“Unfortunately, not a single team succeeded in the special Giant Turtle Raid event!”

The Hunters who’d failed wore grim expressions, but the onlookers beamed. Had they not been worried about appearances, they’d have applauded my exclamation.

“As expected of an SS-Rank monster—no walk in the park. But for our paid participants, we have commemorative gifts. Please line up over there where Hunter Noah and the other A-Ranks are distributing them.”

Noah and the A-Rank Hunters handed out gifts.

“…Towels?”

“These are Dodam Nursery’s official naming commemorative towels. What better souvenir than a towel? Crafted from dungeon byproducts—top quality, even fits in your inventory!”

Plain souvenir towels were plentiful, but dungeon-byproduct ones were limited. We’d planned to give them out on the last day. I should remember to grab a few extra for Director Song.

“Additionally, from next week our Dodam souvenir shop will begin international shipping—please support and spread the word. Now, let’s begin the lottery draw! Today, like yesterday, the time limit is 30 minutes!”

Although this challenge was free, few teams applied. The consensus was that the raid was effectively impossible. Some experienced Hunters tried luring the turtle onto land—hoping water-type monsters weaken out of water—but the giant turtle refused to budge. Even if it crept forward, it would slip back into deeper water rather than expose itself.

“If it were a river, you could dam it off; but it’s the sea.”

“In a lake, you could pump it dry.”

“Like Lake Baikal or the Caspian?”

Hunters speculated that the only way to defeat the turtle was to herd it into a crescent-shaped spit, block its exit, and drain the water. But the turtle wouldn’t passively watch the water recede—it would just break through. To drain that much water, you’d need at least three Yerims.

Still, the hints were all there.

Meanwhile, the first challengers struck the shell several times, shook their heads, and withdrew. I checked my phone—wondering if the wine incident had drowned it. No phone was that unwaterproof. Or perhaps it had shattered during that assault.

“Brother, don’t forget our agreement.”

Moon Hyun-ah approached and tapped my shoulder.

“Yes, of course. If we succeed, it’s all thanks to you, Hyun-ah.”

She turned and her gaze fell on the beach. Since last night, rows of tables and chairs had been set up on the sand—food, drinks, alcohol in abundance. Spectators, in other words.

Through them sat Evelyn, elegantly holding a glass of wine. In a flowing beach dress, long cardigan, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed white hat, she looked every bit a glossy summer magazine feature.

Hyun-ah’s expression darkened with annoyance. I wondered if I should ask why.

“Hyun-ah, does Evelyn bother you that much?”

“She’s taunting us.”

“Excuse me?”

“There’s something about her.”

Curious, I watched as Hyun-ah turned sharply and stalked away. I hesitated to pry further.

‘I don’t like that guy either…’

Hwangrim, that jerk, flitted from table to table in his flapping Hawaiian shirt, selling goods. Why did he have all buttons undone? Unable to bear it, I grabbed a megaphone and shouted:

“Traveling salesman! Stop and get lost immediately!”

Hwangrim flashed me a heart with his fingers.

“Aww, I love you too!”

I’ve held my tongue for the kids’ sake, but I really—does he only sell cigarettes? His overzealous hawking confused me.

The second team soon gave up, and the third team—our turn—came up.

“It feels awkward to step in directly, but as promised, I won’t use that skill.”

They’d protested that our Proud Parent skill # Nоvеlight # could finish this quickly. Even without that, I had no intention of using it.

Our team: me, Yuhyun, Yerim, Peace… and Gyeol. We missed Noah’s buff, but we needed flight—and Noah lacked fire resistance. If we needed to use an empowered skill, Yuhyun would need to be nearby.

At the start line, Yuhyun and I climbed atop Peace.

“Get ready!”

Noah raised a flag and slammed it down. Simultaneously, he cast the Teacher’s Skill on the three of us.

“Yuhyun, attack! You must lure it to the target!”

I shouted through the megaphone. Yuhyun could understand me clearly, but it was important to show I was actively commanding.

Peace spread his wings and landed atop the turtle. Yuhyun leapt from Peace’s back. The Conqueror’s Blade spun overhead, blade down.

KRAAANG!

