The S-Classes That I Raised - Chapter 540: Light (3)
“Hunter Seong Hyunjae and Hunter Evelyn exchanged assistance, so their rankings remain unchanged!”
Bang—boom! Fireworks exploded, and pollen drifted down from thin air. Does that bastard Chatterbox really just want to turn this into a variety show? Like those celebrity sports days. I’m honestly curious what kind of funeral this is.
I brushed the dust of the wasteland from my clothes and looked around. About three meters behind where I’d fallen, the finish line was drawn. I wondered if he’d placed it precisely—but of course it was exactly where a top S-rank archer would strike.
Neither Yuhyun and Noah nor Liet had appeared yet. Arrows are usually slower than bullets, but Evelyn was S-rank, using an S-rank bow and her skill—her speed must have been unreal. I tidied my tangled hair roughly and looked up at the cameras whirling overhead. Did I need to say something?
“Hunter Han Yujin.”
Just then, the MC approached and whispered:
“We’ve edited out the part where you ate the cookie~”
“Huh?”
“Any use of unregistered dungeon items or skills will be automatically edited out. However, as with Hunter Evelyn, any skill you activate prominently will still air.”
…So only the cookie-eating bit is gone, but the tiny transformed-and-fired-like-an-arrow part still aired. Kind of thoughtful, but now everyone knows I can shrink.
“Second place! Hunter Noah Luhir! Third place Hunter Mun Hyun-ah!”
Moments later the MC announced. The golden dragon flapped its wings and swooped above my head.
“I thought we’d been first!”
“Hunter Yujin, congratulations.”
Noah’s voice came first. Then Yuhyun and Peace arrived, and Yerim teleported across the finish line carrying Director Song. Liet screeched and stomped to a halt, hunters tumbling off her back.
“Argh, my back.”
“Terrible ride.”
“I’ve got scale marks.”
The S-rank hunters were fine, but one A-rank collapsed in a heap. Thanks to Liet, though, he’d at least avoided elimination.
Most invites had been used by pairs of S-ranks, but a few had teamed with A-ranks they knew well. A well-coordinated A-rank might {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} outperform mismatched S-ranks in a team event.
‘Well, Yuhyun and Hyun-ah really just rode Peace and Noah.’
“Hyung, I was so scared. You’re not hurt, right?”
—Squeak!
Yuhyun examined me while miniature Peace fluttered at my feet. Yerim created a large droplet and urged me to wash up.
“Your face is a mess.”
“Thanks.”
—I thought Noah would be second!
“Unni, in moments like this you say, ‘Congratulations, well done, amazing! Our Noah!’”
Kang Soyeong egged him on, and Noah—back in human form—looked embarrassed. Does she praise him like that to her brothers? The black dragon tilted its head quizzically.
—Even though it seems obvious? Noah was fastest here. Hyun-ah’s skill, too.
“I got praised nonstop when I first learned to walk! There’s video.”
“No need—really.”
Noah edged back awkwardly.
“We agreed—each to live our own lives. I know you’re not like ordinary people.”
—True, I haven’t changed. But Noah, you have.
Liet chirped.
—You were my gentle, obedient, pretty, fragile little brother—like a flower when you were young.
“…Huh?”
—Pretty but useless and fragile and prone to dying easily.
I wasn’t sure if that was praise or an insult, but to Liet it was pure affection—more like liking than anything. If it were someone else, he’d have ignored it.
—But you’ve grown prettier and quite strong! I even considered mimicking you.
Not just on Kang Soyeong’s advice, but because Noah truly changed. The metallic dragon’s eyes narrowed in what looked like a smile.
—Well done!
“…Th-thanks.”
Noah nodded clumsily and looked away. I couldn’t read his heart fully, but it wasn’t dislike. Family raised together forever leaves a mark.
And Noah clearly respected his unni—Liet’s praise must have meant the world to him.
