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

Ignorance is truly a frightening thing. I, Angus Code, snort as I receive a notice from the King of Code.

The King of Code is the most powerful being in this city. Everything in the city is part of him, and we are merely borrowing his power.

I am the biological son of the King of Code, but ever since I was old enough to understand my surroundings, I have hardly ever seen my father. Even when I was a child, I have only met and spoken to him face-to-face a handful of times, he is an absolute untouchable figure. That is what the king of this country is.

Being the second most powerful man in this city, I understand the power of the King of Code very well.

Up until now, everyone living in Code, including the Royal Family, has been extremely careful not to incur his wrath. Even Nora, who is fierce and feared by the citizens, stays in line. And yet, I would have never imagined that at this stage, that taboo would be broken by someone from the outside world.

The King of Code is fair. At least, as far as I know, he has so far been careful not to influence Class 8’s power balance.

Even though he is the Spare’s Royal Guard that is unrelated to the succession to the throne, to think that the King would go through the trouble of sending a notice so as not to be misled by his words………… I cannot see the King of Code’s movements, but he must have done something extremely stupid.

Indeed, Cry Andrich’s incompetence seems excessive even to me. To think that he would make his master, Alisha Code, practice dogeza――I don’t even want to think how he came up with such a thought.

As the King of Code said, it would be best to ignore him. Alisha Code’s faction will never be an enemy of mine, so there is no point in even thinking about him.

If that is the case, it will be much more constructive to build up forces and keep a close eye on Nora and Tony’s movements, and 『That Woman』 who went to Morris’s place.

In a corner of the area under my control, in a testing ground that also doubles as a test ground for the mechanized soldiers and other weapons, I along with my Royal Guards are looking at a man standing in the center.

Kai. A man from outside of Code who got near the highest score ever from the city’s rating system. He possesses both a well-trained body and mind and is an outstanding individual who was able to intimidate me even while he was held captive. Although he is now wearing the mask and mentally bound, his physical abilities are still intact, as he is able to destroy a mechanized soldier with his bare hands.

Jin, who has been in charge of the performance tests for Kai and Saaya, begins to explain with a grin.

“The body that he destroyed himself has already been almost completely recovered. The analysis and training are also going smoothly. There are also no problems with the mask’s effectiveness.” (Jin)

“I see…… That’s obvious. Continue your report.” (Angus)

Kai’s abilities are high, far superior to those who come from Code, let alone those who have come from the outside. However, Kai’s value isn’t just due to his high ability level. What is important is where the roots of his abilities lay.

Jin continues after hearing what I said.

“After analysis, it seems that the secret to Kai’s strength lies in his unique footwork. His footwork and agility keep even the strongest mechanized soldiers at bay, and exudes a strange charm.” (Jin)

“Charm?” (Angus)

“Yes, I cannot describe it any other way so I will have to use a vague word――It is charming. Anyone who witnesses him fights with their naked eye will be captivated and can only stand there in shock. It is not effective against mechanized soldiers, but――It should be effective against Nora-ojou’s enhanced knights. There is no better ability to deal with Nora-ojou’s army.” (Jin)

“Fumu…………” (Angus)

It is a difficult explanation to understand, but Jun is a brilliant man. If he has to make such a report, that must mean that what he says is correct.

I stop asking any more questions and look at Kai. Kai doesn’t *pikuri* move even when I am staring at him. The power of the mask has completely sealed his mind.

He would be stronger if he wasn’t wearing a mask, but I cannot trust a weapon that might turn on me at any time. There is no other choice.

“Starting performance test 255.” (Jin)

At Jin’s command, the walls of the training grounds begin to move, and countless smart turrets appear. They are not weapons that fire bullets, but optical weapons that burn the targets to ashes with pinpoint accuracy.

The ability to summon firearms is a right held by anyone in the noble class. Whether it is material projectiles or optical weapons, it can be said that dealing with long-range weapons is essential in the battle for the throne. The weapons that I use are specially made after a long time of research and development. Their power is enough to mow down even Nora’s soldiers, whose durability has been enhanced through special reinforcement technology, like leaves on a branch.

“………… Doesn’t he need armor?” (Angus)

“You will understand after seeing it.” (Jin)

Without a signal, the weapons fire at Kai as he is still standing there. Kai’s only movement in response to the light emitted from all directions is――To turn his body and a dancing step. I am astounded. All of the heat rays that have been fired at Kai have vanished as if by magic.

