Upper levels of the clan. The office is off-limits to the general public.
Hearing my story, Eva was silent for a while, but then her glasses flashed and she said.

'It's a dark pot, isn't it?

'That's rude.

There are some things you can say and some things you can't, even if they're true.

'...... Isn't it premature to let Tino-san, who is mostly working solo, lead the party?'

I'm not sure what to say.

When I said this to her with a serious expression, Eva sighed and fell silent.

But her words were right on target.

I'm the clan master, the party leader. I'm a clan master and a party leader, but to be honest, I'm not the best judge of character.

In the beginning, there were days when I spent sleepless nights thinking about it seriously, but it became a chore.

Since I was just a leader of a party, I have been making decisions for the whole party.
Since I started the clan, I have had more opportunities to do so. After my name became popular, I was often asked to make decisions by outside parties and clans. Sometimes, I'm asked for my opinion by the search committee as well.

I can't really take it seriously. I can't take responsibility, and that's not why I started the clan in the first place.

The only thing that still bothers me a lot are the decisions that arise in Ghosts of Sorrow.

It's okay. Tino is strong. Especially his speed is approved by his master.

Even if something terrible happens, he should be able to manage to escape. If you can't, it's Tino's fault for not being able to handle it.

Death is the responsibility of the hunter. Accidents are natural and therefore hunters must always be well prepared.
If the selection of the team members was bad and they suffered badly, it was Tino's fault for not complaining to me more.

No one can be held responsible for mistakes. Just as I gave up on the Treasure House early on, sometimes it is necessary to dismiss the opinions of those around you.

I hope that Tino will learn to be proactive rather than reactive after his bitter experience.
My appropriate dark-pot tactics are, so to speak, a love whip for Tino's future.

That's the end of the story.

I slumped down in the soft chair and stretched.

'Ah, I want to throw all the troubles away and go to a hot spring. ......'

'...... Let's go on a trip with the clan members.'

'......Good idea. Let's get all the staff together and go on a trip.

Ava was originally working for a large trading company, but we recruited her to work as a deputy.
The flexible ideas she sometimes comes up with are probably due to her being a former merchant.

Outside the Imperial City, there are wild demons and sometimes phantoms that have sprung up from the Treasure House.
It's dangerous, but there are monsters here by the dozen. If you say something like "increase unity", everyone will follow you.

The only problem is that if all of our clan members decide to leave the capital, some a**h*les from the Tsaikyo or Imperial aristocracy might complain.

Also, the brainiacs are likely to cause problems on the trip. I think the most we can manage is to go on a party trip.

No, no. My party members are much more likely to cause problems.

We're screwed. I'm gonna puke.

I flipped through the materials Eva and the others had gathered for me.

It's about Master Greg and the others.

The footprints contain information about hunters and the treasure house. If you're a rookie, there's a lot of information on hunters with some experience.

Luda is excellent at ....... For a soloist, she was on a roll. The fact that she survived without serious damage was partly due to her talent and partly due to luck.

Master Greg is a ...... veteran. There are not that many people who can be a steady hunter for years.

Gilbert is a ...... troubled boy with a big mouth. He came from the countryside and was active in a party, but due to discord, one of them left the party.

Well, it is a common story among hunters. If we had made a mistake, we would have done the same. I wish I had.

All in all, it's mediocre. Anyone who sets out for the Imperial City, the holy land of hunters, has confidence in their own abilities, large or small.

I know the real monsters.
The real monsters who carve their way through treasuries of great difficulty with wisdom and strength and no regard for their own.

But enough is enough. A treasure house that Tino alone can manage, is easy to conquer when there are four of us.

I don't trust my own discernment at all, but I do trust the strength of my clan members.

'But Tino-san, are you sure you're alright? ...... Even though it's a level 3 treasure house, it's enough to get a request from the search council. ......'

'Don't worry, don't worry. It's not like Tino is a child.

Even though she wasn't a hunter, she had been with the clan since its inception, so Tino was probably like a child to her.

She shrugged at the worried Vice Master. Just then, the door opened without even a knock.

'Masutaaaaaa! Please help me! It's still too much for me!

'...... Aren't you giving up too soon, Tino-san?

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it. She rubs her head against my stomach.

I'm sure she's acting. The tension in her voice doesn't match the content. She's really a sly girl.
She hasn't even been to the treasure house since I gave her the order.

And this place is off-limits.

Eva looked at Tino in disgust. I told you not to worry.
You really seem to have been badly influenced by your master.



§



'What's the problem?'

'Everything, sir. It's too much for me to handle. ......'

In the lounge, the member I named was gathered.

Luda Rumbek. Mr. Gregg, Gilbert boy.

The reason for my choice is random. I chose Luda because she had said she wanted to go to the White Wolf's den, but the other two were completely random.



Luda, Master Gregg, and Gilbert are all middle-ranking in terms of ability, if not personality.

I don't have a role in mind, but I really think it will be easy to conquer if we gather enough people.
The goal is to rescue them, so there is no need to go deep in some cases.

As long as you can deal with the discord in your party, you should be able to survive. I wouldn't want to be a part of that, though.

