There's a legend about a king named Arthur. He was just a wandering nobody at first, but one day, he stumbled upon a magical sword that changed his life. Like every other clichéd fairytale, he used that sword to defeat the Demon Lord from the Demon Realm that had invaded the land. And as the hero who saved the Western Continent, he was crowned the Hero King.
Of course, the story is true. Arthur is called a legend because his legacy still impacts the world, even centuries after his death.
It's been several centuries since his passing. The statue of Arthur, the King of Knights, stands proudly in the courtyard of the Human Realm's palace, always well-maintained and respected. On the other hand, the Eastern Continent remains uninhabitable due to the corruption caused by monster blood. The mutated plants there have made most of the land unsuitable for farming or settlement. That's why, even though King Arthur defeated the Demon King, the Eastern Continent remains a wasteland. A boundary between the East and West still exists.
Now, human civilization is progressing, but not too dramatically. Trade routes are well-maintained thanks to newly constructed roads. Magic-based train technology has just been launched for public use. All of this progress is largely due to the current leader of the Round Tables—a just and fair individual elected by the people—leading the Human Realm toward a golden age.
The Human Realm no longer recognizes the concept of a monarchy, as only one person ever deserved the title of king: Arthur. Since his death, the Human Realm has been governed by the Round Tables, an assembly of 150 individuals. Every ten years, the people elect one among them to lead.
And no, I'm not one of them.
I'm also not the reincarnation of King Arthur. For those starting to make wild guesses, let me clear it up—I'm just an unlucky guy stuck working in the Hunter Association.
Oh, right, I haven't explained what hunters are yet. Hunters are essentially mercenaries or hired soldiers. Their status is beneath that of the Round Tables. In other words, no matter how incredible you are as a hunter, you're far from being considered respectable. But once you're part of the Round Tables, you'll be honored—even if you do absolutely nothing.
This is my story about my encounter with a woman aiming to become part of the Round Tables and how I, someone who knows the darker side of the Round Tables, got involved.
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A female S-class hunter suddenly barged into the coordinator's office.
Raymond barely glanced at her before returning to the important documents spread across his desk.
Feeling ignored, the hunter slammed her hand on the coordinator's desk. It wasn't exactly hard—by hunter standards—but it was enough to demand attention.
"What is it, Hunter Aveline?"
"You know who I am, coordinator? Then why are you ignoring me? I'm an S-class hunter!" Aveline pouted, glaring at Raymond.
"Of course I know you, Hunter Aveline. But didn't you fail to make an appointment first? I'm busy, so leave."
"Just this once, coordinator! You're the only person I can trust."
For the first time, Aveline set aside her famously high pride.
"So, what is it, Hunter Aveline?"
"It might sound unbelievable, coordinator..." Aveline hesitated, unsure if she was making the right decision. She remembered Raymond as a good person, especially during the world's darkest days.
"Just say it. I don't have all day." Raymond waited, hoping this would actually be something serious.
"I'm a returner!"
"What? What nonsense is this, Aveline? Do you think this world is a novel? Get out! I don't have time for this kind of talk."
"Wait… I'm serious, coordinator."
"Yeah, yeah. We've had plenty of hunters here claiming to be returners. It's always just a joke."
"But I really am, coordinator…"
"No, now leave my office, Aveline!"
"But—"
"I'm busy."
"Fine, I'll come back another time."
"Please don't come back."
"What?"
"Just leave!"
But contrary to Raymond's hopes, the crazy woman returned the very next day...