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.
[Chapter 20 Begins]
Hiro Ludin, who had barely escaped the last fight, was now crouched behind Mia and her team. The wolf-like monsters were still disoriented, clawing at their faces as the thick smoke irritated their eyes. Their guttural snarls echoed in the cavern, bouncing off the walls like a threat waiting to pounce again.
"Mia! Over here, come here now!" Hiro shouted, trying to sound composed even though he had just chugged three bottles of low-grade healing potions like a man drowning in debt. His hands trembled, but his voice carried just enough authority or desperation to make it convincing.
"Y-Yes, coming!" Mia replied immediately, her steps wobbly but focused entirely on him.
"All of you, into that tunnel!" Hi-ro Ludin ordered, pointing toward a narrow path leading deeper underground. It wasn't even a plan it was the only direction that didn't have fangs, claws, and murder waiting.
They didn't question him. Survival instincts beat intelligence every time.
Hiro Ludin stayed at the rear, panting heavily as he pushed the group forward.
"Move faster! At that pace, we'll get caught!" Billy yelled, half-panicked, half trying to look brave.
"She's injured, you idiot!" Ruby snapped, her glare sharp enough to slice him. "If you can't carry her, then shut up and run!"
The tunnel walls rumbled from the monsters roaring behind them. Dust fell from the ceiling, and small stones clattered to the floor.
Hiro Ludin stumbled again, his legs barely functioning. His stamina bar blinked red so violently it felt like it was mocking him.
"This is so unfair…" he groaned, clutching his ribs.
Then a sudden whistling sound.
A spear shot through the smoke like a bolt of death, aimed straight at Mia's back.
"Mia, down!"
But before she could react, Hiro Ludin's foot slipped on a loose stone. He flopped forward like a sack of potatoes, hitting the ground face-first.
The spear slammed into him instead then bounced away in a burst of blue light.
> [Slime-chan Safety Defense: 17 uses remaining.]
"Master! You saved me!" Mia gasped, eyes sparkling with gratitude.
"...Huh?" Hiro Ludin blinked. "Oh! uh, yeah. Totally meant to do that."
He had absolutely no idea what happened. One second he was falling, the next he wasn't dead. Nothing new.
"So that's why Hiro Ludin was running slowly," Ruby said softly. "He was protecting us."
"What?!" Hiro Ludin shouted. "No, I tripped! A rock betrayed me! That's all!"
But no one listened. Heroism was more believable than his clumsiness.
They kept running deeper into the tunnel.
Hiro Ludin huffed, his lungs burning.
His system chimed in his head:
> [As you can see, your physical performance is below average.]
"As you can see," Hiro Ludin snapped aloud, "I am running at full speed here!"
> [Incorrect. You are moving like a sedated turtle.]
"Oh really? Then how about you come out and run for me?!"
> [User hostility detected. Emotional instability: high.]
"Shut up!"
He felt his legs wobble. One more step and he'd drop dead. Literally this time.
"Guys!" Hiro Ludin called out. "We can stop now they're not chasing us!"
Truth: he couldn't move anymore.
He was one breath away from passing out. His bones felt like cheap furniture held together with glue.
The others slowed down.
"We made it…" Mr. George sighed, leaning on his sword.
"You saved us, Hiro," Billy said, relief in his voice.
"...Me?" Hiro blinked. "Uh… yeah. Of course. I planned everything from the start."
They nodded reverently.
In reality, Hiro had just shouted "run" and sent them into a tunnel he didn't even check for danger.
"What kind of idiot am I…" he muttered.
They stood in silence for a moment, catching their breath. Dripping water echoed softly, the cool air calming their nerves.
"Mia!" Hiro called suddenly.
"Yes, Master?" she straightened, eager for instructions.
But Ruby stepped forward first.
"Hiro, Mia led us here. She even defeated a monster before you arrived. Without her, we wouldn't be standing right now."
Billy nodded. "She followed the map you gave her."
"The what now?" Hiro squinted.
His system chimed.
> [Remember when you were drawing the Frostfang Den layout 'to analyze' it?]
"…You mean when I was doodling nonsense so I wouldn't fall asleep?"
> [Correct. Mia picked it up from the table after you threw it away.]
Hiro Ludin froze. "She used THAT?"
> [Indeed. Miraculously, your nonsense doodle matched the actual tunnel structure.]
Hiro covered his face. "This world runs on pure chaos."
Ruby smiled faintly. "Maybe your instincts aren't as lazy as you say."
"Don't ruin my reputation," Hiro muttered, though he didn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips.
They finally reached a resting chamber a hollow area lit by dim blue Mana crystals embedded in the walls. The glow was faint but warm, giving them a moment of peace.
Everyone slumped to the floor.
Mia sat with her back against a stone, breathing softly. George wiped sweat from his brow. Ruby cleaned her daggers. Billy collapsed like a dying animal.
Hiro, despite everything, stared at them quietly.
Even though he didn't mean to be a hero… seeing them alive felt strangely good.
His system chimed again:
> [Warning — Life force reduced.]
[Slime-chan's artifact draining energy.]
[User advised to rest immediately.]
Hiro Ludin raised his hand and stared.
A faint blue glow pulsed beneath his skin before fading.
"Yeah… figures," he whispered. "Even my wins come with debt."
He leaned back against the wall, a tired grin tugging at his lips.
"The Lazy Trickster, huh? Kinda fits."
And for once… he didn't hate the title.