Disclaimers: Written by Rime. Translated by Arcana. Approved by Rime to transfer from pixiv. The characters were not owned by the writer nor the translator. Characters were borrowed from the players of MHD. To members of MHD, if there are any problems, there would be no problem in removing.
Chapter Notes: The Genealogy of Hunters 8: CaseSky
Theme: Written as Trust, Read as Silence
Characters: Sky, Nobutuna, Lamia, Falt
Chapter Summary:
Sky couldn't decline a request and accept to finish a mission. A long sword user was assigned to accompany him to stop a group of poachers. Slowly he noticed something unusual about this mission.
Hunting horns started to leave a trace in the history of monster hunt, it was said to be several thousand years before, when hunting was started to be performed in a group by people. That history was probably, deeper than swords.
At first, they were signals. To humans that didn't have words yet, they used horns of animals and plants, it was the sound from a horn that expanded than voices, acting as the important communications on one end for those who hunted. Before long, words were born among humans, still the existences of drums and horns were not lost, for their volumes were big.
Hurting horns, that were the existence of sounds, changed into melodies, music and songs, were the story approximately hundred years ago. No one knew the origin. The studies were advancing, there were many opinions. But, the usage of hunting horn was not signals, at the same time when it changed into music called physical reinforcement, hunting horns evolved formally into weapons. Till then the ones that aided hunters, were called as attenders, though they received the equal dangers as hunters, the horn users that were treated differently with different rewards, that were admitted as hunters formally, was just several years after the Hunters Guild was set up. Hunting horns that were included as weapons now, with the sound of physical reinforcement, were blunt instruments that involved mainly blows.
With respect to music, making rhythm by rhyming, by limitless wavelengths, they were important at imitating the nature. Among the large number of sounds in the nature, there were situations that only certain phonemes could be pulled out and played. Closely resembling to the nature, or the sounds that disappeared in the nature, could affect human bodies. This was said as the physical reinforcement process of hunting horns.
Like the roars of huge monsters that tore up the human bodies unconditionally, sounds could not be seen, but the real natures were waves. It was the kind that was called as, sound wave, they reached people through the air. Before long it reached the brain, from there, it had influences on all the cells of the person. For the sounds about recovery, they held phonemes that could speed up excessively the ability of spontaneous recovery of a person. Without giving people fatigue, there were also phonemes that worked on the brain by keeping the same motivation. Raising the reflection speed, and making wariness strong, by tightening the cells, the sounds had unparalleled power.
To read the score correctly. To arrange the sound precisely. To trigger the opponent undoubtedly. And, to use them justly. These were the four rules, obliged to carry out by the hunters that picked hunting horns as their partners.
The hunting horn users, had a certain community, which the users of other weapons did not have. A Guild Knight with authorities to supervise the horn users acted as the head, and managed mainly the principle of the hunting horn users.
Horns were dangerous weapons. Depending on the way of using, it could brainwash a person. High rankers were also able to control wills. Influences could be made to humans' brains, meaning, of course influences could be made to monsters too, it could accustom domestic animals, repulsed the attack of monsters with only sounds, even such things could be possible when they stood in extreme.
In fact, it might not work for all things, as there were the affinities of sound with the ears of others. When facing monsters, there would be no effects if the volume could not met with the roars. Talking about humans, there was also something what people called, custom, there were cases of the body familiarizing with the same sound that had been heard too much, and no effects could be seen in it.
Thus, many hunting horn users were wanderers. They could not remain in one hunting group, unless they were very much of a good friend or the affinity was good.
Therefore, the jinx, that hunting groups with a horn user would not loss to anything at all, it was talked among hunters as if it was true. For this reason, hunters protected it in the same way, like the Kokoto jinx saying of whenever five people went to hunt together one must die.
In the backside, there were also cases that only uncertain effects could be produce, and it was not accepted by the hunting groups, such situations existed too. This was the reason why the amount of soloists among horn users was not few. Because better effects could not be brought when alone, many often used along other weapons, except hunting horn, together.
Sky was not excluded from the example, he too probably was a hunter of such kind. But, in his case, instead of saying, using at the same time, he did not operate much other weapons. If he could go solo with one hunting horn, he would be fine with it.
"So. Are they making a real mess of things, those people"
"Seems like they're making a real mess"
"...Why me"
"Because there is no one else. Horn users whom seemed to be able to compete with"
"Isn't calling from many aspects better"
"There is not enough time"
Though he certainly was considering his real intention, I don't want to go, in the backside, the smile of the guild reception girl would not change.
He got the direct summon from the Hunters Guild on yesterday's morning. Without foreboding any unpleasant, leaving an interval, the morning of the next day. Wearing the smell of the heavy rain from the dark sky, he returned with the wind at a run towards west.
"...But if my techniques are lower than them, I'll die"
"It'll be alright. I have ready a helper for you"
"Is that the problem?"
"If it is left as it is, the snow mountains will become a monster zone, and many hunters must gather according to the severe caution warning... The other side is doing reckless things also. The number of people is not the amount necessary for poaching, and there doesn't seem to be anyone having the quality."
"Isn't knowing such a thing a problem"
"The guild here does not have the financial room, to gather a dozens of hunter at a stretch. ... Thinking of helping, can you accept it"
"...Mm-–"
Saying it simple he was weak.
This was slightly different from, the quest. If anything, calling it in the way of, a duty was better. Rarely, the Hunters Guild would give quests about something, slightly different from hunting, to the belonging hunters.
There were acting as bodyguard for merchants, and participating in experiments of scientists, others that might make one thought as trivial routine duties could be choose from too. The rewards were small as the bee's tears. To begin with, even when the client was the guild, and when the client went to the office of the guild, moneys were waved in the form of another reward to struggle for. "Duty" was always extreme, though accepting or not accepting was the hunter's freedom, if there was no clear and reliable reason, it was said that the Hunters Guild would understand it completely as accepting.
If he said, I don't want to because it's troublesome, here, at that point, it was seen that it would become hard for him to do various things. But, that didn't matter to Sky at all. He had no intention to tell his feeling of troublesome as a lie at all.
However, purely in this way, help me I'm troubled, when said by a female.
"...I got it..."
It was what called the nature of a man to answer.
"Really! Ah, this is great! You're helpful!"
It was what called the nature of man to be glad, when a brilliant smile was made when pleased in that way.
"...What kind of people, is that helper"
The sigh, the falling happiness, ah-––ah I truly can't help it, he thought as he asked, the guild reception girl smiled lightly, he's there, and pointed at a table. Sitting on the chair in a slovenly bad posture, with the atmosphere of by all odds it could only be seen once-over, reading a monthly information magazine, while smoking a cigarette, one big yawn.
Is this really going to be all right, for an instant he was prepared for death.
In the financial meaning.
The table from corners to corners, was filled with cups of golden alcohol.
I'm Nobutuna. Nice to meet you. While drinking many liter of liquor, without letting him felt any atmosphere of really drunk, he said. He was not a colander anymore, rather a casing.
