The S-Classes That I Raised

I know Seok Gimyeong, and at the same time, I don't. The version of him imprinted deeply in my memory was closer to an enemy. My first impression of him was as a typical nasty adult who tried to burden a child with the heavy weight of a guild and manipulate them. When Haeyeon was first established, rumors about Seok Gimyeong being the real power behind the scenes were easy to come by. The prevailing belief was that he was controlling a young S-Rank Hunter from the shadows.

Later on, I came to think of him as loyal to the Haeyeon Guild, but even then, he remained an obstacle standing between me and Yuhyun. I even believed at one point that the reason Yuhyun treated me so coldly was because of Seok Gimyeong's advice. That calm and persuasive voice saying I was only a hindrance to Yuhyun—it was easy to imagine Yuhyun being swayed by it.

But now, we're on the same side. And yet, the memories from before the regression kept stirring things up inside me.

"I'd like to know more about Team Leader Seok."

So I asked Kim Hayun. If I went to Seok Gimyeong directly, whatever he said would inevitably be filtered through the sieve of my memories. But Team Leader Kim Hayun was someone I trusted, someone who had taught the kids—someone I had a good impression of. If I heard it from her, I could avoid being swayed by my bias. She was also an early member of Haeyeon Guild and had worked with Seok Gimyeong for a long time.

"Director Han, you care deeply for your younger brother, the Guild Leader."

Kim Hayun spoke after a brief silence.

"Yes. Of course."

"Then the most trustworthy person in Haeyeon Guild is Team Leader Seok Gimyeong of the Personnel Department."

Her tone was calm, as if stating an undeniable truth.

"To Team Leader Seok, the Haeyeon Guild and Guild Leader Han Yuhyun are his pride—something he wouldn't trade for anything. Team Leader Seok is well-connected and extremely capable. Any guild would've welcomed him. But he personally chose the Guild Leader from among all the S-Rank Awakened. He trusted his own judgment and took the risk."

She explained that when a young S-Rank Awakened was trying to gather people to form a guild, Seok Gimyeong was the only one who directly approached Han Yuhyun and made his choice. It was something I had also heard from Seok Gimyeong himself.

"It's something he always says when he's a little tipsy. That he chose his own path and it was the perfect choice."

"He said it was the perfect choice... But isn't Team Leader Seok a B-Rank? He gets tipsy?"

"His stamina stat is quite low for a B-Rank."

So that's why he sticks to office work. He sounded so modest when talking to me, but turns out he had a great deal of pride in choosing Yuhyun.

"Back then, most people thought the Haeyeon Guild wouldn't last long. They saw it as no more than the childish play of an immature S-Rank Hunter. Naturally, no one offered to help."

"I heard the Sesung Guild Leader helped, though."

"That was after the guild had already gained some footing. In the beginning, he was quite negative. He openly said Hunter Han Yuhyun would leave Korea soon."

Well, Seong Hyunjae had claimed to have seen Yuhyun's true nature. He probably assumed that even if a guild was formed, it wouldn't last, and that Yuhyun would drift around like Liette. Then, seeing the guild endure must've piqued his interest.

"If I had to name someone who actually helped from the start, it'd be the Breaker Guild Leader. She asked me if I'd consider investing in the young master. Said it wouldn't hurt to see if a young Guild Leader could succeed on his own. Since she framed it as a learning experience, I don't think she had high expectations."

Maybe Hyunah also wanted to create an independent guild. The more successful cases there were, the better for her.

"Still, because no one expected it to succeed, there was actually less interference. It was after the foundation was set that things got harder. In the early days, people didn't dare provoke a valuable S-Rank Hunter who might get scooped up if the guild disbanded. Though there were some who directly attacked the Guild Leader."

"Yuhyun? ...I did hear he was once poisoned."

"There were quite a few who underestimated him because he was young and tried something foolish. A few A~B-Rank Hunters once tried to weaken the Guild Leader with poison and then fight him, thinking they could earn the bragging rights of having defeated an S-Rank Hunter. Thankfully, this was before the more dangerous poisons came out, so the damage wasn't serious."

"...Those bastards."

They'd better have had their heads chopped off. If not, I'll do it now.

