The S-Classes That I Raised

[Checking current monster distribution status.]

An announcement flowed through the cabin. Although most of the monsters had been lured out and massacred using bait, Japan was not completely cleared yet. A significant number of monsters still remained, and among them were some flying types. There were hardly any monsters that could match the speed and altitude of an airplane, but caution was still necessary during takeoff and landing.

"Hyunah, just a moment."

I called out to her, asking if she could spare some time. Once we arrived in Korea, things would get busy, and there wouldn't be another opportunity like now.

"What's up?"

"Uh, I'd like a consultation. Is that okay?"

She said of course, and motioned for me to follow her to a place set up like a reception room. When Yuhyun and Yerim looked curious, she waved them off, saying it was a conversation for adults.

"So, what do you want to talk about?"

A beer bottle was placed on the table as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Were we aiming for the atmosphere even if we didn't plan to get drunk?

"There's... a lot on my mind."

It wasn't something that could be discussed easily. Especially not matters involving Yuhyun and Seong Hyunjae. But Moon Hyunah had known both of them for a long time. She was also an S-Rank Hunter like them.

"Honestly, I wanted to talk to Seong Hyunjae about Yuhyun. But the timing never seemed right. And if I asked Yuhyun why Seong Hyunjae is acting that way, he'd probably just tell me to ignore it."

"Anyway, the Young Master probably doesn't know much about Seong Hyunjae. He doesn't care."

"Still, aren't they fairly close? He even left me in Sesung Guild once."

"Close? Not at all. If it were me, I would've done the same. Seong Hyunjae has complete control over his guild. Unlike me or the late Choi Seokwon. More accurately, there wasn't another option."

Two glasses were placed on the table. She opened the beer and poured it into the glasses. A bag of almonds was opened and spread out as snacks.

"To begin with, the Young Master doesn't have anyone to chat with casually unless it's related to his brother. That's how I see it. So, he's probably much closer and more familiar with Yerim than Seong Hyunjae. They even fight over their brother sometimes."

"They argue at home occasionally, but they do that outside too?"

"Yeah. Mostly over the phone or through messages. It's pretty childish—it shows how young the Young Master still is. And I think Yerim feels more comfortable because of that. It's still someone else's house, after all. Sometimes, it's easier to grow attached when you can bicker and clash, rather than being treated nicely all the time."

Her words made my chest ache a little.

'Yerim must feel uncomfortable in some ways too.'

"It'd be weirder if she didn't. Still, your brother's side has a good balance. I think it's just right."

Her reassurance made me feel relieved. It was good to know that, at least from an outside perspective, Yuhyun was getting along well with Yerim. These almonds were tasty. The sharp wasabi flavor kept making me reach for more.

"So, Seong Hyunjae and the Young Master are what's bothering you?"

"Yes. And I'm also a bit concerned about Yerim. And Noah even more so. I'm also wondering how to persuade Chief Song."

"You look like someone taking care of five kids born a year apart."

"They're both older than me, though. Anyway, right now, it's mainly about Yuhyun and the Sesung Guild Leader."

"But doesn't the Young Master have plenty of people to ask on the Haeyeon side? Like Seok Gimyeong or Kim Seonghan—people who've been with him since the guild's founding. There's also Hayun. They'd probably know him way better than I or Seong Hyunjae would."

"...That's true."

Certainly, those people—especially Seok Gimyeong—probably knew all the ins and outs about Yuhyun. But somehow, it had become a bit awkward to ask them freely. I should've asked right after I regressed. It was easier to talk to them back then. Should I go find Team Leader Kim Hayun?

Or, as Iryn suggested, maybe I should observe Yuhyun through his mental domain.

"Yuhyun is... manageable. But I really don't know what to do about Seong Hyunjae. You know more about him than I do, don't you, Hyunah?"

"Well, maybe a little? Or call Soyeong. What about Chief Song? When it comes to the Young Master too. The person most involved with both of them is definitely Song Taewon. He's clashed with them directly many times, so he might know things others around them don't."

The thought that Song Taewon might have seen different sides of them made me nod instinctively. He held a unique and rare position—managing S-Rank Hunters with authority as a public official. I might be able to hear insights about the two that I wouldn't otherwise know.

