The S-Classes That I Raised

A brand new phone was in my hand. There wasn't any important data, so I just re-downloaded my contact list, along with the photos and videos taken in Japan. Backup really is important. Especially for someone like me who never knows when their phone might go flying.

[You may have heard, but I'm at the airport now. Are you okay? I heard you're safe, but I'm still worried.]

First, I sent a message to Chief Song Taewon. It was still a national emergency, and I'd heard he hadn't been able to go home from work. Not long after, I got a reply.

[I'm fine.]

Didn't sound very convincing. Judging from the signs of battle, it didn't seem likely he'd come out unscathed—had he even received proper treatment? But whatever I said, he'd probably just keep repeating that he was fine. In the end, I swallowed all the extra words and just sent: Please take care of yourself.

If stamina potions ever got made, I'd want to fill a whole room in Chief Song's house with them. ...Might backfire and make him work overtime even harder though.

This time, I tapped 'Partner Guy' from my contact list.

[Why did you first—]

[Maybe I should—]

[If you're upset—]

I typed and erased messages several times. There really was a lot I wanted to ask, but still, for now...

[Are you okay? I know you're not someone who'd get hurt easily, but still.]

It wasn't just his physical condition I was asking about. I waited briefly for a reply, then sent another message.

[Thanks for the gift.]

I was strangely angry that he'd thought to take care of me in the middle of everything, but I thanked him first anyway. If we were face to face, I might've grabbed him by the collar, but since it was in writing, I could stay calm. ...Though honestly, I didn't have much reason to be angry. But for some reason, I still felt pissed, and I didn't know why.

'...No reply.'

Maybe he hadn't gotten a new phone yet. Then again, in that kind of mood, who would dare try handing one over? Even so, I kept fiddling with my phone. That's when someone handed me clothes. A suit. They said, Please present a trustworthy image to the anxious citizens watching on TV, or something like that, but it just felt suffocating. Wouldn't comfortable casual clothes be more reassuring?

Still, I did as told and went into the temporary fitting booth set up on the side to change.

"Peace, not now. Your fur will get on it."

-Kkueung.

"Yeah, good boy. Just hold on a bit. We'll be home soon."

"Hyung."

As I soothed Peace, who wanted to cuddle, Yuhyun came over after finishing his conversation with Kim Hayun.

"Want me to tie it for you?"

"Huh?"

"Your necktie."

He took the tie that had been draped over one of my arms with the jacket.

"It's my first time tying someone else's, so I might be clumsy."

"You don't know how to tie a tie... well, I guess it's been three years."

I used to tie his school tie. I'd taught him, but he'd said he wasn't good at it. But since then, he must've learned more than enough. At my words, Yuhyun smiled.

"I remember exactly how you taught me."

"What? Yuhyun, you... yeah, it'd be weirder if you hadn't learned."

It's not that hard. Still, he was really young back then—and still is now—so even if he said he couldn't, I probably would've believed him again. Despite what he said, my little brother deftly tied my tie.

"I kept tying it just like you showed me."

"...Dad was the one who taught me."

Back then, we were just about as distant as strangers, but he'd taught me. Honestly, I didn't completely hate him. I guess I did wish he'd pay more attention to us. He gave us basic care, and I tried to be satisfied with that, but still...

Now that I know more, I just feel like... it wasn't fair to either of them.

"Don't resent them too much. They probably couldn't help it."

"I don't. Not at all."

"I thought you didn't like them?"

"I was just a kid then. Now, thinking about it... I'm grateful. Because you're my hyung. That alone is enough for me."

His smiling words made my chest tighten. He's my little brother, but he's really kind...

"Ugh, seriously. If he were my brother, I'd be thinking, This bastard's trying to strangle me, and toss him. Gross, I got chills just imagining it."

"I'm really dying living with him, you know. Every time he does that, I can't even digest properly~"

...Yerim, don't you eat the best in our house? Still, it is rewarding to take care of her.

"It's been a while, so let me tie one too. Go change."

Yuhyun nodded and picked up the clothes prepared for him before heading into the fitting booth. He came out quickly and handed me his tie. It used to sit lower on his neck. It's been eight years since I last tied one for him, so my fingers were a little clumsy.

"All done. Yerim, should I tie yours too?"

"...Huh?"

Yerim, who'd been staring at us, glanced at Yuhyun for a moment, then answered.

"Yes!"

"Come to think of it, school uniforms had ties, right?"

"They were automatic, so I don't know how to tie them. Summer uniforms didn't have them either."

