As the world adapted to the dungeons, being a hunter became a profession known for making a lot of money.

Even a B-rank hunter could earn astronomical figures, let alone an S-rank. C-ranks had incomes in billions, and D-ranks easily crossed the 100 million mark. Below that, E-ranks and even F-ranks, if they had adequate combat skills, earned more than an average employee in a small or medium-sized company.

Mana Stones extracted from dungeons served as a new energy source, and dungeon by-products became materials for developing new medicines and useful substances. Moreover, the fusion of magic and science led to the creation of various miraculous technologies.

In such a world, does the popularity of Han Yoohyun, the Haeyeon Guild's guild master, who showed rapid growth as an S-rank hunter, need a lengthy explanation? He's tall, handsome, and even his face is good-looking. Being at the age of twenty, he is not only promising but also young.

Even just a single phrase from him caused any interviews viewership to skyrocket, and magazines featuring his photos were sold out in an instant.

‘If the fact that such a person is domestically talented gets out, the reaction is going to be explosive.’

I muttered inwardly, looking at Yuhyun’s back as he was lifting a pot from the broad induction in the spacious kitchen. When he suggested having dinner together, I naturally thought about dining out . Little did I know he would personally serve me a dish made by himself at his own house.

For your information, Yoohyun’s home was located on one of the upper floors of the Haeyeon Guild’s building. The exact level is not widely known for security reasons, but it is said to occupy half of one floor. It was a place accessible only through an extravagantly expensive mini-portal, with no stairs, elevators, or exit doors.

“I didn’t know you were good at cooking.”

Sitting at the dining table, I watched my brother finish his cooking and accidentally let that slip.

“My skills have improved while I’ve been watching what I eat.”

“What? Why? You’ve got a lot of money.”

With the money earned since his awakening not only could he buy whatever food he wanted, but could as well hire a professional chief.

He answered my question after a bit of hesitation.

“I have detoxification and healing items now, but it wasn't the case in the past. That's why I found it more comfortable to cook for myself and prepare my meals. Even now, when I go into Dungeons, I carry my own dry rations. Dungeons are the most dangerous place to be.”

“…Detoxification? Healing?"

What did I just hear? So, there were bastards who put poison and curses in your food, so you had to cook for yourself… Is that it?

“…”

I had no idea. In the past, I simply thought he was a lucky, successful S-rank Awakener, and after the regression, I just assumed he couldn’t have gone through too much hardship. To think that his life was being threatened, I never could have dreamt that it was such a mess.

For me, Yuhyun was so strong that he was almost untouchable. As soon as he Awakened, he got everyone’s attention and became popular. I didn't even consider the possibility of life-threatening situations beneath the surface, just because of the title of being an S-rank.

“Don’t look like that. This was the result of my choice.”

Yoo Hyun, who approached the table, spoke in a gentle voice.

“The tall tree catches the wind. Wouldn't it have seemed audacious for a young guy to try and create his own guild in the midst of giant guilds allied with major corporations? If I had joined a suitable guild or simply received sponsorship, there wouldn't have been such threats."

I wouldn’t have been able to do what he did. He laughed wryly.

“So, I've been bothered all along by the fact that our relationship got strained. Even monitoring and hindering you under the pretext of protection—all of that was a result of my choices. Despite knowing I might harm my only blood relative, I still went ahead and created my own guild.”

“…Why didn’t you tell me?”

"At first, I didn't want to burden you, and later… I thought you wouldn't understand."

…Certainly, if it was me before the regression, I would either yell at him to let me live on my own or resent him.

“But I was totally wrong. You were still thinking about me and worrying, just like when I was younger. I misunderstood you without realizing it. I'm sorry.”

Ugh, my conscience hurts. I was just going to loaf around after my regression. If you say these things, I feel like such a trashy person.

“…I didn’t do much good either.”

“You were interrupted with everything you tried to do without knowing why. It was more than enough for you to react that way.”

A tingling sensation stirred inside my chest. As I took a spoonful of the meal my younger sibling had prepared, the warm tickling feeling intensified.

It was a good decision to go back in time.

It was the best choice of my lifetime.

“I roughly understand the situation. But isn’t what you did today too much? You don’t have to lock me up to keep me safe. So far, nothing big has happened.”

I hoped he would loosen up a bit, but Yoohyun's expression only stiffened.

“No.”

“Why? I’ll be careful. This morning everything was fine.”

“Now it’s different. The only reason hyung could remain unharmed is because I had cut off our relationship. Targeting a non-awakened person as an Awakener is a serious crime, and people would think it’s not worth the risk.”

The tone became even heavier.

“But after I command the Haeyeon Guild to take note of hyung’s safety my enemies will start targeting you. Just the fact that you're here now might have attracted some attention.”

“Well, then wouldn't it be better to continue pretending to be on bad terms outside?”

“You said you were okay with it.”

“…What?”

When did I? I don’t have a single memory of allowing him to have me live in captivity.

Yoohyun replied with a shameless expression.

“You apologized and said you love me. Honestly, it's my fault and my responsibility, but you accepted all I did to you. That’s as good as permission.”

