AIjh

⑥

Part 1

Sent off by the mayor and the townspeople, they left Gula.

Members who were seriously injured from the previous battle were on the carriage with the coachman while Arnold and three other people walked outside while protecting their surroundings.

The new carriage they prepared was custom-made, a size larger than the one Arnold and his companions had been using so far, there was enough space for someone as large as Arnold to get on without any problem. The horses were also well-trained and were of a higher species than the previous ones they had bought and had been using to pull their carriage since they moved out from their previous base.

The cocky-looking Hunter boy ―― Gilbert impressingly said.

"Gee', when you become Level 7, you really can use some fancy carriage."

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Hunters don't use very fancy carriages. The more expensive the carriage is, the more comfortable it was, but as there are many chances to break it, replacing it with a new one, will be more costly. For Hunters who spend a lot of money on potions and weapons, the carriage price was a serious headache.

Behind Arnold's carriage, there was a smaller, more modest carriage. It was the carriage of Gilbert and his companions that Hay had brought with him.

Looking back at the young Hunters who was guarding the carriage nervously, Arnold frowned.

He heard what happened. Arnold understood why Hay brought Gilbert and his companions with him. It was for insurance.

He was thinking about the Party, so Arnold wasn't going to complain. However, the fact that he had to prepare for an insurance irritated Arnold.

After two full days of rest, the injured members had recovered to a certain extent and their fatigue had subsided to a certain degree, but Arnold's mood hasn't calmed down. When he closed his eyes, he could see the mockery "Absolute Shadow" thrown at him when they parted.

"By the way, Ossan, is it true that you've killed a Dragon before? How dangerous is a Dragon?"

"Stop, Gilbert! I am sorry, he didn't mean to offend you..."

Compared to her, Gilbert's words are way gentler. Arnold has seen many young one who were energetic and fearless.

Arnold snorted as he watched his companions rush from the side to stop him.

Unless Arnold was being ridiculed, he wasn't as bored as to be intimidated by a few rough words.

Hay with a smile on his face, immediately stepped in.

"Aaah. Even a simple Dragon is quite a formidable foe, but ―― The Dragon we fought wasn't just any Dragon. Nebranubes' Lightning Dragon was a big game, it had defeated an army of thousand men. The horde of Orcs we fought this time was also quite large and the horde's Leader was a strong enemy, but it was nothing compared to that Lightning Dragon."

"I see... Dragons are different after all. Dragon Slayer... I'll definitely be one someday. I swear on this sword!"

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Gilbert confidently drew his sword from his waist and declared so, even Hay's expression showed that he was taken aback.

"You can't defeat a Dragon with just a sword. It would still be possible if you were fighting against a Land Dragon as it doesn't fly in the sky but... If you don't drag it to the ground first, it wouldn't even be a battle."

"Is that so... No, but if my sword can't reach it, I can just jump to where it is, right?"

"Well, you might be able to reach it if you jump, but... How are you going to avoid its breath in the air..."

Lightning Dragon subjugation. It was both the source of confidence and pride for "Fallen Mist".

Dragon's Roar. A bright light gushing out and an angry roar. He can still remember the scene as if it were yesterday, the moment when his body was shaking from excitement when the Dragon finally fell to the ground.

No matter how many powerful enemies appear, Arnold, who slayed a Dragon that could destroy a country, won't retreat.

Perhaps because he was too astonished by his ignorance, Hay changed the subject.

"By the way, we are new to this country, so we don't know much about them, but what kind of Party is "Strange Grief (The Lamenting Ghost)"? If you know something about them, can you tell us about it...?"

He had asked around in order to look up information about them, but he came up with too little useful information. In particular, there was next to no information on "Infinite Variety", despite putting so much effort in investigating him.

There is no doubt that he is a powerful enemy from the fact that he is a Level 8, but Hunters from the Imperial Capital may know more about him.

At Hay's words, for some reason, Gilbert puffed out his chest proudly and said. His friends dropped their shoulders as if they were exasperated.

"I see. I've looked up on all the information on all the powerful ones. Because my goal is to surpass them one day. ... Weeell, I haven't been able to find any detailed information about them and the only ones I've met are "Infinite Variety" and "Absolute Shadow", but ――"

Gilbert began to talk happily, but there was nothing new in what he said.

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The information wasn't much different from what Hay had researched when he was unfamiliar and had just arrived in the Imperial Capital.

