------------------
HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
------------------
Chapter 120: The Art of the Hunt
“I’m Becker, the patrol captain.”
The patrol captain, holding up a badge engraved with the emblem and rank of Grunewald, scanned the area with sharp eyes.
“Ah, Captain Becker! Welcome!”
Rob stepped forward with a bright smile, as if greeting a wealthy patron.
“Hmm. There are a few things I need to verify.”
Despite Rob’s friendliness, Becker’s expression remained stiff and indifferent.
“The pawnshop that recently opened nearby—does it belong to you?”
Rob, knowing there was no point in hiding it, admitted straightforwardly.
“Yes, Captain.”
“I heard you took down Vincent’s organization.”
“Ah, yes, that’s correct.”
“Hmm.”
Becker paused, studying Rob’s expression carefully.
“Your name is Rob, right?”
“That’s correct, Captain.”
Rob was surprised that the patrol captain knew the name of a mere member of a small underworld organization like theirs.
“I see. You’ve grown stronger than what’s been reported.”
Becker’s eyes narrowed. Just a short while ago, Rob had been recorded as being at the 1st-tier, but now he had reached the 2nd-tier.
“It’s quite strange. What kind of wind has blown through here that your members have grown so much stronger in such a short time? You’ve absorbed a rival organization, started new businesses, and even tidied up your members’ attire and grooming.”
“……”
Was this man here to interrogate them?
Rob grew tense at the patrol’s precise knowledge of their activities, but he also worried whether they knew something about the ‘higher-ups.’
“Um, Captain—”
“It’s truly commendable, isn’t it?”
“Huh?”
A smile appeared on Becker’s previously cold face.
“Well done. It’s not every day that members of the underworld take it upon themselves to punish evils we’ve overlooked.”
“……!”
“In fact, I’ve come on behalf of Grunewald to express our gratitude for your sense of justice.”
Rob was taken aback by the unexpectedly friendly response but quickly gathered his thoughts.
“Your words are too generous. Compared to the tireless efforts of those who protect Grunewald’s peace day and night, our small contributions are hardly worth boasting about.”
Becker’s eyebrow twitched slightly at the unusually smooth flattery, coming from someone in the underworld.
“Well, this is unexpected. I didn’t think you’d appreciate our hard work.”
“Hahaha! Though we may be residents of the night, our desire to contribute to the peace and security of this district is no different. So, in that spirit…”
Rob faithfully followed Karzan’s advice to occasionally show goodwill and slip some money to the patrol members.
“This is a small token of our sincerity. Please use it to enjoy some drinks and meat to ease your fatigue.”
“Oh, come on. Really.”
Even Becker, who had seemed like a rigid soldier, couldn’t help but soften his expression.
“As someone who receives a stipend from His Grace the Duke, how could I accept such money privately?”
“Captain, you’re breaking my heart! How can you call this private? This is a small gesture to boost the morale of the heroes responsible for the safety of Grunewald’s residents. It’s hardly private. In fact…”
“Oh, come on. Really.”
With the acting skills of a seasoned performer, Rob managed to slip the ‘tip’ into the patrol captain’s pocket.
.
.
.
“……Phew.”
Zizek, who had been watching the scene from the window while keeping his presence hidden, let out a sigh of relief.
‘Damn, I thought we’d been caught for something. Scared the hell out of me.’
This is why having too many secrets makes life so stressful.
“Ah, damn it.”
Zizek sighed as he looked at the torn remnants of the letter he had destroyed in fear of it being discovered.
“Now I have to rewrite it.”
Nothing in the world is as annoying as having to rewrite something you’ve already written.
‘Why the hell did they show up out of nowhere?’
It’s not like they actually came here just to praise us.
‘Ah, wait—could it be?’
Did they scare us on purpose, then lighten the mood to coax us into giving them a bribe? Suddenly realizing this, Zizek hurriedly glanced at the retreating backs of the patrol members.
“Wow, those bastards.”
They were laughing and chatting as if they’d just hit the jackpot, dividing up the bribe Rob had slipped them.
“They’re worse than highway robbers.”
Zizek spat in disgust.
“What a terrible way to start the morning.”