They definitely hit the target. Or at least it looked like it was a hit. But there isn’t even a single burn mark on Kai’s body.

At first glance, his movements appear to be nothing more than a light dance. But indeed he does mysteriously draw the eye. But to neutralize weapons that have been strengthened through Code’s extensive research just like that, what kind of technique is this?

Next, five mechanized soldiers approach the dancing Kai. Kai shows no particular reaction to the mighty mechanized soldiers, who possess sturdy armor, great strength, and high learning abilities, and are more than capable of eliminating Code’s enemies. Kai crosses his arms to block the swinging fist. And with that alone, the body of the mechanized soldier, weighing several hundred kilograms, is sent flying in the air.

Even I, who have been keeping an eye on Kai all this time, have no idea what Kai had done. Jin explains.

“It appears that Kai is extremely skilled at using his powers. And has even sublimated it into his own unique fighting style. Even highly trained mechanized soldiers are unable to imitate this. It appears that he is able to redirect the power of the mechanized soldiers by shifting his center of gravity, repelling them.” (Jin)

“Even if you use your opponent’s power, you cannot erase a heat ray. How do you explain that?” (Angus)

“That’s…… A power born from Mana Materials. He has most likely used Mana Materials to greatly strengthen certain parts of his body. Such as his palms and elbows for example. When I scanned other parts of him, I found several other places where strange powers were being exerted.” (Jin)

So that just means that this man was simply drowning out the heat rays with his well-trained bare hands. I frown at his unexpected words.

I thought that by analyzing Kai’s strength, I might be able to strengthen the mechanized soldiers and the soldiers I had brought in from the outside, but it seems like that isn’t going to work.

This is the result of outstanding talent and tireless hard work.

But the important thing is not that, but how effectively can I use Kai as a trump card?

“If Kai and the 《Lightning Emperor (Raitei)》 were to fight, who would win?” (Angus)

“It depends on the situation. But Code’s calculations show that Kai has the upper hand. Moreover, Kai has resistance toward lightning.” (Jin)

As Jin speaks, the mechanized soldiers extend their hands. Violent lightning flies from the tips of their arms. In an instant, Kai dives without hesitation into the massive bolts of lightning that are unleashed. I can hear *baribari* violent sounds. Then the mechanized soldiers are slammed to the ground.

What is standing there is an unharmed Kai, who has been struck by lightning.

The 《Lightning Emperor’s (Raitei)》 attack was not something I had planned, but the fact that I was able to obtain a man of that caliber can only be called a stroke of luck.

“The problem is what happens if Nora uses the sealed target as her pawn. If he cannot defeat the opponent’s ace, there is a chance that the situation will be overturned. There are a few other concerns as well――But what about Saaya?” (Angus)

“As for Saaya…… Her analysis has not been completed yet. Since her abilities are unknown, it may be dangerous to test her.” (Jin)

“Fumu. Continue with the analysis. I definitely want that ability.” (Angus)

One trump card is not enough. To be fully prepared, I need to have at least two cards, one for defense and one for offense. I am confident that we have more soldiers and weapons than the other factions, but you can never be too prepared.

For me, being the King of Code is not the end of the line. After taking the throne, I must launch Code’s forces into the outside world. And in order to do so, I worked closely with external organizations.

“Make him train until the last minute. Get him used to wearing the mask. And what about that woman who went to Morris?” (Angus)

“Apparently, as per “His Highness’s (Denka)” plan, Morris-ouji has appointed her as his Royal Guard.” (Jin)

“…… Hmph. Morris is so predictable that it is boring. Cowards are so easy to manipulate.” (Angus)

I snort in disgust at Jin’s report.

The battle for the throne begins even before the King’s death. Among those who were brought in from outside, there were several other powerful people besides Kai and Saaya, but almost all of them had ties to my faction. Morris is a coward, so I sent someone with special powers to him. Even though he is not fit to be king, he has the same authority as me. So he is too dangerous to ignore.

Morris must be feeling relieved right now, unaware that his own Royal Guard is a collar sent by me.

It is impossible for good fortune to conveniently befall those who do not take initiative.

I smile and order Jin.

“Report to me if you find anything. We need to increase our allies as much as possible before the time comes.” (Angus)

“Yes. Leave the small tasks to me. I will definitely see “Your Highness’ (Denka)” plan through completion.” (Jin)

§ § §

Thanks for reading! FYI, this chapter is especially long so I will split it into 3 part. Hah Angus, this is exactly what Cry wants you to do, ignoring him is the worst mistake you can ever make! Also do you think you can just analyse Tempest Dancing and Sarasara with Code’s power? You are underestimating the power of a Level 8!

