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

　The uproar soon subsided.  Apparently, the bandits’ goal was a Relic that had been kept in a museum inside the city.

　The fire was spreading everywhere and there was a panic, but with the help of Luke and the others (And, of course, thanks to Kryhi-san’s help), no one died.
The Relic had also been successfully protected.
　I doubt I will have time for it, but I would like to go and take a look later as it was a Relic that many bandits were after.

　After we said goodbye to Kryhi-san, Liz and the others, who joined us afterward listened to the funny story we experienced and raised a disarrayed voice.

“Eeeeeeeeeeeh!? That guy… He wasn’t a fan of ours!?” (Liz)

“Tsk.
I was so bored, so I was thinking if I should cut him, but then Liz said that it might be one of our shell organizations……” (Luke)

“………… Umu.” (Anthem)

　Luke clicked his tongue in annoyance and our giant Smyart1 agreed in a low, snarling voice.
I am not going to create a shell organization……

’

　Lucia sighed in dismay and looked at Sytry whose face was still red.

“By the way, why is Sytry’s face so red? Leader, don’t tell me you did something?” (Lucia)

“Seems like something is grinding her gears……” (Cry)

“Because…… 《Lowest Mountain Range (Saitei Sanmyaku)》, he said………… It doesn’t make any sense, does it? Doesn’t that already make you a loser already? What in the world did you do to receive such a name!” (Sytry)

“Un, un, you are right……” (Cry)

　But it was kinda fun, so it’s ok! And for some reason, I, also, feel satisfied seeing Sytry’s rare punch.
　Kryhi-san is supposed to appear in the tournament, so I am very excited about it.

’

§　§　§

　A black cloak.
A man of medium height, wearing a fox mask was facing a Hunter who was required to have special attention.

　The moment he saw him, the 『Thief King (Tozoku Ou)』 Gaff Shenfelder, a 7th Tails of the 『Nine-tails Shadow Fox (Kyubi no Kage Kitsune)』, thought his heart would stop.

　Everything was going according to the plan.
A diversion squad and a squad who will steal the Relic.
We even sent people inside in advance, there wasn’t even a one in a million chance that we could fail.
And in fact, we have secured the Relic.
No one noticed that it had been replaced with a fake.

’

　Then why is there a fox-mask over there?

　Although it is known only to a few members of the organization, the fox-mask is the sign of a top-level executive.
They are the existences that are at the pinnacle of this huge organization.
Although it was just once, Gaff had actually seen one of them with his own two eyes.

　Impossible…… They, who are originally supposed to be lurking in the darkness, would never appear in the open in broad daylight.
　However, that mask was definitely the real thing.
The real fox-masks have a power that makes them recognizable at a glance.

　A chill, which I had not felt even during the mission, rushed down my spine.

　I don’t remember this being part of the plan.
The only thing that comes to my mind is that the muscle-brain Hanemann would be defeated, but that possibility was already taken into account beforehand.

　No, wait a second…… 

　The Boss was conversing with that High-Level Hunter …… With 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 someone who is considered as dangerous in the organization.

’
　《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.
He is a dangerous man with unknown tactics.
We already received information that 《Stillwater (Shisui)》 and 《Caller of Dragons (Ryu Yobi)》 had lost against him.

　Maybe he came in person to measure his skill?
　It is hard to believe that a top-executive with a fox-mask would appear before the enemy, but top executives of the 『Nine-Tails Shadow Fox (Kyubi no Kage Kitsune)』 are generally fighters.
There are rumors that they are capable enough to rival the highest level――Level 10 Hunters.
It’s a bold move from him, but not an impossible one.

　In Gaff’s eyes, the fox-face’s appearance was full of openings, but on the contrary, it could also be taken as a sign of extreme confidence in his skills.

　I quietly observed the situation for a while, but no conclusion came.
The top executive was discussing with 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 in a composed manner.
While 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 did not seem to be aware of the identity of the man in front of him.

“………… I must, confirm what’s happening……” (Gaff)