Clan Masters have early mornings.
The sun hadn't quite reached its zenith when I woke in the private room at the Clan House. First, I took a light shower in the attached bathroom to shake off the drowsiness.
Next came getting dressed. I owned several sets of the same outfit, so my appearance was always the same. But the types and quantities of Treasure Weapons I equipped differed. My collection was vast in both variety and number, exceeding the physical limit of what I could wear at once. Some activated just by being carried, but even so, there was a cap on what I—someone not particularly large—could haul around.
The Treasure Weapons I equipped largely depended on my mood that day. I wore the Barrier Ring every day, but most of what I put on were accessories. Rings, earrings, necklaces—things that didn't get in the way and offered a wide range of effects, making them extremely convenient.
Among Treasure Hunters, those who used accessory-type Treasure Weapons were far from rare. Depending on how you used them, you could even conceal the fact that you were equipped at all.
My collection also held many weapon-type Treasure Weapons, but without combat techniques, there was no reason to carry them around unless necessary. Sure, I could activate their abilities, but using weapons without skill was a recipe for disaster.
Instead, what I carried was— Chain-type.
Useful for immobilizing opponents, unobtrusive, and something I could wield myself. Carrying chain-type weapons was more likely to catch an enemy off guard than hauling around weapon-type Treasure Weapons, and it had saved my hide more than once. They were my preferred type.
That said, the number of Treasure Weapons currently charged with mana was tiny. My options were limited.
After a quick glance around the room, I noticed a few Treasure Weapons had gone missing, but Citry had mentioned she might borrow some for her Mana Recovery Potion development, so I didn't worry about it. No one would be brazen enough to steal from a large clan's headquarters.
Once fully equipped, I headed to the Clan House lounge for breakfast.
The lounge was open twenty-four hours, but during the day everyone was usually busy, so the only people around were the clan's administrative staff. I had a light breakfast of sandwiches and coffee, then climbed the stairs with a spring in my step toward the Clan Master's office.
There, I sank deep into the Clan Master's chair—far too splendid for someone like me—and let out a sigh.
I had... nothing to do.
The spacious desk was polished to a brilliant shine, and there was nothing on it.
In truth, I had almost no duties as a Clan Master. Regarding the management of Beginning Footprint, I had granted nearly all authority to Eva. The only matters that reached me were cases where Eva couldn't make a judgment call, or situations too politically delicate for the Sub Clan Master to handle. Such cases didn't come up on a daily basis.
When Eva had told me to just sit there and stay quiet, she hadn't been joking in the slightest.
With nothing else to do, I pulled a soft cloth from a desk drawer and, with practiced hands, began carefully polishing my Treasure Weapons one by one.
Honestly, it was boring. I wasn't in the mood for a life-or-death Treasure Hall raid, but this was a colossal waste of time.
Normally, I'd go outside to stroll around the city, or head to the underground training ground to test the performance of my collection—indulging in the thrill of it all. But right now, that wasn't an option.
Liliz had picked a fight with Arnold.
I hadn't done anything myself, but my face had surely been seen, and for some reason I had an unfortunate talent for attracting grudges. I'd had Gaark put the word in, but going outside carelessly at a time like this would be dangerous.
Even if I wanted an escort, the opponent was Level 7—Tinno alone would be hopelessly outmatched, and neither Citry nor Liliz were anywhere in sight. Most of all, dragging the busy Smart sisters along on account of my boredom was out of the question. Liliz and Citry had their own lives too (mostly training, but still).
On the other hand, testing Treasure Weapons without a proper mana charge was a bad idea. That was a luxury only permitted when Lucia was around.
I carefully polished ring-type Treasure Weapons one by one and lined them up on the desk.
Treasure Weapons manifested at random. They were based on information from civilizations that existed in the past, so their general forms followed certain patterns, but no two were ever the same.
Even with the same ability, the designs differed subtly. Some were plain with nothing on them. Others had gemstone-like stones. Some bore intricate engravings. Colors, shapes, and materials all varied.
