CH 264.5

“Eh!? Master~ is…… The “God of Lightning (Raijin)”?” (Tino)

Tino was dumbstruck by this unexpected information.

At the arena of the “Buteisai (Supreme Martial Arts Festival)”. Although it was frustrating, Master’s~ impostor, Kryhi Andrichhi, boasted enough power to be called 《Emperor of Lightning (Raijin)》.

To be able to master lightning spells, which are known for their difficulty in control, to such an extent made him undoubtedly a top-class spellcaster.

Initially, the moment when you are able to use lightning is proof that you are first class. If you convert it to Hunter’s Level, Level 5 would be too underrated. Users who will fall into this category Tino knows are Ark Rodin and Arnold Hale, but as far as Tino knows, Ark’s Lightning Magic was not that large-scale, and Arnold’s power was derived from his weapons. His skill is worthy of him being called 《Emperor of Lightning (Raitei)》 as he is able to continuously drop lightning over such a wide area.

On the other hand, what about the real Cry Andrich?

Master~ is strong. He is strong, kind, smart beyond what Tino can imagine, charismatic, and has a long list of accomplishments to his credit. It is no wonder that he is called the strongest young Hunter in Zebrudia, the sacred land of Treasure Hunters.

However, I have never seen him use lightning. And apparently, the one who was fighting in the arena was a body double………… I have seen him being hit by lightning though.

However, in front of the perplexed Tino, Luke Onii-sama didn’t seem to doubt that Master~ was the “God of Lightning (Raijin)”.

Luke Onii-sama is Master’s~ childhood friend. They seem to have been close friends even before they became Hunters, and the length of their relationship is incomparable to Tino’s.

That’s why normally I think that Luke Onii-sama is right――But is it possible that Luke Onii-sama has seen Master~ manipulate lightning?

Tino looked at him quizzically, but Luke Onii-sama crossed his arms and nodded his head in agreement.

“I’ve been struck by lightning for a while now, so that’s what it was……” (Luke)

Eeeeeeeh………… Is this really what happened?

Luke Onii-sama’s attitude was, as always, full of confidence. This is probably the reason why he has so many fans despite the fact that he is such a problem child that even Master~ often has a troubled look on his face. Tino is definitely a Master’s~ fan though.

However, leaving that aside――When he says this so clearly and so confidently, it seems somehow convincing, so it is really strange.

Certainly, lightning is not something that can strike you by accident. It is more natural to think that Master~ was manipulating the lightning since, normally, it may only happen once in a lifetime. In the first place, even if Master~ was struck by lightning, he always remained calm, so considering that what he said might make some kind of sense――.

As Tino was sinking into a sea of thoughts, Luke Onii-sama asked Tino as if he was seeking my agreement.

“Plus, it is freaking cool, right?” (Luke)

“Eh!? ……………… Y-Yes.” (Tino)

At his sudden and straightforward question, I reflexively blushed, looked down, and answered in a low voice.

Of course. It goes without saying that Master~ is cool, and Tino is a member of the Master~ Fan Club. I had been following him since we first met, and that was what prompted Tino to become a hunter in the first place, so there was no way I could say no.

But even taking that into account, there is no causal relationship between Master~ being awesome and being a “God of Lightning (Raijin)”. Master~ is supreme at being a god or a “God of Lightning (Raijin)”. And it seems that I will barely be able to get my betting money back.

And then Luke Onii-sama nodded in satisfaction.

“Riiight, like, attacking with the power of lightning, that’s cool as hell!” (Luke)

“!? Eh? Ah, yes. That’s right!” (Tino)

Ahhhh, I see…… It was about that…… No, I knew it. Of course, I knew, okay?

By the way, Ruda told me that Arnold, the 《Heavy Lightning Strike (Go Rai Yabusen)》, cut down a Phantom from a Level 8 Treasure Shrine into two by using the power of lightning.

Tino is fully and perfectly a Master~ fan so I am interested in Arnold as much as a stone by the side of the road, but there is no doubt about Arnold’s ability.

And since Arnold can borrow the power of lightning, there is no reason why Master~ cannot borrow the power of lightning. If Tino were a lightning spirit, I would gladly lend my power. So, I guess after all…… He is the “God of Lightning (Raijin)”?

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“Tino, you want to do it too, right!?” (Luke)

“Yes! Of course! ……………… Eh?” (Tino)

On reflexes, I nodded at his high-spirited question but then I opened my eyes widely.

Luke Onii-sama *bambam* hit Tino’s back in a good mood.

“Right! I learned something new after watching Cry! A strike containing the power of lightning――That strike was totally written in the notebook that Cry made for me a long time ago, the name of this sword is――『Lightning God Sword (Raijin Ken)』!　The me and the Tino from tomorrow will definitely be stronger than the me and the Tino from today!” (Luke)

“Eh? Eeeeeeeh?” (Tino)

D-Don’t continue the conversation by yourself! Is something that I want to say, but can’t.

