“This wager is a victory for Team Honey.”

The Mer-Queen spoke. Somehow Seong Hyunjae was covered in feathers. The colorful plumes he’d plucked drifted before my eyes—red, sky-blue, yellow, pink….

Yuhyun looked flustered. His expression hardly changed, but I recognized it. Yuhyun seldom lied, but when necessary he could fool even me—just as when he left me and pushed me away. And those rare, perfect lies were always for my sake.

Yuhyun never knew how to lie for himself, because he never needed to. Even as guild leader, his only lies were for me—because Haeyeon itself existed for my benefit.

‘Then why…’

Why had he hesitated and stammered out a falsehood? He’d answered and nodded, and before I could ask again he’d been summoned here.

“Congratulations, Honey.”

‘Was it to spare me worry? Or some trap the Transcendent laid?’

But if that were the case, he wouldn’t have needed to look embarrassed. If he’d judged it a pure kindness, he’d have answered calmly “no” without any tremor. I wondered if I’d misseen, or if Boeun’s Skill had glitched.

I suddenly recalled my brother agonizing over pre-regression versus current achievements. Could it be—

‘Was he jealous of his pre-regression self?’

Like a kind of jealousy. As if the me in the Nightmare Dungeon had been. The former Yuhyun would never, but now he might layer a bit of personal feeling into a lie. Perhaps that’s why he showed an uncharacteristic hesitation.

If he truly felt jealousy—if he cared enough to lie for himself—that’d be welcome. But I couldn’t be sure. And I hesitated to pry.

‘Meeting his pre-regression self isn’t a big deal for Yuhyun.’

I’d done it countless times: jellyfish illusions, dreams, in the Nightmare Dungeon, in Chatterbox. If Yuhyun didn’t want to talk, I could just let it be.

“Honey.”

‘If it really was jealousy… should I keep hiding that I’m seeking the twenty-five-year-old Yuhyun?’

If I confessed, I couldn’t predict his reaction. I once thought he’d oppose, deeming me a danger. Treating his former self as nothing but an obstacle. But now… I didn’t know.

“Honey.”

—Shh.

Something cold slithered around my wrist. Startled, I blinked. The Mer-Queen, the King of Devourers, and Seong Hyunjae all watched me. A snake wrapped ‘round my wrist flicked out its tongue.

“Ah… I was just thinking. I’m sorry.”

Embarrassed, I bowed my head. It might have been nothing, yet I’d been so distracted I’d nearly lost my mind. This won’t do. I’d talk honestly with Yuhyun later—if we share our hearts, there’s nothing we can’t resolve. After all, he’s my brother.

The Mer-Queen cleared her throat and continued.

“There are two wagers remaining. The current score is one win, one draw, one loss. Even after three rounds we’re tied—so the first to secure a win takes the match.”

“You mean the next game will decide victory?”

“Yes. Whoever wins the fourth wager wins outright. If it’s a draw, we’ll hold another.”

“If you lose, it counts as two losses—you forfeit two pieces.”

The King of Devourers added for clarity. Fair enough. I managed not to show approval, instead scowling.

“Isn’t that rather unfair to us? After the London battle, this game was short and we haven’t recovered.”

“You will receive a three-day rest by Honey-world standards. All used Skills will also recover.”

“Then can we go home to rest?”

“No. We will create a space to your liking. Also—”

The Mer-Queen turned to Seong Hyunjae.

“The Chain’s sub-team has been annihilated. Therefore the final game proceeds without a sub-team. One of Chain’s main members has departed—can you replenish?”

“Yes.”

Seong Hyunjae nodded lightly. Right—Chohwayun was originally a main member. Perhaps he’ll bring Evelyn. There must be other S-Rank Hunters from Sesung I don’t know.

“Honey’s sub-team may also return. Since Chain must replace a member, you may swap without penalty.”

“Then I’ll bring Peace up to the main team in place of Sisio.”

Though Sisio had been more helpful than expected, if our sub-team can go home, better to send him than Peace. I considered suggesting it to the Saintess, but it was risky and she had duties here.

