Kays Translations

Chapter 29: The Villainous Aristocrat Becomes a Hunter

After wandering through the forest for two hours, our Class S finally found the perfect camping spot.

It was on a hillside, and there was a river nearby where it had rained recently.

Judging by the looks of it, there seemed to be fish in the river, so we wouldn't have any trouble finding food.

Just in case, we had brought some portable rations in case we couldn't find any food. Well, it seemed like that precaution was unnecessary now.

Each of us set up the tents we had prepared and established our base.

"Mm. Kunou-kun, where's your tent?"

"I set it up. Over there."

Kotori asked after I had finished setting up the tent, so I pointed to the spot.

In response, Kotori's eyes softened.

It was an incredibly warm gaze, as if she was looking at a pitiable child.

"Mm. Kunou-kun, you look tired. You should rest."

"No, it's not that. I'm not seeing hallucinations or anything."

I tried to explain earnestly. However, Kotori's gentle gaze remained unchanged.

"Huh? What's going on?"

"Hey, stop chatting. Is the tent set up or not?"

"Mm. Kunou-kun said he's tired."

Kotori said something casual to Sid and Viola.

I tried to explain to them as well, but as soon as they saw the empty space, their expressions softened just like Kotori's.

"Geez, if you're tired, you should have said so."

"Did you hydrate? It's not too hot yet, but people have different tolerances. Learn to take care of yourself."

"No, that's not it!! I'm telling you, it's really there!! Look!!"

I grabbed the empty space and pulled it forcefully.

“"!!?"”

"Mm. This is incredible."

"Enchanting magic...it's our family's lineage magic. It allows me to enchant magic onto objects. This is an application of light magic, refracting light to make it seem like there's nothing here. If I were to name it... Ta-da-da-da! Transparent Tent!"

"As expected of Kunou-sama!! Amazing!! With this, even monsters won't be able to find you!!"

Eleanor, who had somehow finished setting up her tent, praised me.

However, she noticed something and tilted her head.

"But, Kunou-sama, if only your tent is transparent and others can still see everyone else's, wouldn't it be pointless..."

"Alright, next up is gathering food!!"

"Mm. Kunou-kun, you fooled them."

Shut up, Kotori. Be quiet for a moment.

Even I had a moment like "ah" in the middle of making it, you know.

But once you start, it's so much fun you can't stop.

I forcefully diverted the conversation and urged them to decide on the next course of action.

"Mm. I want to go fishing. I brought fishing rods. I have two of them."

"Oh, I want to try too!!"

"Mm. Then let's go together, Noa Noa."

"Just fishing might not be enough to gather food for everyone. Your Highness, I will collect nuts. Sid, help me."

"Don't order me around, Viola!! ...So, which direction are we heading?"

Each of them started their activities.

Upon seeing this, Felsy chanted and activated some kind of magic.

Around Felsy, crystal-like ice floated, following the members of Class S.

"Sister, what are you doing?"

"These ice crystals have a visual function; I can share my sight with them. It's dangerous if everyone goes in different directions, so I'm using this magic to keep track of everyone."

"Wow, you're quite skilled."

"By the way, it looks like everyone has gone, but what about you, Kunou-kun?"

I placed my hand on my chin, deep in thought.

Kotori was fishing, and Viola and Sid were gathering nuts.

"...I guess I'll hunt animals."

"Animals?"

"Hehehe, I have a little secret weapon. I don't want to use it in front of others, so being alone is fortunate for me."

I took out the components I had hidden at the bottom of my backpack and started assembling them.

I actually secretly brought a magic bag secretly, so I could have pre-assembled it and stored it in there.

But using a magic bag was strictly prohibited in this class, and I didn't want anyone to see me using it just in case. 

Even if Felsy was a student council member, I definitely didn't want my family members catching me cheating.

Bringing and storing it in my backpack was the right decision.

As I thought about this, I continued assembling the parts.

During this process, Fercy stared at me with great interest.

Doing this reminded me of the times back in the Dorana territory.

Fercy and Wendy used to watch me work from both sides, and it was adorable.

Wendy would be joining the academy next year, and I was looking forward to it from now on.

Lost in these thoughts, I completed the device.