* * *
It was an unusually sunny morning.
As I swung my sword and bracelet sword alternately in the sea breeze, Venion, who had been conspicuously absent, finally showed up.
“I see you’ve been training with your sword again today.”
“Since my swordsmanship instructor has been neglecting his student, I have no choice but to train on my own, don’t I?”
At my response, Venion shrugged and said, “I’ve been busy with this and that.”
“Of course you have.”
“In the first place, training is best done alone, with me stepping in occasionally to guide you.”
“I get it, alright?”
“Though it’s a bit presumptuous to call myself your teacher.”
Venion grinned.
“Today, I’m thinking of giving you a challenging task.”
“Damn it, what is it this time?”
“Before I tell you, let me give you a warning.”
“A warning?”
“This time, the opponent will be quite difficult. Your life might even be in danger.”
“My life in danger?”
I scoffed arrogantly and replied.
“If you knew how much stronger I’ve become, you wouldn’t make such a careless warning.”
“Haha, you’re truly confident.”
Venion laughed.
“This task is also meant to test your growth. I’m curious to see how well you’ve integrated your new sword and the immense mana you’ve gained.”
“A very timely task indeed.”
I nodded. It wasn’t an exaggeration—after a few days of training, my level had already risen another tier.
“Now, let’s hear what this task is.”
“It’s simple. Hunt down the giant sea serpent that’s been terrorizing the fishing villages near Grunewald City.”
“Huh? Monster hunting?”
I paused.
“Weren’t you just brimming with confidence?”
“...This isn’t exactly my specialty.”
Venion shook his head in disbelief.
“Then is infiltrating the underworld and retrieving items your specialty?”
“Well, hmm.”
I almost said yes.
‘Is that all? Back in the day, I often played the role of a righteous thief.’
But that was just good, honest thievery. Really!
“By the way, if I complete this task successfully, do I get anything out of it?”
I made a circle with my thumb and index finger.
“...What, more spirit medicines?”
“I wouldn’t say no to that.”
“You’re quite interested in the spoils, aren’t you?”
Venion shook his head.
“If you successfully complete the task, you’ll gain ownership of the monster’s remains.”
“Well, if I kill it, it’s mine by default, isn’t it?”
“......”
Why are you like this? Have you never done business before?
* * *
During a break, I went to find Jeffrey for a moment.
“You’re going to hunt a monster?”
“Yes.”
“Then you’ve come to the right person.”
Jeffrey puffed out his chest proudly.
“Lucky for me, but it’s a bit unfortunate.”
“I suppose it’s not my place to say this, but…”
“Don’t.”
“Then I won’t.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
Jeffrey had a charm that Peter and Olivier lacked. I quite liked that about him.
‘It must be due to his different upbringing.’
Olivier was born into a count’s family, a vassal house of our Grunewald, and raised as a butler. To him, casually joking with his lord probably felt almost like a crime.
‘Of course, lately he’s been influenced by me and has started making jokes himself.’
On the other hand, Jeffrey was the captain of the Royal Guards and the son of the fox hunter of Grunewald Castle.
Having roamed outside the castle and mingled with rough men, it was only natural that he had such a free-spirited personality.
‘Of course, there’s also the difference in inherited temperament.’
In any case, the hunting knowledge he learned from following his father around since childhood undoubtedly made him the best in the castle.
“As you may know, the fox hunter is responsible for managing vast territories, driving away or hunting beasts that threaten the fields, and patrolling the lands.”
After listening to Jeffrey’s explanation, I said.
“That means you’d need exceptional combat skills, keen observation, and extensive experience.”
“Exactly.”
Jeffrey’s expression showed pride in his father.
“The fox hunter is essentially a hunter, an excellent ranger who navigates the forest like it’s his own home. He’s also a commander leading dozens of men.”
“That’s impressive.”
It was clear that the role required a high level of skill just from hearing about it.
“In terms of martial prowess, I’m undoubtedly superior, but if I had to fight my father in the forest, I wouldn’t come out unscathed either.”
“Wow, is he that good?”
“My father could probably reduce me to a wreck without even swinging his sword once, using all sorts of traps, tricks, hidden weapons, and psychological warfare.”
