AIjh

Part 1

"It was very... Delicious..."

Said Tino with a happy beaming smile. The chocolate parfait was even more wonderful than what I had heard.

Filled inside the thirty centimeters glass container was ice cream, chocolate and crispy cookies, added with a generous helping of fresh cream and sauce on top. The top of the bowl was decorated with a chocolate crown, with it you could feel the majesty of this parfait.

As it was a place where chocolate was artisanally produced, the quality of it was certain, but more than anything else, the quantity of it was tremendous. I am sure that if Liz and Sytry saw it, they would have frowned.

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But what made the taste exceptional was the information that Tino had overheards from the Hunters outside, the information that the Orcs had gone somewhere.

When you are worried, no matter how sweet the food you eat is, you cannot enjoy its taste.

I don't know what caused its disappearance, but I feel that I am lucky that the trouble went somewhere else. It was proof that if I can control my childhood friends, I wouldn't have to deal with the trouble. Not bad... Me!

Tino was smiling, I was smiling, everything was going well.

I was in a mood to jump around but as I am a badass, I just quietly smile. I don't wanna puke!

However... This is a little bit too much.

I look down at my parfait. I am a hidden sweet tooth, but unlike other Hunters, I am not a big eater. I moved my spoon at a pretty fair pace, but there was still about half of the parfait left in the beautiful glass bowl.

Tino, on the other hand, was quietly sitting there and has long finished her parfait, even though we should have asked the same thing. Hunters tend to eat fast and a lot. Where in the world does that large portion of parfait fit inside her slender body?

I feel sorry to leave the rest... Should I let Tino finish it? No, but, hmm... It would be fine if it was Sytry or Liz, but letting my Kouhai eat my leftover food is quite, hmm…

Hunters who have traveled in harsh environments are tolerant to all sorts of things that any normal person would generally avoid. So, Tino might not mind, but it might ruin my image of being a badass...? Or was it already too late?

Tino's deep black eyes were already looking at me. Even though I should have made her experiment many terrible things, her eyes showed that she was still genuinely respecting me.

Uuunh... If it wasn't enough for you, you can still order more if you want, you know.

As a result of my internal conflict, I pulled out the stick-shaped cookie that was on the parfait and tried to offer it to Tino. I still haven't eaten that yet, so it should be fine.

Tino opened her eyes widely and *kyorokyo* hurriedly looked around.

"!? !!? Ano... That... Eh? ... I-itadakimasu."

Tino was lost and took a bite of the cookie while her face turned bright red.

Her white skin was dyed red up to her ears, so it looks like she was really embarrassed. For some reason, after seeing a refreshing reaction that I wouldn't see with my companions, I feel like wanting to feed her more.

Indeed, if the position were reversed, it might be a little embarrassing.

"Was it good?"

"... Yes. It was very... Sweet... Master."

Tino answered in a small voice while making small chews. She really does like sweets, doesn't she.

... I should accumulate a lot of points with her on this vacation, in case I would need it for later.

When I was feeling calm while being on a date with Tino, a middle-aged man wearing a big white hat and white apron under his well-build body came out from the back of the cafe.

The reason I found him approachable is probably because I am used to seeing fearful Hunters all the times. When he walked towards us with any hesitation, he looked at Tino, who had a slightly wary expression, and me in turn and said in a hushed voice.

"... Sorry for being so abrupt, but… I am sorry if I made a mistake but... Are you maybe ―― The "Infinite Variety"?"

"!!??"

Even though I used a fake identity card, how did he know? I check? his face without showing it, but I don't remember ever seeing him.

I didn't make any reaction, but perhaps that was a bad move, the man smiled and nodded widely as if he was convinced of everything.

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"I was right...! I have been waiting for your visit for a long time! I am the manager of this store ――"

He said in an excited tone.

He asked me for a handshake and I shook his hand as I was swept by his mood. I could smell chocolate coming from his hands, apparently, he was also the one who made that parfait.

Except by Hunters, this was the first time that my identity had been revealed by regular citizens just because I was eating sweets. What's more, he was so passionate despite facing a supposedly powerful Hunter. Tino was also astonished.

"In this industry ―― You are extremely famous. You may be the most famous among all the Hunters. A legendary Treasure Hunter who visits every cafe shop and confectionery store inside and outside of the country! It is said that this man will bring happiness and prosperity to every shop he visits...! That man Alias comes from the fact that he keeps coming and ordering new items on the menu until he has conquered everything from the menu ――"Infinite Variety"!"

"As expected of Master...…!"

"!?"

TL notes:

Thanks for reading.

I knew it! Remember in 3rd arc when he said that in the past he bought cakes in a cafe shop but there was always no one in it but now there is always a long line to buy those cakes? Well it really was because of him that the store became popular! XD

He is famous for conquering all the sweets on the menu from around the world. How can you still say that you are a hidden sweet tooth.

We also learn where Cry's Alias come from! From the fact that he always order something new from the menu until he conquered everything XD (Of course that is only for the people in the food industry, for Hunters it is because he can handle everything)

Tchao à plus

Part 2

When I heard this information for the first time, I couldn't help but look twice at the manager's face.

I am sure that I was going around while hiding my true identity, but why was it so obvious... I also can't understand why I am treated as a lucky fairy. Isn't that not badass at all, no?

... To think I had such a reputation... I can't go outside anymore. If there was a hole somewhere, I would want to go in it. It isn't expected even for me. What does it mean that my Alias comes from conquering all the items on the menu.

