The S-Classes That I Raised - Chapter 565: Purpose of the back (1)

“Yeah! Ruler of Water!”

A hunter I passed in the spacious lobby shouted at Yerim. She beamed back, greeting him. Evidently many hunters had come to like her after watching the ceremony highlights and ChatterBox channel reruns. No surprise—Yerim might just have become the most popular at this party.

Young and cute, cheerful and vivacious. Unlike weighty guild leaders, she felt approachable, radiating friendliness. Anyone—man or woman, old or young—could easily take to her. As I watched her high-five an unfamiliar hunter, I moved toward Song Taewon, who was trailing a few paces behind to give them space.

“Just so you know, Yerim’s not teasing you on purpose, Director Song.”

“I know.”

Taewon answered softly.

“If anything… it’s the opposite. She’s trying to help me…”

His voice trailed off and his expression darkened slightly. Of course—Yerim must’ve thought, “Director Song’s terrible on camera! I need to work extra hard to support him!”—making it all the harder for him to refuse.

“If you’re uncomfortable, I can try talking to her?”

“I’m fine.”

Taewon hesitated but declined.

“It’s true I’m inexperienced at this sort of thing. So I think it might actually be good to get used to it… a bit.”

I gave him a sympathetic look. But people do have their aptitudes. He needn’t force himself so earnestly.

“If you really can’t, just let me know.”

“Thank you.”

He gave me a small nod. He doesn’t treat anything lightly—so you trust him all the more.

“Sir, are you really not going to join us?”

The hunter I’d greeted departed, and Yerim flew up to ask me. I shrugged dejectedly.

“I’ll go tomorrow. I promise.”

Today was my day off. I was nearly exhausted. I was grateful Hyunah and Soyeong had agreed to accompany Yerim. Gyeol, having flitted back to Yerim’s shoulder, spoke quietly to me.

– I’ll go buy a gift, Papa.

His bright eyes sparkled. No matter how mature he pretended to be, he was still a child with many curiosities. Maybe I should enroll him in kindergarten.

“All right. Oh, and pocket money?”

“Uncle Seong gave me a card!”

Yerim pulled out a sleek-looking card.

“He said, ‘You’re on my team—of course I’ll take care of you. Spend it freely.’”

– Just to save daddy money.

“Gyeol, you’ve already got quite the savings mindset.”

I wondered what the credit limit was. Could he practically charge a Manhattan skyscraper? Legally, Gyeol might own about ten percent of Seong’s shares.

“Hunter Moon Hyunah.”

“Please call me Hyunah.”

“I wish I’d been born a little earlier!”

Noah was stuck between Hyunah and Kang Soyeong, looking awkward. Perhaps he found it hard to address a strong senior like Hyunah. Even after teaming up, there remained a wall.

“Should we help?”

“If she really hates it, she’ll slip away. You’re strong too, Noah.”

I asked quietly; Yerim nodded in agreement. Indeed—if Noah sincerely frowned, Hyunah would let him go. Eventually, Noah went off on a Manhattan tour, arms held aloft to prevent escape, and Yerim and Gyeol followed.

“Director Song, are you sure you won’t go?”

After all that departure…

“With Hunter Moon Hyunah accompanying, I’ll be fine.”

“You must trust Hyunah more than I realized.”

“She won’t do anything requiring compensation,” he replied pragmatically. True—Hyunah could cause quite a stir.

“Yuhyun, why don’t you come too?”

We stood before a directory. I asked my brother.

“I’ll go with you tomorrow.”

As always, he chose to stay close. I said not to mind, but Yuhyun wouldn’t be interested in sightseeing anyway. If I weren’t here and had nothing else to do… what would he do? Sit blankly, like a tree or a rock? It felt lonely to imagine—yet I couldn’t help feeling a bit wistful.

“There’s an Asian tea house on the third floor. Let’s have tea—something to aid sleep, then rest well. You’ll be dragged around all day tomorrow.”

“If you’re tired, you don’t have to go.”

“Nope. I enjoy going sightseeing with you guys. We’ll grab something tasty and buy gifts too.”

Yuhyun smiled at me.

“Okay. I’d like that.”

He meant it. It wasn’t the false promise I’d given to others. Seeing that, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to share more moments with my brother, even if I couldn’t change him completely.

…Though I might have to sacrifice a finger or two for it. First, maybe I should grow my hair a bit.

While we nibbled sweets, several hunters struck up conversation. The atmosphere was undeniably friendlier than before the game. Not just toward me, but overall. After all, more than half the participants had received rewards—giving and receiving always lifts spirits. Cooperation reaps its own rewards, and mutual assistance breeds goodwill.

Of course, some early-elimination hunters seemed disgruntled. It’s impossible to satisfy everyone. On a global scale, it’s virtually unattainable. Perhaps only heaven could achieve that.

“This is going too smoothly.”

I murmured to my brother.

“ChatterBox must have an angle—so don’t let down your guard.”

Yet it really felt like a genuine party. Having won and accomplished something, I even found it enjoyable.

“Be cautious but don’t sweat it too much, hyung. Stress is the root of all illness, you know.”

– That’s right, hyung. Humans say stress causes every disease.

Ilin, perched on my shoulder, whispered softly. Where did he hear that?

– To live long, keep a peaceful mind, exercise, maintain a routine, get annual health checks, and…

I let Ilin’s chatter wash over me. Sure, sure, I’ve heard it all.