A Swordsman and a Paladin. A Mage, an Alchemist, and two Thieves. And finally ―― There's "Infinite Variety" whose combat techniques and everything else are unknown.

Only the presence of an Alchemist was unusual, but there isn't anything particularly new on their Party composition. In other words, it is a group without a gap.

All the information pointed to a disadvantage for Arnold and his companions.

Their Party doesn't seem to have a good reputation, but they had a solid track record.

At the moment, most of their Members seem to be absent, but he will eventually engage with them.

"―― I'm a swordsman, so my goal is "Thousand Swords" Luke. Even in Zebrudia, he is a famed genius swordsman ―― He traveled all over Zebrudia and mastered all swordsmanship style, but he still couldn't find one he liked so he eventually made his own style."

"... A self-taught sword style, hm."

⑥

Part 2

Arnold is also a swordsman. However, if we are only talking about technique, his skill with the sword is 『So-so』.

For Hunters, who are required to have all kinds of skills, swordsmanship is only one element of their strength.

In the first place, swordsmanship fights are basically designed to fight against other swordsmen, but Hunters are dealing against Monsters and Phantoms. If he learns too much, there is the possibility that he will make a decision mistake in the fight when push comes to shove.

A genius swordsman. Normally, it would be words that would be laughed off, but it's a different story if it was a Hunter with an Alias. Of course, he would be a skilled swordsman, but his overall strength should also be quite high.

With the information on a strong enemy, a smile naturally forms on his face. Before talking about retaliation or things like that, when a Hunter learns about a strong enemy, it is normal to have an impulse to want to cross swords with him.

After a few hours of going down the road, Arnold stopped the carriage in the middle of a sparsely wooded plain.

Gilbert's carriage, which was following behind him, stopped as well.

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The reason why Arnold stopped his carriage was because of traces left on the ground.

A wheel track was formed on the uneven path.

"? Um... Is something wrong?"

"The road... It's splitting off. Hay."

"... There is no doubt. It hasn't been that long... A day or so?"

With a serious look on his face, Hay looked in the direction where the wheel track continued.

If they wanted to go to the next town, they should just follow the road. Arnold too was planning to do that, and if you think rationally, you would take the safe road.

That is why wheel tracks going off the road stand out more. The wheel track made from crushing the soft grass was almost imperceptible, but Arnold and the others weren't so naive as to let that fool them.

The wheel tracks continued in the direction where many monsters were said to live there, the Garest Mountains.

"Nine out of ten it was them. I heard that Monsters could appear over there, I don't think a mere traveler would make the logical choice to go there."

Crossing the mountains is only a viable option if you are quite confident in your abilities. When there are Monsters, it is possible that there are mountain bandits. Even the most pigheaded merchant wouldn't choose that path.

It was too much to be just a coincidence. Considering the timing of "Infinite Variety" leaving the town, it was obvious that these wheel tracks were made by them.

"Are they planning on crossing the mountain? Were they in such a hurry...? No ――"

If their destination was Gladys' territory, crossing the mountains wouldn't be that much of a shortcut. If you take into account the amount of time to fight Monsters, it is an option you wouldn't want to take unless you are very confident in your fighting abilities.

Moreover, it was obvious that those wheel tracks were left by ―― "Infinite Variety".

Even if they didn't do it on purpose, if they thought Arnold and his companions would overlook a track like this, then they would be really idiots.

And considering "Absolute Shadow's" provocation when they left, there was only one conclusion possible.

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Arnold strongly clenched his teeth and stared at the end of the wheel tracks.

"So you are inviting me to come and see what I am made of... "Infinite Variety"!"

"... What do we do?"

"... Oi, Gilbert. I'll ask you one thing, is that man ―― Afraid of hordes of Monsters?"

When Arnold squeezed out his voice, Gilbert tilted his head with a thoughtful expression for a moment, but then immediately said in a loud voice.

.

"He isn't afraid. There is no way a man with a Level 8 would be afraid when he didn't even pull out his weapon when facing a Phantom! Are you afraid, Ossan?"

"!?"

Ruda tried to stop him, but it was too late. In the first place, without even the need to ask Gilbert, Arnold's choice was already made.

"... Let's go. To the mountains."

§

The old road that had been made in the Garest Mountains was just barely large enough for their new carriage to pass through.

The trees were so dense that it narrowed their view on both sides, and they could also occasionally hear the cries of Monsters coming from somewhere.

