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

Life under suspension is the best. There are no urgent requests coming at you and no scolding summoning from Gark-san, and time just passed peacefully in the Clan Master’s office.

Some people may find the restriction of not being able to leave their room stressful, but that is not the case for me. I have financial security, so in a sense, this lifestyle might be the destination I have been seeking.

The only thing I feel bad about is that I am not allowed to leave my room at all, so I have to ask someone to bring me food all the way to my room during meals.

Apparently, according to Eva, people from the government and the Explorers Association regularly come to check on me and see if I am in my room. Thanks for your hard work.

………… Maybe this isn’t suspension but confinement?

The only areas I am allowed to move around in at the moment are the Clan Master’s Office and my private room connected to it (And inside Mimic-kun). If you ask me if it is sufficient, it is sufficient, and if you ask me if it is comfortable, it is comfortable, but if you ask me if it is boring, it is boring. Code’s room had many revolutionary features, but maybe Ohii-sama felt the same way after being locked in her room for so long?

Well, I do have my childhood friends who come over quite often, even though they don’t have any particular reason to come over tho’.

Eva brings me newspapers and magazines every morning, so if I want to know what is going on outside, I can read them, but I don’t particularly feel like doing that. I am only just polishing my Relics.

Just as I am *daradara* laying around thinking about taking a nap, one of the magazines that Eva brought for me entered my field of vision.

On a whim, I pick up the magazine and *parapara* flip through it. A large page is devoted to Yggdra, the hot topic of these days. Before Serene came to the Imperial Capital, Yggdra was a city of legend. It feels strange to think that Yggdra, who is a regular topic in the 『Monthly Lost Inn』 magazine, is now a hot topic in regular newspapers as well.

In that light, maybe all those other vague rumors may be true when you get down to it. After all, I am the one who knows more than anyone else that anything can happen in this world.

When I check the 『Monthly Lost Inn』 magazine for the first time in a while, the contents are still as absurd as ever. In fact, it feels like the content is more extreme than when I skimmed through it last time, perhaps because reality has surpassed fiction, with incidents around the prophecy and the sudden appearance of the Princess of Yggdra.

Apparently this month’s 『Monthly Lost Inn』 is doing a special feature on spirited away.

There are various stories written, such as if you follow a complete stranger who suddenly appears, you will disappear, or that there are mysterious holes all over the Imperial Capital and if you enter one of them, you will disappear, and so on………… But if you follow a complete stranger or enter one of those holes, you reap what you sow! I am rather curious as to who witnessed the scenes of people getting sucked into a mirror when they look at it or of monsters chasing and catch people in their dreams to be then erase from the real world. People who go to the sewers or the Abandoned Metropolitan Area and never coming back are incidents that are different than being spirited away. It is also written that students from Zebrudia Magic Academy are missing, but is it okay to mention the name of a real institution?

It also includes information on what to do if you are spirited away, but I can only hope that I never find myself in a situation and place where I have to try out the solutions written in it.

It is a silly magazine, but it is good for killing time.

In the first place, at least the people I have encountered so far who are connected to a god don’t seem like the type to do something so ridiculous as spirit people away………… No, could you also call 《Still Water (Shisui)》, Term and Kechakchakka being held captive in the 【Lost Inn】, a case of being spirited away?

The feature ends with a message calling for caution. I think it is common sense not to accept suspicious offers or to stay away from dangerous places.

The magazine also contains other stories about being attacked by something invisible, a treasure chest that swallows people endlessly, and a flying city of an ancient civilization. It all sounds awfully familiar to me………… Are those gossip?

*Otto* Oops, speaking of god, there is something I have been thinking about doing.

I pick up the Relic I received from Ohii-sama――My smartphone and check the note I stored on my desk.

A smartphone is a Relic with various functions, one of which is similar to the Symphonic Stone, it can transmit voices and images to distant people who have a smartphone.

The difference with a Symphonic Stone is that you need to input a number to identify the other person’s smartphone in order to make a call. This means that you cannot call anyone without the number, but it also means that as long as you have the number, you can call anyone using any smartphone.

So I made sure to carefully write down the smartphone numbers of the Imouto Kitsune and the Ani Kitsune. It is only natural as they are the only two people I know who have smartphones, so if I lost their numbers, one of the smartphone’s functions would become useless.

Smartphones are Relics whose functions vary from one to another. I still haven’t fully mastered the previous smartphone I got from the Imouto Kitsune, but the one Ohii-sama gave me this time is probably the latest model――It should have more functions than the smartphone the Imouto Kitsune gave me. I might be able to find out about some new functions if I ask her.

I hum as I type the number I have written down. I put the smartphone to my ear and wait for a few seconds, and as soon as the call starts, I immediately shout out in excitement.

“*Yah, yah* Hey, hey, it’s been a while. It’s me… Me, me. How have you been?” (Cry)

『Hh!? …………』 (Imouto Kitsune)

There is a gasping sound. The call silently disconnects.

I take the phone away from my ear, look down at the *pikapika* shiny new smartphone I have just received, and open my eyes wide.

