[ My Little Brother… (2) ]
“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
The man with the appraisal skill approached me and spoke. I wanted to check the status windows of the people here as well, but using my Promising Talent skill right now would make me stand out too much.
I was under the scrutiny of several S-Class hunters. If I rolled my eyes towards the air, they’d immediately suspect I was up to something.
— Grrrr.
Suddenly, Peace, who had been quietly nestled in my arms, bared his fangs. Immediately, the appraiser stepped back and spoke.
“Average stats are F-Class. Both Agility Up and Willpower Up skills are E-Class.”
“Did it sense the appraisal skill? Impressive.”
The Hanshin Guild Leader remarked with admiration.
Hanshin Guild Leader, Park Mingyu. An S-Class hunter specialized in defense, and if I recall correctly, he turned thirty this year. He used to be a regular office worker, and among the country’s S-Class hunters, he had a relatively low profile. His guild, Hanshin, also operated in the upper ranks without drawing much attention.
The only notable thing was that he didn’t get along with Kim Seonghan. To be precise, Park Mingyu had some sort of grudge against Kim Seonghan, seeing him as a thorn in his side.
Maybe it was his instincts picking up on Kim Seonghan’s potential. If Seonghan ever reached S-Class, Park’s status as the country’s only S-Class defense hunter would lose its premium.
“A C-Class level that’s still immature? Hansoo, try using your skill again.”
The Breaker Guild Leader told the appraiser. Judging by the way she gestured at him earlier, it seemed she was the one who brought him. Or maybe he was a member of her guild.
Breaker, one of the top three guilds. Its leader was Moon Hyunah, the only female S-Class hunter in Korea—well, she used to be the only one.
A former tennis player in her late twenties, her main focus was mounts, so she’d naturally be the most interested in them. Currently, Breaker also had the largest collection of mounts in the country, and two years later, they’d spend a fortune importing a high-grade mount from overseas.
— Kyang!
When the appraiser used his skill again, Peace barked loudly. This time, even though the appraiser had kept more distance, Peace really seemed to sense it.
“It’s alright, Peace.”
As I tried to calm down the excited Peace, the gazes directed at us turned uncomfortably heated.
“It seems it’s real.”
The Hunter Association President expressed his surprise, clearly impressed.
“The Flame-Horned Lion, wasn’t that an S-Class dungeon boss?”
Moon Hyunah asked Yuhyun. Despite him being eight years younger and also an S-Class guild leader, she spoke to him informally.
“There were three full-grown ones, excluding the juveniles. Overall, they were weaker than a solo boss, but still of S-Class caliber.”
“It’s been two months since the first raid, so the next one will be in a month. What do you say, Young Master? If another juvenile appears, why don’t you hand it over to us?”
“A trade for a high-tier mount with cold resistance is possible.”
Yuhyun replied with a smooth smile. Moon Hyunah smiled back in kind.
“Speaking of which, I heard your lovely junior’s level 10 skill is ice-based. I’m curious about the specifics.”
“Hunter Park Yerim mentioned that too much attention is overwhelming.”
“She probably just wants to get along with the only other female S-Class in the country. Having a guild leader of the same gender would make things easier for her. Don’t worry, I won’t break the contract and steal her away. Three years will pass quickly.”
She said, laughing. Wow, what an irritating woman. Sure, in three years, Yerim can join whatever guild she wants, and it’s not unethical to start sweet-talking her early. But it still rubbed me the wrong way. Show some respect and speak formally to my brother.
“Haven’t you already purchased several monster cubs from Haeyeon? Don’t you think that’s a bit greedy?”
MKC Guild Leader Choi Seokwon chimed in. What’s his problem now?
Choi Seokwon used to be a soccer player and even served as captain of the national team. I used to like him, but now he’s just getting on my nerves. Still, he’s using formal language, so that’s at least one point in his favor.
“The news spread quickly, considering they haven’t even arrived in the country yet.”
“Did you think people wouldn’t find out after publicly announcing your intent to purchase? Seven high-tier cubs and one top-tier. You’ve practically swept the market.”
Choi Seokwon said, sounding slightly agitated. Eight cubs? Yuhyun, are you trying to give me a heart attack? Of course, they wouldn’t all be handed over at once, but still.
And on top of that, I didn’t expect another top-tier monster to appear so soon. Maybe it’s because of that old stockpile of dungeon bosses.
“The top-tier juvenile can be traded for another top-tier with cold resistance or ten high-tier juveniles, including those with cold resistance. Please feel free to contact us anytime.”