"But the Haeyeon Guild has now established itself successfully. Its success—and that of Guild Leader Han Yuhyun—is also Team Leader Seok's success and accomplishment. To betray the Haeyeon Guild would be the same as betraying himself. He's someone who'd sooner lay down his life than ever do anything to harm the guild or the Guild Leader."

I had thought Seok Gimyeong was loyal to Haeyeon Guild. But I hadn't realized it was to this extent. It's like a masterpiece—or a child—he's lovingly nurtured from start to finish.

"And you absolutely shouldn't mention in front of Team Leader Seok that the Sesung Guild Leader helped."

Kim Hayun said with a chuckle in her voice.

"He may act indifferent on the outside, but inside, he'll be grinding his teeth."

"Huh? Why?"

"An offer of one-sided help—he sees it as a stain on Haeyeon Guild. To be truly complete, it has to stand on its own. That's his belief. So he repaid everything. But the Sesung Guild Leader seemed to find that amusing. At first, he showed goodwill toward the Guild Leader and offered help, but after a couple of months, it turned into a sort of game with Team Leader Seok. The Sesung Guild Leader would secretly help, and Team Leader Seok would dig it out and pay it back with everything he had."

It reminded me of when Seong Hyunjae said he noticed something when talking about helping Yuhyun. I'd asked if there was anything he didn't know, and he gave me a vague answer. That's not like him—he's not the type to leave vulnerabilities unchecked! Looks like Seok Gimyeong figured it out and cleaned it up, so Yuhyun really didn't know anything. If he ever hears the arrogant declaration, "We handed Korea over to Haeyeon," he'll probably lose it. Or maybe he already did?

Thanks to that, I felt a sliver of kinship and even a bit of fondness toward Seok Gimyeong. I could clearly picture Seong Hyunjae casually provoking him every time they met—yep, crystal clear. That man really is the worst. Maybe the advice I gave when I went to meet Seong Hyunjae as a partner came from personal experience.

"If he had just ignored it, it would've ended quickly. But Team Leader Seok kept getting poked in a spot he absolutely couldn't tolerate. And the Sesung Guild Leader pointed out every shortcoming so precisely that, even after repaying everything, Team Leader Seok couldn't deny that it had been helpful. That hurt his pride a lot. So even if he acts unaffected on the surface, he absolutely loathes the Sesung Guild Leader deep down."

"Still, going up against the Sesung Guild Leader... he's got guts."

"Guts? Not at all. He's just good at bluffing. Actually... well, I probably shouldn't say more. Anyway, that whole ordeal left him with a bit of trauma. So please try not to bring it up in front of him."

So he's one of Seong Hyunjae's victims. I felt a bit sorry hearing he got burned badly... and also slightly relieved. ...Honestly, I kinda want to poke at Seok Gimyeong too, just once. But I shouldn't. Especially since it involves Haeyeon. That makes it even more off-limits.

"No matter what anyone says, the person most responsible for bringing Haeyeon and the Guild Leader to where they are now is Team Leader Seok. Hunter Han Yuhyun may have been a complete S-Rank Hunter from the moment of his Awakening. But Guild Leader Han Yuhyun couldn't have existed without Team Leader Seok. Especially considering the circumstances back then."

Even if Yuhyun was a naturally gifted Hunter, he was still young and had never really experienced social life. Managing a guild, even just acting the part of a Guild Leader—he would've needed Seok Gimyeong's guidance.

"Team Leader Kim, you taught my brother many things, didn't you? And Yerim too. I really appreciate it."

"It was only my duty. The Guild Leader was a good student. Quick to learn. Hunter Park Yerim still has more to study, but at least she's very interested in causing less trouble and getting lighter punishments. She's working harder than expected."

...Yerim, please at least try to follow the law.

"Team Leader Seok may be loyal, but he's a slippery snake who hides his true feelings well, so you'd do well to be a little cautious too, Director Han. He cares deeply for the Guild Leader, and of course he appreciates your efforts, but if push comes to shove, he's the type to turn cold without hesitation. If it benefits Haeyeon, he wouldn't hesitate to sell you out. Even if you're the Guild Leader's own brother. So long as it doesn't touch the Guild Leader, he's willing to use anyone as a piece on the board."

