Chapter 176: Sibling Fight (4)
“Chief Song, I want to blow up the National Assembly building.”
[Please restrain yourself.]
“Well, if you’re holding back too, I guess it’d be wrong for me to take the lead. But I still really want to destroy it.”
[Take a deep breath and, if Peace is nearby, try petting him.]
The Blue House had supposedly emphasized prioritizing safety, but those damn politicians… not all of them, but quite a few were a problem.
Despite the short preparation period, the sparring event for high-rank Awakeners was coming together well. A formal tournament venue wasn’t constructed; there was no point. Unless we dumped insane amounts of money on the very best dungeon materials, everything would just end up broken. For safety reasons, the event couldn’t allow general spectators, making such a venue unnecessary.
Instead, the location was set near the high-rank Hunter training facility, at the base of a mountain Evelyn had conveniently leveled with her test firing. Broadcasting companies complained about the lack of proper facilities, but ordinary people, and even mid-rank Hunters without defense-type abilities, were prohibited from approaching. The matches could only be broadcast via drones or high-rank Hunters relaying the action.
Rules and a scoring system were quickly finalized without major issues, thanks to my input on future ranking match regulations. Although they didn’t adopt them exactly as I suggested—stubbornly tweaking them—it still sped up the process since the foundation was solid.
‘Everything’s set, and the buzz is incredible.’
I’d intended for a simple tournament with prizes for the top four competitors, but the Association pushed for a league-style format. Of course, it wasn’t possible to have every participant fight every other one. Instead, they divided the participants into ten groups, determining match winners to rank competitors from tenth place upward.
In other words, they wanted to establish a national ranking of A-rank combat Hunters.
Watching fights was already entertaining, but ranking the strongest fighters added a whole new level of excitement. Few could resist the allure of such an event. The hype spread not only across Korea but also internationally, with underground betting rings springing up all over the place.
— Obviously, the Sesung Hunter will win. Isn’t their S-rank lower-dungeon team leader a shoo-in for first place?
— Haeyeon’s Kim Seonghan would’ve won easily if he hadn’t ranked up to S-rank! He’s probably the strongest among the A-ranks!
└ Where do you think a defense-type ranks, idiot?
└ If you can’t penetrate his defense, it’s over! Plus, I heard Kim Seonghan has offensive skills too!
— Why did Kang Soyeong have to enter a dungeon?ㅠㅠㅠㅠ I wanted to see her fightㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
— Go Hwang Saemun from Haepung Guild! The Guardian of Busan! Fighting!
A-rank Hunters were suddenly thrust into the spotlight. Having been overshadowed by S-rank Hunters, they now basked in the flood of interview requests and public support, their excitement evident.
It seemed like the first Korean A-rank Hunter Ranking Match was shaping up to be a grand success.
‘And then Liette showed up.’
Kang Soyeong, on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion, lamented that the preliminaries had already ended. Meanwhile, Liette had cheerfully exclaimed, “Then I’ll just fight Pebble in the tournament!”—right in front of the Association officials waiting outside the dungeon.
Word spread rapidly that the S-rank siblings were planning to duel. With interest already at a fever pitch, some people practically screamed, “This is huge!” The gap between S-rank and A-rank was vast. Even before my regression, ranking matches had been divided between the two, and the difference between them was like the World Cup compared to a local league.
The first-ever live broadcast of an S-rank Hunter battle.
Many within the Association eagerly insisted this must happen, claiming it was too good to pass up. However, thanks to the recent restructuring, cooler heads prevailed, and they argued against it, citing safety concerns. The decision was made to prohibit S-rank battles outside dungeons. After all, both Noah and Liette used potent poison skills, and even in a remote area, they couldn’t be allowed to fight at full strength.
For a moment, it seemed like the matter was settled.
And then, the higher-ups got involved.
Politicians, desperate to use this opportunity to boost their resumes and approval ratings, inserted themselves into the situation. Before my regression, they’d tried to capture public attention by opening the Awakening Center, but when that fell through, they latched onto the ranking event instead.
I wanted to tell them to get lost, but the Hunter Association, being a government-affiliated organization, couldn’t ignore their pressure. On top of that, broadcasting companies and corporations started chiming in, suggesting that it would be fine if we expanded the safe distance and prohibited the use of poison.
Still, if either combatant refused, the fight wouldn’t happen. I tried to convince Liette, saying she wouldn’t like it and that all her skills might be exposed, but her response was:
“If I’m the first to do it, I’d love that~!”
I was ready to grab the back of my neck in frustration. Liette dismissed my concerns, saying that just seeing her skills wouldn’t reveal everything, and she’d remain just as strong regardless. She even promised to give the audience a little “service” during the opening ceremony.
To make matters worse, Noah, who had been quietly watching, looked at me and calmly agreed to the match as well.
In the end, the event’s opening ceremony became a duel between Noah and Liette.
“Well, at least they agreed not to use poison, so it should be manageable. But seriously, these people are experts at tacking on more work right after everything’s already settled. Damn nuisances.”
