[ Monster Breeder (1) ]
“Peace~.”
After receiving the pain relief patches that Goblin bought, I dismissed her and headed to the living room. Peace, inside the enclosure, hopped from side to side, greeting me. No matter how many times I see him, he’s just too cute.
As always, I scooped Peace up into my arms and stroked the back of his neck. The purring sound was so pleasant to hear.
There won’t be many more days left for me to carry him around like this. Once he starts growing, he’ll soon be bigger than me. It’s a bit sad.
“Don’t you dare start pretending you don’t know your dad just because you’re all grown up.”
Do monsters go through a rebellious phase too? If he swings his paw at me saying, “I hate you, Dad,” I’d probably end up hospitalized. But our Peace is too sweet for that, so I’m sure it won’t happen.
I set Peace down on the floor and used my My Kid Is The Best skill. Soon, a message window appeared before me.
[My Kid Is The Best (L) growth effect will be applied to the target, Peace, for 3 days!
Level 2 Unicorn Subspecies ? Flame Horned Lion Peace’s metamorphosis into an adult will take (365:00) Total effect duration (72:00)
Dun, the caretaker trains the subject to undergo adult metamorphosis
Reduce the total time required
Long
Waiting is not needed, you can grow.]
…Normally, it would’ve ended with the effect duration (72:00), but there was an extra explanation attached. There’s even a typo. No, it doesn’t seem like a regular typo.
‘They did this typo on purpose.’
Just a glance and it’s obvious it’s a vertical joke. Originally, it should’ve been “Dan,” but they pretended it was a typo and made it “Dun.” If you read it vertically:
Come to Dungeon. (TL Note: It’s impossible for me to translate it in a way that makes sense in English. Basically, the four vertical letters are 던, 전, 오 and 기, which spells 던전 오기, which means “Come to Dungeon”)
Now they’re even giving instructions through the explanation window. Wow, I’m genuinely curious about who this person is.
‘Why do they want me to come to the dungeon again?’
Given how far they’re going with this, I guess, like when I entered the D-rank dungeon, the chatting function only works within the dungeon. It seems there’s some restriction outside the dungeon, so they used this vertical joke in the explanation window.
‘If they send direct messages inside the dungeon, it seems bugs appear, like with that weird monster that popped out.’
Whoever they are, they don’t seem to be omnipotent.
‘Considering they couldn’t find me until I entered the dungeon, they probably can’t do much in this world outside the dungeon. Is that why they want me to go to the dungeon?’
But why should I trust them? What if they mess up again and this time an S-rank boss monster pops out? What then?
Sorry, but my trust in you, or whoever created this system, is long gone. If I hadn’t been with Yuhyun and instead entered with a normal A-rank instructor, I might’ve crossed the River Styx by now.
So let’s just pretend I didn’t see anything. I mean, nothing bad will happen just because I ignore the message, right?
‘…The problem is that it feels like something will happen.’
Damn it, how likely is it that some idle god or being would waste time on a vertical joke for no reason? Of all the S-ranks out there, why me? Is it because I returned to the past? Should I have taken a wish stone and begged to get rid of these damn dungeons and awakeners?
-Kiaang?
As I stood there lost in thought, Peace let out a small cry, as if asking what was wrong.
“It’s nothing. Just…”
It seems this dad has gotten mixed up with someone bizarre and insane. I sighed and held Peace again.
Why can’t I just live a peaceful life? All I ever wanted was to laze around. That’s not such a huge desire, is it?
“Ugh, there’s no point in overthinking it.”
In the end, there are only two options. Ignore it or obediently enter the dungeon. It’s not like I have anyone to consult with about receiving a message like this from the system. Even five years later, I couldn’t figure out the first thing about the system, so it’s probably even worse now.
A low-level F-rank knowing the most about the awakening and dungeon systems in the world—what a joke. Seriously, what am I supposed to do with this?
‘Let’s just focus on growing Peace first.’
At least it’s good news that training will speed up his growth. I’ll think about entering the dungeon after Peace has grown into an adult. If it’s urgent, they’ll contact me somehow.
“But does this mean I have to do the training myself?”
It seems so since the message said the caregiver should train him. What should I do? Fetching a ball? Frisbee? First, I’ll need to rent a training room.
Since I was planning to reveal the whole monster breeding thing anyway, I should tell Yuhyun first. I just hit level 10, so it’ll seem natural if I say I got the skill while playing with Peace.