Oh, I know that very well.

"If Director Han had founded a guild instead of the breeding facility, he would've greeted you with a smile while harboring suspicion and wariness beneath it. Wondering if you were trying to devour Haeyeon Guild. Honestly, I don't think he's completely let his guard down even now. If he brings up the idea of a merger, please turn it down."

"A merger?"

"Yes. He doesn't like mergers. The Sudam Guild once proposed it and ended up on his blacklist. He'd welcome you if you came in under Haeyeon, but for him, Haeyeon has to remain purely Haeyeon to be acceptable."

I agree with that. I can't let anything tarnish the guild my brother founded and nurtured with such purpose. ...Until the very end, Haeyeon was Haeyeon. It can't disappear. It can't change. Never. I want to protect those two syllables completely.

"He's dependable."

"Isn't he?"

It made me feel guilty for ever distrusting someone like that. If I think of Yuhyun, he's someone I should be grateful to. But still...

"...Can I ask you one more thing?"

"Yes, go ahead."

"There's someone who tormented me in a dream. It was bad—so bad I'll never forget it. But in reality, I barely know them. They've never done anything wrong to me. So I shouldn't dislike them... but the dream was so vivid, so real, that I can't help but be wary of them."

The current Seok Gimyeong hasn't done anything wrong to me. He's even been kind.

"I guess... this means I'm the one in the wrong, right?"

"No."

Kim Hayun answered lightly.

"It'd be nice if you didn't feel that way, but human emotions don't work so simply. And if it's because of a vivid dream, that's actually quite mild. There are countless people out there who hate others for no good reason at all. Some people end up being disliked just for walking down the street. I'm sure there are plenty of people who dislike you too, Director Han—people who've never even met you."

...Well, of course. Just being the sibling of an S-Rank Hunter, getting lucky with a high-grade skill, becoming famous—there must be at least one person who resents me for any of those reasons. Someone probably even hates how I look.

"There's nothing we can do about those kinds of feelings. Positive or negative, emotions aren't something we can control at will. All we can do is try to endure them—unless we're some kind of enlightened being."

"I... guess so."

"But the moment those feelings show on the surface, that's when it becomes wrong."

Kim Hayun said firmly.

"Acting on them means you're directly harming someone else. At that point, you'll be seeing each other in court. If anything happens, please contact me immediately, Director Han. I'll take care of it swiftly."

Her clear smile carried a slightly threatening edge. Thank you for reading. This was brought to you by M|V|L*EMPYR.

"And as for the person who appeared in your dream? You should give them a good slap on the back of the head."

"...What? Didn't you just say acting on it was wrong?"

"That much won't be a problem, and if ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) it is, you can just settle. It's morally questionable, sure, but from Haeyeon Guild's perspective, your mental health is more important."

"Ah... well, thank you."

I let out a laugh without thinking. Honestly, even Seok Gimyeong would probably tell me to just get it over with and hit him instead of moping around. It'd be better for the guild too, no doubt about it.

'Glad I talked to Team Leader Kim.'

Yeah, I can't help feeling the way I do. It was real for me, after all. It's not Seok Gimyeong's fault—but it's not mine either. I'm sure things will get better from now on. I already feel a little more at ease. Once I hear more about what Seok Gimyeong went through, I'll probably warm up to him a bit more. If nothing else, out of sympathy.

That's when my phone rang. I didn't want to believe it, but it was exactly who I thought it was—my brother.

"Hey, Yuhyun."

[You're at the breeding facility's lounge, right? I'm coming over.]

"I told you I can take my meds myself."

[No.]

Seriously, these kids... I hung up with a sheepish smile.

"My brother's coming over to give me medicine."

"Sorry? Medicine?"

"Herbal tonic. Not really the age for it, but he insists..."

Apparently, he asked Hunter Kim Seonghan for advice and got it made. Said it works better if taken on schedule, so now both Yuhyun and Yerim are making sure I take it properly. If they're not around, Myungwoo and Noah are the backup.

"The night before last, they had their heads together, and it turns out they were looking into supplements. I told them they didn't need to go that far, but... it's moments like these that make you glad you raised them. Aren't they amazing? I don't know how they turned out so sweet."