"Your black eyes and hair, and the girl you took with you is the proof of that. I was looking forward to seeing you visit my shop, but I didn't expect that you would be coming at a time like this..."

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"... No problem. Master has already taken care of the group of Orcs. You can rest assured. ... The chocolate parfait was very delicious."

"Wait. I didn't do anything!?"

I butted in, when, for some reason, Tino and the manager's conversation was proceeding on its own.

Even if I let it slide that you are happy about my visit, it is not good to be happy about something I didn't do. It will become a problem of responsibility.

"It was other Hunters who were actually fighting the Orcs, not me. Don't forget about this. It was probably a coincidence... That the Orcs left their fort. Tino? I didn't do anything."

"Master said it is a coincidence, then it is a coincidence. I am sorry, Manager, please forget what I said earlier."

"I-I see... I understand. If that is what you want..."

For some reason, the Manager was nodding with an understanding face when Tino, with full confidence, took back her earlier statement.

§

"Welcome back! I have been waiting for you! Onee-chan said she would tail you, but I stopped her! "

"Haaaah!? Syt also said it too! Cry-chan, welcome back! What is this, souvenir!?"

It became lively really quickly.

As soon as I opened the front door, I was hugged by Liz who jumped at me and gave Sytry the box that the Manager gave us as a souvenir.

It seems that the contents was an assortment of Gula's specialties chocolates. If I am even given a souvenir, maybe I should accept the position of being a chocolate fairy.

Tino, who was walking next to me with a *nikoniko* a smile on her face, withdrew her smile and made a normal face.

I know Liz and the others for a long time, but Tino and Liz have been together for a few years now. It seems that she knows how to get along with her.

Liz said as she took my arm and *surisuri* rubbed her cheeks against me.

"I was so bored that I had even wondered if I should attack the fort or not. It seemed that there was a lot of damage, they must have gathered a lot of strength, right?"

"Aaah, it seems that the fort is empty now."

"Eh!? What do you mean?"

After leaving the cafe shop, I checked the state of the town with Tino, just in case.

I wouldn't be able to sleep soundly, if the Manager went through hell because of the fake news we told him.

In conclusion, the information about the Orcs abandoning the fort that Tino had heard from the Hunters passing by seemed to be true.

It seemed that the group of Orcs that left the fort was as if they were on a frenzy and went to the plains, without attacking Gula.

The reason was unknown, but it seems to have been Gula's lucky day. If there was an army of Orcs running rampant on the streets, it would have been a problem on the national scale, it would have needed to be dealt with as soon as possible.

The amount of money and workforce you need would be at another order of magnitude. Attacking the fort with a forest nearby is a pain in the ass, but on a plain you can use wide range magical attacks. The number of Hunters to gather would have to increase too.

If I have one concern to be concerned about, it would be the sudden change of the Orcs.

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It seemed that they were in a rush to the point that they were willing to trample each other. There were many Orcs corps lying on the ground at the place where the Orcs passed by. It was too unnatural for subhuman Monster species who possess intelligence to have lost it so much. And we, "Strange Grief", have always been suffering from such irregularities.

Is it going to be okay? I was a little worried, but all I could do was to be worried.

Sytry, who had been listening to the conversation with a *nikoniko* smile, *pon* hit her hand as if she had noticed something, but without saying anything, she turned to Tino.

She pointed at the potion on the table in the living room.

"Here, Ti-chan. I have prepared a Sleep Potion so you can have a good night's sleep."

You prepared a Sleep Potion to have a good night's sleep you say... As a Hunter, Sytry's potions are mainly aimed at dealing with Monsters and Phantoms. It's specially concocted to be effective against those Monsters and Phantoms as they are naturally resistant to drugs, so it is too dangerous for humans to ingest it.

Of course, I don't think that she would give such a potion to our Kouhai, but there is an easier solution.

"Aaah, no problem. She won't sleep on the sofa, but in the bed next to me."

"... What?"

Sytry froze with a *nikoniko* smile on her face and Tino became astonished.

Apparently the cause of her insomnia was her anxiety, and she showed such a nice smile during our date today. I am sure that (From Tino's point of view) she will be able to relax and sleep well with me, the strongest, next to her.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading. Extra thanks to Eric for his donation! I'll try to upload something on Sunday, wait for it!

Looks like the one who is going to sleep with Cry isn't going to be Sytry and her naughty underwear but the innocent Tino!

Will Tino be able to sleep next to the clueless Cry?! Will she attempt something? You will know in the next chapter!

l

Part 1

The sunlight coming through the curtains woke me up in an unusually refreshed mood.

I made a big stretch and got rid of my drowsiness. As a deep sleeper, it was rare for me to wake up so refreshed.

After all, a vacation was a good idea. The chocolate parfait was part of it, but I think that it was also good to go outside and move my body. Always sitting in the Clan Master room will inevitably lead to a lack of exercise.

Yesterday, I was so tired that at the moment I got into my bed, I was already sound asleep before I noticed it.

I used the water jug to pour water and drank it. And then, I noticed a pair of eyes staring at me.

"Huh!?"

"Good, morning, Master..."

"Tino!? G-Good morning... What's up with your eyes?"

I completely forgot about her. On the other bed, which was a meter away from mine, was my Kouhai holding her knees and staring at me.

Tino wearing a long, loose, gray pajama, that Sytry had prepared for her, was a refreshing sight. But what bothers me the most was ―― The fact that her pair of eyes, which were right above her knees, swelled up and had darker circles than yesterday.

