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

Chapter279，Part2: 2 - Jet-Black Staff

Chapter 279 Jet-Black Staff

Part 2

Zebrudia Magic Academy. Hundreds of years ago, the Emperor of that time established the academy in order to develop the field of Magic, which had been lagging behind, and now it has established itself as the highest academic institution both in name and reality.

Powerful Magi are indispensable for a smooth conquest of a Treasure Shrine. The academy, which has a vast site and castle-like study hall in the northern district of the Imperial Capital of Zebrudia is the place where Magic Research in all kinds of fields is conducted, but also the dream of all Magi and Hunters in the Imperial Capital, and it is even said that 80% of the high-level Magi Hunters in the Imperial Capital are coming from this academy.

Twelve towers stand in a circle around the castle-like academic building. In one of the research buildings, each directed by a professor of the academy, Anna Nordin, a female Magi, was being strongly advised by her junior Magi.

“Listen, handle it very carefully! Do not carelessly put Magic into it!” (Lucia)

“Fufu…… Okay, okay, I get it. But Lucia’s Onii-san is also very conscientious. I can’t believe he gave the precious item from the collection of the 《Sword Saint (Kensei)》 as a gift. As expected of a Level 8 Relic collector, there was that staff that specializes in lightning, and now this… His acquisitions are top-notch as well.” (Anna)

Her Kouhai Magi with long black hair――Lucia twisted her face in disgust at what Anna said. By making that kind of face, her precious beauty is ruined.

A Level 6 Hunter. Lucia Roje, the Magi called 《Unrestricted Creation (Bansho Jizai)》 is known for her wide range of mastery in Magic, but her brother was better known among the various laboratories.

Lucia’s older brother, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is the youngest to reach Level 8 and one of the best Treasure Hunters in the Imperial Capital. This young Hunter, who is also famous as a Relic collector, has become an idol in the Magic Academy’s laboratories which have a high ratio of women, where everyone goes out of their way to see him when he comes to visit.

Speaking of a similar young Hunter, there is Ark Rodan, but Ark, who doesn’t have any relatives at the academy, rarely visits the academy, so it can’t be helped that his popularity is lower here.

I look down at the jet-black staff Lucia has brought with her. The handle is shaped like several strands of twisted ivy, and the top is adorned with a jewel. The design is simple, but it is surprisingly light, even when held through the cloth.

Although its capabilities seem to be unknown, a Staff-type Relic is often more expensive than those of other Weapon-type Relic, so it would not be surprising if it was sold for tens of millions or more out there. Its light weight is also a plus for Magi with limited physical strength.

Even if it is for her Imouto’s “Master (Shisho)”, he is quite generous to so readily give a Staff-type Relic. He is strong, rich, and from what I have heard, a little strange, but that is not a pure flaw by any means. Lucia is also quite talented, but I guess she is like this thanks to her brother.

“It is not like that, he is just a Relic Idiot! Besides, this staff is also potentially a dangerous object――” (Lucia)

“Okay, okay, I get it, you don’t have to be so shy. I am not going to take your Onii-san away from you――” (Anna)

“Ugh………… Me…… Being shy!?” (Lucia)

In front of Lucia who was glaring at me, I carefully observed the staff while being careful not to touch it.

Lucia Roje isn’t the kind of person who would lie to hide her embarrassment, and if you listen to what she says, the better the image you will have in her brother’s mind. A Staff Relic is powerful and a symbol of status, but it is not necessary for Anna who is a genuine researcher.

“By the way, do you have any idea what this cane is, Anna-san?” (Lucia)

“I am not really interested in staff in general………… I am more interested in Lucia’s Onii-san though……” (Anna)

“…………” (Lucia)

There are many different types of Staff Relics. They range from the popular wands with a high magic amplification power, to a staff that specializes in one attribute like the staff Lucia brought the other day that specializes only in lightning attribute, to staff that causes specific phenomena. And most Staff Relics don’t reveal their true nature until you try using them.

If it was a distinctive and famous staff then she may know, but if it was a famous Relic that Anna knows about, there is no way that 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 would not know about it.

“However, for that 《Sword Saint (Kensei)》 to have a hidden Staff Relic… He is indeed a resourceful person. What’s more, to have him hand over the thing that he had stored with care for decades――He is really capable.” (Anna)

“………… Since long ago, our Leader has always been sharp.” (Lucia)

A staff Relic that the 《Sword Saint (Kensei)》 had kept for so long that he never gave it to anyone, never even revealing its existence. It may even be more important to him than some sword. It seems that the rumors are true that 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 bargaining abilities are as good as those of those sly old merchants.

Lucia, who has reached Level 6 at such a young age, is also a genius, but her older brother is definitely more than that. It is said that her brother is the one who created the grimoire that helped Lucia earn the Alias of 《Unrestricted Creation (Bansho Jizai)》, so it is understandable that she has become such a brocon.

“Now, if I win your 『Nii-san’s』 heart I can have everything and on top of that have this cute Imouto as a bonus.” (Anna)

“……………… Anna-san, it is impossible for you to control our Leader. I don’t care if you regret it after you are about to die.” (Lucia)

“It’s a joke, just a joke. I will not touch the staff and keep it safe until I check with the professor. Even if it is cursed, I am sure it will be fine.” (Anna)

Seeing Lucia’s frowning expression, Anna withdrew her words. It seems that in order to capture her brother, you must first win this sister as an ally.

I have been called a genius, but the girl in front of me is undoubtedly more gifted than I am. Compared to her, I would be inferior and in addition, as a young, talented Hunter who is the youngest to reach Level 8, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 should be quite popular. Me being his Imouto’s Senpai would not make me stand a chance in the slightest.

Now I have to earn as many points as possible. A chance will surely come someday――But when I was having such a selfish delusion, Lucia suddenly said.

“…… Anna-san, you have been in this laboratory for a long time, right? Is it possible that “Sensei (Teacher)” has hidden something important somewhere?” (Lucia)

“Hidden…… Something? …………………… Well of course, being a Magi and a professor at the academy, there must be one or two hidden treasures――Ah, or maybe you are talking about that one!” (Anna)

Lucia opened her eyes. This talented Kouhai of mine is the best in Magic, but she doesn’t pay a lot of attention to her surroundings. If she is busy with her research and her hunts, she is unlikely to hear any gossip about the academy.

When I *kyorokyoro* glanced at the surroundings, trying to irritate the always-calm Lucia a little, I said in a hushed voice.

“It is just a rumor, but it seems there is something that has been secretly passed down in this academy since the first chairman. It is said to be a legendary-class item…… When I checked with the other professors, they all laughed it off, but their eyes were serious. So, this 『Thing』 that is bothering you, what do you think it is?” (Anna)

“A potion or a magical creature?” (Lucia)

Lucia said with a dejected look on her face. But she seemed strangely sure of what she said.

“What, you knew it already?” (Anna)

“No, it is the first time I have heard of it……………… However, from today on, it is the turn of Syt, an Alchemist, to do the escort.” (Lucia)

Escort? 《Alchemist》 ? What is she talking about?

As I blinked my eyes in repetition, Lucia clenched her fist and said something to herself.

“I understand what you are trying to do this time. I won’t let you do whatever you want as usual. I will stop――Nii-san’s outburst.” (Lucia)

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Good luck Lucia! Only you can stop your Onii-chan!

But looks like we already know what is Cry’s next target

The question is how is he going to obtain it!?

Tchao à plus!

Footnotes

Brocon: Brother complex is when the sister love her brother.