Chapter 74

< Kindergarten Teacher (1) >

“Bigger than the Flame Horned Lion we saw in the dungeon?”

Yuhyun said, looking at Peace. Even though he had been a bit negligent, his eyes lit up when he saw the fully grown form.

“Really?”

“Yeah. The size varies depending on the individual’s stats, but I’ve never seen one this big. I’ve only cleared it twice, though.”

Even among monsters of the same level and species, no two are exactly alike. Their stats and skills can vary slightly.

Moreover, a larger size usually means better stats. It’s a relief to see how well it has grown.

“I’ve also obtained all the initial optimized skills. Flame Breath, Fiery Charge, and Gigantification. Flame Resistance was already there.”

“Impressive. I’ve never seen an individual with all those skills.”

“Our Peace has really grown well.”

As he reached out to hug Peace again, Peace’s body shrank as if waiting for it. It instantly returned to its fluid form, but its status window was different.

[Level 2 Unicorn Subspecies ? Flame Horned Lion Peace

Current Stat Grade A]

There was no fluid form indicator, and the stat grade was A, not C. It also possessed all the skills. It’s a bit disappointing that it’s not S-grade, but even in this form, it’s still reliable.

“Come here.”

- Kyeang!

Yuhyun looked at Peace, who snuggled into his arms, with a bewildered expression.

“Give it some affection, but not too much. It’s grown up now.”

“What’s the problem? It wants to be hugged.”

We have to be apart for days when we enter the dungeon. What’s wrong with a little affection? Besides, even though it’s grown up, it’s only due to its skills. In terms of actual age, it’s still young. It’s still a kid, right?

“Give me the Master’s Mark.”

Yuhyun held out his hand. It’s natural to return the taming item, but I hesitated as I took it out.

“You have to treat our Peace well.”

I said as I took out the mark from my inventory and handed it to him.

“You’re not going to take it into the S-grade dungeon right away, are you? Just this time, let’s skip it and get some practice in A to B-grade dungeons. You need to level it up, too. I’ll ask Myungwoo to make some equipment for Peace. Make sure it eats well in the dungeon and be patient if it doesn’t listen. It’s quite responsive to verbal commands. Treat any injuries immediately. It hasn’t been in a fight before, so it might be shocked.”

“...Brother.”

“Yeah?”

“Peace is much stronger than you. There’s no need to worry.”

“Still, how can I not worry? I’m worried about you, too.”

I’m worried that something like Rauchitas might appear in the dungeon. System, please manage it well. Yuhyun is still young, and if he encounters a Level 1 dragon, he might not be able to escape. A five-year difference is significant.

We need to make it grow quickly. Growth is more important than new skills. My child’s cooldown is over, so using it before entering the S-grade dungeon would be perfect.

Yuhyun put the Master’s Mark in his inventory. Peace remained in my arms, and I didn’t feel any significant change.

“Come here.”

At Yuhyun’s command, Peace’s ears twitched. It seemed reluctant but still approached Yuhyun. Then it glanced at its new master and returned to me.

“You do listen to him.”

Taming is not a skill to control a monster perfectly. It’s more like a leader-follower relationship. I was worried, but it’s a relief that it listens. Maybe the bond formed from clearing a dungeon together is strong.

Still, the relationship remains distant and cold.

“Didn’t I tell you to be nice to Peace earlier? You ignored it even though you lived in the same building. Unicorns choose their caretakers in advance.”

“I know. But I don’t think there will be any problem with Peace. We’ve already reached a basic agreement.”

“What agreement?”

“An agreement to help increase its stats because someone felt it was lacking.”

...When did they make such an agreement? It must have been in the dungeon when I wasn’t there. I’m curious about what they did during those 30 minutes.

“Hello, Kim Sung-han.”

I said as I entered the advanced hunter’s strength training room. Various exercise machines were visible inside. They look ordinary, but they are not. They are designed to withstand incredible loads, and the floor is treated to reduce weight.

Kim Sung-han got off the shoulder press machine and approached me with a gentle smile. His well-defined muscles were visible through his thin shirt. I’m envious. Maybe I should exercise more.

“What brings you here?”

He approached me with a soft smile. His kindness is still hard to get used to. What’s with the keyword effect? Even before the keyword was applied, he apologized for misjudging me.

“I just wanted to thank you for always taking care of me.”

My real purpose is to use the My Child skill. Last time, I gave a growth buff before entering the dungeon, but this time, I plan to give a skill. Either Indestructible Body or Regeneration would be suitable.

As I smiled and used the My Child skill,

[Target Kim Sung-han’s growth has reached the minimum requirement.]

An unexpected message window appeared. What’s this?

[My Child can grow to S-grade when the conditions for the highest skill are met.]

...What? It can grow to S-grade? Already?

“Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Kim Sung-han asked, worried, as I stood there in a daze.

“No, I was just thinking about something...”

[Target Kim Sung-han’s stat growth conditions:

- Defeat an A-grade dungeon boss in one hit

- Solo hunt an S-grade monster

- Hunt an SS-grade monster with a party of 10 or fewer

- If the conditions are not met, but the maximum growth requirement is satisfied, the stats will grow to S-grade.]