"When we get back, let's have a drink with the three of us."

"Won't you be too busy?"

"You think I can't spare that much time? We gotta get our dear Chief Song drunk at least once! Should we swap out the bottle in advance? That'd be safer. Something expensive he's never had before."

Moon Hyunah laughed cheerfully, playfully. These almonds are delicious. Honey butter flavor—this one's good too.

"You seem closer to Chief Song than I thought. Honestly, I think you two match pretty well, ah—!"

An almond flew at my forehead and smacked it. Moon Hyunah spoke nonchalantly.

"Director ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don't copy, read here) Han, I prefer younger guys."

...I see. I brushed the powder off my forehead. Younger guys. Huh. No way. No way...

"...Mm, ideally, the age gap would be under five years, but I do think you're reliable, Hyunah. At least the first digit is the same. If it were a difference of over ten years, I'd absolutely object, though. So I'm in favor─"

"Oh, come on. What are you imagining, hyung."

Another almond came flying. I narrowly dodged it this time.

"You said you like younger guys. Among the domestic S-Rank Hunters younger than you..."

"Pfft, what's so attractive about Han Yuhyun that I'd want to date him? It's annoying enough just bumping into him for work."

"Why not, though."

He's handsome. Objectively good-looking.

"Oh, then maybe Noah? You've always seemed interested in him!"

"The Young Master too, but what would I do with those fuzzy little baby chicks. Even if they're younger, they should at least be around your age, Director Han."

"...Excuse me?"

Wh–why am I suddenly in this conversation. I'm thirty on the inside.

"No, I—"

"Now that I think about it, I feel offended. You left me out entirely, Director Han."

Moon Hyunah stood up and walked around the table toward me. One of her knees rested on the long sofa, and she leaned her body over my head. Instinctively, I swallowed dryly.

"So I'm not even on your radar, is that it?"

Her voice was low, carrying weight, but her eyes were gently smiling. My brain felt like it was drying up into a white blank.

"Ah, a-ah, no, not at all. I mean, I'm an F in stats."

"People come before stats."

"Th-that's true, but still, I..."

A laugh leaked out from between Moon Hyunah's lips as she looked down at me. Unable to hold it in, she laughed loudly and then plopped down beside me, wrapping her arm around my shoulder.

"Why are you so nervous! Our Director Han is seriously adorable!"

"...Pardon? Uh, yes?"

"If you were my younger brother, I'd have spoiled you to bits. But my actual brother's like a wild boar that came crawling down after starving in the mountains for a few days! Once he awakens, he'll be at least B-rank defense type, no doubt."

"R-really?"

Did Hyunah's brother awaken too? I feel like I've heard that somewhere. Probably wasn't S-rank, if I can't remember clearly—maybe B-rank like she said.

"Hyung, have you ever been in a relationship? What kind of person do you like? If you're going to meddle in others' business, you've gotta open up too."

"...I'm sorry. I said something unnecessary."

"So, who is it?"

Even if you ask.

"I've never dated, but I have confessed and been rejected."

Love luck was nonexistent in my life. If I had my fortune read, it'd probably say I was destined to be alone forever. Some shaman even once said I wasn't supposed to exist here. I wonder if there are any shamans who can detect regression.

Moon Hyunah pressed on, asking what my ideal type was. Ideal type, huh, well...

"Personality is probably the most important, after all. There is someone I personally like. I mean, just person to person."

"Oh, who? The person you confessed to and got rejected by? Not thinking of trying again? I'll back you up."

"I said it's just on a human level, didn't I? I've never even properly met them."

You could call it being a fan. I wanted to meet them once, so I gave it a try, but it didn't go well. Moon Hyunah beamed as she patted my shoulder.

"Just who is it that our Director Han couldn't even properly meet? Must not be an ordinary person. Is it someone I know? I'll set you up."

"It's really not like that. I'm just... pretty lacking, so I don't even let my thoughts wander that far."

"What's so wrong with you, hyung!"

"...They're about 25 centimeters taller than me."

Moon Hyunah fell silent. A short pause followed.

"Mm, hang in there. They might be someone who doesn't care about that."

