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

Chapter 318，Part2: 2 - Guidepost

Chapter 318 Guidepost?

Part 2

What I took out was a palm-sized compass-shaped Relic. Everything from the needle to the outside is made of black stone, with a strange pattern carved in red on the needle.

In High-Level Treasure Shrines, there are places where the human sense of direction is completely useless. In such cases, a compass-type Relic, which shows the right path 『When things happen』, is particularly in high demand among Relics.

“!? Cry-chan, you still have that?” (Liz)

Liz frowns when she sees the Relic I have lifted with enthusiasm. Sytry has a troubled look and Lucia puts her hands on her foreheads as if she is enduring a headache. Is it a relief that I can’t see Anthem’s face?

Kruz opens her eyes wide and raises an exaggerated voice.

“A compass-type Relic………… D-Don’t tell me, it is that famous one which points the safe path――Hh.” (Kruz)

I like the premise. As expected of a Tsuyonoble.

Even if you say Compass-Type Relic, it exists several types of them.

The price varies greatly depending on what it points to, such as those that have a simple effect of accurately indicating the direction to any location, those that are extremely effective in indicating a vague guideline to the correct path, and those that continuously indicate a specific item or location you want, but these ones are one of a kind items, unlike any other Compass-Type Relic.

When I place the Relic, whose needle is still spinning, in the palm of Kruz’s hand, I say while grinning.

“Pfff, you are so naive. It is the other way around――” (Cry)

“…… Hah? The other…… The other way around……?” (Kruz)

“Misfortune awaits if you go in the direction it points to, it is the 『Loser’s Sign (Fools’ Guidepost)』.” (Cry)

While there are many Compass-Type Relics in this world, there are almost no Relics that lead one down the dangerous path. In the first place, if they have the technology to create a tool like this, they should have created a compass that points to a safe path.

In that sense, this Relic is a rare item that shows us the path we should not take, whether it is an accident, a Monster, or a Phantom that lies there.

“!? Wh-What’s that for, desu……” (Kruz)

Kruz raises her voice sharply. Tino and others look away with pale expressions.

“No, I just brought it. It is not like I am going to use it, you know……” (Cry)

I was just bragging about it. By the way, the reason why the warlike Liz and the others look so displeased with this Relic is because they had a terrible experience when they first tried it.

“Muh…………………… De-Depending on how you use it, it might be useful, desu…… As long as we don’t go in the direction it’s facing, desu.” (Kruz)

Kruz follows up with the best she can.

At that moment, the *kurukuru* spinning needle from the Relic in her hand suddenly stopped. The tip of that needle pointed to――It pointed to the direction we were about to go.

“…… O-Oi, you don’t mean………………… Desu.” (Kruz)

“…… Well, don’t worry too much about it. You can’t be a Hunter if you avoid dangerous places.” (Cry)

“Ah……” (Kruz)

I take back the Relic. No need to hide it, the reason I am not carrying this Relic with me is because――Because the needle of this Relic always points in the direction I want to go as if it is predetermined.

In the first place, this needle shows the direction but not the distance to it. Moreover, there is a difference in the degree and nature of one’s misfortune, so if you avoid that direction, nothing can be done.

Heck…… I know I am always unlucky, even if I don’t use something like this.

While Eliza frequently checks her feet, she annoyingly says.

“Kuu, put that dangerous thing away, and let’s move on. The way to the rendez-vous point………… Is quite dangerous.” (Eliza)

I see………… That Drifting Road of the Divine Tree is safe if you are guided, but it is dangerous until you get there, huh, okey dokey.

From the forest comes a strange cry that sounds a little like a child’s scream. The conclusion is already crystal clear. Everything is already too much trouble.

I let out a small sigh while feeling empty and said.

“It is not my turn to come out yet. Kruz, Lapis, go get rid of them. Ah, and by all means no lightning techniques……” (Cry)

§

It has been a long time since we worked together, but the ability of 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 is higher than I thought.

Initially, Spirit People are known for having a lot of talent, but at the same time, they don’t get serious when fighting alongside humans.

However, this time Lapis and the others seem to be full of motivation.

They may have their strengths and weaknesses, but their capabilities to annihilate the enemies may exceed that of 《Iron Cross (Kurogane Juji)》, one of the Clan’s top-ranked Party. They really show what a Party of Magi can really do.

Wind and Water attribute offensive Magic passed through the trees and did not damage the forest. And yet, they accurately repelled the attack of the Magical Beasts, so I would like Lucia to learn from them as she has pursued only high power and long-distance Magics.

“You are really pumped up for it this time.” (Cry)

“We are not going to owe you anything…… Hmph.” (Lapis)

Lapis answers with an annoyed look at my question. Apparently, Lapis and the others are lacking a little bit of composure this time.

Sytry, who had been following behind them while collecting materials, *tsuntsun* pokes me on the shoulder and says with a very happy look on her face.

“It seems like it was quite hard on them when they were cast out during the Cursed Stone incident. It is Cry-san’s fault for not fawning over them.” (Sytry)

………… What is she talking about, this girl. It is not like I was trying to cast them out……

When marching, I, the weakest, am usually in the back. It doesn’t matter if Anthem is here or not, if I am in the front line, no matter how many Barrier Rings I have, it will not be enough. In that case, there would naturally be a rear guard――A Magi near where I am.