A sudden disconnection…… Could this be――The phenomenon known as poor signal among smartphone enthusiasts?

This smartphone Relic is extremely convenient, but it does have several mysterious flaws, one of which is the phenomenon where calls are subject to noises or sudden cut off.

It is believed that the original tool had the same flaw, which is why it was reproduced with its flaws, and this is one of the reasons why a Smartphone Relic has not become widely popular.

The disconnection phenomenon, which is enjoyed by smartphone enthusiasts as being interesting and romantic, is nothing but a risk for Hunters. It is scary to use a Relic that could potentially disconnect a call during an emergency, so it is safer to use the Symphonic Stone. Well, the Symphonic Stone is a pretty valuable Relic, but I still think it is a logical decision. It doesn’t concern me tho’, I am just a Relics collector.

I type the number in my smartphone again and call the Imouto Kitsune. The ringtone is a little longer than before. As soon as the call is connected, I say badassly.

“Sorry, sorry, it seems like the signal was poor so the call got cut off――” (Cry)

『I, was the one who cut it off!』 (Imouto Kitsune)

The call is cut off again at the same time as the Imouto Kitsune screams.

……………… Did I do something?

Well, maybe she is busy. It is convenient to be able to call at any time, but the other side probably has their own schedule. I pull myself together and then type in the Ani Kitsune’s number.

“*Yah, yah* Hey hey, it’s been a while. What’s up?” (Cry)

『………… Haaah. Kikkikan-san, what do you think we are? My Imouto is trembling.”』 (Ani Kitsune)

“……………… Penpals?” (Cry)

『That’s an obsolete term now. So, it looks like you got a new smartphone, but what do you want from us? We are, for the time being, considering Kikkikan-san a enemy, you know……』 (Ani Kitsune)

The Ani Kitsune says in amazement at what I said while I was pretending to be a smartphone professional. So penpal is an obsolete term among professional smartphone users…… So embarrassing. I will try not to use it from now on.

I clear my throat lightly to hide my agitation and speak to the Ani Kitsune.

“No………… How should I say, I was just wondering how you were doing…… It is not like I particularly think of you as an enemy or anything.” (Cry)

『Hh………… Sorry, but we will not bother with you anymore. Haha-ue’s wounds from the battle with Keller haven’t healed, and she is tired of dealing with Kikkikan-san, you know. Let me tell you, there is no point in trying to get us to move with your words, we have decided not to bother with Kikkikan-san. Humans have short lifespans, in any case, Kikkikan-san will probably die within 300 years anyway.』 (Ani Kitsune)

I don’t remember doing anything in particular, but it seems like he has a lot of things to say. Also, human lifespan is less than 300 years. Should I be happy that he said the dangerous Phantoms from the 【Lost Inn】 are tired of dealing with me? No, but still. They are my only penpals (Obsolete term), you know……

“We have talked so many times on our smartphones, so it makes me sad to hear you say something like that.” (Cry)

『Seriously, I think you should really reflect on your actions, Kikkikan-san, absolutely. If you have finished with your business, I will hang up now. My Imouto has been trembling ever since.』 (Ani Kitsune)

Oh no, it has been a while since I was able to talk on my smartphone, but he is going to hang up. I quickly drop my gaze to the magazine I had left open and say.

“Ri-Right! Do you guys know anything about being spirited away? It seems like it is popular? here these days.” (Cry)

『I don’t know. Zebrudia is not our territory and the god who was once there has been driven out. They probably have not returned yet. As expected, we would know if they have returned.』 (Ani Kitsune)

I guess gods have territories…… And as I thought, rumors are just rumors. I knew it tho’.

The Imperial Capital is peaceful today as well. There are so many people that it is unlikely that no incidents will occur, but if being spirited away were a common occurrence, there would probably be a lot more commotion in the surrounding areas.

Ani Kitsune speaks quickly, as if he wants to wrap things up quickly.

『The Master of the 【Star Temple】 that once stood there was an invader. They had the technology but knew too little about mankind. That’s why they were chased out by Rodan and the Empire, but if they were to return, they would probably start by learning about mankind’s weaknesses. That is why they are fundamentally different from Haha-ue and Keller.』 (Ani Kitsune)

Says the Ani Kitsune as if he knows the god of the 【Star Temple】. Zebrudia was supposed to have moved to its current location a 1000 years ago, but do Phantoms not age?

And it is amazing that Rodan was able to drive out a god. Being able to become friends with Ark is one of the few lucky things that happened to me. His only flaw is that he is so dependable that he is in high demand, but next time something happens, let’s rely on Arc again.

“But the god isn’t coming back, right? Because Ark’s ancestors defeated them, and the Treasure Shrine is gone.” (Cry)

Generally speaking, even if you defeat the Boss of a Treasure Shrine, it will respawn if it accumulates enough Mana Materials, but Temple-type Treasure Shrines are the exception. The Boss of a Temple-style Treasure Shrine is unique. Because of the immense power they possess, they are the foundation of the Treasure Shrine itself, so if they are defeated the entire Treasure Shrine will disappear, and naturally, the boss will not reappear. The earth veins do not change, so if enough Mana Materials accumulate, a new Treasure Shrine will appear in the same place, but the new one will be different from the one that disappeared. This is why conquering a Temple-type Treasure Shrine is considered a heroic feat. However, in response to what I said, the Ani Kitsune simply replies.

