Having safely returned from Gaark's abduction, I rolled my shoulders as I walked through the Explorer's Guild.
Maybe it was the awkward time of day, but the lobby—which sometimes had lines depending on the hour—was sparsely populated.
When I first came to the imperial capital, even the building's interior had seemed terribly imposing, but even someone like me got used to it after five years.
I glanced at the bulletin board plastered with countless commission requests and walked past. I glanced at the board with the latest news and walked past. I glanced at the board displaying wanted criminals and walked past.
Even if I checked, there was no way I could fulfill a Level 8 quota on my own.
I strolled through the Explorer's Guild at a leisurely pace, checked the counter, checked the delivery and appraisal room, checked the reference library, and in the end, unable to find what I was looking for, I frowned and sighed.
What I'd been looking for was an escort. To be more precise—a Hunter marked with the Beginning Footprint emblem who might actually listen to what I say.
In principle, I don't want to go outside alone. The route from the Explorer's Guild to the Clan House is heavy with foot traffic and the chance of being attacked en route is virtually nil, but still—I'd rather not go.
When I venture out voluntarily, I find a suitable escort at the Clan House and take them along with some half-baked excuse (in fact, I only ever leave when I have an escort), but when Gaark kidnaps me or calls me out, I inevitably end up going alone.
The trip there isn't a problem since Gaark is around, but the return trip is terrifying beyond words.
Of course, my equipment is perfect. I'm armored from head to toe in Treasure Weapons, but those are nothing more than a comfort.
"Really, Gaark calls me out of the blue every single time and it's such a headache. It's not even that urgent of a matter... I know, I know."
Rattling the chain at my waist, I peered outside through the entrance door.
In front of the Explorer's Guild was a wide avenue. Unlike before, when the lobby was packed depending on the time of day, there were plenty of people on the street—the sun was still high.
Passing carriages, townspeople squinting as they walked through the harsh sunlight. Not a single one wore the anxious expression I had.
That sight cheered me up a little. If ordinary citizens weren't cowering in fear, then it would be absurd for someone like me—a Hunter—to be afraid.
I puffed out my chest, composed myself, steeled my resolve, and with a great effort took one step outside.
§ In Zeberdia, the name value of high-level Hunters was considerable.
Though they're all called Hunters, each had different jobs, achievements, and areas of expertise, but generally a Hunter was considered first-rate around Level 5, at which point they'd start being approached by the nation, nobility, and large trading companies.
From that point on, they gained increasingly powerful backbones proportional to their level.
This was also when ordinary fans started appearing. Ark, who boasted explosive popularity in Zeberdia as the descendant of a hero, went without saying, but even the violent Liliz-chan had fans.
A Hunter was simultaneously a warrior and a kind of idol.
That celebrity status was one factor that brought Hunters immense wealth and fame. On the other hand, thanks to some inexplicable twist of fate, I'd somehow become one of the capital's top Level 8s—yet I had almost no such fans.
That was because I'd grown somewhat alarmed once I started becoming famous and made sure to hide my face as much as possible.
I'd never appeared in the newspaper, and well—though claiming I could hide my face perfectly was a stretch, and there were certainly people who knew me—in general, Thousand Transformations was known as a total enigma.
My level of anonymity, including among the other two Level 8 Hunters in the capital, was probably top-class even among high-level Hunters.
All of this was to avoid making even a single "enemy"—the inevitable byproduct of being a high-level Hunter.
For example, combat maniacs like Luke who tried to test their strength the moment they learned someone was powerful.
For example, criminals who harbored deep grudges after their associates had been captured by Hunters.
Criminal organizations that specifically targeted Treasure Weapons owned by Hunters, or those who swarmed around hoping to benefit from the authority that came with the title—there was no end to the enemies of a Hunter.
And this was the important part: unlike other high-level Hunters, I didn't have the strength to deal with any of them.
So of course I tried to hide my face, tried to bring an escort when I went out, tried to wear as many Treasure Weapons as possible, and tried to avoid roads with little foot traffic.
Nobody understood this about me, but I—I was a coward.
Carefully, carefully, I walked the path toward the Clan House. I wanted to hide my face, but in this situation, hiding it would only make me stand out more, so that was off the table.
