After parting ways with the others, I strolled leisurely through the interior of the headquarters. The more I looked around, the harder it became to believe this was the Explorer's Guild's supposed mecca of Treasure Hunters.
It was the complete opposite of the impression I'd gotten the first time I visited the Imperial Capital branch, in every conceivable way. The floors were spotlessly clean, and the staff wore their uniforms with immaculate precision.
There were guards posted here and there, admittedly, but they looked more like palace sentinels than hunters. Watching them gave absolutely no impression of roughness. If anything, it felt less like the Explorer's Guild and more like a hospital.
I'd heard whispers that the headquarters didn't feel like the Explorer's Guild, and... yeah, that assessment was right on the mark.
I didn't mind this kind of Explorer's Guild myself, but for other hunters who lived for the thrill of the unknown and adventure, it was probably pretty boring.
"Well then, time to see what the headquarters can really offer..."
Having a cafeteria attached—now that was what I'd expect from the headquarters. I figured the Explorer's Guild could manage a bar at most. And apparently, they served ridiculously huge parfaits, too!
I wasn't great with sweets, but when a hunter learned about something unknown, they just had to see it with their own eyes. I supposed some of that hot-blooded hunter spirit ran through my veins after all.
With anticipation building, I scanned the directory board in the entrance to find the cafeteria's location when a booming voice suddenly rang out from behind me.
"Hmm, so this is the headquarters... Magnificent! What a beautiful building! It's like a castle of white marble! I regret not taking an interest sooner. I've decided—I shall make this place my base of operations from now on!"
...There were weirdos everywhere, apparently. I wasn't exactly looking for that kind of unknown.
Ignoring him entirely felt a bit rude, so I turned around.
Standing right in the middle of the entrance with absolute confidence was a sharp-looking man.
Nearly two meters tall, with finely chiseled features. His faintly greenish-blonde hair was something you didn't see much around these parts.
His long, flowing robes were different from the ones Mages wore—metallic cord ornaments adorned every part of the outfit, making him glitter from head to toe.
His shouting had drawn the attention of the staff, but the man didn't seem to care in the least. His cheerful, utterly out-of-place laughter echoed up toward the high ceiling.
This was the Explorer's Guild, so this eccentric had to be a hunter—no one else would fit—but his gear was a bit unusual. He wasn't carrying anything that looked like a weapon.
A somewhat worn-out middle-aged man standing behind him spoke up.
"You're pulling my leg. Do you have any idea how far apart this place and Garista are? We're on entirely different islands... and that epithet, 'Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies,' isn't even known around here."
"What... did you say!?"
That man's voice was absurdly loud. I wasn't even eavesdropping, and I could still hear him perfectly...
And sure enough, the man did seem like a hunter. I'd never heard of Garista or the epithet "Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies," but he was probably some celebrity from a distant land.
The flashy male hunter—the kind who seemed to be missing a couple of screws—scanned his surroundings and then, of all people, looked right at me.
I quickly averted my gaze. I was heading to the cafeteria!
But right where I turned my face, a young man was standing.
He was supposed to be a dozen meters away, yet I hadn't noticed him at all. No matter how fast someone moved, they couldn't stop the flow of air—unless he was the same type as Rids.
From point-blank range, the young man flashed a supremely confident grin and spoke.
"Hold it right there, young man!! Surely you've heard of me!? The hero of heroes who sprinted a thousand miles on the wings of the wind, single-handedly ended wars in fifteen nations, and saved countless innocent lives—that is to say, me!!"
"Ah, yes."
Would you mind getting lost...? Just so you know, I've seen my fair share of remarkable people, so having someone approach at imperceptible speeds doesn't faze me in the slightest.
The young man's eyes went wide, and he turned to shout at the middle-aged man who'd been left behind.