"Because when I asked about the rewards, she said the amount is something that can make you cried. Reflexively I asked, whether is there anything better, then because she says that items are good too"
He seemed to have, ordered his favorite liquor.
It seemed like that the lady of the guild bar had succeeded in getting a bargain with the traveling merchant. She had quite good abilities.
"...Have you drinking them all up alone..."
"Maybe"
Have I done anything bad. Without making a timid face, he laughed.
Once again, I'm Sky. Thank you for this time. Making a greeting proving right to be non-affected, Nobutuna nodded, okay, and returned, nice to meet you.
"Have you heard about the details of the mission?"
"Not too much. I don't know the details."
"...I see"
Expressing the final aim of this mission content simply, was to stop poaching.
"The poachers are hunting horn users same as me. That group"
"...It's a group? Aren't only a part is so, and the others are different hunters?"
"All the members are probably horn users. ...Well, though there should be hunters who use close-range weapons along among them too"
Don't bugles exist. Yes, they do. It seems like they have enlarged it and make it into a hunting horn. If you say that, anyone can already see the ending.
"You mean they're going to call monsters at a stretch with that, and capture them all"
"I think so"
"...What if they end up calling something dangerous, have they think about that?"
"Who knows"
Such information was not in the documents given by the guild.
In the document, only suppositions were written down simply, the fact that several ten hunters entered deep into the snow mountains, the fact that they had made a large-sized bugle beforehand, and the fact that a few people among those hunters may have criminal records of poaching before. Hunters said to have criminal records, would have their qualifications deprived of, yet still they were living as hunters, meaning that they were probably habitual criminals.
Isn't this good, was amiability at this chance. Because there were many people that could poach calmly, even the precious Elder Dragons that were treated as a precious study in the world.
"H-–m. This is weird"
"Is there something that can make you mind that much?"
"Isn't that the place where as a hunter should consider about. That bugle, on earth will call on how many monsters"
By the way, that source, where is it from. He looked up for what was asked about. Though Nobutuna only chuckled, his eyes were earnest that no one would think he had drunk any liquor.
(What's with this person)
Isn't he strangely suspecting of something.
"It's the guild. That gave me these just now"
"Is that so"
Let me take a look. Sky handed the skin to him as he said. He looked around. It was as noisy as usual. The reception girl looked at there direction. The bugle when Felyne Tag took off. The sound of glasses putting onto of another.
"...By the way, why are you the helper?"
"Yeah? Discontent?"
"No, not like that. I thought, certainly another hunting horn user will come."
"This mission, why is it coming round to hunting horn users in the first place"
"Because the opponents are hunting horn users"
He made a fact that said, I don't understand well. It might be so. Seeing the long sword leaning against the table, he understood immediately that he was what called a long sword user, but, for example, the affinity of a long sword with a long sword was not too good. Even if going with others similar weapons, it could not be said that, it was too effective for quarrels between the same kinds. He did not understand the significance of the guild, to choose hunting horn against hunting horn well.
"Though it is a hunting horn that is always blunt instrument"
"Yeah"
"This time, it is a case that will be using sounds as weapon properly"
What do you mean, he moved his face away form the paper and looked at him. Nobutuna seemed to be a type of human beings that would always look into people's eyes when talking. For Sky, who had often encountered people that missed the eyes so that their true intention would not be realized casually, the present condition was desirable.
There were times when people thought that, it was better not to tell hunting horn users their true intention. Among some people, it was said that hunting horn users were fortunetellers, magicians, or witches. The people that knew about it would, only laugh at those people that said so without knowing.
"The requisite of horns are sound and rhythm and volume. Though there are scores also, well leaving that aside, what do you think we should do, if the opponents perform first?"
"...Apart from not having earplugs?"
"That's of course"
Why did making a defense beforehand, this idea came out from, the flow of the conversation just now.
"...Cover our ears"
"Then if we got hit at the stomach being almost empty it'll be the end right?"
Sounds were waves. Therefore, destroyed it with waves in the same way.
"With sounds, rhythm above the opponent, the best volumes, I can offset them. ... Because I must completely conform the rhythm, so it's slightly difficult."
The bugle also, if it was put together and played in the same timing, offsetting with a phoneme that produce a really reverse effect was possible. Of course, he would be out if he lost in volume.
"...If the helper is not a hunting horn user, then I must cancel that effect out by myself, that's a little hard–-"
It was a game of lung capacity.
"Well, it'll be fine if we can finish everything before that"
"Humph..."
Then first of all let's confirm each other. Nobutuna held out his guild card, laughing nicely.
"With the feeling just now, it seems like we can take a communication with each other in our way. Then gradually. ...You don't have to worry about the fighting style."
"...What do you mean?"
"It's my expertise to co-operate with people"
Though this is my first time grouping with a hunting horn. It seems interesting. Saying, Nobutuna stood up.
He seemed to be in a hurry. Is he having any intention. Sky let his eyes slide through the contents of the guild card. G rank,
(...A G rank hunter, for such a small mission?)
"...By the way, I want to leave my seat for something"
"...Do you, know something?"
"There's some prior knowledge"
With a breath, Nobutuna let his smiling eyes ran. Sky then, not looking at anywhere, stood up.
Even though it's said to be, on the snow mountains, isn't that weird in the first place, Nobutuna said as they stepped on the snow. Though Sky also found that part slightly worrisome, he didn't mind so much. When mentioned, still Nobutuna shook his head.
"If it's want they want to raise the sounds and echoes, the swamp and the forest hill should be more appropriate. The forest will be fine too. However, why the snow mountain where sounds will be absorbed by the snow?"
"Isn't it for minimizing the damages"
"What damages? If the sound only echoes in the area, the attacks of the monsters will only concentrate there. They will only be destroyed together with their own companions"
"Isn't it cause they're confident in their skills. I think so too"
"Among the monsters that like the snow mountains are rare fellows like Kushala Daora. Though Tigrex is counted in it too, it will be terrible if it moves badly within the narrow range. It might not just be environmental disruption, but also destroying the passage of the traveling merchants"
Above all what was strange was, against the group that would face many monsters gathered, the guild had only chose two people to take care of this matter. Being said so, he looked up. That was certain. If they were careful, it was not weird to assign four people to form a party.
"What different purpose, does the guild have?"
That reminded Sky of, Nobutuna asking about the source of the document. He thought that, he was suspecting it, but saying that supposition was spoken so far, it would be strange if he was without some grounds to be convinced of.
"... That reception girl"
"Yeah. Her breasts are very big"
"You're right."
He agreed without pausing.
"...That's not it, though I have been hunting recently in the snow mountains, it is the first time I see that girl, if it's with breasts to that extent normally I'll stop my eyes. I'll ask for her name too."
"...Are you serious"
"It's normal to ask"
Not that. The part about, her being seen the first time.
"...Is she a reception girl dispatched by the guild, only for this mission"
"Probably, won't a reception girl employed normally be risky. Only that it is a special mission. ...Oh, now that you mention"
"Yes?"
"...Though it looked like the common uniform of a reception girl, she was wearing greaves"
Where on earth are you looking at, he could not question him.