She looked terrible, even though I went out of my way to persuade Liz and Sytry, who were worried for some reason, so she could sleep in the bed next to mine in order to have a good night's sleep.

"... You couldn't sleep?"

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"...….. I was a little nervous... And Master immediately fell asleep..."

Tears started to accumulate in Tino's eyes and she looked at me as if she was appealing something to me.

No, I was going to sleep. Of course, I was going to sleep. What else would you do other than sleeping in a bed? However... How many days has Tino been sleep deprived now?

Tino was fidgeting her small, little white toes which were slightly sticking out of her pajamas.

Due to her gesture, I finally understood.

"... Don't tell me, you thought ―― That... I will lay my hand on you?"

When I chose my words and asked her, Tino's face was slowly turning red and her slender shoulders started to tremble slightly. I seeee, you were wary about me.

Yesterday, we made a lot of fuss over that matter with Liz and Sytry. I had intended to eliminate their anxiety, but apparently it wasn't enough.

Even I have sexual desires, and sometimes I find Tino cute ―― But, I won't lay a hand on my Kouhai... In the first place, it was not uncommon for Hunters to sleep in the same place without regards to being male or female.

Isn't she a little too prude? In the first place, Sytry and Liz were next door, so if I did something, they would immediately rush in.

When I was a little shocked, Tino was looking at me with upturned eyes when her white cheeks, ears, neck, and skin turned even redder and then quickly hid her face. I think she reap what she sowed, but I think that Tino doesn't trust me way too much.

I had shown her my dimwit part many times, but I don't remember showing her that I was someone who desired that kind of relationship with a woman...

"Goood morninnnng, Cry-chan! See, nothing happened! It is because Cry-chan is *meromero* head over hill over me ―― Ahahahahahah, what is that face, Ti! So funnyyy!"

"Good morning, Cry-san. There wasn't any sound, but... I believed in you. Let's have breakfast. Ti-chan is ... She seems in a dangerous state, so I will give her some medicine later."

The two people who may have been the root of all the evil came in.

Liz *banban* slapped Tino's *furafura* wobbly back and Sytry pats her chest in relief.

Even though, if these Shisho?hadn't said anything strange to make Tino aware of me yesterday, she would have slept soundly without any problem... Now that it turned out like this, there was nothing that I could do. I hope she could at least get a wink of sleep inside the carriage...

§

What had happened overnight? Gula had completely changed from yesterday, and there was now a strangely lively mood.

There were many Hunters covered in mud and blood, and many knights fully equiped with armor walking around. However, you couldn't see any sign of tension in their expression.

Liz, who was walking next to me with a large baggage on her back said while being astonished. Apparently, she had overheard what they said while we were walking around like this.

"Eeeerh, it looks like the horde of Orcs had been destroyed. That's boring."

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"With only one day ―― The knights of this town sure are fast... If it was as effective as predicted, they should have been overexcited, but... I need to make note of this."

The subjugation of large swarms of Monsters are usually planned and carried out over multiple days.

Even though the troublesome condition of the Orcs being locked inside their fort was gone, it was still rare that everything was resolved after just a day. If it was going to be resolved anyway, it would have been nice if it had been resolved before we got here.

Liz, who had been *kyorokyoro* looking around, suddenly her eyes sparkled and grabbed my hand.

"Cry-chan, they are going to have a festival in three days to celebrate the end of the crisis! Let's go?"

That is... An appealing suggestion.

I like festivals. I also like auctions. I like to participate, but I also like to just watch. I enjoy the festive mood.

However, to extend our stay to three more days is... Well. Luke and the others aren't with us and I had already eaten the chocolate parfait.

My hesitation was only for a moment. I had been to many festivals already, and it was also a problem to stay for a long period of time under a false identity. And most importantly, there were people in this town who can guess who I am even if they are ordinary citizens.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

It isn't a PG-18 novel, so of course nothing happened… But even Tino was expecting something XD

Looks like Cry can be classified as a dense protagonist.

In case you are wondering how Tino eyes could be right above her knees, she was probably lying down while holding her leg because Cry hurt her pride as a woman!

Tchao à plus!

Danmachi Episode 12 Review Corner:

Click for spoilers

Final episode to conclude season 3 and Xenos arc, it was good. Asterios was epic from his arrival to the end. His animation during the fight was awesome!

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Let's start from the beginning

Asterios meeting Ottar made me laugh because Asterios was ignoring him and just kept going XD

In the novel he does want to fight him even though he knew he would be killed even if he was in his perfect form (Nani Cell!?) . Asterios also didn't run like a madbull when Ottar showed where his destiny (rival) was, but that's okay.

Bell VS Gros. There were not many things to comment on, it was good and the Bell's flashback was good. Especially starting with that twilight wheat field, oh man how it made me remember the what IF story I translated in reddit, oh man I dream that it had showed Alfia and not Grandpa Zeus XD

And Hermes, his face looked so much like Apollo XD. Hermes wanted to control Bell, but Bell was like not today. I will be my own person and follow my conviction even if it killed me! Ah in your face! Hermes Hero 101 isn't to be adored and admired by the people. This is just the byproduct of people seeing a Hero rise and stand up against absolute despair. When everyone gives up, when darkness is swallowing you, one man standing and facing the darkness is what makes people admire Heroes. And you see that really well in the novel when Bell is facing Asterios. But I will go into details later.

And then, and then Asterios showed up from the air! Wow you can feel that shit was going down. When he rushed at Bell, the graphic!!!!! It was so good you can feel Asterios strike on Bell. His rival was in front of him, how could he not rush! And those during the whole fight each time Bell is sent flying to the building like this it reminds me of Injustice God Among Us game and its stage transition XD.

