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dbgdbw · 6 months

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494.So Then, You Assholes Hand It Over (1)

그러니 댁들이 내놔 (1)

The main hall was considerably vast, dotted with rounded tables that seated four people each sprawled about in deliberately spaced intervals. Many of them congregating in one place was sure to invite a fight breaking out, and there were individuals with sour relations who would end up bristling simply from a chance encounter with the other as well. As a result, each table held what had been deemed to be relatively harmonious pairings, as far as seating was concerned. While there wasn’t a rule that mandated they stay tethered to their assigned seat, per se, having a designation saying this is your spot, here would at least subconsciously encourage a passive inclination to stay put.

“Though Section Chief Song-nim being seated at Sung Hyunjae’s side is, of course, to be expected–why’ve I been thrown in with this lot too, huh.”

Moon Hyuna groused lightly. The table was another four-seater, but there were only three names written: ‘Sung Hyunjae’, ‘Song Taewon’, and ‘Moon Hyuna’. Pulling out a chair for Sung Hyunjae, Moon Hyuna dropped into a polite bow from her waist.

“Please–do take a seat, Princess-nim.”

“How so very chivalric of you. Will the Breaker Guild Leader be stepping into the role of my Prince, today.”

“Nowadays, the trend is for princess-nims to be self-sufficient, if you didn’t know. Now–for our hardworking second-in-line Princess-nim too.”

As Moon Hyuna spoke, taking the initiative pulling out the chair for him as well, Song Taewon hung back, struggling to articulate a response. Even having spent several years fraternizing with the two already, he still found it difficult to play along with their strange jokes. In particular–as he was unable to simply ignore her outright the way he could with Sung Hyunjae, he found dealing with her to be especially precarious.

“...I appreciate the offer, however, remaining standing will enable myself to carry out a more thorough surveillance of the hall.”

“This is all the Firstborn’s fault, you know. Because the Firstborn’s so willful, the Second’s even more uptight.”

“What an outrageous accusation. When I love and cherish the Secondborn Princess-nim so dearly.”

“Your glib tongue hasn’t gone anywhere, I see. Section Chief Song-nim, fancy another drink?”

“I’m afraid I will have to decline.”

“Aw, don’t be like that, why don’t you have another glass. Honestly, Section Chief Song-nim, you should be getting appropriately plastered on occasion. So long as you remain sober as usual, you’ll be unable to call forth those things you keep inside, right.”

Saying that, while excessive drinking might be harmful, people needed to let loose at least once or so, Moon Hyuna poured out a full glass of wine. That leaving things to just fester, would only cause regular functioning to deteriorate into a toxic state.

“...for today, I will have to decline.”

“One of these days, I’m going to arrange a night with something especially potent brewed up in store.”

“That being said, just where might our youngest Princess-nim be.”

Sung Hyunjae asked idly, flicking his name card with the tip of a finger. Picking up her glass, Moon Hyuna took a brief sip to moisten her lips before answering.

“Now, the Seseung Guild Leader-nim should hardly be concerning himself with such matters. No matter how adorable you might find our youngest Princess-nim. Kindly butt out of it.”

“Isn’t it only natural, that the Firstborn should love the Youngest so.”

“...don’t say that kind of shit, you’ll put me off my wine. ‘Love’, what a farce. Though, if Director Han-nim was my dongsaeng, he might seem pretty cute, I admit. No, wait–if he really were my dongsaeng, then most likely he’d probably earn himself a slap on the back at least once or twice a day.”

Moon Hyuna grimaced, backtracking quickly. Swiveling her head, she scanned her eyes around the hall.

“It looks like our Yerimie is quite popular.”

Just as Moon Hyuna had said, there were numerous Hunters indicating interest in Bak Yerim. The clip of a young, recently-Awakened Hunter easily rebuffing a vastly more experienced S-rank Hunter had already made the rounds worldwide, by that point. In addition, Bak Yerim was also the first S-rank Hunter to be affiliated with a private guild, rather than a corporate entity holding some special purpose. Due to that arrangement, certain individuals were jockeying to win her over with the promise of more favorable conditions.

“Ah, I don’t really know English very well~.”

Of course, Bak Yerim brushed off every single one of their attempts with nary a flinch.

“We would provide you with an Interpretation Item, of course.”

“But that wouldn’t work with written text, right, sir. Feel free to give me a call once you’ve changed your national language over to Korean, then, please. I only know how to write in Korean.”

Saying that she had no plans to learn English going forward either, she shook her head in dissent. As she took off far up into the air to make an exit from the conversation, numerous sets of eyes followed Bak Yerim. Counted among them were ones who were simply watching her with a purely doting gaze, too. Though most high-ranked Hunters–and S-rank Hunters in particular–tended to be on the younger side, typically their twenties, the ones in their teens were rare, after all. And among the S-rank Hunters, Bak Yerim was the youngest as well.

“The Blacksmith won’t be attending, then?”

“Since he might be a high-ranking Hunter, but he’s not a combat type. If only because the situation might turn risky, they wouldn’t send him here.”

“But the Rearing Facility Director’s Stats are low, too.”

There were some who were looking for Yoo Myungwoo, too. Though countless Hunters had sent their regards after he’d managed to produce an S-rank weapon, he tended to avoid accepting commissions that originated from overseas. And as he only created equipment when the urge struck him when it came to domestic Hunters as well, there were throngs of individuals looking to forge some sort of connection with him, in any way possible.

It wasn’t that there wasn’t dissatisfaction around Yoo Myungwoo’s attitude, but it was true that any outcome would’ve still fallen short of expectations regardless. As a result, even when confronted by a cold reception, it would be hand-waved away as eccentric conduct that was par for the course for a master craftsman.

However, as the Rearing Facility Director was the host of the gathering taking place that day, there were many who were waiting on Han Yoojin’s entrance as well. This was primarily because rumor had already spread among the Hunters that there was a method to raise a high-rank mount, without any specialized Skill involved. Thanks to that, the already exorbitant price baby monsters had fetched had taken another steep increase. In fact, there had even been Hunter teams formed with the sole purpose of capturing baby monsters as of late.

“Shouldn’t he’ve shown his face by now.”

“He might not end up dropping in at all, honestly. His Stats are F-rank, right.”

Perhaps he would simply appear via recording or livestream to communicate with them, a few Hunters murmured amongst themselves. Though he might be surrounded by numerous S-rank Hunters, it would still be a difficult feat for an F-rank to appear before a crowd of unfamiliar high-ranked Awakened. For lower-ranked Awakened and un-Awakened, the fear they felt towards a high-ranked Hunter could be largely dispelled through prolonged and repeated exposure to the individual. This meant, however, that an unfamiliar high-ranked Hunter would inevitably bypass whatever immunity had been built up till that point. Since, even if you feel unafraid of your own family’s large-breed dog–who could only ever be adorable in your eyes–it didn’t mean that you’d feel the same when confronted with an unfamiliar large dog growling in your direction. Consequently, it wouldn’t have been undue to expect to see him show a cowed appearance, or to forgo making an appearance altogether.

As the mutterings prevailed, discontent gradually started to pervade their words. If it hadn’t been for the detour necessary at the wharf, there probably would’ve been open callouts of how they’d been made to wait long enough already being issued forth.

As the atmosphere began to buzz with a restless quality, 끼이이익. A door slowly creaked open. It was the door at the top of the twin staircases that split to ascend down from either side in a steep curve, to the center of the hall. As the ornate door–perfectly positioned to draw the viewers’ eyes–swung wide open, a figure walked out.

스르륵– The fluttering tip of a long veil trailed down, grazing against the floor. A black veil, about three to four meters long and decorated with white roses, and a white mask that covered the bottom half of their face. A black suit, accompanied by a white jabot. A crimson flower was nestled in the breast pocket, and branches of ferns dangled from their white glove-clad hands.

For the majority, ‘what a peculiar getup’ was the extent of their interest in the matter. Yet, here and there, there were responses from a few that differed starkly.

“It’s not a bad choice to’ve elected to conceal his expression, but.”

“What’s with the veil.”

The Hunters who were clueless regarding the ensemble’s significance murmured amongst themselves. The general consensus seemed to be that, while it was an appearance that belied expectations, it wasn’t one that was viewed as being too outlandish a choice. Particularly since Hunters who followed a set ‘concept’(1) weren’t too far in between, and there were cases where one’s signature weapon made one stand out, despite wishing for a mundane life, after all.

“Hyung-nim was real embarrassed about that, y’know?”

Moon Hyuna whispered in a faint voice. At her query on whether it didn’t suit him better than you’d expect, Song Taewon nodded accommodatingly, replying yes, it seems so; yet, his expression hard, Sung Hyunjae gave no response.

Chatterbox.

Why Han Yoojin might have shown up while wearing Chatterbox’s appearance–that much was easy enough to ascertain. It would’ve been to root out those individuals who were acquainted with that appearance. If someone bearing the same appearance as Chatterbox were to suddenly appear, then even unconsciously, one would be likely to betray a reaction different from the others around them.

But even as he knew that, it didn’t lessen the summoned feeling of loathing.

“...hardly, in my eyes.”

“How unexpected, you rating hyung-nim so low. Or is it that the Seseung Guild Leader’s preference actually lies with hot pink yarn?”

Wouldn’t it be funny, if that really got spread around and some people actually started showing up dressed up in hot pink, snickered Moon Hyuna, grinning; but unlike his usual self, Sung Hyunjae didn’t provide any retort. And then, the subject of his revulsion.

“How do you do, everyone.”

The mask fell away, and Han Yoojin’s face was revealed. From the tips of the fingertips the mask dangled from, to the bow his head dipped into as the mask was taken away. Every little movement was imbued with an elegant quality that departed from his normal conduct. A smile drew across the even paler visage revealed behind the white mask.

“First, I’d like to convey my thanks that you’d come all the way out here.”

Moving towards the staircase with leisurely steps, Han Yoojin hooked a finger under the jabot. 툭, the large flower-like tie was discarded by his feet, and the buttons along the collar of his shirt was loosened one by one. 탁, 탁. Undone with unerring precision to the time of his steps, he came to a stop at the top of the landing; a gloved hand stroked up the column of his throat.

After a gentle press under the lobes of his ears, his fingers swept back down. Simultaneously–사르륵, a crimson pattern thrummed into view. The stark lines that appeared, extending down below his nape, commanded the absolute attention of everyone in the room.

The high-ranked Hunters–particularly the S-rank Hunters–watched Han Yoojin unblinkingly, transfixed as though they’d even forgotten to breathe. All of them felt the same unnerving sensation of dread. It was akin to the experience of having come face-to-face with a powerful monster–but at the same time, not. There was the anticipation that wracked the body, and the goosebumps that followed; but unlike a monster, it didn’t feel like they could lift a finger against the one before them.

It was the sensation of being a mouse that had known nothing but the turning of the wheel in its cage, one day becoming conscious of the giant eye peering down in observation.

And the disgust Sung Hyunjae felt.

“.......”

Reached its pinnacle. Unlike the other Hunters, what grated at him wasn’t merely the energy emitted by that particular mark. No; it carried its own loathsome feeling, but among those assembled there, Sung Hyunjae alone was aware of its significance–what that crimson mark meant.

This knowledge was something that didn’t exist in his–Sung Hyunjae’s–memories. But for some reason, he was able to comprehend it. The mark that was carved onto Han Yoojin.

The Sorcerer’s Sacrifice(2).

The moment he realized, his insides began to burn. He drew a hand over his mouth to cover the sneering expression that rose, spurred by both from the disgust evoked by a memory that didn’t exist, as well as the situation at hand. The heat in his chest felt far away, as though it was happening to a stranger.

“...the hell’s with that.”

Moon Hyuna mumbled, unable to tear her eyes away from Han Yoojin. Her brows had drawn taut in a dark scowl as well. Song Taewon, too, was focused on Han Yoojin–to such an extent, that he’d yet to take note of Sung Hyunjae’s condition. Song Taewon’s hand, resting on the top of the table, had clenched into a tight fist at some point. His lips were pressed grimly together, the faint grinding of teeth audible.

The two had already been informed of everything in advance. And yet, it remained a struggle to restrain themselves, still.

Under that heavy atmosphere, Sung Hyunjae let out a shallow breath. Unbidden, Hwanglim’s words rose to the fore of his mind. Sung Hyunjae’s lips twisted in a crooked smile.

‘I’d also been quite excessively…….’

Indolent. Though it may have been absent from his memories, the existence called Sung Hyunjae could, in a way, be said to have been continually robbed. Of everything.

He had no memories. His Skills and Titles, because of recursion, would be taken away, leaving behind only a scant few. The chain that wove around his person, too, was something that had been bequeathed from that pilferer.

And even now. His life and death in the present had already been lost to him once, before being returned.

The crooked slant of his lips transitioned into an easy smile. With what might be construed as a gentle look in his eyes, Sung Hyunjae gazed up at Han Yoojin.

* * *

‘Seems real effective.’

Despite being an incredibly humiliating and mortifying ordeal, that was to say. Chatterbox, you bastard, that it was formal wear was fine. A frilly necktie, well, it might be overbearing, but since it was formal wear after all. The mask, well… But even if I was able to get past that hurdle, what was with the fucking veil, huh, the veil. And on top of that, it was a rose-patterned veil. I’d never imagined that I’d ever come into the possession of a rose veil, much less be settling it over my own head, not even in my wildest dreams. Goddamn Chatterbox asshole, why were his preferences like this?

It hadn’t been my intention to go undercover as Chatterbox myself, at the beginning. I’d planned on using a doll, or a substitute instead. Since, when it came to myself, there was my height to consider, and even if there was a corset involved, my body was hardly skeletal enough to be comparable anyway. But with the Mark that Chatterbox had left taken into account, it had worked out so that the plan would prove most effective with me being the one going undercover.

‘That should’ve rooted most of them out.’

Maintaining a smile on my face, I looked down upon the crowd, beyond the balcony rails. All around the hall, cameras had been installed to face in every orientation. Once that footage had been combed through, it would be a simple matter to pinpoint the ones that had been approached by Chatterbox.

Firstly, the ones who had shown a reaction just upon sighting Chatterbox’s apparel would be the ones who had met with him in person. Then, the ones who responded to the Mark would be the ones who had received an invitation, and then contracted with him. Even from my current position overlooking the room, it was easy to spy a few attendees who were reacting differently from those around them.

‘...though I might’ve gone a bit overboard, emphasizing the Mark with Chatterbox’s power like that.’

I’d repressed as much of my magical energy as possible around the area of the Mark and, with Noah-ssi’s help, amplified the traces of Chatterbox’s presence that had been left behind. Noah-ssi had regarded me with a dubious expression as he’d retreated from me, and the other Hunters were also showing reactions that went beyond my expectations.

Because it seemed like the atmosphere was beginning to flow in a direction that might end up with a few people even drawing weapons out against me, I swiftly called forth my own magical power. The moment Chatterbox’s Mark was blotted out, the tension in the air immediately released. Surveying the Hunters below, who appeared faintly apprehensive yet, I breathed ou…– ugh, my waist felt way too tight. Letting out a breath, I resumed my footsteps, advancing alongside the railing.

“It appears I’ve managed to startle everyone somewhat. Of course–this much is probably nothing for high-ranked Awakened, such as yourselves.”

Like Chatterbox would be the only one. Outside, it was teeming with all sorts of Transcendents. It was just that Chatterbox happened to be the one that pissed me off the most, out of the handful I had met. There was a subtly off-putting quality about him that rankled at my subconscious.

Before I stepped onto the first stair, I discarded the veil. That very moment, with a flourish of viridian willow leaves, Yoohyunie lept into the air; and with light steps, landed beyond the railings, at my back. Catching the discarded veil as it fluttered down and utilizing the window of opportunity afforded under its cover, he used the brief moment the fabric hid us from sight to discreetly slip a hand inside my clothes from behind, slitting my corset open. As I felt the corset loosen, instantly, its presence disappeared without a trace. Irin had stolen inside as well, to swallow it whole.

I could finally feel comfortable. Well, then. Who among those assembled here, might be our invitation holders.

- - - - -

(1)

(2)

mha → shj, stw | informal casual

shj → mha | informal casual

stw → mha | polite formal (respectful)

yj → crowd | polite formal

history of feminism radicalization in Korea

the real reason south koreans aren't having babies

why so many South Korean women are refusing to date, marry or have kids

young South Korean man arrested after assaulting a female clerk. he regarded her as a feminist because of her short haircut (Nov 2023)

Shillim park attack (Aug 2023)

Gangnam murder (2016)

the connotation 'corset' carries as symbolism seems to be pretty mainstream, enough so that it's even utilized in ITZY's song RINGO (lyric vid linked in title for the usual easter egg), despite being a jp release (or maybe because it's a non-domestic market, where the reference wouldn't be picked up as easily..):

‘Parasite’ Star Lee Sun-kyun Removed From Upcoming Movie ‘No Way Out’ Amid Police Probe Over Suspected Drug Use

Is it better to feign not being able to speak Korean? If so, when? If not, when?

What is dating like today for females in their late 20's to 30's?

Project Moon's answers to the brought up issues by the KR community and the notice on firing the concerned illustrator

Press conference article from the Gyeonggi Youth Union on the PM situation

ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Gyu Vin Apologizes For His Choice Of Words In Recent Posts

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I’m confused with Korean titles so I have a question (호칭)

#494화 #the s classes that i raised #tsctir #sctir

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shousimi · 2 years

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My S ranks chapter 409

SO much happened in this fucking chapter. There were some good SHJxHYJ moments overlapped with STWxHYJ moments ahhhhh. click read more to see spoilers (edited MTL)

First of all, Han Yoojin is somehow really attracted to muscles, and you know who has muscles? Song Taewon. For the second time, HYJ was practically salivating at his muscles when he took his top off hahahahaha

With a short sigh, Song Tae-won entered the bathroom. Only the top was still naked. Blood soaked under the collar, and the skin was stained weakly. And really.

Wow, really. Wow… … . Really, wow, wow.

"I will take care of it myself."

"Oh, yes. Then, I'll put it in front of the bathroom when you get dressed. "

"Thank you."

And then we have Sung Hyunjae absolutely noticing and calling Yoojin out.

I came out of the bathroom and closed the door. Only then I started to feel sorry. I was going to tell Chief Song about the regression.

“Don’t you like it too much?”

"No what am I."

Seong Hyeonje stared at me. Why why.

"… I'm envious. I'm envious. It's just like appreciating a work of art. "

"If it's a work of art─"

"Oh, I know you are handsome. Yes, if I put it you up at the Louvre, no one will realize that you’re is alive. I'll donate it in my name, so I wrap it around and put it in the packing box."

Could it be jealousy? can’t confirm lol. And then we have this two in one moment where Song Taewon retells Yoojin and Moon Hyuna told him who marries who the future. Yoojin believed it until he got to Sung Hyunjae marrying Evelyn hahaha.

“The Seseong Guild Leader married hunter Evelyn and the Haeyeon Guild Leader to hunter Kang Soyoung—"

"… Yeah?"

Huh? What? No wait.

"Sung Hyunjae never married!"

I yelled, opening the door wide open.

This man, Han Yoojin, just opened the door to the bathroom while Song taewoon was bathing. In rage. Because he was so in disbelief about SHJ (and YHY) and their marriages.

Anyways, he opens the bathroom door and then....slips....(bc he has an injured leg)

My feet slipped in the water on the floor. Normally, I will not fall, but the balance is not good.

"Han Yujin!"

The sound of water was loud, and the sound of a part of the tub breaking. Song Taewon's hand held me down and supported me.

"Thank you, were you joking?"

Mr. Song's joke. I should have recorded it.

"This was said by Moon Hyun-a Hunter. And Han Yujin. "

The heavily sunk eyes looked down at me.

"That’s not a lie"

He is holding Yoojin while NAKED. askjdhasjdgayjsgadgahgdvahdvada

thanks for reading bye

#mysranks #the s classes that I raised #han yoojin #han yujin #song taewon #sung hyunjae #hyunjae and yoojin #sung hyunjae and han yoojin #mysranks novel spoilers #mysranks chapter 409 #edited mtl

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dbgdbw · 8 months

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644.My Story

내 이야기

Whether I seized his lapels and rattled him about, or went to yank his hair out by the roots–as though it was a foregone conclusion that all of it would be futile, he appeared completely at ease. And that was the truth, I supposed. When he’d already been someone you’d be hard pressed to shake, that trait was probably even worse at present. Maybe I should’ve said I’d buzz his hair down to the scalp to make him a baldie, instead of going for the throat. At least then, no matter how high and mighty he might act, he should want to avoid that outcome a little. I could get the locks I sheared off certified by Seseung Guild, then put it up for auction. If it was that guy’s hair, then it would probably sell for a high price. Get your just-plucked Sung Hyunjae hair, freshly ripped out. No pesticides, organically-grown, free-range–well, alright, cross out that last bit, on account of the forcible detention by Crescent Moon.