Unfortunately, my practice of "Dancing Light and Shadow" still hadn't reached the level where I could change my own face. With "Changing Human Face," some degree of alteration had been possible from the start, but this probably had less to do with the strength of a Treasure Weapon and more to do with aptitude.
Fortunately, no one was looking my way.
When it came to blending in with ordinary people, I was unmatched. The level where Liliz would say things like, "Amazing, Klye-chan! You look just like a regular person!"
Not only was my Mana Material absorption rate in the lowest class, but my movements apparently didn't even look like those of a martial artist. That really wasn't an act, though...
Lost in such pointless thoughts as I walked, I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder from behind.
A chill shot through me, and I slowly turned around.
"Klye-san. It's been a while."
"...Ah, long time."
Standing there with a courteous bearing was a blue-haired boy with ice-cold eyes.
He was probably about Tino's age, or maybe a little younger. His clothes were civilian—no armor, no weapons—which made the contrast with his sharp gaze all the more jarring.
But more than anything, what arose in my chest was a single question.
...Who?
"I apologize for the sudden approach. It's been so long since we last met, and I know it's rude, but—I have something I'd like to discuss with you."
...Who?
I'd inadvertently said "long time" myself, but facing a completely unfamiliar face, I at least managed to put on a mild smile.
As I mentioned earlier, not many people could match my face to my name. He probably wasn't a member of the Beginning Footprint.
For some reason, the Beginning Footprint had a rule where I personally conducted an interview when someone joined. Not matching my name to my face was one thing, but forgetting my face entirely seemed unlikely.
Judging by his manner of speaking, this boy and I had met before. A case of mistaken identity was also unlikely.
Could he be a fan of mine? ...No way.
He had clean, sharp features and eyes the color of frozen blue. A cold, handsome type—not the sort we had in our party.
...Who?
"I assume you've already guessed the reason for my visit, given that you came here—"
...Who?
Oblivious to my confusion, the boy rattled on. He should introduce himself first, or at least wear a name tag on his chest.
Don't assume I remember you! I can't even remember members of my own clan.
"Gaark Branch Chief summoned you—I know that. I won't take much of your time. Please, come with me to— Klye-san?"
"...Ah. I see... what a coincidence. I was actually just thinking I needed to see you as well."
"!?"
I decided to go along with it, flashing my biggest smile.
I had no idea who this was, but even if I refused, he wouldn't just say "Okay then" and leave.
Not knowing his name was completely out of the question. If I had Liliz's kind of backbone, I would have flat-out said I didn't know him, but unfortunately I was a spineless man. The fact that I didn't sense any killing intent also helped.
The boy's eyes widened for an instant, but he quickly returned to his previous expressionless state.
"As expected of—Thousand Transformations. You understand the situation. Then please, come with me. This isn't the sort of thing for a casual conversation. Shall we go to a nearby café—"
This is it! I wasn't opposed to going along (actually, on second thought, I was very much opposed), but even if we did talk, this Klye Andrich had absolutely no intention of participating alone. Not even against a weaponless minor!
"Sorry, it's close by, so let me just drop my things at the Clan House first—"
"There you are, Arun! Running off all on your own like that...!? Huh!? Did you actually find him!?"
My words were cut off by a sudden intruder.
Approaching from across the street was a girl with sunshine-golden hair.
She had large green eyes and flawless skin. Her unremarkable outfit likewise didn't look like a Hunter's. And once again, I didn't recognize her.
The girl who called out so cheerfully—Arun, the boy she'd addressed, spoke without changing his expression in the slightest.
"Yeah, Marie. It looks like Klye-san was actually looking for us too. He says he'll come along."
"! Thank you so much, Klye-san. That's wonderful, that's one less thing to worry about..."
The girl called Marie let out a relieved sigh, placing a hand over her chest.
That "one less thing to worry about" seemed to be directed at me? Could I hand that worry back, please?
Marie and Arun. I still couldn't place either of them. I felt like I was going to throw up from anxiety.
For now, I had to find a way out of this no matter what.
§ Arun led me to a café that, contrary to my apprehensions, was utterly unremarkable.
It was one I'd been to a few times myself—a place famous for its tea-flavored pound cake. I was at least relieved that I hadn't been suddenly surrounded in a locked room by intimidating men.
