The S-Classes That I Raised

Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson open up about how their bond began

Naturally, Shishio couldn't come right away. There was plenty to prepare anyway, and as for Mister Lion King, all I needed from him was a hand to sign the contract to cover my labor cost. That didn't mean I just said, "Sure, I'll wait patiently".

"You're all seriously lacking in patriotism. Here I am, offering to help despite being worried for my beloved country."

I basically threatened to leave at any moment and bossed around the Amaterasu Guild members like they were nothing.

"No intermediate Hunters. Only high-rankers. We need exactly a hundred Hunters who can survive even when S-rank and higher monsters go wild. If you can't meet that requirement, we're doomed."

"Is there really a way to resolve this..."

"If you don't trust me, forget it. I can just head back to Korea."

I said, my eyes resting on an item in my inventory.

[Wide-Area Bait — SS-RankA bait set that can lure all monsters SS-rank and below within a 200km radius. Comes in 10 scents, 10 pieces.Single-use]

It was obviously impossible to cover all of Japan, but if we could identify where the S-rank and above monsters were and used it in the right spot, we could gather them into one place. If anything fell too far outside the range, we could just lure them separately.

"Don't you have anything like a reconnaissance satellite? Whatever it is, check the current location of the S-rank and above monsters. They all need to be gathered within a 200km radius."

"Within a 200km radius?"

"I'm not taking responsibility for any that get missed. Also, I need a location where it's okay to completely blow everything away. Once you've got the monster locations, pick the central area within the radius—even if it's not ideal, make it ideal."

Even if that place was Tokyo. It had to be evacuated and cleared out. From the look on the Amaterasu Guild members' faces, they were starting to grasp the general idea of the plan.

"There are already five SS-rank monsters confirmed, but how could we possibly gather them all at once..."

"That's not that many. Move quickly before the damage gets worse. As for those S-rank and above monsters outside the radius—pull them in however you can."

Time to work, people. The Japanese Hunters wore uneasy expressions, clearly not trusting me, but they began moving busily. They were in no position to refuse, even if it meant clinging to a rotten lifeline.

Since we weren't inside a dungeon, we could make use of all kinds of modern equipment. It wouldn't be hard to track monster locations. Even SS-rank monsters would struggle to escape something like a supersonic jet, unless they had some kind of instant teleportation skill.

In my past life, when SS-rank monsters too powerful to deal with escaped dungeons, jets were dispatched to lure them. Regular bombs didn't work, but they were good enough to get on a monster's nerves.

"Oh, and high-rank monsters usually ignore drones! You'll need to stick a high-grade magic stone in them at least. But the best lure is a high-rank Hunter. When drawing SS-rank monsters, make sure to use at least S-rank magic stones. And Yuhyun."

After giving instructions, I turned to my little brother.

"You're taking a break starting now."

"I'm not tired. I'm fine."

"Take a break anyway. You're the star of the show, so you need to be in top shape."

Given our current conditions, Yuhyun was the most suitable. Yerim wouldn't be a bad choice either, but if we wanted to maximize the bait's range, we'd need to hunt inland, not by the sea.

"I'll ask them to clear out the floors above and below your room too. It'll be distracting if other people are around."

"You're fine, though. Didn't you say you were sleepy earlier? Come with me."

"I have to stay here and make sure everyone's doing their jobs. And I still need to sign the contract once the Amaterasu Guild leader gets here. I'll come get you when we're ready."

Once I sent my brother off to the guest room, Yerim raised her hand with sparkling eyes.

"Mister, what about me? Should I help lure the monsters?"

"No, it's fine to leave that to them. Monsters don't sprint across 200km in an instant, so we'll need help holding out until they all gather." Nоtе frоm thе еditоr: Alwаys сhесk МV2LЕМРYR fоr соrrесtiоns.

We'd need to check the monster distribution, but I estimated we'd have to hold out for about an hour or so. The S-rank monsters wouldn't be much of a problem—SS-rank monsters were the real concern.