Sky felt a little disappointed that he was not able to look over the counter and worshipped.
"Isn't that strange, why would a reception girl be equipped with a part of armor. It is not the level of thinking, that the greaves are cute and have bought them carelessly."
"What are the materials for those greaves?"
"It was dark so I don't really know. But, that luster condition, if that aren't things like scales what else can it be called"
Recently aren't even stockings with lame a trend, though he wanted to say so, he swallowed it back down reflectively.
"To begin with if those guys really have common records, why do they have to change their flavor this time? If they do as usual, repeating small scales poaching, there won't be any chance of them being founded, right."
"Isn't it because they are repeating small scales poaching, that's why they got the eyes on them"
"Then they should be lying low. Even more so, they must be insane, to make such large bugle to call monsters."
By the way that reception girl, she was looking at us all the time before we left. I noticed, but I let it go-by. It was a wise policy to let everything escape, before investigating everything.
"...Those probing eyes, aren't honest."
Nobutuna who said, after all was earnest somewhere.
But even so, Sky decided to wear one, big sickle.
(Though I don't know whether it can cut or not)
"Nobutuna-san"
"Uh?"
"Why did you accept this mission"
Sky was careful with his tongue, suppressing his action, acting by stealth, however, he played the sound boldly. This was basically his style.
Usually he would not step in. Usually he would not ask. Tracing what was given to him to handle, he would never went too far. It was a self-defense of Sky, and a method of making a living in the world. He would not touch any dangerous thing. He would not get close to fire. He generally understood that he would get into trouble.
In many cases, one should be careful in the world of hunter. Not to mention times having to face a monster, it didn't change also when facing people. As one of the hunting horn users, for Sky who watched the backs of successive hunting horn users that received terrible treatments, it was humans that he did not understand more than monsters.
(Humans, always betray. They tell lies, they deceive each other.)
In order to make themselves more convenient, they wouldn't care about the others, kill, deceive and betray.
Sky knew that, only human beings would do something like that.
"...This mission probably seems to be too over, for you of G rank class to accept."
"..."
He understood that, both were giving each other's looks such as an awfully cold blade.
"You are not a hunting horn user that will be suitable for this mission, and you are a normal hunter, therefore, you can not be the hunter appointed by the guild."
Through general public advertisement, or, a candidacy.
These were the two selections, he could think of. And, he who jumped to join in for the reward that could make one cry, the possibility of him being the latter, was limitlessly high.
"Why did you accept it"
"..."
"There's no way it's something like mine, because of the reception girl having huge breasts, right? ... You should have, the grounds that make you accept"
Klin, a quiet spark raised in the eyes. The breath was white. The chilled sky was dimly clouded over, therefore the air became further heavy.
Still, Sky asked once again.
(The person who looks so straight at the eyes when talking,)
I don't think, in no way he is not his friend.
"...I will change my question, if you will not answer."
"...What is it"
"You will answer"
To the reminder, Nobutuna slightly raised his eyebrows. He did not nod, but he took it as an affirmation. Sky slightly smiled.
Shockingly, a smile not smiling.
"...Aren't even stockings with lame popular?"
"..."
"What are the materials of her greaves?"
There was no way he couldn't see it. There was no way he didn't know. If he had observed her without missing even her feet, that was on the other side of the counter.
The reception girl, would basically not come out from the side of the counter during duties. If there could be any chance he could look at, either he had looked into the counter, or he had maneuvered her to the front.
The number of cups that could not be counted. Who was the one that obtained the golden alcohol. The arrangement. Even if the waitress brought them, it would be difficult to tell orally the place where they were stored.
"...You are looking, very closely"
"Thank you"
"Though it's bad to reply a question with a question, if I tell you, you will be leaving here"
He was talking about abandoning the mission. The eyes of Nobutuna somewhat relaxed, and smiled wryly. So, he loosened his eyes too and burst into laughter. Yes. His laughing voice, even surprised himself, was of such enjoyment.
"Though I don't like going deeply very much, this time is a different case"
"...You might think of me worse but out of curiosity, why?"
"You, are interesting"
There weren't many chances, for him to cooperate with people. Even if such opportunities were endowed, in the position of a wandering horn user, without knowing well the companions he would leave for the next ground. He often received guild cards, but they were out of principle after all, he would shut them up in the bottom end of his baggage.
Nobutuna had not use any respect language from the beginning. He had not make a wall. While it might be true that his rank was higher than his, he had not make an atmosphere of giving orders to Sky. As an equal hunter, as a compatriot, he asked for opinions. He talked about his thoughts.
Of course, though there were a lot of such hunters, because the association would not be long, it was difficult whether they could keep in contact and become close.
(It's been a long time, since I meet a nice person)
Thus, he somewhat, seemed to feel like they could go together for long.
He could only have such a foreboding.
"Humans, always betray. They tell lies, they deceive each other"
"...,"
Sky did not notice that, Nobutuna changed his countenance for an instant.
"...But, I want to believe that, you are a type of person that will not do so."
How is it. He was aware of his extreme insolent politeness and mean pick-up lines. But, he could predict that, it may sound appropriately.
About watching a person intuitively, he had not doubted his senses.
"...The reason for me to accept this mission, Sky"
His lips were smiling. But, his eyes and voice were by no means smiling. To the words swore by Sky defiantly, merely as facing a knife calmly, Nobutuna said.
"Is because I think if somebody other than me accepts this mission, that somebody will die"
With a shiver, towards the serious tone, his back stood without knowing with a chill.
Sky originally was not interested in, what was called, sound.
He did not have the perfect pitch, and he did not enjoy music since he was young. He did not have ears that enjoyed melodies nor an elegant voice. He was just, only a normal commoner. When he decided to aim to be a hunter, still he chose straight the hunting horn. Though there were also some other weapons of the system he wanted to try, as if he was attracted Sky picked it.
When one decided to become a hunter, most people would be careful when choosing weapon. Because it was the partner to entrust one's live too. There were also people that would decide after using all the weapons in order. There were also people that would continue using one only earnestly, decided by one's intuitively. He tried to some extent. But, in the end, Sky chose hunting horn after all.
If it is to entrust my life to, hunting horn will be fine, he was convinced so as to fall inward. Rather than the sword and shield which was convenient, and became admired after attached for a long time, rather than the dual swords which was grasped in both hands, and could feel your opponent most nearby, rather than the long sword that was said to be able to nestle up to one's movement, rather than the bow that required delicate techniques and sharpened one's nerve so that there would be no more further.
Hunting horn that could act on somebody would be fine. A weapon that could help somebody would be good.
From the genealogy of hunting horns, it would be hard to become the leading role of hunting, surely it was just like that, but there was a wonderful history. He could see a hope too calm, from the hunting horn that not only to injure, also had the possibility of being able to protect something in it.