“Since we don’t know his true goal, worrying is all we can do. Peace, want some tea? They brewed it with purified Dungeon water.”

– Kyaang.

Peace tasted the tea I offered, shook his head, then softly rubbed his snout with his paw. He didn’t like it.

“I don’t care for ChatterBox’s image either. Look at this magazine—it’s pure praise.”

Mystique, immense wealth, every Dungeon item, even using Dungeons to stage lavish parties. He’s the year’s ultimate figure: Phantom, the non-Awakened who commands S-rank hunters.

“To be honest, if I’d known nothing, I might’ve enjoyed it too.”

He probably was a ChatterBox channel regular—may’ve even sent fan mail. It is fun—seeing so many S-ranks appear.

“Everyone’s too—”

“Hyung.”

Yuhyun called me, turning toward the entrance. I followed his gaze. ChatterBox stood there. And Seong Hyunjae. My brow furrowed instinctively. What were they doing together? They quickly parted as if a chance meeting. Seong Hyunjae listened to another hunter, and ChatterBox soon joined a small circle of others.

Uncomfortable, I checked the ChatterBox channel on my phone—both the integrated broadcast and the live personal stream. Scrolling up revealed chatter about ChatterBox:

└ Phantom’s so kind, and his voice is great

└ Oh, Guild Leader Seong!

└ These two have crazy chemistry

└ He doesn’t say much, but he’s heavy-hitting lol

└ What’s Seong Hyunjae’s height? ChatterBox’s tall too

└ I want to see him without the mask—he must be handsome

└ Nah, if he were attractive, he’d remove it

└ His jaw alone is gorgeous???

└ They pressed floor 3—where are they going?

Apparently ChatterBox had been greeting hunters around the building, then encountered Seong Hyunjae. He turned and approached us.

“Hello to you two—no, three of you. Are you enjoying a relaxing time?”

“Yes, the tea here is quite good—though Peace doesn’t seem to like it.”

ChatterBox’s visible lips curved gently.

“You two are always such close siblings. I envy you.”

“…Thank you.”

He said if we had any concerns to let him know, then turned away. Pretending everything’s normal—quite the performer. He petted Peace on my lap as he walked off, then looked back at Seong Hyunjae—and my brother. Envy nothing! I felt the urge to send everyone home and be alone.

[Before you leave Manhattan, we’ll erect a colossal ice Christmas tree for you!]

A roar of excitement rang out. On the giant screen, Yerim spread her arms wide, laughing. Times Square—dark sky overhead, but a riot of lights all around. The ChatterBox channel logo spun on a massive billboard.

I sat on a couch piled with big cushions, gazing at the lively night scene. Citizens flocked around Yerim, Hyunah and Soyeong looked delighted, and even Noah wore an awkward but genuine smile. Someone shouted, “Angel!” and another cried out to see wings unfurled.

‘What a sight.’

It already felt like year-end. Even though it was only November, Christmas decorations were everywhere. December was just around the corner—then I’d be turning twenty-six. Lunar New Year hadn’t come yet, but I felt a strange flutter.

Half a year since my return. We all age another year. One, two, three years will pass. Time keeps flowing. Seong Hyunjae doesn’t have many years until forty. I’ll have to send him a congratulatory message right at midnight on January 1st.

A gentle knock came. Not the door. I still hadn’t moved, chin resting on a cushion.

“Come in.”

Soft footsteps on the carpet. No creak of hinges. I frowned and muttered.

“I don’t understand why people here don’t remove their shoes indoors.”

Some even wear shoes on the bed. Culture ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) is relative, but I’ll never accept that.

“It’s nothing major. I just wanted to ask—this party and game have run too smoothly. What’s your scheme?”

If I was curious, I had to ask. The principal was nearby. Yerim hugged her BunnyBear Christmas edition plush so tightly she trembled with suppressed glee.

“You needn’t guess.”

A flawlessly elegant voice sounded, making me feel guilty for doubting Seong Hyunjae. If I’d known I’d meet someone five times more imposing—no, transcendent—I might’ve been less disrespectful.

“I know nothing at all.”

“But it’s for my beloved fog.”

ChatterBox stepped beside the couch. I turned to look up at him.

“For the one you cherish most—your brother.”

My hand tightened on the cushion’s edge.

“Imagine you must prepare someone to take his place.”

“There is no one to take his place.”

“Of course—one must treat it with care. She was a queen: curious, confident, strong, and beautiful. Willful and selfish, yet she cherished what pleased her.”

“I think you’ve come to the wrong address.”

He continued without acknowledging me.

“So Han Yujin needs a bit more refinement.”

“Christ, you transcend even profanity.”

“Thanks to you, the party’s original purpose has shifted—but I’m very satisfied with the outcome. Even without my intervention, it’s been splendidly executed.”

ChatterBox extended his hand toward me. Though he didn’t touch me, I felt sickened. His eyes narrowed with satisfaction—gastritis-inducing pride.

“Of course, it is terribly, terribly insufficient.”

“Sure, I admit it. I’m just an ordinary petty citizen A—please, find someone else.”

“But you are the last trace of my love.”

“You insane bastard.”

“Please keep trying.”

He gave his final remarks, smiled, and vanished. I contacted the front desk for antacids.

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