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

Chapter 317，Part1: 1 - New Demon King

Chapter 317 New Demon King?

Part 1

It was, after all, about an hour later that Liz and the others returned to the carriage.

After looking at their appearance, I knew right away that it was a fierce battle. Apparently, just as Sytry said, it seems that the opponents this time are quite skilled.

Liz’s gauntlet and Anthem’s whole body are covered in green bodily fluids, and Tino’s whole body is soaked and has a strange smell coming out of her. Starting from Lapis, the Members of 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 also seemed to be quite exhausted.

While sitting on top of Mimic-kun, I *bunbun* waved my hand to welcome them.

When Tino looks at me, she looks like a puppy in the rain. As if making an excuse, Lucia sighs and says.

“She has been covered in insect bodily fluids. For the time being, I washed it off, but I couldn’t get rid of the smell…… I think if it is Sytry’s Potion, it will do the job…………” (Lucia)

“Well, well, well, that is terrible! ………… Here, Ti-chan.” (Sytry)

Upon hearing these words, Sytry *nikoniko* smilingly and happily pours a mysterious *dorodoro* murky Potion over Tino’s head.

I know the effect of Sytry’s Potion, but it is a terrible sight. Liz removes her gauntlets and, unusually, complains as she *purapura* shakes her hands.

“D’mn, it’s the first time I’ve seen a centipede monster like that. It’s true that insect-type Monsters are usually known for their high vitality, but――What’s up with it being that hard and not dying even if you crush its head or tie it up?” (Liz)

“Umu.” (Anthem)

“Neither cold waves nor lightning had any effect. I have heard that Monsters living since ancient times have an incredible life force, but I never thought I would experience it in front of me――” (Lapis)

“That should be out.” (Eliza)

Lapis, who have a much longer lifespan than humans and should have a deeper knowledge of monsters, also frowns. Eliza too has completely lost her motivation.

To make these Hunters who have an Alias complain so much――Who are those bandits?

There, I notice that Liz and the others aren’t dragging anyone or anything. I involuntarily open my eyes.

“…… Huh? Don’t tell me, no battle loot? Even when 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 has almost its entire member?” (Cry)

I have heard that they might not be able to finish them off, but it is unusual that they don’t bring anything back after chasing the bandits, you know.

“Yeah… Sorry? It kind of was a bad match…… Although, I think we could have somehow managed it if Luke-chan had been with us………… There are quite a few tough ones besides the centipedes…… And while I was struggling with them, the people on top of it got away.” (Liz)

“I’m sorry, Master~” (Tino)

Tino is gloomy while being *dorodoro* muddy. You have been getting a lot muddy these days, haven’t you.

“I seeee………… No, well, it is fine though.” (Cry)

Bandits are really annoying. Also, the stronger they get, the worse they tend to get.

This time it was a sudden encounter so I am sure it will be okay, but there are countless times when I had a bad experience and have been chased down just because they couldn’t finish them properly.

“Nii-san!? Why are you so arrogant when you haven’t done anything……!” (Lucia)

“She’s right, so right, desu!” (Kruz)

Lucia opens her eyes widely and rebukes me, and Kruz raises her arms and follows her up. No, it is because…… You know?

“But that insanely huge centipede Monster…… I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before…… Where was it……” (Liz)

Liz frowns and tilts her head.

An insanely huge centipede…… I definitely don’t want to fight it, or rather, I don’t even want to see it.

What I am trying to say is that among all the Monsters, I have a particular dislike for insect monsters. They are *nebaneba* sticky and *gichigichi* creeping, and many of them do not fear death, so I had a lot of bad experiences with insect monsters.

As I was getting depressed, Liz said something in a hurry, maybe sensing something from my gaze.

“B-But don’t worry! I don’t think they’ll disappear before we defeat them! They were all Monsters I didn’t recognize, so I don’t think a regular Level 5 or 6 Hunter would be able to handle them.” (Liz)

Isn’t that…… A bad one that you shouldn’t have let go?

……………… Well, whatever. Let’s pretend I didn’t hear that.

“Speaking of which, what is that sword that Sytry was carrying?” (Cry)

“Aaah. One of the bandits was a swordsman who had absorbed quite a bit of Mana Material. Onee-chan managed to take him out with the first blow before he could get used to her speed, but………… If Luke-san had been there, he would have wanted to fight him. The man had been retrieved during the melee, but they could not retrieve the sword since I picked it up first…… I thought Cry-san would want it!” (Sytry)

Liz’s speed is outstanding even among Thieves. She is also strong, so if the opponent is a swordsman without any durability, there are times when this kind of outcome appears.

If you can retrieve the sword, shouldn’t you capture the person first…… No, I am not going to say anything. Let’s pretend I didn’t hear this either.

For the time being, I *bambam* tapped on Luke’s statue that I had taken out and said.

“Hahhahhah, she said there was a swordsman. Too bad, Luke. It seems that he was quite powerful too.” (Cry)

“Cry-chan……” (Liz)

“Nii-san……” (Lucia)

Just kidding, just kidding. However, both Sytry and Liz said they wish Luke was there, so the timing is really bad. Usually, I don’t have to say anything to them and they jump out before even seeing who they are.

