Chapter 168: Only an S-Class in Name (2)
“Your stats are technically C-Class, but they’re close to B-Class. With a bit more effort, you could reach B-Class.”
At my words, Kim Minui scratched the back of his head.
“Well, I’d rather just live a comfortable life.”
“…Then why did you decide by flipping a coin? Staying as a B-Class would’ve been less troublesome.”
“If I become S-Class, I won’t have to study anymore. Didn’t the Guild Leader graduate with a 4.0 GPA without even attending class?”
A 4.0 GPA? What kind of nonsense is that? It’s not a hundred-point scale, and even if it’s out of ten, that’s less than half.
“Do they only give you 4 points for skipping all your classes?”
“What? Oh, no, it’s out of 4.5.”
“…What?”
The maximum GPA is 4.5, not 5? What kind of grading system is that? Anyway, while you can get away with skipping classes for dungeon raids up to B-Class, you still have to do assignments and take exams. Kim Minui, who had once been held back due to low grades despite avoiding expulsion, clenched his fists, determined to use an S-Class status to glide through with an easy GPA.
“If that weren’t the case, I wouldn’t have needed to think long and would’ve just stayed as a B-Class.”
“Well, yes. If you become S-Class, you could get paid without even going into dungeons.”
“For real? Seriously?”
Though you might end up sacrificing a part of your life in the process.
In any case, using the keyword on him should be enough to boost his stats to B-Class. A-Class might be possible, but it would be a stretch. I’d decided not to use keywords on people lightly after Noah, but since there didn’t seem to be any risk factors with Kim Minui, it should be fine.
His skills ranged from A-Class to C-Class and were quite diverse. The A-Class skill he had was a defensive buff with excellent efficiency. If his stats were high enough, it could’ve gotten him into an S-Class team. But with C-Class stats, even if he had supportive abilities, A-Class dungeons would be his limit.
“If we adjust your stats to S-Class, your current skill set should be enough to have you recognized as an S-Class Hunter. So, take this pill and get some rest.”
Kim Minui frowned at the pill I handed him.
“Again?”
“You’ll be seeing these often from now on, so get used to them.”
There’s no way I’d let an S-Class-level status just go to waste. I’ll do my best to make sure no crimes are committed, though.
I contacted the Hunter Association to schedule a re-evaluation of Kim Minui’s Hunter rank. Of course, it wouldn’t actually be the sleeping Kim Minui undergoing the evaluation. Instead, Noah would be taking his place.
“Sorry for the sudden request.”
“It’s no trouble at all. It’s not even that difficult.”
Noah smiled softly as he adjusted his glasses. They suited him well. Honestly, anything would suit him with his looks. He could pass as an international model doing a university photoshoot.
With glasses that could transform him into Kim Minui, getting S-Class certification was a breeze. However, using the stats of just any S-Class Hunter for the evaluation could lead to problems down the line. Especially when it came to health and strength stats, which are noticeable even in daily life. Even if someone falsely claimed to be S-Class, an experienced high-ranking Hunter could expose the lie with something as simple as a handshake.
To avoid such issues, we decided to significantly lower the health and strength stats for the evaluation.
“Here’s the contract with stat reduction penalties.”
I handed Noah the prepared S-Class contract and a pen. Noah’s health and strength stats were already on the lower end for an S-Class, leaning closer to A-Class in those two areas. By intentionally breaching the contract to reduce his stats and receiving help from a Haeyeon Hunter with debuffing skills, we could drop his stats below A-Class. That would make it possible to present Kim Minui as a B-Class Hunter with appropriately matched items, ensuring his rank wouldn’t be questioned.
Of course, reducing only the health and strength stats would result in an average stat level below S-Class. To balance that out…
“Noah, long time no see~”
Yerim waved her hand as she walked into the room. Yerim’s magic stat was exceptionally high. By using Noah’s stat lending skill to borrow half of Yerim’s magic stat and adding a buff from Shadowless Day, we could artificially inflate his magic stat to create an average stat level that matched S-Class.
The great thing about the magic stat was that it didn’t reveal itself in everyday activities, whether you were F-Class or S-Class.
“The stat lending and your buff don’t last very long, so you’ll need to activate them after you arrive at the Association.”
Yerim’s buff wouldn’t last long once they left the effective range of Shadowless Day, so they’d have to use it right before the evaluation and finish quickly.
“Noah, here’s a mask. Your lip movements might give you away.”
While the translation item made his Korean sound natural, his lip movements were still different. I handed Noah a mask before heading outside. After receiving the health and strength debuffs from a waiting Hunter, we walked to the parking lot. Since neither Yerim nor I had a driver’s license, Noah took the driver’s seat.
