Chapter 246: Chapter 146，Part2: 2 - End of the Vacation

Chapter 146 End of the Vacation

Part 2

“Ossan, are you already leaving…… Since you came to an Onsen town, it is fine to stay longer you know.” (Gilbert)

“Shudap, Arnold-san has a lot of things to do! Initially, we just came here for a quick stop. We don’t have time to play around.” (Hay)

Hay said his usual tsukkomi?at Gilbert, who was adamant up until the end.

After a long night of sleep, Arnold, Hay, and the rest of his group were at the city’s only one gate, ready to leave the city.

A group of what seemed to be several Hunters, perhaps tourists, were going through the formalities at the station near the wide gate which had little defensive capability.

《Fallen Mist’s》 appearance had changed significantly during this journey. Their equipment and carriages had been replaced many times after multiple fierce battles, and now their Party was so poor, to the point where you don’t think they are a Party led by a Level 7 Hunter.

But, however, the expressions on the face of their Members were not dark, including Arnold.

Both Carmine and Ruda who had come to see them off looked impressed by the appearance of 《Heavy Lightning Strike (Gorai Yabu Sen》 that had completely recovered.

Treasure Hunter is a tough job. In the course of battle after battle, their hearts become worn out, and even if their bodies were intact, there are many who cannot hold a sword ever again due to some mental issues.

There are even those who lose confidence and retire being Hunter after seeing the talent of those who are blessed. And this time, the appearance of Arnold collapsing at the moment he saw Cry Andrich’s face was certainly enough for them to expect that.

Arnold frowned as he met Ruda and the others’ gaze. His golden eyes narrowed beneath his brow was *giragira* shining.

“I showed you a pathetic appearance. However…… I understand that man’s way of doing things now.” (Arnold)

“…… So you haven’t given up yet.” (Ruda)

“F’course he hasn’t, Ruda. There was no way that Arnold-san will simply admit defeat. After all, our goal is ―― To become the strongest. There is a chance of winning. One day, we’ll make 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 regret it. That is, for showing foolish mercy to the man called Arnold Hale!” (Hay)

Instead of Arnold, Ruda’s dumbfounded words were snickered away by Hay, who was standing next to him.

There was a strong conviction inside his voice.

《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 had certainly strange powers as the rumors had suggested. However, there was one, only one weakness that even Hay can understand.

And that is ―― His appearance showed that he had room to spare. That man belittles Arnold Hale.

Even if they were no match for him at this stage, 《Heavy Lightning Strike (Gorai Yabu Sen)》 has still a lot of room to grow as he hasn’t yet conquered most of the Shrines in the region.

And the man Hay Laria knows as 《Heavy Lightning Strike (Gorai Yabu Sen)》 has never once said something that he wouldn’t do.

Sooner or later, Arnold and his companions will surely defeat 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. If their opponent possesses an exceptional foresight ability, all they have to do is to acquire the power to surpass it.

“We’ll have to think of provocation to incite people, right Arnold-san.” (Arnold’s Party Member)

“…… You idiot! I’m…… Different from that guy.” (Arnold)

“S-Sorry!” (Arnold)

Arnold roared at one of the Members of his group as he said that to Arnold. Apparently, it was a banter he couldn’t stomach at all.

Controlling his emotion is also an essential skill for high-level Hunters. Of course, to really offend Arnold, who has mastered it at the highest level, isn’t something that can be done easily.

Indeed, only Cry’s ability to provoke people may be worthy of Level 8……

With a strange sense of admiration, Hay looked over Ruda and 《Crimson Flame》, those with whom he had somehow been working together up to this point.

He shook hands with each of them and said goodbyes.

“Then, we’ll see you in the Imperial Capital. If you’re going to stay here for a while longer, then watch out for that guy.” (Hay)

“It’s alright. As expected, even Cry………… What do you think he can do in an Onsen town like this one?” (Ruda)

“Kukuku, I’ve no idea. Because we’re leaving now. However, it’d be better to be careful.” (Hay)

Hay has seen a lot of Hunters in his life, but none of them were as elusive as 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.

When they return to the Imperial Capital, they will have to reexamine the information they have on 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. No matter what happened, it is Hay’s role to assist his Leader’s actions.

There was no cloud in the sky. It was the perfect time to set out.

By carriage, it would only take a few days to reach Zebrudia, the Imperial Capital. Their journey, free from 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 plot will probably be different and be more peaceful than last time.

After saying their farewells, they began to walk toward the gate with Arnold in the lead.

As it is a tourist spot, the gates didn’t look very sturdy. Guards were few in number, and their abilities were nothing compared to the knights who guarded the Imperial Capital.

It was said that the number of tourists was decreasing due to the bandits, but maybe the situation had changed, there were several groups of tourists at the gate.

They were starting over. The result of this trip probably had a great impact not only on Arnold but on all the Members of 《Fallen Mist》.

They will have to recollect their damaged and broken equipment and items, explore and study high-level Shrines. At this point, including the reimbursement of the Onsen Arnold destroyed, their Party’s asset was almost exhausted, so they may not be able to have time to rest for a while.

But when all is said and done, Arnold Hale and 《Fallen Mist》 should reach a new level.

Physically, he was still very tired, but his newfound hope made him feel better.

It was the complete opposite of when he came to Surus. His companions also have a somewhat unburdened look on their faces.

“…… Next time, I won’t lose, Hay” (Arnold)

“Yeah. That’s Arnold-san for you.” (Hay)

As usual, Hay shouted his praises at Arnold’s stifled voice.

At that moment, he passed by one of the Party that had just entered the city. It was a mixed Party of five men and women.

…… Are they here for a rest? They were dressed awfully light for Hunters.

Every single one of them was lightly armed and were on foot. At least, they had a sword, but no armor or helmets. They were wearing cloaks, so he couldn’t tell what they were wearing, but they didn’t have carriages, and as they were walking around with equipment like those, they were either very confident in their abilities or very poor.

When they saw Arnold and his companions’ carriage, a man with a refreshing atmosphere and was standing at the front of the group gave a nod and cleared the way.

“Sorry about this.” (Arnold)

The carriage, which was almost the lowest rank of carriage you can have, vibrated loudly as it made its way down the road that was opened for them.

When Arnold, who was in the lead, went halfway down the road, the man who cleared the way turned around in front of Hay’s eyes.

For a moment, Hay’s consciousness went blank. It was a beautiful, flowing movement.

The man had a gentle smile, just as he did when he opened the way. Even from the perspective of a Thief like Hay, it was unbelievable how his blow didn’t have any killing intent or will to fight in it.

With natural movement, his hand pulled out a dagger from his waist, and then the white blade drew an arc. At the end of his sharp blade was the neck of their Leader who had just passed by.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Will Arnold die just like that? All the descriptions made it seem like a new beginning was waiting for them but that made the death flag even more prominent!

Poor Arnold he will never be able to escape Cry!

Tchao à plus!

Footnotes

Tsukkomi: It’s a japanese term for someone pointing out something ridiculous in a joking manner.