Leaving aside what Sytry said, it seems that Lapis and the others are planning to repay their debt? by supporting me. There aren’t many people in the world who are surrounded and protected by Spirit People.

“Stay down, human!” (Starlight Member 1)

“You are a Level 8, so don’t *furafura* wanders off! Human!” (Starlight Member 2)

“Human, don’t block the line of fire!” (Starlight Member 3)

While talking bluntly to me, the Spirit People are shooting their Magic. Excluding Kruz and Lapis, it may have been the first time I have met with the other members of 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 like this.

“Seriously, everyone is suddenly fawning over Yowaningen………… It’s useless to use such an obvious move, desu! It’s unsightly, so stop it, desu!” (Kruz)

Kruz raises her arm and scolds her companions.

Fawning over? Is this really, them fawning over me? By the way, in reality………… I don’t know their…… well…… Their name.

“………… Haha, but really, you always suffer through terrible things when you’re with Yowaningen, desu. Even if we’re in a forest, there aren’t usually that many Monsters, desu. You’re not doing this on purpose, do you, desu!” (Kruz)

“Really……? It is not that different from usual tho’……” (Cry)

“Hh!? You’re completely, numb from all this aren’t you, desu!” (Kruz)

Kruz’s face is bright red, probably because she is walking around while casting spells. It doesn’t seem like her magical powers have been exhausted yet, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t feel tired unless she exhausts her Magic. Fatigue can also be seen on Lapis and the other Spirit People’s face.

Lucia, who used Magic in the same way but had a calm face, let out a sigh.

“It is because Leader is liked by Monsters……” (Lucia)

If they like me, they shouldn’t attack me, no? I am always the first to be targeted, you know……

Eliza, who had been leading the way alongside Liz in order to sense the danger ahead of us, turns around. Fatigue appears in her expression, probably because her Monster sensor has been reacting all the time.

“Let’s take…… A little break. I’m using…… More Magic than I imagined.” (Eliza)

“Eliza-chan, you’re sooo seriousss. Listen, ‘k? You’ll be exhausted watch the surrounding so much when you’re with Cry-chan, ‘k? We’re gonna be attacked anyway, so you don’t have to look that far!” (Liz)

“Kuu…………” (Eliza)

I have no idea what you are getting at even if you look at me absentmindedly like this.

I sit on Mimic-kun and take a short break. Looking at it this way, the difference between our Party and other Party was remarkable.

Compared to 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》, who sit down and properly rest, our Members are quite energetic.

Liz took Tino and went to see ahead, while Sytry and Lucia started sorting out the materials of the Monsters they have defeated so far. For some reason, our Party has a lot of chances to be attacked, so if we don’t use our break time to sort our loot, we will end up throwing most of it away and move on.

“Kuu, I’m going to look ahead too. Keep watch.” (Eliza)

Eliza follows up and heads in the direction where Liz and the other disappeared. It is problematic if you ask me to keep watch…… My ability to sense danger is negative, you know?

But this time, there are many Spirit People who are both natural Magi and natural Hunters. Everyone seems to be on guard, so there’s nothing to worry about.

As I am looking at the 『Guide』 that somehow keeps pointing in one direction while making a large absentminded yawn, a voice suddenly calls out to me from behind.

“Hu-Human………… Can I borrow that?” (Starlight Member?)

It is a girl wearing a hood who calls out to me with a trembling voice. I don’t know her name, nor do I recognize her, but she must be one of 《Starlight’s (Hoshi no Seirai)》 Members.

What is ahead of her nervous gaze is the *yurayura* swaying guide.

What, you wanted it after all? Seriously, Spirit People are so prideful……

“Of course, I don’t mind. It will be much more useful for you than for me to have it.” (Cry)

I toss the guide. The nameless girl catches it in a panic, *pekori* lowers her head and before I could speak to her, she trots the other way down the road we have just passed.

“…… *Yareyare* Good grief, no matter how used to the forest you are, it is dangerous to act alone………” (Cry)

She went the other way down the road, but is there something there? Spirit People are just as free-spirited as 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》, huh.

As I am utterly flabbergasted, Kruz approaches me after taking care of her companions.

“Yowaningen is really carefree all the time, desu.” (Kruz)

“Well…… It is because I am used to it. But more than that, your companion ran over there, but wouldn’t it be dangerous if you leave her alone?” (Cry)

It is not that often that I get to point something out, you know.

When Kruz blinks her eyes at what I said, she looks at Lapis and the others and says.

“Haaah……? Everyone is over there, desu. What are you talking about, desu?” (Kruz)

…………………… Huh?

TL notes:

Thanks for reading! Thanks Satria for the Ko-fi!

Hahahaha Cry in all its glory!

Not only he have the reverse safe path compass Relic, he also gave away the guiding tool they are using!

But of course, he planned everything, he “intended” to give the guiding tool to that girl, of cooourse.

Tchao à plus!