Hugo Coppelius, his talent as a Seeker is undoubtedly first-class.
Ever since the puppet master's function (job) was expressed when he was ten years old, his experience of surviving independently and independently honed Hugo's natural talent.
When I was fifteen years old and I was an adult, when I signed up for Explorer (Explorer), I had already ranked up for B-Rank. A lot of people have been good at combat skills since the debut, but when it comes to those who have even finished ranking up, that number is exceptionally low.
But with so much power, Hugo did not try to belong to a particular group.
Explorers (Seekers) who don't make companions like Hugo and work solos are called 'migratory birds'. But when I say solo, it doesn't mean I don't work with anyone.
In the first place, exploring the Abyss alone is extremely dangerous and reckless. Not only because of the presence of demons (beasts), but also because if you stay in the abyss (Avis) alone for too long, your soul will degenerate and become abnormal to your spirit. Explorers (seekers) who do so are often referred to as abyss possessors (dark seekers) and are often harmful to people, so they are targeted for crusade.
When migratory birds explore the Abyss, it's when they're hired by other parties. In short, he's a temporary helper and a mercenary. That is the migratory bird.
Originally, migratory birds are those with scratches on their tibia. Excellent ability in itself, but having a background in making mistakes in the past, you will not be welcomed as an official companion, even if you may be employed as a mercenary. Hence crossing various employers like migratory birds.
But Hugo has never sinned. I keep migrating birds because, for one thing, Hugo can't trust others.
Growing up abusive in a poor family environment and gaining the power of a puppet master, he became a drifter who was only ten years old and had no stopover. All he's seen like that is the ugliness of people. Ugly, stupid, unsaveable beasts. I thought if I trusted you, they'd just scratch my sleeping neck.
But that's not why I despaired of people. Man is a beast, too. If you split it up that's all, there's nothing painful about it. Hugo, because of his birth, was used to breaking it off. I am desperate because there is hope. Without hope from the edge, there is no despair.
Hugo, who hates violence, chose to become a Seeker because that was the easiest way for him to make money. If you save as much money as you need, you can quit right away.
It's an irresponsible, extreme motive for a lack of readiness from those who are serious explorers (seekers). But the world of Seekers is all about results. No one can complain if the motive would be impure enough to overwhelm the others.
On the contrary, Hugo, who perfectly plays the role sought after by any party and is bound to lead to victory, will become even more prestigious as an ever-winning migratory bird.
After ranking up and becoming a Puppet Master A-Rank Function (Job) and Thousand Army Athletes (Grand Master), the headhunters came to visit every day.
Of course, Hugo turned down all the offers. No matter how favourable the terms of treatment were offered, I couldn't think of anything like belonging to a particular organization, and most importantly, I wasn't willing to continue to be a Seeker.
But some of them are hard to say no.
At the time, Hugo was nineteen. Even he, who had celebrated his full season as a Seeker and was making his name roar all over the Empire, the woman who was to have dinner with him on this day was just the one who could never thank him enough.
†
†
Hugo was invited to one of the finest restaurants in the capital. It is also a popular store that takes as long as three weeks to make an appointment, so much so that having eaten here is one status.
Hugo, once a stray child, had grown into a fine young man no less than this store after nine years.
The evenly shaped, intelligent and tasteful edge-nosed, clean, young grass-colored hair dressed in a swallow tail dress is finished with a wolf cut.
I wear glasses, but my vision is not corrected. These glasses are made of demonic (beast) materials with the ability to expand your field of view. It is an indispensable item for puppet masters who simultaneously manipulate multiple puppet soldiers.
When he entered the restaurant and told him his name, Male Service (Garson) led him to the table. Hugo takes his seat and smiles at the woman in front of him who was waiting first.
"It's an honor to meet you. Miss Valentine."
"Nice to meet you, too. Thanks for coming today."
The name of the woman smiling back gently is Sharon Valentine. An elf with a gentle look, with long blonde hair wrapped in three lateral braids. He is wearing a white one-piece jacket with a double button like a military uniform.
This woman is also a headhunter. But not like the others. Because he is the first star of the Seven Stars (Regalia), the most powerful clan of the Empire, and the sub-master of the Heilongs.
Although Hugo is not interested in the Seeker, he has sincere respect for Sharon. Because supporting the Heilong squad as a sub-master, she is also famous for being a good martial artist, and many of its tactics had a huge impact on Hugo.
Today is the first time I have had face-to-face knowledge, but I have always admired it as a master of my heart. There's no way I'm not happy to see you. So, considering what happened after this, it was painful.
"Let's talk about tough stuff later and enjoy the meal first"
Sharon laughed furiously and called for male service (Garson). When the liquor and dishes ordered from each other are carried, they engage in bickering with tongue drumming.
And when the dish of cooking was emptied, Sharon changed his expression.
"I've finished my meal, and I'll get down to business."
Sharon told me about the most recent achievements of the Heilong squad, as well as the treatment and post when he welcomed Hugo to the Heilong squad. The boulder is only the strongest clan in the empire and is a very attractive condition.
"How about it, Mr. Hugo? Joining the Heilongs shouldn't be a bad story for you either. If you don't like the terms you've offered, I'll give you further consideration. You deserve it."
