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

My powers come from my bloodline. Although I am the only one left now, it seems that all the members of my family were able to use supernatural powers to some degree.

I was feared as a member of a witch family and had always lived in a secluded area. What prompted me to become a Hunter was the magical disaster that occurred in Terrace’s region.

An unidentified vortex――A gate where a horde of monsters emerged. It was on that day, after seven days and seven nights of fighting the horde that was supposed to destroy the fortress city of Terrace, that I was finally able to step outside.

The last of the witch clan. After fighting for no particular reason and repelling a horde of monsters all by myself, I was adopted by Coralie Kuromizu, the head of Terrace’s branch of Explorer Association, who gave my abilities the name of 『Sarasara』 and raised my level through what could be called an unusual measure. This was probably due in large part to the fact that Terrace needed even one more person in their force, but most of all, it was a result for my sake.

By naming it, my ability at least now has a name.

And at Level 8, it is permissible to possess terrifying powers that surpass human understanding.

The training ground in the basement of the Clan House is much larger than what I imagined. The room is spacious and empty, with high ceilings. The metal floor and walls have countless scratches, so it is easy to imagine how much this room has been used.

Dozens of Hunters from 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》 have gathered by the wall, watching me.

There is no look of awe in their gazes. They should know my Level, but they aren’t afraid of me. Is it because they have always looked at a Level 8 up close? They have the presence of people who have gone through multiple carnages. To be able to train so many people to this extent is truly something that can only be done by someone called 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. At least, I cannot do that.

I have hardly ever fought other people before. However, I am strangely excited about fighting against others for the first time in a long time.

The Hunters are not afraid of me, each wielding their own weapon, sword, bow, staff, club. I put my hand in my Magic Bag and take out my weapon. I don’t need weapons, but it would be too rude to challenge them barehanded.

What I take out is a silver rod. It is about ten centimeters long, and when I lift it up and swing it, it expands to about 70 centimeters and then locked into place with a *kachiri* click. Liz opens her eyes at its appearance which is so unreliable compared to other weapons.

“It’s a baton~. How unusual~. You’re telling me that’s your weapon, Saya-chan?” (Liz)

“The world sure is vast. This is rarer than a bow.” (Sven)

“It is made of metal and it is not even a Staff. Is she looking down on us?” (Sytry)

A special baton made of a special alloy. It is hard and light, and if swung with all my strength, it can shatter rocks, but it is generally non-lethal. It is weak against monsters, and also weak against humans. But that is fine. I am not looking down on them. This is just right for me.

For Treasure Hunters, strength is the most important thing. The strong are respected and recognized. I am the only exception to that rule.

I grip my baton and point it at the Hunters from 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》 and say.

“You can come at me anytime. It doesn’t have to be one-on-one.” (Saya)

I know. I know that the pressure I am putting in what I said is much weaker than that of Hunters of my Level. Code’s rating system also gave me a score that was much lower than Kaiser’s score.

No one can see Sarasara so it can’t be conveyed to anyone.

However, the expressions on the faces of 《First Step’s (Hajimari no Ashiato)》 Hunters tell me that they are still so on guard that it is hard to not be impressed. This is most likely because their Leader, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, is also a master of mimicry.

Are there any other Hunters out there who can intervene with Sarasara just like Liz?

As I try to assess them, a girl steps out in front of the multiple Hunters from 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》.

She is a girl with black hair tied back with a bright red ribbon. She is wearing a simple, black outfit that looks easy to move in, and has a dagger at her waist. She is still young compared to the other Hunters, but she seems to have a surprising amount of strength for her age.

Though not as strong as Liz’s, she looks at me with strong-willed, jet-black eyes.

“Onee-sama, please let me be the first to attack! I want to test the progress I’ve made from Yggdra!” (Tino)

“Ti-chan, fufu…… You are so excited. Even though you almost died when you climbed the World Tree.” (Sytry)

“Oh, *yareyare* good grief! But you’d better do your damn best so she doesn’t underestimate me, Ti! Saya-chan, she is Ti, my apprentice, take good care of her.” (Liz)

So she is Liz’s apprentice. The girl takes a deep breath and yells as she steps forward.

“Tino Shade, Level 4. Here I go!” (Tino)

“!!” (Saya)

I am caught off guard.

Tino closes the distance with a single step. Attacking without hesitation with supple movements. A sharp hand stab approaches before my eyes. I gasp.

Fast!

Actually, that was a bit unfair. She stepped in before she had even fully announced her name.

