MTL: uniquegasuki

Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)

Iraida (イライダ) submitted her request to party up with Kurando. For the meantime, they are waiting by the reception desk. The branch chief appears from the back room and moves over to the reception desk; he has his arms placed behind his back.

「As Iraida・Baagin (イライダ・バーギン) will soon become a Serurobi (セルロビ), it is problematic for her to act as a leader (mentor); therefore, the party request will not be permitted.」 (Yakofu)

Iraida suddenly but subtly raises her eyebrows.

「The a.s.sociation shouldn’t have such authority; how is this possible?」 (Iraida)

「Ah, please don’t misunderstand. There has been a request prepared for that newcomer. For that reason, the party can’t be formed?」 (Yakofu)

「Why did the a.s.sociation prepared a request?」 (Iraida)

「We aren’t giving him special treatment or anything. It’s the rule, and the rule must be upheld. What had been arranged is a s.h.i.+odzuke (塩漬) request given to Konbajira (コンバジラ, 8th star) and s.h.i.+buros.h.i.+ka (シブロシカ, 9th star). At some point we thought the newcomer would become dependable; so, this request was being considered even before his registration.」 (Yakofu)

Iraida makes a magnificent frown.

To break things down, Kurando has been screwed not once, not twice, but three times by the a.s.sociation. Ever since his initial registration, it isn’t difficult to see that there are some ulterior motives going on.

It isn’t normal for an a.s.sociation branch to quarrel with their local hunters over the honesty of a request as this can cause the credibility of that branch to fall. In the first place, the a.s.sociation wouldn’t have experienced any lost even if there are s.h.i.+odzuke requests that are left uncompleted. (T/N: a s.h.i.+odzuke request is a leftover request no one completed or took up)

「I don’t believe it is an obligatory request. For starters, tell me more about the request.」 (Iraida)

A bomb had been dropped as they had been informed of something unexpected. Kurando and Iraida eagerly wait for the branch chief’s explanation.

In a case of a magical beast stampede or a monster attack, a hunter can be asked to cooperate with the a.s.sociation. During such a time of crisis, the hunter a.s.sociation has the authority to forceful call upon a hunter they are affiliated with. If a hunter refuses to abide, they will be penalized or worse; they could be expelled.

「Is there a monster stampede or a monster attack? I haven’t heard anything of that nature.」 (Iraida)

The branch chief slides a single sheet of paper (request application) across the counter.

Iraida reads the suspicious request application.

Her eyes show a grim expression.

「How is this a monster stampede?」 (Iraida)

As she questions the branch chief, Iraida finger points to the application.

「How, it’s just as you have read. How does it not qualify as a monster stampede?」 (Yakofu)

「I don’t see how this could possibly qualify as a monster stampede. To begin with it is strange that you are calling upon Kurando.」 (Iraida)

Iraida is quite irritated; veins are popping up on her forehead and throat.

From behind them, Kurando takes a peek at the request.

It is a request recommended

for s.h.i.+buros.h.i.+ka (シブロシカ, 9th star). The recipient has 10 days to complete the request, and they may complete the request at their own discretion.

Location・the large tree near the edge of the village.

Subjugation target・a flock of Toukorusuka (霧羣椋鳥, トゥコルスカ, mist starling).

Proof of subjugation・『beak』.

Expiration・none, the request needs be turned in no less than one week from the acceptance date; inquire for more information.

Note・all targets must be subjugated; do not damage the large tree.

Reward・1 target is worth 1 Rodo, but payment will only be received after all targets are eliminated. (T/N: farm-able request, cough, cough)

「Iraida・Baagin, are you deaf? Please, read the request application again. The 『magical beast』 Toukorusuka (mist starling) has built up a 『flock』 near the village’s water hole. Is that not a magical beast stampede?」 (Yakofu)

「That’s twisting the truth, besides.」 (Iraida)

「What of it? The villagers need not fear the magical beasts with him here.」 (Yakofu)

Iraida furrows her brow.

From behind Iraida, Kurando asks a question.

「I never heard of such a bird, can you tell me more about it. Is it normal for the flock to be there? What sort of damage are they causing?」 (Kurando)

Kurando barges into the conversation causing the branch chief to glare at him.

「……on the outskirts of town, there is a giant tree; the residents around that area are disturbed by the noise and excrement dropping from those magical beasts.」 (Yakofu)

「What is the village chief doing?」 (Kurando)

「What could the village chief do; a request came because he was unable to anything.」 (Yakofu)

「Hmm, well, how is the subjugation target different from common bird?」 (Kurando)

The branch chief ponders about what Kurando is trying to say.

Kurando is inquiring about the bad explanation the branch chief had given.