Just before impact, Yuhyun accelerated with the Extended Guard stance and slashed the shell violently. With a screech, steam billowed like clouds; red flames flared, vaporizing the steam, then darkened again as Yuhyun struck the shell a second time.

BOOM!

The shell, engulfed in heat, lost its sheen. A faint crack appeared.

GURRR-GLUP, GLUP!

A swirling vortex formed near what was presumed the turtle’s head. The sea briefly churned, and the formerly parched shell instantly moistened—restored to a smooth shine.

“Oh, it cracked after all.”

“Not the first time, right?”

Onlooking Hunters murmured. Some had used flight or levitation to hover close—if they got burned, they’d have no one to blame but themselves.

GRRR.

The monster, sensing a threat, rumbled from beneath the water.

“So it won’t go down quietly?”

“Nope.”

Yuhyun used a Blue Willow Leaf to vault into the air.

“Unless we keep replenishing ocean water, it’s hopeless.”

“Good—let’s drag it!”

Yuhyun and Yerim drew their bows, and I aimed my Lynx Gun. After a while of Dungeon Breaks, monsters grew less aggressive outside. Defensive types like this one stayed docile—yet still monsters.

CRACK! WHAM! WHUMP!

Repeated hits rattled the shell. The turtle slowly turned toward us, then, with a swoosh, began swimming fast to chase us.

“What—where is it going?”

“Moving deeper into the sea!”

“A support caster who can cast flight—give him Flight!”

“Got any wooden planks? We just need to stand on something solid.”

Spectators bustled in pursuit. With them watching, we headed toward a small uninhabited islet nearby—an abandoned rock island far smaller than the mansion’s grounds, but larger than the turtle, with a deep natural basin into which escape was difficult.

“We lure it there?”

“It still won’t climb up.”

As we neared the islet, the crowd shouted advice. “Let’s watch.” I proudly drew an item from inventory, brandished it, then used it on the islet.

Summer Mini Lake. The item Hyun-ah gave me created:

GURRRRR—

A vast lake formed, swallowing most of the islet as seawater poured in. It effectively became part of the ocean.

“No way!”

A perceptive spectator gasped. Yes—since the lake was deep and connected to the sea, the turtle entered freely. The moment it reached the islet’s center—

“Yerim! Prepare to drain it!”

I canceled item use. The lake vanished as swiftly as it formed, leaving the islet as solid ground.

GLURRKK!

The displaced seawater cascaded down to the sea. The giant turtle, now over half-exposed, thrashed in confusion. The remaining puddles around it—

WHOOSH!

All the water spurted upward.

“We can’t drain the entire sea, but this’ll do!”

Yerim swung her spear with all her might.

“Han Yuhyun!”

At my shout, Yuhyun kicked the air just as expected. His bow flew into my hand; he drew and loosed an arrow. It struck the turtle’s back before Yuhyun landed.

BANG!

It exploded in a burst of coal-black powder—the powerful Dehumidifier item. Normally low-grade items are useless underwater, but now—

SIZZLE—

The turtle’s shell dried thoroughly. Yuhyun’s fire attacks would have been more potent, but we saved mana—and I needed to be active myself.

As the dehumidifier absorbed the last moisture, Yuhyun’s attack crashed down on the turtle. Desperate to return to the sea, the giant turtle retracted its legs and head in fear. Yet the dark blade aimed not for its head or limbs but the hardened shell.

CRACKLE-CRASH!

The Conqueror’s Blade, wreathed in flames, cleaved the dried shell. Unlike before, the dull bronze plating shattered with a mighty crack, sending shards flying. Yuhyun stood on the turtle’s back, raising the blade again. His wide-sleeved Extended Guard shimmered; the tendons on his wrist and hand flexed. His arm, shoulder, and back muscles bulged with tension.

With both feet braced, he swung the sword once more.

BOOM!

Flames roared as flesh smoked with a charred scent.

GRRR! Grrrrk!

A waterless giant turtle was now merely a tough S-Rank monster. Its shell gone, its head and limbs shot out. It tried desperately to return to the sea.

