The S-Classes That I Raised

The heel of his shoe lightly tapped the smoothly paved runway. Seong Hyunjae leisurely turned his head to scan the area.

It was quiet. Aside from the crew members disembarking the plane, there was no sign of life. The rest of the airport was likely in a similar state. Perhaps there were still people in the control tower. Even then, they'd likely taken shelter by now.

"Whatever I say, it doesn't seem like the outcome will change."

"Will you offer an explanation?"

"No."

Seong Hyunjae smiled as if he were genuinely amused. Without taking his eyes off him, Song Taewon kept track of the crew as they exited toward the inner part of the airport.

"If someone picks a fight like this and I don't accept, wouldn't that make Chief Song's effort meaningless?"

"You only need to say that you won't cause any problems and are able to restrain yourself."

"That's all? Just a few words?"

"Yes."

Song Taewon answered calmly. But he held no expectation that Seong Hyunjae would say such a thing. It was clear he was already in a foul mood—he was not the kind of man to claim "I'm fine" in such a state. Backing down like that didn't suit him.

An S-Rank Hunter exhibiting abnormal behavior couldn't be allowed to move about freely. Yet he wasn't someone to be talked down with reason either. The best option was to calm him down as much as possible, here and now.

"Why didn't you come back with Han Yujin?"

Once all the crew had vanished inside the airport, Song Taewon spoke.

"I wasn't aware Han Yujin required a guardian. I was fooled—he told me he was twenty-five."

"Is he safe?"

The golden eyes that had been smiling faintly took on a subtle chill. Song Taewon silently watched Seong Hyunjae, who didn't answer.

He had heard a rough summary from Moon Hyunah. There was nothing physically wrong with Han Yujin. But clearly, something had occurred—at the very least, between the two of them.

Otherwise, Seong Hyunjae wouldn't have returned home first without a clear reason.

If it were merely a case of lost interest, that would be fortunate. But this reaction—this uncharacteristic demeanor—what was he supposed to make of it?

It was unfamiliar. So much so that he didn't want to dig any deeper. And there was no need to. He was Chief Song Taewon of the Awakened Management Bureau. That role came above all else.

"Hunter Seong Hyunjae, please respond regarding your current state."

"What if I choose to remain silent?"

"I'll assume you're in post-dungeon condition and respond accordingly."

"It's not quite the same as that kind of feeling. But fine."

Seong Hyunjae stirred his mana lightly. A faint current flowed through the air as naturally as breathing.

Song Taewon tensed his fingers. This was easier than a complicated conversation. Conversation often led to understanding—and that was all the more reason to avoid it.

A shoe stomped down on the ground. The runway, built to endure the impact of airplane takeoffs and landings, cracked faintly beneath the pressure. In the next moment, Seong Hyunjae vanished from sight.

Crack!

A sharp sound rang out as a fist and palm collided. Song Taewon blocked the straightforward, unfeigned charge.

Holding back the force behind the punch, Song Taewon looked at Seong Hyunjae in puzzlement.

"...What are you doing?"

No skill, no technique—just a raw, simple punch. It was baffling.

"I thought I was being courteous, offering you a chance to blow off steam."

Creeeak—his shoe twisted against the ground as Seong Hyunjae followed with a kick. Again, no surging current, no clinking chains.

Song Taewon blocked the incoming kick with his forearm. «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» Even with his full weight behind it, he didn't budge an inch. Seong Hyunjae smirked and lightly hopped back.

"A solid punching bag, I see."

"What exactly—"

"To think I've ended up helping a public servant's self-care in broad daylight."

As if it were tragic, Seong Hyunjae exaggerated a pained expression.

"Dear Chief Song Taewon, show me your true teeth."

He raised his wrist to check the time as he continued.

"The next flight should arrive later today. Maybe three or four hours. Before that, you should deal with any risks."

"...In the current situation, it's not possible to inflict significant harm on an S-Rank Hunter. There's a chance of an incident similar to what happened in Japan occurring here in Korea."

"Confident, aren't you. How should I put it... It's true that I'm fond of Han Yujin."

Seong Hyunjae spoke, lightly pressing a curled finger to his chin. Outwardly, he looked calm, as if lost in thought.