But above all, what bothered Arnold and his companions more than anything was ―― The Monsters abandoned corpses.

All kinds of corpses were scattered everywhere and it was obvious that they were recent corpses, and considering that some of them had already been eaten by beasts and Monsters, there were far too many.

Putting aside Gilbert, Ruda and the other young Hunters, even Hay, who has seen his fair share of terrible battlefields in his life, frowned at the sight of this scenery.

"All of this… Was all of this done by "Infinite Variety"..."

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"... Sure, there are many Monsters in the mountains, but no matter how, there are too many. Did something happen...?"

Monsters' corpses can be sold. If there were so many, they would be worth a fortune, but probably because they didn't take any effort to do so, there was no sign of any Monsters being brought back.

What supported Arnold's sense of discomfort was the fact that there were almost no Monsters attacking their carriages.

With so much flesh and blood spread around, it wouldn't be strange for Monsters to gather and feast on it, but they were nowhere to be seen, as if they had all fled somewhere.

There must be a lot of lesser intelligent Monsters in the mountain... Did all of them escape from "Infinite Variety"? Did they feel the difference in their abilities?

I don't understand the situation. But, I have a bad feeling about this.

There were many Monsters, but not many giant ones. If Arnold and his companions wanted to do it, with their abilities, they could probably recreate a scene like this.

However, the prerequisite to do this is for you to be attacked by a large number of Monsters.

A flashback of the time when they were attacked by the horde of Orcs comes back to their mind.

The situation was the exact opposite as it was "Infinite Variety" who was attacked this time, but the creepiness was the same.

"What did you do... "Infinite Variety". No, first and foremost... For what reason did you choose this path?"

Was he really trying to just provoke us?

"Arnold-san... Would you like to return?"

Maybe Hay was thinking the same thing, he asked me so in a quiet voice.

Arnold looked up at the trail of corpses and silently shook his head.

Part 1

The movement of the carriage, which had been intense all night, calmed down and the shaking became flatter.

When the sun came up, the screams, yells and roars coming from outside the carriage gradually diminished until they were barely audible.

It was just the worst night of my life. The Monsters Attracting Potion that Sytry threw, drove the Monster inside the Garest Mountains on a rampage and those rampaging Monsters and our pursuer mingled and feasted each other, while our carriage was desperately climbing down the mountain. If it wasn't for the hard work Liz, Tino, Sytry and her hired escorts did in clearing out the way, our lives would have been quietly crushed in the Garest Mountains without anyone knowing it.

But, we are alive... I'm alive.

I am still calm because I have been through these life and death situations many times during my Hunter days, but Tino, who was inexperienced in those kinds of things, was trembling in the corner of the carriage with a pale face. Her head was covered in a strange mucus and her clothes were soaked with green blood.

She had been caught by Liz and forced to participate in the battle. She seemed to be fine during the battle because of her desperation, but it seemed that after she had gone through the deadly situation, her adrenaline had dissipated. I am worried that it might become a trauma for her.

"Monsters, scary, shadow, scary, help me, Masteeer"

"Aaaah, it was so fun, Cry-chan! Let's do it againnn!"

On the other hand, Liz, her Shisho, who was also fighting, didn't seem to be bothered at all.

Like Tino, her body which was clean because of the bath, was now once again dirty and bathed in blood, but she was laughing without a care in the world.

I didn't have the energy to argue with her, so I answered with a weak voice.

"... Un, un, you are right."

"It is better to go and wash your body and clothes at the waterfront... Aside from us, Black-san and the others are at their limits."

Sytry made a comment that seems to show consideration to the people she was just about to abandon a mere moment ago.

I didn't know whether I should scold her or praise her, but it was sure that they needed a break.

In addition, I will have to discuss with Sytry on how to deal with Black-san and his friends.

"Right, the [Castle of a Myriad Demons] is still far away..."

And then I realized. Isn't it bad to leave the Garest Mountain as it is?

Sytry's potion potency was immense. It is at a level where I doubt if it can still be called a Monsters Attracting Potion.

It was obvious that the Monsters had lost their mind as they weren't intimidated by Liz, no matter how many Monsters she killed. If those rampaging Monsters descended the mountain and attacked a village, a terrible disaster would occur.

Of course, I know that the Garest Mountains Range is far from human civilization. I also know that it is unlikely that other people will be harmed if we leave it like this, but isn't it too irresponsible to leave the mountain in this state.