"Please also gather as much detailed info as possible on the SS-rank monsters, beyond just their current location. Especially their appearance. If you can, take photos or videos and send them to me."

It'd be great if I knew them. That way, I could calculate their speed and place the bait so they'd arrive just after everything was ready. One or two was fine, but if five showed up at once—even with a bunch of S-rank Hunters around, it'd still be dangerous.

"Yerim, you should rest too until then. Same for you, Noah. Would you like something to eat?"

On one side of the spacious lounge, food had been set out. Maybe I should've fed Yuhyun before sending him off. It's not good to eat right before sleeping, though. The hotel staff were moving quietly, keeping a close eye on us. Poor folks, stuck here even during all this. Still, it was probably way safer in here than out there.

-Chirp!

Chirp let out a cry, apparently begging for food after seeing the buffet-style spread.

"No. You overate already."

He had probably used up most of the power from the magic stone, but still—just in case. Instead, I placed Belare on the table and handed her a magic stone.

-Chirrr.

-Sssit.

Belare took the stone while keeping an eye on Chirp. I thought Chirp might try to snatch it away, but surprisingly, he behaved. Such a good kid.

"You're such a good boy, Chirp. You even know how to be patient."

When I gave him a C-rank magic stone as a reward, he quickly snatched it up with his beak and swallowed it. Then, seemingly in a better mood, he began trotting around the table with Belare.

"Meat again, huh?"

"Yes, meat! Do they have Korean food here? Drosia's cuisine wasn't bad, but I missed rice."

"Right, right. What kind of Korean food do they have—actually, never mind, can I just borrow the kitchen? What about you, Noah?"

"I'm fine with what's already here. I'm not particularly picky."

"Still, if there's anything you want to eat, let me know. I can't make much, though."

After thinking it over, Noah spoke.

"Then I'll have Korean food too. You know, home-cooked. Just something simple, the way you normally eat, Mister Yujin."

Simple, he says. When I'm alone, I barely put any effort into my meals. Myungwoo, as if it were a given, followed me into the kitchen and sent all the staff out.

"We actually didn't come out after just two days."

There was rice, so all we needed to do was prepare some side dishes. While I gathered eggs, a frying pan, and some salt, Myungwoo quickly prepped the ingredients for a stew.

"There was a problem, and the dungeon... it turned into something like virtual reality. Like a video game. Because of that, time passed way faster. You know how games move faster than real time? So, we were in there for over ten days."

"That long?"

"Yeah. Almost two weeks, really. But while the others entered kind of like they were possessing game avatars, I was there in my real body."

Thunk, a piece of meat was chopped on the cutting board.

"And of course, only you, Yujin."

Myungwoo's voice dropped. I hadn't even started talking about the important part yet, and he was already like this. Not good.

"No, listen. This time, it really wasn't my fault. I didn't want any of it. I swear."

Seriously. But Myungwoo still didn't look happy. ...If I asked him to check the mana engraving, he'd definitely get mad. I needed to talk about it, but he'd get mad. Since the engraving was something I chose to do, if I explained the details, he'd really blow up.

There were ears listening here, so let's wait until we get home to talk about it. Even if he scolds me, I'll deserve it.

"Oh, and that place had mana guns too."

"Firearms?"

"Yeah. I'll pull one out later and give it to you. There were weapons that could output firepower regardless of rank as long as you supplied mana. If we could make something like that in our world, it'd be really useful."

Due to mana limitations, low-rank Hunters wouldn't be able to match A or S-rank firepower, but even F-ranks could potentially reach C-rank power. That alone would make lower-level dungeons much safer to run. Support-type Hunters would also gain viable means of attack.

"High-rank Hunters would still be better off with weapons tailored to their abilities, but for mid to low-rank Hunters, this would be a huge help."

"I'm curious how they're made. Can I take one apart?"