He was merely impressed vaguely by the score also, that premised to imitate the sound of nature. Something shook among the things that played the world. In imitation of the flaps of Rathalos, in imitation of the roars of Yian Kut-Ku, in imitation of the footsteps of Gravios, in imitation of the sound of waves in the forest, in imitation of the wind in the forest and hills. Playing at the same time the running sounds of Monoblos and the roars of Diablos, playing at the same time the eruptions of the volcano and the raining of the swamp, playing at the same time the unique cries of Daimyo Heritaur and Shogun Ceanataur, playing at the same time the dashing sounds of arrows and the slashing sounds of long swords. From the thin fluttering of Vespoids, the sound of swimming of Plesioth, the threats of Blangonga, sounds that returned to his heart, he learned a mysterious sense of closeness and preciousness.
Spreading his own sound, sounding his own melody, passing his own rhythm, and with his own hunting horn, to learn the world. Of course, though the same thing could be said to other weapons, the method was most different from other weapons, through familiarizing it, and untying it, it was easy to become his own property.
Without taste, if there was a friendly feeling, with that alone when knowing that the weapon was familiar with his hand, he had thought of it how glad.
Thereafter, he would think of nothing, when people who knew nothing were laughing at hunting horn users as magicians. Only, if the fact that he being there could ease hunters a little, that would be enough, and he had met temporary according to that quest. It was not as if he did not long for stable companions. He, only purely, wanted to be with his hunting horn more than that. He trusted that it was his partner.
The played sound could make people strong, tuning with the nature. While looking at the figures that acted on, he understood stably that after all, humans were also a part of nature.
Therefore, Sky was always, continuing his trip with bright eyes. Seeing things with the sense as it was.
As a result, even if reality were beyond his sense, there would not be any regret. To himself that lived like this, there was no hesitation. Even if he had only shared a little time with Nobutuna, he thought he ought to trust him in his own way, it was close to such thing. He obeyed obediently to what he felt himself, and what he thought.
"...It doesn't seem to be, the mountain path"
"Maybe the caves"
"If only they descend to the snow we can follow the footprints..."
They are Narga greaves. For the spat out words, like it or not, he understood. The name of the secret guild, which was breathing gently in this neighborhood. It was a group of thieves that would kill hunters returning from hunting, and took the rewards and gains frequently.
Though I surely do not have any memory of seeing that reception girl, but I remembered seeing the face of that girl. My memory is not bad. Therefore I suspected and took soundings. Though she doesn't seem to remember me, but her features are slightly left in the gap of my memories.
(Woman with such big chest, is not something to forget very often, right?)
In that Order, female hunters that lived by selling things in extraordinary amount of money baiting with sex appeals, a considerable number of them were gathered.
(I don't know well about what she wants to do, but it must be something that could make her even to crawl into the guild. It does not have any changes from large work)
Though on the other hand I do not know why, is she trying to involve a hunting horn user like you.
(...The prior knowledge, I said, is such a thing)
Sky did not ask him whether he was once in that hunting group or not.
Originally it was his principle not to go deeply, but it was already too late.
If he escaped, and failed the quest, not to mention, they were a group of people that lived in the shadow, it did not matter to them whether Sky knew something, or knew nothing. They would aim at the degree of, killing him just in case.
"Where, is the entrance"
"I think it's somewhere after climbing a little. It will be good if we can go by foot... It's a little detour though"
"Will sounds, echo, in the cave"
"Yes"
"Then eighty percent it's there"
The remaining twenty percent was the mountaintop. Nobutuna squinted his eyes as he blew white breaths. The view was bad. The snowstorm did not seem to stop.
"Nobutuna-san"
"Hm-–"
"What do you think of, the possibilities"
"Possibilities?"
"About the ringleader, or the basic purpose, of this affair. ...If poaching is not their purpose, can there be anything you can think of"
Lightly, in the view of smoking white, a finger stood.
"One. It is really a large-scale poaching. Those guys are really only a gather of people with abilities."
They could not deny it. Because the Guild Knight had not reach the extermination yet, Sky could understand even if he knew nothing about the relationship between the Hunters Guild and the Secret guild.
"Two. A secret meeting. The bugle is a decoy, it is only a camouflage to deceive the eyes of the Hunters Guild"
"And that requires ten thousand money to do..."
"It depends on the other party of the secret meeting. It may be nobles, or the royal family. But, the line is low this time. There aren't many pigs that will expressly appoint the ground of the secret meeting in the snow mountains"
He had said a terrible thing casually.
"Three. A rough education, for inexperienced secret hunters"
"Education?"
"They often do so. If they are rebellious, or have a character that have possibilities of betraying the organization, in order to make their natures suitable for the group, they will carry out drastic treatments. ... They will throw them in a nest of monsters that don't seem to be able to defeat"
He must be given these educations frequently, if he really was once in the Secret guild. Sky could understand about his strength.
"Four."
There are still more, he looked up.
"Execution"
"...Execution...?"
The blurred voice disappeared, in the snow. Nobutuna continued without looking towards him.
"Failing in a quest, jeopardizing the group, betraying the Order. ...In such cases, people will of course be punished in the Order. From lenient confinement, one finger, ears, eyes, arms, legs, internal organs...Nothing can be selected"
"...Eh...Wait, that means,"
Is it wrest off. Is it taken. Nobutuna shook his head before he asked.
"The worst, execution"
"Execution, eh, what,"
"Executions have kinds too. If own punishment is permitted, it will still be fine, but, poison, acid, hanging, exsanguinations... Boundless is given. When the executor is being appointed by a crazy upper human, others such as, challenging how long to tear off the skin, fervently smashing from the corner, or, dealing with exposes of internal organs after self-disembowelment after paralyzing...They can do it, in an unconcerned manner."
"..."
"You might wonder are those really the works of humans"
Unfortunately, it was the work of human. He could not see the face of Nobutuna, who told spitting it out.
(It was the work of human)
The intention of it, being in past form.
"...If such party wants to do so, inside a situation without Felyne Tag, calling monsters with the bugle incessantly, letting them fight in a small space until they are exhausted... ... I think they might do it"
"..."
"Sky, for example, if, you see a large bugle, in the snow mountain, what will you do?"
"...What will I do... Cause I'm a hunting horn user, I should, blow it? Oh, but if it's a bugle, I may not blow it. It seems dangerous... Anyway, for the time being,"
"You will, take it in your hand"
"Yeah"
"Then you are out"
"...What do you mean?"
"It'll become that, you are calling the monsters in succession. Hunters that don't know died of it. ... ... It will be decided like this. The name of the Secret guild will not come out."
The echo of horns, was extremely small in the snow mountains. Therefore, it was the snow mountains. Monsters could be gathered in one point.
"Even if you haven't blow the bugle, nothing will change about you being suspicious, holding such thing in the snow mountain. This is the reason that it has to be a hunting horn user. ...That is, not because the opponents are hunting horn users, but because you are a hunting horn user."
"..."
"If you find that place while the opponents are still there, it will be a better result in its own right to the other side. The secret hunters that are present at that place, all they have to do is to kill you and leave the place. Placing the bugle beside a horn user, will be fine."
"But I might not walk along holding it. The possibility of not finding the bugle itself, is..."
"What if there is only one person, that is a hunting horn user enters the same snow mountain? What if you are the only one, working as a solo?"