WHOOSH—

A flying blade severed its head in one swift stroke. The turtle’s headrolled away, and its massive body collapsed with a thud. Yuhyun, stepping on a Willow Leaf, circled back to me, having neatly smothered the rising spray of gore.

“It’s done, brother.”

I called out to my smiling brother:

“Well done! You were amazing! Excellent work!”

Of course, I didn’t forget Yerim and Peace.

“Yerim, your timing was perfect! Your water control was even more refined!”

“Right? I’m definitely more precise now!”

“Thanks, Peace—good boy.”

GRR—

The spectators wore mixed expressions of disappointment and awe.

“Why didn’t I think of that!”

“I have a similar item.”

Some lamented their missed chance, while others praised our teamwork.

“Not even half the time passed.”

“They coordinate so well—same guild, maybe?”

Many admitted that even with that item, pulling it off so swiftly and flawlessly would have been tough. Of course:

“Brother’s obedience is suspiciously perfect.”

“Since when does an F-Rank tackle an SS-Rank?”

“Flying mounts are the best.”

Comments flew in all directions. Praise for my guidance made me blush as much as I considered revealing my Teacher’s Skill. Some joked that the turtle’s low aggression made our actions helpful rather than disruptive—but most comments were praise. From the banquet onward, I’d shown S-Rank Hunters I treated them casually, proving it wasn’t mere bluster or luck.

“Well then—let’s award the Equipment Upgrade Ticket to the Breaker Guildmaster, who supplied the essential raid items!”

Some grumbled that it seemed like the ticket would go home with him to Korea—but not many. The match had been fair, and they preferred an upgrade ticket landing with a fellow countryman rather than giving SS-Rank gear to a foreign competitor.

Haeyeon Guild’s Hunters, alerted by message, arrived by helicopter to collect the massive carcass. They secured the SS-Rank mana stone immediately, then selected other useful materials. In a dungeon, the system reward would have been generous—too bad.

Leaving the corpse behind, we returned to the original islet and looked toward the beach, where…

‘…What?’

People had formed two lines, and between them stood Seong Hyunjae—holding a large bouquet of sunflowers. Sunflower season wasn’t until later—where on earth had he gotten these? And what was he planning?

“…Peace, hold up.”

If he planned to hand them out to others, they might as well be man-eating plants. But he seemed intent on me. Had he given up acting? A bouquet of reconciliation? Or was it a new form of torment? Seong Hyunjae looked up at my floating form and spoke.

“Congratulations.”

“…Pardon?”

“For being recognized as a Hunter.”

His words left me speechless. Of course—I’d reset my timeline and awakened and slain monsters more than once, but I’d never officially cleared a dungeon. I’d just been “the beast tamer.” In Japan, I only used my Proud Parent skill. Yet now, countless Hunters had watched me. Whether they liked or disliked me, they now recognized Han Yujin as a Hunter—not just a name on a license, but a comrade in the dungeon.

“I… suppose so.”

I’d intended to lay low after my return. I’d had no desire for recognition, yet somehow I felt strange.

“Brother.”

Yuhyun slid down from Peace’s back using a Blue Willow Leaf. His expression held apology. From his cupped hands, a flame blossomed.

“I’m sorry I didn’t realize sooner. To me, you were already a perfect Hunter—I just didn’t know it.”

“No need to apologize. It’s not as if I’ve entered a dungeon with you only once or twice.”

“But I wanted to give you flowers first.”

The black-and-blue flame transformed into roses, encircled by red flames that bloomed like petals. Conscious of the onlooking Hunters, Yuhyun wrapped my hand in the flaming bouquet—imparting fire resistance.

The vivid bouquet fluttered as though alive. Sparks drifted like petals.

“Thank you, Yuhyun.”

“Now it’s my turn.”

Yerim conjured droplets to extinguish the flames. She’d tried for elaborate ice blossoms, but the finished white flowers looked like simple daisies.

“I should’ve brought food coloring! These melt too fast.”

“Right, Yuhyun. They’re hard to maintain.”

Crafting such delicate flame shapes was no small feat—especially since she’d only recently learned to weaponize her magic. Yuhyun nodded, let the flames die, and handed me the ice bouquet draped in her shawl.

“Next time I’ll make you roses—no, what was it… peonies! Big and extravagant ones.”