"Of course! Go right ahead!"

He seemed a little cheered up now. Later, when we're home, I'll try pulling out some otherworldly items and talk about the engraving too. If I can convince him it'll help keep me safe, maybe he won't get as mad.

While we were cooking, Moon Hyunah came back from contacting the Breaker Guild. She hadn't had Korean food in a while, so she added a request for something spicy. I really should've fed Yuhyun before sending him up. Should I call him down now? He's probably already asleep.

"Wow, the broth is amazing. I shouldn't drink now, right?"

"You don't get drunk anyway."

At my reply, Moon Hyunah grinned.

"I had a few points left, so I traded them in. It wasn't much. I've got exactly two bottles."

"Then save them."

"Maybe when we get back, I'll invite Chief Song for a drink. Won't tell him it's liquor that even S-ranks can get drunk on."

"Then I'm in too. Yerim, obviously, you're not."

Yerim, trying to chime in, grumbled and scooped up a big spoonful of rice. If we get Chief Song drunk, maybe we can get him to stamp a contract saying he'll take responsibility for taking care of the lamb. Even if not, we might at least be able to talk honestly with him. Then again, if he's got a high tolerance, one or two bottles might not do the trick. If I'd known, I would've brought more myself.

I petted Peace on my lap and took a few bites too. It'd been a while since I had white rice—it really was delicious. While we were eating, the Japanese Hunters returned with photos of the SS-rank monsters.

"Thankfully, none of them are flying types."

Except for one, I recognized the monsters. The one I didn't know didn't look like it could fly, based on its appearance.

"Keep tracking their locations. Do we have a site selected?"

"Yes! We're discussing three possible locations."

"Don't just focus on minimizing immediate damage. Think long-term. Even if there are important facilities, ignore them. Choose the place where we can draw in the most monsters as safely as possible."

People tend to screw everything up by trying to save unnecessary things. A Japanese Hunter replied that he'd keep that in mind and informed me that the Amaterasu Guild Leader would arrive within thirty minutes.

Just hearing that Shishio was on the way made my heart race. What could I squeeze out of him so thoroughly that people would say I really milked him? First, I'll make him hand over a list of all the equipment he has. If nothing catches my eye... what kind of dungeons and gear will appear in Japan next?

"I'm really curious how Director Han's going to pull this off. Think I could lend a hand?"

"Of course we need your help, Hyunah. Want to come check out the Amaterasu Guild's storage with me later?"

"I'd love to!"

To hold out until the monsters enter a certain range, the help of S-rank Hunters was essential. Thankfully, there were plenty of capable people. Like that Seong-something sitting over there.

'...But seriously, he's so quiet.'

I turned my head and looked over at Seong Hyunjae, who was sitting at the far end of the lounge. He had seemed unusually quiet even back in the Black Ox Forest dungeon. He hadn't asked about the Changeling or the magic stone. He hadn't said a word unless I initiated the conversation.

It was the same even after we got out. Normally, he'd be the first to step forward, but he'd been hanging back the whole time. Even when I spouted nonsense, he hadn't reacted. He was the type to mess around saying things like, It's an honor to be chosen by you, teasing the kids, or joking about the next tourist spot being a deserted island. He didn't even butt into the call with Chief Song, nor did he say anything more than a single comment about Soyeong. He didn't even throw out something like, Oh, I didn't know you were sharing those kinds of talks with Yerim. I'll remember that.

The guy who normally went past the first round all the way to the third stopped before the first line even began.

Even now, other than contacting the # Nоvеlight # Sesung Guild, he had no involvement and sat separately from everyone else. His figure, seated by the large front window with a coffee cup next to him, looked like something out of a magazine shoot. But it felt off. Awkward. Strange.

Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore, put Peace down, and walked over to the table where Seong Hyunjae was sitting. There was no way he hadn't noticed my presence, but he only turned his head to look at me after I was standing right next to him.

