Hundreds of A-grade Hunters boarding the Hunter Train is quite an impressive force.
Even B-grade Hunters can become professors or instructors at the Hunter Academy and can face an entire battalion of soldiers single-handedly. So it’s not just numbers; each A-grade Hunter on the train is a remarkable individual.
“Other B-grade and A-grade Hunters, along with the general guilds, are generally fine. They mostly follow orders or focus on gathering leftovers.”
“That’s a relief.”
The one receiving the agent’s report was the Asia Branch Chief affiliated with the International Hunter Association.
He let out a small sigh while looking at the hologram of the Green City map spread before him.
“The monsters in Green City don’t value gold or jewels much. They prefer meat or vegetables that can be eaten right away.”
“While they don’t pose an S-risk, the monsters mimic humans and form groups like gangs. Hunters that have gone out to explore are focusing on making money rather than attracting the attention of hostile entities.”
“That’s true, but the food car of the Hunter Train has been contaminated by the corpse of the Uranium Dragon, so Hunters are currently less inclined to cause problems in Green City just to obtain food.”
In fact, the Hunter Train currently has no food options besides preserved foods and canned goods.
They aren’t starving, but if they want to eat anything decently tasty, they shouldn’t form hostile relations with the residents of Green City.
Even if those residents are all non-human monsters.
“The environment isn’t great, but there are quite a few shops and restaurants in Green City where decent food can be obtained. If the Hunters don’t want to eat just canned goods, the other Hunters should be able to stay quiet. Of course, while there have been some instances of conflict with certain A-grade Hunters, in those cases, the gangs in Green City collectively hunted them down, leading even A-grades to refrain from engaging unless they could confront them as a group.”
“Hmm, then the A-grades shouldn’t have a problem.”
“Yes, but the issue lies with the S-grade Hunters.”
Even though A-grade Hunters are considered geniuses by the public, S-grade Hunters are on a different level.
Especially the S-grade Hunters on the Hunter Train are beyond mere strength.
If the gangs in Green City decided to turn against the Hunters, even guilds made up of A-grade Hunters would have to tread carefully, while S-grade Hunters could smash monster gangs single-handedly.
“In fact, opposing the gangs isn’t the problem.”
“Is it that S-grade Hunters are killing internal collaborators in Green City?”
“Correct. Moreover, most S-grade Hunters currently cannot assess their location and situation.”
“While it’s unlikely, there’s always a chance of an unforeseen accident causing an S-grade to die.”
A nuclear bomb that doesn’t follow orders, monsters whose tendencies change with their mood, the inability to control them by force is the biggest issue.
[Wooden Blackhand]
-Currently hunting hostile entities inside Green City at the request of the Association.
-No particular incidents reported.
[Hoshimachi Yukinko]
-Engaged in battle in the central area of Green City at plaza 3, district 12, and district 13.
-Carrying out indiscriminate hunting of monsters, beasts, and aberrations.
-Internal collaborators have completed evacuation.
-There are indications that she deliberately exposed herself in the city and back alleys to attract the attention of monsters and lead them into battle.
Agents were monitoring the dynamic locations, biological signals, and mana fluctuations of the S-grade Hunters.
Of course, this monitoring system was not established with the agreement of the S-grade Hunters.
Given their strong self-esteem and individuality, if this situation were to be exposed, it could lead to serious consequences. Yet, the Hunter Association and its agents needed to track and manage the movements of the S-grade Hunters.
“Hoshimachi Yukinko has engaged in combat again in a back alley of district 13, 18 seconds ago.”
“Based on the fluctuations in mana, there seems to be no anomalies.”
“Monitoring system access is fine. The Yukinko Hunter hasn’t detected us.”
“Hostile entities confirmed. There are 29 Scavengers using mana shells. Additionally, 12 more have joined from the rear.”
“Is Yukinko Hunter alright?”
“Oh, they’ve been wiped out. All 29 hostile entities have been confirmed dead by Yukinko Hunter.”
“It seems the Yukinko Hunter is heading north-west into an alley.”
“That area has no hostile entities or collaborators. It should be quiet for a while.”
That’s quite excessive.
Of course, not all monitoring of S-grade Hunters was smooth sailing.
[Elizaveta Lilybet Rose]
-Missing after arriving in Green City.
-Tracking and eavesdropping on all communication devices, including drones, are impossible due to mechanical infection.
-Her secretary, attendants, and guards are also unable to ascertain her location.
-Given the danger level of Green City, no hazardous situations are anticipated.
-However, a minimum level of tracking is necessary.
-Scout team being organized.
[Zeus]
-Missing.
-According to his secretary, the Hunter Aphrodite, he is wandering around the entertainment and red-light districts of Green City.
-A scouting team was released to confirm his whereabouts, but he could not be located.
-Due to his lightning powers, electronic monitoring of that Hunter will likely be impossible in the future.
-It is deemed that this will not impact the Association’s primary plans.
-Continuous reconnaissance is necessary to monitor the situation.
[Sarasvati]
-Noticed the monitoring and destroyed the drone.
-Needs future negotiation…
Whether intentional or simply aware, some of the S-grade Hunters appeared to be avoiding the monitoring network entirely.
“Alright, everyone, let’s pull together! Having this monstrosity on Earth is no good, so we need your cooperation!”
“Yes, Branch Chief!”
Thus, on the holographic monitoring map, the name Isia was noted.
With a warning sign indicating [Key Figure].
“Already, they’ve killed an ally.”
Do you know this?
Octopus tangtang is delicious.
Of course, it looks a bit scary on the outside.
Even foreigners have reportedly fainted after seeing it squirm even though it had been sliced into bite-size pieces.
I, too, was initially quite frightened.
But once you cut the squirming live octopus into good-sized pieces, mix it with sesame oil and raw egg, it becomes an exquisite dish.
Why am I suddenly talking about octopus tangtang after having polished off a delicious dish? Well… I’m currently enjoying that octopus tangtang!
It turned out the octopus heads that I scared the Grasshopper Chef with were, in fact, octopus heads!
“Yum, yum, delicious!”
Fresh octopus is tasty!
The Grasshopper Chef prepared octopus tangtang for me as a reward.
Not only the corrupted porridge but also other dishes were prepared skillfully, as she sliced the fresh giant octopus on a cutting board with a kitchen knife, impressing me with her finesse.
Moreover, while it looked like an octopus, it had human-like skulls and spines inside, making it difficult to prepare.
Even though I wasn’t starving, I couldn’t resist the octopus tangtang, which was tainted with malice!
“…..”
“Uh, um…”
“Yum, yum! Hehe.”
Of course, the visuals were quite horror-like, as both Menelapie and Teresa’s faces were severely stiffened.
Even in small pieces, the still-squirming appearance would be tough for anyone who wasn’t Korean to accept.
“Menelapie, take a bite too!”
“Are you serious about this?”
“Of course! It’s really delicious, you know?”
“…………”
For a moment, a look of disgust flickered in Menelapie’s eyes.
Generally, Menelapie liked the food I offered, including the Bladed Centipede soup, but is the live octopus a no-go?
No, I swear it’s delicious!
“I, I think I’m quite full from the corrupted porridge I had earlier. As long as our Shia enjoys it, that’s enough for me.”
“Really? And Teresa?”
“You eat as much as you want…”
Well, I guess it can’t be helped then.
I don’t get why they can’t enjoy something so delicious!
The nutty and light flavor, combined with the sensation of it still squirming in your mouth, makes it incredible!
Well, at this point, I’m going to keep it all to myself and not share with anyone.
Knock knock. You could just go…
The Grasshopper Chef, having finished making more octopus tangtang, sat down at our table and spoke.
It seemed there was now more goodwill in the slightly rounded look in the Grasshopper’s eyes than before.
“Hehehe, still, after what happened in front of the Saint, how could I not help?”
“It doesn’t matter…knock…we’ll be revived when the sun rises, even if our limbs get chopped off… that’s no big deal…”
“But it still hurts, right?”
As she said that, the Grasshopper Chef let out what sounded like a sigh.
“Those guys are quite… a large… organization…”
“Oh? Are you actually worried about me? Truly the Clan Leader!”
“…Concern as in…knock…no, I’m worried about your… allies… were they not… okay with this? knock!”
“Huh?”
Allies?
What does that even mean?
Although it’s true that when the Hunter Train entered Green City, we established a cooperative relationship with the evil Vegan Orc mafia, Grakshar.
However, does that mean these octopus tangtang are collaborators?
I don’t recall hearing such things on the train!
“This…knock!”
Seeing me with a puzzled look at the Grasshopper Chef, she appeared equally shocked.
“You… didn’t know anything at all?”
“What do you mean?”
“Gallery Master, were you unaware of… knock! the purpose of your humans… coming to the city… knock… really?”
“No, it’s not that I don’t know, but… how do you know?”
“………..knock.”
At my words, the Grasshopper Chef began to seal her lips tightly.
What…?
Is there something I don’t know?
How come this mere street vendor seems to know the purpose of our Hunter Train’s arrival in Green City?
Thoughts began to swirl around in my mind.
Earlier, despite the intimidation from the octopus tangtang gang dressed in priestly robes, the Grasshopper Chef showed no signs of fear or intention to run.
Though the possibility of her returning to life after just one night could be a reason, violence typically accompanies pain and fear, no matter how familiar one becomes with it.
Unless one is in a peculiar situation like mine.
Yet, this Grasshopper Chef stayed remarkably composed, as if she had some belief.
“Hmm, while she appears to be just a simple street vendor, could she actually be a bigwig in the underworld? Or perhaps the ruler of Green City…?”
Looking subtly toward Teresa and Menelapie, their faces also donned thoughtful expressions.
“Menelapie, Teresa? Did I miss something significant?”
“…..No. It’s still speculation. Don’t worry about it.”
“It’s nothing much. Just eat that horrifying, squirmy thing.”
If those two are saying that to me, it indicates that no dangerous or unusual events have occurred just yet.
Menelapie and Teresa are much smarter than I am and have a better grasp of the situation and political sense, so if there were truly a threat, they would have acted before I even noticed.
“So, Grasshopper Lady. Is there…?”
“Wahaha! You’re enjoying something interesting!”
“Ah, Lady Lilybet?”
“Haha! I thought it was someone behind me, but it’s truly the Saint Isia!”
Just then, a familiar voice echoed from the side alley, causing the Grasshopper Chef to freeze like a statue.
Huh, what brings the Mint Queen here?
Why did the Grasshopper Chef suddenly freeze up…?
While I tilted my head at the sudden appearance, Lilybet had already settled beside me.
“Haha! I wasn’t planning to step out of the train, but the food on the Hunter Train was worse than my home-cooked meals! After opening my third can, I simply had to come out!”
“Well, canned food isn’t exactly appetizing…”
“Ah! And the mint-chocolate preserves that you gave me were so delicious that I couldn’t touch anything else!”
“………”
Regardless of the Mint Queen’s perception of the mint-chocolate preserves, the situation regarding food supplies on the Hunter Train is indeed not good.
We have enough preserved food and canned goods to avoid starvation or malnutrition, but due to contamination and corrosion of the food supplies by the Uranium Dragon, eating something delicious is practically impossible.
To put it simply, if Hunters want to enjoy proper meals, they need to venture into Green City to explore new culinary paths.
Of course, it takes quite a bit of courage to readily partake in food prepared by monsters and aberrations.
“So, what is the Saint Isia eating that’s delicious…?”
As Lilybet fixed her gaze at the delicious octopus tangtang I was consuming, she momentarily froze.
The octopus tangtang, still wriggling and lively, was quite full of vitality.
“…..Yum!”
“Looks tasty, right?”
“….Ummm!”
The Mint Queen, who usually sported a beaming smile, momentarily took a step back before bursting into laughter.
“Wahaha! Isia Saint, your humor is over the top! How can a human eat something like that? Even if I’m ignorant of worldly affairs, a human should never eat such things! Hahaha!”
“……”
…Is it just me, or is the Queen’s backhanded compliment an art form?
Is she technically saying I’m not human?
“This is extremely delicious! You can’t judge it without trying!”
Oh no, I think I raised my voice slightly in anger.
“Wahaha! I might claim that my home-cooked meals (i.e., British food) are tastier, you know, right?”
“No way, did you just say that?”
As if the lines had been crossed, that was just too much!
