Reawaken the World

Hunter Backups (Part 1)

"Sheryl was standing in front of her base with a stern face. He was in a bad mood and tried to calm himself down but he couldn't, causing him to become even more irritated."

 

"Nobody except those who knew him well could see a trace of panic on his face, which he tried to cover with his best facade. An expression that would hide his annoyance, bad mood, worry and nervousness filled his heart."

 

"A boy named Erio came to him, it was clear that he was suspicious of Sheryl."

 

(“Sheryl, what happened to Akira's Hunter. He didn't visit us at all. ”) 

"Ts: This code is the sign → (“..... ”) to show the conversation bubble."

(“Shut up and wait for him, didn't I tell you that?”) 

 

(“But yesterday too, we waited all night for him and he didn't come at all ..”) 

 

"Sheryl interrupted Erio with a sharp look.

 

(“Stop babbling! I'm the boss here! You must obey me! You did promise me that, didn't you ?! ”) 

 

"The sharp sight was actually an act to hide the panic in Sheryl's heart since Akira had not visited this place at all. His feelings also caused his gaze to become even more intimidating."

 

"Erio couldn't help but remain silent. He then sighed before muttering."

 

(“Alright, I know, boss. ”) 

 

"The people who decided to stay in the gang had already approved of Sheryl as their boss. So Erio just stopped his complaints there. But it could be seen from his expression that his suspicions and displeasure did not disappear."

 

"Sheryl sighed, half of it was just acting. He then proceeded to say a few words to further intimidate Erio."

 

(“The hunter is a very busy person, so I'm sure that's why he can't come here. Even if I speak directly to him, it's not like I'm in a position to order him to come here as soon as possible. You can't even understand that, huh?”) 

 

(“You're right, I'm sorry. ”) 

 

(“If you can understand me, then go back to your work. ”) 

 

(“Roger it, boss. ”) 

 

"Although Erio answered in a way that raised some questions, she obediently left Sheryl alone. But after he was a bit away from her, he muttered."

 

(“... But like, aren't you her favorite?”) 

 

"Sheryl heard that mutter when her face immediately let out a hint of her nervousness that she was hiding, but she was able to quickly return her irritated expression. Only after he looked around and made sure that no one was close did he take off his annoyed expression. His original expression showed that he was filled with panic and nervousness."

 

('. It's bad if this continues. What am I supposed to do? Should I go look for Akira once again …? No, I can't do that, they would definitely suspect if I kept doing that.') 

"Ts: this code is the sign → (‘......’) to indicate a thought or word bubble that appears in someone's mind."

"That day when Akira said to Sheryl that he was going to visit her headquarters, she and all her gang members were waiting for him. But in the end, Akira did not come. He did not come the day after that and also the days that followed as well. Now his position in the gang is in danger."

 

"The kids who are in the Sibea gang are already operating in a newly revived gang with Sheryl as its head. They searched the area around their territory and the vacant land near them for scrap metal and anything that could be exchanged for money. Since they were going to get together and go to a food distribution place together, the other gang already knew about Sheryl's gang."

 

"Right now, the other gangs haven't started messing with the gang. That's because the other gang believes that Akira is behind Sheryl. But Akira has not visited their base. So his gang members couldn't help but feel displeased and insecure."

 

"Sheryl can keep her gang members under control by explaining to them that being a Hunter is a very busy job. But of course, there was a limit to how long he could maintain it. Soon, his gang members realize his nervousness and begin to distrust him, he becomes increasingly insecure over it."

 

"There were a lot of people talking behind Sheryl's back, some of them saying she was lying, some of them saying that she wasn't lying but Akira was really cheating on her, and some of them said that Akira had abandoned him. His gang members began to look at him suspiciously and displeased. They also begin to show their feelings in front of Sheryl. It wasn't as bad as they would stab him in the back, but it was only a matter of time."

 

"Sheryl was already paying attention to the feelings of her gang members. But he can't do anything. He had no way to contact Akira and he could not find him even after waiting near his inn. He could not even find a good idea to appease his gang members. He's basically out of sense."

 

"But right at that critical moment, Akira appeared in front of him."

 

(“Is Sheryl around? Ah, here it is. ”) 

 

(“Akira!”) 

