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

Chapter 385.1: Infiltration ③

Following the voice, I walk several dozen meters forward and find myself in a small room. It is a simple room, furnished only with a chair and a desk. Across the desk, sitting in front of me is a staff member wearing the same uniform as the one who had greeted me at the gate earlier. Even though it is an artifact of an Advanced Physical Civilization, the structure of the room doesn’t seem to be that different. The chairs and table are made of metal, tho’――.

As I sit down, the staff member speaks to me in an arrogant tone.

“Now, we will begin your registration as a Code’s citizen. Code’s city system is different from the outside, so you may be confused at first, but you will soon get used to it. Show your passcard.” (Staff Member)

What is he going to do? I obediently hand over my card. The staff member *chirari* glances at the card, then snorts and asks.

“Hmph………… Name?” (Staff Member)

“Cry Andrich.” (Cry)

…… Maybe I shouldn’t give my real name?

By the time I realize that it is already too late. The card I use to enter here is placed on the desk and the staff member chants.

“Citizen registration, Cry Andrich. Rank setting, Class 1.” (Staff Member)

The patterns engraved on the surface of the metal card suddenly begin to wriggle and form letters. There is a star next to my Cry Andrich’s name.

The staff member says to me with an annoyed look on his face as I stand there frozen with my eyes wide open.

“Unlike the world outside, in Code, all citizens are assigned a rank――A Class in accordance with the city rules. Citizens have the right to access the city system, and the higher the Class, the more advanced the city system they can use. Those who come from outside are assigned Class 1 or 2 depending on their abilities. That decision is up to the immigration officer――In other words, me. Your ability is low, so I’ve set you at 1. Any objections?” (Staff Member)

“I see…… No, nothing in particular.” (Cry)

As expected of an Advanced Physical Civilization, the rules are quite different from other existing cities, huh. If the Explorer Association had superior technology like Code, they would never have raised a dunce like me to Level 8. I am curious what kind of city systems are availableee.

For a moment the staff member looks confused at my answer as if he is disappointed, but then he clears his throat and says.

“You need to be careful when dealing with those of a higher rank. For example, if a Class 1 and a Class 2 were to fight, the city system would side with the higher class in every way. Classes are determined by the number of stars. You have 1 star, so you’re Class 1, and as you see, I’m 4 stars, so I’m Class 4. Immigration officers are made up of people of Class 4 and above due to the importance of their work.” (Staff Member)

“I see…… I understand.” (Cry)

Now that I think about it, the cards the staff members near the gate were wearing also had several stars engraved on them.

“………… In this city, anyone below Class 1 is Class 0――Lower class citizens who are not treated as citizens by the city system. Don’t get too cocky just because you were given a card, you’re at the very bottom of this city. You may have noticed by now, but as a Class 1 you don’t even have the authority to use Magic within the city.” (Staff Member)

“I see………… Thank you. That’s very kind of you for explaining this.” (Cry)

The right to use Magic, huh. This seems like a pretty tricky city. If an unauthorized person uses Magic, will they be arrested immediately? It doesn’t really concern me though, since I can’t use Magic……

As I am vaguely thinking about this, the staff member openly clicks his tongue and speaks in a threatening tone.

“………… Tsk………… That’s right. I taught you a lot of things. I deserve a reward, right? Give me something.” (Staff Member)

“Eh? ………… Uuuun…… Then take this.” (Cry)

It can’t be helped. I have brought it all the way here, but maybe I should give him this dagger. Fortunately, there seems to be some order in the city. I was just thinking that the dagger was a bit in the way.

As I remove the dagger from my waist and place it on the table, the staff member’s expression turns grim.

“………… What are you planning, handing over your weapons without any hesitation? How are you going to fight without them!?” (Staff Member)

“Eh…… Even though you were the one who said you wanted it…………” (Staff Member)

“………… Damn. You’re killing my groove. That’s enough, take it back. If it becomes known that I confiscated your weapons after recruiting you as a fighting force, it won’t end well for me!” (Staff Member)

That is a very unreasonable thing to say, but if you think about it carefully, it is true…… And it seems the recent rumors that the reason they are gathering people is to secure military strength are true.

I ask the staff member who is *boribori* scratching his head in irritation.

“By the way, there is one thing I would like to confirm…………………… What should I do from now on?” (Cry)

“!?” (Staff Member)

Indeed, I have to meet the client inside, but I don’t have a map of the city, and I have no money. Well, I do have some coins from Zebrudia, but I am sure it won’t work within Code. If possible, I would like to learn how to use this city system. It doesn’t seem to be a Relic, but I am a little interested in what it can do.

“As if I know! Is what I want to say………… But well, I heard that the people who joined Code this time would basically be assigned as private soldiers of the Royal Family. It seems that some of the best members have been informed of this beforehand, but…… Have you not heard anything?” (Staff Member)

The private soldier for the Royal Family……? The information I got from the Explorer Association didn’t mention that.

But I see. I was wondering how we would approach the Royal Family to protect them, but it seems there is a way. I guess it is probably true that the client is someone in the upper echelons of Code’s management.

“…… Now that you mention it, I have heard something like that.” (Cry)

“Well, I do feel for you. Being sent here with an overall rating of 4――At best you can only hope that you will be picked up by a strong member of royalty. But, with only a 4, there is a good chance you will survive. If you are competent you could be a hindrance, but with a rating like that you probably won’t be a hindrance at all.” (Staff Member)

“…………??? Eh? A strong member of the Royal Family?” (Cry)

I can’t understand it at all. I heard that the Royal Family is imprisoned, but what does that mean?

What does a private army do, anyway? It seems Code has a lot of incredibly powerful mechanized soldiers――Putting aside High-level Hunters, mechanized soldiers should be stronger than any random thugs.

And what do you mean 4?

While I am confused by the overwhelming amount of new information, the staff member suddenly opens his eyes wide as if he had just thought of something and grins.

“No, wait. That’s right, I have a good idea. I was just asked to send over any useless people with low overall ratings that nobody wants. You’re perfect for that. I’ll contact them.” (Staff Member)

“Eh? Ah, yes. Thank you.” (Cry)

………… I don’t know what is happening, but I appreciate that. This description is as if they knew I was coming.

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Thanks for reading! Couldn’t post the chapter yesterday because I was so absorbed by the new Deadpool movie but here it is.