The S-Classes That I Raised

"The back of your hand looks fine."

When Yuhyun checked the back of his hand in the bright light, it was clean. Then the contract must be intact as well. According to Seong Hyunjae, his breathing had briefly stopped, but maybe because it was a side effect of the mana imprint—not caused by someone else's attack.

I felt relieved, but part of me thought maybe it was better for the contract to be canceled this time.

"Just so you know, even if it looks like I'm dead, don't give up right away. I might not actually be dead, and there could be a way to bring me back."

"Like in the dungeon in Japan?"

"Yeah. There's all sorts of things happening in this world now."

"Got it. But I won't last long."

"Sure, not too long, just a day—"

"About an hour?"

"...Hey."

That's too short. What's an hour? An hour. I already shortened a day just to be generous.

"If Park Yerim and Peace aren't nearby, I'll have to let you know, so maybe I can hold out a little longer."

"Y-Yeah. It's admirable you'd even consider telling me."

Sigh, that's something at least. But should I tell Yerim and Peace about this too? If I hold out well, it should be okay. I have to live long for Yerim's sake... and I'm not even sure how to make Peace understand.

In the end, living longer seemed the best option. Even if you're not enemies, no farewell is easy. But at least you can part with less regret.

I went to the next room and woke Noah the same way I woke Yuhyun. Noah jumped up and looked at my eye color with wide eyes. Then he smiled as if relieved.

"You're Yujin, right?"

"Yes. You've done so much already."

"I'm glad you came back safely."

"You must have been in a lot of pain. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. We were in combat, after all."

Noah said it like it was nothing unusual. Even though he's an experienced hunter, I guess this attitude comes from Riet's influence.

By then Yerim must have come back, because I brought up some clothes.

"...Still, you're still you, aren't you."

Pre-regression me glanced at the back of my neck and said.

"You shouldn't act like a little brother. Especially since that guy's already so skinny."

Is that support or an insult?

"Sorry, hyung."

"It's okay. Now give me some grace."

The bluebird fluttered over to me. I accepted the grace from it and strapped it to my arm. After washing up and changing clothes, I went downstairs. At a table by the lobby, I saw Yerim, Yunyun, and little Chaos sitting together. Luckily, they didn't seem hurt.

But what was that? The things on the table.

"...Isn't that alcohol?"

"It looks like it even works on hunters! It was hard to find the right clothes, so on the way here I went to a place selling hunter supplies at the hotel!"

Yerim giggled, shaking a fancy liquor bottle. Yeah, those kinds of things existed these days. They did. But why bring it?

"Yerim."

I had to say something. Yerim opened her eyes wide at my serious tone ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ and tilted her head. Cute, but I couldn't let it slide today.

"This is a dungeon."

"Yes, I know."

"I admit you're strong. I also know that with your teleport skill, there's little danger. But still, a dungeon is a dungeon."

"Uh... Is it because I went out without saying anything?"

Yerim straightened up and spoke. She looked a little nervous.

"That's not the only problem. Of course, going out without telling anyone is an issue, but more than that, I'm worried you're taking dungeon raids too lightly. Before the eclipse, it was relatively safe, so it was okay. But even after hearing you should be careful after sunset, bringing unnecessary items is reckless."

"...I just saw it on the way."

"Right. But even a brief hesitation like that could lead to a major accident inside the dungeon. This isn't just from me as your guardian—it's advice as a fellow hunter."

"As a hunter?"

"Yeah. It happens often. Hunters who quickly join a good guild without much hardship right after awakening tend to lose focus sometimes. There's even a term for it: Hunter Spring."

Yerim muttered "Hunter Spring" and nodded.

"Okay, I'll be careful!"

Her reply was clear, but she didn't seem to take it too seriously. Of course. Even adults who've had plenty of experience often brush off warnings. Even when their lives are on the line. There were many accidents early on when the dungeon first appeared and people didn't follow safety rules.

I have to be more careful and prepared. Then Yunyun gave me a sulky look and said,

"Captain Kim's a nag."

"...What?"

Well, it was nagging. But that guy looked at me like I was a stubborn fifty-year-old man. Hey, the body's twenty-five though.

"And the alcohol! Though it's curious! Captain Kim brought it so if it embarrasses him, drink up!"

"...Really?"

"Really!"

Yunyun probably wanted to try it mostly, but Yerim seemed to agree with what I was thinking. Feeling a bit sorry, I looked back and Yerim shrugged her shoulders.

"You're right, mister. So do you remember everything?"

"Uh, yeah? No..."

"You do remember."

"Uh, um, a little. It's been a while since I had hunter's alcohol!"

"You drank it in the Japanese dungeon too."

How embarrassing. Still, at least I didn't say anything seriously weird to Yerim.

Though I wasn't in a state to get drunk, I sat at the remaining table. Yuhyun, again holding me on both sides, wore a satisfied smile. He seemed definitely in a better mood. Not long after, Seong Hyunjae and Song Taewon came downstairs. Both wore neat and casual clothes. Neither had properly dried their hair.

"A light drink should be fine."

I got up and grabbed the bottle. Though all the label's letters were erased, the emblem showed it was for mid-level hunters. It probably wasn't even beer to those here. Liquor for mid-level hunters usually tasted pretty good. I didn't get drunk easily, so I enjoyed it for the flavor.

Before I could say anything, Yerim and Yunyun quickly disappeared and returned with glasses—mugs and wine glasses of various kinds.

"Well then, everyone, thank you for your hard work. We've cleared the worst part for now, right?"

Little Chaos nodded.