When Asterios started talking I thought he was just talking in his mind and that's the problem when you don't make Xenos move their mouth when they talk, you don't know if they are talking or thinking.

The whole fight was epic but I have 2 problems with it.

1 is that during the whole fight we got cut to see Hestia or Hermes or Freya talking making the immersion in the fight really hard. It's like woooow Bell gets him but then you switched to Hermes and him being shocked (even if I did like seeing him being so angry because he failed so hard). It was the same in the novel, but I don't know, the battle was longer and I could slow my reading speed so that's why I was more immersed in the fight.

2 is that it couldn't really convey that it was a fucking battle to the death between them, that they used all their strength and beyond to face off against each others. The fact that Asterios was at its death door and Bell used everything he could to evade all of Asterios blows as it could one shot him and attacked Asterios right side because he didn't have an arm there. They didn't show other adventurers trying to help Bell but couldn't because they were too afraid of his Howl, but not Bell as he already overcame that.

They also didn't portray Asterios as the absolute despair and death that the crowd around thought he was. When Bell was sent flying at one point, you had the point of view of a children, there were only normal citizens facing Asterios and when they saw him, they could only resign to their death, nothing can stop him, but that's when Bell rushed out of the rubbles and went fighting against this symbol of death. Seeing Bell going on an adventure was the turning point.

That's when despair turned into hope. Hope for a small adventure to face off against the absolute despair that could kill all, that's why people started to cheer for Bell (Also how could they skipped Lefiya cheering for Bell and only animate Mord!! XD).

That's why I loved that fight, the meaning it had. Despair tuning into Hope, and the renewal of Bell determination to get stronger, it wasn't Lido telling him to not hesitate to kill monsters as he was still hesitating to kill monsters, the trigger was Wiene's death, he sweared to never let it happened ever again, but what made him run again was this fight. The death fight between two warriors who had acknowledged each other. It's true that it is hard to animate this but we can dream no?

So yeah the immersion was cut and the meaning of the fight was left out , too bad, but it isn't like the fight was bad, it was even good. I watched a video where there was only the fight and it was epic!

So for the fight in itself it is pretty good, just 3 minor things I would have changed.

1 is Ottar, a great sword landing point. In the anime they made it land behind Asterios, I wanted it to land right in the middle of Bell and Asterios and Bell rushing and attacking without stopping.

2 is Bell kicking Asterios closed to the end, it came out of nowhere, I wanted to see Bell doing a horizontal flip and kicking him. But maybe they did it like that to show that even Asterios (and us couldn't) see that kick.

3 is during the equipment break (which was awesome), was that they didn't splashed blood on Bell!! They did it at every Minotaur Vs encounter so why not now!!

But the final attack was epic! Argonaut VS Minotaur rush. And damn bell lost but it was so beautiful. Bell being sent flying showed how strong that rush was. And when he punched Bell as he fell, just wow, even the rubbles flying was epic. This "stage transition" was so good! Bell hitting the bottom was another, wow!

Danmachi Memoria Freese backstory for Asterios desire/dream was good and they even put the promise between Argonaut and the minotaur 1000 year ago!

Too bad they didn't animate Eina going to Bell when he was crying his MANLY tears! Those tears showed his renewed resolve to get stronger, to not lose the next time he is facing this worthy rival, that made him start running and we can see it at the end when he meets Aiz at the city wall. (And I am in the same opinion as most people, Hermes deserved more than just a kick from Hestia! Some people would think of this as a reward!)

Aaaah man what a nice ride it was! Season 3 was really good, but I have to say my favorite episode is still episode 8. That Wiene resurrection was perfect, it even topped the novel. As I didn't really expect anything on her resurrection, episode 8 left me speechless. Then it will be followed by episode 12 and 7. They really should have made 13 episodes for this season! Bell VS Asterios deserved a whole episode!

And looks like there will be an OVA in April, but it's going to be a fan service one… But well as it is over I will patiently wait for it and the future season 4 announcement! Fingers cross!

Part 2

I pretended to think over it carefully and said.

"No, I have already achieved my goal here. Let's go."

"Roger that. Well, we can see as many end-of-a-flag-raised festivals as we want with Cry-chan. As all you needed to do is to resolve the problem."

What troubled me disappeared and I walked through the lively streets. I saw the cafe shop I went to yesterday, but unlike yesterday there was a line in front of it.

Yesterday's quiet and serene streets were nice, but now that the town came back to life, it feels many times more attractive. Even if there was a long line of people waiting in front of the cafe shop I wanted to go ―― Waiting in line is a surprisingly fun thing to do.

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There was a sweet scent drifting here and there ―― This is a nice town. I will definitely come back to this place again. Of course, when the flags aren't raised.

The flags that were fluttering, yesterday, on top of the gate was gone.

As I was going through the formalities to leave the town at the towngate, I suddenly heard a lot of cheers next to us, it was from the large entrance where many people could enter.

The soldier who was doing the procedure for us to leave the town, squinted his eyes and explained to me.

"It is the triumphal return of the Hero. They are the main actor who subjugated the horde of Orcs. It seemed there happened to be a High-Level Hunter in the direction of the horde's outburst, and when they met with it, they subdued the majority of it. Moreover, with only eight people!"

"This is... Pretty amazing."

"Right! Right! I heard that their opponent wasn't only a bunch of frenzied Orcs but also for some unknown reason, various other Monsters that had gathered there. It really was quite an impressive feat. Indubitably they are 『Heroes』.

