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

Chapter 383.1: Infiltration

I, Kaiser Sigurd’s morning begins with calisthenics and meditation. By taking the time to relax my body, I bring my body to its peak condition. My well-honed mind and body will never betray me, no matter what.

This Certification Exam would be a difficult challenge to pass even with the full power of 《Celestial Dancer (Hagun Tenbu)》. The impression I had after hearing the details of the exam from the chairman didn’t change even after gathering information at the station.

What’s worse is when the goal is to protect something rather than destroy or acquire it. Protecting others is much more difficult than protecting yourself, and we don’t even know how many members of the royalty there are. If the authority to run the city came from royal blood, we cannot let even one of them slip away. I can only pray that the number would be small enough that three people can protect them.

In the worst-case scenario――The royal family would have to be eliminated. If the bloodline that runs the city were to die out, the world crisis would be averted for the time being. That must have been the reason why the Explorer Association had prepared Red Hunters as our substitute. Killing is much easier than protecting. Except for the emotional part, that is.

The time to decide whether or not to accept the request had already passed. Now that I have decided to go through it, I just have to do the best I can with the cards I have at hand.

The lodging we are staying at is comparable to the finest lodgings I have ever known. The large windows offer a view of the, not too small, entire station. Those who have the pass cards and can enter Code are all elites. Only the elite can enter, at least that is the case until recently when Code started issuing a large number of pass cards. The inn’s extensive facilities are probably a sign of respect for the elites who are allowed to enter Code.

After getting ready, I am looking down at the station from the large window when Saya arrives.

“You’re awake, Saya-kun. Are you ready to embark on the most dangerous country in the world?” (Kaiser)

“………… I am already ready.” (Saya)

There is not a trace of fear or tension in those words. It seems that, like me, she has already made the necessary adjustments. Although she is slender and far inferior to me in terms of physique, a Hunter’s strength does not necessarily match their appearance. I have no complaints about her being my companion.

Saya looks around the room and asks.

“What about Cry?” (Saya)

“It looks like he’s still sleeping. Hahahahaha, he’s really bold, even though it’s the day before we enter Code.” (Kaiser)

“………… I think he sleeps a little bit too much. But maybe there is a meaning behind it.” (Saya)

“Right. Well, that’s fine. Let’s do our best and do our best to impress him.” (Kaiser)

“Hm…” (Saya)

Saya replies briefly. Maybe she is very interested in the Party Members of a Level 8, she seems very motivated.

《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. A man even I cannot quite grasp. As you might expect of one of the wisest people in Zebrudia, I still cannot sense anything from him, from the aura around him to his movements.

I can tell for Saya. Although her abilities are unknown, her movements make sense and she has the presence of a Level 8. However, Cry’s movements are far removed from the Hunters’ fundamentals that we have cultivated up until now.

Falling asleep in enemy territory. His responses when sharing information, completely unaware of the possibility of being eavesdropped by people around (I was quite a bit nervous when he used the word “request”), and the way he moved after arriving at the station. Was it a deliberate move, or was he testing Saya and me――The only thing I can tell is that it can’t just be him being foolish.

After all, that man has noticed Saya’s use of her ability, something I haven’t noticed at all.

This time Saya and I are just something like a plus one. I had heard the talk our Branch Manager had with 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. It is not every day that three Level 8s fight together. There is also the reward promised by 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, so we need to make our presence known as much as possible.

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“Saya-kun, what do you think about him?” (Kaiser)

“………… I have no complaints about entrusting my abilities to him.” (Saya)

After a moment of silence, Saya answers. But Kaiser has noticed it.

Maybe, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》――Has little expectations on us at this point in time.

Up until this point, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 has hardly given us any instructions, let alone any constructive talk. If he has some expectations of us――This seems a bit odd if he is planning on working together on this mission.

It is unclear whether he is confident that he can complete the request on his own, whether he considers us a hindrance, or if there is some other reason.

However, the real challenge begins once we get inside Code.

Show off the powers of Galista’s Hunters, be recognized, and then――Get my monstrous tactics burned into his memory, as I accumulated achievements that would bring me to be a Level 9 Hunter in just twenty years or so. This is not only a challenge to overcome the difficult task of conquering Code, but also a showdown of power, wisdom, and pride among the top Level 8 Hunters from all over the world.

And at that moment, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 enters the room. His hair is messy, probably due to his sleeping habits, and he has a blank look in his eyes. He sees us, yawns loudly, and raises his arms. He is so full of openings. There are so many openings that I can knock him unconscious in less than a second.

“Good morning, Saya, Kaiser, you are early.” (Cry)

It is not like we woke up particularly early. It is Cry who woke up late. It doesn’t seem like he was adjusting his condition. But I will not say anything. All a Hunter needs are skills. I puff out my chest and say with a perfect smile on my face.

“Hahaha, I’m looking forward to entering Code. My condition is perfect, my friend. Whether it’s combat or intelligence gathering, you can leave it to me if you need anything.” (Kaiser)

“……………… Good morning, Cry. Actually…… This is the first time I have been greeted in the morning by a Party Member.” (Saya)

Says Saya, taken aback. Her eyes widen in surprise. Now that she says it, it has been a while since I have been greeted by a Party Member. Cry blinks his eyes, reaches into the small bag on his waist, and pulls out a bar wrapped in silver wrapping paper.

“………… Have you ever been given a snack?” (Cry)

“No.” (Saya)

“Then, I will give you a chocolate bar. Don’t be shy, I have plenty. This is actually a Magic Bag that can only hold chocolates.” (Cry)

…… A man who gives out chocolate bars to Level 8 Hunters, huh.

I look down at the bar that Cry handed us. It is really just regular chocolate. I can tell by the smell. There is no poison in it. Saya freezes when she sees the thing that is suddenly handed to her, but then she peels off the foil, takes a small bite, and says.

“………… It is sweet.” (Saya)

I don’t understand. There is no coherence to his actions. I have no idea what is going on inside his mind which is praised for making Divine Strategy. Surely he is not planning on baiting a Level 8 Hunter by feeding us.

“Thank you, I will take it. But I have to ask――Is this chocolate bar some kind of scheme?” (Kaiser)

“A scheme you say…… No, actually, chocolate is good for relieving fatigue. I thought it would be good if I could help Kaiser and Saya a little bit since you are going to have a hard time today. This mission seems to be quite a bit dangerous, after all――” (Cry)

I want to say that a chocolate bar is not going to help, but I swallow the words.

I will not say anything that is uncouth for. This mission is not just at a level that is “quite a bit” dangerous, but there is no need to point that out now.

I stop thinking about small details. I cannot demonstrate my full potential if I am distracted by unnecessary things.

All I need to watch from now on are 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 movements and tactics. All I have to think about is that the three of us are going to challenge Code together and save the world.

“Besides, maybe if I feed her, Saya will protect me again……” (Cry)

“………… Unfortunately, it is morning now so that is not possible.” (Saya)

“Aaaah…… that’s right. Maybe if you close your eyes, you can activate it――” (Cry)

“?? What, are you talking about?” (Saya)

He made a statement that he needs protection, something that is unbecoming of a Level 8. Although he might be aiming for something different from what I am thinking, perhaps the fact that he is able to say such things without hesitation is one of the reasons why 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 has been able to reach Level 8 with his companions.

Thanks for reading! Sasuga Cry, feeding Saya, a Level 8, like a cat so she will protect him, but did Cry find a new choco-friend? Also Cry genius thinking to help Saya overcome her weakness is “close your eyes” XD

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