“Thank you. They’re lovely.”

Gyeol, restless on my shoulder, fluttered up to rub his head against my cheek. Peace, sensing the mood, purred and wagged his tail.

“Mr. Han, I’d like to give you a flower too…”

Noah, standing a bit apart, looked flustered—and Director Song’s normally composed expression looked even more awkward. As an official, he couldn’t celebrate the recognition of a fellow Hunter.

“It’s all right—both of you!”

A heartfelt gesture was thanks enough. I walked to the beach and climbed down from Peace. Seong Hyunjae, as if waiting, extended his bouquet toward me.

“This is rather unexpected.”

“As usual. I do take care of those involved.”

I supposed… Soyeong also never forgot birthdays or anniversaries. Cutting interest entirely would have been out of character, but he was no longer so indulgent.

…Yet a bouquet? It wasn’t a birthday. Even if he cared, I’d heard he’d had his secretary send gifts to Yuhyun or Hyun-ah on their birthdays. Soyeong is a guildmate, after all—though we don’t have a secretariat here. I couldn’t refuse, so I took the flowers—and they ignited. The culprit was of course Yuhyun.

“My flowers are melting!”

“It’s only fair.”

Ashes and melted water trickled down my hand.

“Thank you in any case—but why haven’t you answered my message?”

I asked, almost whispering.

“I… broke it.”

Seong Hyunjae replied, turning away first. My phone was indeed smashed. Still, nothing appeared seriously wrong—though why “broke it” rather than “it broke” made me wonder if he’d gotten an infuriating message.

College Entrance Exam Side Story (1)

“Marya! We’re going to the sea!”

– Murrull!

“The sea is salty! And huge! The lakes in China were big, but this is bigger.”

Yerim, half-submerged in a bubble, grabbed Mar’s front fin like a handshake. They spun around in joyful circles.

“Anything else we need?”

Yuhyun lifted his travel bag and asked me.

“No—hotels have most of what we need. Just pack clothes and the kids’ things.”

Money is nice. We could buy necessities there. But monster supplies weren’t available, so the kids had the most luggage. Because there were so many of them, an SUV waited. I saw Noah by the vehicle.

“Mr. Noah, you’re headed to Jeju, right?”

“Yes. After the exam, can I go on to Busan? It’s not too far.”

“Of course. I’ll send you the hotel address.”

Noah would arrive swiftly by private flyer. We all piled into the car and headed for the airport. They said to arrive by 5 a.m., but we’d depart the day before—though if I’d had more free time, I’d have gone a day or two early.

‘I’ll find time to relax again someday.’

At the airport, Director Song awaited us—looking haggard from poor sleep.

“You didn’t have to come.”

“Nonsense. It’s my duty.”

“Here, have some root berries.”

I offered him stamina-potion ingredients.

“No.”

“Come on—they aren’t even on the market yet. You need energy for tomorrow.”

“I can manage for a day without it.”

“Hey, I turned off your Enchai, right? Think of it as a snack—like canned coffee.”

At my insistence, he finally murmured thanks. I wondered how I’d deliver the actual stamina potion… Perhaps I’d bluff it as special care for guardians of young Giseungsus.

“Please follow the precautions I sent and obey the local officials.”

Bidding Director Song farewell, I boarded. Shortly after takeoff, we heard we’d arrive at Gimhae Airport soon.

“That was fast.”

“Have you been to Busan, Uncle?”

Feeding Mar a snack, Yerim asked.

“No—first domestic flight. No school trips in high school, and we took chartered buses in middle school. Yuhyun, you’ve been for work, right?”

“Yes—for dungeon raids.”

Although most S-Rank Hunters stayed in Seoul, high-level dungeons appeared elsewhere. Regional Hunters called in S-Ranks for assistance when needed.

“For raids outside the capital, we usually fly in by chopper, strike, and head back. If it’s beyond range, we use private jets.”

“That sounds tiring.”

“But most Hunters prefer to return to their guild for rest rather than stay away.”

Indeed: foreign travel is different in geography; after combat, rest at guild is best. Yuhyun also sleeps poorly away from home.

Soon the plane landed. A vehicle awaited as we disembarked.

