S Chapter 79

“Each to your positions, standby.”

A Hunter Academy instructor, wearing a red badge, stepped between Yang U-dam and Runner-up. He stretched out both arms to adjust the distance between them. His voice was solemn, and his every movement was precise.

Damn, he’s really trying to act important.

Shin Jukyeong snorted with a cold, disgusted expression. It was obvious to anyone that the instructor was conscious of the Hunter Association Chairman.

No. In a way, isn’t it natural? Unlike typical sparring matches, which were treated as casual outdoor classes, this one is a highly anticipated showdown between rookie prodigies?

‘From the Hunter Association Chairman’s perspective, it’s a good opportunity to see how well the academy is teaching the children.’

And from the guild masters’ perspective, they’d be eager to recruit talent… Hmm.

‘They’re not even looking at the sparring arena.’

Shin Jukyeong narrowed his eyes, observing them. Everyone was in a relaxed posture, chatting casually. Some Hunter Academy students sitting nearby kept glancing at them, their eyes full of stars. Their envious gazes seemed to say:

‘The national Hunters who uphold the Republic of Korea! Ah, surely they’re discussing something magnificent that someone like me couldn’t possibly understand?!’

…Unfortunately, those bastards are 100% talking about the pub they’ll go to tonight. Like how the dried pollack there is delicious, or how ordering canned peaches is a death sentence.

‘They’re exactly the type to do that.’

Shin Jukyeong recalled his past, when he was an instructor himself.

Ah. How could I have forgotten. The fact that those guys, despite their neat appearance, were utterly rotten alcoholics inside!

‘Now that I think about it, I guess I also acquired a taste for alcohol while hanging out with those guys?’

Reflecting deeply, he realized he was merely an innocent victim. The drinking habits he learned back then had stayed with him until now.

‘If only I hadn’t fallen for the soju-beer they mixed back then…!’

Shin Jukyeong wiped away his drool, trembling with a grunt of indignation. In truth, the memory of that soju-beer mix made his waist twitch faintly, but he pretended not to notice.

‘…Well, when it comes to alcohol, I can’t really badmouth others.’

Shin Jukyeong gave a short, fake cough. Embarrassed, he rubbed the back of his neck and shifted his gaze back to his younger brother. They were doing a light warm-up under the guidance of the instructor and referee.

Yang U-dam was lazily stretching and yawning, bored, while Runner-up had his lips curled up, brimming with enthusiasm. It was obvious that guy was ecstatic at the thought of making a good impression on the guild masters.

‘Do you think my brother is that easy to take advantage of?’

In other words, he has no intention of being used as your stepping stone for employment.

Just then, the introduction of the competitors began.

Runner-up waved to the audience. As expected of someone who’d trained, he seemed comfortable in such situations, exuding confidence. Though a bit petty, Shin Jukyeong didn’t clap. He just stood there with his arms crossed, an unpleasant look on his face. His lips, pushed out further than usual, conveyed his displeasure.

Next, it was Yang U-dam’s turn. Shin Jukyeong quickly uncrossed his arms. The veins on the back of his hands stood out as he prepared to clap heartily.

But what was this? The cheering audience suddenly flipped their attitude like turning over a hand, pouring out only jeers. “Boo! Boo!” Low-pitched resentment coalesced and directed itself towards his younger brother.

What are they doing to a mere child? Shin Jukyeong’s brow furrowed mercilessly.

‘Public opinion is worse than I thought.’

He had thought only Runner-up’s group disliked his brother, but that wasn’t the case. Judging by the atmosphere, they were good, and his brother was evil. Shin Jukyeong was so flabbergasted he couldn’t control his expression. Is my brother some axis of evil that needs to be defeated? If it were up to him, he would have already executed everyone… No, he would have given them all a thorough mental re-education.

‘U-dam mustn’t get hurt.’

That was his only concern. Putting everything else aside, he worried if the child would be hurt emotionally.

Even just one person’s hatred is difficult for a human to bear. It’s natural for even full-grown adults to be bothered if someone dislikes them.

‘But how can a child like that endure it?’

…I feel dizzy. So dizzy.

Shin Jukyeong felt his faith in humanity shatter. Truly pathetic. Did it have to come to this? He wanted to grab a microphone and demand answers from the crowd.

‘Why is that old man just standing there?’

The situation was a mess, yet the Chairman remained silent, taking no special action. He seemed to have no intention of intervening at all.

Is he in his right mind? This isn’t a situation to stay neutral. A man who would instantly jump up and roar in anger if his own grandson were treated like this, clearly doesn’t care about other people’s children, does he?