You mean the elastic kind? We could choose those back in my day too, but I went with regular ties since I figured they'd get stretched out. Yerim, now with her makeup and hair done, came out after changing. I tied a brightly colored tie that suited her well. My hands had already gotten used to it again, so I didn't fumble this time.

"How about you, Hyuna?"

"I'd love to. Come on, hyung-nim."

At Moon Hyunah's playful comment, she waved her tie and smiled. As we stood close, the incident on the plane suddenly came to mind. I had brushed it off as something sibling-like, but now I was strangely conscious of it. In the end, I couldn't even meet Hyunah's eyes, quickly tied her tie, and turned away. Being the only one embarrassed just made it even more awkward.

"Noah too!"

"Huh?"

"Hurry up. Myungwoo, don't tie yours yet either."

"I only went along as a kind of vacation, so I was planning to skip it."

"Nope. Then at least wear a tie."

If I'm going down, everyone's going down with me. I tied Noah's tie and, since Myungwoo said he wasn't even dressed in formalwear, I tied the clothes he was wearing into a neat ribbon instead. And lastly—well, there was no "last." If Seong Hyunjae were here, he would've jumped in ages ago. Probably when {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} I offered to tie Yerim's tie. ...Or maybe he'd just sulk in the background and watch again.

"Director Han."

Just then, Legal Team Leader Kim Hayun approached me. She suddenly held something out.

"It's for a life-sized Peace doll."

"Huh? Oh, it's a tie."

"I happened to be inspecting it right before coming here. We're planning to make a few accessories that can be worn by the dolls. The mini silk hat is especially cute."

Uh... that sounds adorable. I took the tie from Team Leader Kim. A simple black tie with a single gold embroidery of Peace's paw print.

"Peace, let's wear a tie too~"

-Kkiang!

I tied it loosely around Peace's neck so it wouldn't be too tight. So cute.

"There's a full set that includes a white collar too, though I didn't bring it."

Even cuter.

-Ppyak.

Chirp fluttered down and landed on Peace's head, lifting his wings. Was he saying he wanted one too? Sorry, Chirp, but there's none for you. Should I put in an order? Belare's build would make it impossible unless it was tightly tied around the neck.

"Come on, Peace. Who cares if your fur gets on it? You're wearing a tie, so you have to come out with us!"

-Gyareureung.

As I stretched out my arms, Peace purred and jumped into them right away. So cute—how is he this cute? I think I saw hanbok for pets—should I get one tailored for Peace too? Would it be uncomfortable? Or maybe something for his head, like... what was it called again? Even just that.

"Is everyone ready?"

Someone shouted loudly—whether they were from the broadcasting station or the Association, I couldn't tell. Because of the mass monster appearances, the entire country had been advised to stay indoors, and curfews were in effect, so it was basically a national broadcast. Yerim would go first to give a short statement about winning against Japan, followed by Yuhyun and Moon Hyunah presenting information on the Japanese monsters.

Japan had faced far stronger monsters than Korea, and we had helped them overcome the crisis. If framed that way, it would give people some peace of mind. It was a good approach. With such outstanding S-Class Hunters returning safely, there was nothing to worry about—that kind of messaging.

"Hunter Park Yerim, this way through this passage. Yes, you go first. Since it's live, we'll do a quick script check." This vеrsiоn is sоurсеd frоm МV3L3МРYR.

"Do I have to memorize it? Can't I just say, 'I'm back safe, and I won!'?"

"We'll add just a little more to that. It won't be long."

Yerim grumbled but nodded. Staff swarmed around Yuhyun and Hyunah too. Watching all of it, I unknowingly swallowed hard. I didn't need to be part of it. I could just quietly observe from the back.

...But I went on Japanese broadcasts just fine.

"...Ugh."

-Kkuung?

"No, I'm fine."

I had a strange sensation, as if my leg was starting to hurt. Even though my Fear Resistance was clearly active, I felt a faint chill. Maybe it was because I was finally accepting that the memories I had shoved deep down as if they never happened were, in fact, real. It felt like the experiences were being carved into my body again.

The jellyfish had probably given me Fear Resistance on purpose to control me more easily, but without it, I wouldn't have been able to endure. It's not ideal to rely on it too much, but... I need it for now.

"Director Han, please come this way too."

"Ah, yes."

As I stepped forward, I clenched my teeth. Near the time right before the regression, when my mind was foggy, I didn't really feel any pain—but why does it feel worse now? I repeated to myself several times that I was fine now, that I didn't have a single scar, and eventually I did feel better.

"Hyung, what's wrong?"