“Greetings—I’m Jung Woo-min, in charge of the College Entrance Exam for the Busan branch of the Hunter Association.”

“I’m Jo Byung-chan.”

Association staff bowed. Yuhyun and Yerim looked nervous, but also curious. Peace and Mar peeked around my feet; Ppiyak, Bellare, and Gyeol stole glances too.

“Hunters Han Yuhyun and Park Yerim, please arrive at the Busan branch by 6:30 a.m. tomorrow. Director Han, will you need security?”

“No—Peace will suffice.”

If needed, we could shelter in a drawer with the kids.

“Understood.”

“Um, may I ask a personal question?”

“Sure.”

“A Giseungsu shop is coming to Busan soon, right? Any idea when?”

I’d never considered it, but I didn’t want to disappoint eager eyes. Plans existed.

“Nothing’s confirmed, but likely before year’s end.”

“I hope it’s soon! Online orders work, but it’s different to see them in person.”

She cooed over a Peace plush and hoped for more merchandise. It seems Peace is quite popular.

We drove to a hotel in Haeundae. They’d booked the entire hotel—public business, so the guild footed the bill. In theory, tax exemption applies only to S-Ranks, and Haeyeon Guild does pay taxes—but still, booking this as work felt odd. Two S-Rank Hunters is a lot to handle.

“Can we go to the beach now?”

“Unpack first. Then dinner.”

Soothing excited Yerim, we headed to our room. Through floor-to-ceiling windows lay the night sea.

“Marya, that’s the sea!”

– Muuurgh!

“It looks black, but it’s the sea.”

Ppiyak sat on the sofa; Bellare handed me the remote. The TV flickered on to a familiar face—now a frequent presence on TV.

[For emergency Dungeon Breaker assistance, call—]

Director Song calmly explained S-Rank Hunter placement per region and evacuation procedures.

“He’s gotten smoother with each appearance.”

“Only temporarily. He did the same last year’s exam season; but this Chuseok he was stiff—so was Lunar New Year.”

“You watched all of those?”

“Well, he is handsome. Some kids in class are his fans—they share his clips. Some even got scolded for following him around other classes. Said it was dangerous.”

He’s popular. After dinner, we went to the beach. Yerim and Mary dashed straight into the water.

“Don’t go too far!”

“Yes!”

– Splosh, splosh. The chill kept swimmers away, but plenty strolled the shore.

– Ruff, grraw!

A tiger bounding across the sand dropped to a crawl before Peace—tail high, then rolled over, baring its belly and wriggling. Jumping up and down, it invited play.

– Growl.

– Grrr.

Peace looked at me with mild annoyance.

“Go have fun with him.”

Though a bit reluctant, Peace trotted forward. The tiger rushed after him, bumping Peace’s head playfully. Peace awkwardly accepted the play.

‘Peace’s never had a peer to play with.’

Ppiyak and Bellare, and even Comet, were different species. Blue the lioness preferred flying. Only wolves remained—wolves who’d shunned Peace. Seeing him play so awkwardly made me glad the tiger was here.

– Murrulk!

“Hey! Ouch, that stings!”

Yerim and Mar splashed joyfully. Ppiyak and Bellare played in the sand—Ppiyak tried to pat it with his wings, but—

– Roar!

The tiger’s hind paw crushed the small mound.

– Peep!

Unaware of Ppiyak’s protest, the tiger ran after Peace again. When Ppiyak gathered sand, Bellare circled him protectively.

Everyone’s having fun. Watching, I longed to improve my Harmless King’s drawer mastery as soon as possible. But half of Myeong-woo’s words went over my head. Physical practice is best… but I’ve been busy lately.

“Aren’t you cold?”

My sister beside me asked. Gyeol rested his front paw on my neck.

“I’m fine. Shall we walk a bit?”

Not too far. If the tiger misbehaved, Peace would handle it—but staying close was reassuring. Plenty of people nearby… more than I realized, watchers had gathered. The young monsters must be intriguing.

“Please keep your distance.”

Haeyeon Hunters who’d arrived early and Busan branch staff chased away those approaching too closely. It’s happened before, and I always felt embarrassed.

