NOVEL WEB Chapter 9: Hunter
Chapter?9: Hunter
Chapter 9
Hunter
Clan Upper Floor. In an office room that general members are prohibited from entering.
After listening to me talk, Eva went silent for a moment. Before too long her glasses flashed with light as she spoke.
“A setup then.” “How rude.”
It’s the truth, but there are things you should say and things you shouldn’t.
“...For someone that just does solo work like Tino, isn’t it a bit premature to have her lead a party?”
“This is also for her sake, that’s what I believe.”
When I said that with a serious expression, Eva sighed in disappointment and said nothing more.
But, her words were appropriate.
I am the clan master, and a party leader.
But my judgements are frankly, unreliably made.
At the start I put serious thought into things, and days at a time went by where I wouldn’t be able to sleep. It became a problem.
When I was the leader of only one party, I made the decisions for everyone in it. Once the clan was created, those decisions only increased in number.
When our name spread, many parties and other clans also came seeking my judgement. At times, even the Explorers asked for my opinions.
I couldn’t go on like that if I took everything seriously. I can’t be held responsible, I didn’t start up the clan for those sorts of things in the first place.
Even now the only decisions that worry me are the ones I make for『Strange Grief』. It’s ok. Tino is strong. In particular her agility is praised by her teacher.
If something terrible happened, she could just escape and manage somehow or another. And if she doesn’t manage it somehow, Tino who wasn’t able to do anything is the one at fault.
In regards to Hunters, death is their own responsibility. Meeting with accidents is a matter of course, therefore hunters must always be fully prepared.
If my member selection was extremely terrible, it is Tino’s responsibility to make a larger complaint about it.
No one takes responsibility for their mistakes. Just as I had too hastily made the decision to give up on capturing Shrines, sometimes you need to be able to reject the opinions of others as well.
After Tino goes through a bitter experience, I hope she can obtain the ability to say no to things. My true so-called setup of Tino, was actually a lesson in tough love that will benefit her future.
With this the conversation is over.
I recline fully into my soft chair, and stretch out completely.
“Ah-, I want to go to a hot spring and wash away everything troublesome...” “...Do you want to go together with the clan members?”
“...Sounds good. Lets get all the staff together and go together shall we?”
Eva was originally working energetically at a big company, I scouted her for the position of deputy.
The flexible ideas that she comes up with sometimes are probably due to her previous position.
Outside of the Imperial Capital there are wild monsters, and at times phantoms that have strayed out of Shrines.
It’s dangerous, but we deal with monsters by the dozens. Under the idea of raising unity among other such things, everyone would easily come along together.
The problem is, if everyone in the clan leaves the capital together, the Explorers and those nobility bastards will probably start complaining.
Later, all the meatheads would probably start having their own complaints about the destination. After all there is only so much you can manage on such a trip.
No, it’s no good. Who knows what problems our party members would raise. I’ve reached my limit. I want to throw up.
I flipped through the material collected by Eva and the others. It’s data concerning Greg-sama and the others.
Footprints collects data on other Hunters and Shrines. Perhaps not for newcomers, but information is collected on Hunters that have a certain level of accomplishments.
Ruda is... excellent. Considering that she’s solo, she’s done incredibly well. She has talent to be able to survive this long without taking a major injury, but in my opinion I’d say she has been lucky.
Greg-sama is... a veteran. There aren’t many that can remain stable as hunters for years on end.
The boy Gilbert... he’s a problem child with a big mouth and nothing to show for it. He came from the rural countryside and joined a party. He had friction with another member, and then left the party.
Well, among hunters it’s a pretty common story. If we make a mistake that’s how it turns out. It happens.
Looking overall – it’s mediocre. The capital is the holy land of hunters trying to make their mark, more or less they all hold confidence in their own power.
I know of real monsters.
Without thinking of their own condition or making wise judgements, true monsters can cut through high difficulty shrines with pure power.
But it’s enough. It’s a Shrine Tino could handle by herself somehow or another, so with four people it’ll be simple.
I don’t have any trust in my own judgement, but I have trust in the power of my clan members.
“But, will Tino really be ok... Even though it’s a level 3 Shrine, the request did come from the Explorers.”
“It’s fine it’s fine. If it really seems too dangerous, she can ask the clan members for help. Tino isn’t a child.”
She wasn’t a hunter back then, but Tino has been around watching since the founding of the clan while she still looked like a child.
To the vice-master that was prone to worrying I made a show of shrugging my shoulders. At the same time the door was thrown open without so much as a knock.
