Chapter 167: Only an S-Class in Name (1)
“I’m thinking of just starting a new life.”
Kim Minui, who had been staring at his phone for quite some time, murmured with a completely dejected expression. It wasn’t like he had broken up with someone, been rejected after confessing, or even properly dated anyone. It was just a failed fling that might have been mutual or one-sided, and yet he was already jumping to extremes.
“Did you like them a lot?”
“This time, I really thought I was sure about my feelings…”
It seemed it was another one-sided crush. Anyway, I patted his shoulder to cheer him up.
“They said becoming a Hunter and joining a major guild would make you more popular. So why is it that I get rejected even with people calling me an S-Class?”
Honestly, with such appealing conditions, it’s strange they didn’t even consider him. It probably means the other party didn’t feel even a hint of romantic interest.
“Don’t be too discouraged. You might meet someone even better in the future.”
“No, I don’t think it’ll be that easy. Come to think of it, even that amazing guild leader hasn’t ever been in a relationship. Compared to him, even having a failed fling is pretty good…”
“Our Yuhyun hasn’t been in a relationship by choice.”
Compare properly, will you? I’ll let this one slide since it’s technically our fault he got dragged into this mess. Kim Minui, realizing his slip, hurriedly covered his mouth.
“Ugh, eugh.”
“It’s fine. Sometimes we say things without thinking. It happens to everyone—once.”
Twice, however, is out of the question. It’s already something that bothers me, so I really don’t need to hear it from someone else. To be fair, Yuhyun is a bit… slow in that area. These days, kids seem to start dating really early. If he were dating another high-level Hunter, safety issues wouldn’t even be a concern. …Could it be that he likes someone unawakened and quietly gave up without saying anything?
Maybe I should ask him subtly when the time’s right.
I told Kim Minui to take his time and think it over until tomorrow. Regardless of his choice, or even if he came up with a completely different idea, I planned to make sure he was fully compensated. Still, it would be convenient if he stayed as an S-Class so we could continue using his status.
“Some of the MKC Hunters have already reached out.”
As we left the private room and walked down the hallway, Seok Gimyeong spoke up.
“They heard that Hunter Park Yerim successfully conquered an S-Class dungeon and that the guild intends to purchase rights to another S-Class dungeon suited to her attributes. They jumped on the news almost immediately.”
“No one would want to drop from S-Class activities back to an A-Class raid team.”
The difference in earnings is significant, but for advanced Hunters with ambitions to grow stronger, conquering S-Class dungeons is a must. The chance of obtaining high-grade items and skills is much higher than in A-Class dungeons.
“Make sure to carefully screen the interview candidates so that no strange Hunters end up on Yerim’s team.”
“Don’t worry. We plan to conduct thorough background checks as well.”
“Oh, and I heard we’re building a new facility for convenience soon.”
At my comment, Seok Gimyeong nodded.
“Yes. It will include a dormitory. We’ve already started negotiations to purchase a nearby building.”
“Will we be able to use that facility as well?”
I couldn’t just send our delicate and precious people anywhere, so having access to a safe, well-equipped facility would be a significant advantage. At my question, Seok Gimyeong smiled warmly.
“Of course. After all, we’re practically family, aren’t we?”
“Just don’t try to subtly rope us in. We’ll pay the proper usage fees.”
“Usage fees? That’s a bit of a harsh thing to say. I’ll make sure to choose a location close to the breeding facility.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you. Thank you.”
At that moment, my phone rang. The screen displayed the word “Skills.” It was Seong Hyunjae. Wondering what it could be, I answered the call, and it turned out to be about the Japanese dungeon issue.
“You’re already looking into what we talked about earlier today? You’re fast.”
[Fast? I just said one word.]
Well, in his position, all it takes is a simple “Look into it,” and detailed reports come flooding in. The guild that had acquired the dungeon with ingredients for stamina potions was medium-sized. While not overly formidable, he said that if Korea reached out to them, a large guild might get involved.
[Technically, trading dungeons between countries is prohibited, so they won’t agree to anything less than an irresistible offer.]
“We’ll just have to dangle bait enticing enough to tempt them.”
[You must be incredibly eager for this, Han Yujin. I’m curious to know what it is that you’re so passionate about.]
Hearing the amusement and curiosity in his tone, I quickly drew a line, telling him not to get any ideas.