“We’ll be a bother if we stay out too long.”

“It’s fine—they came to help, anyway.”

Still, I was glad it wasn’t summer.

“Peace!”

Someone called to Peace. “Love you!” rang out too. Peace really is adorable. I even heard my name—and was mortified. I doubt I’ll ever get used to this.

“Giant Mary!”

WHOOSH! Yerim had been crafting shapes from water; now she formed a nearly ten-meter-tall Mary, then froze it in place. Gasps rose all around. Though rough and simplified, it was impressive.

“What do you think, Uncle?”

“So cool!”

Then giant hearts, giant Peaces, giant Ppi-yaks, giant Bunybears lined the beach. But—I can’t let them make me giant! I shouted:

“Hey, TV! Did I make it on TV?”

[Yes—they’re running entrance-exam coverage on HBS.]

A Hunter channel focusing on exam safety and S-Rank assistance. When did they set up cameras?

“How’s it there? Noah, it’s your first Jeju trip, right?”

[This hotel also has a great sea view. …Myeong-i is a bit noisy, though.]

Noah murmured. He found Korea unfamiliar, and Kim Myeong was a part-time S-Rank, so the two traveled together. If Myeong-woo’s weapon upgrade hadn’t needed finishing, Myeong-woo would have come along too.

“If you get tired, you can ditch him after the exam.”

[I might, actually.]

Myeong must be quite the handful. Nice Noah vowed to leave him behind.

“Is the beer any good?”

Yerim took a sip.

“Tastes awful.”

“Aww. Why even drink it then?”

Though the outdoor onsen and bar should have been closed, they were open by special arrangement. Yerim ordered shaved ice.

“I’m here for work, but it’s nice. But still, beer’s not great?”

Yuhyun barely touched his glass. He confessed he didn’t know any alcoholic tastes.

“Most of them don’t taste great. Soju’s a bit sweet, though.”

“But I like drinking with you, brother.”

“Of course I do too.”

If only life were always like this. I once had no money; now I have money but no time.

“I should’ve bought a new rash guard—this one’s too small.”

“It’s fine.”

“Next year we’ll get one that fits.”

Someday soon, we’ll have another beach outing—maybe every year. And maybe more people should join—everyone except Director Song. He’d be too tired, though he might enjoy it a bit by then.

I considered calling Seong Hyunjae—but held back. He’s probably fine… or busy with Chloe.

“Be careful.”

“I will, thank you!”

“Okay, I’ll go with them. You get some rest.”

– Murrull!

Yerim, Yuhyun, and Peace dashed off early. I lingered in the doorway, then collapsed on the bed. Through the large window, the sea glowed crimson.

“The sky and sea are so beautiful.”

– I think it’s delicious.

“Hungry? Should I order room service?”

Gyeol shook his head. Ppiyak and Bellare still dreamed; the tiger, drowsy, curled in the doorway and slept again. I dozed another hour or so, woke, and turned on the TV.

– Ugh.

Gyeol shuddered as soon as the TV popped on. It showed Seong Hyunjae.

“Why does that guy look so good on camera?”

– Annoying already.

With a gentle, amiable expression, he greeted Gwangju branch staff for the entrance exam. What time was it—past seven? The exam started in about an hour.

[To all examinees: may your hard work bear fruit.]

A standard encouragement, but his composed normalcy gave me chills. To the public, that was the Guild Master’s usual image. Then Moon Hyun-ah appeared, standing before a school as early-arriving students cheered her.

Normally, high-rank Hunters avoid exam sites for fear of disturbing students unless officially requested. If requested, they can appear—but only if not one assigned student or parent objects. Despite the strict conditions, competition was fierce.

Safety is the obvious reason. Who’d refuse free protection from an S-Rank Hunter?

[Go ace your exam!]

Hyun-ah’s voice was warmer and softer than usual.

[Sis! Love you!]

[I’ll do my best—I’d love to join your guild office someday!]

Some students lingered just to see her. Hyun-ah laughed and urged them inside.

[I’m cold—I should go in. My hands are already red.]

Though she got them to move, few did. Come on, kids—go in! Other scenes flickered by, and Yerim appeared on TV.