Taking advantage of their hospitality, I ordered cake and tea without hesitation. I needed to get my sluggish brain working by eating something sweet.
Once we were seated, Arun narrowed his eyes, sharpening his already-cold gaze to the point where it could have cut like a blade, and spoke.
"There's no need for games with you. I'll be direct—I'd like you to withdraw."
"???"
"Indeed, with the capture of Not Koclea, you've taken a step closer to Level 9. You also have a debt of favor to Lord Gradius. If you wipe out the remnants, you'll be one step ahead of the other Level 8 Hunters. However, that seems far too—rushed. Don't you think?"
"???"
"Akasha was originally our prey. Gaark Branch Chief may be considering a generational transition. But in terms of experience, Klye-san, you are inferior to the other Level 8 Hunters. I've heard of the Lamenting Spirit's rapid advance, but even accounting for that, you still don't—have the strength of a Level 9. You might feel it's not for an outside clan to point this out. But this is the collective will of our group."
"Mm-hm, yeah, I see."
This tea is delicious.
Completely in escape-from-reality mode, I watched as Marie hurriedly tried to stop Arun.
"Arun, you can't just suddenly—"
"Marie, this is something that must be said eventually. I never expected we could outmaneuver someone like Thousand Transformations."
Marie looked at me anxiously, glancing at my expression. But I understood nothing at all.
I could feel the tension radiating from Arun's face. I kept smiling, waiting for his next words, but they never came.
Well, what now? The thing was, I only understood about half of what Arun was saying. No—I understood the individual words, but there seemed to be a major disconnect in how I was interpreting them.
Well, what now? An ordinary person would have asked about each thing they didn't understand and worked through the disconnect.
But I had the skill I'd cultivated over the years: the art of deflecting conversations.
"So, Arun, you're—"
"Arun!"
Arun's expression stiffened, his eyelids twitching.
Huh!? I hadn't said anything yet—what did I do wrong?
Beside me, Marie's lips were trembling as though she were barely suppressing a laugh. I pretended not to notice.
"...You want me to withdraw, Arun."
"...Yes. I said so at the start..."
I had no memory of having started anything in the first place, but let's set that aside.
Based on past experience, this was the kind of situation where Liliz had gone and done something on her own. And I was being forced to bear the joint responsibility for it.
"K-Klye-san! I-It's true that we were... sitting idle. But even so, I believe it would be unreasonable for you to intervene. I truly think so. ...What do you think?"
Marie's voice was trembling.
I crossed my legs, stabbed at the pound cake with my fork, and nodded deeply.
"Mm-hm, yeah. I'll withdraw."
"Really!? R-Really!? Thank you so much!"
Arun and Marie's eyes went wide, and they hurriedly bowed their heads.
Since I hadn't started anything in the first place, "withdrawing" was a moot point, but I could always apologize to Liliz or Citry later on my own.
I'd done it plenty of times before.
I had no idea what was going on, but I wanted to go home immediately.
"Well, I'm sorry for making you come all this way to talk. I'm not really interested in the remnants or Level 9 or anything. This pound cake is more interesting, to be honest."
Being dragged off somewhere over something I knew nothing about was the last thing I wanted.
Judging from their manner of speaking, Arun and the others were either bounty hunters or proper Hunters, but I was a leader in name only and had no idea what my members were up to. If anyone had complaints, they could take it up with Liliz herself—actually, they could direct them to me. Sure, go ahead.
Perhaps because they'd achieved their goal, the tension in Arun and Marie had noticeably eased compared to before.
I quickly made a show of being harmless.
"Anyway, Gaark Branch Chief only called me in because I haven't met my quota, so I don't think it's anything like what you're imagining."
"Quota...?"
"N-No, I wasn't slacking off or anything. It's just that nothing good has come up."
If only I could meet my quota by gathering herbs or something.
My words left Arun and Marie stunned. I didn't know where they'd learned my face and my name, but I wasn't the kind of person they thought I was.
I'd finally managed to settle the whole auction debacle and just wanted some peace and quiet.
As I let out a huge yawn, Arun suddenly stood up with a grim expression. Almost simultaneously, a shadow fell across my field of vision.
"...Can I help you?"
"...Shut up. I'm not here for you."
A terribly familiar voice came from directly behind me. Combined with the earlier shoulder tap from Arun, it was becoming clear that my ability to sense presences was worse than garbage.