“I really need to get my license. Mister, you don’t have any kidnapping plans this weekend, right?”
“Not for now, but I might have to go to Japan.”
“Really? Can I come too?”
“If you catch up on all the classes you’ve missed.”
She grumbled but still responded with a reluctant, “Yes.” As the car started moving, Noah’s hands skillfully turned the steering wheel. I’d been a bit worried when he offered to drive, but he was surprisingly good at it. He’s plenty mature—being a Guild Leader and all—but I can’t help feeling a bit overprotective.
When we arrived near the Association building, there were already several reporters gathered. Despite my intention to avoid appearing on broadcast by using an item that blurred my image on camera, it seemed they weren’t willing to give up so easily.
Before getting out of the car, both Yerim and Noah activated their skills.
“I’m heading to the Hunter Market. Do you need anything?”
“Pick up some mana potions and three or four S-Class contracts. Here’s the card.”
I handed her the Sesung Guild Leader’s card and added that she should use it for her own purchases as well. Yerim grinned widely as she accepted the card without hesitation.
“Can I really use it as much as I want?”
“Of course. While you’re at it, see if you can figure out the credit limit.”
“Got it! I’ll be back!”
She hopped out of the car excitedly. Since S-Class items are only sold through auctions, she couldn’t actually spend enough to bankrupt the Sesung Guild. But if she charged tens of millions of won, maybe they’d call and ask for the card back.
“Well then, Noah—or rather, Hunter Kim Minui—shall we go?”
“Yes.”
Noah nodded and put on his mask. As we exited the car, reporters approached us, but we ignored them entirely and quickly walked into the building. We had to complete the measurements before the buff and debuff effects wore off.
“This way, please.”
An Association staff member, who had been waiting for us, led us toward the measurement room. On the way, faint sounds of commotion reached us. Someone was even yelling.
“It seems a bit noisy.”
“Oh, some MKC Hunters have shown up. They’re upset because we confiscated S-Class dungeon rights and items while their Guild Leader is still officially missing.”
The staff member sighed.
“They’re all A-Class Hunters, so it’s been hard to handle them. But the Acting Vice President has instructed us not to call Chief Song.”
“The Acting Vice President?”
“It’s not confirmed yet, but Director Choi Eunyeong is expected to take on the position.”
I’d heard she was returning as part of the Association’s board, but the Vice President position? That was unexpected. Still, I agreed with not calling in Song Taewon. Even though we work closely together, we’re still part of separate organizations. Unless it’s an emergency, it’s better for the Association to resolve its issues independently rather than overly relying on Song Taewon.
‘Changing the leadership really is making a difference.’
I hoped this trend would continue without requiring further involvement on my part.
“As requested, we’ll only measure the stats.”
The stat measurement was completed quickly. While health and strength were notably low—barely at the level of mid-tier Hunters—the magic stat was extraordinary, ranking among the highest globally. The Association staff member looked puzzled at the abnormal result, but the average stat value still barely qualified as S-Class.
The staff whispered among themselves, even making a phone call to their higher-ups. After a brief discussion, one of them spoke up, looking a bit conflicted.
“S-Class stats with A-Class skills. For now, we’ll recognize Hunter Kim Minui as a support-type S-Class Hunter… but there may be debates about his eligibility for S-Class dungeon raids.”
“Hunter Kim Minui does not plan to participate in dungeon raids.”
“Excuse me? Not participating in dungeon raids?”
“Yes. You’ve probably heard about Hunter Kim Minui’s achievements over the past few days. Despite his measured stats, he’s been able to demonstrate abilities on par with combat-type S-Class Hunters due to a newly acquired skill. It allows him to convert his magic stat into other stats.”
Of course, such a skill doesn’t actually exist. The staff looked surprised by my statement.
“Oh, I see… With a magic stat like his, if he can convert it to other stats, he could indeed function as a combat Hunter. But why isn’t he participating in dungeon raids?”
“The skill has a time limit and a cooldown period. It’s not suitable for the prolonged nature of dungeon raids. Therefore, while he may occasionally participate as support, he will primarily focus on protecting the Haeyeon Guild and the Monster Breeding Facility.”
In other words, he’s a half-functional S-Class Hunter who can’t handle dungeon raids. Still, just having someone to fill in the gaps left by other S-Class Hunters when they’re away in dungeons was valuable enough.
I reached out and placed a hand on Noah’s—or rather, Kim Minui’s—shoulder, smiling warmly.
“He’ll be paying particular attention to the Breeding Facility. Given all the challenges I’ve faced, it’s incredibly reassuring to have him.”
