Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~

n the form of a fox reigns.
　The founder of the organization had the misfortune of once having an encounter with the god and survived.
Fascinated by its power and its divinity, he borrowed its name.

　Even for someone from the seventh-ranked, Term had only heard rumors about it, but it is said that as a sign of loyalty, the highest-ranking executives of the organization are given a fox mask that the founder once brought back from the Treasure Shrine.

　He felt a chill run down his spine.
Kechakchakka’s face was also tense as if the same thought had occurred to her.

“Don’t tell me――This is――.” (Term)

　That’s impossible.
We don’t know where in the world that Treasure Shrine is――No, even if it exists at all.
　It is said that the founder, who entered and survived this divine realm, never encountered the Treasure Shrine again.

　It is destiny.
It is not just luck that would allow you to encounter it.
You must be destined for it.

　He regained his composure.
He hadn’t even taken his eyes off it, but the fox-face child who had been closing in on him had vanished like an illusion.

“”

　Instead, a voice comes from behind him.

“Welcome, guest.” (Fox Phantom)

“Huh!?” (Term)

“I know about your situation.
There is no need to be so vigilant.
Term Apokris.
Kechakchakka Munk.
Poor humans that have been abandoned by Kikkikan-san1.” (Fox Phantom)

’

　He couldn’t feel its presence at all.
He was sure it wasn’t there a few seconds ago.
　It was a different individual from the child that had been approaching them.
The one he had just seen earlier was a child, but this one was a young man.
The only thing they had in common was that they were wearing a fox mask.
　He felt a chill.
The amount of Mana Material in its body far exceeded that of the fox-mask child who already had an out of ordinary amount.
　He can’t win.
His body almost retreats on reflex, but he holds it back.

　It reminds him of the words of the founder.
The founder of the organization said, 『Never give up』.
　Whether it was a lie or the truth, the founder was an excellent Hunter.
And, truth is, he survived.
He brought back a mask.
Then there was no reason why Term Apokris, who was feared as 《Stillwater (Shisui)》 couldn’t do the same.

“Are you――A god?” (Term)

　I can touch him.
Phantoms that have a human form often have structures that are similar to humans.
　Which means there must be water in his body.
If I touch it directly, there is a possibility that I can control it.
If it is me, a master of water manipulation, I should be able to do it.
No, I have no choice but to do it.

　I have to catch him off guard.
The young man says to Term.

“Please rest assured.
We are fair and impartial.
We will guarantee your safety.
However, there will be a price.
Also, I am not a god.” (Kitsune Onii-san)

“A price…………?” (Term)

“There is no need to be afraid.
Except your own lives, we will only take what is tangible.
But we will take what is most precious to you.” (Kitsune Onii-san)

　The young man looked over Term and Kechakchakka who was wary.
　There is an opening.
No, he is full of openings.
The other side is not wary of our attacks.

　Nodding strongly, the young man slowly opened his mouth.

“I will receive the 『Blessing of the Water God』 and the 『Proof of Immortal Dragons』.” (Kitsune Onii-san)

’

“Huh!?” (Term)

　His mind…… Had been read.
He was sure of it.
　The 『Blessing of the Water God』 and the 『Proof of Immortal Dragons』 are the foundation of Term and Kechakchakka’s power.
Without the 『Blessing of the Water God』, Term’s power will be greatly reduced and there will be no replacement for it.
And needless to say for the 『Proof of Immortal Dragons』.

　More importantly, if those two things were lost, Term and Kechakchakka would not stand a chance.

　Cold sweat was sliding down his cheeks.
The fox-mask laughed.

“What will you do?” (Kitsune Onii-san)

“What… If I say no?” (Term)

　His heart was starting to hurt.
The young man’s demeanor remained unchanged.
He leisurely exposes his body in front of Term’s eyes.

　I’ll manipulate the water in his body.
I’ll touch him.
As long as I touch him, the game is won.

　The fox-mask young man laughed calmly at what seemed like a provocation from Term.

“I didn’t have to tell this to Kikkikan-san――But, of course, you have the right to refuse.
We are…… Very fair and impartial.” (Kitsune Onii-san)

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!
Press F for Term and Kecha.
So Fox’s boss is someone who survived the Treasure Shrine!
But I doubt that he did it like Cry XD
And most likely their boss didn’t take any tail from the Fox God as Cry said that it has been 100 of years since the last time its tail has been taken.
Unless their boss is more than a 100 year old.
I just got a what if scenario! What if their boss face Cry and see all the tail Cry have XD
Tchao à plus!

Footnotes

Kikkikan-san: It literraly it means No Sense of Danger-san and it refer to Cry.