With a slight gap, the jeep arrived. Evelyn, still atop the roof, leapt down before crossing the line, stepping lightly to stand inside first. Her elegant grace clashed with the wasteland—like filming an ad. The jeep stopped, and Seong Hyunjae, Gyeol, and Vanessa disembarked.
“Hunter Han Yujin! Please step up here!”
A platform had appeared; the MC guided me upward. I felt a chill as I smiled brightly, ready to give an acceptance speech. I really don’t like this… Yuhyun, Yerim, Noah, and so on pulled out phones, all except Peace. Director Song filmed the jeep. Please tell me he isn’t going to ticket me in Korea—or confiscate it.
“To first-place Hunter Han Yujin we award ten gold coins and a special prize!”
“…Thank you.”
It felt wrong to thank Chatterbox of all people.
“Some call it cheap, but viewer response has been overwhelmingly positive~”
We’d followed every rule—yet still.
“Hunter Evelyn impressed us, but most remarked on how well Hunter Seong Hyunjae and you worked together. Is that rumor false?”
“Didn’t you see us exchanging coins? It’s business. And abroad, people of the same country help each other.”
Still. In Korea, even enemies are compatriots abroad. But seriously.
‘…He makes it so friendly for no reason.’
A wholesome family program? Even though I drove drunk and littered, the mood was so cheery. They’ll be doing cooking contests and karaoke next.
Is Chatterbox truly celebrating a funeral purely for fun? Or does he have another motive? I’d prefer a grim, bloody atmosphere.
“One final word, please!”
“…I look forward to your continued support.”
I forced a smile. The MC moved to Noah and Hyun-ah’s team, and Seong Hyunjae approached.
“Here are your coat and key.”
“Thank you.”
Putting away the car… Director Song stared at me. I hesitated and handed over the key.
“Han Yujin.”
“There’s only one of these. If I had a regular license I’d get one immediately.”
“…Even if you’re not drunk, be careful. This is broadcast.”
“Sorry. Next time I’ll stick to cola.”
“And the car… keep it. Dungeon strategies aren’t subject to outside law. But never bring it outside, and it will be confiscated upon your return.”
Director Song sighed. Thank you so much. I stowed the jeep back in my drawer.
Mun Hyun-ah and Noah’s team, second and third place, received five gold coins and prizes. Peace and Yuhyun got three coins each. The next twenty Hunters received one coin apiece.
In an instant, we moved to a spacious banquet hall. A buffet and drinks were laid out, and an orchestra played. Everything changed so fast.
“Combat is prohibited during the break. Please refrain from skill use.”
“Multiple lounges are available. If you need anything, ask staff.”
“The banquet hall will be filmed live in five minutes. If you prefer not to appear, please move to a lounge.”
They wanted us to rest and eat. The crowd scattered randomly; I began to look for friends when a Hunter called to me.
“Great performance, Han Yujin.”
“…Yes?”
“I saw it right there.”
He raised his phone. He’d watched the broadcast and quipped relief I hadn’t been eliminated. He patted my shoulder encouragingly and passed by. He seemed friendly—I heard Evelyn’s calm voice behind me.
“S-rank is still S-rank.”
“Pardon?”
“Some top Hunters resent you, but more simply ignore you. You’re not a threat.”
Evelyn spoke evenly.
“Even if you were eliminated here, S-rank is still S-rank.”
She turned away. True—no matter how mortifying this is, F-rank or not, I’ll still live well. Hurting my pride is all.
‘…I’m not aiming for anything grandiose.’
From start to finish, I ran for my own personal wish. Any change is a modest bonus—though it still leaves a bitter taste.
—Grr!
“Hyung!”
Peace found me first, and Yuhyun followed.
“That way!”
Instead of using a skill, Yerim hopped onto Director Song’s shoulder and pointed.
“Let’s go to the lounge, change clothes, then eat.”
The kids were fine, but I needed a change. I shot a glance at the still-rolling cameras and headed off. I’d give them a cheerful scene—better I be here than nowhere. That was certain.
Source: Webnovel.com, updated by readnovel.co