The S-Classes That I Raised - Chapter 545: Begins broadcast (1)

“How could he recognize me? Oh, our Peace is amazing!” I thought—only to be cut off by:

—Grrr.

Peace bared his teeth at me. P-Peace? It’s Dad, it’s Dad! Peace’s snout poked me in the neck—exactly where Eunhae’s pendant rested. He let out a low, warning growl.

‘Could it be… I’m being treated like a thief?’

They said the transformation is perfect, so my scent must have changed. But Eunhae would still carry my human scent. In other words, to Peace I was now a stray cat who’d stolen his master’s belongings…

—Ack!

Peace bit at Eunhae and tugged. W-wait, Peace! I pushed his head back with a forepaw and looked around. We were in an alley, but close to the entrance—too visible. I couldn’t transform back here; I’d be discovered. Too risky.

—Grrk!

—Iep!

I even kicked Peace with a hindfoot, but he didn’t budge. Thank goodness he couldn’t unclasp Eunhae with just his jaws. Yuhyun and Yerim hadn’t come with me—so they’d notice an unfamiliar cat with my bracelet and follow its trail. Our Peace really is smart.

—Meeeoow!

“Dad! It’s Dad!” I tried to meow, but human words are impossible for a cat’s vocal organs—no silky modulated voice like Noah’s or Riet’s. Peace, you shouldn’t bully weaker animals!

I gave up shoving him away and instead stuck out my tongue. Despite my revulsion, I closed my eyes and licked the paw pressing me down. Ugh—fur.

—Chrrk.

Peace flinched. Right, Peace. I want to be friends with you. I like you very much, I conveyed desperately with my gaze, blinking slowly to seem harmless. Could you please let me go? I’ll go over there and revert to my normal form. Peace, still staring, then—

—Nyeow!

For reasons I can’t fathom, he licked my face in a long stroke, then snapped his jaws on the back of my neck. Peace—no way! And with that, Peace flung me high—

—Meowork!

I flew across the air; in my eyes’ blur I saw Blue and Comet. Right, Peace—you’ve acknowledged me. You’re so good…

A building wall shot toward me. My body twirled naturally, planted a paw on the wall, and landed solidly on the ground. Wow, item effects are really incredible. As I admired my light, perfect four-footed landing, Peace dashed forward. Gasp—wait, wait!

‘Wasn’t that his initiation? Did I fail that?’

I leapt deeper into the alley in a panic. On second thought, maybe Blue had just misunderstood. Anyway, Peace! Peace!

“Ah—Dad’s here!”

I dove into a hidden corner unseen from outside or above, and deactivated my skill. Peace stopped abruptly just before me.

—Mrrrow.

“See? It’s Dad, it’s Dad.”

Peace tilted his head and rubbed his cheek against my leg. He can’t speak, so it’s okay—even if I’m discovered. “Watch carefully, Peace,” I thought, and transformed back into a little Delouses, not a cat. Peace cocked his head again. Look—Dad changed.

—Meow.

An awkward cat sound slipped out. Better to stay silent if pretending to be a cat. Peace, puzzled, flicked his tail.

—Kyang!

He leapt, rolled on the ground, then flattened himself in front of me. He seemed delighted. That’s right, Peace. It’s Dad, oh goodness.

—Purrrr.

Stop, stop! Peace lunged and began licking me furiously. Eek—Peace! The fur’s wet, it’s soggy! I twisted free and tried to escape; he hopped after me as if playing tag.

—Kyaaang!

—Hisss!

“Stop!” I shouted with all my might, but Peace didn’t understand and headbutted me. It didn’t hurt, but I tumbled. His golden eyes sparkled, and showing his teeth like a smile meant “let’s play,” but Peace!

—Grrr! Meow!

Peace began licking me again. Ugh, um, Peace, remember—I need to get to the island! When I pressed at his muzzle with a forepaw, he finally let go. Then, as if reading my mind, he grew to Mature form.

—Grroowl.

