S-Classes That I Raised to Devour - Chapter 27

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 27. Leveling Alone (2)
The moment the boss fell, Chae Mujin’s vision flooded with holograms.
[Level Up! ×8]
He’d breached the first Critical Range—levels 90 to 100—in a single surge, reaching level 98. A special reward had been issued alongside.
[Player Chae Mujin, ranking first in Clear Contribution for the Radiant Guardian dungeon, has been granted: Title: One Who Faces the Light.]
「Title — One Who Faces the Light」
• Light Attribute Defense +100
• Blindness Resistance +100
• Blindness Duration −50%
Finally, he’d earned the privilege of choosing three of the six rewards dropped by the boss before the others could claim them.
「Equipment — Robe of Widefire (Rare)」
「Equipment — Sword of Light Efilui (Unique)」
「Item — Intermediate Mana Stone ×100」
「Item — Widefire Rune」
「Item — Widefire Rune」
「Skill — Flash (D)」
Items and equipment could be traded freely, so one might assume the right to choose first held little meaning. That would be a mistake.
Items and equipment bound with soulbound restrictions couldn’t be traded at all, and skill rewards dropped at such low rates that priority was invaluable.
This was why everyone fought for first place in Clear Contribution—so that when a good skill appeared, they’d have the right to claim it.
Chae Mujin selected the Robe of Widefire and the Sword of Light Efilui first, then hesitated over his third choice.
「Item — Widefire Rune」
• When equipped to a weapon socket, grants the Widefire attribute to that piece of equipment.
「Skill — Flash (D)」
• The caster’s body emits brilliant light. This light repels darkness and blinds those who face it directly. The caster is unaffected by the Flash effect.
Skills carried no downside just from possession, so most hunters inflated their value based on the vague hope that they might prove useful someday.
But Flash struck Chae Mujin as unnecessary.
‘Vision control doesn’t require a skill when tools can handle it—but adding the Widefire attribute? Now that’s potential.’
Widefire—a double attribute combining light and flame. Applied to a weapon, it dealt Widefire damage; applied to armor, it bolstered resistance to both fire and light attributes.
The current meta favored stacking a single attribute rather than diversifying across multiple ones. But Chae Mujin had glimpsed the future, and he knew better.
‘The frequency of monsters resistant to specific attributes will skyrocket.’
For example, if a monster immune to fire damage appeared, Kim Yeoul—who relied on fire magic—would become useless.
But with the light attribute added, there’d be a workaround. Multi-attribute scaling would become worth its weight in gold.
And so Chae Mujin’s three choices crystallized: the Robe of Widefire, the Sword of Light Efilui, and the Widefire Rune.
Naturally, Choi Bun-gae claimed the remaining three: the second Widefire Rune, one hundred Intermediate Mana Stones, and Flash. Once all distributions were finalized, a notification chimed.
[The Temple of Light dungeon has been cleared.]
Weightlessness washed over him; his vision flickered. When sight returned, he was back in reality.
* * *
“We’re back?”
Song Baek, the first to regain awareness, glanced around. They’d entered just before dusk, yet now the afternoon sun blazed bright.
Chae Mujin followed moments later, immediately checking his phone.
“It’s 2:20 p.m. We spent eighteen hours and eight minutes in the dungeon.”
Real time inside had been eleven hours, but dungeon time and reality didn’t align—creating a seven-hour gap.
Choi Bun-gae stared into the distance, muttering.
“We got lucky. For all its appearance, its vitality was low, and it had no invincibility phase.”
“Much ado about nothing,” Chae Mujin said with a slight laugh. “We were fortunate.”
The other two didn’t know that Chae Mujin had cast a buff far more powerful than his words suggested.
Still, Chae Mujin agreed with their assessment.
“I do tend to be quite fortunate.”
Even with skill damage amplified thirty-three times over, one-shotting a Boss-class monster from a level-200 dungeon wasn’t simple.
He hadn’t seen what patterns it used, but luck had clearly played a massive role.
So Chae Mujin accepted the good fortune with humility, his guard still raised.
“Guild Master. Could you file the Temple of Light clear report on our behalf?”
“The protocol is that the hunter with the highest Clear Contribution makes the official report.”
“I know, but if a rookie like me claims the title of clear representative, the Hunter Association will surely investigate. You, though—you’re a universally recognized expert, so they won’t come looking.”
“Trying to hide your power?”
“Half of it, yes.”
Had he truly wished to hide, he wouldn’t have registered in the clear roster at all.
‘We’re still too weak to become famous in everyone’s eyes.’
Even a lion is prey to wild dogs in its youth. Gain a reputation larger than your actual strength, and those wild dogs would swarm.
“Understood. I’ll register under my name.”
“Thank you. And regarding the collaboration—what are your thoughts? Do you need more time?”
“Explain the collaboration in detail.”
Choi Bun-gae didn’t voice it, but he understood perfectly: that one-shot on the boss came courtesy of Chae Mujin’s overwhelming buff.
Yet despite possessing such power, Chae Mujin claimed luck had been the factor and spoke with genuine humility.
‘Dangerous as an enemy, invaluable as an ally.’