The lined-up Treasure Weapons, though mere objects, carried an air of something almost mystical.
Among Hunters, some distrusted Treasure Weapons—legacies of past civilizations—and prided themselves on their own strength alone. But I had always found the unique luster of Treasure Weapons irresistible.
Next came the chain-type, then the bracelet-type, removed in order. Since I polished them frequently, not a single smudge marred any of them.
Just as I felt a strong sense of self-satisfaction at the gleaming weapons, I remembered that Tinno had given me a bracelet-type Treasure Weapon.
A weapon discovered at the Aleyn Column Ruins—a Treasure Hall known for its low-tier loot. Right after, a massive Golem had appeared and gone on a rampage, and with everything else going on, it had completely slipped my mind.
I rummaged through the desk and pulled out the bracelet-type Treasure Weapon I'd stashed away and forgotten.
Tinno, under the watchful eye of her master Liliz, gave me almost everything she found.
When I said "Treasure Weapon," their quality varied wildly. The Treasure Halls Tinno was clearing during her training weren't high-level, so she rarely found useful weapons—but I gratefully accepted every tribute she offered.
This one was from a Treasure Hall rated Level 1, after all. The power sealed within a Treasure Weapon was proportional to the concentration of Mana Material, so it couldn't be particularly powerful.
The Treasure Weapon was a simple black bracelet with nothing noteworthy about it.
Metal in material. Average weight and size, solid black. A pattern was etched along its circumference, but there were no gemstones or anything of the sort.
I spun it between my fingers and studied it carefully, but nothing about it suggested any particular ability.
Treasure Weapon appraisals were conducted by cross-referencing with information from previously discovered weapons. Weapons with no distinguishing features often couldn't have their abilities determined without actually using them, so commissioning a specialist appraiser experienced with Treasure Weapons was the standard approach.
Even for me—someone who had assembled a collection rivaling any Treasure Weapon shop's inventory and had developed an intuitive knack for activating unfamiliar weapons—that was no different.
Some Treasure Weapons imposed drawbacks on their user. The Dark Wings of the Night, for example, had killed more than a few of its wielders. Their very power demanded caution in handling. Though in my case, I wouldn't have enough mana to try it anyway.
I shouldn't have kept looking, but the more I stared, the more curious I became about this weapon's true nature.
The bracelet was unremarkable even as jewelry. Not a shred of mysticism, and in shape alone it looked like a cheap department-store bracelet. Its appearance alone could have been replicated by modern civilization without difficulty.
From its overly simple form, I couldn't find a single clue to identify its civilization of origin or its abilities. It was nothing like the Yearning for a Foreign Land that Citry had brought back as a souvenir.
I was no god. There was nothing I could do about it.
I slipped the bracelet onto my fingertip, twirled it around, and sighed.
"If only Arnold weren't an issue..."
If not for him, I'd have run straight to a Treasure Weapon shop to get this appraised...
Why was it always bullies who gave me trouble?
Level 7. Dragon Slayer. A true transcendent. And leading a large Party on top of that—more terrifying than any assassin.
Had Gaark's warning worked? Or would Arnold calm down over time? But having his pride crushed that badly, the chances were slim.
So the inevitable conclusion would be—a bloody battle, then?
I was completely cornered. I couldn't see any future where this ended peacefully.
At the very least, even granting a hundred concessions—if he was going to cause a scene, I'd rather it happen at a Hunter tavern than on the street. Should I make sure to warn Liliz properly...?
As I was thinking this, Eva entered the room.
Eva was busy, but even without business to discuss, she made sure to show her face at least once a day.
Some of the clan's staff feared me—at Level 8. Surely part of it was performance, reassuring those subordinates. Seeing that Eva, the clan's de facto leader and someone they trusted, got along well with me, the other employees could relax a little.
Eva took one look at me—Treasure Weapons in one hand, slouching in a disheveled posture—and said the first thing on her mind.