Was he offering me a ride? He wouldn’t count that as riding if I climbed on—otherwise I’d protest. I climbed onto Peace’s back and hid in his thick mane. As long as no one peered inside, I’d be invisible. Once I was settled, Peace spread his wings and soared upward. Did he know the destination? I worried he might head to Yuhyun, but happily he aimed correctly and started crossing the sky.

I wonder how I’ll send messages to Peace.

“Hey, Peace! Peace!”

Someone shouted. Judging by the voice, it was a Hunter with flight skills. Peace didn’t respond and flew on. Then suddenly—

BANG—!

I heard the roar of water exploding upward. Peace halted in midair. I couldn’t resist peeking out slightly.

‘…Wow.’

Far below in Central Park, a colossal pillar of ice shot up. The towering ice column, rivaling many buildings in height, glittered brilliantly in the sunlight. Yerim… you’re the best.

‘She must be helping me.’

Such a conspicuous action usually indicates protection, drawing others this way. With a lake in the park, the damage would be minimal. I wondered if Yuhyun and Director Song were there too. I wished Seong Hyunjae’s ankle would be held, as well.

‘They might recognize me.’

Sensitive humans might realize this “cat” is the Delouses they once knew. I must avoid them completely.

—Meoww.

I called softly, “Peace?” He turned toward the island again. I carefully checked below, then, just before reaching the island, tapped Peace on the back. He spiraled, as if unsure what I wanted, then descended toward the water’s surface. Good—well done.

“Peace!”

Someone else shouted. Our Peace is popular. Using the agile suction skill, I clung tightly to Peace’s body and descended. Concealing myself as best I could, I slipped beneath the surface and dived.

‘Ugh.’

Before my small form drifted away, I quickly reverted to human form and pulled out the underwater gear item. Because of Chatterbox, what a hassle this is. I half-walked along underwater and climbed onto the island.

“We… arrived!”

And it’s even before ten! Thanks to Peace, I had plenty of time. Peace circled above the island, then swooped down to me.

“Hyungnim!”

Moon Hyunah ran up, and behind her I saw Noah as well.

“You made it safely?”

“Yes. I’m soaked, though.”

“We were first place!”

Moon Hyunah laughed, wrapping an arm around Noah’s neck and tugging him. Noah, a bit embarrassed, gave a sheepish smile.

“We left immediately when we saw the message.”

No other Hunter—what about the “?袖?”—followed Noah. Shaking the water from my clothes, I looked around and saw quite a few Hunters. Maybe ten in total.

“That’s a lot. I thought I’d be late chasing after you.”

One Hunter shrugged at my words.

“I’m not into torturing kids for rewards.”

“…Excuse me?”

“I do want SS-rank weapons, but I have pride.”

Another Hunter spoke. Pride, really? They probably no longer saw me as an easy target. Preconceptions can’t change instantly, but still.

“You’re F-rank and small, hyungnim.”

Frowning unconsciously, I heard Moon Hyunah whisper:

“Average height here is a bit taller. They say they feel like they’re bullying kids. They thought you were Yuhyun’s younger brother.”

What? Why would I be Yuhyun’s brother?

“I’m his brother, actually. And besides, I’m….”

“Emma said she has a photo of her nephew, right? Show me!”

Moon Hyunah opened her phone and showed me a picture. A broad-shouldered man was grinning.

“He’s sixteen.”

“…….”

“Hyungnim’s tall and well-built, like Noah. And just as Westerners can’t tell faces apart, they rely on build to judge.”

I see. Still, for my age… I’m thirty after all. Reluctantly, I took out a Dodam Conservatory commemorative towel and dried off. Spotting a camera pointed this way, I waved the towel so the conservatory logo showed prominently.

‘Anyway, these people seem relatively moderate.’

Walking further into the island, I memorized the faces of the Hunters who arrived first. They could be more dangerous than those with flaring tempers—they’d respond coldly to any provocation.

‘This is an island you only reach by passing the city and taking a boat.’

Without flight or mounts, it’d take time. Ferries would be halted for safety. Yet they prepared transport immediately and arrived swiftly—impressive resourcefulness.