Debating whether I should pull a fake-out while pretending to grab him by the neck, and go for the head instead to give it a good shake, I made to approach Sung Hyunjae. But before I could do so.

“Hyung, hold on.”

Yoohyunie pulled me back, and Section Chief Song-nim moved to stand in front of Sung Hyunjae.

“Please do not recklessly approach him.”

“Section Chief Song-nim?”

“He is not the usual Seseung guild leader, is he not.”

As though the sense-sharing had allowed him to verify it, Song Taewon spoke heavily.

“Initially, it was my assumption that a mishap may have occurred where it comes to his memory, as Hunter Sung Hyunjae’s attitude towards Han Yoojin-ssi seemed to correspond with his attitude from half a year ago.”

He glanced briefly back at Sung Hyunjae.

“He is able to interpret my movements even more accurately than he does at present. At the same time, it is my impression that his appraisal of my abilities appears to find me somewhat lacking.”

“I see Song Taewon-ssi is still the same as ever.”

The corners of Sung Hyunjae’s lips turned up into a smile. Song Taewon’s brows slanted, pensively furrowed together.

“…would you be Hunter Sung Hyunjae pre-regression, perhaps.”

“This calls for a round of applause, no. To think you’d be able to pinpoint me so readily, it does make me so overjoyed.”

It sounded sardonic, but at the same time, seemed to be genuine as well. Joy… He would feel joyful, I supposed. To this Sung Hyunjae, it would’ve been as though someone who had died had come back to life, with Song Taewon. Sung Hyunjae’s gaze on Song Taewon looked inextricably fond.

“You seem to be healthier than the last I saw you, with none unaccounted for. Perhaps a feeling that you’ve become touch softer–Song Taewon-ssi, could it be that you’re embroiled in a relationship, hm?”

“It is not the case.”

“Is it too soon after regressing, perhaps. Song Taewon-ssi’s wedding, was quite enjoyable.”

“Section Chief Song-nim, you’re married?!”

Oh my god, with who? Who had he gotten married to? Was it someone I knew, or was it one of his fellow Hunter coworkers? Considering Section Chief Song-nim’s personality, it didn’t seem like he would’ve been okay marrying a non-Awakened, or a low-rank Hunter, so–was it perhaps Hyuna-ssi? Letting out a short sigh, Section Chief Song-nim looked over at me.

“It is not the case, Han Yoojin-ssi.”

“…eh? I mean–I wasn’t thinking of anything at all, sir.”

“It was patently in jest. As with Hunter Moon Hyuna.”

O-of course I’d known that was the case! Song Taewon fixed Sung Hyunjae with a hard look once again.

“Please name your objective.”

“I wished to impart a final farewell to those that I had lost.”

In contrast to Song Taewon, Sung Hyunjae spoke in a gentle tone. Whereas he would’ve been able to send me a postcard, he wouldn’t have been able to give Section Chief Song-nim’s gravesite a single proper visit. Reluctantly, I felt bad for–.

“Please name your objective.”

Section Chief Song-nim frostily repeated the question, as though warning him against any scheming. Ah, that’s… Sung Hyunjae wouldn’t actually show up like this just to say farewell, true. Most definitely not through possession, instead of his original body. And even if the Sung Hyunjae of the present had offered him the opportunity to begin with, wouldn’t he have turned it down, on account of finding the whole thing unpleasant. Though it seemed like he might be open to taking the spot by force, on the other hand.

“My, how callous. I see the Haeyeon guild leader also looks to be faring well. The last time we’d come across one another, the circumstances had been quite similar. Had it been about a fortnight before Song Taewon-ssi’s demise, perhaps. While concealing your inebriated hyung away, you warned me not to meddle any further.”

“…Yoohyunie had, sir? In person?”

“There are precious few people capable of barring the Seseung guild leader’s way, no. Back then, your hand as it steadied Han Yoojin-ssi had seemed considerably unsure and hesitant.”

Sung Hyunjae’s eyes curved mirthfully as he looked towards Yoohyunie and myself.

“It’s become exceedingly natural now, I see.”

Unconsciously, I turned to look at Yoohyunie. A shadow seemed to have stolen over his face. Hearing about the events from pre-regression had to be discomfiting for him, after all.

“Was it really true that you never came back, once you left Korea after Section Chief Song-nim’s passing, sir? …did you really have to leave all by yourself, too?”

Leaving Seseung Guild behind, on top of Section Chief Song-nim’s grave. Even if he was someone who would flourish well enough on his own, he wouldn’t have been devoid of any affection towards his guild. It shouldn’t have been that he’d really had no regrets left at all, right.

“Though it might not’ve been the case for me, the Seseung Guild members followed you around loyally enough, didn’t they, sir. And Soyoung-ssi seemed to like Sung Hyunjae-ssi in her own way, too. Not to mention Vantis-ssi, as well as Evelyn-ssi…….”

“The Hunter Miller of now, you’re saying that she harbors affections for me?”

Sung Hyunjae said, as though quite startled. Ah, um.

“Of course, sir. She’s residing in Korea at the moment, like I’ve said.”

Coming all the way to Korea just to take him as her boss, it should mean that she likely harbored positive feelings towards him, right. At any rate, Soyoung-ssi had also mentioned her preference for his face, so Evelyn-ssi might be in the same camp as well. At the very least, she’d be drawn to the salary or Items provided by said guild leader, probably.

“Despite all that, setting out on your lonesome. Couldn’t you’ve just holed yourself up inside your house instead, sir.”

Foolhardily leaving home to go herd some sheep or some bullshit, while sending that damnable postcard. I felt my emotions surging up again. Erasing someone else’s memory, then scuttling away to Switzerland? How did that even seem remotely okay. No matter how many times I thought about it, it pissed me off.

“It was in order to unwrap the gift I’d been bequeathed from Song Taewon-ssi, you see.”

약탈 [掠奪]. There was no way Sung Hyunjae would’ve simply left that power be.

“As it was a power designed to ‘swallow’ me, a mere slip could’ve resulted in collateral damage. I could hardly let such a painstakingly crafted gravesite be desecrated in such a way. Though it might be an empty grave, as it were.”

“…in order to assure the safety of those in the vicinity?”

“In addition to those things that I had cultivated.”

For a moment, golden eyes flashed with a cold light. A sharp edge glinted within them as they curved laughingly.

“I had observed my fill of those being crushed underfoot, should I say.”

The tip of a finger tapped lightly against his own temple.

“As the memories may have been erased, but the emotions yet linger.”

The one who had crushed Sung Hyunjae–as well as the things Sung Hyunjae had built to that point–underfoot.

“Would it be Crescent Moon, sir.”

“For there was little chance that she would leave me, as I sought my independence, to my devices. Whether it entailed the tearing away of the contract, or of becoming consumed by that Shadow.”

“…the latter prospect really seems ill-suited to Sung Hyunjae-ssi, sir.”

Sung Hyunjae's taking on of the 약탈 [掠奪], in the end, was no different from choosing suicide. Instead of replying, Sung Hyunjae inclined his neck slightly. No matter what circumstances he might be subjected to, he would never be one to forfeit his own life. That much was clear, even based on mere observation of him up till now. But the moment he had ‘waxed’ into a Full Moon through Crescent Moon’s hands, he had changed into something not himself.

For someone who loved himself dearly, could there exist a more abhorrent fate.

“Hold on a moment, sir–perhaps.”

Sung Hyunjae had been searching for the traces of his pre-regressed self. And then had been possessed. The wedding venue was set to take place in the Alps, and the place Sung Hyunjae had retreated to pre-regression was, coincidentally, also in the Alps. Normally, it would be out of the question to expect traces of pre-regression events to remain, but.

“Did Crescent Moon really appear then, sir? That’s to say, in Switzerland, I mean!”

“By utilizing a Dungeon Break to intervene. Owing to that incident, I am able to stand here before you.”

“Did something happen? Sir?”

Touching his hand to the collar of his shirt, Sung Hyunjae replied.

“Han Yoojin-ssi, I believe that the recompense for winning was a throttling, and not intel.”

…what a cheapskate! Fine, if only because I felt wronged, I’d give you a throttling alright!

“Yoohyun-ah, let go.”

“But hyung. The Seseung guild leader right now’s dangerous.”

“It’s alright, that jackass is someone who still keeps his promises. Section Chief Song-nim, please don’t worry and let me pass for a moment, if you would.”

Pushing Yoohyunie’s hands off me, I advanced with measured steps. After hesitating for a moment, Section Chief Song-nim cooperatively moved aside. 저벅저벅, I plodded up to Sung Hyunjae. Sung Hyunjae leaned forward again at his waist. For someone who was offering up his neck outright, he appeared as relaxed as ever. Even if I leave myself this defenseless in front of you, you won’t be able to inflict any harm on me–that kind of blasé confidence.

You must think of me as real pathetic, huh, asshole. With no plans of refusing, I seized him by his collar. Though I yanked back with all of my strength, he didn’t budge an inch from where he’d bent down. He was making it clear–that it would only go as far as he himself allowed, and no further. That even if it seemed like I’d been able to push the boundary, in reality, it was only with his tacit approval that it had been permissible.

“Sung Hyunjae-ssi.”

My voice low, I opened my mouth.

“As you’ve said, yeah. It might not’ve been my story, after all.”

I might’ve just been a bystander, who’d only been able to look in from the outside. I hadn’t been aware of anything in detail, and my memories had been erased in the end. A minor character that only made a brief cameo, I probably would’ve only been something like that.

“But this is my story now.”

Now, no matter what anyone said.

“A story where I can even subjugate and throttle the asshole who thinks his station allows him to wipe others’ memories.”

Golden eyes laughed.

“Of course, it’s Han Yoojin-ssi’s story.”

He soothed, as though in praise. It felt like a swear was about to leave my mouth.

“Shall I extend my apologies, then, for having erased your memories.”

“Only through words?”

“What might you be after, then.”

“Nothing much, just something about the level of throttling.”

“If it merely amounts to such, well, I don't see why not.”

Oh? I let go of his collar. And immediately launched my body at Sung Hyunjae’s head. Even if you had your battle foresight, you wouldn’t have been able to predict that I’d do this!

“You goddamn bastard! I’ll rip all of the hairs from your head!”

“Hyung!”

Get a load of that fucking attitude! The rest of us were just pitiful worms, huh! With a fistful of washed-out locks clenched in each hand, I grimly dangled from his head. Damn S-rank, even the roots of his hair were reinforced. Yoohyunie was taken aback, of course, and Section Chief Song-nim seemed shocked as well. Even Sung Hyunjae, actually. I could faintly hear Myungwoo’s ‘Yoojin-ah…’’ from somewhere yonder.

“Wait–”

“‘Wait’, yeah right! You’re staying like this until it comes out, even if it takes all night!”

Damn, these hairs were strong as hell! How had not even one strand come out yet!

“Listen here! ‘It’s not Han Yoojin’s story’, huh? Huh? What I said about that being a possibility, I take it back! It was my story back then, and it’s my story now, and it’s still going!”

If just regressing would’ve been enough to wipe the slate clean, then I wouldn’t be here doing this to begin with! It was only because back then had happened, that the present had been made possible.

“Hyung! You might get injured like that! I’ll cut it for you, okay?”

“Han Yoojin-ssi, your fingers may become damaged by the strands. Please employ a weapon instead!”

“Yoojin-ah, should I forge a pair of scissors for you that’ll work on S-rank hair too? To make it easier to cut the locks.”

“Just you stay put, alright! I’m going to pull out exactly one strand!”

Bracing the soles of my feet on Sung Hyunjae’s shoulder and chest, I jerked his hair with all of my strength. Sung Hyunjae caught hold of my waist, but perhaps because he’d made that promise, didn’t attempt to forcibly pry me off.

“If it’s someone else’s story, then why do I have to suffer like this, huh! From beginning to end, this is my story! It might be your story, but it’s also my story at the same time! Do you think you live all alone in this world, huh? Huh? It’s mine, and I’m not going to have it taken from me anymore! No–what I mean is, give it back!”

“If you’ll, calm down–for Han Yoojin-ssi to manage to pull one out, appears too tall of an order.”

“So who told you to Awaken as an S-rank, then! If you were an F-rank, I would’ve finished tearing all of it out from the get-go!”

“Hyung! Your fingers are bleeding!”

Because I’d wrapped them around my fingers to get a good grip, I’d ended up getting cut up a bit after all. How disgustingly reinforced! Then again, if it wasn’t so strong, then it seemed likely that a slip-up during a Dungeon raid could end up with all of it being sheared off by a monster, or some other unfortunate outcome.

“I’m only letting you off the hook because the others are worried about me, sir!”

Releasing his hair, I dropped down to the floor. I did feel a little bit better, at least. Yoohyunie quickly scanned over my palms.

“The wound on your palm’s gotten worse now!”

“That’s, well. Since I wasn’t able to pull any out, this time doesn’t count! I still have one more attempt, sir!”

“I shall bear that in mind.”

Sung Hyunjae answered, vaguely carding his disheveled locks back into place. Even after being yanked around like that, it didn’t look bad on him, with that damnable face. He went on to lightly flex the hand he’d used to support my middle.

“I see you’ve gotten a bit smaller, and your muscle volume has decreased as well.”

“… that’s because he’d worked as a Hunter for longer than I have, sir.”

The hell did you get off comparing us!

“You seem to have reduced in weight overall, and grown a touch softer around your middle–”

“Piss off about my body, sir!”

It wasn’t like I didn’t have any, okay! I’d been diligently running around for over half a year since regressing too! Did you think muscles just grew overnight, huh? This is why I just can’t with S-ranks!

“To be frank, hyung, it’s true that you’ve gotten thinner than you’d been pre-regression.”

Yoohyunie said worriedly, as he healed my hand.

“Since you had a good foundation then, and hyung’s body isn’t on the feeble side to begin with.”

“It was merely the presence of several high-ranked Hunters in his vicinity that had made his own frame seem smaller in juxtaposition, as I recall that he registered above average in stature still.”

Even Section Chief Song-nim chimed in with something. In case Myungwoo decided to join them as well, I hurried to provide an explanation.

“No-o, even then, my intercostal muscles should be better, probably……? It’s just that I haven’t been following a stringent regiment, d’you know how much exercise just watching the kids ends up being!”

“Yoojin-ah.”

In the end, even Myungwoo opened his mouth to speak.

“For one’s health, it’s said that structured lifestyle habits are what’s necessary. Recently, have you made it at least a week while making sure to eat all three meals on time?”

“That’s, the time difference! It’s because of the time difference! We’re in France, right! Not to mention, it’s completely different from Korea, down to even the water!”

While busily running my mouth, I shot Sung Hyunjae a baleful look. Just, why did you have to go and bring up something useless!

“We’ve still not heard your objective.”

Section Chief Song-nim spoke to Sung Hyunjae. Using his finger, Sung Hyunjae beckoned to indicate that he should come closer. Then, he whispered something to him in his ear. When I turned back to look at Yoohyunie, he shook his head. He’d spoken at a volume even an S-rank wouldn’t be able to overhear, it seemed.

Section Chief Song-nim’s expression soon turned stiff. After stoically listening to what he had to say, he let out a sigh.

“Understood, for the time being.”

“What did he say, sir?”

Sung Hyunjae glanced at me and laughed soundlessly.

“If Han Yoojin-ssi will accept my message, then I shall divulge it as well.”

“No thanks.”

Not saying unless we were on the same team, what a cop-out.

[ The practice round has concluded. ]

The message arrived, belatedly. So now what did we need to do, then. Did we need to call up our crews to have a good ol’ fashioned brawl, or something.

- - - - -

geunseo: goes out of their way to describe stw as good-looking, soft (esp his inner monologue), and smol (for an s-rank, by emphatically mentioning how he’s ‘the runt of the litter and that’s why he’s small for how big he should be’); notes that he’s ‘repressed but wants shj to push him down and dominate him’; has him refer to shj in a way that it can be construed as calling him ‘dear’, the way you would to your husband; emphasizes how he’s smaller in stature than shj, and discloses shj’s weight by drawing comparisons w stw in particular; makes stw the one person shj’s personally possessive over; talks abt how foreign hunters would bring him courting gifts and bouquets while he’s on his world-hopping trips w shj; how they have a secret code only they understand bc it’s based on their privately shared experiences; repeatedly tells the audience that shj+mha+hyj all find him ‘cute/adorable’; that stw is the Shadow to shj's Light, and was literally created to takemade for him—

webtoon: goes out of its way to make him blocky and ugly to justify not pairing him w shj by forcing a ‘rival’ dynamic :)))

bc like tbh this type of coupling is fairly popular among sclass’s primary demographic, aka korean women in their mid 20s~early 30s (hence yj(the protagonist)’s age, bc it’s working-age folks who have the disposable income to invest in their hobbies/interests (which is webnovel chs, in this case), not students)… along w the ‘연하남(younger male)’ type(=yh)…

geunseo afterword excerpt:

for example: when sung hyunjae’s chains slide over his body while retaining an electrical charge, because of the strobing light effect it illuminates him with, the shadows on his face are constantly shifting. this creates quite the striking image, particularly at night. not only his face, but his entire body, as well as the opponent he’s fighting, become cast in a perpetual dance of light and shadow–but there wasn’t a way to effectively illustrate this with words. since describing one by one the refraction of the light playing off of them and how the shadows were cast so on and so forth, couldn’t be penned down. although a visual medium(영상) would have been able to showcase things immediately, considering. * the very first topic was that of ‘regression’. as, even if you were to turn back time, the memories of the time lived would still exist, it becomes impossible to re-invoke the same experience. as ‘regression’ entails the ‘regrets of one’s own life’ and the longing to ‘make things go back’, the main character’s overarching character development manifests as ‘an ability to accept the past while also seeing himself as he is in the present’. han yoohyun was designed to be han yoojin’s destination(목표), as the lingering regret of his life(삶의 미련), while sung hyunjae was developed to be the path(과정) to that goal, as a self-assured embodiment of han yoojin's ‘ideal self’. without even names assigned then, that was their foundational framework. * ...eventually, in a different city, they also encounter a Light(빛) that wishes to be free. ‘while i’ve been given no choice but to live on in perpetuity, i’ve heard word of a Shadow(그림자) somewhere that can swallow Light’...

+(Q&A)

Q) i was wondering what circumstances or thoughts might’ve influenced you during the creation of the character called sung hyunjae A) some elements of sung hyunjae’s character originated from something i briefly entertained, far before i began writing the novel^^ at the time, while reading fantasy novels–primarily modern fantasy–it occurred to me that ‘these protagonists really do nothing but work, couldn’t they have someone else take care of some things and play around a bit’. without the intention to turn it into a novel, it went along the lines of ‘what would be necessary to allow the protagonist to be able to play around’, ‘the protagonist usually ends up making enemies with a prestigious guild’, ‘wouldn’t [playing around] be feasible, if they could boss around a really capable guild leader’. while fantasizing, i ended up envisioning a guild leader that was a similar type to sung hyunjae and evelyn. since they’d be doing the work of the protagonist for them, they’d have to be immensely capable. from there, ‘then, how do i have that renowned guild leader help the protagonist without requiring payment, lacking any reasonable cause‘ ‘would something like a curse, that makes the protagonist feel like one’s deceased parents or lover, work?’ was something that was repurposed to be the keyword application effect, and also involved in ‘progression’. however, if someone else does all the work for the protagonist, then they no longer end up being the protagonist, so it only ended as a foolish notion. and so, han yoojin ended up working diligently ^^ when ‘the s-rank that i raised’ novel was in its beginning storyboarding stages, one of sung hyunjae’s first keywords was ‘a character who does the things that a protagonist might do from beside the protagonist, and therefore ended up a main character’. by taking a being who held the potential to become a protagonist in whichever world, and then having him go through many worlds in practice–but also providing him with a strong enough ego(self-identity) to endure through the process–the current sung hyunjae ended up coming into being. ‘the main character who stands at the top’ and ‘his relationship with crescent moon’ gave rise to his traits such as light(빛), chains(사슬), the lightning(번개) and name(복성) that complement him, et cetera. even so, as he’s not the protagonist within the novel, i invested a lot of attention towards this and that to ensure han yoojin wouldn’t end up overshadowed.

+(Q&A)

Q) i’m curious how the character ‘song taewon’ was born A) as mentioned in the novel, song taewon ‘originated’ from the Eclipse(월식), in order to impede(block) sung hyunjae. the Shadow whose purpose is to swallow the Moon was born as a human, and by growing in accordance with the environment around him, ‘song taewon’ was made. if that environment had been different–if the events with his dongsaeng hadn’t transpired–then song taewon’s personality probably would’ve been somewhat altered. it might’ve been the case that, even before the novel could begin, he’d awaken as the Eclipse, preventing the story from coming to pass altogether. because of that, song taewon’s disposition(성향) of repressing himself coming to be born was an indispensable element.