Even if there were a lot of uncertain elements, it would be a decision element if there were no other element. Possibility... With that alone, people fell into suspicious.
"Being two people, not one. ... Firstly, as a factor to pass through this affair, you have me"
"..."
"Afterward, first of all suppress the spot. If the targeted person for execution is dead, pretending not to have seen it will be fine. As, the bugle or nothing is to be found. If the person is not dead...As a vigor witness, we'll have to bring with back to the base camp together no matter what. There may not be any hunter, but the Felyne Tag is there. The members of the Felyne Tag are mostly honest parties, it will be better if there are eyewitnesses as many as possible."
In order to get a vigor witness, they must either defeat the monsters called by the bugle, or escape somehow.
"...I cannot see any way, other than winning"
"..."
"We do not know whether the monsters, will raid at the same time or singly. By any chance, if time lag happens, we will be lucky if don't have to subdue at the same time. Find a chance and run"
They entered in the dark. It was the entrance of the cave. The awfully cold air, stretched out deep inside from his tongue.
There is no other way, except from winning. It was what he also thought, when he faced monsters, but it tasted different this time. There was not the sense of uproar during those times. Facing that will from himself, not readiness, stealing up as necessity, was something urgent.
"...Why-– are you looking so pale"
"Because,"
They were going to fight against, a group that could do such things that could not seemed to be linked to human beings, unconcernedly, as the opponents. Sandwiched between monsters?
He could see himself teased to death.
"It-–– will-– be -–all right. ... If the sound of your flute, can offset the sound from the opponent's horn, there are enough possibilities."
"...Ah,"
(...Wait?)
If it is so, won't this be strange.
Why doesn't that reception girl, catch a more inexperienced hunting horn user, than myself, as the sacrifice?
If she is really from the Secret guild, with a certain method ... in order to draw the story, isn't there a need to choose the right person.
(Though she said that there isn't any other,)
She said those lines because she had looked for others.
"Let's go, Sky"
"...Okay"
This person still knows something, a warning sounded deep inside Sky's head.
(...Faith, not yet. Until, trust)
He held tightly onto his favorite hunting horn.
There were many caves in the snow mountains. In the biggest cave, was the big place where monsters shared as a nest. Areas divided up to some extent, that place too was divided as various places in the world. Something like joint ownership lodging of the monsters, rather than, nest, when one of them was there, the other monsters would not approach very much. At most three, monsters of different kind could enter, and the place would be filled up gently. Monsters out of nowhere continuing their trips would grasp well about such places, even monsters settled down would lay eggs there. Because it would become a contest in the breeding season, it was a wise policy not to approach.
Falling out from the ceiling, monster would descend flying from there. The area contained strong walls of ice crystals and frozen iron ores, covered with pillars, even a sigh could echo.
They heard a deep resounding sound of horn. It was without a doubt from that direction. Sky called Nobutuna. To him who turned around, in words, it's there, Sky murmured.
"...That, is the sound of the bugle"
"You can tell"
"Though the sound is lower than normal bugles, the volume is unbelievable also, that phoneme... without a doubt must be it"
He closed his eyes. He listened carefully. Creak, on the other side where the sound reflected in the atmosphere, crackles, crushing sounds, sounds of running, mixing with miscellaneous sounds, were the voices of people.
"...There are many echoes. A great, number seemed to be called."
"You can tell by the number of echoes?"
"Sounds are waves. It is something similar to water, if there are soft and smooth stones only one ripple can be born. On the contrary, if broken by notched stones, small ripples will be made innumerably. ...It is such a thing. The wall of the surrounding is most likely destroyed."
We should hurry. He said, but Nobutuna put on a hard face.
"Is something a matter?"
"I'm fine. This way"
He chased his back that started running. In the white open scenery, the cryolite dotted with was blue. A few bushes of mountain herbs. The smell of snow. The smell of water.
As soon as they set foot in the cave, sounds of echoes clamored. Footsteps. The sound of cloud. Roars, screams, moans, and dim laughter.
"...What are the enemies?"
"Five Giadromes"
"Five?"
"A feeling like, all the Giadromes in the snow mountains are gathered"
"...The saying of when three Velocidromes gather, even Blangoga will be dangerous...? If five of them strike and peck at the same time, even humans can not stand"
"Let's go"
At the feet that was going to start running, without a sound.
If his arms were not pulled, without a doubt, that, would went through his brain.
"...,"
Fear influenced his body at a stretch.
There was no sound. There was no sound cutting the wind. It assimilated. With this cold air, coldly.
"Hey, Sky! Don't space out! Back down!"
"...!"
His body moved reflectively at the voice shouted. The black arrow that shot at his step. He drew a breath. He lifted his head. On the place a little above, was a shadow, with a bow pulled down at the ready.
"...It seems like, we have been found"
"Originally, there should be, a watchdog"
Sky reached his hand to his back, and pulled his weapon out. Nobutuna, did not draw his sword. He watched still at the shadow.
"...Nobutuna-san?"
"Wait, a moment"
He narrowed his eyes. A look to watch the movement of the opponent. Breathing that seemed to cut if touched. This side hid their breaths also unintentionally. In the middle of it, were echoes, screams, shrieks, death cries that could freeze one's back. Help me, please, no, noooooo! Dappled dappled sound of something being torn, chattering chattering sound of water, howling of Giadromes mixed with joy, cruel echoes.
One step, Nobutuna stepped forward. The bow user as if read it, pulled the bow. However, Nobutuna moved no more.
"Nobutuna-san! If we don't hurry and go, that people will die!"
"If we go now we'll die. Against such a guy above, we who are close-rangers can not reach"
"But!"
"It is half the natural consequences of the people who became the target of execution. ...Bear with it"
"Are you telling me watch to people dying in front of our eyes silently!"
"It is the same thing as watching people die in the distance silently"
"...,"
"No matter how much you want to help, there's no meaning if you die... ..., hey, is that so?"
The appeal rang.
Sky opened his eyes.
"Survived, and finally obtaining once again... ...! Regret, and burdened, in that way... I lived... ...! Survived it!"
"...Nobutuna-san,"
"What about you! Do you live? ... ...Do you want to live!"
That somebody who held a bow, reacted at those words, the bow was slowly, lowered down. In the place where light came in, softly, he leaned forward, there for the first time, Sky noticed that the man was covered with a Garuruga fake.
"I'm alive!"
(...It is a very, firm, velvety)
Still, able to sound dignified, voice.
"It may be fine, to have a dream any time now!"
A voice bounded with laughter. Waving his hand, the bow user turned aside adroitly. The shadow disappeared. Sky gathered his breath. What was that, resonated over his equipment continuously.
"...Nobutuna-san,"
"..."
I, see. The words that missed out in graze, he was clearly not listening to his words.
His lips, were smiling.
"Nobutuna-san!"
"...Oh"
He breathed in. The sound stopped. It was already too late. The moment he realized, with a click, he switched his heart over.
"It's not, oh! Let's go quickly! Let's confirm whether that person is dead or not without wasting any time, and return!"