Yuhyun replied with ease. It seemed that the recently acquired top-tier monster didn’t have cold resistance. Now I’m curious about what kind of creature it is.
“Young Master of Haeyeon, it seems you’re benefiting quite a bit thanks to your brother.”
Moon Hyunah chuckled as she stood up from her seat. Her footsteps toward me caused Yuhyun’s previously relaxed expression to tense up a bit.
Don’t show it, you idiot. Stay calm.
“We’ve kept such a distinguished guest standing for too long. Please, have a seat.”
Moon Hyunah offered, pulling out a chair for me. She smiled beautifully. She was truly stunning, with a perfect figure and a height of over 180 centimeters, even taller than me.
I really don’t like these S-Class hunters. Even Yerim is probably going to grow taller than me. It’s depressing.
“Thank you.”
I sat down obediently, and Moon Hyunah leaned in. Her proportions were so impressive that I hadn’t noticed it on TV, but she seemed bigger than me overall. Before the regression, I’d been in decent shape myself, but now… well, I’m just an F-Class who’s only cleared one dungeon.
“A brother who’s the Haeyeon Young Master, the guardian of a super rookie, and you even have a cute cat. If we take Han Yujin, do we get the whole package?”
“That’s not likely.”
I replied with a polite smile.
“It’s a standalone item, no bonuses included.”
“Shame, but even just the main item would be satisfying enough, don’t you think?”
“I’m afraid it’s not for sale.”
I said, turning my gaze slightly to check on Yuhyun. He wasn’t even looking this way. Good. If you can’t control your expression, just don’t look at all.
“Not even for your brother?”
A long finger touched the back of my neck. Peace, who had been lying on my lap, perked up his ears. Yuhyun finally turned his head toward me, and our eyes met.
Maybe it’s a good idea to clarify things here and now.
“No exceptions for the unsellable item. However—”
“However?”
“If you become the best in the country, there might be an exception.”
“That’s interesting.”
Moon Hyunah chuckled quietly.
“So, if Sesung Guild is the best, they could buy you right now?”
At her words, I shifted my gaze toward the one person who hadn’t said a word this entire time.
Sesung Guild Leader, Seong Hyunjae. The strongest hunter in the country, both in terms of his guild and himself. He was looking at me with mild interest.
Since he seems to be expecting an answer, I guess I’ll give him one.
“For my younger brother, there’s a sibling discount for being the best in the country.”
I said with a smile.
“For everyone else, you’ll need to be the best in the world to earn that exception.”
“You’ve got guts!”
Moon Hyunah exclaimed joyfully. Could she stop slapping my shoulder? It hurts. Even Peace is showing his teeth now.
“They say brothers resemble each other, and I’m reminded of when that 18-year-old brat was running around saying he was going to start his own guild. You seem more level-headed than your brother, though.”
…What? What’s wrong with my brother? Out of all the people here, he’s the most level-headed. You’re being way too harsh.
“My brother is far more level-headed than I am.”
I couldn’t help but correct her. Moon Hyunah exaggeratedly widened her eyes.
“Are you serious?”
“Of course—”
“Oh my, he’s adorable!”
She burst into loud laughter. What’s so funny?
‘…Wait.’
The others are laughing too. Except for Yuhyun, who’s just sitting there looking serious. Even the Sesung Guild Leader has an amused smile on his face.
There’s no way these people are bored enough to pull a hidden camera prank on me, right…? Yuhyun? It seems like your reputation is a bit strange…
“What a crazy guy, pretending to be all innocent in front of his brother—”
“Breaker Guild Leader.”
Yuhyun interrupted Moon Hyunah’s words.
“That language is a bit harsh, don’t you think?”
“Oh, wow! No wonder you’re being so damn polite today! I thought you suddenly matured, but aha—”
And with that, she broke out laughing again. She was practically rolling on the floor. I wish I knew what was so funny…
‘Pretending to be innocent?’
What nonsense. My Yuhyun has always been well-behaved and calm. He’s never really caused me much trouble.
Of course, I know that being a guild leader at such a young age meant he couldn’t always stay soft-spoken. But calling him crazy? That’s way over the line.
“Having a good relationship with your brother is a good thing.”
The Hanshin Guild Leader added. As if you weren’t the second one to laugh the loudest.
Damn it, these people must have driven my brother crazy. I bet they bullied him relentlessly because he refused to back down. Knowing how worried Yuhyun is about my safety, it’s clear he’s dealing with a bunch of underhanded jerks. You don’t face a pack of hungry wolves with a dandelion. You shoot at them.
