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

On the chair. Checking on Kai, who is unconscious, with restraints on his hands, legs, and torso, I, Angus Code, the first prince and one of the heirs to Code’s throne, try to calm my excited breathing.

Overall rating 12,230. The mechanism behind the biological measuring device held by Code is yet to be fully explained, but its accuracy is certain. The man with an overall rating of over 10,000, which has never been recorded even in Code, is a monster far beyond my imagination.

“What a, foolish man! You could have made it big in this city, if you had just obeyed me!” (Angus)

Even after being restrained, he maintains the same imposing attitude throughout the conversation. His combat ability is such that he is able to inflict serious damage on mechanized soldiers while exposed to incapacitating gas, and when he realizes he cannot escape being brainwashed, he destroys his own body, showing his insanity.

However, in the end, he became my pawn.

The 『White Mask of Punishment』 that was used is something that is rarely generated even within Code, and even I, who have one of the highest support bases among the Royal Family, only have two of them.

However, its power is immense. The imposition of prohibitions that take advantage of Class differences doesn’t restrict thoughts, and its strength is a bit questionable, but this mask completely restricts thoughts and the mind. His abilities would likely decline somewhat, but it shouldn’t be a problem for a man with a rating of over 12,000. The soldiers from the organization that Code usually deals with are no match for him.

The succession to the throne 100 years ago was the first one since Code was activated. I heard that the battle for the throne began without any prior knowledge. However, this is the second time. Everyone is taking measures. It is safe to say that almost everyone with a claim to the throne is aiming for the throne.

Apparently, last time there was interference from the Explorer Association and a fierce battle unfolded. My current position doesn’t matter. If I lose, I will lose everything. It doesn’t matter that I was the most powerful man until a few days ago. All the nobles who supported me would likely be crushed.

Win. Win and take it all. To achieve that, I took the risk and put into action a plan to bring in top warriors from the Explorer Association.

Behind me, a man who has been watching quietly the interaction between Kai and me speaks with deep emotion.

“That is a surprise. I knew we would be able to attract strong warriors, but I never imagined a man with such strong will and ability would appear…… However, with Code’s medical system, even damage to bones and internal organs can be healed quickly. He should be ready in time for the battle for the throne.” (Man)

He is as tall, if not as tall as Kai. A brilliant young man with a sharp gaze and tanned skin. Someone who achieved an overall rating of over 3,000 in Code. Even before we began recruiting soldiers in earnest, Code had selected a small number of outstanding individuals to bring to the city.

My right-hand man is said to have held the position of military strategist in some foreign country.

Jin Gorton. He is a man who, after seeing the records of the battles that have taken place during the previous succession to the throne battle, came up with a plan that no one had ever thought of, recruiting powerful soldiers from the Explorer Association. If Jin, who so quickly understands Code’s strange city system, says so, then Kai’s treatment will be finished in time.

“Who should we use the other mask on? Maybe, rather than using it on Saaya who lost consciousness without being able to resist, it would be better to use it on that man who suddenly attacked Code. He has a rating of 9,760 even in his exhausted state. There are also several other candidates among the sealed people sent by other organizations.” (Jin)

Saaya is another girl with a high overall rating who joined at the same time as Kai. Her rating is just over 5,500. Although it is half of Kai’s, it is almost double Jin’s, so her power is extraordinary. The man who suddenly attacked Code is also out of the ordinary. Since the attack had occurred before the trap was set for the Explorer Association, it is likely a coincidence, but for just an instant, he managed to break through Code’s defenses head-on and cause damage to some of the buildings. If there is one problem, it would be that the man is a Magi. Due to the laws established by the current King of Code, the use of Magic within Code is restricted, so even if he became an ally, there is a high chance that he will not be able to fully demonstrate his powers during the battle to inherit the throne.

Sealed is a general term for dangerous people sent by external organizations. It would be a shame to get rid of them, but as there is no way to control them, they are too dangerous. I have been making deals with such people for a while now, and have several of them imprisoned in Code Prison.

Although their abilities are top class, it is not safe to use them while in close proximity even with several mechanized soldiers escorting us. My other younger siblings are probably thinking of using their masks on these sealed people to take the lead.

“………… That is a tough one. I have only one mask left. And it is not like I can ask them to be on our side through negotiations.” (Angus)

“…… We cannot trust them. The defenses provided by the city system cannot withstand an attack that exceeds its limits. Traitors will be 『Dealt with』 immediately, but it would mean nothing if you are dead.” (Jin)

“Even the scientists of an advanced Physical Civilization probably never imagined that humans could become this strong.” (Angus)

Many of the items produced by Code’s city features are powerful and useful, but some are not very useful.

A typical example of this is the lightweight armor. It is light and easy to handle, but a little too soft. It can withstand attacks from people with some training or accidental mishaps, but it is almost ineffective against attacks from Hunters who have absorbed Mana Material.

Anyone with even a little education has probably heard the theory that people in past civilizations were weaker than people from today. It is believed that Mana Material has a large influence on this, but the weapons produced by Code support this theory.

When we know that there are people who can withstand a few seconds of the incinerating cannon from Code that is meant to burn everything down, we need to be prepared to deal with all sorts of problems. Maybe it is possible that the imposition of prohibitions could perfectly restrict human behavior in the past.

Those who cannot be recruited as my Royal Guards will likely be selected as Royal Guards for the other members of the royal families. With Code’s city system, there is no difference in power between the first and second princes even if there is a huge difference between the size of the support bases. At least in the city system, you cannot stop the other princes or princesses from selecting their own Royal Guards.

I am winning on the first move. I still have the choice of who to choose as my Royal Guards. Who to choose as my allies, and who to choose as my enemies.

“We are rushing to confirm Saaya’s combat capabilities. Her high intelligence may be affecting her evaluation.” (Jin)

“Hmph…… I don’t need a military strategist or a scholar. I have you.” (Angus)

“It is an honor.” (Jin)

Jin bows respectfully.

Not Saya, huh. Over 5,500 is certainly high, and I want it, but after seeing Kai, it seems inferior. Kai is definitely a Hunter――But there is still a possibility that the Explorer Association will send in others of the same rank in the future. Considering that, it may be too early to use the mask now.

Just as I am thinking that, Jin opens his eyes wide. He stands up and quickly reports to me.

“………… “Denka (Your Highness)”, I received a message from one of my subordinates. The unit that has been sent to check Saaya’s abilities――Has been wiped out.” (Jin)

“!!” (Angus)

Thanks for reading! Delayed the chapter because there was a live presentation of Strange Grief today and wanted to dump all the info here (Truth is I procrastinated and couldn’t finish the chapter in time but now I got a nice excuse, hihi)

Here’s the major info from the live presentation: Light Novel Volume 12 Cover is out New voice actor reveal

• Eva: Taichi You
• Ruda: Sekine Akira
• Greg: Seki Kouji
• Gilbert: Maeda Seiji

Opening: 葛藤Tomorrow (Trouble Tomorrow) by Lezel Ending: すくりぃむ！Scream by Pmarusama Anime will air on 1st October 2024

And they dropped a TRAILER!!! What do you guys think!? I need a poster of all member of Strange Grief with their mask on that was showed in the beginning of the trailer!

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