"...You, just now, when I told you to watch that people die in silent, did you not like stared at me with super contemptuous eyes...?"
"There is still a worth if the people is alive. Why must I sympathize, people who no one is going to cry for when dead"
"...You're quite dry"
"If the person is alive then maybe that person can make some guys to cry for! ...People of the Secret guild died, they do not live a life to be made fun of, thinking of demanding for that."
Things that were better not to go deeply into, he would not go deeply into. It was not necessary to hear. Things that must be known, after all in the last, would become something known.
A faint smile flowed on Nobutuna. He seemed to have been glad. Then, that would be all right.
Now, what Sky must do is to protect him, while he protected him, to protect till the end. To live and return.
(I thought he was an enemy)
If, that bow user, is someone Nobutuna knows, then that arrow, is trying to protect, me who was hurrying in the front, from entering that terrible and cruel place.
(Because, brim of the hat, is not tore,)
This was what, he was able to do now.
"You, really, aren't going to ask"
"I don't feel any necessity"
"I think usually one will ask, when coming this far..."
"Do you want me to ask"
"I'll be troubled"
"Then I won't ask. You better don't talk. Excuse me troubles"
"...Okay"
He laughed at Nobutuna which put up both his hands, the words of Sky, were given off like a hatchet.
It was not a lie. It was his true intention. But, it was hard to express such words well.
"It must be something good"
"..."
"Cause you're smiling. Isn't that something good? Though I don't really understand at all"
"...Yeah..."
You're, a guy of such type. Because he said as just like a soliloquy, he handled it as a soliloquy.
The bugle was buried, deep on the wall.
Blood splashed, and finished dyeing the pale area, but the remains were approximately equal to none. It seemed like that the five Giadromes, had ate neatly to the bones in a short time. It would be swallowed if it were normal wyvern class, but in this case they would tear the body and shared the bait, leaving slightly cartilages, it was almost impossible to guess, what kind of human originally was. In the first place, it was uncertain, speaking of whether was there really any human. It might just be that Popos or Anteka being hunted. Those people that did not know the circumstances would think so.
"Conclusion. The hunter that entered, somehow or other, all seemed like to have been eaten up neatly"
"A Grex probably was called"
"Probably so"
The words while smiling bitterly, were still careful. There may still be people of the Secret guild in the area. Still Nobutuna's manner was calm. There was a part that convinced him no more people were around.
"...It's buried deeply"
"It was flung on. Is it broken thoroughly"
"Is it impossible to pull it out"
"What. You want it?"
"You're wrong. If wind blows and sounds, it will be a problem? This place will become a den of monsters"
The judgment of the Secret guild, what kind of thing would that is. Because the body disappeared neatly fortunately, there already was no need to mend a criminal, they judged so and withdrew. As a result Sky took off his hat and condoled for this somebody who could not be saved.
Nobutuna found a bowgun, which was rolling on the ground. The dead somebody seemed to be a long-distance ranger. From the rear, from the side, if attacked inexhaustibility in length and breadth, it would only be a matter of time to settle.
"...It did not become, the best result"
"...The weak guys die... No matter where it is, it's always like this"
"Are you saying that, weak people is unworthy to live?"
"I am not saying so. But that, if weak then be weak, I think they should grow cunning"
I too, am a mouth survived in that way. The voice of smiling bitterly, sank a little.
"...After all, I don't understand, why did that reception girl, dispatched me to the mountains..."
"...Huh?"
"Because, if a bugle is here in this place, with Grex as the head, won't many many carnivorous wyverns fly to here? It is a rare way for bodies to remain. ...If it is a forgery mission to make the first move, getting the guild concerned about the found body, and dispatching a person from the guild should be more dangerous. Even if a non-registered hunter of the guild is dead in such place, nobody will think it strange? This is such an occupation"
"...Maybe she hoped us, to save this person"
There is actually no need for us to keep company of, such an ego, but still she disguised into the guild and did so, and this side can't decline too. I think we are taken skillfully well. I wonder whether if it is, some certain, bet. What a troublesome talk. Sky laughed at the words of Nobutuna, in straight before one.
After all this person, had not talked about something.
If you want to keep on covering it, I have no problem in coping with you.
As a result, I survived. Then, that will be enough.
"...By the way, Sky. I have a very disappointing news"
"Yes?"
"...I forgot to bring, spare hot drinks..."
...So that's what the hard face a while ago, is about.
Actually, he intended to help him.
He was a trifling man, if to say so. In the Order of the Black Beast, there were really few called as people of virtue. The one that became a target of execution too, failed in a quest due to his abnormal self-fanaticism, he was not very strong that could continue repeating the number, merely a battle manic.
He intended to help him. It was not for him. But only to carry out a self-intention. Where was the reason for it, for such a cruel execution. What on earth is here. Killing a person totally, like an object. Neither friends, nor enemies, mattered.
It was a doubt. Since the old days. However, he swallowed it. Because it was same as the reality he knew well.
Still, Falt reached his limit.
About the time letting Nobutuna go, one girl he knew from the old days, turned up in front of him. Though he thought that she should have found happiness, the girl also again, tasted the reality same as his all too well. He lived with her to protect her. Though it was a little time, if he continued to stay here, his heart would die, and at last he finally realized that, not because he lost an eye, not because the girl had came, but because he met one man.
(Don't you have anything connected to)
Nodding, though that could be the end of the conversation, yet his eyes felt like crying immediately, and said to Falt.
(Are you not lonely?)
Is there not cold. Is there not frigid. Are you not freezing. Are you not lonely. Hugging one by the side, your arm is at the end of it, with nothing anymore. Are you not painful, to be alone. Though you are alone, and took a lot from other people, nothing ever becomes your thing, isn't that, lonely. If it is me, that, certainly I will be sad.
(I, think of you, sad)
I will pray for you, he said. He was the second person, to have said similar things to him.
When he knew that, somebody prayed for him, he remembered that all the people he had killed, had people praying for him or her. The moment he killed somebody, thinking that sorrow would burst and spread, though he should have prepared for it yet he shivered.
(What are you doing)
I murdered people.
(What are you doing)
Being unable to do anything, and becoming neglectful, I murdered people with resignation. I told myself that, it is reality.
(What are you doing)
In that way, I continue watching the reality, and contentedly, I follow it.
Doing something, get away from the dream I want to see.
He did not confess. He did not have the intention to deny whom he had been till now at all. But, he told her. Let's destroy, this place, Lamia.
One confirmation work for that purpose. That, was this quest. It was said as an execution quest, in this side of the world.
Anyone would be fine, if the Hunters Guild could take a glimpse of the place of the execution, and even report it to the guild, the Guild Knights should move. It was a simple management, but a very minute calculation was necessary, in order to derive the Hunters Guild and the Order at the same time. A person that could suppress the power of the bugle, a well experienced person, which could fight for a long time even if surrounded by many monsters. One would be fine. If they were too many, many secret hunters would move to seal the mouths. Originally incorporating along with the plan of the Order, was for one point, the choice of the personnel. If things went well, the person targeted for execution, and the hunter from the Hunters Guild both, could be save. It was only to that degree. Actually he wanted to check, how much that degree could be accepted. The fact, the Hunters Guild, how many hunters from there held menace towards the Order of the Black Beast.