"It's an extra word for you. But..."
Hugo pulled his jaw and continued ahead.
"I'm sorry. Let me turn that story down."
"If you have any grievances..."
Hugo takes control of Sharon, who tries to negotiate.
"Miss Valentine, it's not like you don't like the treatment."
"... then what is the reason?
"Indeed, the conditions presented are fascinating. Being able to join the Heilongs is also an honor for Explorers (Explorers). It's weirder to say no. But in the first place, I'm not going to keep the Seeker long."
To Hugo's explanation, Sharon turned his eyes round.
"You're not going to go on, so you're retiring?
"Yes. I intend to. I'm planning to retire next year."
"... retire and do what?
"I will be a doll writer. If you work one more year, you'll save money that will allow you to immerse yourself in doll production until you die. Let me say without fear of misunderstandings that the only thing that made me an Explorer (Explorer) was to save money to become a doll writer. If that goal is achieved, there is no reason to continue to be a Seeker."
Sharon nodded.
"If that's the case, you don't have a choice. I get it. I give up."
"I'm sorry"
"I have nothing to apologize for. It was this way that I tried to ask you not to. But I'm so sorry. Had you come in, Heilong would have made a better clan."
Seeing Sharon say sincerely sorry, Hugo feels guilty. But that's why I can't translate. Being a doll writer is because it's Hugo's long-standing dream. Besides, I still don't like the job of Seeker.
"Soon -"
Sharon says as he strokes the edge of the wine glass with his finger.
"I'm going to give the sub-master's seat to one of my disciples. So while I was a submaster, I wanted to contribute a little more to the clan, but I guess I'll have to figure out another way."
"Apprentice, is that Sieg Fanstein?
Siege is often rumored among Seekers. A man of near age with Hugo, a swordsman of extraordinary talent. It seems Sharon was in charge of that education. I have also heard that my strength as a combatant has already surpassed my submaster Sharon.
"Yes, that idiot"
Sharon laughed with pleasure.
"My personality sucks, my femininity sucks, I'm an irresistible idiot apprentice, but that talent is real. I couldn't fulfill it, I'm trying to reach the top of the EX rank."
"to the EX rank…"
Hugo had to be looked at.
Function (job) ranks range from C to EX, but few can reach the EX rank. For this reason, they treat A-rank as virtually the highest.
If Sieg was able to rank up to the EX rank, the Heilongs would have two EX ranks, and their status as kings would be increasingly immovable.
"The Dragons will be stronger."
Sharon said with all her might, as she saw through Hugo's heart.
"For that, I can do anything."
"You think it's important"
"Yeah, very much. For me, the Heilongs are just like my son."
Hugo knows that the word is never exaggerated.
Because Sharon is a founding member of the Heilongs. I hear it started with Victor Crowser, the master, and just the two of us. Since then, for decades, I have increased my membership, expanded my organization and raised it exactly like my mother. It must be the truth that the Heilongs are more important to her than anything else.
"Hugo, you've always been a migratory bird, haven't you? You never thought you'd miss me?
Hugo laughed bitterly when asked out of the way.
"You don't. Not once."
Hugo was alone from birth before he became a Seeker. But I could have made it this far on my own. That would prove more than anything that no one else is needed.
"Even if you don't have company, you can live"
"Oh, isn't that extreme?
"No, I don't think so. I admit the importance of my people, but that's not absolute. Then it's easier to be alone."
"Huh."
Sharon narrows his eyes and stares at Hugo to observe him still.
"Something?
"I really appreciate you. But..."
Its gentle beauty gives me an unexpectedly cold grin.
"You don't look so strong,"
Hear, I found blood gathering on my face. How can I have to be told that way by someone I respect about Sharon but haven't seen in a while?
But Hugo quickly regains his cool.
Indeed, what Sharon says makes sense. Hugo's values were also unqualified as something to tell someone, regardless of just keeping them in mind. It's something that is hard to agree with, and I don't want Hugo to get it himself.
I told Sharon while I knew that, probably because of the booze, my self-control was just a little loose. It didn't seem like it, and Hugo's head gets even colder.
"Don't abuse me too much. It's a young vanity who doesn't know things."
Sharon laughed funny, too, as Hugo clapped his shoulders and laughed masochistically.
"Haha, I'm sorry. From the standpoint, it stinks of preaching."
"No, mine was the reckless statement. Alcohol confuses people."
"Right. But I don't think it's another wrong opinion. I've put it in an insulting way, but you're not a weak person. I think he's very strong and he's a fine man. It's just that your ideals are a little out of context."
Sharon said so, sticking his finger in his left eye.
"Hey, what are you doing!?
Hugo is surprised, but Sharon chooses his left eye out as it is.
"Don't be surprised, this is a prosthetic eye"
If you look at the eyeballs placed on the palm of your hand, it's a crop indeed.
"And just like your glasses, items of demon (beast) material"
The prosthetic eye unfolds its folded feathers and flies slightly.
"Once upon a time, I lost both my eyes in battle. I've been using this prosthetic eye since, but it's pretty convenient. One flies around the sky on my orders and transmits footage to the other eye. With this, you can steal it anywhere."