“Masteeeeer! Please help! After all, this really is impossible for me!!” “...You’ve accepted defeat a little fast there Tino-san.”
After rushing in, her eyes met with mine then swept to Eva standing next to me. Immediately after, in a tackle she clung onto me. She started rubbing her head into my stomach.
She’s definitely acting. The tension in her voice doesn’t match with what she’s saying. She’s quite a cunning child. Since I gave her instructions, she hasn’t even been to the Shrine.
Furthermore, this room is prohibited from entering.
Eva was looking at Tino dumbfounded. This is why I said not to worry. It seems she has received some truly terrible influence from her teacher.
§
“What’s wrong?”
“Everything, Master. The burden I have to shoulder is too heavy...” In the lounge, the members I selected had gathered together.
Ruda Runebeck. Greg-sama, and the boy Gilbert.
The reasons for choosing them were completely appropriate. Ruda, because she said she wanted to go to the White Wolves Den. And the other two, as add ons.
Ruda, Greg-sama, and the boy Gilbert. Ignoring their personalities, they all have around mid-level ability.
I didn’t put any thought into their party roles, but with enough people I truly thought that the Shrine capture would be simple.
Since the aim is to rescue, they might not even have to go in that deep.
After that, even with some discord in the party they would still probably survive at least. I’ll just feel a little sorry for forming the party.
Ruda was fidgeting as she looked around the lounge nervously. Greg-sama and the boy Gilbert also seemed a little on edge.
The headquarters of a clan you don’t belong to. To them it must be like being behind enemy lines.
As Tino took my hand and drew herself closer, Ruda sighed at our familiarity and her facial expression slackened.
Speaking of, because the conversation started violently mid-way, I hadn’t offered her any greetings yet. I feel like I need to apologise.
“Ah, Cry-“
“...You’re late. You kept us waiting too long!”
Ruda’s voice gets drowned out by the loud boy Gilbert. Ruda scowled at him indignantly.
He’s as obnoxious as ever, but because of this particular location, this time his voice and what he says is slightly more restrained.
However, this guy came here even after being walloped into the ground by Tino. Greg-sama looked at me and his lips bent into a derisive grin. But, his face was a little stiff.
They were causing me trouble, so I set all their danger rankings to E. Since Tino was on my side I could act confident.
“Ga-Gahaha... I’m in the headquarters of Footprints... You-You’re really a member of Strangry then aren’t you...”
“I was really surprised yesterday. You told me that you had been to the recruitment before many times.”
Lining up was a really thoughtless action. But, it was impossible for me to just push my way through it and enter the building. It was my fault for sleeping in.
While I was feeling relieved at the peaceful exchange of conversation, the boy Gilbert was gazing at me impudently.
“Someone as weak looking as this, is a member of『Strange Grief』are they...
I heard they were the strongest party in the Imperial Capital, but it’s not like the rumours say.”
“...We aren’t really, we’re nowhere near the strongest in the Capital. Who would spread a rumour like that...”
I don’t really need to think about it. It was probably my childhood friends. They have a lot of self confidence.
Certainly they are in the strongest class among young people, but there’s also Ark and his lot, and in the history of the Capital there are many powerful veteran parties. Even if you look at it with a clear bias, we couldn’t be called the strongest.
As I frowned Tino hugged my arm closely. Although low key, a soft feeling hits against my upper arm. It’s probably on purpose.
Another bad influence from her teacher. The bad influence has gone too far.
“These people are much too rude. I refuse to enter a Shrine with people that lack the appropriate respect for Master. Even though Master is Master.”
“Yes, that’s right. Even though I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I nod with a smile. But it’s not something I really care about.
Whether I am the master or a member, I am nothing more and nothing less than myself.
But for Greg-sama, those words held a heavy impact.
Nerves of steel or not, his face froze up and his thick lips trembled as he spoke. He was turning pale.
“W-Wait... Master? The... Mas...ter? Of Footprints? “Well... by your leave, Greg-sama.”
He really is brazen. Having to tell Greg-sama this is extremely painful. “...It can’t, be........That.....『Infinite Variety』...? Is it?”
“If you understand how great Master is, you should kneel.”
While still clinging to me, she glares at Greg-sama with cold eyes. Yeah. Please stop being so threatening. I want to throw up.
§
Someone that creates ingenious schemes, whoever decided that wasn’t suitable to. Some treasure hunters are given an alias.
In this way the Explorers create something like celebrities among hunters.
