Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter's Hero Dream - Chapter 262

Chapter 262 Winners and Losers ③
Part 1
“Masteeeeeeeeer~! You woke up!” (Tino)

“Once again, you’ve done some outrageous things……” (Sven)

　The Members of 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》 were gathered in a building near Cleat’s Explorer Association branch.

　Tino was about to run up to me in high tension when she was intercepted by Sytry, who came from the side. Sven twisted one eyebrow and sighed loudly with an exquisite expression of dismay and frown on his face.

　While I was passed out, the Treasure Hunters among the audience were also apparently doing their best on all fronts.
　The Magi, led by Gark-san and 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 suppressed the destruction caused by the 『Key of the Earth』, and those who could not contribute to these efforts were busy protecting the public from the destruction of the arena and guiding evacuations.

　Although I didn’t mean to do anything bad, as the person who triggered the Relic, I feel nothing but shame.

　Scratching my head, I speak with a little bit of an apologetic feeling.

“Seriously, I’ve been caught up in some really bad shit.” (Cry)

“………… Caught up?” (Eva)

　Eva, who had apparently been running around as she was in charge of the liaison between 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》 and the others, lifts her glasses and stares at me with a quizzical look.

　A skeptical look that even makes me feel heavy pressure――That look, they know that I accidentally fell down, don’t they?

　At my words, Touka shrugged her shoulders.

“You don’t need to worry. The Supreme Martial Arts Festival was canceled, but we did enough publicity.” (Touka)

　As expected of an adult. She seems to have already accepted the fact that she is no longer able to participate in the Supreme Martial Arts Festival, which is an honor for a warrior.
　Well, I guess Touka is more money than honor, so maybe it doesn’t really bother her……

　Maybe they are working right now as I can’t find the other members of “Torch Knights (Touka Kishi-Dan)”. The turmoil that had happened must be the perfect opportunity for “Torch Knights (Touka Kishi-Dan)”, as they are similar to a mercenary organization.

“……………… Are you gonna dance?” (Cry)

“? What are you talking about, Master? Did you hit your head?” (Touka)

　The Touka in my dream flashed through my mind for a moment, and Touka turned a cold eye on me as I said something strange.
　As I tried to deceive her by making a badass expression, Tino, who was approaching me after avoiding the Sytry Barrier (Or rather, slowly approaching so as not to get caught by her), asked me with a concerned expression.

“Master~, are you feeling better now?” (Tino)

“I’m fine, just a little tired.” (Cry)

“Haaah…… You are just a little tired you said, don’t randomly say that after suppressing so much power, desu! Everyone was worried about you, desu!” (Kruz)

　Kruz says in her usual strong tone of voice. However, the expressions on the faces of the Clan Members surrounding me showed no signs of concern for me.
　Leaving aside my childhood friends, the only people who were worried about me were Tino, Kruz, and Eva.

　In any case, since I passed out, shouldn’t they be a little bit more worried about me?

　And that was when I noticed a strange word slipped inside what Kruz said.

“Suppressing that much power………… Huh? I was suppressing it?” (Cry)

“Haaah? Yowaningen, what are you talking about, desu. The eyes of a “Spirit People (Noble)” can see Magic so it cannot be fooled. From my estimation――30%…… No, you were suppressing 35%, desu.” (Kruz)

　30%…… 30%?

　Unfortunately, I only know that the output of that Key of the Earth is enormous, so I don’t know how great of a feat it is.
　Lapis, the Leader of 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》, who had been silent with her arms crossed at the table alone and with an ennui expression on her face, gave a small sigh and stood up.
　She came close to me and looked down at me with clear eyes that I couldn’t discern what her emotions were.

“Hmph…… It was truly an inhuman power. Where in the world did that much power lie dormant in your body……? Even up close like this, I can’t see a glimpse of Magic power. Lucia, your Imouto showed an enormous amount of Magic power reminiscent of a great river, but that is not the case for you.” (Lapis)

“…………………… Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.” (Lucia)

　At Lapis’ comment, Lucia, who was standing next to me, held her head as if to suppress a headache and let out a long, long sigh.

　I see…… I did indeed try to suppress the power of the Key of the Earth. I thought I had failed, but apparently, I had succeeded, I just didn’t notice it. I guess I am a guy who can do it when he wants.

“I see, so I suppressed it…… Actually, I tried to stop it completely. I couldn’t handle it, I guess I am still inexperienced.” (Cry)

“…… Apparently, it seems that you are fine, desu. Yowaningen, seriously, what is going on with your body, desuka? It’s impossible for you to be in such good health after exerting so much power, even if you consider it from the perspective of a Spirit People, desu.” (Kruz)

　While blinking her eyes, Kruz naturally extended her hand but Sytry *pechiri* slapped it.
　Sytry says with a smile to a bewildered Kruz.

“No touching” (Sytry)

“……… A little bit is fine, no, desu.” (Kruz)

“No. I gave permission for 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 to negotiate to pull Lucia out, but I did not give permission to touch Cry-san.” (Sytry)

“…………” (Kruz)

　Sytry immediately slaps down the hand that is extended without hesitation. It’s an impregnable guard that you wouldn’t think would come from an Alchemist. You girls are surprisingly close……