+(Q&A)

Q) in order to clasp a leash on song taewon, who is a high-ranking government official, i imagine that plenty of marriage interview requests would’ve come in from political and commercial circles; was song taewon the type to just show his face an adequate amount at those kinds of events, or was he the type to straightforwardly refuse? if he did happen to participate in such an event, i’m curious if he’s a wallflower, or if he’s the type to engage in conversation casually ㅎㅎ A) as he had no intentions of establishing a family in any form, they were generally resolutely refused. however, rather than for political relations, for a lead to a case, he has attended a matchmaking meeting before. pre-regression, while overseas, with undercover infiltration as their objective, he and Sung Hyunjae attended a high-rank Hunter award ceremony-esque event together as well^^ for sung hyunjae, it was an immensely enjoyable time. he’s not quite to the extent of being a wallflower, but he is the taciturn and terse type.

+(Q&A)

Q) you’d previously mentioned that sung hyunjae and song taewon share a cryptograph that only the two of them know, could we know what kind of thing it is? A) it wasn’t fleshed out in detail, but apart from basic encryptions, they also utilized difficult-to-parse signals that would prove challenging for anyone that wasn’t an s-rank Awakened to catch. additionally, they would improvise with details that were shared solely between the two of them as well.

+(Q&A)

Q) i’m soso curious about section chief song-nim’s info, section chief song-nimㅜㅜ he was probably super popular before Awakening, as well as after, right? whether he’s dated before!! if, at least when he was younger, he was able to have a heart-pounding youthful romance, i hope! A) owing to song taewon’s nature(특성), he did not maintain close relations with people outside of work relations. pre-regression, the only person he kept close was sung hyunjae, the one he is meant to swallow, owing to an unconscious, instinctual draw. with everyone else–particularly the lower their rank–he established a clear line(boundary). post-regression, and especially so by the epilogue, that line has become much fainter^^

+(Q&A) (this was a troll-y question that geunseo answered at face value)

Q) when section chief song-nim is overseas and a foreign Hunter asks him <are you mister song?>, then will he really answer like \"yea.\"??? A) if he’s in the middle of carrying out official government duties, he will clearly state both his title and name. however, if he’s there in secret because of sung hyunjae, he will not answer^^

+(Q&A)

Q) in the novel, on the topic of confession stories, song taewon answered that he’d had sufficient experience with them; has song taewon had a lot of relationship experience? A) he was popular both before awakening and after, but as indicated in an earlier answer, he established a firm boundary. even when he was overseas because of sung hyunjae, he received not only confessions, but bouquets and similar gifts as well every so often ^^

+(Q&A)

Q) when sung hyunjae broke his finger while fighting with section chief song-nim, was that perhaps something sung hyunjae did on purpose?? A) generally, it’s sung hyunjae only pretending to have made a mistake. when song taewon or han yoojin are involved, while acting on impulse(improvising), he does occasionally slip up and make a genuine mistake, but regarding the finger injury, a certain measure of intent had gone into it. of course, song taewon is in the dark about this.

+(Q&A)

Q) when section chief song-nim was driving around a compact car, how did he drive? A) he picked the car with the highest clearance and longest seat rails out of the selection of compact cars that were available, but even then, it was cramped after all. however, as song taewon felt a kind of reassurance(comfort) from that stifling condition, he paid no mind to the physical discomfort it caused. it’s because sung hyunjae was aware that song taewon’s compact car was one of the methods he utilized to repress himself, that it irked him all the more ^^

+(Q&A)

Q) have any of the respective heads of organizations acted as chief mourner in a funeral for a subordinate who lost their family to a Dungeon break? A) song taewon and moon hyuna have done so in the past. han yoohyun has not, but even if the occasion had come up, he wouldn’t want to participate in the capacity of chief mourner, which is typically filled by family. pre-regression, han yoohyun’s family comprised only one person, han yoojin–and even as a temporary arrangement, he has no intention of letting another step into a position that’s reserved for family only. in the case of sung hyunjae, the sole person he’d considered to hold a relationship with himself that would merit his involvement as such pre-regression, was song taewon. at present, with song taewon of course being a given, he’s also considering taking up the position of chief mourner for han yoojin’s funeral, as han yoohyun would have already perished alongside him, if it turns out that bak yerim struggles to do so.

+(Q&A)

A) when sung hyunjae needed a pick-me-up pre-regression, he went to tease song taewon. following song taewon’s death, even when he was somewhere with splendid scenery and fresh air, all he felt was endless tedium. post-regression, with han yoojin being added alongside song taewon, the candidates in his selection pool for ‘healing(relaxing)’ increased to two.

+(Q&A)

Q) what are shj’s height & weight measurements? A) in the case of sung hyunjae, as he had nearly reached the zenith of his ‘waxing’ phase, the power that had not been able to be completely encased within ended up affecting his physiology as well, which meant that his body became imbued with that magical energy. that process is also what caused the faded quality of his hair color in part as well. as a result, while he still retains a human vessel, his weight is lower than it should be when his height and mass is taken into account. he is lighter than song taewon. however, it is only in comparison to how much he should weigh–he’s still very solid^^

+(Q&A)

Q) when sung hyunjae becomes planted, do the people near him not experience a repelling feeling? A) aside from his parents, he came across as an existence that had always belonged there. the repulsion they experienced came from the fact that he was a born s-rank.

+(Q&A)

Q) how did sung hyunjae end up falling for crescent moon’s scam contract? was it that he was gullible? A) the first contract wasn’t as frightful as the one during the course of the novel. it was a standard contract, and didn’t contain anything sung hyunjae felt much opposed to. however, every time he was planted over, addendums were made to the contract and it grew in strength. as one of the earlier incarnations of sung hyunjae, sigma wasn’t tied down as strongly, which was why he was able to escape crescent moon’s contract, while sung hyunjae couldn’t. the original sung hyunjae may not have been gullible, but the pitfall was that he inevitably lacked outer-world knowledge ^^

+(Q&A)

Q) when yoojinie needs to trim his bangs, does he go to a salon or a barber shop? or does he trim it himself at home? A) pre-regression, because money was tight and he didn’t want to be recognized by anyone, he trimmed it himself. when his agoraphobic tendencies were particularly severe, there was a point at which it nearly resembled a bob cut. prior to the dungeon break happening, he cut his hair at home if possible, and he and han yoohyun would take turns cutting each other’s hair as well. at present, he goes to haeyeon’s guild-member-use salon, and will just trim it himself at home if he can’t be bothered to go ^^ once, after carefully singeing off part of his fringe with controlled magic, han yoohyun requested that han yoojin cut his hair for him like he’d done in the past; but owing to the amount of force required to accomplish the task, they gave up after that once. as an alternative, they go to the salon together.

#644화 #the s classes that i raised #tsctir #sctir

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dbgdbw · 1 year

Text

296.Waver(ing)

흔들림

The soles of his shoes padded lightly against the smoothly paved runway. Sung Hyunjae languidly turned his head to survey his surroundings.

It was quiet. Aside from the flight crew disembarking from the airplane, no other living presence could be sensed. The airport was likely in a similar state. Possibly, someone might have been left in the control tower. Even so–by this time, they had likely managed to evacuate the premises as well.

“It seems that the outcome will remain the same, regardless of what I might say.”

“Will you be forthcoming with an explanation, then.”

“No.”

Sung Hyunjae smiled, as though delighted by the turn of events. Without ever moving his eyes from him, Song Taewon verified that the crew members had made their escape via the runway.

“When you’ve gone to such lengths for an engagement with me, it would be remiss of me to turn away Section Chief Song Taewon-nim’s show of sincerity.”

“If you have no intentions of causing a disturbance, a verbal confirmation that you are capable of exercising control in your present state is all that will be required.”

“A single word is all that’s needed, is it.”

“Yes.”

Song Taewon answered calmly. However, he held no expectations that Sung Hyunjae would indeed comply with the utterance. When it was clear that he’d already been roused, the chances that he would say that nothing’s amiss, of his own volition, was nil. Approaching with his head bowed in such a way, was unsuited to him.

An S-rank Hunter displaying erratic behavior couldn’t be summarily dismissed without ado. However, this wasn’t someone who could be dissuaded by words, either. Ultimately, the most favorable outcome he could hope for was to attempt to de-escalate him here, however much possible.

“You opted not to travel back with Han Yoojin-ssi–why?”

Song Taewon finally opened his mouth, once the flight crew had disappeared into the airport.

“I’d no idea that young Han Yoojin was of an age that yet required a chaperone. He’d assured me that he was twenty-five, you see, and so I’d been soundly hoodwinked.”

“Is he in stable condition?”

Golden eyes, curved slightly in a smile, turned faintly chilling. As Sung Hyunjae remained silent, Song Taewon regarded him quietly in turn.

He’d heard, in broad strokes, what had happened from Moon Hyuna. There was nothing amiss with Han Yoojin. However, something had–at least, between him and Sung Hyunjae–likely transpired.

Without that being the case, there wasn’t a reason why Sung Hyunjae would have reentered the country first.

If it was simply that he’d lost interest, it would be a relief. But when he was showing an aberrant response, like now; what should he think.

It was unfamiliar. Enough that he felt reluctant to delve any deeper into the matter. There was another reason for this, as well. He was the Section Chief of the Awakened Persons Management Division, Song Taewon. More than anything, that fact took precedence.

“Hunter Sung Hyunjae, please provide an answer regarding the matter of your present state.”

“And if I choose to exercise my right to silence, what will you do.”

“The response protocol will be the same as for the procedure for post-Dungeon raid conditions.”

“Though it hardly bears comparison to that sort of thing. Very well.”

Sung Hyunjae’s magical energy shifted, lightly, easily. As natural as breathing, a faint electrical current trickled outwards.

Song Taewon’s hands tensed. Rather than a complicated conversation, this method was preferable. All the more so, as assorted revelations tended to follow on the heels of conversation.

Dress shoes ground against the floor. The runway was sturdy, built to withstand the impact of a plane taking off and landing. With the appearance of a faint crack in the reinforced pavement, Sung Hyunjae’s form vanished from its spot.

콰드득!

A thunderous clap rang out as fist met with palm. Song Taewon blocked the straight jab, thrown his way without any trace of a feint.

Squarely meeting the fist that had been hurled at full force, Song Taewon shot Sung Hyunjae a wary look.

“...what do you mean by this.”

Just a plain swing of his fist, without any Skill or finesse involved. It was nearly enough to cause him to be taken aback.

“Weren’t you proposing to let me use you, to at least vent my frustration.”(1)

끼익, with the squeal of shoes as the tip of his foot pressed into the ground, he moved into a kick. This time as well, there was a distinct lack of an electric current jumping out, or the metallic clatter of chains.

Song Taewon blocked the kick aimed straight for his forearm. Seeing the way he didn’t budge an inch, even when pressed with his entire body weight, Sung Hyunjae gave a crooked smile as he retreated with a light jump.

“What a stiff sandbag.”

“Why...!”

“To think I'd end up conscripted into aiding a public servant find his release, and in broad daylight no less.”(2)

What a tragic state of affairs, Sung Hyunjae said, affecting an exaggeratedly saddened expression.

“My dear Section Chief Song Taewon-nim, do flash your teeth properly.”

Raising his arm to glance at the time, Sung Hyunjae went on.

“The next plane should be arriving within the day, I imagine. In three or four hours’ time, likely. You should endeavor to clear the area of hazards before then, no.”

“...given the situation at present, precaution should be taken to ensure that no S-rank Hunter sustains significant harm. The chances of an incident breaking out between Korea and Japan is–.”

“How self-assured. How should I put this–that I do cherish young Han Yoojin, is true.”

Sung Hyunjae said, lightly pressing a curled finger to his chin. Outwardly, he appeared to be enclosed deep in tranquil thought.

“A rare one-of-a-kind value, and entertaining to boot. Enough that I wonder if there might ever be something I consider worth treasuring more, in the past as well as future. Though it might require a significant investment of resources, I entertained the notion of protecting it, and seeing to most things it might need. Since it’s valuable enough to warrant doing so.”

Without lowering his guard, Song Taewon regarded Sung Hyunjae.

Song Taewon was well aware of this, too. If it was something that caught his attention, something that he deemed to be of value, Sung Hyunjae became magnanimous. He didn’t shy away from the effort it took, carving out the time to pay meticulous attention to the quality of care given.

Only, when it came to Han Yoojin, it occasionally felt as though it turned particularly overzealous.

“...have you tired of him, now that it’s come to this.”

“It might’ve been more convenient, were that the case.”

차르륵, a whisper of chains sounded.

“As, even if my interest had waned, the value would remain the same–and so, simply cherishing him as I’d done before would have been sufficient.”

But now, it had become difficult to do even just that.

“I confess I feel, somewhat conflicted.”

Sung Hyunjae’s gaze fixed directly on Song Taewon.

“On how to proceed.”

Unconsciously, Song Taewon grit his teeth together. Just why.

Unbidden, Han Yoohyun’s image came to him. A vision he’d never before witnessed, nor thought he’d ever be privy to. Smiling brightly, with innocent delight; showing genuine concern for another; approaching him first, with warm, mundane affection.

“Section Chief Song Taewon.”

“...hadn’t you always behaved willfully, to begin with.”

“And if I’ve become unable to, what will you do.”

Sung Hyunjae said, as though in provocation. No–it was most certainly a provocation. Akin to fluttering a red flag, in front of a bull.

“No matter how much something might appeal to me, ‘I’ will always come foremost. Being ‘my property’, ‘something that I cherish’--at its core, it still returns back to ‘me’.”

“I am aware.”

Song Taewon shifted his stance slightly. His feet braced against the ground. He didn’t want to listen any further.

But even then, he was unable to urge himself onwards. Because when it came to his own desires–continually repressing and enduring things, was the proper stance to take regarding such impurities.

“You asked why I returned early, alone? Why, it was in avoidance.”

Isn’t it funny, Sung Hyunjae said.

“As it seemed as though I would be unable to keep myself from desisting any longer, and lay my hands on it regardless.”

“You(3) mean to say, you would.”

“That’s right. So, Song Taewon–go ahead and bite.”

Before I maul your tender lamb to shreds.

Like a command had fallen, Song Taewon lunged. As though the leash pulled taut had snapped, he fell upon his foe. There was no need for deeper contemplation. Han Yoojin was weak, and therefore an entity he was bound to protect. And Sung Hyunjae had professed an intention for violence.

He could act–assuredly, simply.

피지지직! Electric currents leapt up. As if they intended to sear through Song Taewon’s flesh, to char even his bones, they blitzed towards him.

Though he did possess an electricity-resistance Item, when viewed in light of his adversary’s rank, it fell abysmally short. However–so long as he could avoid a mortal blow with it, it would be sufficient.

Using the black shadow that allowed him to nullify his opponent’s Skill to block the concentrated electrical current aimed at his vitals, he swung the knife he’d taken out at some juncture towards Sung Hyunjae’s neck.

카랑! However, the knife was deflected by golden chains that quickly fanned out into existence, the two crashing together. When it came to pure strength, the knife, with the weight of momentum behind it, was superior; however, the difference in equipment was clear.

As the blade of the knife shattered, the flat of Sung Hyunjae’s hand shot out towards Song Taewon’s body to land a blow. Quickly twisting his body to dodge, Song Taewon jerked his knee up into Sung Hyunjae’s arm, to knock it away.

If they had collided as-is, the one who would have been injured was Sung Hyunjae. As someone who was capable of increasing density–and therefore weight–with his Skill, at the same rank, without a defensive Skill, rebuffing Song Taewon’s close-range attack was a difficult task. In addition, it was too late to retreat his hand. Instead of attempting to dodge, Sung Hyunjae turned his palm towards the ground.

콰드득, putting enough strength into his feet to cause the sturdy pavement underfoot to crack, Sung Hyunjae’s body soared upwards. Without resisting the kinetic force exerted by the surging attack, gently placing the palm of his hand on Song Taewon’s knee like a springboard, he’d used the inertia to complete a flip midair instead.

But Song Taewon wasn’t one to just watch as Sung Hyunjae nimbly sailed overhead, as though he’d escaped gravity. As he brought his folded knee back down, simultaneously, a sharp object flew from his hand. 파바박, as the sound of something digging through flesh was heard, the chains rammed down towards Song Taewon like an incensed snake.

콰각!

The floor shattered under the end of the chain. Then, 콰득, 콱!, it continued thrusting in pursuit of Song Taewon, as he attempted to move out of the way. Unable to retaliate with his own weapon, having cloaked one side with Plundering(掠奪), Song Taewon seized the golden chain in his hand and wound it around his arm.

The chain was pulled taut between the two people. Though electricity skittered up the chain, it was consumed by the black shadow and dwindled.

“A monster’s spine, is it.”

One arm still occupied with holding the chain, Sung Hyunjae lifted his other arm. Four barbs were embedded in his wrist.

Closing his mouth around the end of a spine, he drew it out, never taking his gaze away from Song Taewon. The barbs, slowly eased out from his body, 툭툭, dropped to the floor one by one. Blood soaked through his sleeve in an instant.

“Though the paralyzing agent remains still, it appears weak.”

Song Taewon took a deep breath. Shifting his weight to both feet, he heaved the chain towards himself. Unable to beat him in a contest of strength, it seemed as though Sung Hyunjae was being pulled forward, when 투두둑, the segments of the chain suddenly broke apart.

The dismantled links, shooting out towards the direction in which they’d been pulled.

쾅! 콰광!

Bore into the innocent body of the plane.

Though the force it exerted was tantamount to a bomb going off, without so much as a flinch, Song Taewon steadily deflected the links as he sprinted towards Sung Hyunjae. But obstructing his way was a dreadful electrical energy.

쿠르르릉!

Blinding light burst outwards. With a tremendous roar, the energy with incredible destructive power enshrouded Song Taewon completely. Struggling against the dreadful pressure exerted by that light, Song Taewon narrowly managed to slam his foot into the ground. The specially reinforced concrete, forced upwards, deflected the wildly dancing electrical current.

At the same time.

“Kuh!”

Having materialized behind Song Taewon, Sung Hyunjae connected a powerful kick with his back. As his body smashed into the raised wall of concrete, a concussive sound was heard.

Unable to open his eyes properly due to the strength of the light, Song Taewon flung himself away on instinct and into a roll to move out of the way. 차르르, the chain drove down at the space where Song Taewon had been, reminiscent of a lance.

“......!”

Suddenly changing directions, it speared through Song Taewon’s arm. His opponent was someone whose was someone whose attacks could only just be avoided, to begin with. There was a high possibility that even letting himself be hit with the paralyzing spines, had been an intentional allowance.

The chain, which had speared through his arm like a cast fishing line, made a half-loop and pulled. Song Taewon’s body, flung away, smashed through the plane and tumbled through the resulting debris. Lightning struck from above, in the very same spot. Swallowing back the blood seeping between his teeth, Song Taewon dodged. Accompanied by the blackened smell of burning, flames danced.

Beyond the wafting smoke, a man standing tall could be seen. Upon witnessing his state–immaculate, but for a slight redness at his sleeve–Song Taewon found himself reassured, rather. Splashing a potion over his body, he stood up.

“That Partner of mine most certainly would’ve harped on, had he witnessed this state.”

The stroke of his fingers against the end of the chain that had returned to him was elegant without measure. Even the locks that had become disheveled by their rough movements, seemed like it had been done in a calculated gambit. He was a sight completely removed from the disarrayed rubble scattered around them.

“Do not go near Han Yoojin-ssi.”

Debris from the plane crunched underfoot as Song Taewon walked forward.

Sung Hyunjae watched him with assessing eyes. He took in the fervidly heated gaze fixed upon him, at odds with the implacably stony expression he wore.

“The two of you, are more alike than you realize.”

“What you’re suggesting.”

“What you desire from me, as well as that repressed inner self.”

Song Taewon’s expression pinched slightly. 우지직, the sound of something crashing to the ground, rang out from behind.

“As I was able to find a measure of release, thanks to you, I’ll extend my gratitude for that, at least.”

“W, ait!”

“I’m standing here, as you can see.”

His fist, his legs tensed. But Song Taewon was unable to resume attacking. If he had been sated, then that was that. Seeing the way he hesitated, Sung Hyunjae lifted the end of a brow minutely before turning away.

* * *

“So, it wasn’t a notable injury?”

“Yes–the Seseung guild leader has retired to his residence, and Section Chief Song Taewon is in sound condition as well.”

I heard the news when I reached the airport lounge. Sung Hyunjae had arrived at the airport and gotten into a scrap with Song Taewon, who had been waiting for him. That was the extent of what I could pry out of them. With a complicated heart, I stroked Peace, who was sitting in my lap.

‘Though it’s a relief that the two of them are okay.’

There was no way Section Chief Song would’ve been the one to throw the first punch, so. Sung Hyunjae-ssi, just what did you think you were doing. To calm my irate feelings, I chugged down the drink set beside me.

“That we would have to still go through a reception, after everything!”

“Yerim-ah, it’s been three days.”

Though it felt like a long time had passed for me, too.