Strange Grief was a party with specialised roles. As for me, I didn’t have one. The only thing I did was throw away my pride and bow my head in all directions. Whenever possible trying to soothe others in order to reduce any damage that might be inflicted.
『Infinite Variety』was the kindly given pseudonym of the leader of 『Strange
Grief』, the strongest young party.
Somehow there was a person mixed in with the monsters, those guys, what were they thinking.
That nickname would better suit the big shot in Explorers that comes up with these names.
However, as a party there was nothing wrong concerning our achievements. The reality of what I did (running away while feeling like throwing up) was a truth only known to the members of Strange Grief that adventured together.
Thus I got famous for unknown reasons, and received an alias because they wanted me to have one.
『Strange Grief』was kind of vague, but it became known that it was led by an amazing hunter『Infinite Variety』.
The considerably ironic nickname soon took on a life of it’s own. In proportion to the power of ‘Strange Grief’, the Hunter ‘Infinite Variety’ that had never been seen to fight took on a powerful feeling.
And like a house of cards, I was relatively satisfied with the situation. Pretty hard boiled I’d say.
I wanted to refute it, but I also didn’t want to experience getting attacked while I was on a walk outside.
It made me want to throw up.
Well but it’s a fact that the name helps me get the upper hand, so I can’t deny that it’s useful.
Greg-sama’s complexion was still pale. As I thought, he didn’t get that old for nothing. His face was blank with amazement and while he looked at me he spoke with a tremor.
“Ridiculous... I had heard they were young but- you’re too young.”
“Well, all that doesn’t really matter. I came here today to ask you... if you would help Tino in the job I gave her, I believe.”
It’s asking them abruptly, but since they came all the way here, there should be some opportunity.
If I ask while keeping up with the current pace, I should be able to win them over.
Ruda was originally trying to go to the White Wolves Den, and Greg-sama is thinking a lot about Hunter things. His belief that the strong dominate the weak seems to have merged with who I am. He looks like he wants to have a drink together.
And then, the last question remaining had his teeth bared towards me.
“Like you could be... that strongest in the Capital『Infinite Variety』huh!? What a joke! You haven’t trained at all!”
“No, that strongest rumour though-“ Right?
Who is spreading those weird rumours? Each and every time this is how it makes me suffer.
As I start to say something, Tino speaks over me.
“You don’t understand Master’s strength, how pitiful. Ninety percent of your life has been wasted.”
“Mm. I still don’t know what your talking about but can you stay quiet?”
“Master, as I thought it’s impossible to join up with this guy. People that can only mouth off are the ones I dislike the most.”
People that can only mouth off, that can also be perfectly said about me though...
For the boy Gilbert to say I haven’t trained is also only natural. Because I truly haven’t trained.
If Gilbert and I were to face off against each other under equal conditions it would end in my complete defeat.
Gilbert looked like he was about to spring at me at any minute, so Greg-sama held him down.
“I-Idiot – look at your opponent before fighting! He’s – one of the greats, the youngest ranked『Level 8』Hunter you know!?”
“Get off me old man! Fuck, I won’t accept it!”
The boy Gilbert had an angry look, like he’d bite your hand if you held it out to him.
He has amazing guts, if I was in his position and found out I was in front of a Level 8 Hunter I would already be kneeling on the ground.
That quick temperedness and fighting spirit is similar to those of first rate Hunters. I turn toward Ruda.
“Will you help us out Ruda?”
“That’s... what I was going to ask you but... are you really Level 8?”
She has a suspicious look like she’s trying to find the mistake in a made up story. A level ranking isn’t always a good indicator of true ability.
The process to certify level that the Explorers use, depends on multiple factors.
“It’s only a number that goes up ok. The fact that I’m a party leader and a clan master, as well as the members achievements. They are all added in to the evaluation.
Since Footprints is a huge clan, the vast amounts of achievement points needed to gain my level were collected almost immediately.”
“Master, of course I too have been dedicating the points from my achievements you know!”
Ruda’s facial expression shows that she doesn’t really accept it.
This is only a small part of it. The Explorers want to promote the growth of the next generation. The reality is that all high level Hunters are party leaders and clan masters. Either that or teachers or those carrying similar responsibilities.
Otherwise, unless you’re at the forefront capturing Shrines, it would be impossible to have a higher level than Ark.
At my words, the boy Gilbert started to criticise loudly.
“There see! He’s nothing! Who would believe that someone like you could ever be a top Hunter!”
I admitted his willpower already, but he’s starting to become annoying. With a sigh, I look to Gilbert with his red face and speak.
“No, it’s not like level 8 is the highest rank... in the first place it’s fine if you don’t believe it.”