So there were some strong Hunters. There is no doubt that they are quite capable as they exterminated a horde of Orcs but more than that ―― They sure were unlucky.

What kind of karma do they have for hordes of Monsters to head for the same direction as where they were? Aren't they just like me?

At the same time as I was being impressed by what they did, I feel a strong sense of pity ―― I empathize. The Monsters' outburst wasn't my fault, so sadly I can't express a stronger emotion than sympathy for them.

Sytry-chan tugged my arm and came so close that our lips were almost touching and whispered.

"Was it, all according to the plan?"

"Eh? No, weeell... Uuun... I wonder?"

What is the plan that you are talking about... This vacation is, needlessly to say, an unplanned trip.

When I was inwardly tilting my head at the profound words Sytry said, at that very moment, for a brief moment, the crowd that surrounded the Heroes splitted out.

I unconsciously opened my eyes widely and did a double take.

It must have been a fierce battle. The heroes were in tatters. Their armors were full of scratches and their bodies were covered in blood stains, making it undistinguishable to know if it were theirs or the Monsters' blood. I heard that they were eight, but maybe because some were injured, there were only five people there. The five of them looked so exhausted that they were about to collapse, even now some of them were borrowing someone else's shoulder to stand. However, their expression showed an emotion typical to those who have done their very best.

To the general citizen, their figures were the very same image as heroes. However, what surprised me more was that ―― I was acquainted with those Hunters.

Certainly, from a standpoint, I have many High-Level acquaintance, so it wasn't surprising that I knew them but ―― The one who even now looked like he was about to collapse and stood at the front of the group was Arnold, the leader of "Lightning Dragon's Mist (Fallen Mist)".

His appearance was already intimidating at first, but now that he is bloodied and battered, there is no doubt that he looks like a Hero with a lot of achievement on his belt.

Yes, it was Arnold. It was the Arnold that I had gotten myself into trouble with in the Imperial Capital.

... I don't know why he was here, but what a coincidence.

As if she understood something, Liz snapped her fingers.

"Aaaah, that's what it was. When I thought that it was unusual that we didn't need to fight, that explains everything――"

"... Let's quickly go . It is going to be a hassle if they spot us. I want to renew our old friendship, but it looks like they are in a troubling situation."

"Yeees!"

While having cold sweat, I wait for the procedure to be completed. At that moment, in the midst of being surrounded by the crowds, I have the feeling that I saw Arnold's hazy eyes turning toward me.

Arnold's exhausted expression momentarily changed to one of dismay, and his mouth started to quiver. I turned away in a hurry.

Did he see me? He didn't see me, right? ... After all, did he see me? I am too scared to look behind me and confirm which it was.

Fortunately, the procedure just finished and we went through the gate. They seemed to be pretty tired, so I doubt that they would take their time and be concerned with us.

When I was feeling relieved, Liz-chan, who was walking next to me, decided to lightly turn around.

While throwing a goodbye kiss, she turned toward the gate and yelled in a bright voice.

"Okkkk! Good job on your fighttt! Looks like you are just so-so alive, looks like you did your best! Weeell, it was only just a bunch of Orcs, but didn't you do pretty well for some country bumpkin? I'm sorry, but we are too busy to keep you company. See yaaaa!"

"!? He-Hey, Liz. Don't stir them up... Sytry, let's quickly get out of here."

A few seconds later, a beast roar-like voice came out from behind the gate. I hurriedly ran to our carriage that was waiting for us outside the town.

Part 1

"... Looks like we lost them... Sir. There are no signs of pursuer beyond the horizon. Weeell, we have been driving along the road, so there is a possibility that they would catch up with us later, is what I would think, sir..."

I can hear a quiet report from the top of the carriage where the lookout was.

Maybe because he wasn't used to talking in a polite manner, his speech looked pretty awkward but regardless, I finally breathed a sigh of relief when I heard his report.

Next to me, Liz crossed her legs and laughed happily and hilariously.

"Kusukusukusu, did you see that? Cry-chan. He was so angry that his face was bright red. It feels like he should know his place despite only being a Level 7 in the countryside!"

Please spare me from that. You can sell a fight all you want, but for some reason all the responsibility falls onto me.

The opponent is Level 7, you know. Level 7! It's above Liz's Level, Level 7! With my actual ability being below Level 1 (Although there are no Level 0 in Hunter's Level) no matter how I struggle, he isn't someone I can fight against.

"Don't stir him up. It would be one thing if I was the one at fault for making them fight against the horde of Orcs, but it wasn't my fault."

"Right, it is all thanks to Cry-san assist!"

"..."

While Sytry was *nikoniko* smiling, she made an absurd follow up.

It wasn't my fault nor thanks to me. Their bad luck is their own responsibility. Just like my bad luck ―― I am the sole responsible for it.

I don't have any allies here. The only one who was on my side was the sleep-deprived and nearly collapsing Tino.

While opening a chocolate box of souvenirs that we got in Gula, I asked to check with Sytry.

"Do you think they will pursue us?"

.

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"They will surely pursue us. If they don't, then they would be missing something fundamental as a Hunter."

Riiiight. A good Hunter is like a good hound. Once they find a target, they will forever chase after it, and even if they lose sight of it, they will never give up.

I have been marked by some really nasty guys. I wonder what kind of compromise Ahrun has made with them...

If it was poorly handled ―― For example, even if Liz, Sytry and the others do their best and beat them up, there is even a possibility that they won't give up chasing us.