“My main team will also return one member for one day of the three-day rest.”

Seong Hyunjae said. The Mer-Queen agreed.

“However, Chain must remain.”

Director Song and Hyunah had also been away long. The Mer-Queen, after ordering the three-day rest, vanished. Seong Hyunjae glanced at me and returned to his quarters.

“Hm, about these snakes you gave.”

I approached the King of Devourers and held out my arm. Two serpents slithered down it, lifting their heads.

“These two are my descendants.”

“…Excuse me?”

I stared, bewildered. Not just kin, but descendants?

“I was king of the snakes in my world and sired countless children. Their children, and their descendants beyond counting. Upon ascending as a Transcendent, I chose a few favored among them to keep by my side.”

“So all the snakes I saw then… are them?”

“My child, do you reckon you must revere a being tens of thousands of years old as an ancestor?”

Of course not—at tens of thousands of years they’d be nothing human. The King’s tone lacked any special affection.

“Most of my line ended as beasts; very few attained sentience. And those few remained beasts. I feel no great love for my clan, though I lament none became a humanoid sentient race.”

Even exceptionally gifted ones cannot alter their baseline genetics.

“This pair is still young but gifted. Their parents neared sentience, so I give them to you.”

“To me?”

“To your world. I’ve sent many children to many worlds, hoping new sprouts will emerge. Yours may lose some, but is a sturdy foundation.”

…Provided the crescent moon doesn’t interfere. After a moment’s thought, I accepted. You never know—this might earn me the Devourer King’s aid later.

“Understood. Should I simply send them to our world as is?”

“They’re not yet sentient—no resistance, and they can be tamed. In gratitude for your acceptance, I will repay you.”

The tip of his metallic talon scraped his own nape. Crimson blood welled and crystallized like gems. The sweet metallic scent made my mouth water.

“When their small frames break beyond mending, consume them.”

“Like an elixir?”

“If elixir restores flesh, this restores spirit. More useful to you than any elixir. But forbidden during wagers.”

It seemed potent for mana circuits and magics. I gratefully accepted the blood-gems. He could have entrusted more children—I’m a specialist at raising young, after all.

The King of Devourers departed, and I made for the sub-team’s quarters.

—Kiyaang!

Peace, sitting alone on the wide meadow, catapulted toward me. Sisio, lingering nearby, lit up at my approach.

“Director Han! Did you rest well?”

“Yes. I slept at home. And the others?”

“They’re still too heated down there, mid–skirmish!”

No sooner had Sisio spoken than the ground thundered. As Peace butted me, I reached to hug him—but he leapt aside.

“Peace?”

—Grrr.

Peace grew to adolescent size and lowered his back for riding.

“He thinks Director Han is still tired. How considerate.”

Sisio beamed at Peace, who utterly ignored him. Even without acknowledgment, Sisio luxuriated in pride. Peace… I’m sorry to keep you confined here. You must’ve been bored.

“You’re so good, Peace. Thank you for your hard work.”

—Kuuung.

“I’ve cared for him well, so worry not. A true S-Rank Beast Rider—very picky about tastes! If displeased, he flings food right at my face!”

Peace never upended a table when refusing a meal—yet Sisio, lionhearted, praised him as if applauding. He’d cheer even if Peace bit into his skull.

Mounting Peace’s back, we headed toward the training grounds. Sisio took point, wary of ambush. Sure enough, a roar split the air as earth upturned, flinging rocks and trees outward. Sisio batted aside a massive boulder with his arms and cried:

“Director Han has arrived!”

Hunters around the Wide Wastes—nicknamed the Mist Arena—waved. Some rushing toward us carried bottles of liquor, soda, and snacks. I even spotted half-eaten popcorn.

“Decided on the next game?”

“I want another round defending that fortress.”

“SF! That child—she’s really Lord Sesung’s, right?”

“I told you no. He wouldn’t hide it. They’re too dissimilar. Often relatives resemble each other more.”

“Right—my sister’s daughter looks more like me. She’s a spitting image of young me.”

Whether S-Rank or Unawakened, they’re all the same. Same soup, same fish.

