me in the passenger seat.

“For the first few days, they kept attacking nonstop, probably because they figured you were most likely with me.”

As he drove, Yuhyun explained.

“But when I didn’t budge and you didn’t show up, now they just send a drone occasionally to check.”

– Uncle, ask Dad if he’s been eating properly.

“I brought plenty of dungeon ration packs.”

– Dad’s mad.

– Awoong, ae–o–aek.

“From a nutritional standpoint, there’s nothing wrong with them, Hyung.”

That’s not the point! How can you eat only those! This isn’t even a dungeon – bring some normal food too! Just then, a drone flew in overhead. Still steering with one hand, Yuhyun flicked a thin needle with the other. Wreathed in flame, the needle pierced the drone, and with a small pop it exploded into pieces.

“They’ll be chasing us soon, so be careful, Hyung. Don’t get away from me.”

Just like he said, the sound of bikes and cars started to rumble behind us. And almost at the same time—

“Hey! Han Yuhyun! You don’t gotta answer, I get the gist!”

A bright, familiar voice ringed out over heavy footsteps. Yerim!

But…

‘…Why do you have an axe?’

Riding on Peace’s back, Yerim’s tattered coat flapped wildly as she brandished a massive axe with great enthusiasm. Huh. She’d gotten a lot more feral since I’d last seen her. Still, she looked healthy, so that was a relief.