At least, I would like to keep an eye on them until the effects of the potion wear off and the Monsters regain their sanity. I feel like it would be useless even if I was the one watching them though ――.

"... If it were up to me, I would want to get to a town in one fell swoop... Sytry, how long will your potion still be effective?"

"It varies from each individual, but... It is about a day or so."

A day or so should be fine. Fortunately, we have already survived the attack of the 『Giant Lost Demon』.

I looked at the map and saw a small lake at the foot of the Mountain range. The lake was connected to the river Liz bathed in last night.

If it was over there, it would be perfect for camping and you can get water. It is also close to our current location.

It is still early in the day, but we couldn't get any rest last night. The horses must be at their limits.

It was the perfect plan that took into consideration both the situation in the Party and the surrounding area. Today I am ― Brilliant.

"Let's see... It's a little early, but let's take a break near this lake. It's a place where we can get a rough idea of the state of the mountain."

"I see... So we take a break and wait for a while. I think it is a good idea."

Sytry quickly read my intentions.

Yes, yes, that's right. We will wait until the effect of the potion wears off. I wish you would always be that perceptive.

"As expected of Sytry, you understand. I might worry too much, but let's wait for a bit."

"I don't think you worry too much... Considering what the other side is capable of, I think it is reasonable! They should be pretty tired..."

The other side… Who is she talking about?

Liz, who had been silently listening to our conversation, snapped her finger while her eyes were shining.

"I know, Cry-chan! For the first time in a while, let's have a campfire? How about we make one where the fire can be seen from the top of the mountain ―― Ti and me will hunt for some meat and we could roast it... How about it? Don't you think that's a good idea? Don't you?"

Yare yare, Liz is brimming with vitality.

But, a campfire, eh... Not a bad idea. I used to do that a lot a long time ago when we were still adventuring together as a Party.

If you are always on your toes, you will be too tired when the situation calls for it. A First-Class Hunter knows when to rest when he needs to rest.

For the time being, I think Liz and Tino should clean up the dirt they have on them.

"It's decided then... Just make sure that you are ready to run away at any time and let's enjoy to our fullest."

§

Part 2

"Water... It's water. We're, still alive. We surviveddd...!"

I can't remember whether it was Black or White, but the escort that Sytry hired headed for the lake with steps that looked like they were about to collapse at any moment.

The other two also sat down the moment they reached the lakeside.

Driving the carriage and keeping watch all this time, thank you for your hard work... I will try to persuade Sytry, so please keep it up a little bit longer.

I take a deep breath while gnawing at the feeling of touching an unshakable ground for the first time in several hours.

The lake at our destination was crystal clear and chilly, it was perfect for camping. It would probably have been a popular spot if it had been near human civilization. There was no one else around and the thought of having this scene all to myself made me feel very extravagant.

.

In a distance, I could see both large and small animals drinking water. Neither Monsters, nor animals were fighting, you could find peace and harmony over there. Yesterday's commotion seemed like a lie.

Beyond the horizon, I could clearly see the mountain which we had climbed down yesterday, the Garest Mountains. Because we were quite far, I couldn't tell how the fight between the 『Lost Giant Demon』 and the Monsters ended up, but if rampagings Monsters were headed our way, we would immediately know it.

Liz joyfully shouted, threw down her luggage and started to undress.

As if I was looking at a painting, Liz's healthy limbs glistened in the sunlight.

"Yataaa, look, look, Cry-chan, it is so clearrr! I'm going to take a dip! Come on, Ti, you are coming too!"

"Onee-sama!? You can't do that in front of Master!"

The disciple blushed and rushed to stop her Master, but to no avail, Liz instantly striped down to her underwear and jumped into the lake with a huge splash. It is dangerous if you don't do some preparatory exercise...

Tino turned her line of sight to me, so I gave her a small nod.

Liz doesn't possess enough shyness, but if you are shaken over a party member only wearing their underwear, you can't become a Hunter. I was rather shaken at first, but before I knew it, I had gotten used to it.

Tino hesitated for a moment, but then while her face turned bright red, she touched the button around her neck.

"Master, after all, I can't do itttttttttttttt!"

Just like this, she jumped straight into the lake with great force... You could at least take off your shoes and belt.

Sytry laughed while muffling her voice.

"How should I say… It is so typical of Ti-chan, but... Even though her Thief equipment emphasized lightness and directly exposed her bodyline, she still possessed some sense of shame."