Yuhyun had already noticed and came up to me.

"I got a cramp. It was numb for a second, but it's fine now."

"Hyung, maybe you're low on calcium? Want me to massage it?"

"I'm fine! It's just lack of exercise, that's all."

"Calcium?"

"Make sure to get vitamin D too, young master!"

I stopped Yuhyun from checking my leg. He and Peace both insisted I put the monster down, but I said I was fine and refused. Holding Peace was what made me feel calm right now.

As I stepped into the prepared spot, camera flashes went off in rapid succession. Since even journalists couldn't go outside unless they were Hunters or accompanied by at least mid-tier Hunters, there weren't that many of them despite the buzz. The sparkling lights made my head throb slightly. I gently petted the Peace in my arms.

"Hello! We're back safe and sound!"

Yerim shouted brightly with a big smile. Cheers erupted, and the Taegeukgi waved behind the reporters. She said it was annoying, but being welcomed seemed to make her happy, as she waved her arms energetically. That sparkle outshone the camera flashes by far.

Following Yerim, Yuhyun and Moon Hyunah also finished their interviews. Then, the Hunter Association arranged a press conference to give a more detailed briefing. They clearly wanted us to attend as well, but I declined, using fatigue as an excuse, and left only Moon Hyunah behind to represent us. Hyunah needed as much positive media exposure as she could get right now.

'...Still no reply.'

Quite a bit of time had passed, but there was still no word from Seong Hyunjae. Did he just not see it, or was he deliberately ignoring me? Was he staging a protest not to contact him until I was honest with him? I didn't intend to drag things out either, though.

"Yuhyun, I'm thinking of going into a low-level dungeon tomorrow."

I said as we climbed into the waiting car. Yuhyun sat beside me, looking displeased.

"Tomorrow? You should rest, hyung."

"I've got something to ask a rookie. If it's just an F-rank dungeon, we'll be out in no time."

"You never know what could happen."

"It'll be fine for a while. I'm sure of it."

The Changelings were apparently being blocked more thoroughly in Korea, after all. Yuhyun nodded, reluctantly accepting it.

"Alright. I'll come with you. I want to test out my sword, too."

"The one you brought from Japan? I heard that one's not that great."

Yerim turned in her seat to say from the front passenger seat. She was S-class, so even if there was a crash, it'd only be the car that got wrecked—but still.

"Yerim, sit properly while we're driving."

"Hyung bought it for me."

"What? What kind is it, Guild Leader-nim! Show me, I want to go too!"

"Hunter Park Yerim, you're scheduled to attend an event. The schedule is already backed up."

"I think the Guild Leader should accompany me, too!"

"We announced that he needs rest after hunting multiple SS-class monsters, but I guess no one listened."

"I hunted an S-class too!"

Grumbling, Yerim still obediently sat up straight.

"Mister should shoot a commercial too."

"Hyung needs to rest."

"Apparently, there are tons of sponsorship offers. Is there anything you need? If it's food, should I hand some out at school?"

Yerim's voice clearly bubbled with excitement. Public response couldn't possibly be bad, but weird people always pop up regardless, so Haeyeon would have to manage things carefully. If anyone said something crazy, they needed to respond strongly—and if someone crossed the line, just toss them into a dungeon... not that I actually could, but still. That's how I felt.

Yuhyun and Yerim got off at the Haeyeon Guild. They told me firmly not to do anything and to get home and rest. As soon as we arrived at the Breeding Facility building, Myungwoo was basically dragged off by the forge folks who had been waiting for him. And Noah—

"Well then, take care, Mr. Yujin."

He had driven me all the way home and now offered his goodbye. I was pretty sure he'd bought the Miniaturization skill.

"Are you leaving already? Uh, would you like to come in for some tea?"

"No, you must be tired. Get some rest."

He declined and then stood there as if to make sure I went inside safely. I glanced at him briefly, then stepped through the mini portal. I wanted to ask him about the skill I assumed he'd bought with points, but it was painfully obvious I was avoiding bringing it up.

"It really feels like it's been a long time."

As soon as I stepped into the house, the tension drained from my body. It definitely felt like a long time to me. Peace, seeming happy to be back home, jumped lightly from my arms and trotted off. Chirp and Belare followed behind. I sank into the couch and turned on the TV. The Hunter Association's press conference was in full swing.

Home really is the best. Tomorrow, I'd head to the dungeon and tell Rookie about the regression... I checked my phone. There were messages from Yuhyun and Yerim asking if I came straight home without stopping anywhere else. That was it. I sent back a short reply and put my phone down.