At my words, Yerimie, who was currently caught in the coordinator’s firm grip, sulkily puffed out her cheeks. Though we’d wanted to return home immediately, saying that there was a need to prepare in anticipation of a reception celebrating our win in the friendly match with Japan, we’d been detained like so. Something about an even more jovial celebration being called for, in order to improve the atmosphere following the sudden infestation of monsters.

Turning my head, I could see Yoohyunie and Hyuna-ssi, both of them deeply preoccupied with the work reports that had accumulated in the meanwhile. Though there hadn’t been any significant problems at Haeyeon, Hyuna-ssi was grimacing at the incidents Liette had stirred up.

“Makes me feel sorry towards Soyoungie.”

But perhaps because of the impending events, too, there wasn’t anything said about Breaker Guild taking responsibility as well, too. Celebration, or whatever–I just wanted to get it over with, and go home.

- - - - -

(1) ‘화풀이나 하라고 대주는 것 아니었나’

‘PG’ reading:

‘so it’s not you offering yourself up as an outlet for my temper?’

‘alternative’ reading:

‘대주(기)’ = lit. to ‘put something to (something)’, with both the connotation of ‘offering up’ and ‘leaning/pressing against’; used as innuendo for someone on the receiving end ‘offering up’ their body + ‘화풀이’ = ‘venting one’s emotions on smth’ → ‘so it’s not you offering to let me use(fuck) you to at least blow off steam?’

(2) ‘대낮부터 공직자의 자기 위로나 돕는 신세라니’

‘자위’ is the slang/shortened ver. of ‘자기(self-) 위로(consolation/comfort)’, i.e. masturbation.. the full implication being that shj is going to ‘help work’ stw to completion ‘in broad daylight’ while he(stw)’s on duty

‘PG’ reading:

‘to think, i’d end up in the position of having to help a government employee console himself, and from so early on in the day’

(3) though shj(38) uses 하게체 with both hyj(25/30) and stw(34) (while he doesn’t with mha(27), for example), when he speaks to hyj, it’s in the way you’d speak to a younger person of a different generation, whereas the way he speaks to stw is how you’d speak to a contemporary/peer. the way stw speaks to shj is polite-formal, but in a way that’s also the way some more traditional/’respectful’ adult couples speak to each other, particularly because of the ‘you(당신)’ used:

it’s the discrepancy in honorific level with regards to their interpersonal dynamics that renders hyj’s occasional use of ‘당신’ rude/aggressive, while stw’s consistent references to shj as ‘당신’ get read w/ the ‘acceptable/intimate’ use. since pronoun-dropping in kr means that the ‘you’ can be skipped altogether in a sentence, geunseo-nim deliberately including an instance of it in the text, is done so to inform the reader on the dynamic that exists between the characters.

other examples of intentional manners of address in speech dynamics being significant story-wise can be seen in ch557, for example, where hyj is able to pinpoint that the person calling out to him is hyh simply because of the way he addresses him:

“안녕.” 경찰청장의 말이 뚝 끊어졌다. 그와 동시에 정체를 알 수 있었다. 나를 부르는 호칭이 차단될 만한 정 보인 사람. 그리고 존댓말도 아닌. “...유현아?”

“Hey.” The police chief’s words abruptly dropped off. Simultaneously, I was able to ascertain their identity. Someone who was close enough, that they held the right to drop identifiers(호칭*) for me altogether. Nor using honorifics, either. “...Yoohyun-ah?”

this level of intimacy/familiarity is reserved for family/lovers(w/ younger couples, in contrast to hjtw’s ‘older married couple’ dynamic), the conflation being since, ostensibly, your significant other is on the track to becoming family.

*호칭 would be the title/tie/relationship to x/name mentioned below:

novel hjtw

+(Q&A)

Q) are hunters typically big eaters?

A) the higher the rank, the more efficient their digestive abilities become–but as the amount of energy they consume increases proportionately as well, they tend to be big eaters, for the most part. but notably, high-ranked Hunters are capable of ‘absorbing energy’ via their magical energy as well. accordingly, the more advanced their control over magical energy, the less they need to eat. in addition, their idiosyncrasies vary depending on their respective ‘properties’.

[...] conversely, as song taewon must keep repressing the power of the Lunar Eclipse that continually compels him to swallow things down, even with outstanding control over his magical energy, the amount he eats is sizeable. [...] sung hyunjae has outstanding control, but due to his status as a Waxing Moon, his body demands more energy–something that he ignores.

+(Q&A)

Q) when section chief song-nim was driving around a compact car, how did he drive?

A) he picked the car with the highest clearance and longest seat rails out of the selection of compact cars that were available, but even then, it was cramped after all. however, as song taewon felt a kind of reassurance(comfort) from that stifling condition, he paid no mind to the physical discomfort it caused. it’s because sung hyunjae was aware that song taewon’s compact car was one of the methods he utilized to repress himself, that it irked him all the more ^^

+(Q&A)

Q) have any of the respective heads of organizations acted as chief mourner in a funeral for a subordinate who lost their family to a Dungeon break?

A) song taewon and moon hyuna have done so in the past. han yoohyun has not, but even if the occasion had come up, he wouldn’t want to participate in the capacity of chief mourner, which is typically filled by family. pre-regression, han yoohyun’s family comprised only one person, han yoojin–and even as a temporary arrangement, he has no intention of letting another step into a position that’s reserved for family only. in the case of sung hyunjae, the sole person he’d considered to hold a relationship with himself that would warrant doing such pre-regression, was song taewon. at present, with song taewon of course being a given, he’s also considering taking up the position of chief mourner for han yoojin’s funeral, as han yoohyun would have perished alongside him, if it turns out that bak yerim struggles to do so.

+(Q&A)

Q) 성현제가 힐링할 때 주로 뭘 하는지 궁금합니다

+(Q&A)

Q) hello author-nim! pre-regression, why did sung hyunjae end up leaving for switzerland, specifically? it seemed as though he’d traversed through various countries before deciding on switzerland; i was curious why, out of countless countries, he ended up choosing switzerland! additionally, would it be alright to ask approximately how many times sung hyunjae had been re-planted…??

A) song taewon’s influence played a significant role. having been bequeathed song taewon’s miscarried Plundering(掠奪), he(shj) sought a place that would suit song taewon and be a place he(stw) could live peacefully+was far away from korea. it was also the background of the postcard he would send han yoojin, too. however, he wasn’t set on switzerland from the beginning, and so long as it was an idyllic location somewhere in the Alps, he wouldn’t have cared where it ended up being. other than that it’s in the triple digits, i’ll leave the exact number your imagination ^^

#296화 #the s classes that i raised #tsctir #sctir

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dbgdbw · 1 year

Text

614화

Rewind

“Leave the rear to us, and keep running!”

With a lively cry, Yerimie pointed her hatchet at the mob that was drawing closer. 파바박, Peace’s four paws scraped against the ground as he veered into a sharp turn, before continuing to sprint forward like a gust of wind. As water droplets formed around Yerimie, right before we were about to crash into the bike and military truck, she sprang off of Peace’s back to leap high into the air.

“By-ee!”

촤��아! Along with the water, Yerimie’s hatchet swept away the throng of Hunters. Like a shark riding a swift current falling upon a school of fish, everything that came into contact with the blade of the hatchet was torn into shreds. But.

- Appa says things feel a bit off.

“Most of our Skills have been restricted.”

- 우애?

“It’s an ability held by the Hunters who seem to’ve gained Chatterbox’s powers. The amount of time spent locked out varies each time, but it’s around a day at minimum, and up to a week at most. Since we’ve been deploying constantly, we kept getting locked down, so everyone ended up being locked out of their Skills.”

That Chatterbox bastard, even when he was dead, he was a pain in the ass! So that’s why Peace hadn’t been using his flames, and Yerimie hadn’t been using her teleportation, nor her flight capabilities. Her ability to wield water was outside the bounds of what constituted a ‘Skill’, which was why she was still able to use it.

- 웽.

Using my front paw, I tapped Yoohyunie’s leg. Is it the same for you, Yoohyunie?

“I can still use my flames. Since they do take on the shape of a Skill, but that power originates from my own fundamental strength. That ability seems to only be able to lock away Skills. Bak Yerim tested it with Section Chief Song-nim’s Skill, and Section Chief Song-nim was successfully able to lower the rank of her water manipulation.”

I see. Since Section Chief Song-nim didn’t just possess a Skill, but was instead an entity that had been born in order to… swallow Sung Hyunjae’s existence itself. Since that meant it shouldn’t be an ability that only blocked another’s capabilities, then, did it have something to do with an ability to manipulate Chatterbox’s System, perhaps.

The car sped up, rapidly leaving Yerimie’s shape far behind. I became a bit worried, whether Yerimie and Peace would be alright with just the two of them. And on top of that, they were almost unable to use their Skills at all!

“Don’t worry. Only one of them seemed to be at S-rank, and it’s something that’s been commonplace of late.”

Yoohyunie spoke up, having caught onto my sense of trepidation.

‘…commonplace?’

“There’ll be other people convening with Bak Yerim shortly. There’s a Hunter that’s been accompanying her.”

Who could it be. Seeing as how Yoohyunie had referred to them as ‘an accompanying Hunter,’ it didn’t seem like they were anyone he was acquainted with. Had Yerimie made a new friend.

‘Ah, Yoohyun-ah! Your blade!’

I quickly took out the Sovereign’s Sword. With a smile, Yoohyunie received the blade and put it away into his inventory.

“Since the Sovereign’s Sword is essentially contracted to me, when it’s been drawn outside of an inventory, I’m capable of sensing its location.”

Fuck, if only I’d known that, I would’ve just quietly hid away in a corner while hanging onto the blade. Though I’d managed to get a good chunk of rest, thanks to my foray into the Drawer.

Just then, from ahead of us, the sound of another bike approaching could be heard. Thinking it was an enemy, I started to hide myself inside Yoohyunie’s clothes again, only to see a familiar figure reflected through my dongsaeng’s eyes.

‘Section Chief Song-nim?’

Song Taewon was astride a bulky bike, which bore the markings of considerably rough past treatment. Donning the same Arabian clothing Yoohyunie was wearing, he readjusted the cloth covering he had briefly lowered back over the bottom half of his face. Then, he slipped on a pair of dark sunglasses. Since he was a public official, it seemed it was an attempt to hide his face, even if only as a formality.

“Continue traveling directly this way, to the north.”

Section Chief Song-nim said, slipping past the car. The gaze coming from behind the sunglasses seemed to fix on me for a moment, from where I was half-hidden within the fold of clothes. At any rate, with Section Chief Song-nim having joined up with us as well, I felt reassured. After reorienting ourselves northwards and racing along the path for a while, twinkle, an immensely faint light–one that an S-rank Hunter would barely notice–sparkled in a signal. Cradling me out of sight in his clothes, Yoohyunie disembarked from the car. Stretching out my front paw, I put the car back away into the Drawer, and we began heading towards the source of the signal. Through a crack in the rock wall, Noah, who was accordingly swathed from head to toe in cloth as well, appeared.

Even though their genders, ages, countries of origin, and even race differed, all of them seemed to have adjusted to this neighborhood well enough, somehow or another.

“This way, please. And Yoojin-ssi?”

Noah asked, with a demeanor that made it clear he fully expected to see me as well. Then again, it wasn’t as though Yoohyunie would’ve deigned to budge without my presence. I poked my head out from between his clothes. Noah’s eyes widened slightly. Even though he’d known that I was a cat, he still wore an expression of surprise.

To avoid being easily spotted from the skies, we quietly entered the village by proceeding along the rock wall. In one of the houses, Samīr was waiting for us. You’d been traveling with that prince-nim the whole time?

“Hunter Samīr is aware of Yoojin-ssi’s circumstances as well.”

Noah said. After taking a quick scan around my surroundings, I left Yoohyunie’s arms to revert to a human. The Delaus(1) Skill was handy, but a human’s body was still the most comfortable. As I was stretching my arms all the way overhead, Yoohyunie scrutinized me intently with keen eyes. I should appear perfectly fine, from the outside at least.

“To think, that cat really was Hunter Han Yoojin……”

Samīr mumbled to himself. It really was surprising, huh. I’d never imagined in my dreams that I’d end up pretending to be a cat, either. Life really… had a way of surprising you.

“Hyung, could you strip for just a bit?”

“There’s not a scratch on me. I made sure to eat and rest well this last while. I’ve heard that all the departure routes have been blocked, but what is the situation, then, exactly?”

“It’s just as you’ve heard. They’re stalking and keeping tabs on us, ensuring we won’t be able to leave this area. As the damage inflicted on the private sector might increase with a slip-up, we’ve been purposefully staging sporadic appearances accordingly.”

“The objective, of course, being myself, I presume.”

“As well as Isabella and myself. To be precise, it seems all this is over the Seseung Guild Leader–what in the world is going on?”

“Ah…a shotgun wedding? That is… It seems like for the Seseung Guild Leader, it’s an unwanted marriage, but from Isabella’s point of view, since it’s the appearance of a fake fiancée… Hm. I’m not certain what’s going on, either, I suppose.”

Saying shotgun wedding?, Samīr tilted his head in puzzlement. ‘Sung Hyunjae’ and ‘shotgun wedding’, it really created an immense sense of dissonance. But the fact that the lovey-dovey picture with Isabella had already been spread all over SNS, but no sort of response had been forthcoming, meant that–

‘He must be being held captive, after all.’

To assume that he wasn’t being restrained, and remained in sound shape, it was too quiet. When such a ruckus had been kicked up, in particular.

“In any case, as I’ve my share of culpability in the matter as well, I will endeavor to see the matter resolved.”

“Since it’s something Bella took on, she’ll just have to deal with the fallout. And apart from that, it seems some of our family matters are tied up in it as well. Then, for the time being.”

Samīr shed his outer coat. Then, he proffered it to Yoohyunie.

“With the Haeyeon Guild Leader finally leaving his post, they’ll have deduced that he’s caught wind of Han Yoojin’s whereabouts. They’ll be ready to chase you down to the ends of the earth.”

“Samīr and myself will act as a decoy. As Samīr’s physique happens to resemble Hunter Han Yoohyun’s build, too.”

That was certainly true. And in fact, though he’d had darker colored hair from the onset, at the moment, it was dyed black altogether. Since there was a slight curliness to his locks as well, when you were just looking from the back, it really would be easy to mistake them.

“Even so, if they manage to come a bit nearer, wouldn’t the difference in skin tone immediately tip them off.”

“I can just let only my fringe and eyes show, and it’ll be fine. Since our eye colors are about the same, too. And on top of that.”

Samīr extended his right hand in front of himself. A small black flame appeared at the tip of his fingers. What the hell!

“An E-rank Skill, earned from a raid.”

The flame’s color changed to a yellowish hue. Then, flickering, it switched from green, to red, to sky blue.

“A support-type that only changes the color of an ordinary flame, essentially. However, as at present, it’s been publicized that the only one among us who wields a black flame is the Haeyeon Guild Leader.”

With this, they would definitely be fooled readily enough. Shedding his outer coat, Yoohyunie changed into Samīr’s. As he was doing so, Yerimie arrived.

“Ahjussi!”

With a cheerful greeting, Yerimie showed an obviously disappointed expression. …I was aware of what she’d been hoping for, but I pretended I wasn’t. Yerim-ah, ahjussi has his human rights too.

“Our Gyeolie’s sooo cute!”

Having latched onto Gyeolie instead of me, Yerimie proceeded to pet the soft white fur. Gyeolie’s tail wagged gently back and forth.

- I transformed to be like appa!

“Gyeolie is amazing!”

And soon, Peace and Song Taewon, as well as Isabella, trickled in as well.

- 끄우웅, 꺄앙!

Peace, who had shrunk into his juvenile form, scampered over to where I was and rubbed his body against me. Our Peace, Papa really wanted to see you lots. For the first time in a while, I held Peace in my arms. Aigo, look at all this dust clinging onto his fur. Without being able to use his flames, this kid had become a bit grimy. I wanted to give him a bath.

“It is a relief to see you in good health.”

“You’ve had your fair share to deal with too, Section Chief Song-nim.”

That much was for certain. Dipping his head slightly, Song Taewon spoke.

“Have you heard any news regarding the Seseung Guild Leader, perchance?”

“I’m afraid not. I happen to be clueless as well. Hearing about the wedding, I was fairly startled too.”

How Sung Hyunjae might be doing at present, I felt immensely curious about as well. He wouldn’t be weeping while tied up, with the impending shotgun wedding looming, right. With his personality, there was no way he’d go through with an unwanted marriage, so what might he be up to.

“How’d you whelp a kit(2)?”

“…come again?”

Isabella, who had been staring blatantly back and forth between me and Gyeolie, blithely tossed out an outrageous remark. That’s, ‘whelp’ and ‘kit’. Gyeolie’s my kid, true, but… that’s to say. …now that I thought about it, it really was a precarious matter to explain to someone who didn’t know about the magic stone synthesizing process, who couldn’t have it revealed to them. Just responding that he’s a monster was an option, but I felt reluctant to do so in front of Gyeolie, after all.

“It’s the fairy dragon, transformed into a cat.”

Thankfully, Yerimie spoke up as she held Gyeolie aloft.

“Though it’s true that Gyeolie is ahjussie’s kid.”

- He’s my appa.

The fairy cat proudly asserted; how cute, mumbled Isabella.

“I wanna hold it too.”

“Not yet. I just got here too. And since I’m Gyeolie’s auntie, he likes me better.”

“Cheapskate.”

Yerimie and Isabella began to bicker. Those two seemed to be getting along quite well.

“Hunter Moon Hyuna has yet to arrive due to a consecutive string of air terrorism incidents. Having heard word of Han Yoojin-ssi’s situation, Hunters Liette and Kang Soyoung have preemptively returned to Korea for the time being, in order to conduct Dungeon maintenance.”

“That’s true, it’s already been almost a month since we’ve left Korea.”

Even if the rate at which Dungeons appeared in Korea had slowed, we couldn’t continue to leave the post vacant. Evelyn had headed back as well, and since Soyoung-ssi was approximately at an S-rank Hunter’s level when working in tandem with Comet, it should be enough to have things covered. Haeyeon had Sunghan-ssi, as well as Blue and the unicorns, so as long as it wasn’t a new S-rank Dungeon that popped up, there shouldn’t be any problems.

“The terrorism should cease once hyung leaves. Since they’re doing all of it to prevent hyung from escaping.”

“That’s true, but……”

“The safest and quickest option would be to wait until Peace has finished recovering. Taking a plane holds the potential for increased civilian casualties, and it would be difficult to procure a ship, as well. A helicopter would be easily shot down.”

I looked around at the gathered people. They all seemed to be in decent condition, without any significant injuries, but they would’ve been fatigued from everything that had been transpiring. And I could stay inside of the Drawer until Peace was able to use his Skills again, but then I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the news outside.

“Could we go outside for just a moment? Or, if there’s a space that has a fairly wide clearing, that would suffice as well.”

“Though it’s unlikely that they’ve managed to track this place down yet… There’s an empty lot located in the center of the building.”

We headed out to a clearing that appeared to have been a garden at one point. Then, with a slight apologetic bow towards Section Chief Song-nim.

“Holy shit, ahjussi.”

“…Han Yoojin-ssi.”

I brought the fighter plane out of the Drawer. Section Chief Song-nim let out a heavy sigh he’d been unable to suppress.

“That’s, it’s not anything expensive. It’s an old model, that fell off a looong time ago. It doesn’t even have any firepower capabilities. It’s only for flying! It’s just that, when I happened to ask the Seseung Guild Leader in passing, he’d mentioned he could pilot a fighter plane, so I thought maybe it might end up coming in handy. Since a helicopter would be too slow, and an airliner would be too big. It’s just a very speedy light aircraft, essentially.”

“……”

“…ahjussi, you should be nice to the Guild Leader, I’m guessing.”

“Uh, yeah. I’ll pay my due respects. I’ll give him a New Year’s card, and send him a gift on Seollal(3) too.”

I’d even written a Christmas card, too. I should be thankful to him for a number of things, I supposed. Section Chief Song–nim eventually pressed a hand to his forehead.

“Please make certain, to return it after the fact.”

“Yes, of course. But it’s perfect for the occasion, isn’t it. As long as we can operate it.”

Even an S-rank Hunter would be hard-pressed to overtake a fighter plane. On top of its smaller stature, it had an edge in speed. If only we could safely fly it, it was game over.

“To start, I have received fundamental instruction regarding operation.”

“I’m familiar with the basic controls, too.”

At Section Chief Song-nim’s and Samīr’s admissions, Yoohyunie looked towards the fighter pilot’s cockpit with a slightly anxious gaze. There was just enough room to barely squeeze in two people. Would riding in it while being held in my cat form work?

“However, I will need to depart the country through as formal a procedure as possible.”

“…I cannot send hyung away alone with someone I cannot trust.”

“Haeyeon’s Guild Leader-nim’s uptight, huh. Then, you wanna learn?”

Samīr asked Yoohyunie, giving a casual flick to the fighter plane’s wingtip.

“You piloted any planes before?”

“Only a helicopter, a bit.”

