Chapter 486.1: Snaky Situation

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

Something’s not right…… The whole atmosphere *punpun* stinks.

I, Jack, frown and cautiously survey the prison. When the prisoners see my face, they immediately avert their gaze.

The second night on Eastseal Prison Island passed by so peacefully that it made the first night almost unbelievable.

Just in case, I was on guard against “Snake’s (Hebi)” attacks, but there were none, and of course, there were no attacks from “Fox (Kitsune)” either. It would be good if they gave up on revenge after seeing 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 power, but that is highly unlikely. It is more natural to assume, as Grand suspected, that they are preparing to finish him off for sure.

Before then, we need to gather people and form an organization as well――.

According to Grand’s data, the prison is divided into “Fox (Kitsune)” territories, “Snake (Hebi)” territories, and a very small area at the boundary between them that belongs to neither. Everyone here is supposed to belong to neither “Snake (Hebi)” nor the “Fox (Kitsune)”, but the gazes directed at me feel slightly different from yesterday.

Having seized food and survived “Snake (Hebi)” attack, we are a promising new force, and normally, it wouldn’t be surprising if several people offered to join us, but that is not the case――. As I am thinking up to that point, a man sitting on the side of the corridor lets out a small chuckle.

“Kukuku…… You guys have stepped on the tiger’s tail.” (Man)

“………… What does that mean?” (Jack)

He is an old man in a worn-out prison uniform. He must have been here for a long time, there is hardly any strength left in his body, but his eyes, visible through his overgrown hair, shine brightly.

“Those “Snake (Hebi)” and “Fox (Kitsune)” have joined forces. To destroy you guys.” (Man)

“………… Bullshit. That’s impossible.” (Jack)

”Snake (Hebi)” and “Fox (Kitsune)” are rival organizations. The idea that they would join forces for the sake of just one man is something that Grand has categorically declared to be impossible.

Seeing me going wide-eyed, the man continues.

“And then, we got a memo too, you know. They said they’d kill us if we joined you. And instead, they gave us some food…… Hihihi……” (Man)

What he said instantly convinced me.

Fuck…… What he said――Is not a lie. What’s going on, Grand! Your data is completely useless!

“Take my advice, you’d better stop teaming up with 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. He’s the only one they’re after, you can still get out of this situation now.” (Man)

“………… Tsk.” (Jack)

“Gah!” (Man)

In a fit of rage, I swing my arm. The old man is slashed all over and collapses to the ground covered in blood. A tiny amount of Mana Materials flows into me, who is covered in his blood. As expected, since he drifted from both factions, he doesn’t seem to have much power left.

But it is better than nothing. I lick my blood-stained fingernails. My heart is beating faster.

What that man said was true. And the warning given to me is probably――A warning from “Fox (Kitsune)” or “Snake (Hebi)”.

A warning to not side with 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 but to side with them.

“This is a snaky situation. Kuku…… What is so special about 《Infinite Variety-san (Senpen Banka-san)》?” (Jack)

In this situation, probably no one will join 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 faction. Even if they hate both organizations, joining would be like walking headfirst into hell. Even I wouldn’t side with 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 if I were in their position.

Even if 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 possess overwhelming power capable of repelling both organizations――His allies might not even be able to withstand the aftermath of the battle.

“Fuck………… I have no choice but to retrieve it.” (Jack)

In the two days since arriving on this Prison Island, my Mana Materials have gradually been depleted.

If possible, I wanted to wait until we gained more power before attempting to recover my strength. It is because if my actions were exposed, no one would want to join us. After all, I, who was a Treasure Hunter, ended up making more enemies and getting captured because of it.

The moment they succumb to “Snake (Hebi)” and “Fox (Kitsune)” threat, they become my enemies.

I approach a female prisoner who is sitting at the end of a nearby corridor and mercilessly swing my claws at her.

“!? Wha-What are you――” (Woman)

“At least, become my nourishment.” (Jack)

Fresh blood splatters. Given the difference in strength, just a little blood is enough. The people who have been sitting in the corner of the corridor gasp, stand up, and try to run away.

But it is too late. They are no match for me in terms of both physical strength and Mana Materials. I silence the woman who tries to resist with a kick, then pounce on the fleeing prey.

§

After taking almost all the Mana Materials from the lower-ranking prisoners, I return to our base. Inside the room, Grand, who was supposed to have been outside gathering companions as well, is pale.

“Oi, what’s going on Grand?” (Jack)

“That’s strange…… According to my data, things shouldn’t have ended up like this――.” (Grand)

“However, the fact is, they’ve joined forces. This is a pretty bad situation.” (Jack)

To be honest, under normal circumstances I would have given up on 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 a long time ago. One reason I didn’t do it is partly because I thought I still had a little more time, but also because I felt obligated toward Grand.

“Calm down…… This is precisely when you need to stay calm. By the way, Jack, it looks like you really went on a rampage.” (Grand)

“They’re not going to side with us anymore. In that case, might as well make effective use of their power.” (Jack)

I am covered in blood. Even when I was active in Pepri, I had never been covered in this much blood at once.

As expected, there wasn’t much Mana Materials left, but my strength had returned to roughly the level it was before I was imprisoned here. If I can steal power from the combatants under the command of “Snake (Hebi)” and “Fox (Kitsune)”, I should be able to put up a decent fight.

However, that isn’t enough. I press my fingernails on my cheek and draw them sideways. I wipe away the drops of blood that have welled up from the wound and press it against Grand’s forehead.

Grand, who has been looking puzzled, suddenly opens his eyes wide.

“!? No way , Jack. Your power――Can not only take away power, but also give it to others?” (Grand)

“Hehe…… Taking and giving are two sides of the same coin man.” (Jack)

Thanks for reading! Wow Jack could have become one hell of a trump card for Kitsune or Hebi if not for Cry intervention. He has foreseen this and so he went to the Prison Island to stop Hebi and Kistune’s jailbreak! Sasuga Master~! Master~ wa kami!