As planned, the six of us who had come of age at the age of fifteen formed a group and tested our skills several times at the Treasure Hall, which was certified as level one.

The Treasure Hall is ranked according to location, difficulty of gimmicks, threats, and obtainable treasures.
The first level was a simple treasure house for new hunters. It was no match for us, who had gone through the rigorous training with boundless enthusiasm.

We were the fastest group of newcomers to conquer the treasure hall, and while I felt a definite response to the prospect of becoming a treasure hunter, I was convinced that I was a step or two below the rest of the group.

To tell the truth, I had been aware of it in the training phase, but when I was confronted with it, I felt as if I were falling into an abyss.

That's the extent of the difference in ability right now, but in a few years I won't be able to keep up with them in the hunt. They're geniuses, but I'm only as talented as the average treasure hunter, by my own estimation. I'm not even close to being able to keep up.

At that moment, for the first time, I understood from the bottom of my heart.

We are not equal.

Even though we grew up at the same age and in the same environment, we are not equal.
Some of us have more magic, some of us have more power. Even among siblings, my sister had a talent for magic and I had none. I can't tell you how frustrating that was for me. Well, she was just my sister and not really my blood.

We were childhood friends and best friends.
Even before we decided to become hunters, we had always worked together as a group. We've had our disagreements, and sometimes fights, but we've gotten along just fine. My hometown was a small town, so we were like a family half the time.

It's a difference that I, the weakest, can feel. They probably all felt that I lacked talent, that I was growing too slowly.
Still, it was probably because of their kindness that they never mentioned it until then.

On the night I conquered the Treasure House for the first time, I soaked my pillow alone in the inn where I stayed for the first time in my life, and after worrying about it all night, I decided to give up everything.

The Temple of Treasures is a repository of wealth and danger. The high concentration of mana material creates treasure halls and treasures, as well as phantoms that live as adversaries, rejecting all who visit.

If we continue to be hunters together, one day I will surely drag my feet and put the entire party in danger. If they abandoned me when I screwed up, it wouldn't be much of a problem since I would just die (well, it would be a problem), but I'm sure they wouldn't choose that option. Besides, I don't want to die either.

It was a shame to give up on my dream, but I'd rather give up than put my friends in danger.

My adventure would end when I conquered the Beginner's Treasure House. But it would be a good story if I thought about it, and if my friend became a top hunter, I would be able to boast that I was once a member of that group.

The next day, I gathered everyone together in a room at the inn and told them that I was giving up being a treasure hunter for good.

I had already shed all my tears during the night, so I probably wasn't crying.

Then, the first friend who had inspired us to become treasure hunters, Luke Sykor, who later became a disciple of the Sage of Swords and was widely known for his transformable sword, said with an expression as serious as mine.



'I've been thinking seriously about it all night, Kry, you don't have a specific role, so you should be the leader.

'............ Hey, did you hear what I said?



That was the beginning and the end of it all.

The talents of my friends far exceeded my expectations, and they quickly raised the level of the treasure halls they were attacking.

I couldn't keep up with them after only a year, but I was still the leader. Because they were stupid.
Stupid, but the best. My passion was soon lost in the fear of death, which I couldn't handle alone, and from that point on, I wanted to quit Hunter immediately, without reservation or anything, but I was still the leader.



And now, several years later, I'm still the leader among the ever-increasing number of monsters.



§ § § §





"Are those the members of the Ghosts of Sorrows? They don't look weak at all. They were so weak.

"Where have you been all this time? Where have you been all this time? You were making a big deal out of it.

"...... He was standing behind me in the line outside a while ago. ......

There's been gossip. He got what he deserved.

I lay my upper body on the Ghosts of Sorrows table and let my gaze wander aimlessly.
The other members of the group rarely come to such events, so I had the spacious table all to myself. Or rather, all the other members had left the Imperial Capital to conquer the Treasure Hall, and were not there.

The degree of concentration of the eyes was terrible. He had the whole room staring at him. But no one came close to me.

What was I doing here? ...... I overslept a little and was late. So you had no choice but to leave!
I'm not sure what to make of it.