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Now that you said it, Thieves' outfit, like Liz's and Tino's, are the exact opposite of Alchemists who are always wearing thick robes.

It was probably made so they can avoid attacks at the very last minute. How to wear those clothes was a mystery for so many years.

And I hope that Tino will forever never forget her sense of shame.

Sytry quickly set up the camp on the behalf of Black-san and his friends, who were too exhausted. She let the horses rest, fed them and made fire.

"Ah right, Cry-san. It is about the campfire, but how about something like this? Turning it like this toward the mountain ――"

"... This is...?"

It was a strange shape. Not only was it a strange shape, it was also divided into three parts.

Dot, dot, curve ―― A face?

Sytry put her hands together and said with a smile.

"It is a smile! It will be a bit of work, but... How is it?"

Preparing a campfire is quite a challenge. The time and effort required to make this shape is not just three times the time and effort to do it.

Aren't you a bit too playful... Who is even going to see the smile? Well, I don't have a reason to categorically refuse it...

"Un, un, I think it is fine. It looks fun."

"I think tonight will be the big climax, so... I am going to do my best and cook us a feast to enjoy. Let's enjoy it loud enough, so the whole mountain could hear us."

What kind of climax are you talking about?1 I think we already crossed the climax last night though...

Just as I was about to open my mouth to check with her, Liz joyfully shouted from the lake.

"Cry-chan! A crocodile! I caught a delicious-looking crocodile! Look, look, isn't it amazing?"

A crocodile? You said a delicious-looking crocodile, but do you count on eating a crocodile? Don't you think there are better and more delicious-looking animals living around us!?

When I turned around, I saw Liz restraining and straddling a giant dinosaur-lookalike crocodile of over five meters long. She is way too wild.

Tino's eyes widened and tried to stop her by shouting loudly. Black-san and his friends were startled.

I was so confused and scared that I made a disinterested comment.

"So there are crocodiles in this lake."

Nature is full of dangers.

... I am glad I didn't thoughtlessly jump in. Crocodiles are impossible, way too impossible.

Part 1

Rather than a *pachipachi* crackling sound, the fire was rising while making a roaring sound.

It was late at night and the moon was shining brightly, but the lakeside was bright as if it was daytime.

The simple campfire, built from the woods we (the escorts) picked up had been fueled with Sytry potions, so it was steadily burning despite the strong wind.

As Sytry suggested, it was arranged in a way so it formed a smile, although it wasn't obvious up close, it would be very noticeable from the top of the Garest Mountain.

It was already time for nocturnal Monsters to become active, but there was no sign of those Monsters appearing. It was probably because of Liz as she was so enthusiastic about dinner and went all out to catch a big one.

It seems that our wild child is the top predator even when she is thrown into the ecosystem around this lake.

A little further away from the campfire,? there was, lying on the ground, the big game Liz hunted, it was a strange space because the blood that had been drained was scattered everywhere.

Sytry was diligently cutting up the edible parts and carrying it over to us, but it was obvious that there was too much food for us to eat everything, there was too much meat.

Among all the campfire I have ever experienced, it was by far one of the 『Weirdest』 campfire.

The fire showed no signs of dying out, the amount of food and placement seemed to be too excessive for our small Party. There was even a boiling pot fill to the brim, skewered meat and roasted chunk of meat with blood still dripping.

And above all, the strange atmosphere induced by Black and his friends who sat? on the ground with a pale and exhausted expression and a Tino who had a nervous expression on her face.

If some random people saw that, they may think that some sort of strange ritual is being performed. Moreover, it looked like we were doing a satanic banquet before ending the world.

Of course, the reality was that we were having an enjoyable, fun, fun campfire, but when I see those exhausted three and Tino who is so nervous, even I couldn't really fully enjoy it.

Only Sytry and Liz were, as usual, normal. Sytry was cooking over the campfire without a care in the world and Liz was playing in the lake at night.

.

"How is it, Cry-san? It's perfect...! Even from the top of the mountain, it would definitely look like a smile."

Sytry proudly puffed out her chest and showed off her campfire.

I don't hate that kind of playfulness, but right now I am worried about something else. It was about the health of the three escorts who looked like they were about to die after they were forced to pick a lot of firewood in order to make all those campfires.

Black-san, White-san and Gray-san were obviously no amateurs, but collecting firewood right after a death march was indeed too difficult for them (By the way, some of our children are brimming with vitality after all those hunting, but don't think that it is something normal).