"Kunou-kun, what's this?"

"It's a weapon called a gun."

Well, since I couldn't get my hands on gunpowder, it's technically a magic gun, with explosive magic applied to the bottom of the bullets.

When you pull the trigger, magic flows in, activating the explosive magic attached to the bottom of the bullet inside the barrel.

The design is simple, but I put a lot of effort into rifling, so it's relatively accurate when aimed properly.

With this, hunting wild animals shouldn't be too difficult.

"I trust Sister to keep it a secret, but please, don't tell anyone else. It's a dangerous weapon if it becomes known."

"O-oh, I see. I understand, I won't tell anyone, so rest assured."

Felsy nodded as she said that. My sister truly is the cutest.

I left the campsite and ventured further into the forest.

I really wanted to roam around on a bike or a magical tank efficiently hunting for prey, but the forest was teeming with academy students right now.

When it came to the gun, I could deceive someone who didn't know how to use it, say it's a custom-made magic wand or something. But vehicles were a big no. 

I couldn't come up with a good excuse if I were caught.

So, I wandered through the forest for a while, searching for potential prey.

"Oh, that's a good-sized wild bird. It would look delicious skewered... *drools*"

The prey was selected.

I aimed the gun, focusing on a bird perched in a tree.

This gun was single-shot, requiring reloading from the rear of the barrel after each shot.

There was a suppressor attached to the muzzle, so the firing sound wouldn't echo too much, but the reloading took time due to the structure.

In other words, I didn't want to miss it.

"Phew, phew."

I regulated my breathing.

The weight of the gun steadied my trembling arms as I pulled the trigger with a firm click.

―― *Bang*!!!! Thud.

Almost simultaneously with the sound, the bird perched in the tree fell to the ground.

There was a considerable distance, but it was a perfect sniper shot.

"Hehe! Maybe I'm cut out for being a sniper!!"

I felt like I was in *Golgo 13*.

To prepare the bird for cooking, I made a small cut on its neck with a knife and soaked it in the river water to let the blood drain out.

While the blood was draining, I continued searching for more prey in the forest.

"Alright, with this much, everyone should be able to eat their fill. It's time to head back to the campsite."

There were a total of four birds, a decent amount of meat.

However, as I started walking back towards the campsite, I heard someone's scream.

I immediately sprinted in the direction of the scream.

"Hey, what the hell are you doing!"

In my view, I saw Marialiese fighting off three wolf-like monsters that had surrounded her.

It was more like a shout of anger than a scream.

"These damn mutts!!! How dare they underestimate us humans!! I'll beat them to a pulp!!"

Because of her heightened emotions, Marialiese was shouting in Japanese, her words echoing in the air. 

Frankly, it was incredibly powerful and quite intimidating.

However, the wolf-like monsters were coordinating, attempting to overwhelm Marialiese. They skillfully dodged Marialiese's magical attacks.

"This won't end well if it continues like this... Where are the others from her group and the supervisor even doing?"

There was no point in complaining.

I aimed the gun and took down one of the wolf-like monsters with a headshot.

"!?!"

While Marialiese's eyes widened, I shot and killed the other wolf-like monster.

The remaining one tried to flee, but Marialiese seized the opportunity and incinerated it with her fire magic.

I stopped hiding and revealed myself in front of Marialiese.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"It's you, Kunou-san, isn't it? I'm really grateful. But what the hell was that?! A gun?!!"

"I made it using my lineage magic. Oh, don't tell anyone around here, alright? If you do, it's a headshot."

"Scary! I won't say anything, so don't point it at me!!"

It seemed I could have a casual conversation with her without any need for pretense.

"So, what are you doing out here? Where are the others from your group?"

"Ah, about that. I-I'm not with anyone."

"What?"

I couldn't believe my ears.

"S-So, you see, I couldn't form a group with anyone. The supervisor also disappeared somewhere. Well, you know, I'm alone."

"...Well, considering what your brother did, it's not entirely unexpected."

"That's what I'm saying!! What am I supposed to do?!"

"All I can say is, hang in there..."

Marialize slammed the ground in frustration.

I wanted to do something, but unfortunately, I had no power here.

Now, what could be done...?

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