 

"Sheryl who was at last out of sense called out Akira's name in a loud voice, so that her voice was heard by everyone in her headquarters. So, all the other kids came out of their rooms to see what was going on."

 

"Sheryl regained her composure as she dragged Akira into a private room and immediately closed the door as soon as they entered. He wanted to just yell at her and ask her why she didn't come on the day she promised him. But he knew if he did that, it would be the end of his life. So she desperately tried to hold back as she smiled at Akira."

 

(“Thank you so much for visiting our base. I've been waiting for you . By the way, we were waiting for you that night, you promised it would come. But you never showed up, did something happen to you?”) 

 

"Sheryl's smile showed that she didn't mind him being late, or at least that's what she was trying to express with her smile."

 

(“Sorry, I did plan to come, but I almost got killed that day. ”) 

 

(“Almost killed ??!?!”) 

"Ts: This code is the sign → (“..... ”) to show the conversation bubble."

"Sheryl could only shout, Akira was somewhat surprised to see Sheryl surprised. But then he calmed down and answered again."

 

(“No need to be surprised. This is normal in this job. ”) 

 

"Sheryl was at a loss for words. He did think that something must have happened, but he did not imagine that he was almost killed. He then regained his composure and showed that he was worried."

 

(“A-are you okay !?”) 

 

(“Yes, I'm not hurt and I'm in good shape now. ”) 

 

(“A-I understand .. Uhmm, May I ask what happened?”) 

 

(“I was attacked by two groups of monsters on the same day. I was too tired after the battle, or rather, I fainted from exhaustion, that's why I couldn't come. Sorry about that. ”) 

 

"So calmly replied that he was sorry. She decided not to say anything about the fact that she forgot her promise because there was no particular reason to tell her that."

 

"Sheryl breathed a sigh of relief. He then changed the mood and smiled at Akira."

 

(“I understand. In this case, inevitably. It must have been hard for you, but I'm glad you're okay now. I'm dragging you into a private room because I want to have a private conversation with you. But since everyone is waiting for you, we can talk afterwards. I'd like to introduce you to everyone, are you OK with that?”) 

 

(“Sure.”) 

 

"Sheryl grabbed Akira with her hand as she led him out of the room. He then quietly complained."

 

('..Pathetic . I don't mind why he's late, but it's really surprising. I'm sure he's just exaggerating, but I really hope he'll stop joking like that.') 

"Ts: this code is the sign → (‘......’) to indicate a thought or word bubble that appears in someone's mind."

"Although Sheryl can only reach her current position due to Akira's support, such a far-fetched story still rubs her the wrong way. But of course, he was in no position to say anything about it. In order not to aggravate his own mood, he suggested that everyone be introduced. His face twitched in annoyance whenever he thought of a contrived story. It was because Akira told the story in such an ordinary way that he sounded less believable."

 

"Children gathered in the hall inside the base. Murmurs could be heard in the hall when the children saw Sheryl standing next to Akira in a pleasant mood."

 

(“So she finally really came, huh? I doubt it, but it turns out it's true, huh? ”) 

 

(“Is it really the Hunters who killed Sibea? Doesn't he look like a kid like us?”) 

 

(“Thank God it's real. I feel much safer now. ”) 

 

(“I know he said he'd help us, but I wonder how far he'd go? I'm very worried. ”) 

 

(“Say, she doesn't look that strong, are we really going to be okay?”) 

 

"Although there are still many questions, all doubts about Sheryl talking to Akira have been removed."

 

"Sheryl smiled as she confidently introduced Akira."

 

(“It's Akira. I thought you already knew him. Sibea took some of our members to get it, but he was able to fight back. But even so, she decided to help us, so make sure not to be rude to her, okay? ”) 

 

"When Sheryl turned her gaze towards Akira, she did not want to start talking."

 

(“I Akira. I was just helping Sheryl and I was just helping Sheryl. I've no plans to get involved with you. Sheryl is the boss here, if you have any questions, just ask her. Don't ask me about unnecessary things. And when I say not to ask anything, then never ask about it a second time. That's all of me. ”) 

 

"It is clear that children are flabbergasted and confused. It was because even though Sheryl was their boss, the person who supported her and was actually the one who had ruled their gang and was responsible for taking care of them showed little interest in them."

 

"Sheryl frowned, but Akira didn't care."