They were seriously debating calcium, vitamin D, and even magnesium, just like Hyunah had suggested. As I spoke fondly, Team Leader Kim gave me a strange look.

"...You're twenty-five, right, Director Han?"

"Ah, do I seem older? Like early thirties?"

"To be honest, you just came off like someone my age."

...Forties is pushing it. Sure, I hang out with people in their forties and fifties, but still.

After Team Leader Kim left, Yuhyun arrived holding a bowl of medicine. As the bitter-smelling bowl was held out to me, Peace scrunched up his nose in disgust. The smell really was intense. Still, he stayed calm—maybe he trusted Yuhyun. When I drank the tonic Seonghan sent last time, Peace had tried to tackle it.

"Did you work out this morning? I didn't see you in the rooftop garden."

"No, but taking care of the kids is a workout in itself..."

"Still think we should hire a trainer. How's your leg? You weren't limping last night."

"You noticed? Then I guess it's fine. I'm not even conscious of it now."

Maybe sharing part of the burden helped me relax. Last night had been fun too. Feeding the kids well really is the best.

"When's the last time you went to the dentist? Do you even remember?"

...What's with the dentist all of a sudden? Of course I didn't remember—it was five years ago.

"I didn't have any cavities... probably."

"The Assistant Guild Leader said the older you get, the more important dental care becomes. Should we switch to multigrain rice? Your sugar levels—"

"I'm twenty-five."

Is Seonghan still convinced I'm a senior citizen? Kids, I think you chose the wrong person to consult with. Sure, younger people are getting diabetes these days... and multigrain rice is healthy... I should take better care of myself... but I really don't want a personal trainer. I'll definitely work out tomorrow. For real this time.

"I'm a totally healthy twenty-something, in perfect shape from head to toe. My leg's not even injured. Don't worry so much. At this rate, you'll have me walking around with crutches."

"They make crutches from dungeon byproducts now. You can store them in your inventory."

"...You already bought one?"

"No, just ordered it. They said it was a great idea."

"Soon everything's going to be made from dungeon materials. Umbrellas were especially convenient."

Even F-Rank Hunters have inventory slots, so a lot of products started adapting to that. But dungeon byproduct items are expensive, and that's caused a wealth gap. There was even a big fight online over a post saying it was bad manners to carry a wet umbrella around—"Put it in your inventory!"

Just then, my alarm went off. Out of habit, I sent another message.

[3 hours remaining.]

"You're really going?"

Yuhyun frowned as he saw me send the text.

"I can't wait forever. And if he really didn't want me to come, he would've said so."

"You said his condition isn't good. It could be dangerous. I'll go with you, but still. I can't trust just Grace to protect you."

"That's why I'm preparing."

I rolled up the left leg of my pants to the knee and strapped Grace to it.

"This way, it won't be found right away. And I've got a bomb, too."

I pulled out a B-Rank bomb I'd bought in advance. It was small and flat, like a fan remote, with a narrow range but power close to S-Rank.

"Grace."

– Beep!

The bluebird fluttered out and landed on the floor.

"Modify this to fit the bomb. See the red button on the side here? If I can't call you or speak, press that to detonate it. Can you do that?"

– Beep, red button!

"Good. Let's practice. The safety's on, so it won't go off."

Grace wasn't strong, but she could press a button. With the bomb strapped to my leg, she quickly pecked the button with her beak.

"Well done! Even the Sesung Guild Leader would have to retreat for a moment with this."

Yuhyun reluctantly nodded at my words.

"Contact Chief Song too."

"...I should. I really feel bad about this."

Better to be prepared than blindsided. With that in mind, I contacted Chief Song. When I said I absolutely had to meet Seong Hyunjae, he sighed and agreed to come with me.

[I'll head to Sesung Guild by 3 p.m.]

After lunch with Yerim, who'd stopped by at home, we left on time. Even then, there was still no word from Seong Hyunjae.

[We're in the car.]

[10 minutes to Sesung Guild.]

[Arrived at the Sesung Guild parking lot.]

When we went upstairs, Kang Soyeong wore a slightly awkward expression, and Song Taewon looked utterly exhausted.

[We're in your lobby.]

If I don't get a response soon, I'm really going to break in.