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Chapter 266(2): 2 - Return to the Everyday life ②

Chapter 266 Return to the Everyday life ②

Part 2

“Franz-kyo^{1 has entrusted me with a Symphonic Stone. Cry’s policy on secrets is nothing new. I want you to give this to Cry. The operation to eradicate the “Fox (Kitsune)” will be led by the nation, and we are still discussing what steps to take――So contact me if you hear anything, is what he said.” (Gark)}

Relying on Treasure Hunters is not in the best interest of the country’s honor, but they cannot leave an effective card doing nothing.

Normally, it is impossible for a nobleman to give a Hunter a direct line of communication. This must have been a compromise that Franz-kyo, who hated 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, made after killing himself for the sake of the Empire. Cry would have been charged with contempt if he had made one single mistake, but as usual, he was just barely safe.

Eva stared down at the Relic for a while but eventually gave a small nod.

“………… We will gratefully receive it. I will give it to the Master.” (Eva)

“From now on………… The Imperial Capital is going to be really busy.” (Gark)

From recent sources that I heard, a large bounty has been placed on 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 head. Up until now, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 has fought off many bandits, but this time, the amount of money on his head was enough to attack even a Level 8 Hunter.

Of course, I don’t expect that man to be defeated so easily. Cry Andrich is not the same man he once was when he came to the Imperial City to become a Hunter.

He… Became stronger.? At first glance, he may not seem to have changed, but he has established an organization, trained his allies, and earned their trust――And now that the war against the “Fox (Kitsune)” has begun, defeat is not an option for the current 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.

Cry Andrich’s defeat will lead to a drop in morale. After crossing his arms, Gark continues.

“Eva, there is a possibility that the bandits who want to aim at 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 may harm the Clan’s staff. You must be very careful.” (Gark)

“That is………… Not something new. This place is full of Hunters, and originally, when the Clan House was built and at the Master’s instructions, the upper floors were built with the assumption of assailants attacking. He wanted us to be able to escape while the Hunters belonging to the Clan were fighting on the first and second floors. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened yet――” (Eva)

“………… I see. So he has considered it from the beginning, huh………… It’s a natural consideration when you’re hiring noncombatants――Good thinking he had there.” (Gark)

It is more difficult than it sounds for the powerful to put themselves in the shoes of the powerless. Even the Association of Explorers cannot claim to be able to completely guarantee the safety of its employees.

And to spend money on it, I am sure there would have been a backlash from the Hunters who paid for it, but the fact that he seems to think nothing of it, and yet he gives instructions when he has to, shows that he is a solid Clan Master.

“The defenses are perfect. We put a lot of effort into the third floor and above, so the first and second floors aren’t as good――He said that if there is a fight on those floors, it will break anyway so no need to put so much effort on it.” (Eva)

“Is this……………… How it goes normally?” (Gark)

To begin with, 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》 is supposed to be a Clan where the Clan Master’s authority is weak. Is it OK to include Hunters belonging to the Clan in the interception force without permission

For a moment, such a question crossed his mind, but Gark nodded broadly and convinced himself.

Perhaps I should not say this as the head of the Imperial Capital Branch of the Explorer Association, but of course, it is better to have Hunters fight to the death than to have ordinary civilians killed or injured. Those with power must protect the weak. That is one of the reasons why the Explorer Association was established.

“If anything happens, contact the Explorers Association as usual. We will do our best to help.” (Gark)

“Yes. At that time, we will count on you.” (Eva)

As the discussion was over he stood up.

Gark is not free either. First of all, he has to find out if there were any “Fox (Kitsune)” among the staff and the Hunters who belonged to Explorer Association. Just thinking about it gave him a headache. In the first place, Gark was appointed as the branch manager because of his charisma and experience as a Hunter, so he is not good at detailed investigations.

He sighed heavily as he thought about the work he would have to do after returning to the branch office when suddenly he heard a familiar voice coming from the entrance.

“Aaaah, Eva, theeere you are――About the guest who is supposed to be here today………… Geh, Gark-san!?” (Cry)

“!? Cry-san!?” (Eva)

The person who appeared enthusiastly at the entrance of the lounge was Cry Andrich, the Master of 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》 who had just refused to meet with me.

Our eyes met and silence prevailed in the lounge. My subordinates from the Explorer Association who I brought along were also staring in shock at the goofy, smiling Cry who appeared.

He was focused…… On another matter? He said that no one should interfere with him? And did that guy just say “Geh”?

Eva also looked at Gark as if she was troubled. If the person who refused to meet with you shows up with a goofy smile on his face, no matter how brilliant your Vice-Clan Master is, she will probably have that look on her face.

Cry frowned and approached while? *kyorokyoro* checking his surroundings.

“What? Were you talking with Eva? I am sorry, but I have an important guest that is supposed to arrive today――” (Cry)

“…………” (Eva)

You’re the one I came to see.

Just as I was about to yell this at him, the glass in the lounge shattered.

*Kirakira* Shining glass shards flew around. Even though I have long since retired as a Treasure Hunter, my kinetic vision clearly caught what flew in through the window.

I quickly took a stance.

It was a single arrow. A long, thick, golden arrow.

The arrow penetrated the lounge window as if it was the most natural thing in the world, and pierced Cry’s forehead who was *furafura* goofily approaching as if it sucked the arrow.

And as usual, the arrow was deflected as if it hit a thick wall.

“!? Wh-What?” (Cry)

Said Cry with a voice devoid of any pain or worry.

Contrary to Cry who is standing still, the Hunters in the lounge quickly took up fighting positions at the sudden peaceful mood that got shattered.

“Kuh!? What was that!? Is it Liz? Or is it Luke?” (Member 1)

“It’s an attack!” (Member 2)

《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 absolute defense.

We can assume that the Relic collector, Cry Andrich, has a Barrier Ring, but the attacker is probably also taking that into account.

Cry picked up the fallen arrow and looked around in confusion. The arrow was thick enough to blow off the head of a mythical beast. The arrowhead was sharp――And something like a black box was strapped to it.

A Barrier Ring is powerful, therefore countermeasures against it are always taken. The basis of assassination is a two-hit-sure kill.

The things that are attached to arrows in such a situation are always the same. 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is surely aware of this, so Gark stood in front of his men and shouted a warning.

.

“Cry, it’s a bomb!” (Gark)

“!? Gark-san, pass!” (Cry)

“Aaaah!?” (Gark)

With a light voice, Cry turned towards Gark and threw the arrow at him.

Completely caught off guard, the arrow *kurukuru* spins around, slides across the floor, and closes in on me. Cry jumps with a smooth movement as if it was planned, and rammed into Eva as if he were protecting her.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?” (Gark)

Don’t tell me, his guest is this!?

I crossed my arms and took a defensive stance. With my eyes, I saw everything turn white, and the heat and shock blasted through my entire body.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Sasuga Cry, pushing the bomb on Gark and saving Eva at the same time.

With that masterful pass from Cry, I’m off playing FF7 Reunion.

Tchao à plus!

Footnotes

Kyo: It is a suffix for a noble. It can be translated as “Lord” or “Sir”.