If we are already up to that point, killing them will be the quickest solution, but only that solution I will not use it, absolutely not use it. It isn't because it will end your career as a Hunter but because it will be the end of you as a human being.

For some reason, despite understanding the whole situation, there was no sign of Sytry's smile breaking down. I give up thinking about it and she says in a gentle voice that makes you feel at ease.

"Well, the other side is exhausted too. I don't think there are a lot of chances that they will be chasing us anytime soon."

I see... Indeed, as a Hunter, you always need to be fully prepared to act at any time.

It seemed that his companions were also wounded, so I doubt that he would take on Liz in such a state.

And what's more ―― Arnold and his companions shouldn't know where we were headed. The only people who I have disclosed what appeared to be our destination are the members here, and I am also hiding my identity with a fake (Real) identity card.

Since I am using a carriage, there are wheel tracks, but we are on a highway. There are a multitude of wheel tracks on it. We can consider that the chances of him successfully tracking us are slim to none.

Liz stretched her legs and *batabata* moved her lips in a flapping manner.

"It's so booooring. I want to play taggggg."

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That demon is a real demon?you know... The Arnold at that time wanted to crush my head like an apple. No doubt about it.

Tino was *yurayura* bobbing her head left and right, she looked at me with swollen eyes. She was already at her limit.

I've made up my mind.

Even in a one in a million chance, they shouldn't be able to catch up to us, but just in case, let's be careful. I opened the map while a sweet taste of chocolate spread across my mouth because I chewed on it.

At first, I had planned to take the safe road by stopping through several towns to go to the [Castle of a Myriad Demons]. As I wasn't in a hurry, my first and top most priority was my safety.

However, if there was someone chasing after me ―― The plan has to be changed. Even though it would be difficult to track us, if we take the main road like some upfront idiot, then they may catch up to us.

Let's get off the road and take a shortcut. The farther you leave the main road, the more likely you are to encounter Monsters, but we have Liz, Sytry and the three bodyguards that Sytry hired. You can say that our safety is somewhat guaranteed.

This would still be better than being chased by an angry Level 7 Hunter.

Part 2

"... Damn, I should have bought Ark with me...? That Ikemen?, he always isn't here when you need him. Does he, by any chance, hate me?"

For what reason are you the strongest in the Imperial Capital. I am sure that if I tell him this, he will, for sure, make a wry smile. Liz, who called herself Ark's rival, puffed out her cheeks *puku*. With her cheeks bloated like that, she looked more childish than usual.

"Whaaat? Don't tell me you are dissatisfied with me, Cry-chan? Tell me if you are. It's fine as I love you, Cry-chan."

"No, not particularly... Un, it's enough. Liz is strong enough. Yosh, I think it is time to change our route. Let's stop following the highway!"

Liz's glint in her eyes changed and she leaned over me with a full smile on her face.

Well, Arnold. Should I show you my, Level 8 (Maybe) escape skills!

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§　§　§

Are yah freaking serious...

For a moment, the man who was seated on the coachman's seat and had the code-name Black, didn't understand what kind of instructions he had been given to.

Until now, the journey had been boring yet peaceful. No especially powerful Monsters appeared, and except for the storm on the first day, the weather was pretty good.

Being on the leash, I was forced to always sit on the coachman's seat but compared to being forced to wear that collar, their treatment was way too lenient.

The highway is flat and the Monsters are thinned out, so it's basically safe here. However, once you step out of it, the level of danger increases by an order of magnitude.

"Bu-but, there are powerful Monsters in the Garest Mountains ―― It is too dangerous to go there with such a small group."

"So what?"

The girl opened the small windows and laughed as she showed her face. Her clean and untarnished white skin and well-groomed appearance was so beautiful that, depending on the situation, she would have been preyed upon by Black and the others, but to Black and White, who was sitting next to him, they could only see a devil through her smile.

The Garest Mountains are a mountain range in the north of the Empire. Although the terrain is not that steep, it is known to be the home to a wide variety of Monsters, as a forest cover all over the foot of the mountains.

However, the biggest problem is the wide range of strength of the Monsters residing in that area ―― Among them, there are even some that even the most skilled Hunters can't fight against without forming a group to fight it.

"There's a path there, and the level of difficulty of the Garest Mountains isn't a big deal compared to the Treasure Shrines we went through. If we eliminate the Monsters, it will become a shortcut. ... We even passed through there last time."

"A short... Cut?"

Impossible. I opened the map I had and stared at it.

Certainly, it will become a shortcut. Assuming that the destination is the other side of the mountains, if you leave the road and go through the mountain range and the forest at its base, you will save a day or two of time rather than bypassing the Garest Mountains.

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However, even if we gained some time, it is only one day or two. There are old roads in the forest, but travelers will not choose the route to go through Garest Mountains as their first option. Even Hunters who have the ability to traverse it avoid it. Because it is too pointless and too dangerous.

Although Black and the other two are Fallen Hunters, they do have some fighting ability. It wasn't impossible to go through the Garest Mountains, but it was dangerous to the extent that they would normally never choose this route.

No matter how much it was used to escape from Hunters, it is a measure too extreme.

"The-the destination is... Where is the final destination we are going to?"

To begin with, Black and his companions don't know their destination. They were just instructed to go straight down the road and were occasionally told the name of the town they were going to.

Sytry Smart gave a deep smile to Black when he was aghast, but still wanted to confirm their destination.

"Do you need to know? Please proceed. This is, Cry-san's decision."