I’ll ask the Haeyeon Guild for help, and I can dump the negotiations with the major guilds on Seok Gimyeong. They’ve been using me for free, so let’s see how they like it when I use them a bit.
[Do you have time this evening?]
I texted Yuhyun. He must’ve been busy cleaning up at the association because his reply was a bit late.
[ㅇㅇ]
[I have something to tell you. Let’s meet at home.]
I almost wrote ‘your place’ but changed it. This guy seems to think of my house as his home.
The second reply came even later.
By the time the patch I applied made Peace go crazy, and I had to take it off, Yu Myungwoo had returned after returning his gear, and we discussed sharpening ten thousand blades. I was tossing a ball to test the training effect on Peace when I finally got the text.
[I trust you, hyung.]
Oh, how adorable. He must’ve been bothered by what I said about being weird in the dungeon. Did he think I wanted to meet up to explain myself?
[I’ll bring some alcohol.]
Your fridge is way too wholesome. Come to think of it, I haven’t had a drink with this brat yet. By the time Yuhyun was old enough, our relationship had already soured. Sure, I’d staggered into his place drunk, but we never drank together.
Could it be he’s still inexperienced with drinking? Even if it’s his first time, with S-rank stats, he won’t get drunk easily. Neither will I. What a mess this all is.
Someday, I’ll be able to use my skills without worry.
With Peace in one hand and a bag filled with alcohol and snacks in the other, I headed to my brother’s place. I didn’t buy the alcohol; I asked the management office, and they prepared it for me. Fancy stuff I don’t even know the names of.
I just wanted some decent beer.
The staff member from the management office who handled alcohol smiled brightly and said, “This stuff won’t even get a B-rank buzzed,” and lined up bottles with alcohol content through the roof. They even mixed in some wine for starters. Something about Grand Cru or whatever—I don’t know, but it was definitely too nice to be swinging around in a plastic bag.
It’s charged to Yuhyun’s account, so I don’t care.
The house was as quiet as the first time I visited. It’s way too spacious for one person. You’re still too young to get married, but at least try dating.
“You’re here?”
I placed the bottles and snacks on the table and sat on the sofa. Soon, Yuhyun appeared, his hair still wet, probably from just having showered. Quite a bit of blood from that bird had splattered on him.
“Seems like the association kept you for a while.”
“It’s a rare occurrence. I handled some other business while I was there.”
Yuhyun brought over some glasses and sat in a single-seater sofa, a bit away from me. He glanced at the bottles on the table and slightly furrowed his brow.
“Isn’t this stuff a bit too strong?”
He recognizes it. So, it’s not his first time. That’s a little disappointing.
“You were just carried in a few days ago.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll drink moderately today. And we’re at home anyway.”
What’s the harm in getting smashed at home? Not that I’ll get drunk.
“By the way, it’d be hard for Goblin to get in here, right?”
Since only one person can use the portal at a time, she’d be caught even if she tried sneaking in. Plus, the location is hidden, so spatial movement would be difficult too.
“Not impossible.”
Yuhyun said as he opened a bottle.
“There’s a window, so if they check each space one by one using spatial movement, they’d eventually find it.”
But I doubt she’d go to that much trouble. To avoid Goblin, I guess I’d need to hide my location and use a secret room or something.
“Don’t worry about Goblin. For their own safety, they’ll definitely keep secrets. They are incredibly useful if you can get past the unsettling parts.”
“For secret communications?”
“That’s part of it, but they are also useful when making deals with people you don’t trust. They guarantee safety and confidentiality. Because of that, they are essential for high-ranking non-awakeners.”
So she provides that kind of service too. It’s probably best to keep our contract a secret for both our sakes. Even if the contract says she won’t reveal others’ secrets, the big shots would still get nervous.
“Speaking of Goblin, don’t you think they act kind of childlike?”
“Huh? Their personality is a bit quirky, but they are precise and thorough in their work. I think it’s more of a persona. There are a few hunters who create and act out characters that fit their abilities.”
Is that it? Now that I think about it, she was very meticulous when drafting the contract, too thorough for a kid.
Maybe, as Yuhyun said, she’s not actually young but is just deeply into her Goblin persona. Her behavior is straight out of a traditional folktale: loving pranks, trying to trick people, incredibly versatile yet somewhat clumsy.