“What a mess the day before the event. Must be nice for them—they just wag their tongues and watch with their arms crossed from the sidelines.”
I sighed deeply. By now, the TV and portal sites were probably plastered with ads for the S-rank duel. My phone had been inundated with calls asking Noah to accept sponsorship deals. Some even wanted him to wear branded products during the fight. I politely, though barely, refrained from telling them how insane that was, instead suggesting they stick to their interviews if they wanted exposure.
“Anyway, I’m really sorry. If it weren’t for Liette, you wouldn’t have to come out here on the weekend. But since an S-rank Hunter got involved, you probably have to… work, right?”
[Even if it weren’t for Hunter Liette, I would’ve been on standby at the site.]
“…I’m really sorry. I should’ve done more to stop that Sesung Guild Leader.”
[No, you’ve helped in many ways. Thank you.]
“It’s nothing. It’s what I should be doing.”
I couldn’t just turn a blind eye when I was partly responsible. After a bit more work-related discussion, I ended the call with, “See you tomorrow.” The sky above was already growing dark.
“Ah, mosquitoes.”
The rooftop garden was still full of flying insects. Swatting the air, I glanced at my phone.
‘This isn’t going to work as is.’
Annoying as it was, I decided to swallow my pride and make a call. I opened my contact list and dialed the “damn skill.” Barely a few moments passed before the line connected.
[Have you finally cooled off?]
“…For now, yes.”
[After receiving no reply to my apology gift, I thought something must have come up.]
“Apology gift? What kind of nonsense—”
I stopped myself. I was the one asking for a favor here. Time to lower myself, just a little.
“…Thank you for the gift. I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner.”
I had “received” the so-called gift in the form of a constant stream of flower baskets delivered to me and Song Taewon at the Hunter Association—every three minutes. Delivery workers couldn’t enter the secure area where we were working, so instead, the building’s intercom had blared endlessly with notifications. The attached message even insisted that the delivery be acknowledged verbally. I was deeply, bitterly moved.
Throughout it all, Song Taewon had remained perfectly composed, as if completely unbothered. Honestly, I couldn’t help but respect him a little more for it. After all, he’d been dealing with this person for three years longer than I had. …Ugh, just thinking about it made my eyes sting again.
[Ah, this must be about your cute children once more. Is it Noah this time?]
“Sometimes, I really wish you’d pretend not to notice… No, you’re absolutely right. How astute of you. Truly impressive.”
I tried throwing in a bit of flattery, though even to my own ears, it sounded utterly half-hearted.
“It’s not a big deal, really—just something simple. I just need a small favor.”
After I explained what I wanted, Seong Hyunjae chuckled, sounding mildly amused, but agreed to help. It wasn’t a difficult request, after all.
Once the call ended, I looked up at the building in front of me. Perched faintly on the rooftop, something shimmered with a golden glow. I beckoned with my hand, and the figure leapt down without hesitation. Spreading its golden wings, which radiated a gentle light, it descended slowly before landing in front of me.
“Why are you still in dragon form?”
At my question, Noah tilted his head slightly before answering.
— I thought I’d practice flying a bit more. It’d be nice to get as skilled as Blue.
“The wings you were born with are different from hers. Besides, you’re already good enough. Don’t worry too much and get some rest. You’ll do fine.”
I didn’t say he’d win. That might have put unnecessary pressure on him. But I had confidence. Not everything goes as planned, but we were as prepared as we could be.
As he lowered his head toward me, I instinctively patted him. Noah narrowed his pale gray eyes and smiled softly.
— Yes. Have a good night, Yujin.
“See you tomorrow.”
With that, the dragon took off again, his wings spreading wide as he soared toward the building. I watched him fly away for a moment before leaving the garden myself. Ugh, mosquitoes.
The day of the first Korean A-rank Hunter Ranking Match dawned. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement—on the broadcasts, at least. The actual venue, however, was barren. It was just an empty plain at the base of the mountain.
Dozens of drones hovered in the air to record the matches, but none approached our area. I had warned them that S-rank Hunters who didn’t want to be filmed might destroy any bothersome drones on a whim.
There were few people near the empty arena. In case of emergencies, there was one healer, two A-rank defense-type Hunters to protect the healer, and three more A-rank defense-types managing the drones. Other than them, the only ones present were Noah, Liette, Yuhyun, Yerim, and Seong Hyunjae.
Everyone else, including the A-rank Hunters participating in the ranking match, various onlookers hoping to profit, broadcasting staff, and the ever-reliable Song Taewon, were all back at the high-rank Hunter training facility.
As the TV broadcast showed, the training facility was loud and lively. Hopefully, the excitement wouldn’t lead to any incidents. Don’t cause any trouble, A-ranks. Don’t overwork the government officials stuck working on the weekend.
“Hey, Yujin, you should reapply sunscreen every two to three hours.”
Yuhyun helpfully reminded me.
Yuhyun pulled out some sunscreen as he spoke. When Yerim had first started applying it to me, he’d given her a what the hell are you doing? kind of look, but the moment she’d declared, “Mister is F-rank! If he doesn’t take care of his skin, he could get skin cancer!” he’d joined her in diligently making sure I applied it regularly.