Shin Jukyeong swept his sharp gaze over the audience stands.

‘…Just you wait, you bastards.’

In any case, Yang U-dam was clearly at a great disadvantage now. He had to do more than just win; he needed to earn recognition from those who weren’t welcoming him. Simply ignoring them with a “Oh, you dislike me? Okay, I don’t care either” wouldn’t make his future smooth.

First, since they were classmates, there was a high probability they would be chosen for the same guild. Tangled relationships, if not resolved quickly, would become even more stubbornly intertwined. Trying to untangle them later would be difficult. He couldn’t bear to see Yang U-dam suffer from interpersonal problems throughout his Hunter life.

‘And that’s not all?’

Shin Jukyeong clutched his head.

If these reactions continued, there could be problems with guild recruitment itself. While individual ability was naturally valued, guilds, which prioritize group harmony, might view Yang U-dam as a ‘bomb.’ Then, there was a strong possibility he wouldn’t receive scout offers from top guilds.

That won’t do! I can’t let my brother’s brilliant future be ruined!

‘What if Yang U-dam runs off, saying he won’t be a Hunter because of the bullying? What if he harbors vengeful feelings?’

In the distance, the forgotten curse of Aolluseu seemed to be slowly resurfacing. That persistent bastard, how long will it follow me?

Shin Jukyeong clenched his fist and pressed firmly against his solar plexus. The spot he touched felt as if it were burning hot. He had deliberately skipped breakfast, yet why did he feel so indigestion-like?

Now, his younger brother had to prove his worth in a way that everyone would be forced to acknowledge.

“Begin!!”

The referee, raising his white-gloved hand high into the unusually clear sky, shouted.

‘You have to do well, U-dam.’

But contrary to his fervent wish, the two were evenly matched. To put it negatively, there was no impact. Their skill levels were so identical that neither stood out. No, in fact, the situation only benefited Runner-up.

Currently, Yang U-dam was a public enemy. The longer he didn’t collapse easily, the stronger people’s support for Runner-up would become.

Everyone would yearn for his victory. You know, that kind of development where the protagonist meets a strong enemy, suffers greatly, overcomes adversity, and finally stands tall. A scene overflowing, no, exploding with catharsis. The people gathered here were probably implicitly expecting that.

‘But why is my brother the villain?’

His head throbbed. What good was proving his worth? If Yang U-dam won here, he’d only get more insults.

‘I need another method.’

Shin Jukyeong bit his fingernails with a kaddeuk sound. He chewed them with his front teeth, rolling his eyes.

At first, he’d hoped for just a draw, then, if they were going to do it, he’d wanted U-dam to win… but now neither mattered. Sparring? Victory? Unnecessary. What good were those when public opinion was like this? What was most important now was to naturally unite those who couldn’t mix, like oil and water.

‘There must be a way… U-dam, the public enemy…’

Wait, public enemy?

A yellow light ding-ding-ding flashed above Shin Jukyeong’s head! A momentary spark crossed his dull, dead eyes.

“Yes. That’s right.”

‘What’s so hard about it? I just need to create another public enemy, don’t I?’

And it would be even better if, while I’m at it, I create a scene where my brother saves Runner-up.

Shin Jukyeong slowly scanned the noisy audience stands. They were all Hunter Academy students. No ordinary citizens. Perfect timing. He let out a low laugh. Unlike his deeply furrowed brow, his lips were turned up in a wide, exaggerated smile, revealing his white teeth… his twisted grin was truly that of a villain.

Bullying weaklings isn’t my hobby, but I have no choice. You were the ones who started it.

“That guy. When did he grow so much?”

Won Go-yu murmured. His gaze was fixed on Yang U-dam. Of course, he wasn’t showcasing extraordinary skill. If he had to determine superiority, Runner-up was subtly higher.

However, if one were to evaluate purely on individual growth, Yang U-dam’s victory was overwhelming. That guy had grown astonishingly in a short period.

“My grandson, you have a good eye. That fellow. His movements are fascinating, aren’t they?”

His grandfather, Won Chung-bae, sitting beside him, burst into hearty laughter. His gaze at his grandson was infinitely tender. With a hand like a pot lid, he roughly patted Won Go-yu’s thigh, then lowered his gaze back to the sparring arena. His eyes had become cool and distant. He stroked the corners of his eyes, marked by time, and gave a faint chuckle.

“He’s a sly one, isn’t he? I wonder if he has a separate master somewhere…”