Chapter 148: Dragon Siblings (1)
Before leaving the house to meet Liette, I habitually checked a Japanese hunter-related information site.
‘The dungeon with the stamina potion ingredients has started being cleared.’
As promised, the traitors had triggered the dungeon to appear early. A few days ago, the dungeon had been auctioned off in Japan, and today they began clearing it.
It was a two-floor dungeon primarily featuring an A-rank forest. Its value was fairly average—until it was discovered that the root fruits of the trees in the central forest of the first floor were ingredients for stamina potions.
‘They hadn’t examined the root fruits, so the discovery was delayed.’
So, the plan was to let them clear the dungeon first, then purchase its rights afterward. Once the stamina potions could be made, training the kids would become much easier. Of course, I couldn’t let them overdo it just because they had potions.
“I wonder how Yerim and Peace are doing. Honestly, it was unfair for you to come out first.”
“If I hadn’t come out, who knows what state you’d be in by yourself.”
“What do you mean? I’ve been managing pretty well.”
Yuhyun frowned and snatched my glasses right off my face. First Comet, and now him!
“Hey, I can’t see well without those!”
“You said you were managing fine.”
“Eyesight can naturally deteriorate as you age! Lots of people wear glasses, okay? Give them back!”
Snap.
A sound of something breaking echoed. No way… Did this punk just—?
“Oops. I broke them by accident.”
“…That wasn’t an accident.”
“Glasses are fragile by nature.”
He said it so shamelessly.
“I have to go out soon, and now it’s inconvenient!”
“I’ll help you.”
“No thanks.”
Giving the problem and then offering the solution? Even if I couldn’t see distant objects well, it wasn’t like I couldn’t distinguish things nearby. Maybe I should switch to contact lenses this time. Which would be more dangerous during an attack, glasses or lenses? Having something in your eyes might be worse.
“Are you mad?”
Yuhyun followed me around like a lost puppy, asking. Look at this grown man acting like a kid—did he think I’d find it cute? Of course, it was cute. Because I couldn’t see properly, I started reminiscing about the past even more. His hands and feet were so tiny back then, his eyes were big and round. Honestly, he was adorable, even objectively speaking, not just because he was my brother.
“I’m not mad. Just don’t break them again.”
At that moment, the phone rang. Where did I put my phone? I think I left it on the table.
“Here.”
Yuhyun placed the phone in my hand. The number wasn’t saved in my contacts—who could it be? Answering the call, I heard an unfamiliar voice.
[Is this Han Yujin?]
“Yes, it is. Who’s speaking?”
There weren’t many people who knew this number. The caller turned out to be a hunter from the Awakener Management Office.
[Hunter Liette is in a state of extreme agitation.]
“Liette is?”
Apparently, Chief Song Taewon was absent due to the chaos at the Hunter Association. Since the situation involved an S-rank hunter, they opted for a quieter resolution by contacting me. They must have known I had calmed Liette down during the lake dungeon incident.
[We’d really appreciate your help. If we use force, it could lead to significant damage.]
“Ah, yes. I’ll head there immediately.”
Thinking back to when she clashed with Seong Hyunjae, the nuisance she caused was on a whole other level. As I ended the call, Yuhyun looked at me disapprovingly.
“Why is it always you?”
“It’s not like we can send another S-rank hunter. You and Seong Hyunjae are both publicly ‘still in dungeons.’”
Kim Seonghan, who had recently advanced to S-rank in defense, would likely be insufficient. Moon Hyunah, Choi Seokwon, and Park Mingyu wouldn’t be able to handle Liette either. Given her poison abilities, it made the most sense for me to go.
“You’re in a weakened state with lowered fear resistance.”
“Well, I can manage somehow.”
Since Liette belonged to the Venom and Curse Dragonkin, my skill effects would be doubled. Even so, the skill overall level probably wouldn’t even reach A-rank. Chief Song Taewon, seriously, please don’t touch my fear resistance ever again. Not that I’d want any of my other stats lowered instead.
Ignoring Yuhyun’s grumbling, I left the house. Of course, I didn’t forget to contact Noah. It’d be better to bring him to the house just in case.
“Yujin.”
After receiving my message, Noah quickly arrived, and I explained the situation.
“So, I’d like you to stay at the house.”
“Wait a second, hyung.”
Yuhyun interrupted again, apparently unsatisfied with something.
“When I’m here, fine, but if I’m not, it’s a no-go. You’ve already been attacked at home before. A house where external help can’t be easily called is dangerous.”