"Did you hear that, Branch Manager!? My heroic reputation has already spread to this continent!! And once I pass this test and reach Level 9, my name will skyrocket—spreading without a single corner left unreached, across the entire world!! And someday, I will absolutely become the fourth living Level 10, without question!!"
"...Well, if you don't pass the evaluation for this Level 9 promotion test, you won't be reaching it anytime soon, Kaiser."
Their exchange gave me a headache.
Apparently, these people had come to take the evaluation for the Level 9 certification test that Gaark had mentioned.
I'd never heard of any of them, and I didn't recognize their epithets, but they seemed to have real ability. After all, the "Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies" standing before me looked to be in his late twenties to early thirties.
Reaching Level 8 at that age meant you had to be blessed with both talent and luck, and if he was challenging Level 9 this early, the prospect of eventually reaching Level 10 was no longer just a joke.
Why were all the capable people such weirdos? They should all take a page from Ark's or Sven's book. Seriously, if anyone deserved to reach Level 8, it should be Ark before this guy.
"Young man!! Where did you hear about the great Kaiser Jigurudo!? I'd love to hear the details—great material for future promotion, you know!!"
"Kaiser, I told you not to bother civilians. What if they end up traumatized?"
If this was enough to traumatize someone, I'd have drowned in an ocean of trauma by now. I was on the verge of throwing up just listening.
Fortunately, Kaiser didn't seem like the type to resort to violence against innocent people.
Then again, thinking about it calmly, stopping wars across fifteen nations was absurdly impressive. I was curious about how he'd managed it, but it was probably better not to ask.
"...Sorry, but I need to get to the cafeteria."
"Hold on!! There's still plenty of time before the evaluation!! Meeting like this must be fate—allow the 'Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies' to accompany you!"
The "Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies" spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I wouldn't say we'd "met"—he'd just ambushed me with conversation.
I glanced over at the man Kaiser had called Branch Manager, but his eyes had already gone completely dead. He apparently wasn't the type who could rein this guy in.
That bold confidence, though—it reminded me a bit of Kurahi. People like this would just tag along no matter how many times you turned them down.
I made one last desperate attempt.
"...S-sorry, but I'm meeting someone..."
"What!? ...Hmph! No matter! For your friend to have the chance to meet the future Hero King—that makes them fortunate!"
"Ah, yes..."
As expected, no dice. That bright, unguarded smile showed he hadn't even considered the possibility of being rejected. I couldn't figure out why this man was so endlessly self-assured, but maybe this kind of brazenness was exactly what Ark lacked.
...Well, I'd just think of him as a bodyguard. It wasn't like there was any real problem.
I forced myself to accept the situation, plastered on a decidedly un-hardboiled smile, and headed toward the cafeteria.
§ "And so, I was inspired by an ancient tome buried in my family's warehouse! A brand-new hunter combat style—a dance technique unifying offense and defense: Tempest Dancing!! And by charging ahead with nothing but sheer willpower, I found myself at the summit before I knew it!! My Party members, unfortunately, couldn't keep up—but that's just how it goes. The pinnacle is always lonely, you see!! Understand, young man!!"
"Mm-hmm, sure. Oh, that's the cafeteria right there."
Kaiser's story, told while we walked, was absolute nonsense—but it was entertaining in its own way. If it were written up, it'd definitely be a comedy.
The world was full of all kinds of people. As a mere bystander, Kaiser's exploits would no doubt be immensely entertaining. Just hearing the summary was enough—Tempest Dancing, absolutely incredible...
The cafeteria was a short walk from the spacious entrance—a rather stylish space that blended harmoniously with the headquarters building.
There were five round tables, but only a single customer. The place looked like something you'd stumble on in the streets of the Imperial Capital, but the headquarters apparently had a restaurant attached as well—and since ordinary hunters rarely came to headquarters, there probably weren't many visitors in general.
But sometimes, the best parfaits were hiding in the most unexpected places.
The sole customer was a black-haired girl. She looked about my age, maybe a bit younger—tall and poised, with sharp, discerning eyes that bore a slight resemblance to Lucia's.