"... did you look into me, too, with those eyes?
"Within good sense, of course."
Hugo sighs.
"... let's believe in the good sense of Miss Sharon"
"Hehe, thanks. Your battle was brilliant, no doubt rumors. It's true that puppet masters are the strongest of all functions (jobs). And I thought," It's not going to be filled. "
"Not filled?
"You are too good. I can't have passion because I can do anything. No matter how prestigious you get, your heart will never shake."
I see, is that what you mean?
"I don't have personal feelings for work. More importantly, as I said earlier, I have split the Explorer (Seeker) business as a fundraiser. It doesn't have to be filled."
"Sounds reasonable, but it sounds like you're disciplining yourself as much as you are."
"It's..."
Hugo says. Sharon restored the prosthetic eye to its original condition and tucked it into the foramen.
"I also let you look into your past. Mr. Hugo, you're too used to breaking up... no, I'm too used to giving up."
To the silent Hugo, Sharon continued pale.
"People aren't just there to help each other. It's also a rival that increases each other together, and that drives growth"
"So you want me to rethink my reply?
"I'm not that persistent of a woman. However, this is advice from your predecessors, but you better keep exploring."
"Why is that?
"Explorer's world is a treasure trove of talent. If you're in this world, you'll also meet someone you sincerely want to be one of. I'm used to giving up, that thirst in my heart is sure to heal me. No, it'll burn you up, you might as well say."
Hugo smiled bitterly. It's an extra favor, I thought.
So I lie with a smile on my face.
"I'll keep it in mind"
A year later, as declared, Hugo retires from the Seeker to become a puppet writer.
And two more years later, he was sentenced to death for the murder of a hunter.
†
†
When Hugo woke up from a slight sleep, the moonlight was shooting through a latticed window.
"Dream, or..."
It's not a fancy restaurant if you're aware of it, it's in jail. The discrepancy is so great, it makes me feel dark.
However, compared to before, the situation improved considerably.
First of all, the room is different. The room where Hugo is currently housed is for aristocracy. There is a bed and there is a toilet. Not the only room where Walla and the bucket were placed, as before.
I could even get myself ready. It is not as crude as cutting hair, shaving beard, and having holes while the outfit is simple. Completely, it has become a civilized appearance.
The diet became decent, nutrients were given, and health recovered considerably. Still, his body is thin, but his tiredness, which also struggles to stand, disappeared.
Also, if you ask the guards, they'll pick up the novels and newspapers.
It is thanks to the work of Noel that treatment has improved dramatically so far. On Hugo's bed was a newspaper with that written on it.
The truth of the case was revealed by Noel's hand. The real killer is the one who hasn't been caught yet, but at least few people who consider Hugo to be the killer are gone. Public opinion now considers Hugo to be a pathetic victim and asks for his release.
The Ministry of Justice held a press conference and responded to the situation briefings, but only to defend itself thoroughly, which was very much not content to the public's satisfaction. Given the deteriorating situation, the current Attorney General must be impeached.
Hugo's position is still on death row, but it was essentially withdrawn as well. It would be instructions from the Imperial Family that you still can't get outside. If it is served immediately, public opinion is increasingly heated up, because there is a risk of fire powder spreading to the Imperial Family. After improving the treatment of Hugo, it is believed that he will finally be released when he is well prepared to elaborate future measures.
Even so, I don't think it will take long. You should be free soon.
Hugo weakens and sighs deeply.
"If I had followed Sharon, this wouldn't have happened..."
Hugo never became close to a particular someone, even after he became a doll writer. I mean, they were isolated. I didn't have company to help me. That's why, as the subject of rubbing sin, it would have been great.
At that time, I never dreamed I'd be on death row, and it's all a theory of results, but I have to reflect that when this happened, I had a downturn in my way of life.
"Friends, huh?"
But can you change your way of life now?
Even here, Hugo still couldn't imagine a way to live with someone. Just like Sharon said. Hugo was too used to giving up.
But there's only one thing I know.
"... Noel Stolen. Admittedly, you are the most powerful Seeker."
In the course of continuing to migrate birds, I have come to know many Explorers (Explorers), but I have never seen or heard of anyone who can fight like this.
Although the power of war is significantly inferior to the rest of the fierce, Hugo had already come to believe that Noel was the most powerful Explorer (Seeker).
Sometimes I feel grateful. Perhaps it is eye-catching. But minus that, Noel's talent is too heterogeneous. Explorers (Seekers) who have taken the country by the hand, etc., do you think so?
"Snake, huh?"
Noel already founded the clan and named its name Stormwing Snake (Wild Tempest). The symbol is a winged snake. In newspapers, it was often called a 'snake' because of its symbol.
'... you're a snake-like person. Cunning and unforgiving, he tries to swallow people whole. He's a horrible boy. "
I remember the words I said, and Hugo blew them out.
"Ha ha, with all the fame, you've become a snake"
I laugh a lot and wipe the tears out of my eyes.
"But it's not bad. Oh, it's not bad..."
In the shrugged Hugo's chest lived a fire with a small - but hot - heat.