Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~ - Volume 5 - Chapter Ep1

Interlude: Fox

All the darkness of the imperial capital coalesced in the decaying district. It was an apt gathering spot for the two men.

One was small with an unkempt beard and dark eyes. His worn, drab coat might have earned him some looks of scorn in other parts of the imperial capital, but it was a fine piece of clothing to the residents of the decaying district.

His complexion was poor, but deep within his eyes were signs of a feral vitality. He was a veteran information broker who had survived many years in the shadows of the imperial capital. He made his living by illegally selling information to treasure hunters and bandits.

The other man was tall and slender. He was in a tattered, hooded robe and high-cuffed pants. His shoes had holes, his thin gloves didn’t hide how bony his hands were, and his face wasn’t visible, for beneath his low hood was an eerie fox mask.

“So Barrel was done in,” he said. Strange noises mixed with his voice, his age and gender were unclear. “They were a cautious bunch, but it was the Thousand Tricks they took on. Akashic Tower hasn’t fared any better. Then again, their main target is Hidden Curse, hee hee hee.”

The small man suppressed his laughter.

That title belonged to a treasure hunter who had appeared out of nowhere. A shadow nestled in the imperial capital. Someone who had crushed ghost parties, secret societies, bandits, and bounty targets. Yet the masked man hadn’t budged in the slightest when he said the name.

“What a shame. They would have made a great pawn,” the masked man said.

“Oh? Not many people catch the eye of the Fox.”

“We’re always looking for capable members. Still, what a pain those hunters are.”

Contrary to the masked man’s spiteful words, his voice was cold, entirely devoid of emotion. The information broker gulped. He felt a shiver run down his spine even though none of the masked man’s animosity was directed at him.

The information broker couldn’t help but ask, “What are you planning to do now?”

There was no response. Before his eyes, the masked man dissolved. Along with all his personal effects, he dissipated as though he had been nothing more than an illusion. The information broker briefly stood there dumbfounded, but he pulled himself out of it and made himself scarce.

Strong light casts deep shadows. In the prosperous treasure-hunting holy land of Zebrudia, no one had yet noticed a certain shade slowly creeping its way in.