Second Life of a Dragon Raising Hunter

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Chapter 39

Of course, there was still cleanup to do. Even if my body looked like it had been to a brutal battle, the various issues at hand were undeniable.

If I were to pinpoint the biggest problem, it would undoubtedly be Shar.

The contract they made wouldn’t change just because Shar would hatch. Shar could still exist in the form of a mana entity, or she could take a physical form.

I had promised to show Shar the world. However, that didn’t mean I intended to sneak around like a criminal, hiding her while showing her little glimpses here and there.

In that sense, this “gate to some destroyed civilization” was the perfect secret space where no one would come to see our discussions.

Right now, Shar was waddling like a duck, holding hands and stepping on Yeon-woo’s foot. Yeon-woo was trying to match her awkward steps. It was delightful to see the cheerful Shar laughing.

But then, the harmony was broken by vibrations in the space. The pile of stones trembled as if imbued with life. It felt like someone had forcibly broken open the gates.

Only two individuals could exude such a rugged and powerful aura in this academy: the Demon King and Kim Hyun-soo.

“Oh, found you! Here you are, Yeon-woo… Hmm?”

I wondered what would have happened if someone other than Kim Hyun-soo had emerged to conduct a rescue. But thankfully, it was the familiar figure of Kim Hyun-soo with his black hair, stepping through the gate.

Kim Hyun-soo’s outline emerged from the shadowy moonlight as he crossed over the pile of stones.

The fancy light armor, or the high-end wireless intercom, were irrelevant. The intercom wouldn’t even work inside here. He probably just forgot it on his way in due to rushing.

What mattered was the iron mace in Kim Hyun-soo’s hand. A flanged mace, a hideous weapon created by layering metal plates, with no decoration or aesthetic, solely focusing on functionality.

As Yeon-woo recalled, that mace was dwarven-made. Crafted by the famous artisan group “Steel Gorge.” Authenticated by an appraiser, it was a magical weapon with the attribute of indestructibility.

Typically, magical weapons don’t possess many attributes.

In fact, only three attributes at most. Even two would be considered substantial, which in that light means that mace, the “Starbreaker,” is an exceptionally high-quality magical weapon since it has two attributes.

But in the end, quality over quantity: what truly matters is the kind of attributes attached. Commonly preferred attributes are related to durability and other qualities, and among them, indestructible is quite rare.

Literally, an unbreakable weapon. Assuming the user’s capability supports it, it’s the best attribute there is.

Yeon-woo knew this well since he possessed something similar, making it a dream weapon for hunters. It would end up costing a fortune.

On top of that, the Starbreaker also had a heavy attribute attached. This attribute might be somewhat polarizing, but for someone like Kim Hyun-soo, and especially since it was a blunt weapon rather than a sharp one, it would merely elevate its destructive power.

As Yeon-woo stared intently at the Starbreaker, Kim Hyun-soo chuckled awkwardly.

“…I’m sorry for the serious injuries, but who is that child? Could you explain?”

I had anticipated that question would come first, so I carefully chose my words. In the midst of it all, it was considerate of him to worry about his own body too.

“Well, Professor. How much of our secret can you keep? And I’m fine, really.”

“…Hmm? I want to say I can handle anything, but right now, I’m bound to the academy. However, there was also a clause about being a role model for students as an invited professor, wasn’t there? It’s complicated.”

Saying that with a smile, Kim Hyun-soo looked quite genuine.

Though he spoke casually, Kim Hyun-soo had made contracts that allowed him to act without being bound to the academy if necessary. It was impressive that he formed such contracts, recognizing he might be needed at any moment.

Just to be careful and say it, it was only words. In reality, Kim Hyun-soo likely leaned more toward ensuring the student’s comfort.

“This child’s name is Arkisha. I call her Shar, and if translated into our language, it means ‘love’… because she’s my daughter.”

“Oh, I see… Huh?”

Haha, while nodding with a smile, Kim Hyun-soo slightly contorted his face at that last statement.

It made perfect sense; if I were in Kim Hyun-soo’s shoes, I wouldn’t understand either. Yeon-woo also nodded.

Of course, Shar looked very young. At a glance, she seemed about nine, and being a bit short made her appear even younger.

If Kim Hyun-soo had a daughter around that age, people would somewhat accept it.