"You were polishing Treasure Weapons again..."
"When you polish them with genuine feeling, they respond in kind."
"I've never heard anything like that..."
Neither had I.
I shrugged, and Eva let out a deep, exasperated sigh.
What was the matter? Had she come to give me an earful? I'd already been unable to stand up to her before, but the debt had made it even worse. I was truly sorry for the trouble I caused.
In my mind, I prostrated myself as Eva reported in her usual expressionless manner.
"About the Thunder Dragon of the Mist I contacted Gaark, the branch chief, about the other day... it seems they've settled down for the time being."
!?
For a moment, I couldn't process it. The news was so unexpected that my facial muscles froze.
In fact, I had never believed the warning would work. These were the kind of people who'd start a fight in the first bar they visited in the first town they'd ever come to. If the Mourning Specter had been in the Thunder Dragon of the Mist's position, a warning wouldn't have worked in the slightest.
I was quietly shaken. I did my best to suppress my composure, but my voice came out trembling.
"...Huh. Impressive."
"Well... he may be from a border country, but he is Level 7."
Then what did that make my Party!? Was my crew more hot-blooded than those punks?!
Maybe people from the Mist Kingdom had a higher ethical standard than those in the Imperial Capital? ...I was done. I wanted to retire.
No, wait. Calm down. Think rationally.
Whether the warning had worked or they'd decided mutual destruction wasn't worth it, for whatever reason—if they were going to behave, that was all that mattered.
Annoying as it was, the Thunder Dragon of the Mist seemed more stable than the Mourning Specter.
"They've only been in the Imperial Capital for about a week, and drawing the Explorer's Guild's attention would be bad for them. We also put on a show of strength, so they probably won't cause trouble for a while."
Eva's words carried tremendous conviction—her posture was impeccable, from toes to head, her uniform perfectly pressed.
This was my chance. I rose, quickly strapped on the Treasure Weapons lined up on the desk, and finally slipped the mysterious black bracelet onto my right arm. Preparations complete.
The sun was still high, and the temperature was just right. Perfect weather for a stroll.
"I'm going to pop over to Magic Tail while there's an opening. I've got a Treasure Weapon that needs appraising."
Now was the only window I had while Arnold was behaving.
As for an escort... I'd find someone appropriate in the lounge. As long as the opponent wasn't Level 7, it should be manageable. The weapon was something Tinno had found, after all, and ideally she'd be there, but...
At the name of my go-to Treasure Weapon shop, Eva furrowed her brow and gave me a flat stare.
"I trust you understand this, Klye... but please don't waste money. Your debt has ten digits."
She clearly had zero trust in me. Well, much of my collection had been impulse-bought at Magic Tail, so I couldn't blame her. But even I wasn't senile enough to increase my debt overnight. Where else would you find a Hunter with ten digits of debt asking his Sub Clan Master to bail him out?
I grinned and gave her a thumbs up.
"It's fine. There's no money in my wallet to begin with."
The moment I'd paid Citry back for drinks, it had been emptied. Appraisals could go on my tab—being Level 8 meant they'd extend credit!
Eva snatched my wallet from the desk with a swift motion and peered inside without a word. Her eyes went wide, her lips trembling.
She looked up at me as though I were an absolute idiot and said: "It—it's really... empty. How are you even alive?"
"I don't go out much."
"Oh, honestly! You can barely afford three loaves of bread! This is too much—let me go replenish it."
Eva took the empty wallet and hurried out. I was truly, profoundly sorry for all the trouble I caused.
§ Directly in front of the Clan House was a main avenue.
Large carriages—several of them—could pass with room to spare. One of the Imperial Capital's arteries. Whether morning, afternoon, or deep in the night, foot traffic never ceased.
I was hiding in the shadow of ornamental plants near the entrance when Tinno came jogging over from her reconnaissance.
Despite the fact that she'd been put through hell just days ago because of my childhood friend, she showed not a shred of resentment.