I’m already used to it. I’m aware that I don’t look strong, and compared with the monsters belonging to Footprints, I’m really not.
It wasn’t my idea to be sitting in this position, but no one else would do it so it couldn’t be helped.
If I wasn’t alone, that would also be nice.
“Well it’s fine if he doesn’t want to. Greg-sama will you be helping us?” “...Eh?”
“O-Oh...? T-That’s... of course... no problem, but...”
It was just an invitation, I don’t plan to compel the boy Gilbert that looks like he hates me. And I’m also not going to bow my head and beg him either.
Regardless of the issue of pride, this is the clan lounge. To see the clan master bow his head, nobody will feel good about it. Why should I lose the trust of my clan members just to have one trashy person join up?
Whether you would say he meets the skill requirements of Ark, he is a level 4 vanguard.
Level 4 or higher vanguards, out of our members we have as many as we need if we want to exchange them.
“O-Oi, is that really fine!? I really won’t be joining!?”
“Aah, that’s quite unfortunate. But it can’t be helped. Tino, go find one of our clan members that looks suitable to help out.”
It’s still noon, but if you go over to the tavern next to the Explorers, there should be some people around.
Tino was approving of me happily, then gave me her upturned eyes as she pleaded. “Master, come with me please...”
“No. Way.”
What would I do if I went? I said a Level 3 Shrine was easy, but it’s still a danger to your life.
Although I gave a clear answer, Tino stared at me with teary eyes. From the start she has acted like a spoiled child time and again. I was content to receive the cool older brother position, but this time it’s pushing it a little far.
As I gripped her head and tried to pull it away, the boy Gilbert ignored us and shouted.
“Victory!” “?”
What is this guy on about now? While I still gripped her head, Tino also blinked and looked at Gilbert.
Like he couldn’t stand our gazes he shouted again. His extended finger pointed towards me.
“A match. Infinite Variety! With me, if you defeat me... I’ll become your member.” “Haa...?”
What are you saying you octopus. I unconsciously bit back these words that nearly came out.
Still I could only stare back in amazement.
To sort of borrow Tino’s words, he really doesn’t know his social position.
Certainly I don’t know what will happen if we fight head on, but still I’m a Level 8 hunter.
For this particular case I really am a crappy small fry so it’s not applicable, but a true Level 8 and Level 4 Hunter are in seperate dimensions.
Even to the Level 7 Ark, Gilbert is completely worthless.
And finally, why do I, who escapes from every battle. This Infinite Variety.
For the sake of adding this trash to the party, why must I expressly enter into a fight I don’t know whether I can win or not.
If you want to fight me, beat down all the members of『Strange Grief』, and then I’ll receive you.
Greg-sama also seems to think it’s ill advised and doesn’t try to say anything to instigate.
The boy Gilbert continues on. He clasps the large sword next to him by the handle. A behaviour he has mastered. Like a declaration of war.
“I won’t obey the orders of someone that’s weaker than me!!” “...Then I’m not the one you should be fighting, that’s Tino right?” “...Eh?”
Because the one that will be the party leader is Tino.
“Deflecting things really is Masters strong point isn’t it? But, it’s fine. You’ve taken an extremely rude attitude towards Master.
On behalf of Onee-sama – I, Tino Shade shall hand out your divine retribution.”
Tino releases herself from my body, and overflows with fighting spirit. She glares at Gilbert who has a stupefied expression.
Translator Notes
The boy Gilbert. In english this gets a bit repetitive, but basically like Greg-sama, I believe Cry is disrespecting him by calling him boy. It might simply just be a descriptor so you don’t forget how young he is, but calling a teenager a ‘little boy’ is the feeling I get.
Use of Swears
Japanese uses Kuso for a lot of its blaspheming. To me it can be translated however abusive (or non-abusive) it seems from context.
For me, when a young obnoxious teen gets held back, the first word that came to my mind that he would say is ‘Fuck’. So I won’t try to go over board with cursing, but I’m not going to avoid reality either. I’m happy to hear your thoughts on this.
Clearing up some words:
Master – This might be a bit late and obvious to say, but I thought I should mention it.
Tino doesn’t call Cry Master in a fetishised way. A servant would call their master goshujin-sama but the Japanese in the story literally says master (in hiragana).
He is the clan Master, and Eva is the deputy or vice Master.
Shrine Capture – The word capture is a bit clunky. The Japanese word I believe is more like complete or conquer/overcome. But I don’t think I’ll change it. ‘Shrine Get’ maybe.