“Well, Brother, you’ve got yourself a good sibling there.”
Moon Hyunah said, straightening up from her crouched position. I really don’t like her.
“But if you’re really planning to stay unaffiliated, I guess the rumors are true.”
“Yes. I believe that’s for the best. Rather than aligning myself with one guild, it’s more beneficial to all of you if I stay neutral and focus on mount raising and management.”
“But doesn’t that mean you’re practically affiliated with Haeyeon?”
MKC Guild Leader Choi Seokwon asked, frowning slightly.
“I’m merely cooperating with them. I can’t handle everything on my own, so I need assistance. Besides, you and the others will also receive special treatment in exchange for your cooperation. There are plenty of guilds, both domestic and international, that need high-tier mounts. This gives you an advantage over them.”
The five guilds gathered here today would solidify their dominance not just domestically, but internationally as well. One of the terms we agreed on was that each guild would get first priority for one of the five top-tier mounts I’d be raising.
This meant that they could form S-Class raid teams with mounts faster than anyone else. They could even trade spots with other guilds, profiting from the deal.
It was such a good offer that even Seok Gimyeong, who’s usually so calm and collected, had grumbled about me giving away too much.
“Furthermore, my value is at its peak right now, but it will inevitably decline. So you don’t need to worry too much about my ties with Haeyeon. After all, high and top-tier mounts aren’t consumables.”
The lifespan of these monsters wasn’t known, but they certainly wouldn’t die off quickly. Even lower-tier monsters raised for research purposes had lived over seven years. It was highly likely the higher-tier ones would live even longer.
In a few years, people would stop flocking to me. The demand wouldn’t disappear entirely, but I’d only need to supply maybe three or four a year. If another S-Class Tamer or someone with a similar skill appeared, I could retire even sooner.
“My dream is to cut back on work and retire halfway within a few years to live a relaxed life.”
That was the honest truth. Just raise a few baby monsters, take care of my building, and live a peaceful life. Just thinking about it makes me happy. That’s the ideal life.
Now, if only I could meet someone who wasn’t put off by the keyword effects or who viewed me as more than a ‘neighborhood oppa,’ it’d be perfect.
“You’ve got a way with words. Well then, let’s wrap up the negotiations.”
Moon Hyunah said, smiling as she returned to her seat.
Since most of the terms had already been ironed out, the final adjustments went smoothly.
The core of the agreement was this:
- The five guilds will guarantee the safety of me and my properties.
- I will prioritize the five guilds’ requests for raising monsters, but each guild is limited to one monster every two months.
- The building where the monster-raising facilities will be located will be constructed with investments from the four guilds, excluding Haeyeon.
- I will own the building once it is completed.
There were other minor details, but those were the important points.
The most beneficial part for me was the clause guaranteeing the safety of my properties.
Of course, it was limited to this one building and for a set period. However, there was no clause stating that only I could enter the building.
This meant that as long as I allowed them in, anyone—from Yu Myungwoo to Seok Hayan—could enjoy protection from the top five guilds in the country.
Neither Yuhyun nor the other guild leaders could imagine what I was planning. But it’s not like they’d lose out—after all, I could just throw them a bone by giving them first dibs on a mount. I’d make money while lounging around, collecting rent.
With the contracts signed and a few questions about Peace answered, everything wrapped up quickly. There weren’t any particularly difficult questions, and even the guild leaders and the Hunter Association President were being oddly nice to me.
It’s not that I didn’t appreciate their kindness—it was just unsettling.
Especially the way Moon Hyunah kept looking at me like she found me adorable. I’m younger than her, sure, but it felt like she was treating me like her baby brother. Ugh, I’ll just have to tolerate it since she’s contributing a lot to the building costs.
“Thanks to you, I had a lot of fun today.”
Moon Hyunah winked at me as she exited the room. Ah, yes. So glad you enjoyed yourself.
I’m exhausted, and I didn’t even do anything.
“Peace, stop chewing on the chair and get down.”
What’s with him and destroying furniture lately? That chair looks expensive.
Just as I was about to go and get him, someone blocked my way. It was Seong Hyunjae, the Sesung Guild Leader.
“I’ll remember the exception clause.”
He said with a smile. What exception… Oh. Forget about that, please.
“Well then, see you soon.”
He lightly patted my shoulder before walking past me. Ah, well. Becoming the best guild in the world isn’t exactly easy, and even five years later, he still hadn’t managed it. No need to worry.
Anyway, it’s finally over.
–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