 

 

(“Sheryl. I've got something to talk to you about, so come with me for a minute. ”) 

 

(“Eh? Ah, okay. ”) 

 

"Seeing Sheryl was about to leave the hall with Akira, Erio suddenly stopped them."

 

(“Whoah, wait a minute !! Are you really Akira? ”) 

"Ts: This code is the sign → (“..... ”) to show the conversation bubble."

"About stopping, he turned around and looked annoyed."

 

(“Ya. ”) 

 

(“What did you do until now leave us ?! And what do you mean when you say that you won't join our gang ?! Shouldn't you be watching us ?! ”) 

 

(“Didn't I say that you should have asked Sheryl just now? So stop asking me that. ”) 

 

"The way Akira spoke really surprised Erio. When he heard that the hunter who killed Sibea would help them, he felt hopeful but also felt insecure at the same time. But when that person never showed himself, doubt and displeasure piled up in his heart. And just when the person showed himself in front of him, he did not look capable at all even when he was armed. That was very disappointing for Erio."

 

"Adding the words Akira had just said to Erio, Erio's doubts towards Sheryl and Akira peaked."

 

('.. This kid might even be weaker than me, you know? Are we seriously going to trust our lives to this brat?!') 

"Ts: this code is the sign → (‘......’) to indicate a thought or word bubble that appears in someone's mind."

"Sibea and his friends may be Hunters who have lost grace. But even so, they are strong. So the man who killed Sibea and caused his gang to disperse must be someone stronger than Sibea."

 

"But the boy standing in front of Erio didn't seem like he even had a chance against Sibea."

 

('.. Did Sheryl cheat us? No, maybe he tricked Sheryl, right?') 

"Ts: this code is the sign → (‘......’) to indicate a thought or word bubble that appears in someone's mind."

"Erio couldn't help but think that if he attacked Akira, take his weapon and point it at him. Akira will have no other choice but to acknowledge the truth."

 

"Akira's gaze turned her back towards him and headed outside looking so full of several reasons. And the way Akira looked so upset when he was questioned, it felt like he was mocking Erio. His life is very difficult after the Sibea gang is destroyed. And when the gang starts operating again, he thinks that this tough time is finally happening. But then this happened, he was really disappointed that gave Erio the final push."

 

(“Bad you!!”) 

 

 

"But then Akira casually stepped aside and dodged his fist without turning around."

 

(“... A- !?”) 

 

"About then sent a fist straight into Erio's shocked face and dropped it to the ground."

 

"Akira's fighting ability received a huge boost in a short period of time due to Alpha training and all the experience he accumulated. He was already strong enough that a normal boy like Erio would not even dare to fight him. Of course, a surprise attack from an amateur might bring him down, but Akira is very careful about it due to his experience of living in the back alley of a rundown town for years. Under normal conditions, a surprise attack wouldn't work on him right now."

 

"In addition, it is almost impossible to launch a surprise attack against Alpha. Even for the attack just now, Alpha had already warned Akira about it. Thus Akira could avoid it without turning around. In short, Erio's chances of winning are zero from the start."

 

"Erio was lying on the ground trying to suppress the stinging pain on his face. But when he glanced at Akira who was staring at him, he found the muzzle of Akira's weapon was already pointing at him."

 

"Erio's face paled as he trembled in fear. The other children took some distance between them in a panic. Akira's expression did not change as he pulled the trigger."

 

"Just after that, a hole was opened on the floor. But Erio wasn't hurt. Akira missed his shot on purpose, but Erio froze as if he had been shot, he even stopped shivering. Sheryl and the other kids can't even make their voices."

 

"After that, Akira looks angry when talking to Sheryl."

 

(“Sheryl, I don't mind anyone you want to add to your gang. To be honest, I don't even care. But since you are the boss, at least be sure to take care of them. You better fix this situation before I misunderstand that people are acting on your order. If that happens, no one will have a good ending. ”) 

 

"About then left the hall as Sheryl followed behind him in a daze. Only Erio could still not stand up and the other children who were trembling in fear at Akira were left in the hall."

 

"Sheryl walked beside Akira as she cursed Erio in her heart, but she did not dare to voice it. He continued to follow Akira silently as he carried her out of the base and into the slum. Sheryl doesn't know where Akira is guiding her because she doesn't have the discretion to ask that question. He continued to curse Erio in silence as he followed Akira."