[Sis and brother, good luck!]

So cute. Park Min-gyu also sent a brief cheer, but Yuhyun did not appear. My brother, who speaks so sweetly to me… it made sense why he declined. Noah must have refused too. Instead, Kim Min-e cheered.

[Hunters of Korea will do their utmost to protect examinees. Rest assured and ace your exams.]

Director Song’s message, set before Gwangju’s branch background, ended the S-Rank exam support. His segment was a replay from last night—but who watches the morning broadcast, really?

The exam start time drew near. I ordered room service breakfast and watched familiar faces pop up on TV.

“Oh—that’s Yuhyun.”

Unlike Yerim, Yuhyun remained at the Busan branch instead of the exam site—like a statue. The subtitle told of students rescued by police buses, always something.

Yuhyun’s segment ended, then Noah—oh!

[When the road was blocked by an accident, Hunter Noah Ruhir lifted the bus for examinees and carried it forward.]

On screen, Noah, wrapped in his War Dragon form, hoisted a bus, flew it past stalled cars, and set it down. Then he reverted to human form and helped clear the site.

High-rank Hunters cost so much that their intervention can be faster than tow trucks—an S-Rank could lift a fallen truck aside.

‘Hence the community service fines.’

Hunters hated it. Apart from minor incidents, the exam began smoothly. I prayed for its safe completion.

College Entrance Exam Side Story (2)

The final exam bell rang across the campus. Soon examinees poured out, faces a riot of emotion—overwhelmed or relieved, all alike having laid down a heavy burden.

Director Song’s stern face softened as never before. All regional S-Rank Hunters had no major issues. Once they all returned safely, we could breathe easy.

“Shall we go for breakfast? You’ve only had coffee since morning.”

An Awakener Management staffer said. Song hesitated, then shook his head.

“There’s somewhere I must go first.”

He drove off in the Awakener Office car to the Giseungsu Nursery. Though the caretaker was away, a staffer welcomed him warmly.

“Don’t worry—I was playing with Sorok.”

When Song asked how the lamb had fared, the staffer smiled.

“You might find the nursery more comfortable—you have friends here.”

“Perhaps. But Director Song, sheep are surprisingly stubborn. Even for a monster, if Sorok disliked something, he simply wouldn’t comply.”

“He was a bit like that, yes.”

“And he had no fear. If he’d wanted to flee, he would’ve run away.”

“…That’s a relief.”

Yet even as he spoke, Song wondered why the lamb followed him. The staffer handed over Sorok’s pen and key, saying he’d lock the wolves back in, then departed. Song, now accustomed to the path, entered the nursery. Before he reached the pen, the soft clip-clop of tiny hooves sounded.

Entering the code, he opened the door. A small black lamb wagged its stubby tail.

– Maa?

It spun once on its hind legs, tore at the hem of Song’s trousers with its forehooves. Song crouched before it.

“How have you been?”

– Maaah.

“More occasions like today will come.”

Though the lamb couldn’t grasp words, Song spoke on.

“My work comes first. I may have to leave suddenly, or be gone for days. Maybe longer, or forever.”

The lamb pressed its head against his hand—a request for affection. Song stroked its head and neck deftly.

I know what it feels like to cherish someone, to have something precious. That’s why I held back and could refuse.

“…I’m not strong.”

Because of that, he had to bind himself even tighter. And so far, he had protected Sorok stoically.

But deep within, unknown anxieties and discomfort grew more vivid. If he could no longer suppress himself and became a monster consuming even the strongest Hunters—

“I’ve heard young animals forget easily.”

He rose, holding the lamb. As if on cue, Sorok began gnawing at his tie.

“That’s fortunate.”

Yet a lingering attachment remained. He feared faint memories of childhood—small fragments, at most—might persist. Though forgetting was easier, and perhaps right, he felt the lamb’s warmth in his arms as he walked on.

“In a few days, I’ll have to be away again.”

S-Rank Hunters would gather in Japan soon. He’d need a new car—no public transport with Sorok in tow. And… if all went well, he might consider moving—to a smaller house at the outskirts with a larger yard. He pictured the scene, then shoved it from his mind. His lips stiffened as if in guilt.

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