But what caught my attention more than anything was the rather large glass vessel sitting in front of her.
Could that be the parfait? The actual parfait glass? Now this looked promising.
While I was thinking this, Kaiser marched straight up to the girl and addressed her.
"Well now, are you the one he's meeting, my lady!? Do you know of the 'Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies'? If you do, wonderful—and if you don't, then today you've learned something new! My name is Kaiser Jigurudo!! A man on the verge of Level 9—the 'Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies,' Kaiser Jigurudo!!"
He was bothering a civilian... Well, I'd been the one to say I was meeting someone, so that was partly on me. Doesn't he normally confirm first?
That Branch Manager of his must have had a seriously hard time.
Kaiser grandly pointed in my direction, and those cold eyes turned toward me. I instinctively bowed my head in apology.
For hunters, harming civilians was strictly forbidden. Beyond that, even without causing harm, making unsolicited contact with them wasn't recommended. The gap in combat ability between hunters and civilians was said to be as vast as the difference between species.
...Well, Kaiser's sense of personal space was off the charts, but he was still better than most.
Please don't let this turn into trouble. As I silently prayed, the girl turned to face Kaiser and spoke in a quiet voice that somehow conveyed unfathomable power.
"I'm not the one he's meeting. My name is Saya—Saya of the 'Night Banquet Temple.' Do you happen to know of me?"
Oh boy, this was getting interesting.
Saya of the "Night Banquet Temple." A name I'd never heard before.
But Kaiser's eyes went wide at those words.
"Of course I know you, my lady. A brilliant hunter who single-handedly held back an infinite tide of Monsters pouring from an ancient magic circle, halted the destruction, and reached Level 8. To think I'd encounter someone like you in a place like this!"
...Level 8 hunters—there were only three in the entire Imperial Capital. Wasn't this a few too many?
Even after hearing about her achievements, I still didn't recognize that name.
Kaiser's expression turned serious, he blinked several times, and then clapped his hands as if everything clicked into place.
"I see, Saya. I understand now... You're here to take the Level 9 evaluation as well, aren't you?"
"...That's right. In my country, there was only one Level 8 hunter—me. To think I'd meet another Level 8 here at headquarters..."
"Rest easy. In my area of operations, I was the only Level 8 as well. Meeting another Level 8 like this—sometimes venturing to other countries really does pay off!"
Saya looked to be in her twenties at most—possibly even her teens. While reaching Level 8 was the kind of level even I could manage, being at the same level as that fire-breathing hag at such a young age really drove home how vast the world was. Where on earth had she come from?
Saya let out a languid sigh, brushed her hair back, and spoke.
"My goal is—the advancement of those with special abilities. If I reach Level 9, and then pass the special test to reach Level 10, my name will become known worldwide. And once that happens, hunters with unique powers should be accepted as well."
"Now that's a noble goal! I'll be cheering you on! Well, the one reaching Level 9 this time will be me, of course!!"
Level 9, huh. I couldn't see the appeal at all, but for hunters who took their work seriously, it was probably something they'd kill to obtain.
...Could I just order my parfait already?
As I stared intently at the café menu, the "Night Banquet Temple" suddenly looked over at me and spoke.
"By the way, who is he?"
"Hmm? Ah, come to think of it, I haven't asked for your name yet. Young man, would you tell me your name!?"
"...I'm Klye Andrich. Just Klye Andrich. I'm only here as an escort today."
And my current target was this café's parfait.
The talk of the "Night Banquet Temple" and the "Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies" wasn't uninteresting, but I could listen while slowly eating my parfait.
But hearing my words, Kaiser's eyebrow twitched.
"Klye Andrich... Don't tell me you're the famous Level 8 hunter—the 'Thousand Transformations,' Klye Andrich!?"
"!?"