"Since the moon disappeared, the dungeon itself should be weakened. Your nightmares should weaken first."

"Will it get weaker when the sun rises?"

"Because it's a nightmare."

Then we catch the dragon at dawn, clear the remaining association area... and head to Haeyeon. I stopped Yuhyun, who was about to get up and help me, and refilled the glasses. Director Song also stood but sat back down.

"I'll serve you."

Though it was a pretty teacup. Then I poured liquor into Seong Hyunjae's coffee cup.

"It might not suit your refined taste, but have a drink."

"My partner recommends it. Even the raw barley wine here can't compare."

"Ah, yes. Let's have a proper drunken night under the flowers."

"With friends nearby."

"Thank you for your efforts, Director Song."

Song Taewon's fingertips twitched. I felt sorry for trying to quietly push Director Song as Hyunjae's friend.

"Me too, mister!"

"You get juice."

"They said it's for mid-level hunters. So you won't get drunk!"

"You don't get drunk, but it's still not allowed. Normal alcohol is a no-go too."

"Captain Kim, I'm over a hundred years old!"

"Three years is a stretch, but I'll accept thirteen after subtracting ten."

You both grow up someday.

After Noah, I also got poured a drink pre-regression. I never thought I'd offer myself a drink. Yuhyun filled my glass last. It was sweet with a slight bite and quite tasty. Still, no buzz.

"They said two gatekeepers are needed. What time should we switch?"

"No need for a shift."

Little Chaos looked at Seong Hyunjae.

"You come. The rest, sleep."

"Eh? But sir, I'd feel a bit guilty if we didn't even switch."

They're the two oldest here. Also the strongest, but it felt wrong to keep the oldest up all night.

"I'll stay, sir."

Director Song stood and said. Though in the form of a teenage boy and a transcendent, he was polite as if respecting elders.

"Your eyes look dark underneath. Go get some sleep."

"I'm fine."

"This guy always brings people like me along. Go immediately."

Chaos furrowed his brows and said firmly. Hesitant, Director Song answered "Yes." Though reluctant, he needed rest.

Without further response, I looked at Seong Hyunjae, who was finishing his coffee—not liquor.

"Seong Hyunjae, aren't you tired?"

"Given how I feel now, I won't be able to sleep. Or maybe Han Yujin will put me to sleep."

"My skill won't work, so I'll pass."

It wasn't long since the chaos, so nerves were still high. Especially since for Hyunjae, fighting others of his kind and seeing blood was probably a first. He wouldn't calm down easily.

I said I'd leave things to little Chaos and Seong Hyunjae, then headed toward the guest room elevator.

"Little Kim! Pillow fight! I wanted to try!"

Yunyun said excitedly. He seemed to feel more like on a school trip than in a dungeon. Given the environment, that was understandable.

"You'll break a wall or window."

"I can control my strength!"

Yunyun crossed his arms confidently. Yerim seemed tempted too. Maybe because of what I said earlier, she didn't speak up first. Yeah, it's a hotel and a little fun before bed should be fine.

"Don't play too long. Just a little before sleeping, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Oh, then do you want to join, mister?"

"No. Hyung has to sleep early."

"Angel, let's play too!"

"Huh?"

Yunyun grabbed Noah's arm and pulled him. Noah looked surprised but didn't seem to dislike it. Yeah, having Noah there was somewhat reassuring. Still, would it be okay?

"I'll watch. If it's the innermost room of the largest suite, it should be fine if it gets a little broken."

Director Song said. I wanted to tell him to rest, but instead sensed he was oddly pleased, so I just thanked him. Given Director Song's personality, relaxing here wouldn't be easy. Plus, he was like a teacher watching over kids during a pillow fight.

'They might get along well.'

Pre-awakening, he was a cop and a teacher, so it probably suited him perfectly. Protecting, leading, and teaching kids. He must have been popular. If he hadn't had negative feelings about himself, maybe he'd have pursued a career as a teacher.

"Play moderately and then sleep. It's not too dangerous, but don't make too much noise."

"Should we freeze the windows for soundproofing?"

"No need. Freeze the curtains instead. So if a pillow flies wrong, the glass stays safe. If it breaks, quickly evacuate with Noah and Director Song."

Hotel windows often make up whole walls. I wanted to say "just sleep quietly," but they were having fun. Especially Yerim probably hadn't been able to play like this with her non-awakened friends after awakening. Even if they controlled their strength, teachers and guardians would be uneasy.

Yunyun was also still a kid. Though he scared people, this was probably his first time playing with friends.

Carrying lots of snacks for the pillow fight, they headed to the biggest suite. My brother, myself, and I went to a spacious room on a middle floor.

"I used to campaign against disposable products."

I squeezed toothpaste onto my toothbrush. I nodded in agreement.

"Now we just shove trash into the dungeon."

People said environmental problems were so serious it was dangerous, but now that the dungeon created for destruction was saving the world, it was ironic.

"Looking into the mirror side by side feels strange."

Pre-regression me said. We even brushed our teeth in the same way, almost like we practiced together. It was odd. If this kept going, honestly, it wouldn't be pleasant. Maybe that's why most stories about doppelgängers are negative.

To be more honest, even though I suggested it first, I didn't want to give up my spot. Yeah, I hated it.

"I want to punch you."

"Pot calling the kettle black."

"Hyung, let's sleep early."

At the same time we rinsed our mouths and glared at each other, Yuhyun grabbed our arms and pulled us apart. I was holding back because of my brother. That guy was probably thinking the same thing.

Still, it felt awful.