And, as much as possible, in order to help the involved hunter that knew nothing. Falt volunteered himself to be the watchdog.
When Lamia said, that she had found Nobutuna, Falt lost his voice in wonder. Though they had only met several times, he hugged Lamia who remembered, you did well, he remembered saying so.
He escaped. I stayed. However, probably, we are connected somehow.
(I, still properly, think that)
At just at moment, he prayed, for somebody.
The safety of somebody. The way of life of somebody. The faith of somebody.
Not yet, his heart was not dead. It was not yet.
Still, he could look at something other than reality.
(If it's him, surely,)
He would do it, Falt felt intuitionally.
He believed that, if it were he, he would destroy it together with him.
"Cold! Freezing cold! What snow mountains are hell? Why is it so terribly cold!"
"That's why didn't I propose to share half with you! What are you trying to look good with 'I move as a close-ranger so my body will warm naturally' throwing such a nonsense theory! That doesn't make sense at all!"
"It's far beyond imagination! I'm going to die! This is bad-–– it is starting to become fun! Yahoo!"
"Your voice is flipping to the other side! Seriously hold on tight!"
They were in the best possible condition.
After smashing the part where sound was produce, of the bugle buried in the wall, they were in the middle of going down the snow mountains at a quick pace. The snowstorm had begun to stop a little, but the day wasn't shining. The sky was pale, a red shadow slowly from over there descended towards them.
"...What?"
A red shadow?
With a bam, the ground slightly shook, and they raised their necks, there was,
"Why at such times do you have to come out!"
If it was an acquaintance, then you said, let's talk relaxes afterwards, and left, but they could not do so.
What appeared, was a Khezu, sub species. It might have heard the bugle a while ago, the fact that its movement was slow, made it arrived late. The figure that looked around restlessly, stopped suddenly, and gave a roar. Nobutuna pulled out his long sword, in sprite of holding it, without hesitation he edged back.
"Shouldn't you be charging into it?"
"Sky! I don't want to cut that dirty thing with my precious long sword! You smack it!"
"What? What are you talking about it's a Khezu not a dirty thing! Even I hate it if I hit that thing won't some sticky stuffs attach onto my hunting horn!"
"It will be all right if you wipe off the stickiness! It's going to get a little cloudy! Probably!"
"Then Nobutuna-san please go and cut it the clouded something will be a good lubricant and the sharpness will increase! Please warm your body up!"
"I don't want to do warm-up with that thing! If possible a lady with big chests will be the best!"
"Of course everyone will comply with that for sure! Stop saying stuffs that don't make sense and go you close-range!"
"Aren't you also?"
"But I refuse!"
They were in their best possible condition.
It seemed like it was very cold that their heads were about to freeze.
By the way, talking about Khezu sub species, it was in the color of blood red.
With the head crazy about coldness, their bodies were adjusted to the place of hunting obediently. Though it was the bad footing of snow, moving concurrently with the slow movements of Khezu, they went round. The more they looked at it the more, that form. Though it was after a long absence since they saw it, but as ever, what to say.
"Ahhhhhhh, what's with this (broadcast banned)! You must be kidding me it's really hard for an electrical rush without hot drink!"
"Nobutuna-san stop saying (broadcast banned) (broadcast banned)-––-! How do you suppose me to focus on playing!"
"But because (broadcast banned) is (broadcast banned) and (broadcast banned) for (broadcast banned)? This must be kidding me it's too well!"
"But (broadcast banned) is (broadcast banned) and (broadcast banned) is (broadcast banned) right? Even I hate it!"
"Pale extract!"
"We'll what, are you going to capture it-–-–?"
They were in their best, possible, condition. It was very cold that their normal senses seemed to freeze up.
A flash ran for its step. Sound from the horn echoed, but it did not form a melody, as it seemed to be blew off several times in the middle. The trembling fingers lacked in power in the cold. During the several minutes, approximately five times of electric shocks from the opponent. When it was electrified he could not approach carelessly, therefore he waited still in an unsheathed state. The coldness at that time, seemed to make him went mad.
The moment when he was going to swing downs his blade, at the wings of the Khezu that got up.
"Kyaaaaaaaaa it stretchhhhhhhhhh!'
"Nooooo yaaayyyy for (broadcast banned) playyyyyyyyyyy!
They were in their best, possible, condition. It was very cold that their let alone normal senses even their morals and ethics seemed to have collapsed.
The movement of lowering the relieved neck while strange liquid scattered, it's tail attached to the earth again to curl up. I won't let you, he waved his blade. It stuck in the head. Blood sprayed.
"Oh my god! Blood from (broadcast banned)! Blood!"
"So what! Nobutuna-san you have been saying too many (broadcast banned) (broadcast banned) for quite a while!"
"It hurts it hurts it hurts even my Khezu hurts!"
"Guffaw!"
Limit.
Sky seemed to have reach.
"My~~~Khe~~~~zu~~~~~~ Ahahahahahahahahahahahahguf~~~~~~ ~~~~"
"You fight-––! What's with rolling and playing with snow!"
"My~~~~~~ Khe~~~~zu~~~~~~ That's~~~~big~~~ Screw~~~~this is bad~~~~ Ahahahahahahahahahahahah~~~~~~"
"Ahhhh? Where can something this big get in! There's unreasonableness!"
"I do not ask~~~~~~ for that~~~~~ for what, are you making it, the fault of others~~~~~~~ Aha, hahahahahaha!"
They were in their best possible condition.
"Wai, wait if I look well at Nobutuna-san aren't you covering you mouth with (broadcast banned)~~~~~ That's Khezu right~~~~~ Indecent~~~~ You weird obscenity~~~~~ In a sense (broadcast banned)"
"You shut up what's with (broadcast banned) (broadcast banned) and you for quite a while! Fight! I'm the only one fighting since a while ago! This side is freezing!"
"Indecent~~~~~~ Seriously weird~~~~~ Dirty samurai~~~~ as expected from the Samurai of Night~~~~"
I do not want to praise for such a thing.
The Khezu waved its neck largely. Oh, this is bad. Nobutuna thought, towards the place where someone was rolling and continued laughing.
"...Oh-–-– dear-–-–"
The electric shock spitted out hit directly.
It waved a second swing. If he went to help his electrified companion, he would become a victim together. The third. With the fourth, Sky did not move.
The locking attacks, win... Nobutuna muttered in his heart, as he confirmed the Felyne Tag appearing from far away.
From the strange looks, Khezu was classified as an amusing monster among hunters, but according to the local people, they were creatures signifying as fecundity and love accomplishment. Though it was not worshipped as god, it was the customs of the locals to have its albino fabric and leftover flesh arranged on the celebration dining table. Pulling the blood out, the red meat of the subspecies would turn to the white of the progenitor, it was treated as a good omen. When became aged, such things would only be able to eat during wedding ceremonies, because it was said, to be in the best quality class in the high-qualities. To the hunters selling them off mainly, or considering them only as materials for weapons and armors, it was somewhat a story they should be sorry for.
