CHAPTER 462.1: TIGER'S TAIL

var adx_id_10142 = document.getElementById('bg-ssp-10142'); var adx_id_10142 = document.getElementById('bg-ssp-10142'); adx_id_10142.id = 'bg-ssp-10142-' + Math.floor(Math.random() * Date.now()); window.pubadxtag = window.pubadxtag || []; window.pubadxtag.push({zoneid: 10142, id: adx_id_10142.id, wu: window.location.href})

Apparently, it seems that this man named Cry has no sense of danger whatsoever.

In the middle of the darkness, the young man followed the directions given to him by his smartphone with foolish obedience. He showed no sign of doubting Mary’s guiding voice, and the way he completely ignored the Phantoms that appeared along the way was a sight that I would never see again, even if I continued to gather fear in this Treasure Shrine.

This Treasure Shrine has several areas, all of which are designed to instill fear. However, no matter which area Cry walks through, he only feels admiration, and there is not a trace of fear or caution. How much must one believe in the contents of the message to end up like this?

What’s more, Cry even took breaks along the way. The sight of him eating a chocolate bar he pulled out of nowhere in a hospital room decorated solely to incite fear is enough to give me a headache.

The first one we led him to was a Taboo Switch located in a corner of the abandoned hospital area.

Among the multiple hospital rooms, that one was clearly different. The room beyond the multiple metal doors was a laboratory that produced individuals with special talents.

Outside the room, the word 『Warning』 is painted in large red letters. Sealed inside is a man whose brain has been modified to develop special abilities. I only know some information about him, but it seems that, as a price for his power, the man lost all of the ethics that a human should have, and once used his powers to kill over 10,000 people.

It is easy to free the man, who is hibernating in a special capsule. All you have to do is press the buttons in order. Despite this, the seal hadn’t been broken until now for the simple reason that no one had pressed the button marked 『Danger! Do not press under any circumstances!』.

In fact, I have never let anyone in here because I thought that if it was this obvious, no one would press the button.

Cry enters the room without any hesitation, his eyes widening at the glaring warning colors and imposing equipment.

“It’s me, Mary. I want you to press those buttons in order-no.” (Mary)

『? These?』 (Cry)

Cry obediently begins pressing the large buttons.

I am so taken aback by the lack of hesitation with which he began pressing the buttons that were marked “Do Not Press” that I almost screamed for him to stop.

Cry is supposed to be a Hunter, but how on earth has he managed to survive this long with such a lack of caution? It is nothing short of a mystery. Can’t he see that it says not to press? My other companions are also dumbfounded.

With that, Cry quickly performs the necessary steps to release the killer. Not once did his hand stop pressing the button. On the contrary, that leaves me speechless. Honestly, my head is starting to hurt.

The restraints that had been applied are released one by one, the door is unlocked, and the process of releasing the cold sleep that had been applied is initiated. With this, the psychic killer――『Cold A』 will begin to move after some time.

His release is far too abrupt. Cold A is more like Monster Diggy than me. If we leave Cry here, he will be killed without a fight.

“…… Let’s break the other seals as well.” (Lady)

How many will we be able to release? At this point, fear outweighs expectations.

That said, it is not fear, but rather *harahara* anxiety. To be honest, I am fine if we do not break any seals anymore. Whether it is Saya or Cry, when you go to one extreme, nothing good will come out of it.

And, then Mary looks up.

“It’s me, Mary. Someone’s trying the rumors-no.” (Mary)

“!? Again?” (Lady)

Right now, there is only one rumor connected to this Treasure Shrine――The rumor Cry used.

var adx_id_10791 = document.getElementById('bg-ssp-10791'); adx_id_10791.id = 'bg-ssp-10791-' + Math.floor(Math.random() * Date.now()); window.pubadxtag = window.pubadxtag || []; window.pubadxtag.push({zoneid: 10791, id: adx_id_10791.id, wu: window.location.href})

I check the time. The clock shows 4:44.

Cry’s entry ahead of schedule was an exceptional exception. It is the result of Mary and the others making special arrangements.

The gate should normally open at this hour.

Why would a rumor that had never been tried before be tried twice in a row?

What kind of fool is going to try the rumor this time――When I try to confirm it, I see a group, including the two who had been kicked out earlier, standing in front of the mirror with a smartphone out. ⱤÁＮỘ𐌱Ëṣ

Saya Kuromizu and Lucia Roje. And several Hunters who are likely on the same level as Lucia.

I feel a slight relief that two utter idiots hadn’t appeared back-to-back, but I frown at the fact that Saya hasn’t died after all.

Anyway, it goes without saying that I cannot invite all of them in like this. Even though the monstrosities betrayed her, Saya is strong, and I can sense considerable power in the others too. I am sure they will not be afraid of Monster Diggy or me. I’m done with this.