This is ...... lonely, or ......'.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

My stomach churned. Of all the hunters in this space right now, I am undoubtedly the one with the lowest physical strength.
I wasn't joking when I tried to run away from the fight. I was scared.

I wondered how they would react if they knew that I was not just a member of Lamentations, but its leader.

Tino, the only one who dragged me to the table, puffed out his cheeks and checked the gossipers. He has a swarthy look in his eyes.

'Mastaa, don't worry about it. I know you better than anyone.'

'Because of you, I'm suffering a great deal of mental anguish right now.

Tino Shade is one of my childhood friends, a genocidal monster whose hands precede his words, a disciple of Liz from Zekage.
It's been a few years since she became Liz Smart's apprentice, and she was with me when I founded the First Step clan with the Holy Ghost Son and several other parties.

She calls Liz "sister" and me "master" because of that. Although she is not a party member, she was half of the mascot of Ghosts of Sorrows. Before I knew it, I was no longer a mascot, but a promising monster candidate.

Incidentally, the reason why I am called Master is because I am the leader of the Ghosts of Sorrows, as well as the Clan Master of the First Step.
In other words, I am the top of the monster group. At the meeting to establish the clan, I was just saying yes and no, and before I knew it, I was sitting in a seat, even though I didn't want to. I feel like vomiting when I remember it.

'Why are you here? Where's Hunt?'

I asked, and Tino grabbed my arm and looked up at me as he shrugged. His flirtatious gestures and short temper are exactly the bad influence of his master.

'............ because today, I heard that Mastaa's Strange Grief is looking for a party member ...... ......'

'I didn't say ............. I just said I'd show up for a bit. ......'

In addition, the assistant master of the clan told me that I should show up at least once because it was your idea.
I've been showing up in disguise as a guest every time.

In the first place, I think it's strange to make a fuss over such vague rumors. But if I can get people to come, I'll spread rumors next time.
The Ghosts of Sorrows has already settled its members, but there are still parties looking for talented members.

I'm not coming back, though. Next time I'll be at ......, or rather, I'll never come back. Please don't fight and be friendly.

As I was chatting with Tino, who was puzzled by my dramatic appearance and took advantage of the fact that I did not approach him, a handsome man came up to me from the next table.



The people who had been surrounding us from afar gave way as if they were breaking apart.

A man who looks better than anyone else in the white uniform made by the clan in homage to the Imperial Army uniform.
His hair is golden and silky, and his eyes are blue and friendly. He was born and raised in the Empire, and is undoubtedly one of the strongest hunters in the Empire.

A brave man. A hero. Leader of the Ark Brave.
He is one of only five level 7 certified hunters in the Imperial Capital, and is known as the "Silver Star Lightning". Ark Rodin.

He is also the rival of my childhood friends. He's an unsavory man who has a party full of pretty girls.
He's also annoying because he's not pompous despite being strong as hell and he's a pretty nice guy. And the fact that this annoyed me made me even more angry because I could see through my own narrowness. It was a negative chain of events.

'Cry, you're late. What's wrong?'

'...... Nothing. I just overslept.'

'Hahahahaha, funny joke as always.'

Arc laughs cheerfully, wondering what's so funny. It's not a joke.

'Stay away from the Master. The frivolity will set in.

'Hahahahahahahaha.'

Tino was intimidated by the handsome man who appeared. I don't know if I've hit a nerve, but Ark is laughing while banging on the table all the time. It's scary in reverse.
It's okay that they're among friends, but I don't think it's right for them to bite anyone. It was a complete mistake in education.

'I can't sleep because I'm looking forward to this day.

I was so anxious that I couldn't sleep until dawn. That's why I overslept.

I would never have shown up in front of a bunch of short-tempered, strange monsters if I wasn't afraid of Vice Mass.
Hunters are based on merit, so even though I'm a master, I'm at the bottom of the pecking order.

'I see. ...... So that's why you've been assessing me as a participant in the shadows. ...... Isn't that unfair? I'm sure the rule was to wear a uniform, but I didn't, and I don't have a mark.'

I'm telling you, I just overslept. Listen to me.'

