Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~-Chapter 317，Part2: 2 - New Demon King

Within the surrounding of the Imperial Capital of Zebrudia. A group was located on an open meadow more than 10 kilometers off the main road.

There is nothing to block the view, and as far as the eye can see, there is no one in sight. However, even if someone had spotted this group, they would never thought to approach it.

Dark green giants the size of small mountains, insects the size of human beings shining in black. A horse with golden wings, a skeleton as uncertain as a mirage, visible only when you strain your eyes. And then――A gigantic centipede that reflects sunlight and shines crimson.

In addition, the herd, which was composed of multiple types of Monsters that were not seen in the vicinity of the Imperial Capital, was outside the common sense of this world.

Even if you just call them Monsters, they are still living creatures. When various Monsters are mixed together, a hierarchy arises. Normally, it is impossible for Monsters that are so far apart from each other to gather in one place and stay quiet.

That was proof that the group had complete control over the Monsters.

An atypical group. An army that commanded various mythical and magical beasts from all ages and countries. 《Night Parade (Hyakki Yako)》.

Touching the thick epidermis of a dark cyclop――A giant with wounds all over its body, one of the shadows, a girl in shining white fur, Uno, the 《Holy Spirit User (Seirei Tsukai)》, pouted her lips.

“Children without Magic resistance seem to have been annihilated. Even Zo-kun, who has high vitality, is a little hurt-suu! Even though it can deal with dozens of people if they are normal Hunters.” (Uno)

Engaging. And then defeat. They had no choice but to leave behind those that could not move. After checking the status of the surviving Monsters, Uno *chirari* glanced at another companion.

“Unbelievable, to think they would fire that Level of offensive Magic from that distance…… We’ve heard rumors of a prophecy and came here to look for strong Monsters, but it’s not worth it at all, desuuu. Even though Quint was so full of confidence, he was knocked unconscious by a single blow from a Thief, and even had his sword taken away.” (Uno)

“Sh-Shut up! I didn’t expect them to jump in at that point in time when the Magic wasn’t over yet. Adler, only the small fries had been killed. All the 『Leaders』 and 『Generals』 are alive. What do we do?” (Quint)

In response to Uno’s commanding words, the young swordsman wearing armor made from the shell of an insect-type monster――Quint said without hiding his displeasure.

Of course, it would end up like that if you manage to withstand the Magic and just when you think you are ready to counterattack, you end up getting knocked unconscious. However, there is no excuse for being careless.

Adler Dizrad lets out a small sigh. A somewhat lustrous voice overflows from their lips painted with black rouge lipstick.

“Unbelievable…… To think they would attack without even negotiating. No wonder no one wanted to touch them after the destruction of the Great Barrel Bandits. So that was 《Strange Gief (Nageki no Borei)》, huh? Moreover――Even their renowned Leader has not shown his face yet.” (Adler)

“That’s right. In the first place, we came all the way here after hearing the rumors, but it seems that the prophecy is already over~………… Moreover, 《Strange Gief (Nageki no Borei)》 isn’t our goal this time, is it~!?” (Uno)

“Since we were able to meet them, I thought I would try my hand at it, but the price was high. I thought we could at least get a preemptive attack against them.” (Adler)

Hearing Uno’s blunt words, Adler smiled wryly, and stroked the red, burnt skin of the mythical beast, the Star-Eater centipede, which Adler was sitting on its back.

The whirlwind mixed with ice debris was truly like a disaster.

The well-trained Monsters who had beaten all sorts of armies and Party until now were blown away like leaves from a tree.

The first attack knocked down most of the Monsters with no magic resistance, and the second attack, which seemed to have been released without holding back, left half of the remaining Monsters half-dead. Had it not been for the Mana Material and equipment that solidified their defenses, the 『Guides』 that the Monsters obey wouldn’t have been safe.