“So you’re not a complete novice. Since you’re only navigating, as an S-rank, you just need to be able to pick up the basics. As long as you manage to take off, all you’ll need in order to land is to avoid anywhere that might be populated.”

What an irresponsible demeanor. But he was right. Even if we crashed in an inconvenient spot, all we’d have to show for it would probably be just a spot of bruising.

“Only, if you’re heading towards Europe, there’s a chance that you’ll end up being shot down. Since it’s a fighter pilot of unknown origins–you might be better off flying it directly into the ocean.”

“That won’t be a concern, so long as I send word ahead.”

Noah spoke up. He looked between me and Yoohyunie.

“You should head straight to France, while avoiding other countries as much as possible. Please land in an unpopulated spot, if you can.”

“Will that be alright?”

“I am still a French Hunter, too, after all. As that region in particular is one that noonim holds significant influence over, they should be willing to overlook that much. And it’s a way of ending the terrorism that’s currently ongoing, as well.”

Noah-ssi felt immensely dependable, just then. A local’s connections were the best, all told.

“Then, Han Yoojin-ssi, along with Hunter Han Yoohyun, please head towards France. Since, once the fact Han Yoojin-ssi’s left Africa has spread, we should be able to leave the continent without incident as well.”

“Haeyeon’s Guild Leader-nim, come look at this.”

Section Chief Song-nim and Samīr began walking Yoohyunie through how to pilot the fighter plane. Since my dongsaeng was bright, he should pick it up in no time.

Gyeolie, who had managed to squeeze his way out of Yerimie’s arms, took a santa hat out of his inventory. Then, he brought out the cards that had been neatly decorated with ribbons.

- Gyeolie made these Christmas cards with appa.

As the card was proffered to her, Yerimie regarded Gyeolie with a deeply moved expression.

“Though auntie wasn’t able to prepare anything! Thanks, Gyeol-ah! When we get home, I’ll buy Gyeolie whatever you want!”

- No, that’s okay. Thanks for liking Gyeolie, auntie.

Taking the card, Yerimie read through its contents. With a supremely delighted light in her eye, she put the card away into her inventory before turning her head to look towards me.

“Ahjussi, thank you. Merry Christmas!”

“Mhn, merry Christmas to you too.”

- Here, uncle. I made this with appa.

A card was delivered to Yoohyunie as well. Telling Gyeolie thank you, Yoohyunie scanned the contents before carefully tucking it away into his inventory, as expected.

“Thanks, hyung. I love you too.”

“Sorry I wasn’t able to give you a proper gift. It’s not that I hadn’t prepared one, but just that it’s running late.”

“No, it’s alright. This much is plenty.”

“Hey, Han Yoohyun! My present to you is time together with ahjussi. Go to France, and spend your birthday with ahjussi. We’ll buy you time back here. How’s ‘bout it?”

“That’s alright with me. If you’d like a day or two extra, that would be fine as well. Thanks, Gyeol-ah.”

Receiving a card, Noah nodded his head. But, still…….

“For us to be the only ones resting comfortably, it’s…….”

“It only comes around once a year, right. And the situation right now, isn’t so bad. To be honest, it’s a bit, well, a lot of fun!”

Yerimie said, taking the hatchet out of her inventory.

“Since we can’t use our Skills for the most part, it’s been a good opportunity to build close-quarters combat experience. I’d been relying too much on my Skills, as a matter of fact.”

“Your Skills are part of your intrinsic strength too, Yerim-ah. But, what’s with the hatchet?”

“Some princess-nim had a lo~t to say about this lowly peasant’s ‘inability to synchronize’, y’see.”

“I’m right, though?”

“You were a mess, too.”

“Though that’s true as well.”

“It was also Section Chief Song-nim’s advice, that trying out different types of weapons ourselves would be a good experience. He said that it would increase flexibility in response, for dealing with opponents as well as teammates.”

As Yerimie spoke, her eyes sparkled brightly. They said that kids didn’t stop growing, even when you took your eyes off of them for a second. I felt a bit proud, somehow.

“As expected of Section Chief Song-nim.”

“I’ve been practicing how to coordinate with other Hunters, too. He’s a good teacher.”

Section Chief Song-nim stared off into the far distance for a moment. Ah, so he’d had his work cut out for him. Honestly. Shouldn’t Section Chief Song-nim also be awarded a Teacher Title, or something.

- Mister Songie’s-appa too, merry Christmas!

“Thank you very much.”

- And Peace as well, merry Christmas!

- 끼앙.

Isabella regarded the fairy cat delivering the cards with covetous eyes. Maybe we should’ve made ones for Isabella and Samīr, too. But we could have hardly foreseen that we’d end up moving together like this.

- Appa, there’s still cards left…….

“It’s alright if it runs a bit late. We’ll all meet up again, very soon.”

- Mhn. And Gyeolie will stay here, too. If Gyeolie uses his fairy dragon form, it’ll be easier to lure them away.

“That’s true, but we can stay together too.”

- Nah. Since I got to stay with appa for a long time! A little bit apart is okay. And this one is appa’s card! I made it while appa was asleep.

A card, decorated prettily with stars and hearts, was presented to me.

[ To appa, whom I love, merry Christmas! Thank you for loving Gyeolie. During Christmas, I’m going to wish to Santa Claus that appa will be healthy. And happy. And that we’ll all live together for a very very long time. I love you, appa! ]

The tip of my nose stung. Our kind Gyeolie.

“Thanks, Gyeol-ah. Though appa wasn’t able to prepare a present for Gyeolie.”

- I already got one! Since I got to enjoy time with appa! I was really happy.

I squeezed Gyeolie in a tight embrace. Once Yoohyunie had finished with his crash course, the fighter plane was returned to my inventory. We hadn’t been able to conduct an actual test run, but it would probably work out somehow, right.

It was decided that Samīr and Noah, along with Gyeolie, would depart first to draw away the Hunters that were chasing us.

“This, here, is one of noonim’s villas. I’ve sent word ahead to the manager, so please feel free to use it as you see fit.”

“Thank you, Noah-ssi.”

“Please take care on your way.”

- See you later, appa!

The three departed. Next, Yermie and Isabella stood as well.

“We’ll shake things up just right, too.”

“Thanks, Yerim-ah. Isabella-ssi, please take good care of our Yerimie.”

“Mhn. Show me how you turn into a cat, later.”

“It’s the other way around! I’m the one minding her.”

They did get along very well, it seemed. And even though he appeared to be disappointed by the turn of events, after rubbing his body against me once, Peace followed after the two people, leaving just Yoohyunie and Section Chief Song-nim. We waited until the others had lured the Hunters away a suitable distance, before emerging from the building.

“It’s been said that the place where the news of Hunter Sung Hyunjae’s impending nuptials originated from, was in Europe.”

“Is that so? Then, while we’re at it, we should drop by the wedding venue en route. Since there’s not much time left.”

“Yes. And in Europe, the terrorists will not be able to interfere to such an extent. Since the European Hunter Association will not stand idly by.”

Would I be able to receive a formal invitation before the wedding ceremony, after all. How much should I give for the congratulatory money gift(4). Of course, if it was a wedding Sung Hyunjae wasn’t in accordance with, it would be my obligation as a partner to help him flip things over.

Because the distance to France and the maximum flight distance ran so close, we elected to take the most direct path possible. Arriving at a deserted stretch of wasteland, Yoohyunie and Section Chief Song-nim built a temporary runway. There was a beat where I worried whether the plane would actually manage to take off safely; but Yoohyunie was an excellent pupil, and as for my impressions of riding on it… A private plane was the most preferable, in the end.

Having managed to land safely somehow, I quickly put away the fighter plane in the Drawer. We provided a brief run-down of the situation to the French Hunter Association employee who had been waiting for us, and went through a short processing procedure as well.

“We are particularly fond of Hunters who possess fire-attribute Skills. Do have a very enjoyable Christmas.”

Telling us to rest easy without any worries, the Hunter Association staff sent us a sly wink. We could rent a car too, as it turned out. Out on the road, there were Christmas decorations in sight everywhere you turned. The giant tree that had been erected in the square was piled high with artificial snow.

“It’d be nice if they had some cakes left.”

We stopped by the store the Association employee had told us about. Fortunately, perhaps because it wasn’t the inner city, there was still a cake left available for purchase. Though it was a Christmas-themed cake.

“Even then, it’s a relief that we get to spend today together.”

At my words, Yoohyunie, who was driving, gave a smile.

“Mhn. It’s been a long time. It feels like it’s been about ten years since I’ve last spent Christmas with hyung.”

“In my case, it’s been about ten actual years. Since another half year has passed since regressing, it should be around nine years or so now.”

“…sorry.”

“No, it’s not anything you should be sorry for. It couldn’t be helped.”

“I hope things’ll continue like this, the way they are now.”

Yoohyunie said, following the instructions from the navigation to turn onto a backroads path.

“Hyung may have a lot of people now, but I want to be selfish for a single day, at least.”

“Hey, what d’you mean ‘selfish’. When it’s my one and only dongsaeng’s birthday, of course hyung needs to see you taken care of. Anyways, during Christmas, everyone’ll be busy gathering on the eve to party and go on dates, so there’s no need to pay any mind to them.”

My dongsaeng showed a glad smile.

“Thanks. My Christmases are always ever for hyung, too.”

“It should be a day for yourself.”

“Hyung’s presence there, is what holds meaning for me.”

Liette’s villa was located in the mountains. The manager of the fairly spacious and neat two-story house, who had been waiting on us, handed off the keys. In the living room that boasted a wide fireplace, there was even a tree put up.

“It feels awkward, walking around with our shoes still on. What time is it? Should we wash up before anything else. Yoohyunie, you go and wash first. I’ve been living comfortably enough in the Drawer, but that wasn’t the case for you, right.”

Ushering my dongsaeng off to the bath, I proceeded to check on the kitchen. There was food available, but because most of it was unidentifiable, I brought some things out from the Drawer to eat. I set the living room table with the food, as well as the cake. Yoohyunie, who’d emerged after washing up, sat down beside me.

“We haven’t been able to go on a proper trip together. Since we hadn’t had the leisure.”

I said, as we sliced into the bread we’d bought together from the store and began to eat. The only trips we’d had had been the ones we’d taken because of school. I’d been young, and my dongsaeng had been even younger.

“After you’d finished with your entrance exams, around your birthday, I’d thought that we might take a trip. Since going overseas would be too difficult, somewhere domestic, with scenic views.”

“I’m fine with wherever.”

“I would’ve liked it, wherever it ended up being, too. Just being able to leave home, and getting to go somewhere with only you.”

If that day had come to pass without incident, that would’ve been one of the important things I had to do checked off of my list. Various emotions would’ve washed over me, probably. I wondered if a sense of pride would’ve been the most prominent one, among them.

“Next year, I’ll be the one to take initiative, so let’s go somewhere hyung wants to go.”

“Why should you be the one making preparations, when it’s your birthday. Think about where you want to go. Beginning from now, while taking your time. Not just ‘anywhere is fine if it’s with hyung’, alright. It’s homework.”

Yoohyunie’s expression turned somewhat troubled. It seemed that nothing really was coming to mind. If he did come up with somewhere he wanted to go, I’d have to make sure we went. Whatever it took.

Taking out my cellphone, I checked the time. Because of the difference in time zones, midnight on the 25th in Korean time would be around four in the afternoon in France. Since Yoohyunie had been born in Korea, it should be aligned with Korean time.

“I really did get a present ready in advance. You’ll just have to wait a little bit longer. Though I’d wanted to time it for Christmas.”

I wished I could just drop by Switzerland for a moment, even now. I needed a teleportation Skill. Was it actually finished, at least. Even though the last time I’d been in touch, they’d said that it’d be ready with plenty of time to spare before Christmas! …although, they probably hadn’t been able to deliver it on account of me going missing.

“Being like this, right now–”

“This and a present are different things.”

“Mhn, hyung.”

Yoohyunie really did smile so sweetly.

We spoke together about this and that, and as midnight by Korean standards drew closer, the candles were placed onto the cake. The flames that appeared on top of the birthday candles flickered red.

“My dongsaeng, happy birthday.”

“Thanks, hyung.”

The lights were blown out. Though I could already venture a guess without first hearing it, I asked him what he had wished for.

“To be able to keep living with hyung. Until the very end.”

“…yeah. That’s right. Of course we will.”

It was my dongsaeng’s wish, so of course I’d have to grant it. Since Yoohyunie would accept me as his hyung, no matter what form I took, it would be alright. Yoohyunie cut into the cake. In order to bring over a few plates, I rose from my seat. As I returned from the kitchen, Yoohyunie looked towards me with a face that held a smile. As the rouge-tinged sunlight bled in through the window; as I moved to smile back at him.

“Hyung!”

Yoohyunie’s expression crumbled. Immediately following the sharp cry, my dongsaeng’s body, along with the sofa, were sent flying to the side. 쿵! Following the clamorous sound, blood splattered.

“Yoohyun-ah!”

A sturdy arm wrapped around me, to prevent me from running to my dongsaeng. Yoohyunie staggered against the wall with a hand, attempting to push himself upright. A longsword had pierced through my dongsaeng’s leg, embedding itself into the floor. Blood seeped into the wooden panels. The scent of lingering embers wafted over from beyond my back. I turned my head.

“Yoohyun-…….”

A pale face, above an attire comprising only black cloth. A familiar face, that was impossible to forget.

“It’s alright, hyung.”

The voice that I could never forget. Eunhae fell away from my wrist. Lowly, in almost a whisper, Yoohyunie murmured.

“I’m a fake.”

콰득.

Han Yoohyun and Han Yoohyun’s hands bled red.

-----

(1) [흰 꼬리] 델로우즈

(2) ‘새끼는 어떻게 친 거야?’ → isabella is asking ‘how did you produce a baby’ except subbed w/ words that refer to animal young + slang-y, so the effect is more crass → ‘whelp’ ‘kit’

(3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_New_Year

(4) 축의금

reposting this wholesale bc old post broke (along w my pipe dream of holding onto chrstmas timestamp...) when i attempted to embed a vid after finally updating it w content yesterday :) sry i’m like a week late, yoohyun-ah..

+(Q&A)

Q) whenever you decide on a character’s birthday, i wondered if there’s any aspect that you paid particular attention to

A) as han yoojin and han yoohyun’s birthdays hold several different meanings, i decided upon them while keeping all of those in mind. while none of the other characters went nearly as in-depth as those two, i did tend to pay attention to their image at the time of deciding.

+(Q&A)

Q) i’m curious about the reason behind your decision to link the narrative theme of plum blossoms(매화) to the character of han yoohyun

A) first and foremost, han yoojin and han yoohyun were assigned the characteristics belonging to ‘early spring’ and ‘winter’, respectively. han yoohyun birthday falls at the end of december, and is located in winter, but han yoohyun’s World is han yoojin, who is ‘the blossoming of spring’. because of that, instead of a winter flower, i chose an early spring flower, which also represents han yoojin. among those candidates, i thought that the plum blossom was the most suitable ^^ there is the 설중매화(雪中梅花)*, and the 매일생한 불매향(梅一生寒不賣香)** appealed to me as well.

+ hyh’s birthday and hyj’s birthday overlap if you convert from lunar → solar calendar

geunseo-nim, the master of negative space… :’) aside from their birthdays technically falling on the ‘same’ day, other neat tidbits to keep in mind while reading include christmas as a holiday having different (romantic) connotations for south koreans, as primarily a couples’ milestone:

which is why yerimie justifies ‘time together’ as her present to han yoohyun+ahjussi, and the association staff that greets them goes wink wink nudge. this also means that, when yoojin is telling the young chaos how he’s going to spend every christmas with yoohyunie, just the two of them, going forwards,

“올해는 둘이 같이 보낼 겁니다. 오랜만에, 둘이서만…내년에도요. 그리고 내후년에도, 그 다음에도.” (ch383)

it’s tantamount to him saying ‘i’m going to make breakfast for him every day, just the two of us. the next day, as well as the next’ etc, effectively. which ties into the particular significance swiss watches hold as well…

‘but how much does geunseo actually care about these small details’ and ‘how on-trend is sclass with our current times, anyway’, you might ask. i feel like a good example that showcases both geunseo-nim’s attention to detail, as well as how sclass is intended to take place with trends like these in mind, is this:

‘i’ll never forget writer-nim’s benevolence, in letting us know that this story is happening in real time with us in the present’

(img shows an excerpt from the epilogue’s prologue, which describes the weather at the time of yj’s broadcast in the novel–which was also the same weather forecast for seoul that day when the chapter was published, a detail geunseo had purposefully inserted as the ‘sign’ mentioned by op:

[안녕하세요… 한유진입니다. 그, 지금이, 6월 7일 오후 8시 4분쯤 되어고요, 해가 지고 있습니다. 구름이 많이 꼈네요. 비가 온 곳도 있다고 합니다.] (내S급 에필로그 14화 - 프롤로그))

so that’s why subtext+context matters when reading sclass, because a lot of work goes into constructing that fun unspoken ‘negative space’–which unfortunately tends to get lost in translation for the most part. but geunseo-nim’s been very consistent in being intentional through the chapters (as evidenced by clarifications made in the afterword); notably, even with all the pandering that goes on, all of the smut’fight’ scenes that result in the ‘all i did was transcribe the dialogue for this ch, and…’ posts, only ever take place with yh-yj(e.g.323-324,334,422,511) or hj-tw(e.g.296,512,702), so take that as you will. another unfortunate side effect of things getting lost in translation has also been the censoring of hyunjae’s filthy mouth, as, in true sleazy old man form, he loves speaking in innuendos*, particularly when engaging in some degradation with song taewon**, which is why a lot of hjtw content lean into D/s dynamics. (512 also appears to be where’s stw’s ‘bunny’ nickname comes from 🐰)

*“화풀이나 하라고 대주는 것 아니었나.” → ‘weren’t you offering yourself up to me, to at least sate my anger.’ → ‘대주(기)’ = lit. to ‘put something to (something)’, with both the connotation of ‘offering up’ and ‘leaning/pressing against’; used as innuendo for someone on the receiving end ‘offering up’ their body + ‘화풀이’ = ‘taking out one’s anger on smth’ → ‘wasn’t it that you were proposing to let me rut against you, to release my frustrations’

**“공주님을 구출하고 싶다면 기꺼이 높은 탑과 드래곤을 준비해 주겠네. 참, 자네 취향은 지하감옥과 족쇄던가.” → ‘if it was rescuing a princess-nim you wanted, i could deign to prepare a high tower and a dragon. ah, but, your(자네) preferences veer more towards a dungeon and shackles, no?’ → implying 1) stw is an M, 2) shj is acquainted with his tastes (paired w/ familiar ‘you’ address, 3) shj knowing he’s pretty enough to act as the princess in the first scenario? lol)

though that’s not to say that hjtw don’t have their own tooth-rottingly sweet old married couple moments too–but more on that on those respective chs, assuming i get around to doing those.. sitting on a mountain of q&a i wanna do, but also my taste of freedom has left me incredibly reluctant to start on anything :’) there was also a tweet abt how han byeol wouldn’t have gotten her name w/o the night yh and yj spent together under the stars in the swiss mountains.. will edit it in later it if i manage to track it down ig

+(Q&A)

Q) how might the sclass characters spend christmas, usually? yoohyunie, yoojinie, and yerimie seem like they’d throw a birthday party, but i can’t quite imagine what the other characters might be like

A) song taewon is on emergency standby. not only christmas, but also during the new year as well, hunters tend to gather frequently, and the resulting conflicts ensure that it remains one of the busiest times of the year^^ at the very least, because sung hyunjae will graciously vacate korea during that period, it’s not to the point where he’s unable to go home at all. because of that, he’ll pour more sincerity into the new year’s card he diligently writes to sung hyunjae than he would normally.

moon hyuna tends to party with her guild members. saying that it’s an event essential for the guild’s unity, she’ll use it as an excuse to get out of annoying invitations. but because it’s impossible to block all of the year’s end/new year invitations, she ends up getting dragged into one or two events. pre-regression, the annoying invitations had fallen off, and she’d continued to meet with her old guild members.

as for sung hyunjae–because song taewon is busy, and he doesn’t enjoy christmas besides, he tends to be bored. as the busier song taewon is, the less there is to spectate over in korea, he typically goes abroad and participates in dull parties in order to broaden his sphere of influence. it’s a kind of gesture for song taewon as well, you could say. during the course of the novel, while he would, of course, have to concede han yoojin to han yoohyun on the day of, he contemplated how he might have him accompany him on the eve at least, and how he might hook song taewon into it.

as liette is enamored by the dazzling glamour of christmas, with noah firmly wedged under one arm, she would repeatedly crash and overturn parties held by the hunter association. because of this, in the days leading up to christmas, the guilds in the districts where liette turned up would scale down or cancel events, with the association even putting on decoy parties.

han yoohyun pre-regression always spent it alone, or went to han yoojin in secret. after the end of the novel, it would have become a day where he finally gets to monopolize han yoojin all to himself. during the course of the novel, they may have encountered problems, but going forward, wouldn’t they be able to spend it together immensely happily. after the end of the novel, haeyeon and dodam will probably come together on the eve to hold a grand party to celebrate han yoohyun’s birthday.

in bak yerim’s case, because she needs to attend the guild party-slash-han yoohyun’s birthday party, as well as stop by breaker, and meet with her friends, as well as play santa for the kids, on top of coaxing along han yoojin, sung hyunjae, and song taewon–if her circle of acquaintances grows any larger, it’s a day that not even ten copies of her would be enough to cover. in a few years, it might be that around the end/beginning of the year, she’ll be making circuits around the whole world.