But since Chae Mujin seemed reluctant to reveal himself, Choi Bun-gae offered what concessions he could.
―The Guild Bastard may receive cooperation and support from the Management Company regarding Boss Raids specifically. In exchange, the Management Company gains the right to share in and access Boss Raid information and knowledge.
“Why make it so complicated? Just help each other and live well together. That’s it.”
“Exactly so,” Chae Mujin agreed with a light laugh.
Song Baek had summarized it simply; Chae Mujin played along. Choi Bun-gae did not laugh.
“Verbal agreement, or will you draw up formal documents?”
“Documents, definitely. But I’ll write them later—the Management Company’s name isn’t finalized yet.”
“Planning or no planning, I can’t tell. Anyway, what exactly does this Management Company of yours do?”
“It handles tasks hunters would otherwise handle themselves. Investigating dungeons, selling items on your behalf, managing legal issues, and so on.”
“That sounds great, actually. Can I join? Do I need to quit the guild?”
“No need to quit. You don’t join the Management Company—you sign a contract with it.”
“So I’d be in?”
Song Baek slung an arm over his shoulders, his question casual. But Chae Mujin had already wrestled with this.
Wasn’t raising an A-rank to S-rank easier than building a rookie up to S-rank?
‘Of course it’d be easier. And that’s the problem.’
Easy paths meant less debt accrued. Less Gratitude Meter would stack.
Confiscating an S-rank skill cost one million points. How many would Awakening Abilities and Divine Powers demand—tiers above S-rank?
‘Wait. Can I even confiscate Awakening Abilities or Divine Powers? Why was I assuming it was possible?’
A flicker of doubt crept in. He looked at Choi Bun-gae, and the confiscation menu surfaced in his mind.
[Confiscation targets have been updated.]
Target: Choi Bun-gae
Gratitude Meter: 0 → 755
[Confiscation List]
Awakening Ability: Maracaibo’s Lighthouse — 10,000,000 [Confiscation Impossible]
Traits:
……
Skills:
……
He skipped uninteresting traits and skills, focusing only on the Awakening Ability. The information left him uncertain whether to celebrate or despair.
‘I can confiscate Awakening Abilities—that’s good. But ten million points? Seriously?’
The value was justified, he’d grant that much. But how long would it take to accumulate ten million?
And the one he most wanted—the Divine Power—would likely demand ten times that.
‘Which means I really do need to develop rookies from scratch.’
What good was raising an A-rank to S-rank if insufficient Gratitude Meter prevented him from seizing Awakening Abilities and Divine Powers?
So when Song Baek asked if he could join the Management Company, Chae Mujin nodded.
“Absolutely. You’re welcome anytime.”
There was no reason to cultivate only hunters he’d eventually confiscate from.
More affiliated hunters meant more money and more influence anyway.
‘Fill the roster with ordinary hunters as cover, so my intentions stay hidden. That way, if anyone investigates, they’ll see nothing suspicious.’
After exchanging contact information with the two men, he moved to leave, but Song Baek caught his arm.
“Leaving already? We should celebrate! My treat! You like spicy hotpot?”
“I appreciate it, but I have other matters to attend to. I’ll reach out once things settle.”
“Don’t give me that polite brush-off. I hate that stuff.”
“I’m not. I genuinely dislike dishonesty myself. I really will call.”
“Okay~ I like your attitude!”
Unlike the thoughtful Choi Bun-gae, Song Baek sent him off with a smile, as if believing Chae Mujin’s word was all that mattered.
On the autonomous taxi ride, Chae Mujin examined the equipment he’d acquired.
「Equipment — Robe of Widefire」
Rarity Grade: Rare
Quality Grade: E
• Magic Attack Power +76
• Light and Fire-type skills gain the Widefire attribute.
「Equipment — Sword of Light Efilui」
Rarity Grade: Unique
Quality Grade: B
A blade wielded by a Sword Saint of Light. It deals light-attribute damage rather than physical.
• Light Attribute Attack Power +196
• Attack Speed +75
• On hit: target’s light-attribute resistance −1% for 10 seconds (stacks)
• Swordsmanship +5
• Self-Repair
“These stats are insane. I could sell this for three billion won easy.”
Rarity Grade divided into six tiers: Normal, Magic, Rare, Unique, Legend, and Mythic.
Naturally, higher tiers granted superior options.
But poor Quality Grade diminished even the highest rarity.
F-Grade items carried one option; B-Grade items carried five.
‘Even with many options, landing exactly the right ones is pure luck. This one’s mine.’
Among all weapon disciplines, his knowledge of Swordsmanship was deepest. And because of the Sword Demon’s Soul he’d confiscated from Kim Jiwoo, he wanted to make Swordsmanship his primary.
「Trait — Sword Demon’s Soul (A)」
Activation Condition: Blade equipped
• Swordsmanship Proficiency +100
• Swordsmanship Talent +1
• Each level increases the attack power and durability of equipped blades by 1%.
Swords didn’t need to be carried visibly. He could store them in his inventory and draw them as needed.
“Collaboration sorted. Next up: the contract.”