Her outfit was the same as always—hot pants designed to emphasize her legs with exaggerated ease of movement, paired with a black-based jacket. My clothing never changed either, but Tinno was much the same.
Tinno lowered her voice and reported.
"I see no suspicious shadows, Mastaa. At least, not within my awareness."
"Let's take the back alleys."
As the self-appointed representative of the weak, I never forgot to stay cautious no matter the situation.
The enemy was a large group, their leader was a giant, and Tinno—despite being a specialist Thief—couldn't evade detection by a Level 7 swordsman, so you'd think it was pointless. But I should still do whatever I could.
My words might have sounded like I was doubting Tinno's detection skills, but my earnest junior simply gave a small nod without taking offense.
"That's impressive, Mastaa. A dragon still gives its all when hunting Sand Rabbits, as they say."
"Mm, that's right."
She seemed oddly energetic today.
But I didn't think a dragon would give its all hunting rabbits. The energy-to-reward ratio was terrible. You wouldn't go all out for a single rabbit.
Undaunted by my halfhearted response, Tinno pressed both palms together and raised the corners of her lips. The gesture reminded me of Liliz.
"Rest assured. I made sure to accurately convey just how formidable you are to those country bumpkins."
"Oh?"
"After all, with my lady present, for them to even consider causing trouble was foolish. By now they must be trembling at your power."
She didn't seem to be joking, which made it worse. The first half I understood, but the second half was completely beyond me.
My formidable power? What was she talking about? I had no idea what she'd told them—I'd have asked if I had time.
No time to waste, so I ignored her words and stepped out of the Clan House.
It had been a genuinely long time since I'd gone outside at this hour. The weather was clear. I shivered slightly in the cool air and began walking, using my small escort as a human shield. As always, there were plenty of passersby, but as Tinno had reported, Arnold and his group were nowhere to be seen. My danger-detection Treasure Weapon showed no reaction either.
Confirming that, I let out a long, deep breath. When I had Liliz and Citry with me, I didn't feel this tense (well, tense in a different way), but perhaps Tinno alone wasn't enough to put my fluttering heart at ease.
I made my way cautiously through the city. The sun was still high, so foot traffic was heavy, but Treasure Hunters were scarce.
I asked Tinno, who was walking beside me with a slightly bouncy step.
"Come to think of it, do you know where Liliz is right now?"
"...If it's my lady... she previously couldn't break a Golem's armor, so she declared she'd break it next time and dragged Citry off for intensive training. She's probably at the instructor's place now."
Thieves weren't supposed to defeat enemies through brute force, after all... but Liliz was too competitive for her own good.
The instructor was probably at his wit's end too. He was one of the finest in the Imperial Capital, but ever since the name Peerless Shadow had passed to Liliz, he'd been struggling to keep up with her.
Then Tinno lowered her gaze slightly and said in a weak voice: "As for me... I was ordered to do solo training..."
She looked so pitiful that all I could manage was a strange laugh.
This was laissez-faire parenting taken to extremes. Tinno had talent too—Liliz should have just taken her along.
"I'll talk to Liliz about it next time. If she's going to train, she should take Tinno with her."
"Don't—please don't! I'll die!"
"I'll also tell her to be careful so you don't die."
"...M-Mastaa. Mastaa should be... a little more... kind to me."
"Huh?"
I thought I was being as kind as humanly possible, but for some reason Tinno's eyes were welling up with tears.
What was I supposed to do?
§ And so, turning through winding back alleys one after another, taking a longer route than usual, we finally arrived at our destination.
A hidden gem of a shop, tucked away on a street a few blocks from the Imperial Capital's main avenue—known only to those in the know.
A plain exterior that embodied function over form, and a tiny sign you'd miss unless you looked carefully.
Magic Tail. The Treasure Weapon specialty shop.
The old man who ran it was someone I'd relied on nearly as much as Gaark, Ark, and Eva since coming to the Imperial Capital.