Luda is scurrying around the lounge, looking around busily. Master Greg and Gilbert seemed to be a bit nervous as well.
Headquarters of a clan they don't belong to. To them, the enemy camp was the same.

As I approached with Tino's hand in mine, Luda's expression relaxed as if he was relieved to find me.

By the way, I had parted ways with her without saying goodbye because of the rampage that started on the way. I feel a little bad about that.

'Ah, Cry--'

'...... You're late. You've been waiting a long time!

The boy Gilbert said to the voice that Luda was about to raise. Luda glared at the boy in annoyance.
He still sounds pompous, but perhaps because of the location, his voice and content are a bit more subdued than the other day.

But how dare he follow me after Tino beat me up and sunk me?

Mr. Greg smiles at me, his lips twisting into a smile. But his face is a little puckered.

I've gone to a lot of trouble and set their danger level to E for all of them. With Tino by my side, I'm going strong.

'I can't believe you're at the ...... headquarters of ...... footprints,...... you really are a member of the Lamentations,......'

'I was really surprised yesterday. You said you've been to the recruitment many times, so I thought--'

Standing in line was a completely unthinking move.
There was no way I was going to wade through the line. It was my fault for oversleeping.

Perhaps relieved by the cheerful conversation of Luda and the others, Gilbert looked at me with a rude gaze.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.''...... A weak-looking guy like you is a member of the Strange Glyphs? ...... I heard they were the strongest party in the Imperial City, but they're not as strong as they say.

'...... We're not the strongest party in the city. Who's spreading those rumors? ......'

No need to think about it. It's probably my childhood friends. They're all very confident.

It's true that they are the strongest of the younger generation, but there are also Ark and the others, and there are many old and powerful parties in the historical Imperial City. Even if you take them with a grain of salt, they are not the strongest at all.

Tino hugged me tightly as I frowned. I feel a firm but soft touch on my arm, albeit modest. Probably on purpose. Master's bad influence is showing.

Too much of a bad influence.

'These people are rude. I can't go to the treasure house with someone who lacks respect for Mastaa like this. Mastaa is Mastaa.'

'Yes, you're right. I don't know what you're talking about.

I nodded, smiling. But it doesn't matter.

If I were a master or a member, I would be no more or less than I am.

But the words seemed to come as a shock to Greg. The expression on his face, which had been so firm for some reason, completely tightened, and his thick lips made a trembling sound.

She's pale, she's pale.

'Wait, wait,......, sir? I'm sure you've heard of it. Of footprints?'

'Well, ...... that's presumptuous, Mr. Greg.'

That's really presumptuous. I'm very sorry to have to tell you this, Greg.

'...... No way,.................., that... ... "A Thousand Changes" ......? Is it?

'You should kneel when you understand how great Mastaa is.'

Tino remained attached and stared at Gregg with cold eyes.
'Yeah. Let's not be intimidating. I'm gonna puke.


§I'm gonna puke.


It's a cunning plan, and no one can see it for what it is.

A famous treasure hunter is given a second name.
The search creates a kind of idol among the hunters.

The Ghosts of Sorrows was a party with specialized members. I had no role at all.
All I had to do was put aside my pride, bow down to all sides, and appease them so as to cause as little damage as possible to those around me.

I was the leader of the Ghosts of Sorrows, the strongest young party in the world.

There's a guy in the midst of all the monsters, what's he always doing?

That's probably what was in the minds of the people who came up with the name.

However, my accomplishments as a party were impeccable, and only the members of the Ghosts of Sorrows, with whom I was adventuring, knew what I had actually done (I ran away from them while vomiting).

Thus, I became the bearer of two names, because I don't know what they are, but I'm famous, so I'll give them two names.
Strange Glyphs is a great party led by a hunter who is known as a 'changeling', though I don't know what he is.

The ironic name of the party has somehow taken on a life of its own, and as the Ghosts of Sorrows have grown more powerful, the name "Strange Grief" has gained the appearance of being the strongest, even though no one has ever seen them fight. And I was relatively satisfied with it, like a tower on the sand.

Hard-boiled.

I'd like to deny it, but I can't do that because if I get licked, I'll be attacked while walking outside.

I'm going to puke.

But it's also true that a name that wins too much is useful.
Greg's face is still pale. As expected of a man who hasn't aged unnecessarily. He looks at me with stunned eyes and lets out a shaky voice.

'Silly ......, I've heard you're young--too young.'

'Well, it doesn't matter. The reason I asked you to come here today is because I was wondering if you could help me with a job I gave ...... to Tino.'

It's a sudden request, but since you've come this far, it's not like you don't have a chance.

I'm sure they will at least align themselves with you if you say so.

Luda's original goal was to conquer the White Wolf's Den, and Greg knows a lot about hunters. He's the kind of small-town guy who won't go against the strongest of the strong, and that suits me just fine. I want to have a drink with him.

And the last one in question bared his teeth at me.

'You ...... think you're the strongest "Thousand Transformations" in the Imperial City? You've got to be kidding! You're not trained at all!



No, it's rumored to be the strongest.

No?