“As I mentioned, Sesung’s share is 30%. That includes not only brokering the deal but also covering the protection costs for the dungeon.”
Since the dungeon was overseas, it would be difficult to deploy a dedicated protection team aside from the raid group. If the dungeon’s value became apparent, Japanese guilds would undoubtedly try to secretly raid it. Thus, Sesung’s assistance with protection was necessary.
After exchanging a few more words on the subject, I ended the call and turned to Seok Gimyeong.
“We might end up putting the Slime Dungeon on the table as a wager. I assure you, it’s worth that much.”
Of course, I’d have to persuade them since just my word alone wouldn’t be enough. As I thought about this, Seok Gimyeong gave an easy reply.
“I’ll prepare it.”
“…Excuse me?”
“The procedures for dungeon trading are quite complicated. If it’s an international deal, there’s even more paperwork—”
“No, that’s not what I meant. Aren’t you agreeing to this way too easily?”
The Slime Dungeon is practically a goldmine, isn’t it? There are still so many places where money needs to be spent, and losing it would be a huge blow. Yet, Seok Gimyeong answered so readily as if he didn’t mind giving it up. Suspicious, I glanced at him, wondering what his angle might be. He gave a short laugh.
“Mister Han Yujin wouldn’t do anything that might harm the Guild Leader.”
“How can you be so sure about that? You’ve only known me for a few months. Don’t you ever feel suspicious?”
“I gave up on being suspicious after running a few background checks in the past. There’s plenty about you that seems fishy, but not a speck of dirt came up. What else can I do? If I lack the ability, I’ll just have to trust.”
Those suspicious contracts with Hunters and all my shady dealings with dungeon information—it’s all thanks to regression, so of course, nothing would come up even if he dug into it. But to think he gave up completely, that’s unexpected.
“And in the rare case that something does go wrong, we could use it as an excuse to lock you into a lifetime contract─”
“No. Give it up already.”
Persistent as ever, isn’t he? You’d think I’d be used to this by now, but there’s still something oddly unsettling about Seok Gimyeong’s attitude. It wasn’t too long ago that he looked at me like I was a worthless obstacle, less than useless. Now, his gaze is warm enough to make me squirm, though every so often, it feels as chilling as holding an ice shard in my chest.
Well, back then, I guess he wasn’t wrong to act that way. If I were to lose all my abilities now, would he still turn away without hesitation? He probably wouldn’t be as cold as before, considering he gets along with Yuhyun these days.
“For now, just make the preparations. Oh, and could you look into a dungeon byproducts manufacturer for me?”
It’s about time I start preparing a certain someone’s birthday gift.
After returning from the Hunter Association, I went out for dinner with Yuhyun and Yerim. Since we came straight from the Haeyeon Guild, Peace came along with us. It was a pretty conspicuous group, so we headed to a restaurant with private rooms often frequented by high-ranking Hunters.
The two started a silent competition over who would sit next to me, so I made them sit across from each other. Peace took the seat next to me instead. Resting his chin on the table, Peace wagged his tail gently.
Yerim ordered champagne, saying celebrations called for drinks. However, instead of drinking it, she sliced the neck of the bottle with her hand, sending the liquid shooting upward like a fountain. All of the spraying champagne flew toward Yuhyun, but it evaporated cleanly in mid-air.
“Don’t use your skills recklessly outside of dungeons.”
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
At least they’re quick to respond. Yerim ate heartily, ordering a little bit of everything, while my younger brother was as picky as ever. I handed him some food, telling him not to worry and just eat since I had high poison resistance, then suddenly asked:
“Do you two have anyone you like? They say kids these days start dating really early.”
“Wow, such a typical ‘Old Man’ question~ Nope, nothing like that. Everyone my age or younger just feels like a kid. And I don’t like people who are older either.”
You’re a kid too, though.
“I don’t have anyone.”
“Not now, but what about in the past? Never had anyone?”
“Never.”
Yuhyun’s indifferent answer made my chest ache. Really, not even once? Even Yerim looked a bit surprised.
“With a face like yours, I bet you were popular. That’s unexpected. Of course, I’ve gotten confessed to plenty of times.”
She laughed, saying they were all rejected anyway.
“Let’s go to an arcade! There’s a nice one nearby!”