At Yuhyun’s words, Noah looked crestfallen. While Noah had shown no hostility toward me recently, Yuhyun’s concerns weren’t unwarranted, given Noah’s past actions.
“But you’ve seen it yourself—how much of a good person Noah is. He’s helped us out a lot.”
Still, I couldn’t refuse such a simple request to provide refuge while Liette was around. That wouldn’t be right.
“…Then how about the house in Haeyeon? It’s safe there too.”
“Oh, good idea.”
Though Liette had managed to sneak into the dormitory, there was no way she could break into Yuhyun’s house, which had a mini-portal. Plus, Yuhyun was definitely more reliable than me in terms of security.
Most importantly, if the two of them spent time together, they might grow closer. Honestly, Yuhyun’s house always felt a bit lifeless. Having a roommate his age might bring some energy into it.
“Noah, what do you think? My brother’s house is spacious and nice. And it’s perfectly safe.”
I hoped the two of them might end up living together for a while. But as I looked at him with that wish in mind, Noah hesitated, then slowly shook his head.
“I don’t want to inconvenience Hunter Han Yuhyun as well. It’s fine if it’s just for a few days, but I can’t keep running from my sister forever.”
Though his answer was disappointing, he had a point. Noah couldn’t avoid Liette forever. Sooner or later, they’d have to face each other properly. If Noah truly wanted to keep running, I would have helped him, but settling their relationship once and for all would be better for both of them.
Since I might return home with an unstable Liette in tow, I suggested Noah stay here and activated the mini-portal for him. But once again, Noah refused.
“I’ll go with you.”
“…Are you sure about this?”
At my worried question, Noah nodded.
“Yes. Just in case. I have recovery and support skills, so I’ll be useful.”
“If that’s the only reason, it’s fine. Other hunters will probably be there too.”
“If my sister is determined to fight, she’ll target the healers and support types first.”
It was a basic strategy, but would she really act that aggressively outside of a dungeon? Still, Noah’s expression was serious. Right, if it’s Liette, she might just do it. Being a free hunter with no guild made it easier for her to act recklessly.
“If it seems like it’s too much for you, retreat immediately. I’ll be fine, really.”
“Yes.”
Instead of getting new glasses, I cast a Teacher skill on Yuhyun and headed straight to the dungeon Liette had been clearing. Barricades had been set up, and the atmosphere was tense, but the surroundings were still intact. No destroyed buildings, and the dungeon facilities were only slightly damaged—just the door was smashed.
This was… surprisingly restrained.
But as soon as I saw Liette standing there, arms crossed, I felt chills run down my spine. Even in the summer heat, the air felt cold. Beside me, Noah had frozen in place. I could hear him swallowing nervously. Yuhyun stepped forward protectively, shielding us.
“Hello, sweetie.”
Golden eyes with slitted pupils glinted with a hint of a smile. She was definitely smiling, but it sent shivers down my spine. Still, I couldn’t just stand there, so I forced myself to appear calm and spoke up.
“What’s the problem? Where are the hunters who went in with you?”
“They’ll come out eventually. Except for two really annoying ones—they’re probably dead.”
Liette’s snake-like fangs peeked out from between her lips. Two annoying ones, huh? So this situation was their fault. They must have been from the Association. Bold of them to provoke an S-rank hunter inside a dungeon. Did those idiots at least have S-rank Fear Resistance?
“Wouldn’t it have been fine if they just died in an unfortunate dungeon accident? Calm down and show me the monster you want me to handle.”
“Sure, sweetie. Right after I deal with that dungeon management director.”
…So he sent his lackeys after her. I could guess what kind of trouble they caused. An S-rank free hunter must have been a tempting target. Still, pestering her clumsily like that—had they forgotten how terrifying S-ranks are because of docile types like Song Taewon?
“That guy’s already been detained. He’s not going to see the outside world for the rest of his life.”
“Whether it’s outside or inside, letting that waste of air breathe is a crime~ Just drag him here for a second. I’ll take out my frustration and be done.”
“I’d love to, but it’s too big of an issue right now. Maybe you can sneak in later and beat him up—I’ll pretend I didn’t see it.”
At my continued refusals, Liette’s eyebrows twitched in irritation. Noah and I instinctively huddled closer together. Damn it, what the hell did those idiots do to her? Did they try to act like big shots because she needed help clearing the dungeon? Or worse, did they say something stupid about her gender?