All three looked like they were about to die. If I had noticed it, I would have stopped them, but while I was watching Tino and Liz taking a bath in the water, Sytry had already given them successive orders and by the time my clamoring consciousness moved away from the two who were bathing in the water, it was already over.

It is a good thing to find fun in doing small things. In some cases, even I may be tempted to make a smiley campfire.

However, as a prerequisite, I try to not bother people around me as much as possible. Even if Sytry, as their employer, was in her right to give instructions ―― It is too daunting to order Black-san and his friends with a I want to have fun as an excuse.

Sytry was *nikoniko* smiling as she roasted a crocodile skewer for me. Without any ill will, her expression seemed to show that she was having fun from the bottom of her heart.

When I let out a small sigh, I advised her in a slight depressive tone.

"Sytry, it is about Black-san and his friends, but... Aren't you overworking them?"

"Eh? Is that so...?"

Sytry's eyes opened widely.

I knew from the beginning that she wasn't overworking Black-san and his friends to be mean, but you know.

Perhaps Sytry didn't see the emergency Black-san and his friends were in.

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Now that I look back, our adventure has always been life-threatening. Compared to that, picking firewood after a fight to the death is probably nothing in her mind. I guess being a Hunter for too long will make your mind become a Hunter-oriented one.

It has been a long time since I had gone out with her. We might be together for a short while, but I will show you that I am able to bring back Sytry's original common sense.

As I was being enthusiastic about it, Sytry said in a troubled tone.

"But... They are... Well... Criminals, though?"

Those were unexpected words.

Criminals... Criminals, huh. Now that you said it, from Black-san and his friends' appearance, they were clearly not ordinary people. Among Hunters, there are many that have a criminal-looking look, so I never expected that pattern at all.

But then, why are you hiring criminals? Maybe it was a request from the country as part of their rehabilitation or something like this? I don't know a lot about Sytry's connections, so I can't say.

Is overworking Black-san and his friends part of her work as their warden? I think it is a terrible way to handle their treatment, but... In that case, it is also bad for me to interfere.

When I wrinkled my forehead, Sytry smiled as if to say there was nothing to worry about.

"However, if that is what Cry-san says then... I will stop overworking them."

"... Eh? Wasn't it for their punishment?"

Is it okay for me to change things like this at will?

"Of course, in a way we can say that it is for their punishment. However... I have learned a lot about their abilities in the past few days."

They aren't good enough as spare parts and I am not that adamant about it, was what Sytry said while tilting her head with an embarrassed smile.

... I don't really understand, but does it mean that their punishment was over now that she had learned about their devotion over the past few days?

Maybe they didn't commit a serious crime. Moreover, on the way here, they seemed to listen to Sytry's instructions...

"Right... Would it be bad if we were to release them?"

Knowing that they were criminals, I reluctantly stick to my first intent and try to confirm with her.

Anywho, I have already been targeted by criminals so far. I believe that all criminals, without exception, should be thrown in jail, but seeing the hardships Black-san and his friends endured along the way, I feel mercy for them. I feel like I can forgive them if they did a minor crime.

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It goes without saying that I am not in a position to forgive them or not, but ――.

Sytry made a pondering expression for a moment, but right after this, she pulled something out from her pocket and squeezed my hand.

"No... It wasn't that much of a big crime, I think it is fine to do what Cry-san wants. I am sure they will be deeply grateful to Cry-san."

She held my hands for a few seconds and then gently released it. All that was left in my hand was a small golden key.

On Sytry's face, there was no sign of her lying. It was her heart-warming smile that I have seen many times.

"This is the key to their collars. Once their collars are off, Black-san and his friends are free."

It is pretty simple... I pinch the key and hold it up to the light.

But criminals, huh. Uuun... When I think about how exhausted and tired Black-san and his friends are, I would like to release them as soon as possible, but ―― Criminals, huhhh.

Weeell, even if I release them now, given how exhausted and tired Black-san and his friends are, they might not reach the next town. No matter what crimes they commited, it was too cruel to throw them out in a place where Monsters live, like the one we are in right now. I still... Have some time to think about it.

"... I will have to figure out the right timing."

Sytry's eyes *kirakira* shined at my words and nodded frequently.

Maybe Sytry had been thinking the same thing without me even pointing it out? Or was it because she wasn't able to release Black-san and his friends because I haven't said anything?

