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

Chapter 370.2: Long Time No See Imperial Capital

“Now that I think of it, he did say something like that. Level 9, huh………… Honestly, I am not that interested.” (Cry)

“It is those kinds of people who reach Level 9, you know. It is because when it comes to being Level 9, it is not something you can just aim for.” (Eva)

“《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 has been at Level 8 for a long time and Ark, the strongest in the young category, is still at Level 7, you know? I still have a long way to go. To begin with, I am a little too young.” (Cry)

“……………… Well, you are certainly too young. Although there is no minimum age required for Levels.” (Eva)

With a dumbfounded look on her face, she speaks those words that cut my hopes right to the core.

For me, who gave up on being a Treasure Hunter soon after arriving in the Imperial Capital, Level is just a number that was forced upon me.

The Level of a Hunter certified by the Explorer Association is an indicator of the Hunter’s credibility. The number is determined based on a comprehensive evaluation rather than a simple test of strength, and in today’s world where Treasure Hunters are in full swing, it is no exaggeration to say that a Hunter’s Level directly represents their social status.

In principle, a Hunter’s Certification Level is raised by repeatedly completing requests from the Explorer Association and conquering Treasure Shrines, and then when they reach a certain level, they are given the right to take a Level Certification exam, and if they pass that they can raise their Level. However, that is merely a principle. Levels are a fundamental aspect of a Treasure Hunter’s life, and as can be seen from the level-down penalty that Sytry received, there are many detailed rules, exceptions, and undisclosed information.

For example, one of them is――How to deal with Hunters who are reluctant to level up.

In principle, it is up to the individual whether or not they take the Level Certification exam, but the Certification Level is an indicator of trustworthiness. Raising the Level of Hunters with low trustworthiness is out of the question, but on the other hand, it would be inconvenient for the Explorer Association if the Level of highly trusted Hunters were too low.

Originally, I didn’t want to raise my Level. As I have given up on my dream of becoming a Hunter, having a High Level would only be a burden to me. However, in order to deal with people like me, the Explorer Association has various exceptions to the rules.

Sometimes it takes the form of a mandatory Level Certification exam, and sometimes it takes the form of the Branch Manager using his authority to force you to level up. There are even times when my Level went up without me even realizing it due to the recognition of the achievements I made. Some people say that it is impossible for a Level to be raised without you realizing it, but as the saying goes, truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.

Thus, a Hunter who has reached Level 8 despite having no real ability was born. Levels are originally set to ensure that those without skill are not given a status they do not deserve, but it is a blunder as the higher-ups of the Explorers Association never imagined that an ordinary person could be elevated to the status of a genius.

However, becoming a Level 9 is a completely different story from a Level 5 going to a Level 6.

Basically, the higher the Level, the harder it becomes to raise it again.

For a Hunter, you can reach Level 3 when you are a mid-level Hunter, then Level 4 if you survive and gain experience, Level 5 if you have talent, and Level 6 if you are lucky. That is the maximum Level that one Explorer Association can certify. From there onwards――The requirements get increasingly tougher and tougher. From Level 8, the prerequisites for taking the exam are completely hidden.

Ark Rodan, the legitimate son of the Rodan family who is immensely popular in Zebrudia, Anthem Smart, who has saved many people and earned immense trust from the church and nobles, both are Level 7, and Rosemary Pyropos, the 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》, a feared witch who has long reigned as one of the best Magi in the Imperial Capital and reduced everything to ashes, be it people, Monsters, or Phantoms, is also Level 8. It has been a while since 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 reached Level 8, but it seems she hasn’t taken the Level 9 Certification Exam yet. That shows how difficult it is to level up beyond Level 7 (Though it is possible that “Baa-san (Grandma)” hasn’t been able to take the exam because she burned too many people and her credibility dropped).

Level 9 is not a Level that an incompetent man who only continued to be a Hunter and got swept along by the flow would deserve. What’s more…… There is only one Level 9 in Zebrudia and he is older than 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》. For a young man like me to take the Level 9 Certification Exam is not something that should be done even as a joke. Just thinking about it makes me want to puke.

But, well, I guess I am worrying too much. Level 9 isn’t something Gark-san can just push through on his own.

“Well, apparently you can only become a Level 9 if you have the achievements, ability, and notoriety to save the world…… So it should be fine.” (Cry)

It is a place where even if you have everything, you are not sure if you can reach it or not. That is Level 9. There is a thick wall between Level 8 and 9. An infinitely thick wall.

“What are you worried about? ………… To begin with, a world crisis isn’t something that will happen so easily. But Yggdra is full of possibilities, so if we really do start traveling to and from Yggdra, and if it brings in huge profits――I think many people would be on your side, Cry-san. It is just a rumor, but when deciding on becoming Level 9, the Explorer Association apparently consults not only with nobles and royalty but also with trading companies.” (Eva)

It is the first time I have heard something like that. But if Eva, someone previously employed in Wells & Co. said so, it must be true.

《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 has a bad reputation among the Empire nobles and I haven’t done anything in particular to increase my credibility. I admit that there is a possibility thanks to Yggdra, but even if we were to start trading with them and make a huge profit, it would take a long time. I guess I can rest easy for a while……

I am starting to feel a little better. I get up and look at Eva. Most of my Relics are inside Mimic-kun, so I don’t have much to do.

“I wonder what the Level 9 Exams are like?” (Cry)

“According to the information I have gathered――The content seems to change depending on the situation, but it is apparently a solo exam. I heard they look at your individual’s abilities……” (Eva)

“……………… Heeeeeeh, you know a lot about it. I thought the Level 9 Certification Exam was top secret.” (Cry)

“Our Clan Master is Level 8, so it is only natural that I would look into it.” (Eva)

As I begin to feel sick again, Eva says that to me as if it is the most obvious thing in the world.

I will die if I go solo. I was so close to death this time even with all 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 with me, so I will definitely never take it. Maybe I was too hasty when I asked Serene for permission to set up a branch office…… However, it is too late to regret it now.

“Well then, I will contact “Branch Manager Gark (Gark-Shibucho)”. Please take some rest today. We will talk again later.” (Eva)

As if she is reading my mind, Eva ends the conversation and turns around.

As I am staring blankly at her back, just before Eva leaves the room, she turns around and says.

“Cry-san, I forgot to tell you…… Welcome back.” (Eva)

“Aaah………… I am back.” (Cry)

Thanks for reading! Fuuuuuck, I had to reupload all the chapter from Arc 8 due to some damn stupid mistake Well, whatever, all the chapter are reupload now

“A world crisis isn’t something that will happen so easily”, Eva you underestimate Cry too much A world crisis is just another Tuesday for him

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