I didn't have time to get ready.
Ark narrowed his eyes and stared at me. Even though he is a handsome genius hunter, he is also a hunter and often doesn't listen to others.

Hunters basically don't listen to people.

I'm not assessing you. I'm not involved in recruiting other parties, and I don't want new members in my party. Today's participation is just for decoration.

'Mastaa, this man is too rude. Let's expel him from the clan.'

'Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Tino's as funny as ever!

'I wish everyone was as nostalgic as Ark.

If Ark was Greg-sama or that boy who was facing Tino until a while ago, three fights would have broken out.
Ark reached out to pat the threatening Tino's head but was avoided.
That's a lot of guts for a little monster. You can pet it but be careful because it will bite you.

I rarely go outside because I don't want to get tangled up, and when I do, I disguise myself. Ark is probably the most well known of these.

A number of hunters from inside and outside are watching us, but they do not seem to be interfering, perhaps because they are reserved with Ark. I'd really like you to hang out with us until the recruitment process is completely finished.

'So, did you find any good members?

My question drew the attention of Ark.

Even now, the members of the Holy Spirit are still scrutinizing prospective members.
If he, as the party leader, puts his name forward, a new member will be chosen immediately. Even if they don't decide, every party must want a hunter who is recommended by a super celebrity like Ark.

Ark raised his eyebrows in annoyance and groaned for a while before shaking his head slightly.

'...... Honestly, it's difficult. There are a few people who seem to be excellent, but I'm not sure if they can keep up with the treasure hall we're attacking.

My eyes widened involuntarily at his words.

That's true. Monsters are born among monsters.

For some reason, the strength of a hunter is proportional to the number of treasure halls he has conquered.
There is no such thing as a member who can join the party of a holy spirit who is currently conquering high level treasure halls and become an instant force. If you were that good, you would have been active by now.

This is a place to find those who have a promising future. I felt sorry for the prospective members who were tossed about by the infinitely high hurdles.

Ark's eyes glittered. He asked in a calm voice.

'Did you find any good members like that Cry?

I don't know because I haven't looked for them at all. I looked up and looked around. The hunter I was looking at had a tense expression on his face.

I looked at Luda, who was standing by the wall, looking uncomfortable. Greg, who was standing next to her, widened his eyes and pulled his cheeks together with an indescribable expression.
The red-haired boy, who had been shouting and fighting with everyone, bared his teeth as he was pinned down by the footprint members.

When he sees Tino, he shakes his shoulders in fear. He looks like he's going to puke when he gets attention.

'Hmm? We have enough members for now. If I say I need one, you'll take it?'

Arc meditated on the joking words for a while, but..,

'............ is fine. I'll take Kry's word for it.

Everyone in the room was in an uproar. Even though they were members of the same clan, in what world would a hunter leave the selection of party members to another party? Moreover, this was a very promising party that was one or two of the best among the youngsters in the Imperial Capital.

'Wait, Ark!

One of the party members, a priestess, called out as if in panic.

I sat up, crossed my arms and legs, and slumped down. She smiles at me.

'............. That's funny. Anything?'



'...... just one, please. We can't afford to raise that many people.'

Arc swallowed his mouth. This guy really has deep pockets.

But a recommendation, huh. Interesting. You think of interesting things, Ark.
It's a good opportunity. It'll get people talking. If it becomes a hot topic, I bet the next round of member recruitment will attract more hunters. We need a bigger room to rent.

The problem is that I'm not a good judge of character.

The only ones I've seen properly are trash with a little bit of talent, interesting trash with a little bit of hunter experience, and trash that's okay but not very strong. This is not a lineup that I would recommend to the Holy Ghost, and there is no way I have the ability to read potential abilities.

If I were to introduce any member at random, there would be friction.
The quickest way is to recommend a solo player in your footprint. My clan is excellent, so I can guarantee a certain level of ability.

Suddenly our eyes met, and Tino blushed and said with a squirm.

'Mastaaa, that's nice. But I've decided to go with Mastaaa, so I'm honored to be chosen, but I can't join this pseudo-handsome guy's party. Please choose someone other than me.