Part 1

"Well, it might have been unlucky for Arnold-dono, but ―― We can say that it was the greatest luck for this town. Who would have thought that a certified Level 7 Hunter would come here by chance..."

"..."

Without revealing his true feelings, Arnold nodded with a composed face at the fat mayor who was speaking with a cheerful expression.

Inside the guest room of the city hall of the town of Gula, Arnold and his Party were welcomed as the Hunters who had saved the town.

The expressions on the mayor's face and his subordinates around him were all uniformly cheerful.

The mayor gave Arnold unreserved praises as they sat on a luxurious-looking sofa.

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"And to think that only eight men could overwhelm those horrible hordes of Orcs ―― As expected of a Level 7! I heard that you recently came from another country, but you are indeed the bringer of hope for this city!"

"Mayor, what showed up wasn't only just a bunch of Orcs."

"Ah, right ――"

The bloodied clothes they had at the time when they got into the town and after surviving the fierce battle, had already been changed into clean ones, and their wounds had already been healed with the potions.

However, there was a seething anger hidden deep inside Arnold, an anger that has not been released yet. The Mayor was unaware of it, but Arnold's companions were aware of the flame hidden behind Arnold's eyes that was more than likely to explode at any moment as he was less than talkative.

He didn't lash out at the Mayor, who was speaking without knowing what was going on, because he fully knew that there was nothing to gain to lash out at the people of authority in this town.

First-Class Hunters excel in all kinds of abilities. That includes being patient.

But even so, when he thought back to the incident at the gates ―― When he recalled the actions of "Absolute Shadow" that she made to taunt him, Arnold's intestines seemed to be boiling.

If he wasn't careful, he would be tempted to throw everything out of the windows and go pursuing them. What was holding him back was indeed due to the fact that his companions were injured and lacked preparation but also because their opponents were one of the most troublesome prey.

First-Class Hunters never forget about the difference in strength between their opponents.

The Mayor opened his eyes and said while quivering as if he was in front of a raging hero.

"I have been told that ―― A 『Fire Spirit』 has appeared."

Right. Arnold narrowed his eyes.

Descending from the heavens, a living flame that shines like a second sun.

After all, what appeared before Arnold and his companions when they were fighting a mortal combat against the horde of Orcs and others rampaging Monsters, was none other than a being of the same rank as the Spirit they fought in Elan just two day ago.

If this was just a coincidence, then that was probably Arnold's worst luck in his whole life.

The fact that Arnold and his companions survived without heavy casualties was no doubt the whims of Lady Luck.

The shining bright Spirit of fire burned the horde of Orcs, the horde of Monsters and Arnold and his companions like it was a joke and then flew away.

The power of a serious attack from a High-Rank Spirit exceeds the power of a magical attack of a First-Class Mage. Arnold and some of the Monsters horde was left unburned because the Spirit was just jesting when it attacked.

Still, the whole area, including the highway, was burned to the ground. Now, if anyone walks the road going to the town of Gula, they will marvel at a disaster ―― They will witness a large number of Monsters' corpses that were burnt until cinders.

Perhaps because he remembered the battle, Hay, who was standing next to him, complained with a grimace.

"... G'dammit. We don't know much about this region, but... Does 『Spirit (Elemental)』 live in the region around here? Even for us, this is the first time that we have ever clashed with a Spirit twice in such a short period of time."

"N-no, no no, that shouldn't be the case ―― Even here, in Zebrudia, Spirits are only found in the wilderness where man's hand hasn't touched upon. Or, only if they are called by a First-Class Mage, but I don't remember one of them coming to a town like this ――"

"I know. I know, if such spirits come out all the time, we will be out of business. Right, Arnold-san?"

At Hay's words, Arnold nodded gravely. But Arnold's attention was long away from the Mayor.

The Spirits and the powerful Orc King are all gone. It was a deadly battle, but the one who came out on top, the one who survived was "Lightning Dragon's Mist (Fallen Mist)". There is no point in thinking about it as it is over.

But, apart from that ―― He can't allow the action of "Infinite Variety" to underestimate them like this.

Considering what has happened so far, it was obvious that "Infinite Variety" is mocking Arnold and his companion by pitching them against the Monsters.

Although it was unclear what he intended to do or how he detected the incident first, it was clearly a violation of the Treasure Hunter's code. No, even if it wasn't ―― If Arnold remained silent like this, the name of "Heavy Lightning Strike" will fall.

Teeth creak because too much force was used on it. The Mayor said with a hateful big smile.

"At any rate, it is certain that the horde of Orcs that was threatening the city of Gula is now gone. The damage to the Knight Order and Hunters we have called in has been minimal. Although it is trivial, we will thoroughly welcome you in the town. Of course, the reward is also ――"

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"... No... We will head out soon."

"!?"

At Arnold's words, the eyes of the Mayor, the other citizens in the room, and the Members behind him, were wide opened.

Let alone small towns or villages, it is not that othen that a town as large as Gula gives a whole reception for someone. It also led to great honor for a Hunter.

It was sure that Arnold would have accepted the offer in normal times, but with the taunt from "Absolute Shadow", he wouldn't be able to relax even with all that hospitality.

Given "Absolute Shadow" attitude, "Infinite Variety" shouldn't expect to be pursued by Arnold and his companions. Even if they were aware of it, they are not on guard.

And people called this being careless. Arnold must make him regret his affront against him and the "Lightning Dragon's Mist (Fallen Mist)".

But however, even if they didn't remove any trace behind them, the tracking will become more and more difficult as time goes on.

With one more push at the bewildered Mayor, Arnold says.