If I lent her money, would she keep paying me back daily?
Calming Peace, who was curious about the shiny glass bottles, I picked up the glass Yuhyun poured for me. Hmm… it’s only about 20 milliliters. Hey, little brother, there’s barely enough to wet my lips here.
“This is ridiculous. It’s not even a sip.”
“I told you, it’s strong. Just take small sips.”
And yet, he fills his own glass over halfway.
“I’m not that much of a lightweight, you know?”
I’ve been drinking five, no, ten years longer than you. Grumbling, I emptied my glass in one gulp and reached for another bottle. What’s your problem? Glaring at me won’t change anything. Are you going to take it from me?
“It’s just strong in name, not even a buzz.”
Seriously, not even a buzz. All I could tell was that it had a nice aroma and a bit of a kick. Maybe it’s good because it’s expensive, even if it doesn’t get you drunk.
“Don’t pout. Pour yourself another glass. This is your first time drinking, isn’t it?”
Yuhyun hesitated briefly before downing his glass and holding it out. His actions made me feel strange.
Before I returned, I never imagined we’d be doing this, exchanging drinks. Or maybe, before the world changed, I thought someday I’d have a drink with my brother.
I remember once thinking, after his college entrance exams, I’d pour him a drink like this—even if it was cheap stuff—and teach him how to drink.
“You were a good brother.”
There were many things you lacked, but you never complained, unlike most kids your age.
“Of course, you’re still a good brother.”
I smiled as I filled his empty glass. Sure, you’re a bit annoying, but that’s because of the skill. Even without it, you’d worry about me anyway.
“A good brother, huh?”
Yuhyun muttered bitterly. You were good, though. A model student. His expression looked off, so I was about to ask if he’d gotten into trouble without me knowing, but Yuhyun spoke first.
“What’s this thing you wanted to talk about?”
“Oh, right.”
I stroked Peace, who was purring on my lap, as I continued.
“It’s about my level 10 skill.”
“A skill? Well, since you were there when the boss monster was taken down, you must’ve gotten experience. An A-rank dungeon should’ve been more than enough to level up. What skill did you get?”
“Monster Breeder.”
Sounds better than just saying a monster.
“…Monster Breeder?”
Yuhyun’s gaze fell on Peace. Sensing the attention, Peace bared his teeth slightly, as if displeased. Don’t do that; he’s going to be your future partner.
“Yeah. I think looking after Peace influenced the skill too. The skill level is S-rank, and—”
“S-rank?!”
My brother’s face turned serious.
“Your stats are F, but the skill… and it’s a special S-rank skill…”
“Hey, don’t go getting weird ideas.”
If you start talking about locking me up again, I’ll leave.
“But, hyung—”
“No buts. Just listen to what I have to say. The skill effect is exactly as the name implies: it’s a skill for raising monsters—specifically, for growing them. Remember how Peace wouldn’t grow? Normally, Flame Horned Lion cubs can’t grow without the help of an adult. But with my skill, he can grow. While still tamed.”
A fully grown, tamed Flame Horned Lion.
Han Yuhyun, more than anyone else, would understand the value of that.
Silence fell over us. Peace wagged his tail gently.
After a long pause, Yuhyun finally spoke with a complicated expression.
“But that means you…”
“Again with the ‘but.’ Think about it. How many S-ranks are in need of a high-level mount right now?”
“…All of them. Mid and low-level mounts can’t be used in S-rank dungeons. Even for large guilds, it’s too expensive to use them as disposables, so they’d only bring them along for first raids or rare occasions. The chances of a mid or low-level mount surviving an S-rank dungeon are extremely low.”
Yuhyun explained in a slightly dazed voice.
“So not just S-ranks but the entire team would need them. Even if it’s not a top-tier mount like a Flame Horned Lion, as long as it’s enough to survive an S-rank dungeon, people from all over the world would flock to get one.”
After finishing his explanation, Yuhyun rubbed his face with his hand and let out a long sigh. Seeing him like that, I smiled.
“With demand that high, it wouldn’t be hard to negotiate, right?”
“…Of course, really… Even the skill advice you gave earlier…”
Yuhyun lowered his hand, revealing a slightly dazed expression. It was funny and a little cute. Reminded me of when we were kids.
“You’re really the best, hyung.”
You flatter me.
–TL Notes–
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at patreon.com/MattReading
Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/BWaP3AHHpt