Both Sytry and Liz (Or rather, I feel like everyone around me is like that), have the tendency to respect too much my opinion as the decorative Leader. This isn't something that is unthinkable.

"Anyway, I let you take charge of Black-san and his friends. They look a little tired, so I am thinking about letting them rest. Is that okay?"

"Understood. I will also tell Onee-chan ―― That I have left Black-san and his friends in Cry-san's care."

When Sytry's cheeks were dyed in red, she replied with a more passionate voice than usual.

Now then, what should I tell to Black-san and his friends...

§　§　§

Part 2

If I had to go through something like this, I would rather be captured as a "Red Hunter (Criminal)".

That was now the common understanding from Black and the others.

I was angry when they put shackles on me. When I found out that I was going to be taken as a coachman to go on a vacation, I was thinking of removing the collar and rebelling if there was an opportunity. But now, all I have is a profound feeling of despair and resignation.

White, Black and Gray have been dealing with Hunters and knights as Red Hunters since a long time. They have been through more than a few battlefields. They can't remember how many people they have killed and there were also times where they were laughing when they cracked the heads of people who were crying and begging for mercy.

However, even from their point of view, the infamous "Strange Grief" in the Imperial Capital was insane.

We already don't have the energy to resist. The battlefields they have been through were too different. Now we can understand why we were captured so easily.

Gray was suddenly thrown out of the carriage and just that had made his exhausted expression seem like he took ten years at once. As for White and Black, although they were better than him ―― They were already at their limits, both physically and mentally, from dealing with the Monsters that were constantly attacking them. Their swords were smeared with blood and greases and had lost their sharpness and had become mere blunt weapons, while their cloaks were soaked with blood that no amount of washing would ever remove the blood and smell.

The next time we find ourselves in a similar situation, someone will undoubtedly die. No ―― It wouldn't be surprising if all three of us died.

And even if Black and the other three died, the carriage would continue as if nothing had happened. I was convinced of that. For some reason, that makes me extremely afraid.

I knew that "Infinite Variety" was a Level 8 Hunter and had resolved many serious incidents.

As if to confirm that, the 『Vacation』 that Black and the others were caught up in was like a Shura's journey of breaking through powerful Monsters and problems.

Lightning Spirit. Large number of Orcs gathered to the point of building a fort. On the way to the Garest Mountains, an abnormal number of Monsters attacked us and the worst Monster that indiscriminately attacked all Monsters ―― The 『Lost Giant Demon』 attacked us too. If it was a normal situation, even if they needed to take on only one of them, Black and the others would have chosen to flee.

However, "Infinite Variety" and the other Member of his Party, "Absolute Shadow", dismissed it as a vacation.

Sometimes he avoids the problems, sometimes he pushed it to other Hunters and sometimes he forced his way through. He passed through while laughing at the path Black and the others had opened with the determination to die and without hesitation, he tried to use Gray as a bait.

From his course of action, Black sensed a strong 『Used to it』 from him.

"Absolute Shadow" and her companions are used to deadly battlefields like those ones. No, they have probably experienced something more deadly than those.

That's why she laughed, that's why she doesn't stop. "Absolute Shadow's" certification should have been Level 6, but it was clear that her experience and ability didn't fall into that category.

There was no way we could compete with them. Their power, experience, determination and even malice were so far apart from us that it is hard to imagine it from their appearance.

No matter how many times I imagine it, I can't get an image of us winning against them. There is no way out of this despair. The only ray of light is ―― To end everything with our own death.

But will that woman, the woman who put the collars on Black and the others, the woman who always smiles and shows no remorse or fragment of guilt towards Black and the others, allow such salvation for us?

Hugging my knees, I complain in a small voice and ruminate as if to escape from the reality. And at that time, a voice suddenly called out from behind Black.

"Anooo... Are you alright?"

"Hih!?"

I involuntarily let out a small scream as my dazed consciousness was called. White, who had been lying dead up until now, and Gray, who I wasn't sure if he was awake or not, jumped up as if they had been called by the god of death.

A powerless voice. An undignified voice. This voice is, the most terrifying one.

Cry Andrich. "Infinite Variety". "Strange Grief's (The Lamenting Ghost)" Leader and the man who "Absolute Shadow" and "The Worst of the Worst" are fully obeying to.

He was also the only one whose strength wasn't demonstrated during this vacation trip.