The reason he hadn’t drafted a formal contract with the Guild Bastard was simple: hunters couldn’t be bound by law.
Ordinary citizens feared the law above all else and would honor a contract out of terror. Hunters? They would not.
They feared physical retaliation far more than legal consequences.
But even that fear fades if one possessed sufficient strength or powerful backing.
‘Trusting that hunters will honor promises based on conscience and law alone is foolish.’
What was needed wasn’t a paper contract—it was a Soul Contract.
An instrument of binding so powerful it could exact its price in life itself if violated.
And as far as Chae Mujin knew, only one person in this world could create such a thing.
* * *
Hunternet—the information-sharing and communication site for hunters.
Managed directly by the government, it hosted trustworthy information and active legitimate trade.
But where there is light, shadow follows. There existed an underground trading site exclusive to hunters.
The Black Market. A clandestine site you couldn’t access without knowing the domain.
Chae Mujin could slip in easily thanks to the Akashic Record.
Surprisingly, the Black Market sold legitimate goods—Mana Stones, decent equipment, and so forth.
But Chae Mujin knew the truth: however legitimate the merchandise appeared, the merchants themselves were not.
‘Ninety-nine percent is stolen. Seized or killed for.’
Hunting for items took time, carried risk, and required luck.
But hunting hunters? That required only willingness to take the risk.
‘Or items that can’t be sold publicly at all.’
The contract Chae Mujin sought fell into that category.
―Search Term: Contract
―Author: Darkness Dark
―Title: Selling absolutely unbreakable contracts. One million won per contract. No negotiation.
‘Thank God they’re still selling.’
He’d known Soul Contracts existed, but not who made and sold them.
He’d only heard rumors that this person had once operated on the Black Market, so he’d searched. Luck was with him.
He opened a direct message.
―Anonymous9938: Buying contracts.
The person monitored in real-time, replying immediately.
―Darkness Dark: How many?
―Anonymous9938: Does bulk purchase get a discount?
―Darkness Dark: Buy ten, get one free.
―Anonymous9938: How does the transaction work?
―Darkness Dark: Non-contact trade. Bring cash to the location I specify. Once I verify the funds, I’ll tell you where the contracts are.
“That’s a recipe for a scam.”
Scam aside, Chae Mujin didn’t just want the contract itself. He wanted the creator.
‘From the tone, they refuse all direct trades.’
How could he lure them into meeting face-to-face? He thought, but no answer came readily.
Online threats wouldn’t work, and professional methods like hacking weren’t his specialty.
Besides, who’d be insane enough to hack the Black Market?
‘Once we meet, I’m confident I can persuade them.’
He wracked his brain, but nothing surfaced. So he quit the chat.
‘I’m not one for overthinking. Let me just try something.’
He changed his ID and messaged again.
―BunnyPrincess: Hi there. Do you sell contracts?
The previous response came instantly. This one was slower.
Damn. Had he been too obvious?
Embarrassment crawled up his spine. Then came a reply.
―Darkness Dark: Yes, I do. But I only sell through direct contact. Would that be alright?
His tone had suddenly softened. The person who’d insisted on non-contact trade was now offering direct meetings only.
‘What the hell?’
He’d gotten hooked too easily, which made him suspicious. Was he being played?
―BunnyPrincess: Oh, direct contact sounds a bit scary……
―Darkness Dark: I’m not like that. I use the Black Market because these items can’t be sold on Hunternet, but I’m honest and kind.
―BunnyPrincess: Would meeting somewhere crowded, like a café, work?
―Darkness Dark: Of course. When should we meet? How about today?
From the chat speed, it didn’t seem like a trap.
‘Worst case, they don’t show. I lose an hour. But if the real creator appears? Jackpot.’
He’d write it off as a loss and move on if nothing came of it.
But if the actual contract maker showed up, that would be incredible.
―BunnyPrincess: Starbucks at exit 7, Hongdae? Could we meet at 4 p.m.?
―Darkness Dark: Of course! (wink)
―BunnyPrincess: I’ll be by the window on the second floor.
“Ugh.”
After ending the chat, he dry-heaved. Even through a screen, pretending to be a woman felt vile.
“Never doing that again.”
He arrived early, claiming a seat with sightlines to the entrance and surrounding areas.
He genuinely didn’t expect the real creator to show.
‘Even if I’m wrong, I only lose an hour. Meanwhile, I learn two things: the contract creator likes games, and I need to approach carefully and strategically.’
He took a sip of chocolate.
Four p.m. sharp. He scanned the crowd. No sign of the suspected creator.
‘Guess it was a lie.’
With nowhere else to be, he nursed his drink and pondered.
How to coax the creator out? Try non-contact trading first, then reverse-trace? But they might vanish entirely if he failed.
Multiple scenarios played through his mind.
Then came footsteps.
Tap-tap-tap.
A man in a white suit climbed to the second floor, bouquet in hand, his gait hesitant.
As he looked around uncertainly, Chae Mujin took a chance.
“Darkness Dark?”
If it wasn’t him, the man should have ignored the call. But he reacted.
“BunnyPrincess?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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