Sure, humanity had survived over a thousand years without sunscreen, so it felt a little excessive. But if the kids wanted to fuss over me, what could I do? It was annoying, but I let them take care of it. …Even if it meant slathering it on my neck, hands, and arms too.
“It’s about time. Yerim, let’s get started.”
“Got it!”
Yerim responded cheerfully, pulling out her spear. The water she’d prepared earlier rose into the air. While she could conjure water and ice out of thin air, doing so would use up significantly more mana.
The massive volume of water shot upward before splitting in two, moving to opposite ends of the makeshift arena and marking its boundaries. The water curved and twisted, creating an elaborate entranceway before solidifying into ice. Under the summer sunlight, the icy passage sparkled beautifully. Drones spun in circles, capturing the scene on camera.
“This is much better.”
It was Noah’s first-ever broadcasted fight. Starting on a plain dirt field just wouldn’t do. Even S-rank ranking matches, despite ending in destruction, always began with grandeur.
Though the scene here was silent, the broadcast added dramatic background music as I checked the stream on my phone and waved toward Liette and Noah. Liette, who had deliberately strapped her long sword diagonally across her waist, grinned and stepped forward first.
Her glossy black leather boots clicked against the icy path. As she reached the midway point of the curved passage—
Fwoosh!
Flames roared upward from beneath her. It was Irene, who had prepared in advance. The bright red flames surged high, melting the ice and enveloping Liette in a fiery glow. Her short black hair swayed in the heat, and her golden eyes gleamed like the heart of the fire.
Despite the searing heat, Liette walked through the melting ice unharmed, her steps composed and confident. The scene broadcasted with the grand background music was nothing short of cinematic. Though the broadcast wasn’t live, so there was a slight delay, it was stunning nonetheless.
Liette dramatically shrugged off her coat, Siléquia’s Wings, and flung it high into the air, letting it drift far away.
[The world-renowned S-rank Free Hunter, the Black Dragon Liette!]
The text introducing Liette was plastered boldly on the screen. One of the waiting A-rank Hunters swiftly retrieved Siléquia’s Wings. A quick thank-you to Seong Hyunjae for his cooperation.
The drones then shifted to the opposite ice passage, focusing on Noah. Unlike Liette’s relaxed confidence, Noah looked slightly tense. His gaze remained fixed on his sister, who was standing diagonally across from him.
As he stepped forward, reaching the middle of the passage—
Boom!
Lightning struck. Dozens, no, hundreds of forked streaks of light wrapped around the ice, flashing brilliantly. For a brief moment, everyone’s vision was obscured.
Crack!
A pair of golden wings unfurled wide, shattering the luminous ice into countless sparkling fragments. Amidst the cascade of gem-like shards, the golden dragon emerged, magnificent and radiant.
Electricity surged up from the ground, wrapping around the dragon as it soared high into the sky, a brilliant incarnation of sunlight. The scene, captured in low-angle footage, was breathtakingly spectacular.
‘I knew it was a good idea to ask Seong Hyunjae for help!’
I’d expected it to look good, but this was beyond my expectations. Perfect! Another big thank-you to Seong Hyunjae. I hoped the recorded footage was turning out well. Just in case, I’d also asked Do Hamin to record it separately.
“I never thought I’d end up using it as a special effect.”
“You’re really good at it. You could make it a side job.”
The power was kept to a minimum, and the light effects were adjusted perfectly—not too much, not too little. It was flawless. And of course, Yuhyun and Irene had done an excellent job coordinating the flames with Liette, and Yerim’s work as the main decorator was impeccable.
[S-rank siblings’ younger brother, former Ark Guild Leader, the Golden Dragon Noah Luhir!]
Wait, why was Noah introduced as “the siblings’ younger brother” first? Was this bias against support types? The broadcast followed up by explaining that Noah had access to numerous special support skills and items due to the inherent difference between combat and support types. This was, of course, a cover to avoid revealing anything about my skills.
Since arriving, I’d been using my stealth skill, making myself invisible to anyone below S-rank. To avoid suspicion, I’d even set up a temporary partition under the pretense of preparing special effects.
I’d already tested how my stealth skill appeared on camera. Even when examining a still frame, the most you could see was a faint, blurry shadow, barely noticeable. Since S-rank Hunters saw the same thing regular people did on-screen, there was no risk of being exposed.
If anyone raised suspicions, we could simply claim it was one of the support skill effects Noah had received.
“Well then, I’m off.”
“Be careful, hyung. And don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Stay safe, Mister.”
“Don’t worry. Grace is with me.”
Just in case, I’d swapped out my bracelet for a necklace, ensuring it wouldn’t fall off. The necklace was snugly fitted to my neck. Since poison wasn’t allowed, I disabled poison resistance and had taken motion sickness medicine in advance.
Taking a deep breath, I made my way toward Noah, who was standing on the ground. If everything went according to plan, victory was within reach.
–TL Notes–
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