And here is my impression of the 8th episode of Strange Grief:

Haha Akasha’s Tower wants to send enemy one by one but unlike video games or movies they do have an excuse to do that.

Yes Sytry, you have been “pursuing” Akasha’s Tower for a long time. So colored water is a truth serum… And looks like for “Justice” Sytry was ready to use it. That zoom on her mouth tho’. She made it seems like it is not a truth serum but her voice did look a bit tipsy. So yeah she would have totally used it if she was alone.

Mid-Opening we have Sytry talking about the Perfect Play, the Relic Cry gave her. A Relic that normally can only shoot water without needing to refill it. Perfect for children playing in the summer! Now that I think about it, the anime never said that the Relic that Cry gave to Strange Grief were in fact all “defective” Relics but succeeded to make them useful in their hunt.

Oooh we finally have a Lyle name drop! Poor dude, we had to wait until episode 8 to have his name drop.

Of course, Cry wanted to have Ark so he can do a powerful Magic attack to destroy the slime, not because he wanted to push the request to him because he thought that it was troublesome. Sasuga Cry!

Looks like we didn’t have the scenario where the smile fuse with each other and we have the scenario where they fight with each other. Flick, you dumdum, if only you followed Sofia’s order we would have seen more battle scene.

Looks like the captured Magi noticed that Talia said the same thing as Sofia. Moreover they both have red hair… What can this mean!?

Haha I like the image of evil Sytry torturing the 2 captured Magi. She has the face of someone who would do a Mouahahaha laugh.

I wonder what kind of Potion Sytry made for Talia to be this scared. But yeah, you don’t need to compare yourself with her, Talia. There are no normal people among Strange Grief.

Coffee in a beer mug lol. It is funny how those disciples are so bad at lying. They are totally saying that their base is in the place Sytry just pointed even though they cannot see the map XD Oh now that they talk about the Worst of the Worst, the anime implied that Sytry’s Alias isn’t the Prodigy anymore but they never said that her current Alias is the Worst of the Worst. We even have the Great Prison of South Isteria name drop without any explanation. Gotta leave the suspens for anime-only people.

Tino wanting to hold hand with Cry even though she can clearly see in the dark is so cute! Even her crying face is so cute! Love the tears animation.

Oooh we got a Sand Rabbit scene, I wanna mofumofu the rabbit. Also Sytry said that Cry’s power is lower than a Sand Rabbit, she didn’t even say that Cry has the same strength as a Sand Rabbit. 

Aaah Lightning Magic, in term of strength it is indeed powerful, but it is a bad choice in that case as Member of Strange Grief did develop a lightning resistant body. Moreover in this chapter, we also have Kaiser who is lightning resistant. So the most this level of Lightning Magic can do is fizzle Sytry’s hair, huh. If you want to hurt her, you need to at least create a Chuuni, Original Lightning Magic!

Whaaat did Sytry just said the same thing as Sofia!? Really, Flick just keep getting owned by everyone XD And we got Sytry’s Relic in action… Where was she hiding that big water gun… And why is there smoke (or maybe steam) coming out of the barrel? Do we prioritize the rule of the cool instead of logic?

Yooo Everything is in the palm of Cry’s hand! Love how Akasha’s Tower thinks that it is all due to Cry even thought he only have 2 minute of screen time this episode Also I can almost hear the disciples say “Oh Captain, my Captain” when Cochlear said he will watch over their fight.

Oh damn, Sytry toned it down but the lightning magic was in fact quite powerful. Really show the difference between Sytry, Sven and the rest of the Hunter.

TL;DR

So Arc 2 has 5 episodes, I didn’t expect that I thought that there was going to have 4 episodes too, but there is 13 episode this season so it checks out.

In this episode we can really see why Sytry is the control tower of Strange Grief. She strategize, plan and give order during battle. So despite having a support job she is really useful in the team. And we are getting closer and closer to the climax of this arc, but we still got some cute scene in this episode. We got the Sand Rabbit, Tino crying and Sytry fizzled hair.

Next episode is the final episode of this Arc. How will the fight between Akasha’s Tower and the Investigation Team go!? Epic fight and shocking revelation incoming!