Among them, the only one who is fine to be allowed inside the Treasure Shrine is Lucia.

“Mary, just let Lucia in. I don’t need the rest.” (Lady)

Originally, Spirited Away will be activated automatically if the conditions are met. Since it automatically invites everyone who meets the conditions, it is not possible to make just one person disappear.

However, it is a different story when I am present. Right now, even those who meet the conditions can be denied 『Entry』. If only Lucia is allowed in, the only one who will enter the Treasure Shrine will be a scared Magi.

Moreover, her brother, the person Lucia fears losing the most, is in this Treasure Shrine right now. And Lucia herself is aware of this.

There are no conditions more easily triggerable to incite fear than this.

“Open the gate just for a moment. Especially, make absolutely sure not to let Saya in.” (Lady)

All of the monstrosities that followed Saya are inside this Treasure Shrine. Even if I let Saya in, I probably will not lose anymore, but it is better to avoid any trouble.

§ § §

A call comes in on Sytry’s smartphone, and the large mirror emits a strong purple light.

The mirror glows just for a moment, then the light disappears, and my vision returns.

Liz and Luke, with a *wakuwaku* excited expression, in front of the mirror. Anthem, now transformed to the same size as the other members, stands beside Sytry, who has a smartphone in her hand. The mysterious life form Kilkill-kun and――I, Saya.

Lucia, who was there just a moment ago, is gone!!

Sytry, who is holding the smartphone to her ear, laughs in a troubled manner.

“Atcha…… This, someone must have chosen who to target. Even though we meet all the conditions, only Lucia-chan got sucked in…… Maybe it is the Phantom Saya-san was talking about.” (Sytry)

“Dammitttttttttttttttttt! Let me in toooooo! Cryyyyy!” (Luke)

Luke begins *dondon* banging on the mirror. I look at the mirror, but it seems the gate only existed for an instant.

Even my powers cannot force it open now. I was too naive…… They are completely on guard with me.

“Tsk. What a boring thing to do………… Well, they talk about instilling fear, but I guess that’s the extent of their power” (Liz)

“Umu, umu” (Anthem)

“That is true. As special gimmick Treasure Shrines aren’t necessarily difficult.” (Sytry)

However, in contrast to me, who is panicking, everyone else’s reaction is relaxed. Even though their friend has been kidnapped alone――And even though they know that it is something she is bad with, they don’t seem to be worried at all.

“Aren’t you worried about Lucia? Lucia is――” (Saya)

Lucia is clearly not herself in that space. Walking through that Treasure Shrine alone in that state would be nothing short of suicide.

I don’t understand the feeling of being afraid of Phantoms, but I do know that there are some Hunters who have specific opponents they struggle with.

Apparently, Lucia has a hard time against those kinds of evil spirit-looking Phantoms and Monsters. And that Phantom called Lady has also noticed this. If things continue like this, Lucia will never return.

Is there another route to infiltrate the Treasure Shrine? However, there are many rumors spreading throughout the Imperial Capital, and if Lady can seal the gate, any route we find will be sealed off as well.

Seeing my panic, Sytry opens her eyes wide and *pon* hits her hands.

“Ahhhh, there is no need to worry. Saya-san doesn’t understand Lucia-chan yet.” (Sytry)

“That Phantom is so stupid right~. Taking only Lucia out of all of us.” (Liz)

Liz also laughs in astonishment.

Still doesn’t understand? Could it be that Lucia possesses a hidden power?

I look at the mirror again. The mirror, which seems to have just been bought by Cry, is completely clear, and even with my eyes, I can see nothing but my own confused expression.

§ § §

Thanks for reading! Thanks Aaldert for the ko-fi! Lol everyone in Strange Grief is so chill even though Lucia just got kidnapped. Looks like we got Round 2. How will Lucia fare this time?

I loved this week’s episode! It started so strong with everyone down and only Cry still up and doing a “Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain” moment. And of course the Imouto Kitsune is eating a fried tofu (Aburaage!) I forgot that the reason Cry pitched Arnold against the Fire Spirit and Lightning Spirit was so they exhaust their energy first so the Imperial Capital stays safe. Sasuga Master~! I love Eva’s shocked expression when Cry asked her to be his +1 and exhausted/dead expression seeing Cry giving Onsen Dragon egg at the castle. Everyone’s reaction at Cry causing a fuss shows how used to it they are that small touch was so nice. Strange Grief’s infiltration was exactly how I imagined, especially all the knight trying to hold Luke down, but the explanation of Antsem-man’s Relic was unexpected but still funny. The web novel didn’t have the Kitsune’s infiltration but it was a nice change, it showed a bit of fight from Strange Grief and the True Tears test was done in private instead of in public. Showing Cry being all smug after Rosemary saying that he planned everything was funny even though he was thinking something completely different Cry’s strongest rival is finally here! Car-pet! Let’s gooo!