Whait, is that how you interpreted it? Something’s truly strange about this kid!

“Don’t be ridiculous! Living in confinement is absolutely out of the question!”

“Just endure it for one year. I'll wipe them all out within a year.”

Don’t laugh when you say something like that! And it’s not one year, but three! It took you three freaking years!

Damn it, what best-choice-of-a-lifetime. As my shoulders tensed up, I tried to calm my mind with a long deep breath. The guy in front of me is not only my brother, but also an S-rank Awakener. Moreover, he's a guild leader who has been through all sorts of trials and tribulations. Emotionally confronting him won't leave a scratch.

I could never win by force and I had to find a way to resolve it through conversation somehow.

No matter what, being confined for 3, no, 1 year is impossible. Just being cooped up in a room for a month can lead to depression. Even if there are people targeting me, it's not easy to scheme something in broad daylight. And if things don't work out, I'll find a guardian or something. I can walk around with someone like Seonghan. It's doable.”

“Of course, I’ll let you go out sometimes.”

“How often?”

I said it and suddenly felt a sense of reality. Negotiating the time for going out with a younger brother who's not even my parent. At my age, even parents wouldn't say anything, but how did I end up like this? Moreover, this guy right in front of me is practically someone I raised! The positions have completely reversed.

“It depends on the schedule. When we start conquering dungeons, it might be challenging to recruit an A-rank to protect you. I can’t leave it to B-ranks.”

The bottom line is that all I need is an A-class with a lot of time. I opened my mouth with confidence.

“Then, if I manage to recruit a dedicated A-rank guard, will you let me move around freely?"

“…you’re going to recruit an A-rank?”

“Yeah.”

Yuhyun’s eyes, which were filled with wonder, suddenly turned sharp.

“Hyung, you’ve Awakened.”

“…Huh?”

H, how did he know? This jerk’s dirty fast on the uptake.

“Just this morning, you were planning to meet a broker, so you were still a non-awakened. When did you Awaken? Right before you met me? Right after? That’s why you easily gave up on contacting the broker. Your destination would have been the Hunter’s Association.”

…I have nothing to say. I’m going to lie down.

“It seems your stat grade is D or lower.”

“You can tell that?”

“C grade or higher would show awkwardness due to the excessive change in physical abilities. Especially if muscle strength exceeds the average B-Level, you would not be able to adapt for three or four days. You wouldn’t be able to control your strength so you would destroy everything you touch.”

Right, that makes sense.

“Did that happen to you, too?”

“Yeah. However, the adaptability of S-ranks is high, so it gets better in a day. Of course, if you have extremely high mental strength or mana, it won’t be noticeable even if it’s above C-Level.”

“I’m an ordinary F-Level.”

“Your initial skill is a special skill? Judging by your confidence in bringing an A-rank, you probably are able to predict the Awakening grade, Awaken the target, or both. Your skill should be at least grade C.”

It’s an S-grade. But I can’t say anything in front of this kid. Given his expression, I think it’s better to keep the explanation of the skill concise.

“You’re right; it’s a special skill related to awakening, and it’s C-grade. I can awaken non-awakened individuals, and roughly know the expected awakening rank.”

“How accurate is it?”

“It’s usually half and half. It’s either strong or weak. I can’t tell you apart from Sunghan. Perhaps it divides the Awakened into B-class or above and less than that. There’s a 30-day cooldown per usage. If it weren’t for the waiting time, it would be an A-grade.”

He nodded at my words. His face, which had been shadowed, brightened up slightly.

“At that level, even if it's exposed, you won't be targeted too much. Knowing in advance who is going to be B-grade or higher could be useful, but with the long cooldown and the uncertainty of finding A or S-ranks, it’s not that good. Besides, even if you find some prospective high rank hunters, there's no guarantee they'll agree to sign a contract with you. Convincing them using the fact that you can awaken them might be difficult, as Awakening Centers will soon emerge.”

“Awakening Centers?”

I pretended not to know.

“Recently, the Awakening mechanics have been roughly identified, so the construction of the first such center is about to begin. The Association’s goal is to make sure that in the next six months it would be safe for anyone to Awaken. The news has already spread among the top ranks of the guilds, and investments have been secured. I've also contributed a fair amount.”

“That’s great. The number of Awakeners is likely to increase tremendously.”

“The official announcement will be made in four months, so don't go around talking about it yet.”

“Are you going to let me meet anyone to talk to?”

Instead of answering, the smile came back. Is this crazy guy planning to lock me up in a prison cell?

“Anyway, I’ll find an A-rank to protect me, so just give me a chance.”

“It won’t be easy with just a once-in-a-30-days chance. A-Levels are not that common.”

“Still, it shouldn't take more than a year. If I'm lucky, I might find one right away.”

Of course I don’t need luck. I already know who the certain A-level is.

After a moment of contemplation, Yoo Hyun's mouth opened.

“Allright, if you really sign a contract with an A-rank, I’m not going to forcefully protect you. But they have to have combat or defensive abilities.”

Finally, the permission was granted. What a picky younger brother. Although one more condition was added, Park Yerim was famous as a combat magician, so that was not a problem. The problem was the keyword, damn it.