+(Q&A)

Q) i’m curious about han yoojin’s ideal type. is it only ‘almost 2m height’ for han yoojin’s ideal type, and not particularly anything else besides?

A) as han yoojin lacked that kind of support when he was young, he prefers a dependable older partner. his liking for ‘tall height + strapping size’ stems from that as well. he feels a desire to be protected, but because he has his dongsaeng and the kids, he thinks that he needs to be a protector, and so tends to repress and distance himself from that desire.

if you get involved with the wrong older partner, the likelihood you might end up divested of everything from your liver to your gallbladder as you get swept up and used, is fairly high. because his expectations(criteria) for an older partner, a model adult, is excessively high, unless it’s an exceptionally outstanding person, he’s at least unlikely to be easily swayed. at the conclusion of the novel, marissa is probably the most dangerous ^^

on the flip side, because he tries to become a protector as the ‘model adult’ with a younger partner, it may run contrary to his ideal type, but being with a younger partner will probably be safer for him. of course, during the novel, the circumstances make it difficult to date.

+(Q&A)

Q) ideal type(s) of the sclass cast?

A) (han yoohyun) because han yoohyun is completely disinterested in interpersonal relations with anyone other than han yoojin, his ideal type, in every sense, is han yoojin.

+(Q&A)

Q) if han yoojin’s kids who were born from magic stones underwent genetic testing enabled by modern science&technology, would the results show yoojinie as a biological relative?

A) as the species are different, straightforward genetic testing results would be difficult to obtain ^^ as han yoojin’s blood is mixed in, if you were able to separate only the human portion out and test that, then they would in fact appear as his children. for han seol’s case, the results would indicate that he takes after han yoohyun as well. yet, as the human portion is a mere fraction of the whole, at present, it would take very careful and thorough testing to show a distant relation between [han yoojin and the children].

+(Q&A)

Q) lastly, in the game that you released before*, there were lines of dialogue from sung hyunjae and moon hyuna that mentioned han yoojin’s comfortably smiling face being a rare sight, and that seeing him smile/laugh so easily was heartwarming; in the main story, is yoojinie’s carefree smiling face being a scarcely-seen phenomenon, something that’s an established detail..??

A) right when he had regressed, he was still able to smile and laugh easily, but after finding about the twenty-five y.o. han yoohyun, a shadow being cast was unavoidable. at first, sung hyunjae and moon hyuna assumed it was because of the kidnapping, transcendents, et cetera going on; but later, realized there was something more behind it.

*yes, sclass does have an ‘official’ unofficial game (on top of fan-made games) that was hand-made by geunseo-nim.. it’s yet unfinished, but playable, and there are a few guides available that show you how to get through certain routes etc:

+(Q&A)

Q) while writing, i’m curious as to whose love author-nim liked the most

A) ranking them in order of like is difficult, but as much as they’re the central focus of the story, i was the most attentive to han yoojin and han yoohyun’s relationship ^^

#614화 #the s classes that i raised #tsctir #sctir

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wovenstarlight · 1 year

Note

Hello! I'm thinking about your cached AU again and I was wondering, what is Yoojin's relationship with Song Taewon with like? Because their relationship in canon (at least up to where I've read) is heavily influenced by the fact that Yoojin is an F rank who holds power over S Ranks, making him both a threat and someone to protect. Does Taewon just go red alert whenever Yoojin around now? Does Yoojin keep trying to be friends with him? Does Taewon find that terrifying?

HAHAHAHAHHA. OH BOY. THIS SURE IS A QUESTION THAT HAS AN ANSWER. a very long answer so i'm putting it under a cut. thanks for waiting and im sorry if its incoherent its like 6ish local time. or maybe not im not very concerned wth reading clocks rn

(on ao3)

——

Be careful.

Taewon had wondered, when he received that message from Sung Hyunjae, if it was some sort of joke. A sly way of telling him he’d made trouble somewhere and he’d better prepare for the incoming paperwork, perhaps. The fact that it had been encoded suggested some degree of seriousness to it, but it was vague enough that he’d dismissed it and gotten ready for this long-delayed meeting.

Taewon locks eyes with Han Yoojin and is immediately struck by the complete lack of fear he finds there. So much so that he barely notices when Sung Hyunjae crushes his car with the breezy efficiency of a compactor.

And even as Sung Hyunjae gets out of his own car, even as he turns that amused, glittering gaze onto Han Yoojin, no apprehension sparks to life. No nerves. Just a cool, faintly disappointed look that he turns on the Seseong Guild Leader.

It stops the man in his tracks. Song Taewon blinks at Sung Hyunjae, faint smile frozen on his face, and looks back at Han Yoojin, who’s gazing at him now with a welcoming smile on his face.

…So that was a real warning, then.

Surely it can’t be for what Taewon thinks it is.

—

Taewon was told Han Yoojin was an A-rank. While the Hunter Association staff had confirmed his stats were well within standard range, they’d also made no secret of gossiping about how even the A-rank he’d come in with had looked vaguely spooked. How Han Yoojin carried himself with that unthinking confidence and grace all S-ranks had. How, when Seok Gimyeong had gone to personally take him through the registration process, Han Yoojin’s expression had gone flat and stony, and while he’d cooperated, something in his demeanor had had everyone around him going quiet and hurrying through the steps as fast as possible.

What it boils down to, in the end, is a sense that he’s not what he seems.

What Taewon thinks it is, quite simply, is a high-rank fear-inducing skill. Han Yoojin has no reason to claim he’s lower-ranked than he actually is, not when being higher-ranked would mean getting fast-tracked to a much better lifestyle than what he had before.

What Taewon realizes upon meeting Han Yoojin is that either he was very, very wrong about the other man’s ambition (or lack thereof, as it happens), or that the fear induction skill is far more potent than anyone let on.

“Chief Song-nim?”

Taewon stares at Han Yoojin. He’s merely standing there with a bag of instant coffee in hand, gazing at Taewon over his shoulder, and yet, if Taewon’s phone was in his hand right now, he’d probably have crushed it. As it is, he realizes distantly, his nails are digging little crescents into his palms. “Han Yoojin-ssi,” he gets out, and then stalls immediately.

He’d come here with the assumption that Han Yoojin was an A-rank. Which means all his questions (I wanted to check, are you safe, are you being pressured, why did such a high-rank monster appear in a dungeon with only two S-ranks in it and how did you kill it anyway?) were tailored for an A-rank. For someone that needed protection.

Is something wrong, he’d wanted to ask.

Is something wrong with you? is what his mind supplies now.

“Are you—alright,” he manages eventually.

Han Yoojin stares back at him, fingers tensing faintly around the bag as Taewon speaks. “I… yes? Why wouldn’t I be?”

“…With… the Babar’s appearance in that last dungeon.” It gets easier to speak once he’s started. “And all the higher-ranks you’ve been around lately. I’d understand if you were feeling—stressed, or strained.”

“Ah.” Han Yoojin relaxes. “No, I’m alright. It’s been quite busy, but I’ve adjusted well enough, I think. Thank you for your concern.”

Truth, Taewon thinks. He seems too confident for it to be anything but. But how can that be? To face an SS-rank monster as a supposed A-rank—

“Are you sure?”

Han Yoojin glances at him out of the corner of his eye. The tension isn’t back, but there’s a frown tugging at his lips. Taewon forcibly uncurls the fists his hands have balled into, and continues. He needs a reference. He needs to know what Han Yoojin looks like when he’s lying. “The Babar alone was an SS-rank, and you may have had your brother and ward with you, but even then, facing such a monster as an A-rank—”

And there it is, the slightest creases around his eyes, how he looks down and to the side slightly before meeting Taewon’s gaze once more, lips thinning into a line. Taewon’s so busy thinking over their conversation so far, matching these markers against what’s been said, that he doesn’t realize what he’s saying—

“…seeing them fight… They may be your family, but they’re S-ranks before that. Which makes them dangerous, more than you know—”

Until it’s too late.

“What are you trying to say, Chief Song-nim?” Han Yoojin asks, letting go of the bag of coffee and turning to face him properly. His voice has taken on a sharp edge, and Taewon steps backwards before he even consciously acknowledges the sound. Han Yoojin just steps forward to match, bringing him dangerously close— “If there��s a point to this, I’d like if you could—”

Taewon has a hand around his throat.

Han Yoojin raises a hand (touching? grabbing?). Seize his wrist, twist his arm, shift the grip on his neck, until Han Yoojin is pinned face-down against the counter, cheek pressed against its surface.

Then Taewon realizes he’d moved to begin with.

“…What are you doing?”

Han Yoojin’s flat question kills Taewon’s hasty apology before it can even leave his mouth. His grip tightens instead of loosening. Some quiet part of his brain is counting out the handful of people and low-rank Hunters present in the building today. A much louder part of his mind says he’s testing the hold.

Han Yoojin flexes his hand again, shifting easily even in Taewon’s grip, and he—

He panics.

Looting flares, black not-smoke wreathing his fingers and Han Yoojin’s limbs. Vague surprise flickers over Han Yoojin’s face before his eyes rise to a point in the air before himself, likely checking his status window. Whatever he sees there has his eyes widening sharply.

And then, all at once, something closes off in his face, and he goes limp.

A different kind of alarm spikes through the white-out fear in Taewon’s mind and he tilts his head to get a better look at Han Yoojin’s face. There’s a tightness around his eyes, still, lips pressed together like he’s bracing for something. But when those eyes flick up to meet Taewon’s stare, there’s also a dull sort of… familiarity?

No, not familiarity.

Resignation.

Taewon feels sick. He all but rips his hands off Han Yoojin, backing away hastily. There’s already shadows on his skin where Taewon’s fingers had pressed against it. There’ll be bruises there by tonight. Earlier, even, because—how long had he had Looting active?

He can’t remember. He can’t remember the last time he lost control like that. His stomach twists. He feels sick.

Han Yoojin still hasn’t moved. Taewon tries to remember how tightly he was gripping his neck.

And then Han Yoojin slowly, slowly draws his arm to his side again, pushes off the counter with his other hand, and straightens back up. A pause. Then he turns, just a little, so he can look at Taewon.

They stare at each other in silence like that for a moment.

Then, in a thin voice: “Interesting skill you have there.”

Taewon’s breath catches. Han Yoojin doesn’t seem to notice as he tilts his head slightly and opens his mouth again.

“Why’d you stop?”

…

Taewon—

Taewon leaves, after that.

He doesn’t remember what he says. What he does. Han Yoojin has a knack for disabling his rational mind, it seems.

What he does know is this: that Han Yoojin’s voice, when he asked that question, was genuinely curious. Perhaps even a little pleading.

What he does know, looking back, is that Han Yoojin didn’t try to pull away. He shifted in Taewon’s hold, yes, and in his panic Taewon overreacted. But he never tried to break free.

(What Taewon doesn’t know if he wants to know is this:

How does a man like Han Yoojin end up feeling resignation?)

#cached au #my sranks #answered #licilou22 #star.txt #guy who has problems disorder meets guy who has problems disorder. what happens next will shock you #spoiler: they are going to have so many fucking problems. Together 🤝#i... hope this answers your question...?#re: protection/threat dilemma: stw's super on edge around him and it makes him lash out in panic sometimes #because hes used to the worst threats being shj or hyh level. and hyj is double that Minimum #but because hyj also presents as Just An A-Rank and genuinely seems like a decent guy + Actually Has A Moral Code #stw's Really Fucked Up about how he reacts to him. so he's just kind of ?!??!?!?! about him #eventually the fear will ebb as he gets used to it. and then he'll be more okay around him. but for now [sucks air through teeth] Nnnhh. No #meanwhile hyj is. not having a good time either. a reprieve from the constant burden/reminder of his brother's death? check #being thrown around and threatened and generally made to feel unsafe in what should be safe company and a safe place? check #just your- whats the phrase kdj used. just some ordinary trauma #hyj is a biiit more hesitant abt befriending him here but stw's formal/polite worksona is so strong that eventually he lets down his guard #which in turn makes stw relax more around him cuz hyj starts being Friendly instead of just Polite #so yes i guess they'll be friends. eventually. ...Very eventually

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wovenstarlight · 1 year

Note

Your soulmate au kills me dead (Yoojin and Yoohyun 😭), but the image of Yoojin having a soulmark collar due to SHJ and STW /kills/ me, mostly due to STW's mark

I just- how would he even explain that? A mark on the back of the neck can be explained by a hug, but I can't think of many reasons for someone to fully grab you by the throat in the first meeting other than an impromptu choking session

At least once there has been an uncomfortable conversation where a concerned hunter tried to report Yoojin's Very Concerning Soulmark while STW sits there with his gloves conspicuously on like 😐

NO LITERALLYYYYY I THINK IT'S SO FUNNY CUZ LIKE AT LEAST WITH SHJ'S CREEPY ASS NECK GRAB HE AND HYJ DIDN'T REALLY CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER ENOUGH TO FORM A BOND RIGHT. IT ONLY FORMED DURING THE HUG. BUT RIGHT FROM THE START STW WAS CONCERNED ABOUT HYJ'S WELLBEING AND HYJ TRUSTED IN STW AND THOUGHT OF HIM AS A GOOD PERSON ENOUGH THAT THEY WERE LIKE YEAH OKAY WE'LL BOND IN THE MOST EMBARRASSING SITUATION KNOWN TO MAN

what makes it worse is that i imagine the marks stw leaves on people are black in color so it's not even. easy to hide. miserable experience. hyj has to start wearing high-collared shirts everywhere. he bitches about having to wear tight clothes but if stw tries to apologize he's immediately like NO NO IT'S FINE DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT

also i'm losing it over the thought of someone going oh my god we have to call the cops on whoever tried to choke you out. because. because everyone involved is probably a hunter. which means the cop they'll be calling is Chief Song Taewon,

#HELLO CHIEF SONG SOMEONE TRIED TO CHOKE OUT HAN YOOJIN #stw internally: do you hate me god. is that it. stw externally: Don't worry the culprit has been dealt with already #answered #licilou22 #star.txt #the 🤐 of it all...#my sranks #sranks soulmarks #also. before i forget to say. my standard outline for soulmark AUs:#(1) marks only form if people who care about each other touch (2) once (1) is met then first touch leaves a permanent mark #(3) subsequent touches leave temporary marks that fade after a while (4) marks are a specific color for each person #(5) if people stop caring about each other they stop leaving marks on each other

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dbgdbw · 2 years

Text

219화

대결 (3)

Match (3)

콰르르르— An immense amount of water swept along the ground, tearing both earth and wood along.

Upon hearing Yerimie’s declaration, the Amaterasu Guild Leader speedily sent out additional orders for evacuations. When he asserted that all the houses on the beachfront should be cleared out and damage remunitions claimed from Amaterasu Guild, I felt unexpectedly impressed by the response. I’d half-expected him to say that we should just end things as they stood.

‘Then again, as a combat-type S-rank Hunter, he wouldn’t want to miss out on this match, even if it puts one of his own on the line.’

So long as he wasn’t terribly attached to Gakuto, at least. Since he was giving out the orders for evacuation and really setting the stage, it seemed that he only amounted to being ‘a guild member’ or so. Or it could be the opposite, and he expected him to be able to hold out for a measly hour.

[ Ahh, things are popping again, the water is rising fast. Hunter Iwahata Gakuto, is dodging with immense agility. Indeed, when it comes to speed, he’s certainly incredible. ]

The Japanese emcee seemed to be on Gakuto’s side, no matter how you looked at it. The disappointment and lament mixed into their voice was clear as day. And when this would be broadcasting in Korea, too.

Using my phone, I pulled up a live internet broadcast of the event from the Korean side.

[ A torrential downpouring! Hunter Bak Yerim, has called up torrents of water in succession! One pillar, two, now three! Veritable dragons! Water dragons(1), I should say! ]

[ Hunter Gakuto is hardly visible now! This is what you call a devastating scaling difference, like between man and nature! But though it might be by the sea, it seems that controlling that much water would result in a large consumption of mana—Section Chief Song Taewon-nim, what are your thoughts on this matter? ]

…eh? Section Chief Song Taewon-nim, you said? As the camera panned to the side, next to the two analysts that were burning up with great fervor, the exceedingly calm figure of Song Taewon came into view. But no, wait, how did……

[ As Hunter Bak Yerim’s magical power stat skews fairly high, and a time constraint has been established, I do not anticipate any significant difficulties on her part. ]

Song Taewon answered in a businesslike tone. Before, during the A-rank ranking battles, Section Chief Song had seemed to show some signs of interest in the analytics desk, but ultimately he’d turned it down while saying he had to be on-call in case of an accident. Since the stage was taking place overseas this time, it appeared that he’d been dragged into it in the end.

That there weren’t very many S-rank Hunters capable of filling a casting role, was true. Riette and Evelyn were both foreigners, and Kim Sunghan wasn’t the type to leave the Guild unmanned while everyone was away, just to appear on a broadcast. Had Hashin’s Park Mingyu refused?

Even so, they could’ve just left it to an A-rank Hunter, instead of dragging someone who could finally be at ease for once into it. How cruel.

[ There’s steam coming off of the water that shot up just now! Is it thermal water?(2) ]

[ It is! The heated water is boiling over! It’s Hunter Bak Yerim’s own take on hot spring water! ]

When I raised my head to check at those words, I could see that there really were hazy traces of steam coming off of the torrents of water. I’d heard that Japan had a lot of hot springs, but to think that it’d show itself in the middle of a fight, too. Would this place turn into a ‘Bak Yerim onsen,’ perhaps.

The original stadium had been turned into a giant puddle, and Gakuto was busily trying to flee along the coastline. Yerimie leisurely stalked after him, exuding an incredibly fearsome pressure.

Barring Myungwoo and myself, only Awakened whose stats were A-rank or higher were left. A few A-ranks who had been swept away by the water, were being pulled to and fro by the currents after having been pushed out to sea. It was to the point where I’d gotten soaked too, even though I was being held aloft high in the air by my dongsaeng via the Verdant Willow Leaves Skill.

“Here it comes again! Get ready!”

Accompanying Yerimie’s helpful announcement, the streams of water shot up again. The water pressure alone was immense, but as Gakuto swung his sword at the screen of water blocking his way.

펑!

It exploded, as if by detonation, and the droplets transformed to shards of ice in an instant. As such, what resulted was a shower of many hundreds of icy arrows. Formed through the strength that Gakuto himself had exerted, no less.

치이익, perhaps he’d used his Volcanic Heat Skill at max power, as the hail of icy arrows dissolved and steam began to billow from the air around Gakuto’s person. But because it entailed having to heat up not only the surrounding air, but the endless stream of water as well, it was a futile endeavor.

When the heat inevitably dissipated, a soaring wall of water was the next in line to be frozen whole. Transformed into a sinister sheet of thorns, it crashed towards Gakuto.

“Dammit!”

That felt like a ‘chikushō’(3), most likely.

쿠르릉, as the monumental ice wall that fell over him was a size that was much too big to easily avoid, rather than run, Gakuto opted to pierce through the wall. Concentrating the heat in order to melt the ice, a tremendous strength backed by S-rank stats combined with swordsmanship skills to break through the thick ice in an instant.

He might be the prey in this cat-and-mouse game, but an S-rank was still an S-rank. The ice wall split in half with a noisy crack. As fragments scattered, shimmering brilliantly in the light, and Gakuto’s body popped up from between the remnants of the wall,

“Ngk!”

A tidal wave pushed in from the sea. As though he’d been slapped by a giant’s open palm, 철썩, Gakuto was sent bowling over from the impact of the wave.

[ A great tsunami, tsunami! ]

Not only the Japanese, but the Korean broadcasts were also in a tizzy over the amazing tidal waves, look at that height! on air. 쿠르르르, the water swept along the ground another time. Timber snapped, and a car that had the misfortune of being in the vicinity was upended on its roof. Gakuto was using the heat in combination with what seemed to be another Skill to rebuff the advancing water, but it was a paltry attempt that really only succeeded in keeping his own body dry.

“The gap is way too big.”

“Since we’re by the sea.”

Yoohyunie answered matter-of-factly.

“If this took place in the middle of a desert, on the other hand, then she’d have been at a disadvantage.”

At present, all she had to do was gather up the water; in a desert, since she’d have to source the water herself, she would’ve had to use far more mana for much less return in volume. But here, it was as though she had an unlimited supply of ammo stacked up for her. All she had to do was blast away to her heart’s content.

