'In case you need an excuse, sir. I could have run away.'

'Yes, yes, you could.'

'Masutaa's chains are indeed a bit vindictive, tireless and troublesome, but I can easily break them.

Tino says with a serious face while being wrapped up in chains that completely restrain even the strongest of men.

The reason why I didn't break them is because if I broke Masutaa's precious chains, Masutaa would hate me. I think there is room for extenuating circumstances in that regard, don't you?

Tino's gesture of asking with a mocking look upwards is similar to that of his master. He was completely under the influence.

The Dog Chain is silver, but it is not made of silver. Materials made of mana and materials are quite strong, regardless of what they are.

You can't be sure that you can break it. ...... I've been around a lot of monsters like that, but it seems that Tino is taking it pretty hard.

It's an impossible feat unless you've been hiding in the treasure house for a while.

'Tino, you shouldn't push yourself too hard. Your life is the most important thing.

'............ sir, it's you. You.'

'It's Tino's master who's making him reckless. I only swing the easy ones.'

I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've.

The treasure tool is useful, but not unlimited. It's probably because Tino was running around more than expected that the mana that powers it ran out. It's amazing that she could keep running away from a chain that tracks her at such a high speed.

Tino said as he rubbed his body that was constricted by the chains.

'I know. I'm well aware that Mastaa is considering our growth and assigning us requests at the very limit of death, but please don't be too Spartan.

'......?

I'm not going to do that.
It's level three. It's a level three treasure house. It's not too difficult for Tino. You can't ask a junior to die.

The request is for a bone picker.

Hunters are basically responsible for their own actions, but there are occasionally requests to go to the Treasure House to rescue hunters in distress. The hunter is a professional, and if he doesn't come back, he's probably already dead.

If the hunter is dead, the request is completed after confirming his death. This is the reason why this kind of request is called "bone collecting".
In rare cases, they may still be alive, so there is no reason not to go.

However, Tino is also a level 4 hunter. I had no choice but to look at the request form again.

The authorized level of the Treasure House is 3 - "White Wolf's Den". It's one of the more expensive treasure halls near the Imperial Capital, and not a very good one. It's not a popular place.

The five of us went missing three days ago. That's pretty close. If it was a week ago, survival would be hopeless, but if it's three days, it's probably 50/50 that they're alive.

The maximum time limit is one week and the reward is 300,000 guilders. An average family can survive for a month, but for a hunter, it's garbage.
When the reward is garbage, it's a complete volunteer job that ordinary hunters won't accept, but it's a punishment game in the first place.

I have no idea what's wrong with it. But I looked up from the request form and nodded curtly.

'Mm-hmm. I can certainly understand what Tino is trying to say.

'!

'You don't want to go alone, is that it?

I know. I know how you feel.

Even if it's difficult enough to conquer, the treasure house is a dangerous place. You never know what might happen.

I've always soloed, so I guess I'm not thinking clearly enough.

I was thinking on the assumption of death, but when I think about it, it's impossible for me to rescue five people by myself.
I only have two arms, and I don't know how I'm going to carry up to five injured people.

'What ......? Well, ...... yes.

Tino glanced around the empty lounge and gave me an expectant look.

It's true that everyone seems to be busy today, but I had a better idea.

The White Wolf's Den. I thought I'd heard that name before.

Tino is level four, and a few more level three and above would be enough. I'm brilliant today.

I'm brilliant today,' Tino said slowly.

'If Masutaa can come with us--'

'That's it. There was a hunter who came to recruit members the other day who wanted to go to the White Wolf's Den, so you should invite him and take him with you. Luda, I think she said?

'...... huh?'

The rest of the group? I think Master Greg and the Gilbert boy should be fine.

Tino's not used to parties and he'll learn a lot. That's convenient.

I was satisfied with my decision, but Tino was looking at me with downcast eyes.


§ § § §


Tino Shade was born in the Imperial City of Zebrudia.
He was born and raised in the Imperial City. She was a little quiet and a little good at sports.

Treasure hunting has always been a popular occupation, but due to its high risk, it tends to be avoided by sensible adults.

The imperial city of Zebrudia was full of hunters and there were several branches of the Explorers' Association, but that's why Tino never wanted to become a hunter.
Everyone has their own way of life. Wealth, honor, and power did not appeal to Tino, and he was afraid of being a hunter.

What made Tino change his mind and become a hunter was a party that appeared in the Imperial Capital like a comet at the time.

It was a party that existed like a foreign substance among the parties with glittering names, a party that was more violent than any other party.

Shunned for its ominous name, and sometimes even opposed by the Empire itself, it destroyed all obstacles, and in just a few years had become a party that no one knew.

It was glorious. The members of the party had such an intense radiance that even girls who were not interested in hunters would admire them.

Like a flash of light.

Like a meteor.

There are only three top level treasure hunters in the world, and they are the young heroes who are considered to be the reincarnation of the most powerful Exceeding Siquence, Ark Rodin of the Silver Star All Thunder, who leads the Ark Brave.

He is the creator of First Step, which has become one of the most famous clans in the world. Krai Andrich, the man of uncanny ingenuity, who holds the reins of the selfish members of Strange Grief and has raised them to the top class of the Imperial City.



The Golden Age.

The Explorers Society calls this time period when talented hunters have appeared one after another, drawn by their talents that resemble the twinkling of stars.

And Tino Shade, convinced that this moment would eventually become legendary, became a hunter in order to carve his name into it with his trusted mentor and master.

Now, however, Tino, a promising newcomer, has been turned into a pawn by his trusted master.

The Imperial City branch of the Explorers Association.
A female hunter, who was sitting at one of the tables with a blank expression on her face, opens her eyes when Tino suddenly appears.

She was the Hunter who had been with the Master at the member recruitment site. I've heard about her.

Her name is Luda Rumbeck. She was a level 3 hunter who had come to the recruitment site in search of members for the White Wolf's Lair.

Her role is probably that of a thief. A hunter whose role is to detect traps, search for enemies, and unlock locks. He's a lot like Tino, and even lesser than Tino, who was trained by a proper master (albeit a brainy one).

But good. This is a request from my master and beloved sister ......, who is also a beloved master. I have no choice.

'Hey, what? What is it? Oh, ...... yesterday, I was with Cry--'

Luda's eyes widen. Tino turned his gaze away from her and decided to look for the other members of the group that had been mentioned.