And there, Lapis made a small exhalation with her nose with a dissatisfied expression.

“Hmph………… It is a hassle, but we should go report it to the Explorer Association. Even though we have somewhat reduced their number, leaving them alone is a bit too hazardous. Ancient monsters are not something that can be found so easily. Moreover, if they can control it――” (Lapis)

Going to report back, huh? I understand the logic, and I know I should, but it is something I need to think about.

Why, because if I make a report like that, they will inevitably ask me to take them down.

It is outrageous to fight an opponent who can’t be defeated even with this Party. Next time, they will also know our tactics. If they are that strong, I am sure they will come up with countermeasures. Let’s leave this to Ark.

“As I told Sytry earlier, right now Luke…… Yggdra takes priority. We can send a letter to the Explorer Association.” (Cry)

“Alright. We will talk it over in the next town.” (Sytry)

As expected of Sytry, we can count on you. Last time she was *damedame* no good at all tho’.

When I feel like I am riding on the winning boat this time, Kruz looks at me coldly.

“I thought about this since last time but, Yowaningen, you really don’t do anything until the last minute, desu.” (Kruz)

“………………… That’s not true, you know. I am different this time, okay?” (Cry)

After all, I brought all the Relics I have accumulated so far. For example――.

I call Mimic-kun and take out a long chain from inside. It is a Relic that has countless handcuffs on either side of a long, thick, rusty chain.

Since Relics are made of Mana Material, they are not affected by physical phenomena. This rust should be considered just part of the design.

Chain-type Relic. 『Crime Parade (Authority of Obedience)』.

Kruz’s eyes open widely at that chain, which is the most impressive of all the chain-type Relic I own.

“It is a powerful Chain-type Relic that binds the mind of the captive and seals their resistance. With this, any bandits will be OHKO.” (Cry)

“Yo-Yowaningen…… Why do you have a Relic like that, desu…………” (Kruz)

It is a Relics that seals the will to resist instead of their strength, a performance worthy of its heinous appearance. I have only tested it and never actually used it, but it would be useful for catching bandits who have absorbed a lot of Mana Material that cannot be restrained by normal handcuffs.

On top of that, when activated, you can also make the tied-up people sidewalk voluntarily. It is also the origin of the name of 『Crime Parade (Authority of Obedience)』.

A chuckle appeared on Kruz’s face, which was tinged with fright. Then Liz frowns and says.

“Cry-chan, if I remember correctly…… Isn’t it a defective product that couldn’t even lock unless you lock every single one of the 106 shackles… Of the 53 pairs of handcuffs?” (Liz)

“It seems a bit tough to catch 53 people at once…… Moreover it would be hard to handcuff them all. And this time we didn’t have that many opponents.” (Sytry)

Sytry, who used to always be my ally, says with a thoughtful look.

“………… It is rude to call it a defective product…… If you bind their legs too, you will only need half the number of people.” (Cry)

Well, if we tie their legs, we can’t parade them, so we will have to do our best to carry them.

“In the first place, Leader, do you realize how difficult it is to capture someone alive? The enemy is here with the intent to kill you, you know!?” (Lucia)

“…… Uuumu……” (Anthem)

My friends, who know that I bought it with a lot of money, complained about it. Of course, if its ability is truly practical, I wouldn’t have found it in the market! If it had been for ten people, it wouldn’t be strange if it was sold for ten times its price.

If there aren’t enough people, why don’t we put it on Kruz and the others with the leftover shackles……………… Maybe not.

“Yowaningen………… Don’t you have a Relic that could be used in battle, desu?” (Kruz)

Kruz looks at me as if she was looking at something pitiful. But maybe it is better than receiving the eyes of mockery from Lapis and the other Members from 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》?

Somehow I raise my voice to clear my name. I don’t mind being ridiculed, but the Relics aren’t to blame.

“W-Wait, wait… This time I brought a lot of funny――Useful Relics……………… Like a mask that duplicates and spins around you.” (Cry)

“Kuu………… My feet want to get away.” (Eliza)

Eliza says in a dismayed voice. It has been a long time since we have been together for a long period of time, but I didn’t expect Eliza, the most my-pace one, to say this to me……

But I don’t have any Relic that can be used in battle, you know…… It is not that I am weak. No, I am weak, but it is just that everyone else is just so much stronger.

Kruz lets out a small sigh, *ponpon* taps my shoulder, and says.

“………… Alright, alright. I’ll listen to you in the carriage, so let’s move on, desu. If we stay like this, the sun will set, desu.” (Kruz)

“No, we can’t. It is too narrow to show it off inside the carriage!” (Cry)

§　§　§

TL notes:

Thanks for reading! Here’s another extra chapter thanks to John.

More of Cry’s (Useless?) Relic!

Do you think he will use it? If so for what!?

Tchao à plus!

Footnotes

OHKO: Abbreviation of One Hit KO

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