“This match should’ve happened in the middle of summer, what a shame. Don’t cha think?”

It would’ve been a refreshingly vicarious experience for the viewers, said Yerimie, hefting her spear. The Magos’s Shawl weaved languidly around her, and her earrings tinkled lightly together. Currents of water rose up around her. Like the heads of a hydra, about ten separate streams writhed around their master in a protective configuration.

[ Yamata no Orochi(4)! Just like a Yamata no Orochi! ]

The hell was that. A torrent of water that was about the same thickness as five electric poles put together, shot towards Gakuto like a lance. In fact, as it was mid-flight.

쩌저적—

Solidifying into ice, it actually did turn into a massive ice spear. Just like that, 쾅! 쾅! 쾅!, they smashed against the ground. Faced with an endless wave of giant spears, Gakuto was unable to block the offensive and could only dodge back and forth.

It wasn’t a quantity of water that could simply be dealt with via heat. For him to attempt to break through with his sword, the attacks were too numerous. Unless one was sturdy enough to withstand the impact, or capable of using a wide-range attack to deal with everything at once, the only option was to run away.

While the Japanese broadcast was sighing in regret and lament, the Korean broadcast was cheering excitedly.

[ Bak Yerim! Bak Yerim! Bak Yeriiiiim!! ]

Likely to end up losing your voice like that, you were. I really should’ve made a placard to wave around too. The regular spectators that occasionally flashed on-screen seemed to be in an exuberantly celebratory mood as well. They were practically popping champagne bottles left and right.

“How many minutes have passed, now?”

Since she’d announced that she’d catch him within an hour. Because I didn’t have a wristwatch, I could only check using my cellphone clock. Watch…… Was the reason he still hadn’t brought it up, because he actually had forgotten. Though, yes, you could happen to forget. It could be that it slipped your mind while you were busy with life, but.

“What is it?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

My dongsaeng seemed leery of the way I was looking at him. What do you mean, what is it. Should I just ask him outright.

Anyway, it felt as though thirty minutes or so had already passed. Just then, the broadcast confirmed the time as well.

[ Thirty-four minutes have passed since Hunter Bak Yerim’s hour-limit declaration! Now, only twenty-six, twenty-five minutes remain. It’s time for her to slowly start closing in, wouldn’t you say? ]

[ Particularly since the mana use should be quite significant. But to have witnessed this situation and still declare Hunter Gakuto the winner, simply from holding out for an hour, would be ve~ry disingenuous! ]

[ In truth, the current situation can already be regarded as Hunter Bak Yerim’s win! ]

Originally, Gakuto would have lost the moment he’d stepped outside of the arena. But Yerimie had been the one to offer the amendment, first. She did seem confident in her ability, but because her opponent was so speedy to begin with, catching him wasn’t as easy as it seemed. Since he could use the concentrated heat to at least guard his immediate vicinity, it would be difficult to pin him in place.

Would she use Shadowless Day, at the last. If she added the magical energy buff on top of the attribute buff, so long as the cold resistance wasn’t S-rank, he would probably still freeze over.

“Huff, hah!”

Leaping over the shattered remnants of an ice spear as it broke off in the ground on impact, Gakuto wheezed out ragged breaths. He appeared to have been worn down from the constant dodging and blocking. But his speed still hadn’t reduced. Though compared to Yerimie—who was only moving around the water that had already been available, and occasionally freezing things here and there—the amount of magical energy he’d used up would’ve been much more significant, so he was managing to do an impressive job holding out.

But, just when it seemed that things would be coming to a close, since not even potions could be used for recovery.

“How many minutes are left?”

Yerimie asked, peering into her surroundings.

“Nineteen minutes!”

Looking at the timer displayed on the border of the Korean broadcast, I quickly shouted the answer to her. Thanking me, Yerimie sent a finger heart(5) my way.

“You heard that, right? Though there’s still a bit of time left, since I’ve played around plenty, let’s end this now!”

“By whose whims! Come catch me, if you can!”

Nineteen minutes were doable. Whether that was his line of thinking, Gakuto’s movements sped up even more. That guy, had he been reserving that bit of strength while pretending otherwise.

탓탓탓, in order to clearly widen the gap between them, Gakuto began to sprint. His form made it into the distance in seconds. Yerimie, who had been watching unblinkingly, twitched the tip of her fingers. The sea where Gakuto was at swayed, and.

휙, Yerimie’s form disappeared, and in an instant, reappeared right above Gakuto. As though he’d been waiting, Gakuto swung his blade. 촤아악, water droplets scattered as water and swordpower clashed. The moment Gakuto tried to widen the gap again, an enormous volume of water shot up.

It was as though a whale had flung itself onto the shore. An immense amount of water, the equivalent of a small hill, blocked Gakuto’s path forward. Leaving the arena boundaries may have been permitted, but as the seaside was the limit, he couldn’t backtrack any further. But even so, attempting to penetrate or vault over the obstacle before him was the same as throwing himself into the enemy’s line of fire.

Since there was no way of anticipating how that formidable mass of water might attack.

Nearly simultaneously, a parallel mass of water blocked off his route on the other side. Apparently having actually exerted herself this time around, Yerimie let out a few quickened breaths.

Two monoliths made of water swayed hypnotically under the sunlight. At the otherworldly sight, the Japanese—and even the Korean—broadcasts momentarily went quiet.

“Give in?”

“Y-you’ve merely obstructed my way!”

Gakuto shouted obstinately, even as he began to appear panicked. Honestly, no solution seemed forthcoming. Even Yoohyunie, who wielded flames of much higher intensity than what could be produced by ‘Heat,’ would be hard-pressed to deal with that kind of volume. Of course, Yoohyunie could just use his Verdant Willow Leaves Skill to slip away.

But that guy didn’t even have anything resembling a flight Skill.

Looking down at Gakuto—who talked a big game, but couldn’t budge one bit—Bak Yerim smiled.

“Alright, in that case.”

Part of the watery mass shifted. At a slow, steady pace, it fell upon Gakuto. Heatwaves shimmered in the air again, and white clouds of steam billowed forth. 철벅철벅, sword blades attempted to push back the water as well, but only served to showcase the literal futility of attempting to cut water with a knife.

How could he possibly oppose what was not merely ice, but water itself. No matter how much strength he might use, a simple show of physical force would only serve to rebuff the advances for a moment. When it was only a part of the water, at that.

Not just a lake, but an entire ocean was at her disposal. Even if it were an SS-rank Hunter, and not an S-rank, fighting the sea would be an impossible feat.

“Ugh!”

Eventually, the mound of water swallowed up Gakuto. As the mountainous mass merged together with Gakuto at the center, it formed a giant sphere. But even so, as it was simply composed of water, he’d be able to swim his way out—except.

쩌저적.

The inner part of the mass began to freeze over. With Gakuto at the center, it appeared that a shell of ice had been formed around him. The outer portion was still primarily just water.

터엉, from inside the watery marble, the sound of pounding against the ice wall could be faintly heard. But any time the ice would give way, more water would immediately fill the spot and freeze over the same space. At an expedited pace, that ensured he wouldn’t be able to escape.

It would melt, then break, then re-freeze. If it was simply stone or metal, then it would be over once it broke. Quickly mending it would be difficult. But water and ice, could be cycled indefinitely. Without resting, incessantly.

Gakuto’s movements were beginning to slow. The water was blocking off the air as well, after all. With the fight’s location confirmed to be the arena, under the assumption that he’d be steaming things up all he wanted, it appeared that he’d foregone bringing any equipment that would enable aquatic maneuvers.

Even as an S-rank Hunter with physical capabilities far beyond the human norm, he couldn’t stand up to a lack of oxygen for long. Gakuto eventually lost consciousness, and as the broadcast hurriedly announced Hunter Bak Yerim’s victory, the ball of water burst apart.

촤아악!

In the center of the watery explosion, Gakuto wobbled as he sat up in place. Bak Yerim descended before the coughing Hunter.

“Well done. It was quite enjoyable.(6) ‘Cause I got to really let loose for once.”

Saying that the oncoming headache was probably a sign that she was close to mana exhaustion, Yerimie took out a potion and swallowed it down. Gakuto’s expression crumpled slightly, but he compliantly lowered his head.

“I acknowledge my loss, Hunter Bak Yerim. I will have to be satisfied with having drawn out your utmost, and further hone my skills for an even more dignified match.”

…to say you ‘drew out her utmost,’ she still didn’t use Shadowless Day. Since this was exempting the attribute and stat buff, as well as the SS-rank Skill that tied her opponents’ feet on top of giving an additional buff, this was closer to being only two-thirds of Yerimie’s true abilities. Gakuto, that guy, it was almost enough to make you feel a bit sorry for him.

Standing up from his spot, Gakuto dipped his head towards Yerimie again.

“It would not be a disservice, for you to be designated the goddess of water.”

“Goddess, what goddess.”

Yerimie spoke directly at one of the cameras that had ventured close.

“The ruler of water! I won’t accept anything other than that!”

Waving the spear that had the gem holding the Ruler of Water Skill embedded in it, Yerimie grinned brightly.

-----

(1) 수룡 水龍

(2) 온천 溫泉

(3) 칙쇼 ちくしょう

(4) 야마타노오로치 八岐大蛇

(5) 손가락 하트

(6) yerimie switches back to using polite informal language with gakuto here, after things have effectively become ‘water under the bridge’ (so to speak) with her win. still more on the casual side, but not as rude as she was being earlier

#219화 #the s classes that i raised #tsctir #sctir

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dbgdbw · 2 years

Text

213화

일본행 (1)

To Japan (1)

‘Ah, a reply came.’

A text had come in from Song Taewon.

[ There was nothing particular of note. Thank you for your consideration. ]

It was a response to my queries; whether he’d finished the raid safely, if anything strange had happened inside the Dungeon, and if he was unharmed. Had Song Taewon not felt a gaze, then.

‘Then is it really something that has to do with me.’

Yoohyunie and Yerimie, and Sung Hyunjae had all been in and out of Dungeons several times with myself. On the other hand, that wasn’t the case with Song Taewon. It wasn’t a confirmation, but it would still be better to be more cautious in that case.

[ Please come by the rearing facility at some point. A very cute and fluffy baby lamb has been brought in, and it made me think of Section Chief Song. If not, I can be the one to go over as well. It’s really very cute. ]

Wouldn’t Section Chief Song fall for it too, once he touched it. The texture had an addicting feeling. If it hadn’t been for Peace, I might’ve even brought it all the way home. It was really plush. But because at home, my lap was Peace’s designated seat. …should I bring it over for a bit when Peace went into a Dungeon.

“Is it really not possible?”

As I was sending the text, Yermie redoubled her attempts at cajoling. Yoohyunie replied curtly in my stead.

“It’s not.”

“Han Yoohyun, I wasn’t asking you, alright? This is ahjussi’s house!”

“There’s already enough fur-shedding going on with just Peace and Bak Yerim, the two of you.”

“What? Fur? Yah! Do you think you don’t shed any hair either! It’s your hair that’s the most noticeable, okay?”

Yerimie shouted, a puppy squeezed into each arm. The wolf pups that were trapped by Yerimie whimpered faintly.

I’d told Yerimie about Blue when she got home, as well as how the baby monsters from the rearing grounds had also been brought over. Saying that she hadn’t been able to see them while they’d been at Haeyeon, and that she’d be back after going to take a peek, she’d returned with a baby wolf secured in each arm. There’d been something about having wanted to raise puppies since she was young.

“Yerim-ah, since they’re right downstairs, you’ll be able to go see them at any time you know.”

“But they already like me this much. Can’t I take them to my room?”

As Yerimie had said, the bundles of white fur were plastered tightly to Yerimie’s person. But rather than that being because they liked Yerimie……

‘I’m pretty sure they’re scared stiff.’

From a little ways away, 탁, 탁, Peace was slowly tapping his tail on the ground while staring down the puppies. It seemed that he was displeased that the wolf pups had been brought all the way inside the house. They might’ve been monsters, but since it was a feline-type versus canidae-types first and foremost, it didn’t seem like they would get along easily.

Every time Peace would occasionally flash a canine, you could see the way the wolf pups would freeze and lock up in place. If only because they looked too pitiful, it definitely wasn’t possible.

“Sorry, Yerim-ah, but home will have to be off-limits after all. And Yerimie, you’ll end up getting your own mount eventually, too. When that happens, I’ll ensure that you’ll be able to be with them from when they’re a baby.”

Even while crestfallen, Yerimie obediently nodded her head. What a good kid.

“Noona will come see you often, Milky, Blanc.”

When had she even named them. I was also fairly certain that those names had been used for some of Yerimie’s dolls, previously. I started feeling guilty as I saw Yerimie turn around. They’d be right downstairs, but.

- 갸르릉.

Once Yerimie departed with the wolf cubs, Peace approached me to rub his body against my leg. You seem to be in high spirits, Peace-yah.

“I heard you’ll be bringing Peace to Japan as well?”

Yoohyunie said, turning around. Following after my dongsaeng, I nodded my head.

“I was told that that side had been the one to first suggest it. Japan really is quite odd. I would’ve thought that they’d be opposed to having multiple S-ranks come over, but to think that they’d be delighted instead.”

In case only Yerimie would be allowed entry into the country, I’d been thinking of using safety as an excuse to petition them to be allowed to bring more than two S-rank Hunters along. But the Japanese side had been the first one to mention that it would be good if Hunter Han Yoohyun could come as well. And apparently Hunters other than those two would be welcomed, too.

“Though, since Noah and Liette are foreign, I suppose they’re assuming that they might be able to bring them to Japan instead.”

Particularly since they were both freelancing Hunters at present, it was understandable how they might be coveted. Though Liette had said she wouldn’t be going. Holding Peace in my arms, I sat down at the sofa. The TV, once it clicked on, was showing another broadcast that had to do with the Korea-Japan match. They were even analyzing Yerimie and the opposing Japanese Hunter somewhat as well.

[ Hunter Bak Yerim’s relative lack of experience is being cited as her biggest weak point—however, as the topographical conditions lean in her favor…… ]

With that said, that a slime Dungeon had been put on the line was also being met with some criticism as well. Though it was only a brief interlude, so as to keep from dousing the flames of excitement with a cold dose of reality. This was why having control over the media was so scary. If you buried the problem well enough or diluted the contents during delivery, most people would easily accept it still. And it held true for the opposite situation as well.

“Though it might be seen as a possibility with Yerimie or Sunghan-ssi, Yoohyunie, since you’re the guild leader, it wouldn’t be possible to steal you away. Do they have something incredible prepared as an incentive, d’you think? Could it be that the Thunderbird’s Attire was only an appetizer, or the like.”

“Whatever they might put forward, I'm not interested.”

Yoohyunie said, having sat down next to me.

“Since I already have enough. So long as I can preserve what we have now, I’m content with just that.”

“...you don’t need anything else?”

“We’re back home together. Our home. Maybe if Japan handed over an Item that could absolutely guarantee hyung’s safety, but since there’s no way that would be the case.”

If an Item that could save the world did suddenly spring out from Japan, it would be funny, at least.

“Yeah, that's right, I also wish that, like we are right now… If we could continue living like this, it would be nice.”

Where ‘a big incident’ amounted to puppies can’t be brought into the house! and deliberations were over what to have for dinner—being able to live like that would be nice.

But once they headed back into Dungeons, I would probably grow restless again. With so much piled up to do, and unable to know what kind of problems might be waiting in the future. Why was my life so strenuous.

“...say, hyung.”

Yoohyunie carefully started to broach something. When I turned around to see what was the matter, I saw a face that was filled with abject dejection. What could it be. Had he gotten in trouble without me knowing, or something.

“After I’d become an Awakened—not long after I’d Awakened. I’d, made hyung go through a lot.”

At his hesitant words, I felt the inside of my head go white. Back then, that was to say.

“Nah.”

“Hyung.”

“I don’t even remember it all that well.”

Since it was eight years ago. So I couldn’t even recall it clearly. As indistinct as it’d become, it had been that long ago.

“So don’t worry about it. It’s alright. It’s all in the past now.”

Saying that it was okay, I smiled. Because at least it hadn’t been as bad as it had been that time, this time around. Since this Yoohyunie now, didn’t know what had happened afterwards. It was irrelevant. It was just me that was a tiny, little bit bothered by those things still.

“It was just a slight rough patch. That kind of thing can happen between family. Over the course of your life, you might have a huge fight, but then make up afterwards. Since everything is alright now, it’s okay.”

There was no need to pull up a memory like that at present. I turned my gaze back to the TV. Yerimie’s interview was being re-broadcasted. She was beaming confidently, brightly.

“Hey, if they try to poach you while we’re in Japan, act like you’ve been won over and be sure to collect everything they offer up to you. There’s no need to turn away something they’re handing over, right. If we take them up on everything worth packing and then simply exit the country, then that’s that.”

In particular, wouldn’t Myungwoo and Noah be the recipients of a barrage of proactive bribery. Since everything we’d already received had been so appealing, I was kind of excited, in anticipation. Just then, the sound of the door opening could be heard.

“Yerim-ah, come in after you’ve removed all the fur.”

“Yes!”

Perhaps because they were wolf pups, despite shedding less than how much their fluffy coats might suggest, they didn’t not shed. Racing over, Yerimie plopped down on the seat next to me.

“Be sure to pack in advance tonight.”

“I packed everything this morning already~”

How speedy. Though there wasn’t much to pack to begin with, anyway. Just in case, I’d bought three more unused phones. And since the food might not be to their taste, I’d need to remember to pack some banchan separately in the morning, too.

I hoped we’d be able to go and come back without much incident.

---

The airport was swarming with people. Reporters were of course a given, and there were simple onlookers who only wished to spectate as well. Yerimie was busily engaged, between having to express her thanks to everyone who’d come out to support her, conduct a interview, and pose for pictures.

“I’ll win and be back!”

As Yerimie waved, 와아아, the cheers crescendoed. Her popularity was enough to put any high-profile celebrity’s to shame. And honestly, it wasn’t as though she’d be found lacking in any aspect, even when actually compared to a celebrity. She’d received plenty of modeling offers on a usual basis anyway, but with the addition of this whole affair, on top of adverts, there were many brands that were clinging on while begging her to at least receive their sponsorship. Even the hat she was wearing now, was a gift that Yerimie had personally chosen.

Wrapping up the proceedings in the midst of continued cheering, we headed towards the lounge. In the spacious lounge, Moon Hyuna had already arrived ahead of us. I could see some people who were from the Hunter Association as well.

“Director Han, you’ve dressed up prettily.”(1)

Prettily, what’s that about.

“I wasn’t aware that you were close with Hunter Liette, Breaker Guild Leader-nim.”

Naturally, concerns about national safety had risen when so many S-rank Hunters were confirmed to be leaving the country all at once. It was immediately after each side had recently completed a Dungeon raid for their own respective districts, but if a Dungeon somehow happened to burst in our absence, there needed to be Hunters around to handle the aftermath.

Because of that, Haeyeon had S-rank Hunter Kim Sunghan stay after and S-rank mount Blue’s token entrusted to him as well. Since Seseung had Evelyn, who was also a S-rank Hunter, there were no problems there either.

The problem had lain with Breaker, but with Liette’s temporary recruitment, it seemed to have been resolved.

“She doesn’t hold onto the past, and has a laid-back personality. We mesh quite well together. To begin with, there are very few female Hunters that I’m on bad terms with. I’m fairly popular, y’see.”

“With the exception of Hunter Evelyn, do you mean.”

“Ah, that guy’s personality just real-ly clashes with mine. Someone who’s skilled but still enjoys concocting unnecessary schemes behind your back—in regards to a person who’s so distasteful, how could I entertain being on close terms.”

Saying that, she warned me to be cautious as well.

“Please ensure that the monsters will not wander about while on board.”

An Association employee said, seeing Chirpie float around the lounge. I would, of course, but Chirpie, that punk, wouldn’t suddenly go teleporting, right. Velare wanted to wander around as well, but for safety reasons, she’d been forbidden from leaving her perch around my wrist.

Peace was sitting calmly on a chair, and Yerimie was picking out snacks along with Noah. Because he’d expedited his workload in order to go on vacation, Myungwoo was wearing a tired expression. It hadn’t been Item creation, but helping train the smithy’s staff that had kept him busy, he’d said.

I’d been informed that, just two days earlier, Myungwoo’s forging department’s Seo Dongbaek and Lee Minseok had succeeded in creating a lower-rank Item. While the value of the completed Item was low, the significance laid in how they’d succeeded in making an Item even without a creating Skill. Once they were capable of producing mid-rank Items, a wide-scale announcement was planned.

“Do you want to eat something too, hyung? You didn’t get to eat breakfast properly.”

“Should I. I didn’t realize that a buffet would be set up in the airport lounge.”

Since I hadn’t stopped by a lounge, on my way to Hong Kong. I hadn’t known a place like this existed, in fact. It wasn’t as though I’d had an opportunity to go on a plane before. There was quite a variety of foods being offered. Along with wine, too. While I was deliberating whether to have a sandwich as a light course, the door opened and Song Taewon stepped inside. What could it be.

