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

Chapter 377.1: Review Board

I look at the Kaiser intently. Even if you ask me to work together…… I told you I won’t take the exam! Saya seems to have roughly the same opinion as me, so she speaks in a firm tone.

“There is nothing to gain by working together. I have heard that what is required for the Level 9 Certification Exam is individual adaptability.” (Saya)

“But this time it might be different. I know. If the rumors about the inspection being more relaxed are true――Then the exam contents must be quite dangerous. Maybe it is possible that――The current Level 9s have failed. However, I don’t think a request that important will be subject to the exam. It is probably going to be a request that they really want to succeed, even if they have to give the Level 9 as a reward.” (Kaiser)

Says Kaiser confidently. It seems that he has surprisingly thought this through. He has come up with a new fighting style, so maybe he is a bit of an intellectual guy. Saya’s eyes also widened. However, it might be a request where a Level 9 has failed and the Explorers Association is desperate to make it a success, huh? I have no idea what it can be.

Anyway, maybe I should just order a parfait for now……

Then, Kaiser puts on a thoughtful expression.

“Moreover…… Considering that Saya-kun has applied for the exam, it seems that the headquarters has been spreading the word in advance that it will be easy to pass the review. This makes it sound as if they are trying to gather as many Level 8s as possible. I had a slight feeling of discomfort when I first learned about this information――But I guess that means I should trust my instincts after all. Seriously, this is really infuriating.” (Kaiser)

Kaiser *butsubutsu* mutters to himself. Saya stands up, shrugs her shoulders, and says.

“Either way, I will just do my best. Rest assured, I won’t attack you as long as you don’t get in my way.” (Saya)

“Saya-san, we should be on our way. The review board session will begin soon.” (?)

Outside the cafeteria, a plump, elderly woman wearing the Explorer Association uniform walks towards us. Judging from the way she speaks, she is probably accompanying Saya. Saya gives a slight nod, looks at the woman, and says.

“I am coming now, “Okaa-san (Adoptive Mother)”.” (Saya)

The elderly woman glances at us and gives us a faint smile. Her face is smiling, but her eyes are not. She doesn’t seem like a very friendly person. Saya and the woman leave. Kaiser says as if he saw something interesting.

“So that is the godmother of 《Little Witch (Yaen Saiden)》――The one who overcame the opposition of those around her to adopt the lone monster and raise her to be a Level 8 Hunter, the Branch Manager of Terrace. But to think that, of all things, that 《Little Witch (Yaen Saiden)》 would be a candidate for Level 9…… Even with the intelligence network of this 《Celestial Dancer (Hagun Tenbu)》, this is unexpected. But I see…… If it weren’t for the circumstances this time, she would never have reached Level 9.” (Kaiser)

“You sure know a lot. But I never thought there would be a Level 8 that young――” (Cry)

Where is Terrace…… I am not good at remembering people’s faces, but I am also bad at geography. Kaiser looks surprised at what I say.

“Hm? Saya-kun is older than this 《Celestial Dancer (Hagun Tenbu)》. Maybe it is because of the ability hidden within her that she stopped aging in her mid-teens. She will probably remain the same even in the next ten or twenty years. I am a bit envious of her, but――Well, it is also a bit horrifying.” (Kaiser)

………… High-Level Hunters, scaryyyy. What do you mean they can stop aging just with their powers?

And after all, this Kaiser guy is really knowledgeable about Hunters.

“I heard she fought for seven days and seven nights, holding back the evil army emerging from a Magic Circle――When she was only ten years old. At least, there is no way I could do something like that. I can’t ask for a more worthy opponent.” (Kaiser)

Well, well, well…… That is just like a hero from a myth, isn’t it. When we were ten years old, we were just talking about becoming Hunters. And even though such a Hunter is his rival, for him to say that he can’t ask for a more worthy opponent, something must be wrong in Kaiser’s head. I want to retire right now.

“It is a shame I won’t be able to see the two of you in action. Good luck with the exams! I am rooting for you. Well then, it is time for me to make my order――” (Cry)

Kaiser then looks at the clock in the cafeteria and says.

“No, this is no time to order! It is already this late! We have to hurry.” (Kaiser)

“………… Eh?” (Cry)

“Some Hunters are habitually late, but I make it a rule to be on time for meetings. Rest assured, my Tempest Dancing will get us there quickly. Now, let us go to our next battlefield!” (Kaiser)

As I open my eyes, Kaiser grabs my arm and nods with an almost hateful proud look on his face.

§ § §

At a round table made of smooth white stone. An important-looking man dressed in the Explorer Association uniform makes a statement at the back of the table.

“――We will now begin the Level 9 Certification Exam Prerequisite Review Conference.” (Review Committee Member)

It is a room on the top floor of the Explorer Association Headquarters. High-level Treasure Hunters are the foundation of the Explorer Association. The members who are allowed to attend are probably quite important people even within the organization. Some of the seats at the round table are empty, but instead have a stone placed in front of the seat. These are precious Relics that can transmit sounds from far away――The Symphonic Stone. I have heard that the Level 9 review is done by voting, so maybe they use that to get votes from judges in faraway countries.

And, as expected, Gark-san is also among the members sitting around the round table. He is looking my way with his cheeks twitching. And for some reason, Serene is also sitting next to him. There, the man who has announced the start of the conference clears his throat and gives a suspicious look as he looks at Kaiser, Saya, and I, who are lined up in front of the round table.

“I heard there were only two applicants this time――But it seems there are three of them. What does this mean?” (Review Committee Member)

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“………… I’m sorry, “Chairman (Gicho)”. It seems that one of our Level 8 has slipped in――I told you I didn’t apply for you…… So why are you here, Cry?” (Gark)

“That’s strange, isn’t it………… I had no intention of coming here.” (Cry)

Saya, standing next to me, is also looking at me like she is saying what is this guy talking about.

I didn’t have time to refuse. Facing Kaiser’s Tempest Dancing, I didn’t even have time to move a finger. It was as fast as the wind, and the Barrier Ring didn’t even activate as there was no impact. When I understood what happened, I was standing in front of the room, and while I was stunned, I had been dragged into this room. It was a very skillful kidnapping.

If I really had the power of a Level 8, would I have been able to resist?

Kaiser, standing on my opposite side, opens his eyes wide in surprise.

“What, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》? You haven’t even submitted an application…… How rude of me. You should have just told me then.” (Kaiser)

“………… Un, un, that’s right.” (Cry)

“However――I believe that the Level 8 Hunter, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 has the right to be reviewed this time. There is no reason why this 《Celestial Dancer (Hagun Tenbu)》 or 《Little Witch (Yaen Saiden)》 would be reviewed and not 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. What, don’t worry about the small details! It’s just a matter of whether it’s early or late! Hahahahahaha!” (Kaiser)

Stop talking like it is someone else’s problem――No, it isn’t someone else’s problem for him. But there is no way the Explorer Association would accept such crazy logic.

The chairman frowns and thinks for a while, then shakes his head slightly and says.

“………… Fumu. Well, fine. Certainly, what 《Celestial Dancer (Hagun Tenbu)》 said is true. Considering his track record, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is way above the others. Normally, the Level 9 exam requires the recommendation of multiple branches and an application from the Manager of his based branch――But if the person himself wishes to take the test, we will make an exception and respect that wish.” (Chairman)

Thanks for reading! Haha what are those sunglasses Serene!?