 

"Something suddenly spoke to him."

 

(“Is that good enough?”) 

"Ts: This code is the sign → (“..... ”) to show the conversation bubble."

(“... Eh?”) 

 

"Sheryl was so shocked that she couldn't give a proper answer. He could only answer that question with a puzzled face. Akira thinks that Sheryl actually can't understand what she means by being surprised and adds an explanation to her question."

 

(“Oh, didn't you call me to do something like that? Am I wrong?”) 

 

"Sheryl was finally able to regain her composure when she saw Akira. The anger he saw at the headquarters disappeared without a trace. Akira was completely calm. She notices that Akira's behavior at headquarters is just acting. He then smiled at Akira as he felt relieved."

 

(“Well, it's true that I asked you, but I think what you're doing now is excessive murder. ”) 

 

(“I understand, I'm sorry, but can you keep up afterwards? I'm not good at handling that anyway. ”) 

 

(“I understand . So, where are we going now? ”) 

 

(“You'll see, we'll be there soon. ”) 

 

"After a while Akira stopped and pointed to a trailer. It was Katsuragi's trailer that also served as his shop that could be moved. When Akira gets there, Darris who is watching the trailer notices him and Sheryl."

 

(“Akira, are you okay?”) 

 

(“Yes, I'm fine. Although, it was a big surprise to know that 3 days had passed when I woke up. ”) 

 

(“I get it, I'm glad you're okay. ”) 

 

"Akira and Darris laughed lightly at each other. Despite the gaps in their age, abilities and social status, the two were close to each other after facing a life and death battle together."

 

(“So, do you need anything? If you come to buy something, you can go ahead and see it. ”) 

 

(“Well, I just need to discuss something with Katsuragi, so can you call him?”) 

 

(“Wait a minute here. Katsuragi !! Akira is here !! I don't know what happened but he said he wanted to talk to you. ”) 

 

"Katsuragi then appears from inside the trailer and smiles at Akira as soon as she sees him."

 

(“Akira, yes? I've heard that you fainted from exhaustion, but it seems that you did very well because you came here with a girl. So what do you need? You came here to talk to an entrepreneur, so I wouldn't listen to anything that wouldn't make me money, you know? ”) 

 

"About answering with a little provocative."

 

(“It will depend on your ability as a trader. ”) 

 

(“Then it will definitely be a profitable talk. ”) 

 

"Katsuragi smiled back at Akira."

 

"Katsuragi listened carefully and seriously to Akira's conversation. Akira's advice is, instead of bringing the relic to his shop, Katsuragi must help Sheryl's gang. Katsuragi and Akira went on to calculate the possible profit and loss they could get."

 

"There were many other places that would receive relics aside from the Hunter Office, it was because the demand for the relic was high and the advantages one could get from it were huge. Although it was only a side job for him, Katsuragi also bought relics."

 

"As for help for Sheryl's gang, it'll be fine as long as they use her name. Most merchants would look down on the people in the shantytown and raise their prices to crazy levels. So it would be helpful for Sheryl and her gang to find merchants who would not do that. Even for people from the untrustworthy slums, a word from someone like Katsuragi would help them a lot."

 

"Katsuragi knew very well about Akira's fighting ability, he then estimated the quantity and quality of the relics that Akira could bring from the ruins. And then he reduces it by the amount of money he needs to help Sheryl and her gang. After all the calculations in his brain, he still made a profit. After which, he looked at Akira with a curious look."

 

(“I still owe you. What's more, selling and buying relics can bring me money. It's true that it will bring profit. ”) 

 

(“So, do we have a deal here?”) 

 

(“Yeah, wait a minute. Before we decide that, I have a few questions. First of all, what is your relationship with that girl? ”) 

 

"Katsuragi then looked at Sheryl as if she was trying to evaluate herself. Sheryl starts to get nervous while Akira makes an honest confused look."

 

(“Why did you ask that?”) 

 

(“Why are you asking? He's the one who made you a deal with me. So, of course, it makes me want to know. Besides, you even asked me to help him and this might be a long-term deal between us, you know? So, who is he for? Just an acquaintance? A buddy? Relative? A lover? Or maybe even a wife?”) 

