Chapter 174.2

Chapter 174.2 \n<h1>Chapter 174 Antagonism </h1>\n\n“Seriously………… That’s gonna be tough. That’s the 『Thirteen Fox』 we encountered in the past, right? At that time, I couldn’t even raise my finger against it and even now I can’t say if I can slay it.” (Luke)

“Yeah, yeah, they’re not the one who Luke is thinking about right now. There’s no way that monster would be interested in a human country, right? What Syt’s talking about is the 『Fox (Kitsune)』 organization.” (Liz)

　In the first place, that Treasure Shrine was kind of a legend. It was beyond the reach of human knowledge.　If it had been hostile to humankind, it would have been called a natural disaster.

　Everyone was used to Luke not knowing about things he was not interested in. Hopping back to the conversation, Sytry continued.

“They are still better than the fox Luke-san mentioned, but they are quite the big fish as they are the enemies of the Empire. I don’t know their whole structure, but the danger and secrecy of their organization surpassed the one of the 『Tower of Akasha (Akasha no To)』. This is because the goal of the 『Tower of Akasha (Akasha no To)』 was to discover the truth, while the goal of the 『Fox (Kitsune)』 is to overthrow society and destroy civilization. So far, various tragic accidents have occurred due to their dark secrets. It is also widely rumored that the mass jailbreak in The Great Jail of South Isteria was also caused by them. If only I knew about them at that time, I would have made them take the blame……” (Sytry)

　Their detailed organizational structure, members, bosses, etc., were all unknown, but it was said that they had originally been an exiled intelligence agency.　No one knows the full details. Maybe it was even their organization’s intention to have their existence and purpose vaguely exposed.

　It was not uncommon to hear stories of knights and mercenaries who got fired to switch sides and become bandits because of their prowess. It was just the same for the 『Fox (Kistune)』. The only difference was that they were on a larger scale and had a greater purpose.

　Having lost their country and their cause, the intelligence agency has become the enemy of the world.　And now, they were about to take on a superpower that they couldn’t even touch when they belonged to a country.

“They are called the 『Nine-tail Shadow Fox (Kyubi no Kage Kitsune)』. Their abbreviation is 『Fox (Kitsune)』 or NSF.” (Sytry)

“Hmmmmm, isn’t the number of their tails too few?” (Luke)

　Sytry chuckled at Luke’s disinterest.\n

“Rumor has it that their name comes from the fox you know, Luke. As it seems that this monster fox is worshipped by some for its extravagant power and wisdom.” (Sytry)

　Hunters have strong individual fighting skills, but they tend to be less cooperative. Even when they do, it is usually in the form of a party, and they are not suited for large-scale group activities.　The 『Fox (Kitsune)』 was a terrifying opponent. Not only were they secretive and had never been caught, but they also had an unbelievable amount of money and members.　And they weren’t picky about their means against their opponents. There were even rumors that a number of certified high-level Hunters belong to their group.

“We need to be vigilant. If the plot on the Imperial Capital was the work of the “Fox (Kitsune)”, this conference would be the perfect time to attack. Cry-san had foiled their plan twice. It doesn’t matter to us whether the Emperor dies or not, but as long as they try to attack us, we have to fight them.” (Sytry)

　And then, Liz, who had been listening to the conversation, took her legs off the desk and stood up.

“To resume, even if it’s all *gudaguda* messed up, it’s the same as usual, right? The fact that our enemy is powerful, that we don’t know what will happen, and that Cry-chan made his move, everything is just as usual. As usual, I should just do as you say and hit whoever shows up, right?” (Liz)

　Hunters are rarely targeted by criminal organizations. As they come and go, unless they are Hunters who focus on bounty criminals, they are generally not enemies.　However, things are different with 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》. They used every trick in their book to erase everything and rise to the top.　Who knows who got a grudge against them, there are too many to count. There are so many that they can’t tell which grudge people had against them.

　Luke stared in wonder at what Liz said.

“Whaaat… So it’s the same as usual, heh. Perfect timing, these days I was thinking that I haven’t cut anyone lately. My arms were growing dull.” (Luke)

“…… Luke-chan, didn’t you just cut three people the other day?” (Liz)

“Aaaah, they didn’t have their swords up, so that doesn’t count as cutting in my book.” (Luke)\n　Apparently, even the name of a powerful enemy that shook the world can’t make those friends feel nervous. It seems that getting used to something doesn’t always work in your favor.　Sytry sighed a little and said with a smile.

“Personally, I would prefer to capture them alive. It would give us a lot of honor if we could capture any of the “Fox’s (Kitsune)” members.”

 

 

§　§　§

 

　And then that day finally came.

　A smiling Sytry handed me the tools for my journey, and I left the Clan House with heavy steps with Kilknight Version Alpha.　Our destination was the Explorer Association. We have to meet up with the Hunters I selected.　As I walk through the dim and chilly Imperial Capital at dawn, I felt like I was walking down the stairs to hell. The *gashagasha* rattling sound of Kilknight walking next to me was annoying.

　I would have stood out like a sore thumb if someone see me walking with Kilknight and the rampaging carpet which was *furafura* walking floppily.

　And then I met Kechakchakka Munk for the first time at the Explorer Association.

　Kechakchakka Munk was an awfully small man. \n　A Spirit People Magi is different from a Human Magi in appearance. A twisted wooden staff. Short pants, which is normally preferred by Spirit people who live actively in the forest, and long, beautiful silver hair that reaches almost to the floor, which makes you look at her instinctively.

　When she saw me, she didn’t look at Kechakchakka and *pikuri* bent her lips.

　”Yowaningen, what are you doing in that outfit!? …… Desu ! Wearing a patterned shirt, we are not going out to play, desu! You have invited me here, so you should be dressed appropriately, desu! My rank will go down as I am with you, desu! I’m so embarrassed, desuuu!” (Kruz)

“Eh? This is still, a powerful Relic, so――” (Cry)

　Kruz screamed with her face turning red. I looked down at the flashy patterned shirt-shaped Relic I was wearing and compared it with Kechakchakka next to me.

　Could it be that I am worst than Kechakchakka?