"Presenting that mascot with broadcast banned terms, Nobutuna-san, you should be sorry."
"I am really really sorry..."
He was solemn.
"But anyway, even I, if possible ask for, do like, say sexual desire. If possible I want to be in captive of breasts that can split open my head"
"What kind of dangerous breasts are breasts that can split open the head. Though I have no idea what is picked in order to end up in this conversation, a big agreement"
"...You agree"
"Being big is not enough, the form needs to be good, the feeling needs to be well, and the color to. ... ... Breasts hide many infinite possibilities."
"Comrade!"
"Yes!"
They crossed their hands solidly.
Although they drank some liquor, their brains seemed to be still boiling from the coldness.
"It is good to have someone to talk about these, that with guys meeting the first time will not begin"
"Normally no one will talk-–. It seems like I am not normal"
"Usually such lines will drop immediately after saying. But I seriously do not think that I will be able to come across fellow alien from the Breasts Planet"
"Aliens~~~ Stop it~~~ I'm not from the outer space~~~~"
"You should stop extolling grasses. Isn't that good we form the aliens of Breasts Planet alliance. We are now recruiting confederates"
"Aliens of planet breast alliance! Ha-– I see-–"
What I see is that, I have no idea what he's thinking of.
"But to me even if the breasts are small, as long as the appearance is good it'll be fine."
"What!"
"Oh, no, it's not the face? Like, the curve line of the waist, and shape of the neck, and the two calves and the upper arms are good too."
"You part fetishism? How could you make that remark as soon as we formed an alliance! You're having too many affairs with other parts!"
"Affairs? No, this is a respected necessity! Making a balance between chests, thigh, and buttocks are the best!"
"You are the worst, someone like you are not alien from the planet breasts!"
It was quite terrible to be shouted as 'someone like you' for such a thing.
"Ah-–. This is too fun. What are you. Seriously interesting"
"I'm extremely serious?"
"Ha"
"That's a lie"
"Where are you serious!"
Quite already. Saying as he gulped down liquor. The snowstorm had calmed down, the village located halfway up the mountain also had regained its calmness.
Finishing the report, they only got a concise answer, I see, and, that's disappointed. They received a small amount of reward. In that way they shared an hour together.
"Okay...I think I should go soon"
"You leaving already?"
"Cause I'm a wanderer. If I don't enroll myself to the next gathering hall before the sun goes, I'm going to be out of job for several weeks. ...Though here will be fine too, it's difficult to do"
"...I see"
"Take care"
"Yeah"
A simple and concise goodbye. Waving back to the person that waved to him, Sky turned his back. The heaviness on his back. The thickness, of the hunting horn.
Oh, I survived, he could realized that with a sense of fulfillment that he did not know how to describe.
"Hey"
"...Yes?"
"Many of the hunting horn users are wanderer, Are you, so too"
"Yeah"
"If I build a hunting group, will you, come"
If the fact that he being there could ease hunters a little, that would be enough, and he had met temporary according to that quest. It was not as if he did not long for stable companions. He, only purely, wanted to be with his hunting horn more than that. He trusted that it was his partner.
As a hunting horn user.
He, called him.
"...Are you sure"
"You're strong. And fun."
It doesn't matter to me particularly, even if I become used to the effect of the horn, and nothing comes out, you will be fine.
"Isn't it not particularly Sky who blows hunting horn, right?"
This person might be a natural cajolement, he thought incidentally.
At the same time he thought, he could feel his cheeks relaxed.
"Of course. It will be a hunting group that will not lose to anything at all"
The jinx, that hunting groups with a horn user would not loss to anything at all, it was talked among hunters as if it was true.
"Actually even you alone, will be fine. But Falt said, that will jeopardized you"
"...Because, I originally was people from that side... If I run into others besides you two who remembered my face, it will surely become a big problem..."
"We've done a bad thing to him"
"He hasn't asked, about anything. I don't know if he was thinking that, he was saved, but he should have noticed that he himself saved me."
"Though I have prepared quite a various of foreshadowing, for you to be able to make evasive answers... ... He really hasn't asked?"
"Yeah. He seems to be this type of guy"
"...What a strange person"
It was really lucky that you didn't charge in when the sounds from the bugle rang. Lamia said, as her face looked slightly soft.
"Though I was trying to look for a hunting horn user carefully, that could fight against that bugle... Seems like, I have chose a good person"
"That's just 'a person with good circumstances', after all the eyes of Lamia are good"
"Good at praising. Just as Falt says"
"...Did he, say something like that?"
I give up. He scratched his cheeks, Lamia just laughed at him.
"It didn't follow what we planned... ... But in a sense, it may be the best result"
"Hm?'
"...Though we still have to stay on that side. If Nobutuna reports, this incident to the guild, then"
The Hunters Guild had paid a certain attention, to the actions of Nobutuna. He, who was being aimed at by the Order of the Black Beasts, was alone a warehouse of information. He could be said as a trump of the Hunters Guild, against the Order.
The information of the Secret guild said by him, was independent information, which could be trusted more, than the information said by other hunters.
"...We might, be able to move"
"...Are you coming out, from the Order"
"Yes. He and I together"
"..."
"At that time Falt didn't go with you, is because I am there. ...Forgive him"
When Nobutuna was still on that side, he had met Lamia. But, he did not know that, she was an acquaintance of Falt. He was not informed.
Before he met Sky, the reception girl he remembered called out to him, silently, telling him that she was a cousin of Falt.
(Oh, that's why, you,)
Left behind, in order to protect her.
As soon as he understood, all his imaginary fear was blown away. Hearing the words of Lamia, Nobutuna had made a decision, deep inside his heart.
"Lamia, help me tell Falt"
"Yes?"
"When you two get out from there, this time, let's make a hunting group together"
A few would be fine. Only, to help people, to protect people, and being protected by people, lived as connected, a hunting group that fought together.
Not a hard and sad organization, but a hunting group that could be straight.
"...I'll be waiting"
"...Yes. I'll tell him"
Laughingly with a smile, Lamia jumped over the counter. Taking off the fake uniform, lightly, her ponytail shook.
"Oh yes, Nobutuna"
"Huh"
"Next time if you keep on staring at my chests, I'm going to penetrate you without mercy!"
This is bad, she found out.
Praying that Falt would not prickle at him in secret, he waved his hand with a bitter smile. Will I be able to guarantee, that.
She who had grew up smoothly and nimbly, both her appearance and contents comparing to the old days, had became a good lady.
Author's Note:
This chapter is really a mess. The mood when I wrote this chapter was like riding on a jet coaster. Anyway, sorry Nobutuna-san. But that's official... right? Since I censored them all, it'll be fine... right? Thanks for accompanying me! Hope you enjoy it!
Translator's Note:
Poor Khezu... But I can't help to agree to that too... (cough) (cough) Thanks for reading! The introduction of all characters are almost done! I've also added the timeline (The Inside Story). It's basically full of some extra informations of the story. Hope you enjoy reading it!