We are now in the golden era of hunters.
Across the capital of Sylvean, dungeons and relics defined power, and countless adventurers rose and fell chasing glory. Among these rising stars stood one man who despite his odd reputation outshone them all.
His name was Hiro Ludin, the Lazy Trickster.
This is the tale of how that man somehow became the leader of the top-ranked clan Blazing Dawn and the party that shook the capital.
"Well, Eden, I have to go," I said, stretching my arms as I stood up from my seat. "I've got important things to take care of."
Eden tilted his head. "Already? The ceremony just ended."
"Yeah, I'm done for the day."
I turned toward the other two. "Oh, Ruby, Mr. George it was nice meeting you. Hope to see you again if our paths ever cross."
"Y-Yes! See you later!" both said at the same time, voices overlapping awkwardly.
I gave a small wave. "Later, Ed."
"Yeah, later," Eden replied, his usual lazy grin on his face.
As I walked toward the exit, my system's voice chimed in.
> [System: Why did you cause that brawl down there?]
"Well, I just felt like it," I muttered. "It was the fastest way to end the ceremony."
> [System: You really are a trickster.]
"I take that as a compliment," I said with a grin, pushing open the back door. The cold night air greeted me.
The moon hung high, silver light spilling across the rooftops. "Wow… the moon's out," I said quietly. "Guess I'll just head home. I'm exhausted."
---
Next Day — Blazing Dawn Headquarters
"Hiro! What did you do yesterday to cause the entire ceremony hall to explode?!"
That voice belonged to none other than Eve Roundy, my assistant and technically the vice leader of the Dawn. But in practice, she handled everything I didn't want to do. Which was… basically everything.
"Morning, Eve," I greeted lazily as I sipped from my cup of coffee.
"Don't 'morning' me!" she shouted. "Do you even realize how much paperwork I had to handle because of you?!"
"Sorry…" I muttered, eyes drifting away.
Eve sighed, rubbing her temples. "The Hunter Association wants to see you right now."
"Already? I just woke up."
"Yes. Right now."
I groaned, sinking into my chair. "This is going to be a pain. I bet it's another 'meeting' just to assign me some random quest. If I don't go, you'll keep pestering me, won't you?"
Eve folded her arms. "Exactly."
"Fine, fine. I'm going." I stood up and stretched. "See you later, Vice Leader."
"Don't call me that like it's a joke!" she yelled as I left.
---
Hunter Association Headquarters
"Hello? Anyone here?" I called as I entered the front hall.
"Ah, Mr. Hiro! The chairman said you could come inside when you arrive," the receptionist replied politely.
I nodded and made my way into the office. The moment I stepped through the door, I slid to my knees dramatically and bowed low.
"I'm so, so sorry for what happened! I'm ready to pay for all the damages!" I shouted.
The massive man sitting behind the desk looked down at me with visible annoyance. Mark Wilson, the chairman of the regional Hunter Association. A scar ran from his cheek to his jaw a man who looked like he'd fought an army and won.
"Stop holding onto my leg, Hiro!" he barked, trying to shake me off.
"Please, have mercy!" I cried, clinging tighter.
> [System: You have no shame.]
"Shut up," I muttered under my breath. "And help me out here!"
Then I spotted someone standing near Mark his assistant and one of my few allies here. I waved desperately. "Big Sis! Help me beg him!"
"Hiro, it's okay," she said softly. "Mark, please forgive him just this once."
Mark groaned. "You're way too soft on him. That's why he keeps causing trouble."
"I know," she said with a sigh. "But he's useful when he's serious."
Mark scratched his chin. "Hmm. Fine. But we can't let him off without a punishment."
I froze. "Punishment?"
Mark smirked. "You'll take a quest. Right now."
"Ah… crap," I muttered before realizing I said it aloud.
Mark's eyes narrowed. "What did you just say?"
"Nothing! Nothing at all!" I quickly said, forcing a smile.
He gestured toward the quest board. "Go pick one. And don't you dare pick something below your level again."
I walked toward the board and scanned the quests. Most were five-star and four-star missions way too dangerous and too much work. Then, in the corner, I spotted a lonely three-star quest.
"I'll take this one," I said, plucking it off the board.
Mark sighed. "You never change."
Big Sis smiled gently. "Alright. But make sure you finish it this time, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am! Thanks, Big Sis! Bye, Mark-chan!" I said before dashing out the door before they could change their minds.
Mark stared after me. "He's still the same as ever."
"He won't change no matter what," Big Sis said, shaking her head.
"I just hope he finishes that quest… We were about to remove it from the list," Mark muttered.
---
Outside, I stretched my arms and yawned. "Finally free."
But before I could relax, a familiar voice shouted from behind.
"Master! I won the competition and got the ring!"
I turned around. There was Mia Blade, smiling brightly and waving.
"Good job," I said with a small grin. "Actually, that reminds me I've got something for you."
Mia tilted her head. "Something for me?"
"Yeah." I crossed my arms. "How do you feel about… joining a training program that involves clearing a dungeon?"
Her expression froze. "Nope!"
She spun around to run, but I snapped my fingers. "Slime-chan, get her!"
A small blue slime appeared and bounced toward her, wrapping its gooey body around her legs.
"Master, please release me!" Mia pleaded, squirming.
"Sorry, can't do that," I said. "You have to do the job for me."
"But I'm only a four-star! There's no way I can handle a Search Party mission alone!"
"Don't worry," I said reassuringly. "I've already made arrangements. I formed a party for you. All you have to do is lead them into the dungeon and find the missing people. Bring them back, and you're done."
"That's not 'easy' at all!" Mia protested.
"Don't worry, Mia-chan. I'm counting on you," I said with a teasing smile.
Her eyes began to tear up. "Nooo… I don't want to…"
"So you don't want to help your big brother?" I said dramatically, pretending to cry.
Her resolve broke instantly. "Fine! I'll do it! Just don't cry!" she shouted.
I smirked. "That's my girl. What a good little sister you are."
> [System: Trickster Level +1]