 

(“Look him and I grew up in a shanty town and we were close enough to bring this deal to you. But if he slows me down, I will leave him at any time. That's all there is to it. ”) 

 

(“I saw. ”) 

 

"Katsuragi tried to figure out Akira's relationship with Sheryl through her behavior, then she just put the topic aside for now."

 

(“The next issue is about relics. You know that even if you bring a relic to my store, you won't be able to get ranked, right? After all, that means you're not selling your relics to the Hunter Office, is it okay with you? ”) 

 

"Someone could only rise up the ranks by bringing relics to the Hunter Office and the other shops affiliated with them. There are Hunters who try to get ranked by only selling cheap and bad quality relics or even fake relics. There were also cases where fights broke out due to Hunters assuming the shop where they sold their relics to be affiliated with the Hunter Office."

 

"Hunter Rank is something used to determine the value of a Hunter. Even if he could profit from this deal, there was no point in causing trouble with his Hunter rank. At least that's what Katsuragi did because he knew very well how good an Akira Hunter was. That was why he needed to make sure that Akira understood this point."

 

"Then I answered back calmly."

 

(“I don't mind as long as you're going to buy expensive relics from me. Right now, I need more money than Hunter rank. If I find your price is not high enough, I will sell my relics back in the Hunter Office as usual. ”) 

 

(“I understand ... In that case, we have a deal here!”) 

"Ts: This code is the sign → (“..... ”) to show the conversation bubble."

"Katsuragi then smiled according to the merchant and sealed their deal by shaking Akira's hand. He then turned to Sheryl and reached out to shake hands. But Sheryl was confused and didn't grab her hand."

 

(“What's wrong? Won't even shake my hand, huh?”) 

 

(“M-I'm sorry. ”) 

 

"Sheryl grabbed Katsuragi's hand in a panic and shook her. But suddenly Katsuragi clutched her hand firmly, Sheryl was so shocked that she turned her gaze to Katsuragi. When she saw Katsuragi's face, Sheryl froze. He might smile but his eyes were staring intently at her."

 

(“Don't you dare betray me. ”) 

 

"It is clear that Katsuragi threatened Sheryl through her tone, her gaze, her expression and her strong grip. It's as if she's showing Sheryl what's going to happen to her if she doesn't heed her warning."

 

"People are corrupted by wealth. As a merchant, Katsuragi knew very well that. Only economic pressure can lower the threshold for such a thing to happen. That was why the price of one's life in a slum city was so cheap. With just the price of a single bullet, one could trample the lives and beliefs of others in the shantytown."

 

"When making a deal with someone from the slum city, this much bullying was indispensable. That's what Katsuragi thinks."

 

"But he went too far there. Katsuragi usually makes deals with Hunters who regularly fight monsters in the desert. So this level of intimidation was usually shown to those Hunters too much for a little girl from the slums to handle. Therefore, Sheryl trembled in fear of not being able to answer."

 

"Katsuragi understood that he was overdid as he lowered the intimidation. But suddenly Akira said."

 

(“If he gives you too much trouble, then just tell me, I'll take care of him myself. ”) 

 

(“Oh, what will you do, more precisely?”) 

 

(“I'll kill him and throw him somewhere in the desert. ”) 

 

"Sheryl shivered while Katsuragi was surprised by those words because it didn't sound like Akira was joking."

 

(“Woah, you really are an easy person, huh?”) 

 

(“We risk our lives by working in the desert, so people in the slums must also risk their lives to live. He has to understand this. And he's not a fool who thinks he can fight me. ”) 

 

(“Do you think?”) 

 

(“Nothing is certain in this world. If that's not true, I won't accept being attacked by two groups of monsters on the same day. ”) 

 

(“You can say it again. ”) 

 

"Katsuragi laughed cheerfully. He then let go of Sheryl's hand and showed her a friendly smile."

 

(“Sorry I have intimidated you, after all, there are many different types of people in this world. So I have to be careful. Put that aside, I hope we can get along well. ”) 

(“Y-yes. ”) 

 

"Sheryl tried her best to make a friendly smile but she just ended up with a crooked smile."

“Thank you” to read to the end & ask for your support. ️👜 🌹(👒) 

When Reading Please Remember the Author's Acceptance *Very.Lecsyan-Imut*..🙃