Chapter 76: Labyrinth dragnet part four

Werent you going to catch Stepping Man? Well, doing regular work like this is a big help to us so its not like Im complaining.

Nick was in Manhunt, filling up paperwork in the receptionists counter, while the pierced receptionist grinned as she checked the scoundrels identities. Some of them were repeated offenders of extortion, so while they were not worth much, they did have bounties on their heads.

Identity check complete That will be eighty thousand dinar in total.

Oh? Not bad.

Tianna let out a mufufu laugh as she stroked the gold coins, and put them in the partys wallet.

People that only go for high bounties dont last long. Look at Scott over there, hes an idiot, but hes good, and he makes good money too.

The pierced woman looked towards the door as it opened and Scott was coming in.

He had two swords hanging from his waist as he did before. He probably didnt notice Nick and the others, and sat down with his partner and started chatting.

Nick observed him, while trying to be discreet.

Well He doesnt look weak.

Really?

Tianna responded while making no attempt to hide her doubts.

Youll know if you see his gait. He uses something weird like twin swords, and he has a solid built body. You dont want to fight someone like that

Really? I guess I wont know until I see it.

You never know what these high rank adventurers are doing. Thats how you get weirdos like Stepping Man.

I see

The rest of Survivors followed Tiannas gaze towards Scott, who was chatting with his partner.

Ou, Scott, whats wrong?

Ah, Pate. Nothing.

Hn? Youre dirty Wait, are you hurt?

Its no big deal.

Scott rubbed his right hand. It was bruised.

Oh?

What is it Karan?

When we were fighting Stepping Man Didnt you kick his arm

The bruise in Scotts arm had the shape of the bottom of a boot.

Nick fell silent, and listened to Scotts conversation.

Dont get careless Scott. Bounty hunters are easy to hate.

T-thats not it.

Then did you get into a fight? Geez, didnt you get in trouble the other day too?

Lets just talk about work.

It seemed Scott didnt want to talk about this, and forcibly stopped the conversation.

It was as though he was feeling guilty about something.

Isnt that suspicious?

Its so suspicious it turns back around to not being suspicious.

Said Tianna, to which Nick waved his hand sideways in an exaggerated way.

I mean, you said twin sword users were weirdos or something right?

Dont twist what I said.

Hmm He doesnt seem like the type to use non-showy and full on practical magic like Diamond Shield.

People are not always what they seem.

What do you think Bond?

It is hard to tell.

As Nick and the others talked, Scott noticed Survivors.

Scott and the others started moving awkwardly. Was Scott feeling awkward about picking a fight before? It did not seem they wanted to show themselves to Survivors.

Ah, theyre gone.

Hmm, how awkward.

Said Karan, to which Nick mumbled with a sour expression.

Whats wrong Nick?

Theres a higher than zero chance that hes Stepping Man We should gather more information before reaching a conclusion.

Said Nick, and he looked towards the receptionist again.

So, do you know anything?

You people are our biggest source of information.

So nothing then.

Ive been hearing about footsteps being heard at night when no one is around, and how you saved kids from being kidnapped, so people are finally starting to realize there really is a pervert like Stepping Man around. A lot of people have been itching to hear from you.

The pierced woman signaled with her eyes to behind Nick and the others, and a woman with glasses was running towards them with a happy look on her face.

Everyone! How are you doing!?

Stepping Man got away from us and we were caught by you.

Now, now, dont talk about me like Im a kidnapper. And by the way, whats that?

Olivia looked at the captured men.

One of them smacked his lips, feeling not too happy about being treated as that, but Olivia paid no attention to him.

Oh, this just sort of happened.

Youre full fledged bounty hunters now arent you Anyway, do you have more clues now that youve met him again?

Yes.

Nick nodded, and told her where he appeared and where he ran.

How did he run away?

Mu

Karan looked awkward, probably because he ran away after her Fire Breath didnt hit him.

Its not your fault.

I guess, but

If he was easy to capture, people wouldnt call him Stepping Man. And we managed to stop him from kidnapping that kid. Im hungry, lets get something to eat.

Nick pat Karans head.

Geez, youre messing up my hair!

Karan slapped Nicks hand away, and turned away, so as not to let him see her face.

Sorry sorry.

Hey hey, stop flirting, we need to talk.

Said Tianna, and they moved to an empty table.

Olivia spread out a map, and Bond took out a pen from his pocket.

He appeared here this time. And his escape route Was this.

Hohou!

Olivia sounded impressed.

Bonds senses were excellent, and Stepping Mans escape route was put down in more detail than before.

Marvelous!

Well, from this point forward he started curving and turning back, probably to give the slip to any pursuers But if not

Bonds pen pointed to the abandoned area.

Good job Bond!

That hurts. Can you not hold back at all!?

Tianna slapped Bond on the back.

I still have some concerns. First, do you remember his face, build, or voice?

We couldnt really see his face.

And the rest?

Well Oh?

Nick started speaking, but realized something.

His image of him was always a blur. He had the impression he was a man, but did not know if his voice was high or low pitched, if he was fat or thin, and couldnt remember any characteristics.

It was as though there was a fog on his memory.

I dont really remember.

Yes. It seems either the bewitching effect was not completely broken, or the intended effect was to cause something akin to prosopagnosia in the first place.

Pro-sopa-gno-sia.

Karan repeated Bonds words with a question mark hovering on her head.

Basically, it means you do not quite know who someone is, even if you look at their face If you do not know what Stepping Man is like, it means you are highly unlikely to know if you have even passed by him on the street.

What a pain.

It probably is a magic item. If he could use such advanced magic, he probably could also use more gruesome spells.

A magic item It would be great if it had some weak point. I wish we knew someone that knows about this sort of stuff.

Magic items? You do know someone.

Grumbled Nick, and Tianna suddenly responded.

Eh? Who?

You know. You visited him a while back.

The word visit made Nick realize who she was talking about.

Ah, Leon

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