「So what you’re telling me is, if I were to try and use spirit magic to eliminate the birds all-at-once from the large tree; if there is even one left, another flock of them will suddenly appear and fly into the tree. Therefore, that is why they are having trouble with a flock of them as that is the bird’s distinctive feature.」 (Kurando)

The branch chief ponders about the confident expression Kurando is showing.

First off, you are forbidden from using anything above third cla.s.s magic. Well, I don’t know what type of magic a person who was recently a Ruterera (ルテレラ, 10th star) could possibly be able to use.

I’ll give some words of wisdom to the ignorant you; when it gets dark the flock of Toukorusuka (mist starling) will gather together to rest. It is best to catch them when they are all together. In other words, it is best to eliminate them when they have gathered at the large tree on the outskirts of the village. It is up to you to figure out how to accomplish that.

Remember they must all be exterminated; otherwise, the returning flock will be increased in number many times over.

If even one is missed a larger flock will settle in the tree. At first, the village chief was hesitant to pay the fee to get rid of the birds when they

they were small in number. The current state is a result of him trying to deal with it on his own as he merely increased their numbers.」 (Yakofu)

Third cla.s.s magic is something that can be used in everyday life. 『Magic that does not aim to cause bloodshed』 goes into this category. Kurando who is from modern day j.a.pan cannot help himself from grinning when thinking about powerful magic. Compared to something like a kitchen knife or an automobile, magic with killing power is on another level.

「May I borrow a net from the a.s.sociation?」 (Kurando)

「Hahahahahaha, do you really think you can do it? Fine, I will lend you as many nets as you want――however, everything is over if you fail; there will be no place left for you in this village.」 (Yakofu)

「Is that so?」 (Kurando)

「Hey, Kurando.」 (Iraida)

Iraida looks toward Kurando with a fl.u.s.tered expression.

「Even for me those conditions are troublesome. Think it over, no other hunter in this village will cooperate with you.」 (Iraida)

Kurando’s expression doesn’t change.

「Iraida you’ll be a.s.sisting me, right?」 (Kurando)

Upon his words, Iraida blushes and her heart races. (T/N: smooth, make me wonder how was he single when he was in j.a.pan or was he)

「As a leader (mentor) I can only provide a.s.sistance. As I have said before, this request would be difficult even for me. I won’t be able to provide much help.」 (Iraida)

「I’ll come up with a plan. It’s nice to have someone watching my back. And besides, it is good enough that you’re worried about this request.」 (Kurando)

Iraida seems to have something she wanted to say, but she was unable to speak up.

Instead, she sighs.

「What’s the difference; even if we work together, aren’t you the one who has to come up with a plan?」 (Iraida)

「Well, what does it matter; either way, I have to complete this obligatory request.」 (Kurando)

Iraida stays silent as there is nothing more she could say.

Iraida forms a party with Kurando to take up the obligatory request. Later if the request happens to end in failure, Iraida who has joined Kurando’s party might likely not lose favor.

It is possible that the branch chief might take Iraida’s rank into consideration and withdraw the request in fear that Iraida might slander him. In this village, the moniker 『queen bee』 is well known. For henceforth, the future request might become troublesome.

Kurando isn’t worried about Iraida, but he is worried about the villagers.

The a.s.sociation insists on following rules even though “said rule” contradicts common sense.

「Well, here you go.」 (Kurando)

Having said so, Kurando looks to the arrogant staff member.

At present, there is no need for Kurando to make a fuss over being a hunter. Although, Kurando does need to consider the possible that Makus.h.i.+mu (マクシーム) might not return. For the time being, he needs to tolerate the situation.

The situation is comparable to the terms he had to abide by when he was still working in j.a.pan. He is not troubled by the harsh conditions because Kurando can alway escape to somewhere else if that time ever comes.

The staff

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The staff member who appears to seems to be use to this type of work processed the request. After Kurando gives his signature, a copy of the request is pa.s.sed over to Kurando.

He looks over the copy of the request.

「This is an obligatory request; I can’t tell how this is any difference from a normal request.」 (Kurando)

The staff member looks over towards the branch chief.

「So what of it. Is there anything else?」 (Yakofu)

「I do have a demand. Ah, I want to borrow a big net.」 (Kurando)

The branch chief has an annoyed expression; he looks over towards the staff member and nods.

With a quick pace, the staff member goes to the back room. Another paper application is brought; Kurando signs it and a copy is handed over to Kurando.

「Please, go to the back to retrieve the net.」 (staff member)

「Hmm, okay I will.」 (Kurando)

Kurando exits the lobby and goes to the back of the building to borrow the biggest net he could get.

Kurando and Iraida exited the a.s.sociation building and headed to the large tree near the outskirts of the village. He had accepted the big net although, Kurando wasn’t sure if he would need it.

After having exited the a.s.sociation build, Iraida crossed her arms and furrowed her eyebrow. Her pose emphasizes the tan skin of her chest.