And, of course, the other members too――The reasons Adler and the others identified that group as something that isn’t an easy opponent is because of 《Strange Grief’s (Nageki no Borei)》, 《Immutable Permeance (Fudo Fuhen)》, that woman Thief, and also those Spirit People who had attacked their own carriages for some reason.

The 『Star-Eater』, which has preyed on numerous High-Level Hunters, has been torn apart multiple times this time. Although no damage remains due to its high regenerative power, it is astonishing that it can easily penetrate the Star-Eater armor, which boasts a hardness that far exceeds steel.

Zebrudia, a large country with many High-Level Hunters. And there they have 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》, a group composed entirely of people with Aliases and destroyed several groups of people who were famous in the underworld.

Adler didn’t mean to underestimate their abilities that surpasses Monsters, but? Adler can only say that it was beyond their wildest dream.

The black vest that absorbs light is made from the skin of an ancient black dragon, which has been handed down in the Dizrad family since ancient times, and the black spear Adler carries was something dropped by the boss of the Treasure Shrine, the 『King of the Abyss』.

Even though they still have some strength left――It was still their royal army. To think they would be able to subdue so easily the army assembled by Adler Dizrad, the descendant of the ancient ruler.

“………… If they die here that means that was all their worth. They don’t belong to my 『Herd』.” (Adler)

“Quantity’s suuuper important, you know, Adler-sama. It’s especially true when dealing with a lot of people, it’s so true. It would be a different story if there is a monstrous Magi who could continuously shoot that kind of big Magic without a break, tho’――” (Uno)

“There are a lot of Dragons that appear in Zebrudia, aren’t there? A whole herd of Dragons would be a bit of a stretch, but…… All we have to do is subdue the strongest ones.” (Adler)

“Where do you even find those strooong ones! We came here because of the prophecy, but I don’t want to go up a snowy mountain and camp out like we did last time desuuu.” (Uno)

Even if you put a Monster under your control, you need to be selective in your target. footwork becomes heavier in proportion to the size of the herd, and there is also the problem of food.

Regardless of the future, they should not just increase their number just because they need to gather companions. It is because the risk of being exposed and targeted increases. They do not intend to lose even if the official army is sent against them, but even if they are just a few insects, it will still be troublesome if Adler and the others are surrounded by them.

“Really, it’s a shame. I was hoping I could get my hands on a big game that was said to appear in the Imperial Capital…………” (Adler)

They had heard rumors of Monsters that can keep the Knight Orders and the Hunters at bay. An outstanding individual who could win against a large number of warriors is worth more than thousands of gold to Adler.

However, there is nothing that can be done if they are now gone. The Zebrudia Empire has several large earth veins, which is one of the conditions for the appearance of powerful Monsters. It will probably be enough to replenish the amount that was destroyed by 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》.

Then, Adler suddenly remembered something they had heard before. The Star-Eater sitting on his haunches jerked around and let out a low, guttural cry.

The Star-Eater, who was sitting down, started to move and let out a *gyigyi* low cry.

“………… Come to think of it, 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 seems to be an abnormal group of combat maniacs who go out to fight powerful Monsters on their own. I heard they are using their own information network to dispose of “Named” Monsters and any potential Monsters candidates to be “Named”.” (Adler)

“Mmmh? Leaving aside the named one, what do you mean by a candidate? A candidate is an individual whose information is not yet widely known, right? If there’s no bounty attached to it, there’s no point taking it down.” (Quint)

Quint, who is only aiming at the extremely limited Monster that can wield a sword, widened their eyes.

Treasure Hunters are also a job. It is normal for them not to move if the return is not worth the risk. When it comes to dealing with Monsters which can endanger your lives, it is nothing short of insanity to go and defeat an enemy whose bounty has not yet been placed on their head.

“That’s why they’re called abnormalll! Adler-sama, what do we dooo?” (Uno)

Said Uno with an innocent voice. It took an instant for them to decide.

They now know that 《Strange Grief’s (Nageki no Borei)》 power was more than their reputation suggests, but it is not like Adler and the others have been defeated yet. The Star-Eater is safe and there are other particularly powerful individuals left in the army.