“Though you must be busy, have you come all this way in order to see us off?”

This place was abound with S-ranks at the moment, so would it be okay. Though there were a lot of regular people here too. At my query, Song Taewon answered in a lowered voice.

“I am here on standby in case of any incidents. Though I cannot intervene, as it relates to matters occurring overseas……”

Taking in the scene of the lounge, he continued with an expression that looked as though he was holding back a sigh.

“I hope that you will go and return safely.”

But your expression seems to be spelling out something more along the lines of please don’t cause any accidents, you know.

“During this trip to Japan, I’ll be a mere well-behaved spectator, so please don’t worry. Section Chief Song-nim should take care as well, and do come by the rearing facility some time, when you’ve the leisure. I’ve already put in a word in advance.”

Do go pet the baby lamb at least once. It’s really cute, I said, but Song Taewon went to go stand on one side of the room without an answer. Had he eaten properly. Should I go ask him if he’d like to have a sandwich.

While I was placing a sandwich on a plate, Yoohyunie poured out a drink for me. Saying that this cookie is yummy, Yerimie placed one on my plate before running off to get some ice cream. That cake is delicious as well, said Noah, before asking Myungwoo if he’d like to have some coffee. Moon Hyuna had placed a separate order for an actual meal. Why was a chef here in the lounge. Was this a restaurant or an airport.

But the atmosphere was already as though we were on holiday, so it was enjoyable after all. The smell of a steak being seared spread through the air. Me too!, yelled Yerimie.

“Yoohyun-ah, why don’t you eat too?”

“I’m not really hungry.”

He really did tend to be a picky eater. Though he almost never complained about the food we had at home. Telling him to at least eat a snack, I pushed the cookie towards him. At least when I gave him something, he still seemed to eat it well enough.

- 삐약!

The door opened again, and Chirpie let out a noise. When I turned around to check if it had bumped into something, I saw it perched atop of pale, faded locks. Sung Hyunjae walked inside as though nothing was wrong. As I was about to give him a compulsory greeting as usual, our eyes met.

…suddenly, without being able to say anything, I turned my gaze away.

“Have we all gathered, then. And the departure time?”

At Moon Hyuna’s question, the answer came back that the plane had already completed preparations for departure. Saying let’s go right after I’m done with this, then, the sound of a fork clacking against a plate rang out. Yerimie asked if it was alright for her to take some of the ice cream with her. After taking a breath, I looked at Sung Hyunjae. Holding Chirpie in his hand, he gave a smile in my direction. His expression was no different than usual.

“Chirpie’s misconducted itself, it seems. Please hand it over.”

Having approached wordlessly, Sung Hyunjae gave Chirpie over. I held the chirping baby bird in my arms. …why don’t you say something first. As I was dawdling, Yoohyunie caught hold of my arm.

“Let’s slowly get going.”

“Ah, yeah.”

Leaving the lounge, we proceeded through another round of camera flashes as a group and then boarded the plane. The plane took off in short order, and a few hours later, we arrived in Japan.

-----

(1)

#213화 #the s classes that i raised

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dbgdbw · 2 years

Text

214화

일본행 (2)

To Japan (2)

“So, about the Artemis Guild.”

Yerimie said, in the midst of getting her hair fixed back in place before disembarking from the plane.

“Amaterasu.”

“Anyway, that. Why did they use a foreign god’s name? And an obscure god at that. There’s a lot of famous gods, right. Like Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Odin, or Thor.”

“Maybe all of those kinds of famous gods had already been taken. Don’t go mentioning it unnecessarily. When you’re not sure, it’s best not to make waves.”

Whatever the guild got named was up to the guild leader’s discretion. That kind of Western-style name seemed to be alright for fostering foreign relations, too.

“Amaterasu is one of Japan’s gods.”

A guide who had been standing nearby spoke up. A Japanese god? Then why was the name something like that. I’d assumed that it would be a Greek god. Yerimie was also wearing an expression of surprise.

“A sun goddess, claimed to be the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. As a result, there were once many people who spoke out against the perceived arrogance of the Amaterasu Guild, however……”

The guide furtively lowered their voice.

“At present, the Amaterasu Guild is the king of Japan, in essence. Publicly, it claims to play the part of a guardian for both Japan and the Japanese royal family—but whether it’s the king or the prime minister, neither are capable of even lifting a finger in front of the Amaterasu Guild Leader.”

Damn; it was a good thing that we’d come all together, after all. Japan’s government still seemed capable of proceeding on as normal, but still, since you never knew. At least if there were this many S-rank Hunters, they probably wouldn’t try anything stupid on a whim.

“To add to that, Amaterasu’s Guild Leader’s true name remains hidden. Though he goes by the name of Shishio, it’s, ahem.”

The guide said, embarrassment suddenly overtaking them for some reason. What was the meaning, that it’d have that effect. Because the interpretation Item’s quality was so high, things like names or epithets wouldn’t be translated. I would occasionally become curious about the root etymology.

“Hyung, hold on.”

Calling me over, Yoohyunie moved towards the direction of the sleeping area. It was a location where closing the door would shut out the outside, and was soundproofed well.

“It’s absolutely not that I can’t trust hyung. But because this is overseas, you’ll need to be more careful.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve already said as much a number of times. I definitely won’t go anywhere alone. And I’ll always bring Peace and Velare with me whenever possible.”

Just like Myungwoo’s glasses, another Item that allowed the user to change their appearance might exist. Because of that, we’d decided that Peace and Velare would be the ones at my side. With S-rank monsters and an A-rank poison Skill, barring a situation where at least two S-rank Hunters attacked simultaneously, there shouldn’t be any problems.

“Your Skill absolutely can’t be discovered. Particularly the sharing one, that one. I know I’ve said it before, too, but it’s really very dangerous.”

He would’ve been talking about the one that doubled the effect of attack Skills.

“I’m aware, too. Unless it’s someone I trust enough, I won’t even use it, much less make mention of it.”

“Myself, and even the Seseung Guild Leader, are at least alright. Since Hunter Noah is a support-type, it really wouldn’t have sunk in, so it was alright as well. Section Chief Song Taewon—is a special case, but that’s not so for other Hunters.”

Yoohyunie said seriously.

“If they’re presently among the select few at the top, they should at least be able to hold back. But if not, and particularly for mid-ranked battle-type Hunters, it’s a Skill that can’t help but be categorically seductive. Because you’re able to shoot up to the top in an instant.”

Was he saying that, rather than prodigies, it was more appealing to those who just weren't able to reach that threshold. Then again, rather than the gold medalist, it was the silver medalist or those who barely managed to hang onto the rankings that would feel the desperation to improve their skills all that more keenly.

“Even at a pass, I already know that it’s a Skill that’s capable of making people go crazy.”

It was definitely amazing, no matter where you applied it. For example, if you were on the receiving end of my Skill, and your studying ability doubled, then… Ah, it was becoming a bit scary. A student who was scraping by at the mid-range rank on testing suddenly receiving full marks. Even myself, I wanted to use it for Yerimie. An S-rank Hunter, with the added bonus of full marks. Yoohyun-ah, it wasn’t too late, so let’s have you take the entrance exams.

“I’ll be careful. Really.”

Was there really no way to just extract a Skill and turn it into an Item. Once again, I felt that it was a pity.

—-

“All preparations have been completed!”

The person who’d been sent from the Japanese Hunter Association said, after receiving communications from a walkie-talkie. Apparently having paid mind to such details, it was done in Korean. I held Peace in my arms, and instead of on my head, placed Chirpie down on top of Peace’s body instead.

‘Is this supposed to be an S-rank Hunter parade or what.’

It’d been the same when we’d departed from Korea, but this instance was vastly more humiliating. Because each and every one of them shone so brightly, I really wondered if it was alright for me to be squeezed in there too, …should I at least put on a pair of sunglasses.

“Ahjussi, come over this way!”

Yerimie used her hand to motion to the spot beside herself. Wait, you’re the star here, so wasn’t that way too far up front. Even then, it actually might be better to at least stand between Yerimie and Moon Hyuna.

‘For starters, near Sung Hyunjae is a no-go.’

Even with just the height difference, it was dire. Having looked towards him unnecessarily, I ended up meeting eyes with Sung Hyunjae. While I’d been about to reflexively look away again, this time I looked back instead. If you think I’m lacking, why don’t you just fuck off then. After a beat of locking eyes, I casually moved my gaze away.

Over there by Myungwoo and Noah wasn’t easy as well. How tall both of you are, haha. Couldn’t I just pretend to be an attendant and stay near the back. I’d be covered up pretty easily, I thought.

“Ahjussi, what’re you doing?”

Unable to wait, Yerimie came over herself and dragged me along. Just as I was about to call for Moon Hyuna for a lack of an alternative, Yoohyunie came and stood next to me first. Mhn, well. I’d anticipated as much, anyway.

The door to the plane opened, and a staircase covered with a red cloth appeared. Yerimie took the lead, and I followed after her.

‘...what’s all that.’

The first thing that popped into my sight after coming outside the plane was a crowd of people dressed in distinctly long-cut dress uniforms. On one side of the chest of the white-and-red uniforms was something that resembled a crest. It looked similar to a western-style crest; was it supposed to be a lion, that.

More than that, what was all this. I wanted to retreat back into the plane.

“They’re even holding a welcoming event for us?”

Yerimie seemed to simply be entertained by everything. Bounding lightly down the stairs, she waved her hand. Seeing a broadcast-use camera aimed this way, my face stiffened automatically. Right, they’d said that it would be broadcasted to both Korea and Japan in real-time.

A little ways in front of the stairs leading from the plane, a big-bodied man accompanied by a flight attendant was standing. It was Amaterasu’s guild leader.

The real thing felt a lot bigger than what I’d seen on TV. With a sharp, angular face and short-cropped blond hair, he didn’t seem to be a Japanese person, let alone of Asian descent. Though the hair color was probably artificially dyed. During the ranking matches, he’d shown up with red hair.

The Amaterasu Guild Leader was also decked out in a dress uniform. Though the basic design was similar to those of the people stretched out in a line on either side of him, it seemed to be increasingly flashy when compared to… Could it be, that it was a guild uniform. Though enforcement of a guild uniform wasn’t uncommon, but, ah. Since it wasn’t a common occurrence in Korea. In particular, that kind of ceremonial outfit was……

The most common thing in Korea were company varsity jackets. It was something that even smaller guilds could easily coordinate, and if the budget allowed for it, they could be made with Dungeon materials, were easy to store, and had great practical use.

“We welcome your arrival in Japan!”

“Hunter Bak Yerim, welcome to Japan!”

Some tween youths with outstanding looks that looked as though they’d been hand-picked, smiled brightly as they conveyed their welcome remarks. They did greet us, one by one, but since it was a gathering of S-rank Awakened, it was obvious that they were inevitably feeling daunted, and a bit fearful as well.

How could you send un-Awakened kids so close like this. If you were going to do it anyway, then you should’ve at least left a bit of space and had them clap or something instead. Without a relevant Skill or Item being used, even if we’d killed our auras as much as we could, a certain amount of influence would’ve still been unavoidable.

The kids drew back, and the Amaterasu Guild Leader approached. They’d said that he was no different from being the monarch in Japan, and an aura of imperiousness did seem to overflow from his entire body. Setting her neck, Yerimie faced him head-on.

“I am Shishio, the guild leader of Amaterasu Guild which represents Japan. Hunter Bak Yerim, I am pleased to meet you thus so.”

“Yes, hello.”

Yerimie said in greeting, as though it was a run-in with a neighborhood ahjussi. Yerim-ah, your self-introduction.

“...you need to introduce yourself.”

I whispered in a small voice, and recognition dawning then, she started again.

“I am Korea’s Haeyeon Guild’s S-rank Hunter, Bak Yerim. Thank you for welcoming us.”

This time, the Amaterasu Guild Leader looked over at me. Showing his teeth in a sunny smile, his gaze lingered specifically on Peace, who was held in my arms.

“I am Korea’s rearing facility’s director, Han Yoojin. Thank you for the welcome you’ve provided.”

“About Director Han, I’ve heard many stories. What a welcome opportunity this is. The animal you’re holding would be that famous horned flame lion, then.”

“Yes, this is Peace.”

The Amaterasu Guild Leader suddenly stretched out a hand. As he did so, Peace curled his lips to show his fangs.

- 크르르.

At the threatening growl, without a trace of displeasure, he smiled even brighter.

“A loyal lion, how excellent. Haeyeon Guild has yet to acquire a second horned flame lion cub, it appeared.”

“As monster young are difficult to come by.”

The Dungeon where a horned flame lion showed up as the boss had been raided again twice in the meanwhile. But no baby monster had turned up. If it was that easy to acquire a S-rank baby monster, then the rearing facility would’ve been overwhelmed from just the requests that came in domestically.

In Korea, behind Peace, Comet was the only higher-ranked baby monster. There hadn’t even been a case of a high-rank being captured yet. Lower-ranked ones were relatively common in comparison, but if it was that kind of rank, then there was no need to raise it from a baby, and an adult could just be trained instead.

“Though I’d put in a cooperation request several times to Haeyeon Guild in order to gain a horned flame lion, there was never a positive response. Lamentably so.”

Saying that, the Amaterasu Guild Leader looked at Yoohyunie.

“In person, you seem even younger, Haeyeon’s Guild Leader-nim.”

“You’d need to produce a reasonable offer in order for us to accept.”

A frigid atmosphere grew between the two. There wouldn’t be a fight as soon as we entered the country, right. Yerim-ah, don’t look so pleased about it. Hyuna-ssi, you shouldn’t grin, either. Thankfully, Amaterasu’s guild leader backed off first.

“Even though I’d even sent gifts, how finical of you. I believe I’ve expressed my sincerity well enough, so do think it over closely again.”

Was the reason the Attire had been handed over, mixed with that kind of intent. It was slightly irritating. When they were already trying to take the slime Dungeon for free, were they aiming for a higher-tier monster as well. If you were going to be like that, then you should at least hand over another one.

Continuing on, Moon Hyuna and Noah also exchanged greetings with the Amaterasu Guild Leader. It appeared that he’d met with Moon Hyuna once before. She mentioned that she’d visited Japan. Then, for Noah.

“Do contact me any time. I can promise the best of treatment.”

The Amaterasu Guild Leader proffered a gleaming business card. Though he appeared reluctant to do so, Noah received the offered business card. Similar words were spoken to Myungwoo. While handing over the business card, he mentioned that he could let him know about any ingredients he might need, in a familiar manner.

“I firmly believe that you’ll soon be able to manufacture SS-rank weapons as well.”

In fact, he even took a distinctly polite approach. Seeing how even someone like that guy approached him with his head bowed, Myungwoo really was amazing. Once an SS-rank weapon got completed, S-rank Hunters around the world would probably go into a frenzy. Since there was the possibility that it could go even beyond that, bowing in advance was the wise choice.

The last one was Sung Hyunjae. A brief silence flew between the two people. Amaterasu’s Guild Leader opened his mouth first.

“It’s been a while, Seseung’s Guild Leader-nim.”

“You’ve spent the meantime resting leisurely it seems, Amaterasu’s Guild Leader-nim.”

Without any further words, the exchange ended at that. Saying that he would escort us to the hotel, Amaterasu’s Guild Leader turned around. After following along the path laid out on the floor for a while, a bustling crowd of people appeared beyond a fence.

Simultaneously, cheers erupted.

“Hunter Han Yoohyun!”

“Hunter Bak Yerim!”

“Seseung’s Guild Leader-nim!”

It was primarily those three, but Noah and Moon Hyuna’s name could be heard mixed in as well. In fact, even Peace was included. Screaming was a given, and I even saw someone who was crying. It’s, what was this. I’d heard that they were popular, but they weren’t actual celebrities or anything. Had Amaterasu Guild paid people in order to gather them? But to assume that was true, they appeared to be way too sincere.

Placards were shaken, and even knockoff Peace dolls were held high into the air. While all sorts of sounds were mixing to make it difficult to hear.

‘...and what the hell’s that.’

They were pictures. Some with just a face, and some that were life-sized from the waist up, ah, for real. I’d seen true-to-size pictures of celebrities on streetside adverts, but when it had someone I knew—ack, it was just the face, but I was there as well. Hold on. Besides that, that doll, what was it. It wasn’t a monster, but a person. W-was it, Yoohyunie? A school uniform……? Yerimie was there too. Dressed in school uniforms, after all, the two were being waved around together……

…I did kind of want it, if it was that.

While still incredibly mortified, we got into a car and moved to the hotel. It was said that for Tokyo, Japan as well, the consecutive Dungeon breaks that happened early on had inflicted a significant amount of damage. The hotel we were going to now had been constructed after the Dungeon shock, so it hadn’t been long since its completion, and was thereby the property of the Amaterasu Guild.

As the area near the hotel had been restricted in access from people, unlike the path from the airport to this location, it was quiet. It was nice that it was quiet, but.

“Ahjussi, take a pic for me please!”

Yerimie said, smiling cheerfully. Next to a life-size picture of me. Oh my god, why would you have something like that propped up. I wanted to go home. I needed a mortification resistance Skill. Because there were other people around as well, I wanted to die even more.

“...Yerim-ah.”

“Should I ask for it on our way back?”

No, let’s not, please. Instead of myself—as I was preoccupied by wanting to disappear into the ground—Moon Hyuna took a picture for Yerimie. A broadcast-use camera was still here. It was too humiliating. Was it just me that was embarrassed, why was everyone taking pictures like it was nothing. Yoohyun-ah, and why were you, too. Raising her middle finger at a picture of Seseung’s Guild Leader, Moon Hyuna gave a brilliant smile. Noah, Myungwoo, and even Sung Hyunjae were proceeding to engage in commemorative photo ops as well before sitting.

…though I did kind of want to take one with the one of Peace too. Yoohyunie’s, and Yerimie’s as well. Noah and Myungwoo had come out nicely, too. Moon Hyuna, of course, and Sung Hyunjae’s was, well. I just wanted to extract the one of myself.

“You may freely make use of all of the facilities within the hotel. For the rooms as well, please do choose any room to your liking.”

A hotel staff member told us genially. Before I could enter the lobby, the Amaterasu Guild Leader stopped me.

“It would be good if you could show us what a flame horned lion’s mature form looks like. For the people of Japan, at the very least. Everyone is highly anticipatory, you see.”

He said, pointing towards the camera. Wasn’t it you(1) that wanted to see it, and not the nation’s people. When I struggled to rebuff the request because it was so slight, Yoohyunie, who was standing immediately next to me, called out in a low voice.

“Peace.”

At his call, Peace leapt down from my hold. The small body swelled up in a flash, and crimson fur shook dazzlingly. A single horn that stood out in sharp relief, and a luxurious mane that shone with an increasingly deeper golden color towards the ends. He’d gotten slightly bigger than he’d been the first time he’d changed into his fully matured form, and his fur also gleamed with a glossy light.

A huge beast that looked like fire personified gave a low growl. Seeing that appearance, the Amaterasu Guild Leader was grinning fit to split his face in half.

“Magnificent! Absolutely incredible!”

His face held an expression filled with overflowing envy. His eyes shone with a blatantly rapacious enough light to provoke worry that he might suddenly try to take Peace away, right at that moment. Since our side had the advantage of numbers, it probably wouldn’t come to much trouble, but it still nagged at me.

Lightly turning his body once, Peace shrunk down once more and burrowed into my arms. Amaterasu’s Guild Leader, who had been unable to tear his eyes away from Peace, shifted his gaze to Yoohyunie in turn.

“It follows the holder of the owner’s mark, as I recall. The slime Dungeon is fine and well, but it would’ve been good to bet a monster, too.”

“If you’re asking for a fight, I won’t turn it down.”

Replying coldly, he collected me and turned towards the hotel.

“I know hyung probably dislikes the idea of using Peace as part of a wager, but I just feel the urge to crush him underfoot.”

My dongsaeng said in a low voice. It seemed that the Amaterasu Guild Leader’s impudent attitude had really irked him immensely. The darkly settled eyes shone with a cold light, but also seemed to hold a burning heat as well.

A violent instinct to immediately rush to tear out the throat of an opponent encroaching on his territory. Perhaps because they’d already sensed as much, Yerimie and Moon Hyuna, who had entered the lobby first, looked towards Yoohyunie.

Even if he’d acted more like a kid in front of me lately, he was an S-rank Hunter.

“Since betting Peace won’t be a good look, and might also set a bad precedent, if we’re going to go ahead with it, use the promise of a baby monster that might come out of the flamed horn lion Dungeon or another for the bait.”

Yoohyunie’s eyes grew round, before he smiled radiantly. As if you’d lose to some guy like that, go ahead and do as your heart desires.

——-

(1) ‘니가’ → more in an upcoming doc, but for now:

speech used during introductions (mha n/a):

#214화 #the s classes that i raised

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