"He's an exceedingly rare existence, one of a kind, and fascinating. I doubt there's anything I cherish more—past or future. Even if he required a lot of effort, I was willing to protect him and tolerate most things. Because he's worth it."

Song Taewon, maintaining his guard, continued to observe him.

He knew this. When Seong Hyunjae found something he liked—something he deemed valuable—he became generous. He didn't hesitate to devote time, attention, and meticulous care.

But with Han Yujin, he sometimes seemed... excessive.

"...Are you saying you've grown tired of him?"

"If that were the case, it would've been easier."

Chrrk—metallic chains rattled.

"Even if I had, the value remains. I could've just continued to cherish him as before."

But even that had become difficult.

"I'm just... a little confused."

Seong Hyunjae's gaze locked directly onto Song Taewon.

"What should I do."

Song Taewon clenched his teeth without meaning to. Why. Why now.

Suddenly, Han Yuhyun's face surfaced in his mind. A version of him he had never seen before—one he had believed he would never see. Pure, joyful smiles. Genuinely worried, approaching others with warmth. Just... ordinary behavior.

"Chief Song Taewon."

"...Haven't you always done whatever you pleased?"

"What if I can't anymore."

Seong Hyunjae spoke as if provoking him. No—it was undoubtedly provocation. Like waving a red cloth in front of a bull.

"No matter how much I like something, I come first. It's mine, something I cherish, and I'm the one in control."

"I understand."

Song Taewon subtly shifted his stance. Strength entered the tips of his feet. He didn't want to hear any more.

Even so, he didn't charge in. His own desires were always something to be repressed, to be endured—impurities that ought to be eliminated.

"You asked why I came back alone? I ran away."

With a faint laugh, Seong Hyunjae said,

"It felt like I might not be able to stop myself from laying hands on him."

"You?"

"Yes. So, Song Taewon, you should act."

Before I shred your fragile lamb to pieces.

As if receiving an order, Song Taewon launched himself forward. Like a leash pulled taut and then suddenly snapped, he rushed at his opponent. There was no need to think further. Han Yujin was the weaker one—someone who needed protection. And Seong Hyunjae had said he'd threaten him.

He could move with perfect clarity and simplicity.

Crack! Sparks flew. Song Taewon threw himself directly into the deadly current, strong enough to burn flesh and sear bone.

He had an item that granted resistance to electricity, but its rank was far lower. Still, it was enough to prevent a fatal wound—and that was sufficient.

Blocking the poisonous, powerfully charged lightning aimed at his vitals, dark shadows neutralized the skill. At the same time, he drew a knife and slashed at Seong Hyunjae's neck.

Clang! But golden chains flared out and met the blade mid-swing. In raw power, the weighted knife had the edge, but the gap in weapon quality was undeniable.

The blade snapped, and Seong Hyunjae's hand sliced toward Song Taewon's torso. Song twisted his body quickly, raising his knee to intercept Seong Hyunjae's arm.

If they collided directly, Seong Hyunjae would be the one to take the damage. Song Taewon's close combat, enhanced by skills, was difficult to block without defensive skills even for someone of the same rank. It was too late to withdraw. Instead of dodging, Seong Hyunjae flipped his palm downward.

Crack—the hard ground split as he pushed off with his feet. Seong Hyunjae's body soared upward, not resisting the direction of the upward strike, using the force like a springboard, as if simply tapping Song Taewon's knee with his palm.

But Song Taewon wasn't about to just watch Seong Hyunjae flip over his head. Retracting his bent knee, he flicked his wrist, launching something sharp from his hand. Slices of sound followed as the weapon tore through air and flesh, while golden chains rained down toward him like a venomous snake.

Crash!

The chain's tip ripped into the ground. Again—CRACK, BAM! The strikes chased after Song Taewon as he evaded. Unable to respond with his own weapon, Song wrapped one hand and forearm with a predatory shadow and seized the golden chain.

The chain grew taut between them. Sparks danced along its length, only to be devoured and extinguished by the black shadow.

"Monster's spikes?"

Still gripping the chain's end, Seong Hyunjae raised his other arm. Four barbs were embedded in his wrist.

Without taking his eyes off Song Taewon, he brought the spikes to his mouth and slowly pulled them out with his teeth. The barbs slid from his flesh and clattered to the ground. Blood soaked his sleeve almost instantly.

"There's still paralytic venom, but it's weak."

