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

Chapter 314，Part1: 1 - Preparation ②

Chapter 314 Preparation ②

Part 1

Gark Welter, the head of the Imperial Capital Branch of the Explorer Association, was wide-eyed at what he was told without warning after going all the way to the Clan House to ask about the incident surrounding the recent prophecy.

《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, a Level 8 Hunter. Cry Andrich is a man who, ever since he became a Hunter, has always done the unexpected.

The main reason I came all the way here this time was because Cry took a curse with him and flew it all over the Imperial Capital on a carpet. No matter how many times you experience it, you never get used to his bizarre behavior.

However, the words that came out of Cry’s mouth just now were enough to blow away the purpose of me coming here this time.

The Explorer Association is in full operation day after day, night after night, without a break, responding to a large number of inquiries from the state and nobles, and cleaning up after a large number of Hunters have been mobilized, but all of this is the aftermath, so to speak.

Kaina, the vice branch manager, and the other staff member I brought with me are all stunned.

“Yggdra…………The legendary city of the legendary Spirit People, huh? I don’t know how to say, but as usual…… You are doing something outrageous again. It is an uncharted region where even an Explorer Association branch isn’t there.” (Gark)

“Well, I have Eliza to guide me.” (Cry)

Cry shrugged his shoulders with his usual tensionless expression. Even though Luke, his childhood friend, was petrified by a curse, his attitude shows no sign of being disturbed at all.

An invitation to Yggdra.

It was not the kind of thing that could be said as an afterthought like “I’m sorry, but I’m going to Yggdra, so I can’t help you with your information or interviews” nor was it the kind of thing that could be done with a single word, such as “I have a guide so I’ll be going” or something like that.

By nature, Spirit People tend to be seclusive. It is no exaggeration to say that Yggdra is the holy land for Spirit People, and as far as I know, no Hunter has ever reached that land.

There have been many who tried, but all of them have failed. Since the royal family of the Spirit People never come out of the forest, there is no room for negotiation, and neither power nor violence will work in front of their mysterious magic. Even information about the country is so thorough that it is hardly ever revealed.

This is an opportunity. Never before had there been a human being that the Royal Family of the Spirit People wanted to meet. I can’t even imagine how much profit it would make if exchanges with Yggdra were to start as a result of this incident. And if it is known that it was a Hunter who did it, the status of Hunter will be greatly enhanced.

Quelling the Cursed Spirit Stone was a big achievement, but improving the relationship with Yggdra is a more significant achievement for the Explorers Association. It is truly a feat that no one can complain about and everyone can understand.

“Alright. Improving the relationship with Spirit People will also be of great benefit to Zebrudia. We will take care of the post-processing around the prophecy. In return, you go and negotiate with them. If possible, ask them to allow us to set up an Explorer Association branch.” (Gark)

“!! A branch office, huh. It really can’t be helped………… I will take care of this one for you.” (Cry)

Unusually, Cry, who usually makes a displeased expression at Gark’s requests, nods. He has a relaxed expression, despite the fact that he is dealing with the difficult task of dealing with Spirit People and their Royal Family. Is this the true nature of a Level 8?

“Go show them what a Treasure Hunter can do!” (Gark)

“I know, I know. This time, Lapis and the others will accompany us, 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》. I am going to bring a lot of Relics with me too――” (Cry)

“If you succeed, you will be on your way to Level 9. Level 9 certification requires the endorsement from multiple branches and the approval of the headquarters, but they won’t complain if you succeed.” (Gark)

As the status of Hunters rises, the certification standards for High-Level Hunters become stricter. Especially when it comes to Level 9, trust and achievements beyond actual ability are required, and it is difficult to meet the requirements for taking the Level Certification exam in the first place.

It is unusual for someone as young as Cry to be able to reach it. Cry unlike earlier say with a frown at Gark whose voice is naturally filled with enthusiasm.

“Aaaah………… Un, well, just so you know, I am not going to Yggdra for that reason. My purpose is to………… Remove Luke’s curse, alright.” (Cry)

Here we go again…… Why is this guy not being proactive about raising his Level?

Level 8 and above is not even a Level that most Hunters can aspire to, and yet the one who has the talent to reach it is unmotivated, the world really turned upside down.

If possible, I would like to have an escort from the Explorer Association, but matters related to Spirit People are a sensitive issue. There is no guarantee that trouble will not occur by having an extra person assigned to the group.

Gark took a deep breath, wrinkled his forehead and looked into Cry’s eyes with strength, and reminded him.

“If things go south, it could develop into an interspecies problem. I am really counting on you.” (Gark)

§　§　§

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Don’t worry Gark, even if Cry starts a war, it will be for the greater good.

But well, with Cry and all his Relics on him, it is more like he is going there to win the war!

Tchao à plus!