Chapter 299: Chapter 172，Part1: 1 - Choice

Chapter 172 Choice?

Part 1

My Operation Gorgeous Dark Pot immediately ran into a wall.

Gark-san’s shoulder trembled and he slammed his desk with a vigor I haven’t seen in a while. Kaina’s bitter smile was the only thing that soothed me.

“Cry, it will be an escort until the conference, you know! Select them seriouslyyy! Listen, absolutely don’t make any incidents. Your job will determine the Hunters’ future position in Zebrudia.” (Gark)

“Y-Yes.” (Cry)

“I am already not a Hunter anymore! I didn’t even absorb Mana Material. You may have taken my feelings into account, but think this through. In that state, am I really suitable?” (Gark)

I didn’t take your feelings into account. I was just trying to get you involved. But, in Gark-san’s opinion, it seemed that it was a bad idea.

But then again, if you said that, I am not suitable either.

I crossed my arms and pretended to think for a while, but Gark-san was breathing with his shoulder and showed no signs of calming down.

And that’s when I snapped my fingers.

“I know, Kaina-san, I’ve decided on you ~! Please join me in the escort~!” (Cry)

“Eh!?” (Kaina)

It was a nice idea. Even escorts need healing, and I have always thought that Kaina-san wasn’t just anyone normal.

“D-D-Don’t play around! There’s the Emperor! Don’t you have any brakes!” (Gark)

Gark-san yelled at me in a shaky voice. And then I was easily kicked out of the branch manager’s office.

§

So mean. Even though you are always pushing some job on me (Whether I do it or not is another problem though), you refuse one of my requests…… I misjudged you.

Kaina-san, who was following behind me, gave me an “I have no excuse” expression and an apologetic smile and handed me a list.

“I am sorry, Cry-kun. The branch manager didn’t mean to offend you. This is a list of high-level Hunters in the Imperial Capital Branch. I think it might be helpful in selecting your Members.” (Kaina)

“Aaah, thank you. Really, even though I am seriously thinking about this……” (Cry)

“If necessary, we will call them out, just let us know.” (Kaina)

Let’s get back on track a little bit.

Certainly, it may not have been the best idea to include Kaina-san. Moreover, it isn’t good to vent my anger on Kaina-san.

The slot that was for Gark-san is now freed. I need to somehow fill it……

I checked the list, but all the people on it were people I know. The names of all the Members of 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 were also on the list.

There are quite a few high-level Hunters in the Imperial Capital.

And then, one name caught my eyes. It was a man with a distinctive name and seemed to be a Level 6 Hunter. Of course, I didn’t recognize him, nor did I know him.

………… Well, there are still four slots left, so it was fine if one of them is for this guy. Being spontaneous is important in things like this.

“Kaina-san, can you call this guy who is called Kechakchakka?” (Cry)

“………… Alright.” (Kaina)

Maybe my immediate decision was unexpected for Kaina-san, she opened her eyes widely.

§

What was important in an escort mission was to have long-range firepower to take on a large army.

A powerful Magi was essential, especially considering the fact that Monsters will be attacking from all directions.

It wasn’t an exciting story for me, but except Lucia, all the powerful Magi are in the same place.

My next stop was the base of the Magi Clan, 《Hidden Curses (Ma Tsue)》.

This time, the mission was to escort the Emperor. And word probably already got out that I have been entrusted with the Members’ selection.

Which means, it was inconceivable that I wouldn’t call out to 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 when you consider my position as a weakling.

That “Baa-san (Grandma)” is always in a bad mood so you never know what she might do. I wouldn’t care if this request was just a regular request, but if she found out that I ignored her, she might burn me to a crisp. Well, even without that, that “Baa-san (Grandma)” is Level 8, so I have nothing to say regarding her power.

Unlike 《Footprints (Ashiato)》, which had a cutting-edge Clan House, the home base of 《Hidden Curse (Ma Tsue)》 was an old mansion.

Their historic mansion, which seems to have been in use since the time their Clan was founded, had undergone repeated renovations and had now a very quaint look and practicality.

As I walked up to the front door and did a double-take, a familiar young man came out from inside.

It was a Magi wearing an indigo robe with a cold demeanor.

“Ah, Cry-san. This is unusual… How can I help you?” (Magi)

“Ahrun, hallo~! What’s up?” (Cry)

“………… Ehm… That’s a nickname only Marie uses to call me…… And, well…… I would appreciate it if you call me Alto.” (Ahrun)

When I dared to call out to him in a friendly manner to make a good impression, Ahrun shrunk back, looking unusually shy.

I think it is a great nickname, Ahrun. To the point that I would shove you inside the Dark Pot if I had an extra slot.

“I am here for 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》. Is she in? If she isn’t, I would like you to pass her a message……” (Cry)

I am sure 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 was also very busy because of many reasons.

But I sure hope she wasn’t here…… If I have the excuse of coming over once but she wasn’t at home, I am sure I won’t get burned to a crisp for asking her to join via a message.

Despite my wish, Ahrun blinked his eyes and opened the door willingly.

“Ah, perfect timing. We were just talking about you earlier. Come in.” (Ahrun)

§

.

The Clan Master’s office of 《Hidden Curse (Ma Tsue)》 looked like the reception room of a nobleman’s mansion.

Thick carpets and old lamps. The walls were lined up with bookshelves, and portraits of the past Clan Masters hung above them.

《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》, as usual, looked like a witch from a fairy tale. Moreover, the wicked kind of witch.

Although she was slim and tall, I felt tremendous pressure when facing her.

《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》. Rosemary Purovos listened to what I said, narrowed her eyes, and said.

“Kukuku………… I am honored that you thought about me 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.” (Rosemary)

“…………” (Cry)

“But as you know ―― The country put me under house arrest. I can’t leave the Imperial Capital. Dealing the conflict with the 『Tower of Akasha (Akasha no To)』 was too troublesome. So I burned down everything~.” (Rosemary)

“I see. …… W-Well, I didn’t know that.” (Cry)

I frowned while feeling like wanting to run away right now.

The fact that she was under house arrest was her own fault as she reaped what she sowed, but I didn’t think that this witch was someone who cared about house arrest.

Because of what I said, 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction’s (Shin En Kametsu)》 eyes glowed brightly.

“Kuh, kuh, kuh…… “If it was me, I would have done it better”, right? That’s what we call…… Having its own field of expertise. I am only good at destruction.” (Rosemary)

Hey, I never said that. Please don’t burn me……

I rubbed my Barrier Ring and took a deep breath. Her magic can be prevented by the Barrier Ring, but fire magic has a great effect on its surroundings.

I would die if there was no oxygen. That’s why, right now, I am equipped with an Oxygen Ring. I would die if the heat was too hot. That’s why, right now, I am equipped with a Cold Air Ring.

However, even with all that…… Even if the flame was prevented by the barrier, it won’t be put out, so it may spread and burn me to a crisp.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Hahahaha, did Cry just picked that guy because he had a weird name!?

He seriously doesn’t care even if it is an escort mission with the Emperor.

And he was really prepared for a long battle in case Rosemary tried to burn him!

I can see Cry acting badass in front of her while she tries to burn him.

Tchao à plus!

Footnotes

Ma tsue: Literally translated to Magic Wand.