"I'm just a fan. We don't even really have any reason to meet."

How did we even end up on this topic... ...It's my fault, huh. My tongue is always the root of the problem.

"Anyway, I still have to meet the Sesung Guild Leader when we get back to Korea, but I don't know how to approach him. I just wish he'd be upfront and tell me what's bothering him, but I get that I'm not in a position to demand that... Still, I can't just sit back and watch, and that worries me."

Same with Yuhyun. In the end, maybe it's all because I'm weak. Maybe they keep bottling things up because they think I can't handle it. That's... upsetting.

Moon Hyunah looked at me with a slightly strange expression.

"To be honest, I want to ask why the hell you're worrying about that guy. He's the kind of person who'll manage his own feelings just fine even if you leave him alone. I bet you're the only one in the world who worries about Seong Hyunjae. Most people worry about the people around him, not him."

"I know he's impressive, but still."

"Well, you're the one who coddles the Young Master too. You're unusual, really."

Saying she didn't have any advice for that, Moon Hyunah drained her beer in one go.

"No matter who you ask, they'll say the same thing. Just leave him be. Most people would be more worried about you, Director Han, for worrying about Seong Hyunjae."

In the past, I would've said the same—why worry about the Sesung Guild Leader? But maybe it's because I found out about what happened with Crescent Moon. In the end, it was a problem no one else could answer for me. Please read this chapter on its original platform—M|V|L1EMPYR.

In the middle of our conversation, an announcement came through saying we'd be taking off soon, and the plane began to move. I opened the door to head back to my seat and saw Yuhyun and Yerim peeking around.

"What's got you two so curious?"

"The thing is, Mister. We heard laughter and stuff... though we couldn't hear it clearly."

So much for soundproofing—guess it couldn't block S-Rank hearing. Moon Hyunah, who had come out behind me, laughed and said,

"Director Han likes people over two meters tall!"

"When did I ever say that?!"

"You did, didn't you? Someone 25 centimeters taller than you."

It wasn't wrong, but still—no! At Moon Hyunah's words, Yuhyun and Yerim both froze, then immediately burst out,

"Hyung, I'm still growing!"

"I'm in my prime growth period!"

"There's no need for either of you to get that tall! Growing well is great, but you're both the best no matter what."

Two meters is too much, really. Though, as S-Rank Hunters, being tall was more advantageous than being small—still, for Yuhyun, and especially Yerim, who focused more on magic power, it was okay if their physical stats weren't top-tier. Yerim would probably end up taller than me anyway. There wasn't an S-Rank with short stature.

Thanks to Moon Hyunah shouting at the top of her lungs like the plane was about to crash, even Myungwoo and Noah ended up hearing about the damn two-meter thing. I was so embarrassed I wanted to jump off the plane.

"I can still grow taller too! I go over two meters when I transform!"

"You're already more than enough, Noah. Whether you're two meters or three, you look amazing."

"My stats are rising, but I'm not sure if I'll reach two meters."

"Hey, isn't two meters kinda too much? ...Though, it might suit you."

It might suit him. I'm jealous. That guy Myungwoo probably already passed 180. Anyway, height isn't what matters—personality and character are. Seriously, Hyunah.

While we were momentarily noisy, the plane safely left Japanese airspace. They said Korea didn't suffer much damage, but I was still worried. Once we got back, I needed to meet the people I'd asked Do Hamin to find. The incident hadn't occurred in my previous life—hopefully, they were all okay.

"Checking out the weapons?"

I went back to the reception room thinking I'd grab some more almonds, and saw Yuhyun spreading out the weapons we got in Japan on the table. A longsword, a shorter shortsword, and a utility knife that didn't count as a proper weapon.

It was enough to replenish what we'd burned through using skills, but still ended up net zero, which was a bit disappointing.

"If it had been inside a dungeon, we probably would've gotten at least one SS-Rank weapon."

I muttered, regretfully, and my little brother smiled. What's so funny?

"I'll definitely wring one out for us, so just trust me."

"Don't overdo it."