Men with intimidating faces surrounded our table with practiced ease. Unlike Arun and Marie, these were fully armed—weapons drawn, clad in armor.
The sudden intruders drew gasps from the other customers in the café.
A menacing, heavy voice was hurled down from above.
"It's been a while, Thousand Transformations. The other day, you sure put on quite the cheeky act, didn't you?"
"...Who are you?"
"Wh—... Level... 8. Damn it, putting on that calm act like you've got all the time in the world..."
Level 7. The crew from the Thunder Dragon of the Mist—whom I'd negotiated with several times over the auction—were all crammed into the narrow café.
The last time, the negotiations had ended peacefully with a mutual parting of ways, so why were they all looking down at me with expressions that mingled faint terror and burning rage?
Was there a reason for them to glare at me?
I craned my head up and looked at the voice's owner.
Arnold's face was crimson. His bloodshot eyes burned with fury, and his thick arms—easily several times the size of mine—trembled as though eager to unleash their full force.
This was bad. This was a very bad pattern.
"Level 8. Let's see if your strength really lives up to the hype."
He was completely beyond reason. My abilities should have been obvious to anyone at Level 7 just from observing my demeanor, but he apparently couldn't even register that.
Arnold's ragged breathing filled the air as he demanded: "Is the woman not here today?"
"...Will you wait for me to call her?"
"I'll beat you half to death and roll your body in front of those women."
I was done. Had Liliz and the others done something again?
Despite being inside a café, Arnold's subordinates all drew their weapons simultaneously. A wildly excessive response when facing unarmed targets like Arun and me.
My heart was pounding so hard it hurt. This was bad—I was completely throwing in the white flag. I couldn't think of a single desperate play.
Surrounded by Arnold's men, without even a Treasure Weapon that could let me fly. I had my Barrier Ring, so I could take a few hits, but beyond that there was nothing I could do. Alone, I couldn't even beat a single one of Arnold's subordinates.
...There was no helping it. The only option was my pathetic version of a groveling apology, hoping it might defuse his anger. Would he forgive me?
I steeled my stiff limbs and stood up. But before I could open my mouth, Arun took a step toward Arnold and raised his sharp voice.
"Hey, you. Did you just say you'd beat half our guest to death?"
"...Get lost. I don't know who you are, but our business is only with Thousand Transformations."
Compared to the slender Arun, Arnold was a full head taller. The intimidation was tremendous, but there was no fear in Arun's eyes. He looked up at Arnold with a contemptuous gaze.
"...A country bumpkin? No wonder you thought you could challenge a Level 8. Klye-san, leave this to us. Consider it our thanks for accepting our sudden invitation to talk."
"Hmm..."
The offer was somewhat tempting, but I quickly came to my senses.
No, no—that was absurd. Arun might not know it, but the man in front of us was genuinely Level 7. And numerically, the advantage was entirely on Arnold's side. There was no way they could win.
Well, I couldn't do anything about it either.
As I wavered, Arun smiled faintly and pointed his finger at Arnold.
That was when I noticed the dull silver bracelet on his wrist.
A crest shaped like a three-pronged staff.
Arun shouted.
"Don't worry. We may be newcomers, but—hey, country bumpkin. Burn this into your tiny brain: my name is—Altobaran. I'm a member of the Magic Staff."
"Arun!? I told you not to start trouble... —I'm Marie of the Magic Staff as well. Mind you, we're a different party from Abyss Fire Annihilation, but..."
The moment I heard that, a shock ran through me.
I finally remembered Arun—Altobaran—and Marie, and couldn't help but clap my hands together.
I must have had an incredibly dumb look on my face, because every pair of eyes in the room was staring at me.
I took a deep breath, looked at Arnold and then at Arun and the others, put on an apologetic expression, and said: "Sorry... can I go to the restroom...?"
Whether because he sensed something had shifted, Arnold's harsh gaze moved from me to Arun.
I'd gotten dragged into something terrible.
The Magic Staff was one of the oldest and most elite small clans in the imperial capital.
And its Clan Master—Abyss Fire Annihilation—was one of the greatest Mages in the capital, and at the same time, one of only three Level 8 Hunters in this city, just like me.
I was going to be sick.