After dinner, Yerim suggested we hang out since it was still early. It was a place that allowed Awakened people to play, even if they ended up breaking some equipment, as long as they paid for damages. Unsurprisingly, there were other Hunters around. But the moment they spotted Yuhyun, they all quietly slipped away.
At the shooting range we stopped by, Yerim confidently picked up a gun, saying she’d done this a few times for dessert wagers. Yuhyun, who didn’t seem like the type to be into firearms, also took a proper stance. I was the only one here who had completed military service, but—
‘How could I possibly beat S-Classes?’
These two could probably hit the eye of a needle. Hitting the dead center of the target was a given, so they even brought out rulers to measure who had hit closer to the exact middle. While there was hardly any difference, I took Yerim’s side, given that this was supposed to be a celebration for her.
“Han Yuhyun, you’ve gotten really rusty~ Spending all your time playing with Mister… Oh my gosh, I’m so jealous!”
Yerim gloated, only to burst out angrily when Yuhyun gave her a disinterested look. She locked eyes with him, then shouted, “Let’s fight!” and lunged at him. I stopped them, saying they could settle things with a game instead. In the end, they couldn’t determine a winner and broke three innocent machines, which I paid for using Seong Hyunjae’s card.
That wasn’t the end of it. They even managed to break another machine while trying to win stuffed animals.
“Hyunah also isn’t very good at claw machines, so she breaks them often.”
Yerim said, holding a broken lever in her hand like it was some kind of excuse. On the other hand, Kang Soyeong was apparently quite skilled. Nearby, Yuhyun effortlessly grabbed a blue plushie that looked like it might be a bear or a cat and tossed it to Yerim.
“Do you want anything, hyung?”
“Not really… That one kind of looks like Chirp.”
“Then grab the rabbit next to it.”
Of course, he won it in one try. He said it was his first time doing this, but he was frighteningly good at it. My little brother really seems like he can do anything.
We played a variety of games until late at night, then the two of them escorted me home before returning to the Haeyeon Guild.
As soon as Peace and I entered the house, I heard Chirp’s familiar cry as if he had been waiting for us. Scampering over, he looked up at Peace, who was still nestled in my arms, and chirped happily.
“It’s been a while since you’ve seen each other, hasn’t it? Peace, it looks like Chirp missed you a lot.”
As I set Peace down on the floor, he stared at the fluttering little chick before raising a paw and gently patting Chirp on the head.
— Chirp!
“There’s also a new beast, Belare.”
I spoke as I walked toward the living room. Belare, who had been resting in her enclosure, raised her head when she saw me and let out a soft hiss.
“Have you been behaving, Belare? This is Peace. Don’t fight─”
— Grrrr.
Peace let out a low growl as soon as he saw the jeweled snake. Belare, who was just about to step out of her enclosure, froze stiff at the sound. Then, slowly and cautiously…
— Chirp.
— Hiss, hiss.
She moved to hide behind Chirp. No, Belare, you’re way stronger than he is. Does she think Chirp is above her because she lost to him once? From behind the fluffy white ball, Belare peeked out just enough to expose her head, while Peace narrowed his eyes and stared her down.
At that, Chirp chirped something and flapped his wings.
— Chirp-chirp!
— Grr.
Peace shook his head once, clearly displeased, then bared his teeth slightly at Belare before coming over to me. It seemed he didn’t like the jeweled snake, but he didn’t look like he intended to attack her either.
“Chirp, did you explain everything to them?”
— Chirp!
“You’re so clever. Peace is a good boy too.”
My kids are smart, sweet, and of course, adorable—it’s only natural they’re all-around amazing. Feeling content, I patted both Peace and Chirp on the head.
The next day, Kim Minui, looking even more exhausted than before, spoke up.
“I thought about it all night, but disappearing seems a bit much. So, I’ve decided to pick between staying as an S-Class or going back to B-Class.”
“I’m guessing you haven’t decided between the two yet?”
“I don’t think I’ll come up with an answer even if I keep thinking about it, so I’m just going to flip a coin.”
Are you really okay deciding your life like that? Kim Minui balanced a 100-won coin on his finger.
“Heads for S-Class, tails for B-Class!”
With a determined shout, he flicked the coin into the air. It spun in the air before falling to the ground with a soft clink. Admiral Yi Sun-sin, engraved on the front of the coin, seemed to gaze pityingly at the hopeless soul before him.
–TL Notes–
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