Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~

Chapter 312，Part1: 1 - Cursed of the Spirit People ②

Chapter 312 Cursed of the Spirit People ②

Part 1

”Spirit People (Noble)”. It is a race similar yet different from humans.

They possess high magical talent and intelligence. They have a longer lifespan than humans, and most of them have a beautiful appearance from a human point of view, and it is said that they were even recognized as gods in ancient times. If it were not for their weakness of having a low Mana Material absorption rate and being less fertile than humans, they would have ruled the world by now.

I am not that familiar with the history of Spirit People, but it seems that the connection between Spirit People and Human society was complex and varied over time.

There was a time when they were revered and there was a time when they were abhorred and fought off. Today, their relations with humans are good to a certain extent, and Spirit People are not hated in any city, but there are still few opportunities to encounter them in human cities. Even in the large city of Zebrudia, the Imperial Capital, they are rarely seen, so there must be many people who have never seen a Spirit People in the flesh.

《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》 has 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》, a Party consisting only of Spirit People, but that is a very rare example. They are proud and do not pander to humans even though they are in human society. They are the exact opposite of me who can get on my knee and do a Dogeza to anyone.

And the homeland of those Spirit People was, and still is, known as a mysterious country.

The origin of all Spirit People――Yggdra.

A country that everyone knows the name of, but no one has ever been to, but definitely exists.

I am a regular subscriber of 『Monthly Lost Inn』, an occult magazine that compiles urban legends. I have also been interested in checking that country out a few times. But of course, I never thought I would be able to go there one day――.

I ask Sytry and the others to retrieve Luke’s statue and return to the Clan Master’s office.

When Eva heard what I said, her eyes widened, and said in a small voice.

“Yggdra, huh………………That is… If that is true――Then it is a real feat, isn’t it?” (Eva)

At first glance, it seemed like a small reaction, but having known Eva for several years now, I can tell that she is very surprised.

That is of course the expected reaction. As Lucia mentioned, humans are not allowed to enter Yggdra, the country of Spirit People. No, on the contrary, it is said that it is difficult even for a Spirit People to re-enter the country once they are out of it.

As far as I know, no human Hunter has reached Yggdra yet. High-Level Hunters are usually troublesome people who, when told that they are not allowed to go somewhere, are compelled to go there, but the fact that these lands remain unexplored suggests that the security measures in place in that country are extraordinary.

In addition, it goes without saying, but Yggdra exists in the depth of a deep forest――An uncharted place inhabited by many legendary and magical beasts that even High-Level Hunters have a hard time with.

For Treasure Hunters, carving their first steps into an unexplored land is a dream.

Somewhat amused by Eva’s surprise, I say with a badass air.

.

“I never thought that the day would come when I would challenge a country that no High-Level Hunters could reach……” (Cry)

Rather than a challenge, according to Eliza, they are supposed to invite us――But if I am not invited, I will not go there, you know.

I am interested in the legendary Spirit People country, but I don’t feel like challenging the forbidden land that even High-Level Hunters have been unable to reach. Spirit People don’t take jokes very well, and they are really strong to boot…… On top of that, the Magic that they specialize in is something that demonstrates its greatest ability when defending.

“If you need anything, I will have it ready.” (Eva)

“Aaaah, thank you. But it will probably be alright. Because I got this.” (Cry)

“………… Hah. I have no doubt about that, but ……” (Eva)

Eva sighs while holding her temples, as I tap my head with my fingertips in a fit of excitement.

Jokes aside, the preparations are supposed to be carried out by Sytry. All I have to think about is what souvenirs I will bring.

It seems that only a special person among the Spirit People can break the powerful curse placed on Luke. And I, for one, am second to none when it comes to pissing off high-ranking people.

Souvenirs will also have to be prepared accordingly. Even if it is an unnecessary consideration, there is no bad side to preparing one. Fortunately, our Clan has a Party of Spirit People, 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》…… so I am confident in selecting the souvenirs.

And then Eva fearfully suggested.

“Everywhere wants information about Yggdra. “Spirit People (Noble)” are famous for never speaking about it…… So if you can provide information, it would be an achievement that would lead you to be Level 9.” (Eva)

“Achievements……? I am not interested in that. Not interested.” (Cry)

“Right……” (Eva)

Why should I do something dangerous like this? There is nothing to gain by incurring the enmity of Spirit People. Just when I am on good terms with Lapis and the others……

Even if I were allowed to, I am not going to bring back any information. If I do, Gark-san will try to raise me to Level 9 for my achievements…… Apparently, it is an honor to have a Level 9 in your branch when you are a branch manager in the Explorer Associations.

Seriously, even though it hasn’t been many years since they made me a Level 8…… Initially, I am not even interested in the glory of being a Hunter, but if I reach Level 9, won’t I create a feud with the Burning Baa-san.

A thought occurs to me, so I look up and check with Eva.

“Ah, do you want to come with us, Eva?” (Cry)

“!? ……………… N-No, I am not going.” (Eva)

I see…… It is a pity. I would have been a little more comfortable if Eva, someone with common sense, came with me tho’……

If what Eliza said is true, we are the ones who are invited this time. However, no matter if it is an uncharted land, it shouldn’t be that dangerous. Even ordinary people should be able to go there…… Or rather, I don’t want to go to a place where ordinary people can’t go……

“I wonder if Lapis and the others will come with me…… I am a little worried about only having Eliza as she will be doing things at her own pace.” (Cry)

“《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》, are still outside of the Imperial Capital due to 『Marin’s Wails』…… And I haven’t heard about when they will be coming back……” (Eva)

“Uuun, that’s too bad……” (Cry)

The operation led by Franz-san to call up a Spirit People’s Shaman was a large-scale one that also required traffic control in the Imperial Capital.

I am sure people have contacted them, but they won’t come back that easily. Everyone is always not here when I need them.

While thinking about that, I let out a big yawn when suddenly the door to the Clan Master’s office opened vigorously. And a high-pitched voice echoes in my brain.

“Haaa, haaa…… H-Hey youuuu! Yowaningen, y-you, seriously gotta stop messing around, desu!” (Kruz)

“Oooh……? Nice timing……” (Cry)

The one who entered the room is someone we were just talking about, Kruz Argen, a Member of 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》.

She was wearing the same robe as usual, but she carried a large bag on her back, and as if she had been running, her hair was disheveled and she was out of breath.

Her feet were covered in mud and there were some splatters on her robes, but even in such a state, she was picturesque, which is a real benefit of being a Spirit People.

Kruz *furafura* wander closer to me and *bam* slammed her hand on the desk in front of me, who was wide-eyed.

“D-Don’t nice timing me, desu!! Haha, haa……” (Kruz)

“I thought you went back to your city to help Franz-san?” (Cry)

“S-Still…… Being so nonchalant――We were on the way, but received one hell of a call, so we turned around pronto, desuuu! Yowaningen, y-youuu! You seem to have found, the Cursed Spirit Stone, desuuu! What does that mean, desuuu!” (Kruz)

With tears in the corner of her eyes, Kruz yells at me from a close distance. However, I, who have been yelled at by many people, have to say that it was not very intimidating.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading! And thanks Chulbom for the Ko-fi!

I think Eva just dodge a bullet by not going to Yggdra

And welcome back Kruz!

Tchao à plus!