"The man who led his companions through countless high-difficulty requests without a single injury, brought justice to criminal organizations that had stumped entire nations, reached Yggdrasil—a feat no one had ever accomplished—and secured a promise to establish an Explorer's Guild branch. A hunter they're now saying is the closest to reaching Level 9!"
...You sure knew a lot about hunters. I was only supposed to be known in Zebuldia, though.
This was said to be the golden age of Treasure Hunters, and powerful ones were a dime a dozen. Knowing about Level 10 hunters—of whom there were only three in the world—or the exceedingly rare Level 9 was one thing, but knowing a Level 8 hunter from a distant country was pretty impressive. And to have not just the name but fairly detailed information as well...
"You've got the wrong person."
"...He doesn't give off the aura of a high-level hunter. Could it be a mistake?"
Saya stared at me intently as she spoke. Yeah, I figured... This had all happened by accident. I'd stumbled into everything purely by circumstance. She had a good eye.
But Kaiser wore a resigned sort of smile—a different one from before, slightly strained.
"You need to work on your eye for people, Saya. The 'Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies' knows this—the 'Thousand Transformations' is said to be a man with black hair and black eyes, completely unremarkable-looking, with nothing to suggest high-level strength. His characteristics match perfectly, don't they!"
"...Well, compared to you, anyone would look unremarkable."
Next to that glittering outfit of his, even Arnold would look plain.
Kaiser placed his hand on his chin and spoke with a troubled expression.
"Still, this is troubling. Compared to the 'Thousand Transformations'' many achievements, those of the 'Heavenly Dance of Shattered Armies' pale in comparison. By the Explorer's Guild's original evaluation standards, my accomplishments fall a bit short of Level 9. To be honest, I had to beg the Branch Manager to even submit my application for this evaluation. I heard on the grapevine that this particular one would be more lenient."
Even saving fifteen nations wasn't enough? Level 9 was terrifying. And by those standards, I had a feeling my own achievements fell well short too.
At Kaiser's words, Saya glared in my direction and spoke in a tone that sounded like she was trying to convince herself.
"...Just because one of us passes doesn't mean the other has to fail."
"They might, though. If there are too many Level 9s, the value of being Level 9 diminishes."
"No, I wasn't planning on reaching Level 9 this time anyway... I'm not in great shape for it this round."
Level 8 was more than enough for me. I'd honestly prefer to drop a level or two, if anything...
Arms crossed, Kaiser nodded sagely.
"I see. As expected, a hunter who could comfortably pass next year's evaluation carries himself differently. That composure is a bit frustrating for someone like me who's going all-in on this Level 9 promotion—hmph. If that's the case, then this victory is mine by default! A contest is all about timing—don't hold it against me, 'Thousand Transformations.'"
"...Tch. Don't forget I'm here, either."
Saya clicked her tongue loudly and looked up at Kaiser.
Clear black eyes. Kaiser shrugged with exaggerated flair.
"Hmm, Saya. Regrettably, when I consider this fairly—between you and me, I have the clear advantage. You see, if the rumors are true, your ability—'Sarasara'—is far less impressive in appearance than my 'Tempest Dancing.' You understand, don't you? When our achievements are equal, the difference in presentation gives me the win. And frankly, even in a one-on-one fight, I'd probably come out on top. It's a matter of compatibility."
"...!"
Saya held her breath and stared Kaiser down. Her sharp gaze carried what felt like genuine killing intent. The fight hadn't even started yet, yet her combat readiness was immense. This was a perfect illustration of how hunters were simultaneously comrades and rivals.
They were both Level 8, so their strengths and weaknesses would differ—but there was no doubt that both of them were monsters.
I'd heard that Level 9 evaluations were rarely even submitted for, and yet here were two candidates showing up—what was this promotion test going to turn into?
"Come on, don't give me that look. I'll admit, I didn't expect another hunter in the same position to show up either. At the very least, we're not enemies. How about we cooperate to get through this challenge together?"