Ah, so Kim Hyun-soo must have been a passionate lover in high school.

However, Yeon-woo’s situation was different. He was fifteen. Plus, Kim Hyun-soo was his interviewer. Yeon-woo knew precisely how old he was.

A fifteen-year-old having a nine-year-old child? That crosses biological boundaries. It raises the question of how could someone who hasn’t even hit puberty be having a child?

It would get interpreted as a serious case of some deranged pedophile messing around with a six-year-old, rather than a benign acceptance of that boundary being crossed.

“…If it’s a joke, it’s quite a funny one. Still, I think it’s best not to bring it up in front of the other students.”

Kim Hyun-soo said that with a sharp gaze. Understandably so. He came to rescue, and now he was playing around while making ridiculous claims about secrets.

Of course, other professors were likely outside, ready to handle any unforeseen situations, but for Kim Hyun-soo, taking direct action would have offered more relief.

Yet awkwardly, Yeon-woo had been consistent in his statements, which allowed him to describe Shar as his child.

“Didn’t Professor Park Gi-in convey this well at the last faculty meeting?”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

Park Gi-in was a man of integrity. He likely came around last time to hear the story because he didn’t want to waste the student’s precious time with unnecessary inquiries.

Despite that effort, the investigation seemed somewhat sloppy; maybe that was due to Sister Claire. She probably hadn’t even realized it. She must have wanted to get out of that room as quickly as possible.

“I made a contract with a Dragon. The condition of the contract was this child.”

“This child… so you mean Miss Shar? What does it mean that Miss Shar was the condition?”

In response to Kim Hyun-soo’s words, Shar nodded her head. Her golden hair shimmered. I considered dyeing my own hair a similar color, but it felt better to let Kim Hyun-soo and Yuri know properly.

If important figures from the academy supported my side, it would make everything smoother. The two primary powers that ensure maximum efficiency in any situation are money and connections.

“She entrusted her child to me. She asked me to show the world on her behalf since she couldn’t go outside. In return, she offered me her mana. I asked if I could claim to be this child’s father when I accepted.”

“Why offer such a condition…?”

Kim Hyun-soo, who was about to say something, suddenly fell silent. Seeing that, Yeon-woo smiled bitterly. Well, it wasn’t unusual for him to notice, considering he had once been Kim Hyun-soo’s interviewer.

“I know very well what it feels like to be without parents. I wanted to do it for her.”

“…That’s quite mature. I’m sorry.”

Kim Hyun-soo smiled sadly. He likely thought he had made a slip of the tongue. It was rare to see such expressions on his face. Yeon-woo shook his head.

“I’ve been hiding her until now, but honestly, telling her not to form human relationships while she explores the world is a bit… don’t you think? So, I want to create an environment where it’s okay for her to show herself.”

“So that’s the secret you’re talking about. You want me to formally recognize her using my authority?”

“Even if it’s going to be difficult for her to be accepted as my daughter, I plan to inform Master Yuri when I return. Don’t you think you two can manage?”

In short, he was saying let’s force this situation. The fact that this child, Shar, is a dragon and also Yeon-woo’s daughter is true; what could they do about it? Since both Kim Hyun-soo and Yuri recognize it, who were they to dismiss it?

It might seem ridiculous from the students’ perspectives, but that’s how prestige and power are wielded. When you need to make someone accept an incredible fact, front-load prestige and authority, and the other party is left with no choice but to present something even more extraordinary.

If this were a new academic theory, it could have easily been overturned with verified research or experimental results, but unfortunately, the very first recognized contractor for a dragon in history was none other than me.

No matter what you argue now, if I say it isn’t true, it simply isn’t!

Ah… This immense power is utterly irresistible.

While Yeon-woo was intoxicated by finally finding the true “power,” Kim Hyun-soo shifted his target. He kneeled before Shar, making eye contact with her.

“Miss Shar, is there anything wrong with Yeon-woo’s story?”

“What is it? You don’t believe me?”

“I’ll wait to form a judgment until I’ve heard both sides.”

…It was indeed a reasonable statement, so there was nothing to argue against. After a moment of hesitation, Shar hid behind Yeon-woo and said,

“Y-yeah… that’s right…”

What? Is our Shar shy? Thinking about it, it was understandable. The only person she’d really talked to was him. Claire was sort of like her mother, so she was an exception. She probably couldn’t talk when she was with Alkeinea.