"Overdo it? Honestly, it's a deserved reward. We've got a pile of leftover points, and if they tell us to blow it all, I'll go on strike. At the very least, the point shop should open again—"

[◐▼◐∥Welcome! To the Point Shop!∥◑△◑]

Jjararang~ Along with a musical jingle, the point shop appeared. What the hell!?

"Hyung?"

"Uh, no. Why is this... here..."

Why was it still here? As glad as I was, a chill of anxiety hit me. Did the system from that world follow me here? Is that why I still had leftover points? Is this okay? Is it not going to cause problems?

"The point shop... actually showed up."

"What?"

And it was the exact same shop from back then, stocked with every possible item. I instinctively swallowed hard. I had over 500 million points right now. That was enough to buy one SS-Rank weapon. Skills weren't efficient anyway, and I couldn't transfer them to others, so—weapon. Definitely a weapon.

"Swords, longsword types..."

SS-Rank longswords started from 230 million points. Something for Yuhyun. Something that matched his skills...

[Sword of the Corrupting Sovereign (SS) – 455,000,000P]

One sword caught my eye. 455 million points. A perfectly black, pitch-dark sword. The kind of dark that looked like it emitted its own light. Like a black flame.

'...Was there ever a sword like this?'

Back then, I had thoroughly gone through every SS-Rank weapon in the item shop, even if they were completely out of reach. Especially the swords—I'd checked those with great longing. I was sure I'd never seen this one before. If I had, I wouldn't have forgotten it.

Is it a new release?

I opened the weapon's description window.

[Sword of the Corrupting Sovereign – SS-RankThe first sword of Young Chaos. Crafted by plucking the horn of a black dragon who had devoured the Iron River.]

'...Who the hell is Young Chaos?'

I didn't really know, but it sounded impressive. Considering how much it cost, I opened the detailed item info—

[The description for this item costs 30,000P!]

"Hey!!"

"W-what is it?"

"This damn item shop! It's charging points just for the description now! I'm not asking to be treated like royalty, but can't I at least get basic service?! This is worse than a shady electronics dealer!"

Is this some kind of VIP treatment for SS-Ranks?! But I couldn't risk making a bad purchase worth hundreds of millions of points. With no choice, I paid up, practically in tears.

[This sword will not melt in any flame below L-Rank. It has the property of devouring molten metal.When crafting the sword, Young Chaos crushed the blue heart of the black dragon to decorate the blade, but over time, the heart ceased beating.If the black dragon's heart is revived, the weapon can grow up to L-Rank.]

Whoa, L-Rank. My eyes widened for a second—but there were no instructions on how to revive the heart. If they were going to charge 30,000 points, couldn't they at least include that info? Should I ask Rookie?

[Currently applied skills: 3 total.

Element Optimization (S) – Optimize the sword to a single attribute of your choice. Changeable once every 30 days.

Tail of the Black Dragon (A) – Temporarily transforms into a whip-like chain blade. Max length: 5 meters.

Mute and Blind (A) – Temporarily disables enemy sight and hearing. Effectiveness and duration depend on the target's stats.

Two more skills can be unlocked through growth.]

No details were given on the additional skills. As for the rest of the stat options, it had the highest Magic stat, but was overall well-balanced.

'The effects aren't super detailed, but if I can match it to an attribute, that's solid. The other two skills seem good, too.'

What really drew me in was the fact that it could grow. The molten metal devouring part could maybe synergize with sword-devouring-type skills. Still, the point cost made me hesitate.

'I could ask Rookie to exchange it for something better... but they might refuse. And I don't know how long the item shop will stick with me.'

Yeah. Saving too much and losing everything later would be worse. Let's just go with this one! I'd made up my mind, but my fingertips still trembled slightly. Like, what if it goes, "With 400 million points, I could've gotten you an SSS-Rank sword, honey!" or something. ...No way, right? Nah, if that happens, I'll just demand a refund.

I swallowed hard and bought the Sword of the Corrupting Sovereign. My points dropped from over 500 million to just 80 million in an instant. Still, nearly 100 million left—that should be saved for emergencies...

[Would you like to hear a more detailed explanation?

YES / NO]

Huh? Are they offering extra service because I spent so much? No reason to refuse, so I accepted. Immediately, the surroundings turned dark.