「What do you plan to do?」 (Iraida)

「I’m thinking about it now.」 (Kurando)

He borrowed the net just in case they might need it. If they didn’t use it, he merely has to return it.

In response to Kurando’s lack of a plan, Iraida shows a grim expression.

「Do you really know what you’re doing?」 (Iraida)

「It’s not like things can be helped as it was an obligatory request.」 (Kurando)

「……I’ve never heard such an obligatory request, though.」 (Iraida)

Kurando shrugs his shoulders.

「What do you want me to, run away with my tail between my legs.」 (Kurando)

Iraida’s expression loosen and she appears amused.

「Anyhow, I live on the mountain. But still.」 (Kurando)

「……I’m not trying to meddle but, do you have any family?」 (Iraida)

「Alone…… ah, myself and one animal?」 (Kurando)

Kurando goes into a mumbling monolog; Iraida wonders what Kurando was going on about. (T/N: and so do I)

「But, if I fail, they might try to manipulate Iraida. It does have the potential to be an honest obligatory request if all the villages come together, even the ban on the use of third cla.s.s magic was lifted. Perhaps the branch chief and the village chief are both short on money.」 (Kurando)

Iraida felt uneasy when she noticed that Kurando seems to think the situation is someone else’s problem.

「Did you not want to become a hunter?」 (Iraida)

「……ah, Iraida there is no need for you to concern yourself with that matter. Registering as a hunter is no hindrance; although up until now, it has been a pain.」 (Kurando)

「Than, would it not be best to not be one? This is my first time seeing an a.s.sociation branch being so harsh.」 (Iraida)

「I have my own circ.u.mstances. There are worst things to be than a hunter. Iraida,

a hunter. Iraida, you’re a volunteer leader (mentor), there is no need for you to apologize.」 (Kurando)

「Are you aware of the other towns in this area? Well, there are a few unknown area’s where people inhabit as this is a frontier region. Around Tansuku (タンスク) there is one, no two villages without an a.s.sociation branch. But, they all belong to the same united kingdom of Buruoruda (連合王國のブルオルダ).」 (Iraida)

「I see, so that’s how it is. What about the area around the mountain? Will you show me a map next time?」 (Kurando)

「I can show you a map anything time, but what is it about you and this mountain…」 (Iraida)

He tells her the story that Makus.h.i.+mu had fabricated about Kurando’s origin. Although, the part where Kurando was summoned is excluded.

Kurando was abandoned as a child on the mountain which he has never left. He was later found by Makus.h.i.+mu.

「An abandoned child…… it must’ve been difficult. But of all things, you were recommended by Makus.h.i.+mu・Daaru (マクシーム・ダール). And thus in the end things sure has become troublesome for you.」 (Iraida)

Iraida doesn’t seem to doubt him. Kurando feels regret.

「Is he an acquaintance of yours?」 (Kurando)

Iraida makes a bitter expression.

「…… I meet him in my younger days, there’s nothing more to it.」 (Iraida)

Kurando is curious as to why Iraida is pouting.

「Hmm, is there anything worth mentioning?」 (Kurando)

A vein on Iraida’s forehead twitched as she glares at Kurando.

They arrive at the large tree near the outskirts of the village.

There they hear unpleasant chirping; chirp, chirp, chirp.

Rising above the earth wall located near the backside of the village is a large tree. The large tree isn’t too tall but it is wide in width.

The mangrove looks to be a collection of trees fused into one.

「Is this a tree the whimsical G.o.ddess, Eganadia (エガナディア), created? The blue fruits are bitter inside making them inedible. The yellow ones are sour, but the red ones are delicious; I heard they are good for hangovers and travel sickness.」 (Iraida)

The fruits on the tree are still blue.

Hidden inside the tree there is numerous tiny bird. Their p.o.o.p is scattered around the foot of the tree.

The average size of one of these small birds is about the size of a chicken’s egg.

「This is quite eerie.」 (Iraida)

Iraida rubs the goose b.u.mps on her arms.

「Once again, another unreasonable demand. How is this a s.h.i.+buros.h.i.+ka (9th star) rank request?」 (Kurando)

「That’s what I’ve been telling you…… well, they probably couldn’t afford to pay much.」 (Iraida)

Iraida rebukes the astonished Kurando.

「Well, let me think about it for a while. I’m off to check the general store.」 (Kurando)

Kurando heads back to the main road on which the general store is located.

「What will you be doing in the meantime, Iraida; will you come with me?」 (Kurando)

「Is it not the leader’s (mentor) role to watch over the newcomer so that they don’t run away?」 (Iraida)

Iraida smiles.

Her smiles is as furious as alway.

Kurando doesn’t say anything; he merely laughs out loud. Iraida’s fist mercilessly drops down on his head.