Tino is at the bottom of 《Strange Grief’s (Nageki no Borei)》  hierarchy. What can I do against Luke Onii-sama, who can even make Onee-sama exasperated?

“I learned something new from what Cry said! I came up with a training menu for this. Cry’s back told me――To get the power of lightning, you just have to feel the lightning!!” (Luke)

“!?” (Tino)

You said his back talk to you…… Isn’t that just Luke Onii-sama reading too much on his own? Master~ is indeed often a demon, but even he would not tell you to bathe in lightning in order to get the power of lightning.

I let out a small sigh. A memory of a distant past――Or so it seems, but it was only a few months ago, came back to me.

“Luke Onii-sama, you do not acquire the power of lightning even if you are hit by lightning. When you are hit by lightning――You can only acquire resistance towards it. I know this, I’ve done it.” (Tino)

Running a marathon on vacation while taking lightning-inducing drugs was really tough.  It’s funny how it is a good memory now. That was nothing compared to being a frog though……

Luke Onii-sama is simple, but not stupid. If he understands from Tino’s experience that his training is a mistake, then my past experiences will not be for nothing.

Please don’t let his back talk to you and go ask him directly――.

As Tino stared at him with those thoughts in her eyes, Luke Onii-sama narrowed his eyes and said with a somewhat badass expression.

“Aaaah, that’s right. I know, I’ve done it too. But this is what I think. Isn’t it because its strength wasn’t high enough?” (Luke)

“!? Yes!?” (Tino)

“In order to yield enormous power, you need an enormous amount of power. Just like how you need to consume a large amount of Magic power to use powerful Magic! In order to become the strongest Hunter, what you need is――The strongest lightning! The energy of lightning, the power of Mother Nature, will take Tino and me to greater heights!” (Luke)

“D-Don’t draw conclusions on your own!” (Tino)

I shouted without thinking. If it had been Onee-sama, I would have been punished for sure for this tsukkomi, but Luke Onii-sama was unaffected. His eyes were shining like flames with a strong will and thirst for power.

I see, no wonder you are so good with a sword after being hit by a waterfall. Now, Luke Onii-sama――You are not going to listen to me, are you?

“The Lightning God Sword…… That was what I was lacking, a long-range attack! Kukuku…… I can already see Cry’s surprised face! And Tino――You will yield the power of lightning in your body and obtain speed that surpasses that of a human! A fist that combines the speed and the intensity of lightning――And due to its swift and lightning movement, your Alias will be………… 《Shadow Lightning (Raikage)》 !” (Luke)

“!! 《Shadow Lightning (Raikage)》 !” (Tino)

So you will just keep on going, huh, Luke Onii-sama! But I am sorry, but I plan to ask Master~ to give me my Alias…… And yes, I would be more than happy if I could get one or two words from Master’s~ own Alias.

I swallow these thoughts, which I have yet to share with anyone, and think of ways to somehow avoid getting involved in this.

“………… But…… The thing is…… If you want to train, wouldn’t it be better to train with Onee-sama? I am ashamed to say this, but I am still lacking experience.” (Tino)

“Liz is already fast enough! If we train together, you’ll never be able to catch up! This is a training I thought of, so I should be the first one to do it! Listen. This is top-secret training. We’ll reveal the story after simulating once. Liz’ll owe me this.” (Luke)

It’s not good, this man…… Is Onee-sama’s childhood friend. At this rate, I will end up scorched black.

Master~ has imprinted a little bit of the word “hold back” in Onee-sama’s dictionary, but I don’t think there is anything like that in Luke Onii-sama’s dictionary.

As Tino desperately searched for a way out, Luke Onii-sama clenched his fist tightly and said.

“Let’s both become a “God of Lightning (Raijin)” and show off to Cry! Tino, you should store lightning in your body. I’ll train so I can gather lightning in my sword. If we teach each other after we have mastered it, we can double our learning speed! Liz seems to be able to create her speed by controlling her body, but it is obvious that lightning energy is stronger than heat energy created by controlling her heart! It’s okay, I understand Tino’s concerns. You think it’s meaningless if you can’t use it without lightning, right? But even eels can generate electricity, we just need to generate it from inside us! And if you want you can learn Magic, or you can spin your hand around and around and do something like a hand-cranked generator. If you ask Sytry, I’m sure she’ll create some tools for you! The possibilities are endless! Also, it is so damn cool!” (Luke)

I have no idea what you are talking about.

My eyes were spinning, I was sweating cold sweat, and my heart was beating wildly.

I ruminated over the words I barely heard in my confusion.

“Show off…… I’ll show off to Master~? I’ll show it off?” (Tino)

A level 8 Hunter who quickly rose to glory. Did Tino ever have anything to show off to such a person?

Master~ is strong. He is strong, kind, smart beyond Tino’s imagination, charismatic, and has a long list of accomplishments to his credit. The only thing Tino has over him is the amount of debt.