“…She seems really angry. What do you think?”
I whispered.
In a shaky voice, Noah quietly replied,
“It’s probably half and half. She might also be more upset because the boss monster was too easy.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes… She’s not mad at me, at least.”
True, during the lake dungeon incident, she had attacked him directly. And that was when she was in a good mood.
“Ugh, this is so annoying─”
Right after a small grumble,
Clang─!
The clash of blades rang out. Liette had lunged at Yuhyun. But her attack didn’t faze him, and his calm resistance brought a glint of amusement to Liette’s face.
“I thought so—you’re not ordinary, are you? Who are you? I’ve never seen you before!”
Unlike Song Taewon, Liette didn’t recognize Yuhyun. Well, they hadn’t spent much time together, so it made sense. Twisting his sword to deflect her attack, Yuhyun shoved Liette back with a stoic expression.
“Let’s stop here.”
“What’s your name? How old are you? You’re kind of cute.”
Liette’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. I couldn’t just let her continue. Especially not when it involved my little brother.
“Cut it out! If you cause another scene here, I won’t help with the monsters.”
“Oh my, sweetie. Don’t be jealous.”
Jealous, my ass.
“If you keep this up, I’ll make sure you don’t get any help from me, from head to toe. So behave yourself.”
“Relax~ I’ll spoil you plenty later. Or do you like it a bit rough?”
Can she tone it down in front of the kids? And he’s my brother, for crying out loud. Should I cover Noah’s ears or something? Before I could do anything, Yuhyun swung his sword sharply. With a piercing sound, Liette twisted her body to dodge, and a part of the dungeon building behind her was cleanly sliced off like tofu.
“Don’t even think about laying a finger on him.”
Yuhyun growled his words, and Liette’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Oh my, are you two dating? I thought you were jealous for me, and I was so happy, but how disappointing. It wasn’t me after all. Still, this kind of relationship is fun too! I like it!”
“Hey!”
My temples throbbed at her unfiltered craziness. What the hell does she mean by “this kind of relationship”? There’s no such thing! He’s my little brother, for crying out loud!
“You’re misunderstanding! Stop saying weird things in front of the kids!”
“Huh? Really? So he’s younger than he looks, huh.”
Liette burst into loud laughter and spread her arms wide, almost like wings. In her hands were two swords—one long and one short. The gleam in her eyes made it clear she was ready to go all out.
Her supposed “frustration” was just an excuse—she probably just wanted to loosen up her stiff body. Typical.
“How do you plan to clean up this mess!?”
“Oh, come on.”
With a sly grin, a faint poisonous mist began to seep out from Liette’s body. This lunatic.
“Do you think I care about that?”
Of course not. Liette, more than anyone, knew how to exploit the perks of being S-rank. As long as there weren’t civilian casualties, people usually turned a blind eye. Restraint? She probably traded that in for some candy a long time ago.
“Everyone, get back—or come over here!”
Luckily, the barricade perimeter was wide enough to prevent the poison from spreading beyond it. However, there were a few hunters lingering nearby. As they hesitated, the faint mist began to flow out like a fog, and one by one, people started collapsing.
I saw Yuhyun easily wrap his sword in flames to burn away the poison, then rushed over to the fallen hunters. I needed to gather them together so that my poison resistance buff would apply more effectively.
“Noah, please help!”
But before I could even finish shouting, Liette was already in front of Noah, who had been keeping his distance from the poison. The sister stood face-to-face with the frozen younger brother, smiling like a predator cornering its prey.
“Our little pebble is… a bit troublesome, isn’t he? How about you take a nap for a while?”
Noah stumbled backward. I debated whether I should step in when—
SCREEEECH!
The sound of tires screeching against the ground echoed sharply.
“Noah!”
A high-pitched voice rang out. A massive motorcycle hurtled toward Liette, and a flash of steel followed. Just before the bike was sliced clean in half, Kang Soyeong leapt off nimbly, grabbing Noah by the arm and yanking him back.
“Are you okay?”
“…Uh, yes?”
“I heard the news and got worried, so I came. That must be your sister over there, huh?”
Kang Soyeong pushed back her disheveled hair and shot a fearless gaze at Liette. Liette clapped her hands together with a gleeful waaah sound.
“What a cute little girl!”
“Hello, Liette! I’m Kang Soyeong. I’m member number one of Noah’s Korean fan club!”
…Since when the hell did he have a fan club?
–TL Notes–
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