Song Taewon inhaled deeply. Planting both feet, he gave a powerful tug on the chain. Seong Hyunjae seemed to be dragged forward, but—snap! snap!—the chain links suddenly shattered into pieces.

The severed links hurtled violently in the direction of the pull.

Boom! KABOOM!

The fragments tore into the body of a nearby aircraft.

The force was like a bomb detonating, but Song Taewon, unfazed, knocked the flying debris aside with his fists and charged Seong Hyunjae again. But his path was blocked by a terrifying bolt of lightning.

KR-RRRMMM!

Blinding light spread outward. With a ferocious roar, the immense energy wrapped around Song Taewon's body. Struggling to resist the brilliance, he slammed his foot down. The special concrete buckled and rose, forming a bulwark that held back the raging current.

At the same time—

"Guh!"

Seong Hyunjae had slipped behind him and kicked him squarely in the back. The force sent Song flying, crashing into the risen concrete with a deafening boom.

Eyes squinting against the light, Song Taewon instinctively rolled to avoid a follow-up. Chhhk—chains stabbed down like spears into the space he had just dodged from. Content first released on M_VLEM_PYR.

"...!"

The chain abruptly shifted direction and pierced his arm.

Even properly dodging his attacks was difficult. It was likely Seong Hyunjae had allowed the venomous barbs to hit him on purpose.

The chain that had pierced Song Taewon's arm pulled in a wide arc like a fishing line. His body was flung and crashed into a plane, tearing it halfway apart before tumbling into the wreckage. Lightning struck again overhead. Song Taewon dodged, swallowing the blood that welled up through his clenched teeth. Flames ignited with the scent of burning flesh.

Through the wavering smoke, a man stood tall. Aside from a faint reddening of his sleeve, Seong Hyunjae bore not a single wound. Song Taewon actually felt a sense of relief at the sight. He stood, scattering a potion over his body.

"If my partner sees me like this, I'm sure I'll get an earful."

His gesture as he reached for the returning chain was elegant. Even the strands of hair disheveled by the intense motion seemed as if they'd been styled that way on purpose. He looked completely detached from the surrounding chaos.

"Do not approach Han Yujin."

Scrap from the plane crunched underfoot as Song Taewon stepped forward.

Seong Hyunjae looked at him quietly. His gaze was drawn to the boiling intensity in Song Taewon's eyes, so sharply contrasted by the hardened, splintered expression on his face.

"You two are unexpectedly similar."

"What do you mean by that."

"What you want from me, and how tightly your insides are bound up."

Song Taewon's eyes faintly furrowed. Behind him, something collapsed with a crashing sound.

"Still, thanks. Beating you up did ease my mood a little."

"Wait—"

"I'm standing right here."

His fists and legs tensed with strength. But Song Taewon didn't move forward again. If his opponent's temper had cooled, that was enough. As he hesitated, Seong Hyunjae raised an eyebrow slightly and turned away.

"So it's nothing serious?"

"Yes, Guild Leader Seong returned home, and Chief Song is safe as well."

I heard the news from the airport lounge. Seong Hyunjae had arrived, and gotten into a fight with Song Taewon, who'd been waiting for him. That was all they were willing to say. Stroking Peace, who sat on my lap, I tried to settle my complicated thoughts.

'It's a relief they're both okay, but still.'

There's no way Chief Song would've picked a fight first. What are you doing, Seong Hyunjae? Frustrated, I downed the drink sitting next to me.

"And now I'm supposed to sit here and accept congratulations!"

"It's been three days, Yerim."

It does feel like a while for me too.

At my words, Yerim, held by her coordinator, puffed out her cheeks in mild protest. I had wanted to head straight home, but preparations for a welcome event were already underway, to celebrate our victory in the friendly match against Japan—and now they wouldn't let me go. With the recent monster appearances darkening the mood, they insisted we needed something festive more than ever.

Turning my head, I spotted Yu Hyun and Hyunah busy receiving updates on recent events. Haeyeon Guild hadn't run into any major problems, but Hyunah was frowning deeply thanks to Liette's reckless behavior.

"I feel bad for Soyeong."

Still, perhaps because of what's to come, the Breaker Guild didn't say anything about taking joint responsibility. I don't care about the celebration—I just want to get it over with and go home.