From his appearance, you can't see that he is strong. His body is weak and untrained for a Hunter, and he doesn't have an aura of supremacy coating him, something which is peculiar to those who have absorbed large amounts of Mana Material.

He was unarmed and his appearance only showed openings. If I had seen him in a town, I would have dismissed him as a mere civilian who isn't making a living through fighting.

But that is why he was so terrifying.

His black eyes were deeply calm, not screaming in anger like "Absolute Shadow", nor smiling no matter what happened like "The Worst of the Worst".

Along the way, he was watching us. He was observing us.

He didn't do anything in particular. He didn't care about his companions when they jumped out in front of a crowd of Monsters, there weren't any noticeable actions or emotional changes in him. He was such an ordinary man.

However, it was unmistakably this man who is deciding on the destination of this vacation.

"Absolute Shadow" and "The Worst of the Worst" are this man's mistress. When they talked to him, the expression on their face had a glossiness in it and every one of their actions showed that they were trying to not be disliked by him.

I remember the expression in the beginning when they almost got rid of us before we could do anything. He was the boss of those two, there was no need to think about what would happen if we were to go against him.

They wouldn't finish us in a quick and easy death.

"Wha… What is it... "Infinite Variety-sama"."

Before departure. Gray, who had such an arrogant attitude, crawls in front of him.

Come to think of it, it was this man who advised them to save Gray when he was thrown out. However, it wasn't a deep feeling of gratitude you could feel from Gray's attitude, but a strong fear towards him.

I know how you feel. What's really scary aren't the ones who are quick to explode when they are angry.

Black follows Gray's example and slightly bows his head as well. So that we could escape from his consciousness as much as possible. So that we don't get registered in ―― His sight.

"... You don't have to take that atti… ―― I will go straight to the point. I decided to ―― Release Black-san and the others. I have gotten permission from Sytry."

"!?"

I raise my head at the unexpected words. Both White and Gray looked up at "Infinite Variety" with stunned, wide eyes.

Release? Did this guy just ―― Did he just say release?

"Infinite Variety" twitched his eyebrows for a second and squinted his eyes. In his hand, there was a small key. It was the key to the collar that binds Black and the others.

He was full of openings. From Gray's position, he could steal it from him in the span of a single breath. But Gray didn't try to move at all.

"Of course, I am not going to release you right now. It is dangerous here ―― I heard, Black-san and the others are... Criminals, isn't it? If I were to release you so easily, you wouldn't be able to atone for your? crime, right?"

You aren't in a position to talk... I swallowed the words I was unintentionally about to let out.

Indeed, Black and the others are criminals. They have violated the imperial law countless times and if all their crimes were to come to light, they wouldn't be able to get away with it.

But clearly, Liz and Sytry have gone above and beyond that.

There, "Infinite Variety" smiled slightly. It didn't look like an act at all ―― A natural smile. He lifted the small key and shook it in front of us as if to show it off.

"But, I know. Your crimes aren't that serious. For the past few days, Black-san and the others have been following Sytry's instructions very well. And because of that, I think that Black-san and the others have atoned well enough for your crimes. If you stay quiet until we are in a safe place ―― I will take off that collar and let you go."

If taken at face value, his words were too good to be true. However, from Black's position, he could see White's cheeks tense up from fear.

Black and the others are "Red (Criminal)" Hunters. They are Hunters who have committed all sorts of crimes and lived on the other side of the law. Even Black and the others are aware that they had committed heavy crimes. And he ―― Said that those crimes weren't that serious.

Maybe he didn't know how to react to Black and the others' silence, "Infinite Variety" waved his hand as if he was in panic.

"Aaah, don't get me wrong. From now on, I don't intend on having Black-san and the others fight like you did earlier. Because from now on, it is relatively safe and Black-san and the others are probably tired... We aren't in a hurry, so I want you to take it easy. Weeell, I guess that the coachman still has to do his part though... But it is a vacation, you know. Understood?"

Vacation. Hearing that abominable word, my body shivered involuntarily.

Kind words. They are words that blatantly encourage you to hope. However, from the start, Black and the others didn't have a choice. They just nodded like loyal soldiers.

Both White and Gray *kokukoku* nodded their heads in silence. And Black followed suit.

"Infinite Variety" saw the expression on Black and the others' faces and relaxed his shoulders as if he was relieved.

As if it was waiting for this ―― My field of vision suddenly turned white and a roar echoed in the distance.