HELL MODE: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing (ヘルモード ～やり込み好きのゲーマーは廃設定の異世界で無双する～ はじまりの召喚士)

8 YEARS OLD

LATE DECEMBER

How scrumptious. What sort of meat is in this?

Horned rabbit meat. Allen hunted them!

Oh? I'd expect nothing less from Rodin's son.

Speaking of, I hear that Krena Village has successfully met their quota of 20 great boars.

That's great news.

No surprise. I never doubted Dad for a second.

Then why haven't we had any for dinner this year?

Great boar used to be a highlight of our winter meals.

Good point. Did they all get sent to the royal capital?

The King was the one who ordered we hunt more, after all.

Don't be selfish, son.

Sorry...

Harsh!

It's crazy to think serfs eat more meat than the son of a noble.

Still, it's unfortunate we don't have any boar meat to serve.

It will put a damper on the new year's festivities.

Yes, well, there's not much we can do.

Hey, Allen?

Yes?

Hunt a white deer next time, would you?

Elder brother! You have to go through me to give Allen orders!

What is she, my talent agent?

Thomas, you silly boy. That's a tall order for Allen.

Very well.

I shall hunt you a white deer.

Hooray!

White deer, eh? Pretty sure it's a C-rank monster just like the boars.

And I love me a challenge!

HUNTSMAN

Did you find what I asked you to?

Bingo!

I've seen them from a distance before, but white deer are huge up close.

Hopper squad, you're up!

Use Provoke!

Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit.

Okay, return!

Now!

Hopper squad, do it again!

Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit.

Return!

Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit.

Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit.

Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit.

Nailed it!

The key to being a Summoner is knowing how to abuse your summons!

Now, meet your maker!

M-monster at the gates!

Wh-what the heck?

How did it even get in here?!

Take me to...

Master Thomas...

The monster can talk?!

Ugh, this weighs a ton!

I went hunting for Master Thomas. This white deer is for him.

M-my goodness!

Wow, a white deer!

Amazing...

Look, Mother! Now we have something special to serve at the new year's party!

Yes, I suppose we do.

Thank you, Allen!

You're most welcome.

This oversized pain in the butt totally isn't worth the 2,500 EXP that it gives.

I'm never hunting one again!

Tell me, Sebas. Are we certain he has no talent?

Because I don't understand how an eight year old can hunt C-rank monsters like this.

You must reinvestigate immediately.

Yessir.

Huntsman?

That's right. In light of your recent accomplishments,

we've decided to assign you a new position.

The huntsman has two duties:

First, hunting monsters to provide food for the family.

And second, rescuing townsfolk from any monster attacks.

Basically, a hunter employed by the baron.

Wow.

So, like, I can just go hunting for monsters every day and call it work?

Of course, we don't expect you to do it for free.

You will receive 100 silver coins, which is double your current monthly wage.

I see.

They'd rather give me a fixed salary instead of paying per monster like they did before.

Since a white deer is definitely worth more than 100 silver coins.

Hm? Not to your liking?

No! It sounds great!

This is the best deal I could ask for!

All I have to do is hunt enough monsters to provide the necessary meat,

then I'm free to spend the rest of my time farming goblins!

Man! I'm practically drooling at the thought!

I understand. I'll gladly take on the title of huntsman.

I'll get started tomorrow...

Hold it. Nobody said you would work every day.

Huh?

Naturally, you must also continue being Lady Cecil's manservant.

Not to mention your waiter duties. You will only need to work as a huntsman once a week or so.

Okay...

Your feelings are always written on your face.

I can just shelve this whole idea if you find it so upsetting.

N-no, sir!

I shall humbly carry out all my duties.

Aw crap! I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth!

MARCH OF THE NEW YEAR

That's his ship!

It's quite a sight to behold up close.

I get that it's powered by magic stones, but what exactly makes it float?

Don't let it slip that I baked him cookies, okay?

I want him to be surprised!

But of course, milady.

Elder Brother!

Hey, Cecil!

Welcome back, Mihai!

How have you been?

I've been great! Except for how much I missed you!

So, is that good or bad?

You broke your promise to come visit during summer vacation.

You're right. I'm sorry.

Well, they seem to get along well.

Given that he started attending the Academy last year, he must be turning 14 soon.

But he looks older than that.

Allow me to take your luggage, milord.

You must be one of the newer servants.

Yes. I have been serving the family since last fall.

My name is Allen.

He's doing double duty as manservant and huntsman!

Wow! At such a young age?

I can tell you must be very gifted, Allen!

Not at all. I owe it to Lady Cecil's gracious favor.

He's clearly the mature one of the bunch.

Oh, right.

Here. A souvenir from the capital.

Wow! Thank you!

I'll treasure it forever!

C'mon! Let's go home so you can regale me with stories of your time at the Academy!

There are yummy cookies waiting for us!

Oh? That sounds wonderful.

I hope Mash and Myulla are doing okay back home.

Gotcha!

Nice. That fills my quota.

Time to pack it in for the day.

Shucks, Allen!

Another big haul today!

Wow.

You even got the big toad I asked for!

Of course, Head Chef!

This will put a smile on Master Mihai's face for sure.

Guess what, Allen? Master Mihai and Sir Zenoff are actually having a duel right now!

Wow! This is the first time I've seen Sir Zenoff using his sword.

Mihai's really holding his own against him.

Let's leave it at that.

Your skills have become much sharper in the past year, young lad.

Thank you.

Though I think I've outgrown being called a "young lad."

Oh, Allen. You're back?

That's quite the haul.

Impressive, Allen!

Since you're so tough, I'd love to spar with you for a bit.

Huh? Are you sure?

Here, Allen.

Thank you, sir.

A mithril sword! Badass!

Man, I haven't sparred with anybody since I parted ways with Krena.

ALLEN

8

SUMMONER

600 +40

415 +200

20

412 +130

30 +200

220 +130

220 +20

415 +60

My stats are specced out for hunting right now.

SUMMON (4), CREATE (4),

FUSE (4) ENHANCE (4),

EXPANSION (3), STORAGE, DELETE

SWORD MASTERY (3), THROW (3)

SKILL LEVELS

4

4

EXP

4

EXP

4

EXP

But since I started hunting monsters once a week,

SUMMONS AVAILABLE FOR CREATION:

EFGH

EFGH

EFG

EF

E

I've managed to go from level 13 to 20.

INSECTS F 2 COPIES E 1 COPY

BEASTS E 13 COPIES

BIRDS E 4 COPIES

PLANT E 20 COPIES

I bet I can win!

At the ready.

Begin!