Noah looked at me and returned the smile brightly.
“That makes sense. You must feel very reassured. I’ve heard that the two of you are quite close.”
“Yes. He’s a younger brother I treasure deeply. He’s been a great help to me in many ways.”
Even now, he was stepping up to play the role of Kim Minui for me. I’d received so much help from him without giving much in return that I often felt guilty.
There was some additional discussion about his inability to participate in dungeon raids, but since he met the basic requirements, Kim Minui’s Hunter rank was successfully raised to S-Class. While waiting for the updated Hunter ID to be issued, the peace was abruptly shattered.
Bang!
“You can’t do this here!”
The door slammed open as several Hunters pushed past the Association staff trying to stop them. Among the intruders, a man glared at Noah and shouted.
“Kim Minui! What the hell did you do to the Guild Leader?!”
Ah, damn it. MKC Guild members. And judging by how he knew about Kim Minui’s meeting with Yuhyun and Choi Seokwon, this guy must be one of Choi Seokwon’s close associates. I quickly pulled Noah into an embrace and whispered.
“Is the debuff cleared yet? It looks like there’s still a few minutes left.”
“It’s cleared. We’ve got six minutes… no, five minutes left now.”
Noah was a support type, and right now, he couldn’t even partially transform. Until the debuff fully wore off, he would be at a disadvantage against A-Class Hunters. I activated Grace and turned to shield Noah protectively.
“Without their master around, the dogs are off their leashes and running wild.”
I muttered it as if talking to myself, but naturally, the A-Class Hunters heard me loud and clear. Their faces immediately twisted with rage.
“What the hell did you just say…?!”
“Oh, you heard that? My bad. But it’s not exactly wrong, is it? If Choi Seokwon were still around, he wouldn’t have let his pets bark like this, not when he’d have no face to show me otherwise.”
Couldn’t manage his guild properly, ended up getting kidnapped, and even became the mastermind behind the kidnapping himself. Incompetent and corrupt, a perfect combination.
“Since we’ve run into each other, why not take the chance to apologize on behalf of your useless guild leader? If you bow your heads and wag your tails properly, I might even help you find a new master. Haeyeon, Sesung, Breaker—take your pick.”
Two of them visibly hesitated at my words, clearly tempted. Of course, my extensive network wasn’t exactly a secret. But the realization of what they were doing made Choi Seokwon’s lackey flush with rage, his face turning crimson all the way to his neck.
“You bastards!”
With a loud smack, the lackey lashed out, punching one of the hesitant Hunters square in the face. The man staggered, clutching his cheek, while another received a swift kick to the gut. Then, the lackey stomped toward me, his expression murderous.
“You must know something too!”
“Of course, I do. I even saw it for myself. Want me to describe how Choi Seokwon tucked his tail and ran? The look on his face as he begged for his life—”
A massive hand shot out to grab me by the collar, but before it could reach me, Noah moved. His hand clamped onto the man’s wrist and twisted it with a speed my eyes couldn’t even follow.
“Step back.”
Noah’s quiet voice carried authority as he stepped in front of me. Then, with a sharp motion, he brought his long leg up and struck the man square in the chest.
“Ugh!”
The man doubled over, gasping for air, and Noah mercilessly grabbed him and threw him aside. The crash of his body colliding with furniture hadn’t even faded when another Hunter let out a scream. By the time I tried to catch up with what was happening, one of the Hunters was already unconscious, sliding across the floor before coming to a stop, sprawled out.
“Wow, he really can fight at the level of an S-Class combat Hunter!”
One of the Association staff exclaimed in awe, looking at the MKC Hunters now crumpled on the floor. Of course, our Noah wasn’t your average support-type Hunter. His stats might lag a bit, but he was far from ordinary. The situation was cleaned up in no time, and soon after—
“Where are the damn bastards?!”
Yerim stormed in, her sharp gaze scanning the room as she whipped icy mist around her. She took a quick look around and pouted in disappointment.
“It’s already over?”
“How was your shopping?”
“Great! I spent just over 500 million won, but I didn’t max out the card.”
“Well done. Good job.”
Our Yerim sure knows how to spend money like a champ. Out of curiosity, I glanced at my phone, but there was no message from Skill. I felt a twinge of disappointment for some reason.
Taking the card and mana potions from Yerim, I turned to the Association staff.
“You all saw Hunter Kim Minui’s skills with your own eyes, didn’t you? Spread the word properly, will you? There are still a lot of doubters out there.”
We needed to cement the fact that he was an S-Class Hunter to avoid unnecessary trouble in the future. I left the rest in their capable hands.
–TL Notes–
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