Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter's Hero Dream - Chapter 260

Chapter 260 Strange Grief Wants to Retire ⑥
Part 1
　What in the world did I do?

　Before I knew it, I found myself in a gray world where Gaff, Sora, the Imouto Kitsune, and Kryhi were dancing with their hands linked together with a lot of people with fox masks.

　There is no context at all, but for some reason, they seem to be having so much fun. I hit my head and try to remember why I am in this place, but I can’t remember anything at all.

　Am I in heaven or in hell? As I watched Kryhi *kurukuru* spin around happily with lightning falling behind him without any sound coming from the sky, I felt as if nothing mattered anymore.

　As I slowly blinked my eyes, I was suddenly grabbed by the arm from behind.

“What are you doing, with such a pitiful face――Former Clan Master.” (?)

　The one who grabbed my arm was Touka, the Leader of “Torch Knights (Touka Kishi-Dan)”. Behind her, the Party Members led by her, all wearing identical colored equipment, were *kurukuru* spinning around while holding each other’s hands.
　It is a simple move, but at any rate, it is spectacular because there are so many of them. Then, I suddenly noticed uncomfortable words mixed with what Touka said.

“Hm……? Former Clan Master?” (Cry)

“Are you sleep talking? You retired a long time ago as a Hunter and as a Clan Master.” (Touka)

“……!!” (Cry)

　Retired……………… So, I am retired …… I don’t remember how it happened, but Touka is not the type of person who makes jokes. Touka’s words are more credible than my memories.
　As I rub my eyes, Touka, unusually, says with a big smile on her face.

“So today I have to take care of the rest of my requests. Let’s dance.” (Touka)

　Shouted Touka in high spirits. Member from “Torch Knights (Touka Kishi-Dan)” who had been holding hands spread out as if they were bouncing and began to perform a shaky dance with small steps.

　The circle, small at first, gradually grew and Franz-san joined in, Arnold joined in, Greg-sama joined in, the Emperor, Her Imperial Highness the Princess, Kecha, and Term joined in, and 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 began to shoot colorful flames into the sky, and suddenly my body was pushed up and I was being carried on someone’s shoulders, “Cry-chan, you are fully retired! Congratulationnn!”

　And then, I opened my eyes in my bed.

“………… Looks like I had a terrible dream.” (Cry)

　My nightgown was soaked with sweat. I rubbed my eyes, held my head, and slowly checked my surroundings. The bedroom looks familiar――It was the room we were staying in.
　There, a voice full of energy is thrown into my sleepy head.

“Cry-chan, G’morniiiiing! What, what? A terrible dream?” (Liz)

　The one who showed up was Liz. She was the one who had suddenly pulled me up on her shoulders in celebration of my full retirement.
　Her eyes, which have a shining vitality hidden in them, are dazzling today as well. Memories of the time before I lost consciousness come back to me, albeit belatedly.

　It all started when I was suddenly chosen to participate as a contestant in the Supreme Martial Arts Festival. From the talking water bottle to the rain of lightning, to the Imouto Kitsune who fought in my place, to the sudden appearance of the fox mask guy and his outburst――It is so ridiculous that it could be compared to the dream I just had. Maybe that wasn’t a dream either?

　Liz explained to me who couldn’t hide my confusion and could only blink my eyes.

“Cry-chan, you see, you passed out after all that…… The doctor said everything was fine, but are you okay?” (Liz)

　I see, I see……?
　I moved my arms and touched my hands and feet to check, but there was no particular pain. So Sytry came in while explaining with a smile.

“Good morning, Cry-san. I made sure everything went well. The doctor diagnosed it as just fatigue――But are you all right?” (Sytry)

　By nature, my physical strength is on par with an average person. Yesterday, I was under continuous stress and the situation was changing at a dizzying pace. The ground was shaking violently, so if it is the weak me, it wouldn’t be strange for me to lose consciousness.
　Rather, am I not the one who worked really hard this time? Maybe I can retire now, no?

　……………… Areh? ………… Yesterday?

　I looked out the window at the bright light coming in. I blinked my eyes and confirmed something with Sytry.

“Aaaah, I am fine now. …… By the way, how long have I been asleep?” (Cry)

　Sytry made a slightly thoughtful face and held up her index.

　One day? Or maybe overnight? Not as much time as I thought, no?

　In front of me, who was relieved, Sytry smiled as she raised her second finger, then raised her third finger, then raised her fourth finger.
　When I was stunned, she now began to reduce the number of fingers one by one――To finally settle on two.

　In contrast to me who was shocked, Sytry had a big smile on her face. She is having fun again, doing weird things――.

“Two days? I slept for two days? Just because I am tired, didn’t I sleep way too much?” (Cry)

“No, this is a peace sign.” (Sytry)

“Don’t do something so confusing~!” (Liz)

　Liz slapped Sytry’s head vigorously on my behalf. Sytry…… Did something really good happen to you?

　Just as I was about to open my mouth, Luke and the others came rushing into the bedroom with their usual vigor.

“Ooooh, Cry. Are you okay? You know what, Gark, the branch manager told me not to chase after him――.” (Luke)

“Haaah…… You finally woke up, Nii-san? Seriously, you made everyone worry about you――” (Lucia)

“…… Umu.” (Anthem)

　In the end, I don’t know how many days have passed, but the situation seems to have calmed down.
　While I was still slowly being dragged out of my dream world, Sytry gave a small cough and as usual, stepped forward to represent everyone as usual.

“Now then, from where should we begin………… I know, let’s talk about the damage that Cry-san must be concerned about and how we missed the fox even though we had such an advantage.” (Sytry)

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