“That’s impressive.”
You could say he was a master in a completely different way from the men of the underworld.
“I’d like to meet him someday.”
“He’d be delighted. He was quite pleased when he heard I’d joined your service, Your Highness.”
Jeffrey grinned.
“It’s not just because I helped you earn 100 gold, is it?”
“I won’t deny that either.”
Mentioning the 100 gold reminded me of someone.
“By the way, how’s Keseg doing?”
“After getting beaten up by the seniors, he’s been struggling and training with his sword again.”
“Oh, what a shame.”
I said it with a face that showed no regret at all.
“But lately, with Your Highness’s remarkable achievements, he’s been going around saying that it’s not that he’s incompetent, but that you’re just too much of a genius.”
“Well, well.”
I chuckled.
“Your Highness, above all, the most important qualities in hunting are patience and observation.”
Jeffrey advised with a serious expression.
“It doesn’t matter if the target is a monster or a wild animal. Hunting is mostly about tracking the prey’s traces.”
“Right.”
“It might seem boring, but in reality, there’s no time to be bored.”
“Why is that?”
“A skilled hunter uses observation and extensive knowledge to locate the target. So even while tracking, your eyes and mind are constantly working.”
“Ah, I see what you mean.”
I nodded quietly.
“Once you locate the target, you need to attack with the appropriate equipment and tactics based on the prey’s weaknesses and danger level.”
Jeffrey continued, gesturing as he explained.
“In short, you decide whether to surround and capture it, chase it into a trap, or use poison or arrows.”
I chuckled.
“Things I don’t need to worry about.”
I tapped the sword firmly sheathed at my waist.
Voyager of the Night.
A masterpiece forged by the craftsmen of Grunewald.
“By the way, what kind of monster are you hunting?”
“Well, a damn huge sea serpent, apparently.”
“A giant sea serpent?”
“Yes.”
Jeffrey rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
“If my guess is correct, it’s likely a very powerful monster.”
“Do you have any idea what kind of monster it is?”
“Its name is Nepherus. I’ve heard it’s so large and ferocious that it could swallow a small fishing boat in one bite.”
“Nepherus.”
I rolled the name of the prey on my tongue.
“Fighting a giant monster requires completely different tactics than fighting a human. It’s harsh for inexperienced warriors.”
“It’s tough, and above all, it’s so massive that even a decent sword strike wouldn’t leave a mark.”
“Yes. The blade wouldn’t even reach the bone.”
Jeffrey asked like a teacher.
“So how should you fight it?”
“Well, as a swordsman, I’d need to be able to deliver a massive slash.”
I replied simply.
“A single powerful strike to sever the giant serpent’s midsection.”
“Exactly. That’s why it’s easier to deliver meaningful attacks against giant monsters once you reach the 4th-tier or higher.”
“But that’s not all, is it?”
“Of course not.”
Jeffrey pointed to his forehead and temples with his index finger.
“All creatures have vital points. If Your Highness can find and attack the monster’s weak spot, the fight will be much easier.”
No one can withstand a blade to the eye. It’s a universal weakness.
“But the enemy isn’t foolish either. They’ll do their best to protect their weak points.”
“So it’s like fighting a giant clad in massive armor, aiming for its eye.”
“You could say that.”
Jeffrey nodded.
“You really have a good sense for this.”
Though I wasn’t a mercenary or a hunter, I’d picked up a few things from tavern stories.
‘Most of them were nonsense, like pulling a dragon’s whisker or losing a phoenix feather.’
But there were some useful tips among them. It’s only natural that the men in taverns tend to spout ridiculous and empty boasts.
“Do you have any more questions?”
“I’m good now.”
This much is enough. The rest, I’ll figure out by facing it head-on.
“But there’s one more thing I’d like to ask.”
“Anything, Your Highness.”
“Great, you’re truly a loyal man.”
I clapped and pointed at Jeffrey.
“Then lend me some clothes.”
“Huh?”
“I can’t exactly go around outside announcing myself as the Young Master.”
To gain the cooperation of the villagers, I planned to disguise myself as a Royal Guard this time.
------------------
HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
------------------