Who's spreading those rumors? I'm the one who's always the victim.
I was about to say that, but Tino pushed me away and stepped forward.

'It's a pity you don't know how strong Masutaa is. You're missing out on 90% of your life.'

'Yeah. I don't know what you're talking about, but let's shut up, okay?'

'Mastaaa, I can't work with this guy after all. I hate people who only talk.'

I'm a perfect example of a guy who only talks. .......

It's no wonder Gilbert says he's untrained. Because he's really untrained.
If Gilbert and I were to fight under the same conditions, I would probably end up being beaten to a pulp.

Master Greg holds Gilbert back as if he were about to jump on him.

'Look at him, you idiot! The other party is the youngest hunter to be certified as a level 8, surpassing the heroes!

'Get off me, old man! d*mn it, I don't approve!

I'm not going to admit it!" The Gilbert boy looked as if he might bite you if you held out your hand.

If I were in his position and found a level 8 hunter, I'd get down on my knees right then and there.
He has the fighting spirit and temperament of a top hunter.

I turned to Luda.

'I wonder if Luda would like to help?

'That's ...... something I'd like to ask you, but is it true that you're ...... level 8?'

He looked at me quizzically, and I told him the truth. Level certification is not an absolute indicator of ability.

The level certification for hunters is done from various perspectives.

'It's just a number. When you become a party leader or a clan master, a part of the members' achievements is added to your evaluation. It's a big clan with a big footprint, so the huge amount of achievement points needed for level recognition will accumulate quickly.'

'Master, of course I'm dedicating my points too!

Luda looked both convinced and unconvinced.

This is not cheating or anything. In reality, all high-level hunters are party leaders, clan masters, or masters.

Otherwise, it would be impossible for them to be of a higher level than Ark, who is on the front line attacking the Treasure Hall.

Hearing my words, the boy Gilbert choked even louder.

'Look at that! He's just cheating! I don't believe a guy like you is a top hunter!

I appreciate your guts, but you're starting to annoy me.
I sigh and say to Gilbert, whose face is turning red.

It's not like level 8 is the highest level. ...... You don't have to trust me in the first place.

I'm used to being lambasted. I'm aware that I don't look strong, and in fact, compared to the monsters in my footprint, I'm not strong at all.

The reason I'm sitting here is not because I want to, but because no one else wanted to.
It's okay if there's no one else.

'No, not Gilbert boy. Can Master Greg help us?'

'......What?'

'Oh, oh ......? Well, that's ...... of course, fine, but ......'

I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want to do, Gilbert. I'm not going to bow down and ask him to do it.

Regardless of pride, this is a clan lounge.
No one wants to see their clan master bowing to them. Why should I lose the trust of my clan members to let in one trash?

If Gilbert was as skilled as Ark, he would be a level 4 vanguard.
There are plenty of replacements for level 4 and above vanguards in our clan.

'Hey, hey, are you sure you want to do this? I'm not going to help you!

'Oh, I'm so sorry. But it can't be helped. Tino, why don't you take one of our members with you?

It's still noon, but I'm sure there are some people at the tavern next to the cooperative.
Tino pleaded with me, looking up at me as if he understood me.

'Master, please come with me to .......'

'No, no, no.'

What am I going to do? It's easy to say that the Level 3 Treasure Hall is a treasure house, but your life is in danger.


I've had a number of times when he's been sweet to me. I've always accepted him as a good-looking older brother, but this time he seems to be taking it a little too far.

As I grabbed him by the head and tried to pull him away, the ignored Gilbert boy shouted loudly.

'Game on!

'?

What the hell is he talking about? Tino, who was grabbed by the head, also blinked his eyes and looked at Gilbert.
As if he could not stand the gaze, the boy shouted further. His outstretched fingertip is pointing at my chin.

'A match. A thousand changes! If I lose, I'll become a ...... friend.'

'Huh, ......?

What are you talking about, octopus? I swallowed the words that came out of my mouth.

You'll be able to get a lot more than that.

Not to sound like Tino, but you don't know your place.

Sure, I don't know what I'd be like if I fought him head on, but I'm still a level 8 certified hunter.
It doesn't apply in this case because I'm a small fish, but there is a gap between the power of a level 8 and a level 4 hunter. Even from the perspective of a level 7 Ark, Gilbert is nothing.

And lastly, why should I, a man who has been running away from all kinds of battles, have to go to the trouble of accepting a battle that I don't even know if I can win just to have one trash in my party?

If you want to fight me, you'll have to defeat all the members of First Step before you can come.

It seems that Master Greg is too reckless to even stir the pot.
The boy Gilbert continued. He grasps the hilt of the greatsword next to him with his right hand. A dignified gesture. As if he were declaring war.

'I'm not going to obey anyone weaker than me!

'...... Then you're not dealing with me, you're dealing with Tino, right?



'......What?'

Because it's Tino who will be the leader of the party .

'Masutaa is really good at passing things off. But, okay. Tino Shade will put a death sentence on your sister's behalf for being so rude to Mastaa.

Tino let go of his body and glared at Gilbert, who had a dumbfounded expression on his face, full of wariness.