"Is it because of Crescent Moon?"

If someone didn't know the situation, they wouldn't understand what I meant by that. Everyone else was seated far enough away.

"Anyone would be in a shitty mood."

Forcing someone who clearly didn't want it to be dragged back again and again, erasing their memories, repeating lives countless times. If it were Seong Hyunjae, I figured he might brush it off easily—but at the same time, it was exactly because he was Seong Hyunjae that he might be even more furious.

Seong Hyunjae, who had only stared at me for a moment, took an item out from his inventory. With his long fingers, he tapped a sound-blocking item onto the table.

"Are you worried about me?"

"Worried? What am I worrying about, someone like me. I just—"

I stopped mid-sentence.

"...Yes. I'm worried."

Honestly.

"And the more I think about it, the angrier I get. Not at you, Seong Hyunjae, but at that damn Crescent Moon. Since I'm getting dragged around too, even if it's not directly my business, it still pisses me off."

No matter how noble the intention, from the perspective of the one suffering, it's just infuriating.

"Sigma escaping—does that really help you, Seong Hyunjae? If we can't get a hit in on Crescent Moon, then all that effort was a waste. In the end, the special quest had nothing to do with us escaping."

If anything, it got in the way. If we hadn't protected Sigma, the monsters wouldn't have chased us, and that horse head thing wouldn't have appeared. If we had just set up the disks immediately, the rookie would have opened the escape route. Sure, you helped us here and there and got us some extra points, but if that's all there is, it's not enough.

"Even without the special quest, Han Yujin—you wouldn't have left him behind."

"Well, yeah. I mean, I was partly responsible too. Anyway... honestly, if he hadn't looked so much like you, I wouldn't have even gotten involved. I thought he was you, and that's why I got dragged into it."

Well, technically, they're the same person, but still. If I hadn't known Seong Hyunjae, I probably would've just passed by like, Wow, he looks just like the Sesung Guild Leader, and that'd be the end of it. I wouldn't have entered the dungeon with him either.

I considered sitting in the chair across from him but ended up just perching on the edge of the table. If I sat properly, my line of sight would naturally fall below his, and I didn't want that right now. Psychologically, I needed to be at a disadvantage, but at least physically I wanted to feel equal... not that this would actually make it feel even.

"You didn't even touch your coffee. Is it just for decoration? ...Ugh, it tastes terrible. Seriously, this is awful."

What the hell is this? I almost lost my tongue. When I told him not to drink it, Seong Hyunjae's eyes curved into a smile.

"I don't have the memories yet, so I don't know all the details. But my relationship with Crescent Moon is likely a deeply entangled contract made over several instances—difficult to sever. You could say we cut one thread from that tangled knot."

"So even if it's all jumbled, we snipped part of the middle, and that gives you a chance to break free?"

"It won't be easy, though."

A thread wrapped around in multiple layers doesn't immediately unravel just because one strand is cut. Still, it was better than having no opening at all.

"That's a relief."

"Let's just say thanks for that."

"What for? I already got what I came for. Besides, even if it weren't you, Seong Hyunjae, if it were someone else around me... I wouldn't want them taken away either."

All this crap about transcendents, watching from above and pulling strings—it's exhausting. Sure, you guys are powerful. But I've already fought off two of you. What makes you think I can't handle a third?

"They won't be able to get close for now anyway, so don't stress too much. And if it's you, Seong Hyunjae, you'll be fine."

They said Crescent Moon was asleep for now. It was almost certainly because of Seong Hyunjae. The Seong Hyunjae from before my regression hadn't died. If he had died or been pulled out of this world, he wouldn't have retained his memories.

He was reported missing, so maybe he took a hit. But it didn't seem like he was simply overpowered by Crescent Moon. More likely, he landed a blow of his own.

"It's true that the past I don't remember is bothering me."

Golden eyes looked up at me.

"But what I'm focused on now is something else."

Huh? What else could it be?