“It seems cold; there’s a shop over there. I’ll get you something warm to drink.”

Noah offered his towel as well. The river breeze was biting. If I catch a cold, I’ll have Chatterbox pay the bill.

“Noah ssiii!!”

With a rush of waves, Kang Soyeong shouted from atop a black-scaled dragon cutting through the water. Boom boom—the landing of Riet’s craft marked her arrival on the island. Water cascaded like a waterfall from beneath her black scales. Behind her floated a boat. Perhaps word of my arrival broadcast, for other Hunters began arriving one by one.

“Uncle! Did you see?”

Excited Yerim flew in carrying a resigned Song Taewon, and Yuhyun crossed the river on a trail of blue Willow Leaves.

“A personal stream would’ve crashed the ratings!”

First let Director Song down, though.

“You’ll catch a cold, hyung.”

“Did you really swim here, uncle?”

“I didn’t have that strength. I saw it too. Amazing.”

Following Yuhyun, Yerim and Song Taewon each took out their conservatory towels. Everyone remembered to bring theirs. I wondered if Seong Hyunjae would arrive by boat too.

Drying themselves, we walked deeper into the island. Having endured multiple monster raids, the island was desolate. Aside from the dungeon building, a concession stand, and a half-ruined dock, there was nothing. It was once a tourist spot, they said.

“Dungeon Breaks have decreased recently, and Governors Island has regained peace.”

A broadcaster stood before a camera, explaining.

“The dungeon on Governors Island is A-rank—oh, I see some Korean Hunters over there.”

I declined an interview request. I look a mess right now. I need to dry off before the ten o’clock broadcast. Even the concession stand was open in these circumstances—but they weren’t selling clothes.

“They say illegal trades also happen here normally.”

Noah whispered to me.

“The New York Hunter black market is quite large.”

Korea had a small black market too. I glanced reflexively at Song Taewon. I hope he didn’t hear.

Before long, the last Hunter arrived. Seong Hyunjae and Gyeol came by boat with Evelyn’s team. I averted the golden gaze they turned upon me. I hope I didn’t leave cat fur on me—if someone meowed, they’d piece it together.

Thud-thud-thud-thud—

With all the Hunters gathered, the sky fell silent briefly—then ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ another helicopter appeared. Whirling propellers stirred the air as Chatterbox disembarked, feigning an ordinary human, coat tails flying. Simultaneously, the door of the dungeon building, which had been closed, swung wide open.

“Hunter Han Yujin.”

Chatterbox called to me cheerfully, the excitement feigned but natural.

“Congratulations on arriving safely to the island. You never disappoint.”

“…Thank you.”

Smile, just smile. A Hunter who descended with Chatterbox handed me three gold coins and a small box.

“Well then.”

Chatterbox checked his wristwatch and continued.

“It’s ten o’clock.”

Click—came the sound, and on the screen:

—nㅇd

—it’s up

—wow

—Peace!

—as expected, H Y J’s stream

A small window popped up, and comments started scrolling like chat. What’s this? They didn’t say there’d be live comments. Flustered, I examined the window. Fortunately, there was an on/off switch and a block function. So.

“Hi….”

I offered an awkward greeting. Where should I look? Why can’t I see my own video?

—Hello!

-:)

—Hi there!

—Only watching Peace’s dad lol

What do I do? What should I say? I heard Yerim’s energetic voice: “Hello! I’m Park Yerim!” Director Song stiffly said, “Hello.” Yuhyun ignored it neatly; Hyunah said “Hi,” waving her hand. Noah said “Hello,” and Seong Hyunjae watched the chat with a faint smile.

“Um, as you know, I’m Dodam Conservatory breeder Han Yujin. Yuhyun, you could at least say hello.”

“Hello.”

—I love Han Yuhyun!111111111

—He listens well to his hyung

—Hi hi hi hi hi

…Should I turn off the chat? I can’t stop reading the comments, and my mouth won’t move. Broadcasting is harder than it looks.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by readnovel.co