Well, I don’t really mind, but it seems that unlike me, she is quite used to fighting against other people. She probably has plenty of experience from sparring with her Shisho.

I swat her incoming hand stab away with my baton. A heavy sensation is returned to my hand. Then I immediately block the kick with my baton. Tino’s breathing is not irregular at all.

Strong. Her movements are hard to believe that she is a Level 4. Is this the level in the Imperial Capital?

The reason I am able to withstand it is simply because I have absorbed more Mana Materials and am physically stronger. Tino’s fighting skills are undoubtedly superior to mine. She seems to be Liz’s apprentice, so she is probably a Thief because if she were a martial artist her movements would be different.

I block and deflect the continuous barrage of attacks with my baton.

Amazing. Strong. Despite the intense barrage of attacks, her expression shows no signs of fatigue. Her stamina must also have been well-trained.

“Oooh, that Tino, she got stronger again.” (Sven)

“After all, going through a carnage is the most effective way.” (Sytry)

Sytry is leisurely chatting with the spectators. Tino’s momentum is unstoppable.

It is a series of sharp, straight attacks with barely any feints. I am still able to respond, but there is no time to counterattack. To begin with, counterattacking with a baton only works on opponents who can be overpowered with physical abilities.

A moment of doubt crosses Tino’s eyes. She must be feeling uneasy about me, who is on the defensive.

Normally, there is no way there would be a decent fight between a Level 8 (Although I am provisionally Level 9) and a Level 4. Tino’s actual abilities are much higher than the average Level 4, but there is still a clear gap between her and a High-level Hunter.

Doubt leads to hesitation, and hesitation creates openings.

However, Tino shakes off her doubts in an instant――And accelerates.

“!!” (Saya)

Don’t tell me――She was deliberately going slower!? It takes incredible courage to attempt a feint against an opponent at a higher level than you. A sharp sound is heard as her hand stab rapidly comes closer while I am completely late in swinging my baton.

Her fingertips come into view. I accept the attack aimed, without hesitation, at my vital spot without resistance.

For the first time, Tino’s expression twists in shock. The spectators are buzzing. Her lips tremble, and cold sweat runs down her pale skin.

“Hh!? This, is――” (Tino)

“Impossible…………” (Sven)

Tino’s attack doesn’t even scratch my skin one bit. She probably has no idea what is happening. Tino doesn’t understand the significance of the one centimeter where her fingertips have stopped in front of me.

The Foreigner who stepped in between us blocked the attack with its palm.

“Guh…………” (Tino)

But Tino doesn’t stop thinking or moving. She quickly pulls her arm back and delivers a smooth spin kick.

I am no longer moving.

The Shadow people gently blocks Tino’s kick. Thrusts, punches, kicks, swords, bows, and even Magic cannot break through this defense.

After the dance-like barrage of attacks, Tino takes a step back for the first time. She is clearly agitated. Her breathing is erratic.

“Absolute…… Defense?” (Member 1)

“The same as 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》…… No way?” (Member 2)

“Are you saying that all Level 8s have Absolute Defense!?” (Member 3)

!? That’s………… I don’t think that is quite right.

I grip my baton and point it at Tino, who is keeping her distance and remaining on guard.

This is not a weapon. It is not a magic staff. It is――Something like a command tool to command the Shadow People.

The Shadow People approach, following the movement of my baton. However, Tino sees nothing.

Both of its arms transform into something like a hammer and swing at Tino’s defenseless torso.

“Hh!?” (Tino)

Tino’s small body is blown away. She changes her position in the air, kicks the wall, and lands neatly. The damage is not that great, but her expression shows she doesn’t have leeway. Unidentified attacks also sap the opponent’s spirit.

“What was that just now!? What happened?” (Member 1)

“Blowing her away without even touching her…… Don’t tell me she has the same powers as Master!?” (Member 2)

“Eh!?” (Saya)

Every time they say something, even I am surprised. What on earth is Cry?

But, I put my doubts aside for the moment, change my thought, and face the person in front of me. Tino is strong. She judges the situation calmly. She does her best in front of an invisible power.

But that is about it. I had hoped as she is Liz’s apprentice but she has not been able to interfere with the Foreigners. The match is over. Tino certainly has a promising future, but at this level, you can also find them in Terrace too.

Thanks for reading! I love how everyone is comparing Saya’s move to Cry! And let’s go, Tino fighto! You most likely cannot win but do your best. You are not the Clan’s mascot (Cry’s favorite victim) for nothing! And maybe she is going to be promoted to Level 5 soon