“Such a baby, our Shar. Don’t you want to ask Mr. Hyun-soo to let you stay with your dad?”

“Mr. Hyun-soo… does that mean I can be with my dad?”

Huh? What? I was just teasing her, but seeing Shar obediently mimic my words made Yeon-woo feel a pang of guilt rising deep within.

What kind of illness is this? A loser.

While holding his chest, overwhelmed by both Shar’s cuteness and the guilt, Kim Hyun-soo seemed to be doing the same.

Their eyes met. They shared a silent conversation.

‘Isn’t our daughter so cute?’

‘Honestly, I can’t argue against that.’

If there was no error in the translator, that’s definitely the kind of gaze shared. Subjective interpretations may vary. Caution advised.

As this exchange happened, Kim Hyun-soo, having recovered from his daze, spoke somewhat awkwardly.

“Why do you trust me so much? I can’t comprehend it.”

“Y-yeah? Oh.”

That statement left even Yeon-woo momentarily speechless.

I couldn’t say I’ve seen what he’s done over the past ten years or who he is. Even though it’s something I’ll have to say one day, it could be postponed a little longer. It could wait until I became someone he could fully trust.

As Yeon-woo stood there, grappling with his silence, Kim Hyun-soo burst out laughing.

“It’s amusing that you hesitated here when you didn’t hesitate at anything else.”

“…I doubt I can say it’s because I know the professor’s character.”

“What if I’m someone who’s all smiles on the outside but different inside? Well, it’s okay. I hope to hear a reason one day for why you trust me so much.”

“Yes, I’ll make sure to tell you one day. Can you trust me then?”

“I only somewhat can trust you because I noticed some sincerity in your previous words. Please be careful from next time on.”

As he warned, Kim Hyun-soo indeed bore a decent educator’s demeanor. He wasn’t just speaking casually.

The boy standing before him was the contractor of a dragon and claimed to be the father of a dragon hatchling.

It wasn’t just an assumption; he had been the student of someone who was profoundly perceptive. It was no surprise that he would believe what Yuri had chosen as a student.

Even though Yeon-woo was in a debt of sorts, he sighed with relief, feeling things would likely go smoothly.

“Then, on my end, I also have one request. Let’s settle it that way.”

“I’m in the position of requesting, so what can I say?”

“When we go outside, please inform Master Yuri immediately. It’s more certain to get permission from him than from me.”

“Oh, but isn’t it a bit much to leave class midway?”

“It’s an accident during practical training. Just say you went to the infirmary for treatment and talk to him right after.”

Yeon-woo nodded obediently. There was no reason to refuse such an offer to skip class lawfully.

Moreover, it is explicitly stated in the academy regulations. If the academy is found liable, they must take accountability.

Kim Hyun-soo likely intended to lean it in that direction.

“Well then, let me request one favor as an individual, not as a professor.”

“What kind of favor are you talking about…?”

“I’d appreciate it if you could get along well with Yoo-min. If there’s something she doesn’t know, please let her know.”

“No, isn’t it her responsibility to build her own relationships?”

“Of course, it’s natural for a brother to be concerned. She has talent but is also quite insecure. I’m counting on you.”

The way Kim Hyun-soo spoke now resembled more of an older brother with a younger sister than a professor. Though he did have a desire to maintain close ties with Kim Yoo-min, it was still surprising to hear such words.

Was Kim Yoo-min really such a worry-prone student? Or was worrying about her simply an expression of family affection?

Thinking about it, it’s kind of a strange feeling to receive such a request.

Is this collusion…?

For Yeon-woo, it was actually a good thing.

“Then it’s a deal?”

“Seems like youngsters these days call it a deal? All right, deal it is.”

“Why are you acting older than your age?”

You’re only in your mid-twenties!

As Yeon-woo said this, he reached out his hand, which Kim Hyun-soo firmly grasped. With that, the contract was established. Now, there was no one left to complain about Shar walking around openly.

“Are you excited, Shar?”

“I feel embarrassed in front of Dad…”

“It’s fine; you are my child.”

Watching the conversation between Yeon-woo and Shar, Kim Hyun-soo couldn’t help but shake his head, bewildered.

“Kids nowadays become so mature at fifteen. Well, let’s head out now.”

(To be continued in the next chapter)