With a thin smile, Adler looked at Uno and Quint and said.

“I am not gonna have my first dark stain in my track record without a proper fight. They seemed to be in a hurry and I am personally interested in them. Let’s see how powerful? the Hunters from this country are.” (Adler)

They take out a hand mirror from their pocket. It is a deep purple mirror with an elaborate wing decoration and a carving of an eye on the back.

At first glance, it looked like a simple tool, but it was a rare kind of Monster that few people even knew about its existence in this world.

A peculiar Monster, probably created by a higher race, with almost no fighting ability or survival ability.

“『Mirror of Reality』, this king of demons, Adler orders you. Show me 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》!” (Adler)

Receiving Adler’s order, its eye wriggled. The mirror surface glows darkly and the reflection is distorted.

And not long after, Adler could not believe their eyes when they saw the reflection in the mirror.

There was a black-haired young man with an unremarkable appearance. He did not have the unique aura of a powerful man and looked no different from a normal person you can find everywhere. ｂｅ𝚍𝚗ｏｖｅ𝚕．𝚗𝚎𝚝

But that wasn’t the shocking part.

Uno, probably concerned about Adler’s silence, peers at Adler from behind, but is immediately drawn back in shock and says fearfully.

“!? Th-That’s………… M-Monsters?” (Uno)

What was reflected there was the figure of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 straddling a treasure chest and moving forward as if leading the carriage.

Around him, countless masks were floating and rotating around him like satellites, and nearby, the Members of 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 with whom Adler and the others had just fought earlier could be seen sighing in dismay.

They are Monsters. They should be Monsters. The reason they said they should be Monsters is because the Monsters reflected in the mirror was something that Adler, who has a lot of experience with Monsters, had never seen or heard of before.

A treasure chest that is moving dynamically and masks rotating around him as if to protect him.

It was the first time Adler had seen anything like it since they found Quint.

“That guy………… Don’t tell me, he is a 『Guide (Doushu)』 too!?” (Quint)

『Guide (Doushu)』. A person with a special talent for manipulating Monsters. Those who were persecuted in ancient times because of their excessive power, and who are now destined to become the enemies of the world from birth.

Whether they are aware of it or not, a 『Guide (Doushu)』 has a unique presence. However, this man――Has none of that.

And the fact that he has no intention of hiding his power shows his strong confidence.

Uno and Quint were different. They didn’t know how to put their powers to good use until Adler found them and were content with being left in the status of the weak.

But this man――《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is different. He is in full control of his power as a 『Guide (Doushu)』.

Adler had a hunch. Even if they do not pursue 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 now, Adler had a feeling that they would eventually become enemies.

Suddenly, the face of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 rose slightly, and their eyes met. The mirror only reflects the image in the distance, and there is no way their eyes would meet――And suddenly, Adler’s heart beats strongly.

Adler smiles involuntarily. Adler was taken aback for a moment but was determined to take the path of being his enemy.

“I get it, nooow…… Soooo, it is a monster that is inside 《Immutable Permeance (Fudo Fuhen)》. I did think that there was no way someone that big could exist.” (Uno)

“Maybe the guy who hit me is also a monster…… There’s no way any human being would rush into that tornado.” (Quint)

Uno and Quint raise their voices without tension. Apparently, they were pressured by him only for a moment.

From what Adler saw, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 do not possess many Monsters. And the option of not chasing him does not exist either.

Adler licked their lips and declared to 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 in the mirror who turned away as if to say he was uninterested.

“There is no need for 2 “Demon King (Maou)”. Your Monsters――I’ll be taking them.” (Adler)

Thanks for reading! Thanks Simon for the Ko-fi!

Hahaha Cry making them think that he is a Guide without doing anything.

And of course, he noticed that Adler was watching him, nothing escape his eyes, Sasuga Cry!

Tchao à plus!