『That is not true. Because the master of the 【Star Temple】 is not a Phantom. They were attracted to the power that flows in this planet, came from outside the planet, and were shocked and fled after receiving an unexpected blow from someone they thought was an inferior lifeform. They won’t underestimate mankind anymore. The best you can do is to be cautious of them.』 (Ani Kitsune)

The boss of a Treasure Shrine is generally a Phantom. However, in rare cases, a powerful mythical beast from outside will take residence and take over the Treasure Shrine. Naturally, such bosses are far more powerful than the Phatom that usually appear in the Treasure Shrine, and since they are not Phantoms, they can act freely outside the Treasure Shrine.

If there were an invader with the power to control a Temple-type Treasure Shrine where a Phantom of a god manifested, what difference would that make between that and a god?

Seriously, this world is full of danger. I would say that this is rare information, so I should tell Franz-san and Gark-san about it next time.

I throw my legs up on the desk and say badassly.

“A god who came from outside, huh. Well, it is fine if they are not here right now.” (Cry)

『Kikkikan-san really has no sense of danger. Is there nothing that scares you?』 (Ani Kitsune)

There are so many things I am scared of. I have been in so many life-threatening situations.

But I have managed to get through it all up until now, and like the Ani Kitsune said, my lifespan is not 300 years, it will probably be even less than a 100 years. I thought the same thing when I was talking with Serene, but all supernatural beings are so patient, which is a relief.

I am sure future generations will sort it out and take care of it. Ordinary people like me are neither strong nor sensible enough to live in constant fear of a natural disaster that will strike one day.

Now, let’s get down to the main business (How to use a smartphone). Just as I am about to speak up, a voice suddenly calls out from behind me.

“………… What are you talking about, Leader?” (Lucia)

“!? W-Well then, I will hang up now. See you.” (Cry)

Hearing a familiar voice, I quickly hung up the phone.

Near the door of the room. Looking my way with a frown on her face, is my Imouto, Lucia.

When did she enter the room, I didn’t notice her at all. As expected of a High-level Hunter, even a Magi has stealth capabilities that ordinary people cannot comprehend. Or maybe I am just not paying enough attention.

It is not like I was saying anything that would be embarrassing if someone asked me about it, but I don’t know what she would say to me if she found out I was talking with a Phantom from the 【Lost Inn】. No, maybe she already found out……

I clear my throat and check with Lucia, who is coming closer.

“From when were you listening?” (Cry)

“Around the time when you said, Do you guys know anything about being spirited away?” (Lucia)

A sense of pressure can be felt on Lucia’s gaze. There is an aura there that only those who have overcome countless battles have.

Just the look in her eyes is enough for me to lose. I somehow manage to pretend to be badass and say.

“………… I see, then it is safe.” (Cry)

No, even if she was listening from the beginning, it would have been safe.

“………… Leader, do you understand the meaning of being suspended?” (Lucia)

“We were just having a nice chat. Really.” (Cry)

I close the 『Monthly Lost Inn』 which I have left open and straighten my posture. It is not like I really thought that being spirited away was a real thing, it was just one of those topics. And then after that we were about to follow up with some smartphone talk.

Well, it is fine since I can always talk with the Ani Kitsune.

“By the way, what’s wrong? I only had my Relics recharged yesterday.” (Cry)

“………… Do you think I will not come unless I have to recharge something?” (Lucia)

Lucia’s eyes are way too cold. It is so cold that it is no wonder she is so good at Ice Magic. The only time she was openly attached to her brother was during her childhood. I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused you.

“N-No, you are always welcome…… But you see, Lucia, you said you were investigating something because you were asked to, right?” (Cry)

I think she said that Sage-san asked her to do something for her.

What did she say she was going to investigate already……? I don’t remember exactly, but to ask a Level 6 Hunter to do it, it must be a big job. She is already busy as it is, so there is no way she would have time to come and check on her brother who has been suspended.

“Hh………… I came to see if Nii-san, is doing anything unnecessary! You have been officially suspended, so do you understand that if you make any further move, you are going to get into trouble?” (Lucia)

“Lucia sure worries a lot. It’s okay. I will not do anything unnecessary. I won’t move even if I am asked to.” (Cry)

The only time I will move is when I have to run away from something.

Thanks for reading! Here an extra chapter thanks to Kerphi! While Franz just discovered that there are missing people, Cry already found the root cause. It was aliens! Are we going to fight aliens in this arc!? I love Imouto Kitsune’s reaction at Cry calling her and how Cry just casually hung up on a Level 10 Phantom like nothing.

If you are in a generous mood and want to support me, I will be very grateful! : Click here for Ko-fi donation or the button bellow