After a moment, another message window appeared. Are the system developers working in real-time?

‘If the growth requirement is met, the stat can immediately grow to S-grade upon meeting the conditions. If the conditions are not met, it will grow to S-grade slowly over time?’

Kim Sung-han was still A-grade even five years later. Even with a growth buff, it would take three to four years to reach S-grade. So, naturally, we should aim for the conditions.

‘Defeat an A-grade dungeon boss in one hit.’

Kim Sung-han is a defensive-type hunter. Even if he were an offensive-type, it’s impossible for an A-grade hunter to defeat an A-grade boss in one hit. Solo hunting an S-grade monster is also impossible.

As for participating in an SS-grade monster hunt, there are no SS-grade monsters yet.

The highest S-grade dungeon boss I remember is mid-S-grade. Even a low-level S-grade monster hasn’t appeared, probably. Riet’s catch might be around SS-grade, but it’s not a common route.

‘Maybe I should give him the skill and wait for an SS-grade monster to appear.’

I don’t know when it will happen, but it should take at least three years. Even if it appears sooner, the My Child skill’s duration is three days, so I would have to join the hunt. How can we defeat the boss in three days? Or maybe we should aim for a dungeon break.

All three conditions are challenging.

“Mr. Kim Sung-han, do you have any offensive skills?”

“Yes, I have one A-grade melee attack skill. However, as a defensive-type, it’s not very strong compared to my level.”

Kim Sung-han, who was looking down at me with concern, answered.

He has an offensive skill, so we can apply the double effect of the Veteran F-grade title. If we equip him with S-grade gear and have Yelim give a buff, it might be possible to defeat an A-grade dungeon boss in one hit... but the problem is that I have to enter the A-grade dungeon.

Moreover, with a melee attack skill, I would have to stick close to Kim Sung-han. I wouldn’t be hit if the boss is defeated quickly, but I’m not sure if I can handle his movements. It’s a pure physical attack, so how much recoil will there be?

Maybe I should wait for an SS-grade monster to appear. But Kim Sung-han is an S-grade defensive hunter. Unlike the inexperienced Yelim, he has a lot of experience and has worked well with Yuhyun. If they enter the dungeon together, there shouldn’t be much to worry about. It would be very reassuring.

‘A-grade dungeon... what to do.’

In the end, I just chatted with Kim Sung-han and returned home without using the My Child skill.

If it were impossible, I would just give him a new skill, but this is a tricky situation. Entering an A-grade dungeon itself is not a big risk.

‘I have about five S-grade allies available now.’

Yuhyun, Yelim, Peace, and I can ask Riet for help, and Munhyeona can be called as a favor for lending a griffin. Including Riet’s younger brother, that’s six.

For lower A-grade dungeons, six is more than enough. Two for dungeon clearing, two for protecting me, so four should be sufficient.

‘All I need is a way to protect myself during the boss hunt.’

Is there anything?

“Eujin.”

As I was trying to recall any useful items that have appeared recently, Myungwoo suddenly spoke.

“Here, take this.”

“Huh? What is it?”

It’s a crude metal bracelet.

[Unnamed Bracelet ? Unset

It possesses a strong but incomplete power.]

What is this? I looked at him, hoping for an explanation, and he spoke with a bit of embarrassment.

“Before, you said you wanted an item that increases your body’s defense. It’s not easy to make.”

“Don’t worry too much about it.”

“This bracelet is one of the better experimental items. It’s a one-time use and lasts for 10 minutes, but it can nullify all damage.”

I was surprised and checked my status window. A new skill appeared.

[Incomplete (Unset)]

The skill name and grade are unset, and the description window doesn’t even open.

“Theoretically, there’s no limit to the grade of attacks it can nullify. With Ismuar’s help, I confirmed that it can nullify S-grade fire attacks.”

“Wait, you...”

I was speechless. Why does he always come up with things that defy common sense? Nullifying all damage with no grade limit? I just wanted a stronger F-grade body. Even a C-grade would have been enough to make me celebrate.

But this... he’s a bit scary. If I didn’t have resistance to fear, I might have taken a step back, thinking, “You’re beyond my level.”

“...Even as a one-time use, it’s no joke.”

“It’s the materials, the materials. That’s why I can’t make more.”

“What kind of materials?”

“That’s a secret for now.”

Myungwoo smiled, saying I should look forward to it. L-grade materials, maybe? ...No way?

“Don’t use too expensive materials. We need to make better ones later.”

He just laughed without answering. Damn... it’s making me anxious. But I hope he has some limits. My stats are F, F.

Anyway, with this, I can apply the double effect of the offensive skill to Kim Sung-han. Ten minutes should be enough. Now there’s only one remaining obstacle.

‘Yuhyun, S-grade. S-grade defensive hunter.’

If I explain it well, he’ll understand.

“The conditions can make Kim Sung-han’s stats grow to S-grade?”

Yuhyun looked at me with disbelief.

“Kim Sung-han was originally capable of S-grade