“She’s not Guild Leader Sesung’s child.”

“See—hand over your gloves.”

“I need a DNA test to agree!”

Betting gear now? The Hunters gathered and I briefly explained the stakes.

“I’ll do my best, but if we fail, monster outbreaks will occur in two cities simultaneously. Please return to prepare defenses.”

“With two cities, one can’t receive Director Han’s buff.”

“Indeed. So your strength is vital. You can cooperate without me now. Even if not perfect as before, buying evacuation time is enough.”

They nodded.

“We’ve fought here plenty—our coordination’s good.”

“Then we might as well fight more before leaving? Outside is tough. I’m Free, so nothing to prepare.”

“Return before the last game in three days begins. I’ll send a recall prompt via system—accept within three days.”

Guild leaders and high-ranking Hunters departed first. The remaining cheered me on. I recalled starting the Chatterbox party—back then, if I’d avoided insults, it was a win.

“Well then, Director Han, sadly we must leave first.”

Sisio and Peace watched me with teary eyes. As Japan’s representative Hunter, he had to go. He had refugee matters pressing.

“Yes. Thank you, Sisio.”

I never dreamed I’d bid him farewell like this. So much changed in so short a time.

After farewells to the sub-team, I returned to my quarters. Others had arrived meanwhile.

“Uncle! A massive wolf sprang out! Peace’s size times ten, I swear!”

Yerim spread her arms. Riette glowed with excitement. They must’ve split off from the game; Peace and the sub-team never appeared.

“It was huge! And that was just a fragment! They said it used power from its own hunt—I want to capture such a wolf!”

“Milky Blanc—could she ever grow that big? They said she’s here on your request; when did you know such a wolf?”

Yeah, that beast took off my arm once. Then we hunted its hellhounds. Didn’t he claim I was his brother at first? I can’t recall.

“Just by chance. I’m glad everyone’s safe.”

“Are you okay, Yujin? Han Yuhyun Hunter was so quiet….”

Noah glanced toward the master bedroom. Just then Yuhyun emerged.

“Hyung.”

He knew I’d seen through his lie. He hesitated approaching. Yerim sensed the odd atmosphere, glancing between us.

“I’m fine—but Yuhyun lost a life.”

“Well, he must’ve tried to save you again. Good job, Han Yuhyun!”

Yerim waved it off—if it ended well, that was enough.

“Be careful now. Leave it to me—I still have one life left.”

“Even if you have more than one, be careful. Yuhyun, come here. Any pain?”

“No. I’m fine.”

Yuhyun smiled faintly at my unpressured stance and came over. I regretted asking so hastily. I should’ve waited for him to speak first.

“For the next three days, it’s rest time.”

I explained that the final wager would decide the match.

“Uncle, what happens after? Is it really over then?”

“Well. If we win, they promised no more interference, but they won’t simply withdraw. Still, once the Transcendents depart, we can protect ourselves.”

Not only us—the sub-team Hunters gained strength. If goblins are accepted, dungeon clears will be safer. My stepping up as an F-Rank boosted views of low-rank Hunters, and Gyeol’s efforts won promises from global Hunters to aid in foreign crises. Everyone saw united strength.

“Now we need no further protection.”

The system’s role was done. It was time for guardians to leave. If they treated us as equals, we might coexist—but they never would. They’d always stand outside our line, playing leader. We don’t need such neighbors.

I smiled at Yerim and everyone.

“Let’s thank them for all they’ve done and usher them off: ‘Thank you, we’ll manage on our own from here—please go.’ If they don’t leave, we’ll have to chase them out.”

“Yes!”

“Then for these three days—”

I messaged the new arrivals via system and departed at once. Under bright skies, a forest and meadow with clear streams ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ appeared, along with a two-story house.

—Honey!

A volleyball bounced, and beyond it stood Myungwoo and young Chaos.

“Rest is fine, but why not repay Elder’s kindness?”

“Of course!” Yerim cheered. Yuhyun and Noah nodded, and Riette watched curiously. “Elder, please take care of us.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep