The Demon Hunting Method of the Regressed Inquisitor

Chapter 9

The Demon Hunting Method Of The Regressed Inquisitor 9

Hunter’s Guild (1)

Even a large city like the Foris Duchy cannot be completely free from the threat of monsters.

Of course, if the great mage Age Foris used his power, it would be a different story.

But there’s no need for that.

The materials from the monsters are needed even in the Foris Duchy.

The Duke of Foris is not foolish enough to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs just to create a fish farm.

Therefore, there is a Hunter’s Guild in the Foris Duchy that grants professional hunting qualifications.

If the role of the Foris Duchy is to organize and divide the monsters by district, the role of the hunters is to control their numbers and collect materials.

“So, we are going to apply for the hunter qualification exam today.”

“Why is that necessary?”

“Without a license, you can’t enter the monster districts.”

“The human world is troublesome. It’s something that individuals should be able to decide on their own.”

Of course, even without a license, you can enter as a client.

But we can’t hire hunters just to gather herbs, can we? We’ll need funds in the future, so it’s better to have Titan do what he’s good at to earn money.

“You said you came out to see the wide world and use your aura, so it will be helpful to face monsters you can’t see in your country.”

“That’s a reasonable point.”

With a suitable excuse, Titan’s motivation increased.

Well, the real reason is that the most things happen in these restricted areas.

If I want to get involved in future events, I need to be able to move freely.

It was around the time we arrived at the outskirts of the city where the Hunter’s Guild was located.

“Huh? A monster? Oh… Guild Master!”

I had somewhat expected it, but the surroundings fell into panic.

Rumors about Titan spread quickly, but it was quite difficult to judge Titan as a different species unless you saw him in person.

Especially if you are a hunter who fights monsters every day.

“Oh dear, this is going to get out of hand. What should we do?”

“Please act sincerely, Mr. Lost. You did well at first.”

The hunters stationed at the reception desk began to arm themselves and started to be wary of us.

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From the beginning, thinking of Titan as an enemy just because he is with people is problematic.

However, the panic that occurred at the reception desk prevented normal judgment.

“Moderately, so it doesn’t break.”

“Why? That’s not respectful to the opponent you’re fighting against.”

“If you’re going to be respectful to the one you’re hitting, you shouldn’t hit them in the first place.”

“Hmm…”

What a funny guy.

Anyway, I don’t really intend to stop Titan. It’s an inevitable thing for a stranger to blend into a world related to violence.

We need to establish dominance.

Thoroughly, so that no one with premature curiosity messes with us.

“Ugh!”

With one punch from Titan, the hunters fly into the air.

At a glance, it looks like something is broken or a tooth is knocked out, but at least they didn’t draw their weapons.

When I think about it, he seems to be more considerate than I thought.

“…Wouldn’t it have been better to persuade them with words?”

Linnea mutters in a miserable voice as she watches the number of patients increase in real-time.

Even though it wasn’t her job, she seemed uncomfortable with the situation due to her professional spirit as a doctor.

“More than that, was it okay for you to accompany us to such a place?”

“Ah, actually, I wanted to become a hunter. If I’m going to do it, wouldn’t it be better to do it with you two?”

“Is that so…”

Lies.

Linnea had set up a private clinic despite all kinds of contempt.

It was a clinic where no one but me visited, but Linnea prepared for consultations every day, even cleaning in front of the clinic.

That was definitely pride.

It was impossible without a definite pride in her work.

But she wanted to become a hunter? Such an obvious lie?

She must have some ulterior motive.

However, considering Linnea’s nature that I know, it doesn’t seem like it would harm us, so it’s not a problem.

I can’t easily push her away because I don’t know exactly what she wants.

It might sound a bit selfish, but doctors are high-class personnel.

“Stop! What is this commotion!”

As I was watching the farce between Titan and the hunters, the person I had been waiting for finally appeared.

It was the guild master of the Hunter Guild of the Foris Duchy.

The guild master of the duchy, no less.

Not only did he possess considerable power, but his status was also high.

“I am Allen Wise, the master of the Hunter Guild of the Foris Duchy.”

The opponent was a noble.

Perhaps that was why he looked more like a knight than a hunter.

Well, he was a noble, but a prodigal son who had run away from home in a fit of anger.

“All hunters, cease fighting immediately and step back!”

I looked at Linnea, a runaway teenager in a similar situation, and she perked up her ears.

One was a runaway teenager, the other a runaway young man. The empire was really in a fine state.

“I told you to be careful…”

He had already gathered information about Titan and even came up with countermeasures, scratching his head and sighing at the current situation.

Of course, he did not let his guard down against Titan. He knew Titan was a different species, but he couldn’t be sure of his character.

First, he would try to talk. If that didn’t work, he would step in himself.

“Oh dear, I must clear up this misunderstanding. Things are getting out of hand.”

“…I see. So, you released Mr. Titan to create a ‘misunderstanding’ and make things difficult for people, just like last time?”

“Oh, how could I stop Titan? He wouldn’t listen even if I tried.”

I am not at fault.

Is it my fault that he goes on a rampage? His nature is violent, and he prefers violence over words.

I just thought I could use the fact that we were attacked first to our advantage. Is that a crime?

If that were a crime, the gods recorded in the pantheon would have punished me.

“Hmm, hmm.”

I cleared my throat.

I squeezed between Allen Wise and Titan, who were facing each other.

My attitude was relaxed, composed, yet as gentle as possible.

“I’m sorry, brother. It seems Titan’s actions were excessive.”

“…And you are?”

“I’m sorry. I have dedicated my life to faith. I have abandoned my previous name, so is it alright if I prove myself in this way?”

I conjure divine power onto my palm. Without exercising any special authority, it merely emits a bright halo of light.

Even with just that, there is no problem in proving myself.

“You are a priest.”

“Yes, I am.”

Just the fact that I wield divine power seemed to greatly reassure Allen Wise. It is the most certain way to prove one’s identity, after all.

“Even though Titan looks like that, he is a brave and righteous warrior.”

“That’s right. Very brave and righteous. That’s the dignity of a king.”

“…Considering the unfortunate events that happened this time were also to protect us from the powerful, could you not take that into account?”

“You are a lightweight. Why bow your head when you did nothing wrong?”

Titan keeps making strange interjections from the side. It’s annoying, but since it’s helpful, I let it be.

Although my actions were somewhat excessive, they were the ones who picked the fight first.

Moreover, they attacked Titan, treating him like a beast, so there is no more justifiable reason than that.

“Let’s go inside for now.”

Allen Wise sighed and headed inside the guild.

At that moment, Titan approached me and whispered.

“Lost, since I played along with your tune, I can expect something, right?”

It’s obvious. He must have realized that Allen Wise is quite strong.

Considering his objective, a battle with Allen Wise would be the last thing he wants. But it’s not like he can just charge in recklessly.

“…Alright, I’ll set the stage for you later. A stage where Sir Allen has no choice but to fight you.”

Titan doesn’t know manners.

But he’s not foolish enough to think he can get what he wants just by throwing a tantrum.

Even if he attacks unilaterally, he would only be bombarded by the hunters’ attacks. Titan knows that too, so he didn’t cause any trouble.

At least he shows a willingness to respect the rules of the human world.

Of course, if things go south, he might do whatever he wants…

I need to hold the reins tightly.

* * *

“Let me ask first. Did you come here with the intention of becoming a hunter?”

“Yes, Titan left the kingdom for training. And since he wants to deal with the beasts that trouble the people, how could I say no to that?”

“The beasts of the Poris Duchy are almost like a fish farm… No, never mind. The certification isn’t only used in the Poris Duchy…”

Muttering with an incredulous expression, Allen Wise soon grabbed his head and shook it.

Because the purpose and justification are clear. Saying this much, it can’t be outright denied.

Moreover, there is power.

Although it may not have much influence in a foreign country, it cannot be refused unless there is a reasonable reason.

“Honestly, I’m a bit skeptical. I was just like that a moment ago. It’s also my duty as the guild master to try to prevent accidents in advance.”

“That means…?”

“When Mr. Titan roams the territory of the beasts, other hunters might see him as a beast.”

This was a very realistic problem. Hadn’t there already been a precedent right here?

Even in areas where people live, if hunters overreact, it’s obvious that they will be preemptively attacked in the beast-infested areas.

“But that’s a matter of possibility. Well, in my opinion, it’s a 100% accident waiting to happen… But it’s harsh to decide based on mere suspicion.”

However, Allen Wise didn’t seem to think it was entirely impossible.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought it up in such a way.

“When Mr. Titan enters the beast-infested area, he must have a companion.”

“A reasonable measure.”

“And even if he is attacked, he must not kill the opponent. If he violates this, Mr. Titan’s hunter qualification will be revoked.”

“…I’ll try.”

It was the best Allen Wise could do. The fact that Titan was royalty must have been taken into consideration.

Even if he pretended not to, Allen Wise couldn’t have been unaware of Titan.

This guy is directly connected to Agee Forest.

“Well, of course, all these provisions are only possible if he passes the test.”

“I’ll have to try?”

“Yes, please do.”

It’s not particularly a matter of restraint.

The hunter qualification test is not as difficult as one might think.

In the first place, how many people who do this kind of work can read?

Most of them live a day-to-day life like mayflies.

So there is no written test, only practical and oral interviews.

Of course, the oral interview is also about answering the characteristics of the beasts, so it feels like a written test without writing…

In the first place, if you can’t even do that, you shouldn’t be a hunter.

“Then the test is in a week. The guild will assign a guide, so please do not be rude.”

“Yes, Sir Allen. Thank you. The gods will surely be watching Sir Allen’s mercy.”

“Ah, yes…”

Allen Wise nods with a reluctant expression.

Well, that’s how it is. He probably hasn’t seen many people as polite as me.

If he’s uncomfortable with such flattery, it’s obvious how freely he must have lived after leaving his family.

“Then, could you please provide the basic information of those who will register as hunters? You can also specify what kind of tasks you will undertake during the hunting activities.”

It seems he decided to handle the registration himself, probably because of the commotion earlier.

A truly wise decision.

Considering the receptionist screamed when she saw Titan earlier, it couldn’t be entrusted to someone else.

“I am a priest, and I plan to provide various non-combat assistance.”

“I see.”

“Uh… I’m a doctor. I’ll treat Mr. Titan if he gets hurt?”

“Yes? Ah, yes.”

Was it because Linea spoke in a questioning tone? A brief silence followed.

Linea was probably wondering whether to hide the fact that I would participate in combat, while Allen Wise was contemplating whether Titan would even get injured.

“I am a prince. Very impressive, isn’t it?”

“…Yes.”

I expected him to say he was a warrior, but Titan was the type to use his political position as a weapon more than I thought.

Of course, Allen Wise didn’t react much. He probably didn’t want to deal with him any longer.

“Alright. But…”

Allen Wise hands over the list.

Titan might not know, but Linea and I could read, so we had to check for any toxic clauses.

After reading it, I understood why Allen Wise trailed off.

Hunter party list:

1. Priest – Lost

2. Doctor – Linea

3. Prince – Titan

Looking at the list alone, it seems like a party following an immature prince.

Well, it’s somewhat true.

Our prince is indeed exceptional as a hunter, though.

“Guides can handle such requests once they gain experience as senior hunters. Ah! The request fee has been paid by Duke Foris, so there shouldn’t be any financial issues.”

In the Duchy of Foris, the Duke personally supports the training of the next generation.

He is someone who handles his duties as a Duke with certainty.

Allen Wise, feeling parched, kept drinking tea. As time passed, a woman who appeared to be a guild member approached him and whispered something in his ear, to which Allen responded with a bright smile.

“Ah, it seems they are in the guild right now. I will introduce them immediately.”

With those words, Allen Wise left the reception room without looking back. It felt like he didn’t want to associate with us for long.

Is it just my imagination, or does he seem pleased to have someone to pass the responsibility to?

“This is Mr. Burke. He is young, but he has worked in the Foris territory for three years and is one of the veterans.”

“Uh, Master? Did I do something wrong? I heard it was training for rookies, but there’s something strange mixed in?”

“You think of training the next generation like that, so you are being punished.”

“Huh, well…”

The person Allen Wise introduced was a young man with black hair. In terms of age, he might be a year or two older than me.

“Nice to meet you. I am Lost. This is Titan. And this is Miss Linea.”

“Well… I am your senior, but I showed too much dislike. I look forward to working with you. I am Burke.”

I entrusted Shade with two tasks. One was about the current situation of the trials spread across the continent.

And the other was about the person right in front of me.

It was no coincidence that I came here today and met Burke Ryan as the person in charge of training the next generation.

“Then, I look forward to working with you for the next week, Mr. Burke.”

Burke Ryan.

My old friend. And the brother of Claire, the strongest paladin of the Order.

A pitiful victim and an inevitable perpetrator.

In the past, I ran away without looking back in the face of his death.

But now it’s different. It has to be different. If I really considered him a friend…

Yes. This time, at least, I have to kill him with my own hands.