"I'm sorry... But I have things I must do. I can't stay for too long."

Part 2

While the Mayor was surprised, he managed to not show his anger by opening his eyes and looked at Arnold.

"I-I understand... A Level 7 Hunter doesn't have time to rest. By any chance, are you in the middle of a request?"

"A... Arnold-san, it isn't safe to keep pursuing them with the current status of our Party. Three of us almost died, they will need, at least, a day or two to rest their body ―― We are also out of supplies and our equipment is in tatters. Even the members who are safe can't get rid of their fatigue so easily."

Reported Hay in a hushed voice.

An horde of Orcs and a Fire Spirit ―― The Fire Spirit had caused extensive damage to Arnold and his Party, who was still exhausted from their battle in the town of Elan.

The carriage they purchased when they came to the Imperial Capital was half destroyed and the horse that was pulling it was already dead. Their armors were also in tatters, it was already difficult to simply travel, let alone fight strong enemies.

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Perhaps because he misunderstands the purpose of Arnold and his companions, the Mayor says with a serious look on his face.

"We will do our best to help you out too. If you need anything, we will make arrangements for it."

He was now pondering.

He was grateful for the mayor's proposition but aside from replenishing the supplies, repairing armors is a pain. The carriage they just bought in the Imperial Capital was a complete wreck, and the horse that was used as a decoy in their fight is also dead, so they need to buy a new one.

Complete maintenance would be difficult and time-consuming in a town of this size. The deception we used in the town of Elan won't work here.

Arnold was silent for a while, strongly clicked his tongue and then looked back at his companions. His bitter expression made his companions take a step back.

"... Damn. Three days ―― No, do it in two days. Hay, make the arrangements. Gather more supplies. Prepare a larger carriage ―― And buy a horse with a higher rank. Next time... We will finish this."

"O-Oh!"

"No matter where you run, I will definitely hunt you down and make you pay for what you have done so far."

"Infinite Variety", who despite meeting eye-to-eye with me, turned his back to me as if he wasn't interested.

And "Absolute Shadow", who uttered insults at Arnold and his companions when they were exhausted in the middle of a public.

After two fierce battles, Arnold Hale's will to fight remains undiminished.

§　§　§

『Master is God. Master doesn't overlook the weak and those in trouble. That's why, if you follow places where there is trouble, you will find Master. Do you understand?』

I have no idea what you are talking about. Said Ruda, at that time when she heard the words of her 『Friends』, who had spoken in a matter-of-fact manner, but with an extraordinary passion.

But now, Ruda somehow understands what she meant.

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"Lightning... Spirit...? What the hell is going on?"

"The cause is currently under investigation. But, that person left about two days ago."

A young soldier, who was in charge of the town gate, looked at Ruda with a mysterious expression.

It's the real thing. A real troublemaker. And according to the story, a nasty guy who passed it off to other people.

When I heard of the 『Infinite Trials』 I was surprised, but it was something terrible. When I first met him at "Footsteps of the Beginning (First Step)" recruitment hall, I was surprised at his unlikely appearance, but if it was intentional ―― Even if the purpose was to train ―― Cry Andrich must be a demon in human skin.

"Right... Have you heard about their destination?"

"It wasn't registered... Well, it isn't uncommon for Hunter to not register it."

Did we miss each other... Moreover their destination is unknown. It would have been easy if I could catch him at the first town, but it's not going to happen, is it?

Ruda received a request from the Branch Manager just as she was examining the request board.

The reason I was given the letter was because I had the minimum level of competence and trust, and I knew Cry's face ―― And finally, because I had a small amount of experience adventuring with Cry.

At first, I wondered why me, but the reward of just delivering a letter was so extraordinary that I couldn't believe it, and there was no reason to not take it.

Originally, letter delivery is a request that is occasionally issued from time to time. As it requires a certain amount of trust in the Hunter who receives it as a prerequisite, Ruda had never received one, but if it is a request you receive when you are traveling, it is an incredibly beneficial request when you think about it.

Still, it would be difficult if you also need to look for the receiver, but this time, I know where they are going. It was Count Gladys' territory. After that, all we need to do now is to contact the department that controls the town's comings and goings, and follow their footsteps.

It was supposed to be a simple request. However, arriving at the first town, and this was already doubtful.

Normally, a Spirit, something that seldom appears in human settlement, had attacked the town. Even if it was already over, it isn't a very pleasant story to hear.

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I have a bad feeling about this.

While I was frowning and seriously thinking about whether this was an alarm bell ringing because of my intuition as a Thief or it was just an illusion, a voice called out from behind me.

"... What, we just missed each other. Where did he go?"

"... I don't know."

With a slightly higher tone, I sigh deeply.

This time, Ruda wasn't the only one who received the request. Coincidentally, a Party that happened to be looking at the request board at the same time as me also received the request.

It wasn't uncommon for a solo to have a temporary Party, but when that member is the same one as the one who was with you the last time you had the terrible experience at the [White Wolf Den], it was understandable to feel a little pressured.

Without looking particularly offended, Gilbert Bush stepped in front of Ruda and asked the young soldier in a loud voice.

"I see... Then ―― Hey, do you know if there are any towns nearby with some trouble lately? A place where a Level 8 Hunter would stop by."

"Wait a sec, don't act on your own."

"Didn't Tino say so? I don't have the ability to track them. Because our Party specialized in capturing Shrines!"

Even though I told them that I was enough by myself, why did they have to come with me?

Seeing Gilbert's Party Members approaching apologetically, Ruda sighed deeply.