'I'll have to check with Liz next time about her education policy. ......'

My friends and I have been rivals with the Ark Brave for many years, and unlike the Holy Ghost, we are very narrow-minded.

For a while, I checked to see if there were any that looked good, but I couldn't find any that I liked.
I might as well just say that there are none, after smiling so pompously.

But the monsters looking at me with serious eyes are so amusing that I can't help but adopt a certain attitude.

Frowning, I say with a look of thought.
I've completely lost my motivation as a hunter, and my goal now is to be a hard-boiled, good-looking, competent man, even if only on the surface.

I'm not sure if I'm a good hunter or not. I'd like to have one in my house when the time is right. ......'

'Hey!

A voice filled with hostility.
As expected of a certified level 4, he seems to have a lot of power.

'If you're going to bow down to me, then! I'm willing to come in!

He shouted breathlessly. He's got a lot of gall, this guy. Aside from me, a level 4 hunter should be no different from an ordinary person in the eyes of Ark.

'Do you have any party members?

'...... That's none of your business!

Yes, it does.
I put my hand to my chin and stare at the boy. He's got talent. He's bold. His bad mouth and rudeness can be improved if Ark and the others discipline him. There are statistics that show that a unipolar type will be stronger than a uniformly strong type.

I don't want to join the Lamentations because I might get killed by the existing members, but this time I will join the Holy Spirit and I don't care about Ark's difficulties.

I clapped my hands loudly and smiled at the boy.

'You, what's your name?

'...... Gilbert Busch. Gilbert, of the Purgatory Sword!

Gilberto shouted, almost raging for a moment, but just barely restraining his emotions. The Purgatory Sword is probably the great sword from the treasure house that he carries on his back.
I don't think that's his second name. There are only a handful of hunters with two names even in this Imperial City.

Ark is looking at the Gilbert boy with serious eyes. Even if you are a connoisseur, he probably looks like a very bad boy right now.
I clapped my hands and said in a superior tone.

'All right, Gilbert. I'll recommend you for the Ark. But there's one condition.

'Condition ......?

I'm not a connoisseur. Luda looks like a bit of talented trash, Master Greg looks like interesting trash, and Gilberto looks like an insecure trash, but I'm not sure about that.

If you can't be a connoisseur, then no matter who you choose, the result will be luck.

'Oh. There is only one condition: ...... not to lose. What do you think a hunter needs most? 'Winning,' he said.

The Gilbert boy is listening to my words with a quizzical expression. No, all the members of the clan were quietly listening to my words.
Don't worry, I'm just saying it out of my mouth. ...... I'm going to puke.

'Without that power, you'll eventually put your people in danger. That's why I want you to show me that you can't be beaten. For your information, I've never been defeated since I became a hunter.

'What ......?

Because I've never fought. Because I've never fought properly.

I have escaped all battles by any means necessary. Sometimes using my friends as shields, sometimes using power, sometimes using wealth.
And so I will use those hands in this fight.

He pulls out the gold ring he wears on the little finger of his left hand and shoots it at Gilbert.
The ring is a "bullet finger". It is a very common item, but it is a treasure from the Temple of Treasures. The power it possesses is not great, but if you were to buy it with gold, it would be worth the price.

Gilbert caught it with his right hand and frowned.
I smiled and shouted in a high voice.

'I declare to everyone present. I am going to recommend Gilberto, but if anyone defeats him and takes the ring I just gave him, I will recommend that person to the Ark Brave. The ring is not much, but it is a treasure. Even if you don't need a recommendation, I'll give you the ring if you take it.

Ark whistled briefly.
Tino who understood the situation instantly closed the distance between him and the Gilbert boy and kicked him in the face.

I stood up quietly with a tight smile on my face so that no one would notice.

--Now, let's run.



§ § § §


This is the story of a hero.
The heyday of the treasure hunter. A time when people sought wealth, honor, power, glory.



The story of childhood friends with shining talents who aim to become the strongest, clan mates who share the same goal, and the only one who is a party to it all, but who has to watch from the sidelines, the Ghost of Sorrow (this me).