“That’s right! We’ll show it off. And we’ll tell the world that we are the “God of Lightning (Raijin)”! We’ll be――”Gods of Lightning (Raijin)”! And Tino will also be clear to go to Treasure Shrines with us! That’s right………… With one more person, attacks will be more spread out, so we can go to even more intense Treasure Shrines!” (Luke)

“Master and I, together, in a Treasure Shrine……” (Tino)

That is an excellent idea. Of course, this assumes that Tino is capable of keeping up with the Treasure Shrines that Master~ is conquering, but if we can conquer Treasure Shrines together, it will be a wonderful experience and it will become a wonderful memory. Besides, there will be a bond that will be deepened by going through deadly places together.

This is Tino’s dream, which has not disappeared even though I have been beaten down by so many trials and have been disciplined by Onee-sama.

“That’s right! And if Tino learns swordsmanship, she’ll be the best! Because Liz doesn’t use a sword! I bet there is no swordsman who has ever slain a lightning-fast Thief who has mastered the sword! And of course, Tino is the only Thief who can move at lightning speed and use a sword! Cry will be impressed too! He’ll shower you with high praise!” (Luke)

“!! That Master~ will…… Shower me with high praise!?” (Tino)

That’s………… Completely unimaginable. That Master~, who has smashed his enemies, Clan Members, and Tino to the bottom, regardless of who he is dealing with and wherever he is, will praise me unreservedly――.

That, Master~ who has a habit of saying “The trial hasn’t started yet (Liberal translation)”, will praise me?

Maybe he will hug me and pat my head and go on a date with me…… I can get those things?

“With a little training, not only can you become the “God of Lightning (Raijin)”, you will also surprise Cry. Tino, are you up for it?” (Luke)

“Uh…… I………… I’ll do it!” (Tino)

“All right, then let’s get Lucia to shoot out lightning as soon as possible――” (Luke)

Hearing those words, Tino came back to her senses just barely in time.

Lucia…… Lucia Onee-sama!? If Lucia Onee-sama, who is known as one of the best Magi in the capital, were to use lightning magic on me――The current me might turn into charcoal, don’t you think?

The amount of excitement in his words is too high. Is his passion enhanced by Mana Material? It is frightening in a different sense than Sytry Onee-sama who is rational and who does not allow counterarguments.

I take a deep breath and calm my mind. My head cooled down and my composure returned.

Or rather, in the first place, isn’t Master~ the “God of Lightning (Raijin)”?

That man, Kryhi Andrichhi, seems to be the type of person to make a lot of assumptions, so isn’t it some kind of mistake?

Also Luke Onii-sama, electric eels are not actual eels.

And by the way, Tino isn’t an eel, and of course, isn’t an electric eel either.

That’s when Lucia Onee-sama entered the room. With a sullen and grumpy expression, she holds a familiar staff in her hand.

Maybe because she hears Tino’s conversation from outside the room, the first thing she does is to clear things up.

“I will never cast it, alright? ………… And if I did it anyway, it would just fall on Nii-san or Anthem-san. Seriously, you are so easily influenced――” (Lucia)

“It’s alright, I’ll hold hands with Cry and Anthem.” (Lucia)

Well, that’s a nice idea. But be that as it may, I think Luke Onii-sama should stop saying weird things with such a serious expression.

“What happened for you to have that staff?” (Tino)

Lucia Onee-sama was holding a staff. It was the staff that Kryhi Andrichhi used.

In response to Tino’s question, Lucia Onee-sama sighs heavily and says in a melancholy voice.

“Nii-san――Leader pushed it to me. I told him I didn’t want it, but he told me “I don’t need it. Lucia should keep it as she isn’t good at controlling lightning――”.” (Lucia)

“………… Eh……?” (Tino)

『I』 don’t need it? 『Lucia』 is not good at controlling lightning?

……………… Don’t tell me Master~…… You are the “God of Lightning (Raijin)”?

“It is not my control that is bad! I can’t hit because! Nii-san! Is the one who attracts it! Moooh!” (Lucia)

“Ahhhh, I wonder if there is a trick to attracting lightning. I can still understand Anthem’s case since he is big…… I should ask Cry about that.” (Luke)

“Every time you ask me why I can’t use Lightning Magic, do you know how troubled I get! Nii-san, do you know! Nii-san!! It is not that I can’t use it! I can use it! I can use it, but it will fall on you, Nii-san, so I don’t use it! I don’t like it! Do you know how hard Syt had to work to make a lightning-inducing drug as a countermeasure for that! Do you even know! Do you! Do you!1 Don’t be shocked at every little thing! I am the one who is shocked!” (Lucia)

………………… Yosh, for the time being, Master~ is God.

When I declared that in my heart like I was reminding myself of that fact, I quietly left the room before getting caught up by Lucia Onee-sama, who was taking it out on a stuffed animal, and Luke Onii-sama.