Twenty-Four Identities X Intelligence X Beautiful Youth

To avoid another chance encounter with Illumi and Hisoka (though he believed the likelihood was truly minimal), Kurama deliberately spent the night in the forest, enjoying a sumptuous dinner with Mokona (thanks to some clueless jungle beasts who wandered right into their camp), and relished the rare pleasure of camping in a comfortable, warm tent. He set out again early the next morning, feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

He did not choose the exit Illumi had pointed out to him the day before.

Although he doubted that a single, minor encounter would truly make those two fixate on him, Kurama’s prudent nature led him to opt for a safer approach.

Overnight, the Makai dandelions had completed their exploration of the entire Luminomi Forest. The information they relayed back formed a detailed and three-dimensional map of the forest’s ecological and geographical layout in Kurama’s mind, allowing him to transform from a stranger to master of this wild, unfamiliar forest with effortless grace.

The map revealed twelve exits facing different directions, including the one Illumi had indicated, each leading to seven neighboring countries of various sizes.

Outside the forest, the intelligence dandelions continued their tireless exploration. For now, their reports included not only the forest’s own details but also news circulating in nearby towns—the information about the countries these exits led to originated from such sources.

After organizing the gathered intelligence and sharing it with Mokona, the two discussed their options and ultimately chose an exit in the southeastern part of the forest. It was less than half an hour’s walk from a port city and rarely frequented, since the forest was infamous as a “life-forbidden zone”—not recommended for anyone but Hunters, teeming with dangerous magical beasts, fantasy creatures, and rare animals whose threat levels far exceeded any warning lines.

That, combined with the port city’s bustling, well-connected transport network—by sea, land, and air—meant almost nobody would start from there and head into the perilous forest, which suited Kurama’s intention to keep a low profile perfectly.

Having settled on their destination, the rest was simple. With Mokona in his arms, Kurama traveled at full speed, covering what looked like an endless journey in less than a morning.

At the forest’s edge, he paused and, as planned, changed his attire. Now dressed in a light, casual outfit perfect for summer travels, Kurama looked like any ordinary young traveler—except, of course, for his striking red hair, emerald eyes, and unparalleled beauty, which made him impossible to ignore wherever he went.

Mokona no longer needed to disguise itself; in the Hunter world, magical beasts and fantastical creatures were commonplace, and talking animals were not rare. Mokona would only be seen as adorable and precious and unlikely to cause any major trouble—though some might covet such a “fantasy beast,” Kurama would never silence Mokona for that reason. He knew just how lively (chatty?) and playful the little creature could be.

With all preparations complete, the two sped out of the forest, heading toward the city.

＊＊＊

Setolant, located in the southeastern corner of Eurubian continent, was a thriving seaside port city. Every day, countless merchants, travelers, goods, and supplies flowed in and out, keeping the city in perpetual motion, earning it the nickname “The Sleepless City of the East Coast.”

Such a bustling metropolis with constant population turnover did not bother with checking visitors’ identification, but that did not mean Kurama could afford to ignore the matter.

Standing at the entrance of Setolant Avenue—the main thoroughfare named after the city itself, connecting all its districts—Kurama gazed at the lively urban scene he had not seen in ages. He sighed quietly and, with Mokona, slipped into an inconspicuous narrow alley.

On the way here, the Makai dandelions had faithfully carried out Kurama’s orders, gathering intelligence. In just one morning, they had scouted all the city's surface information and much of the shadowy underbelly hidden beneath its dazzling exterior.

Now, Kurama moved through a winding alleyway with the ease of a native Setolant citizen—a direct result of the dandelions’ efforts. The alley led to the city’s least noticeable corner: the slums on its outskirts, which also served as the hub for underground transactions.

Kurama was not unnoticed on his way. His handsome appearance and clean attire stood out starkly against the slum’s atmosphere, making it impossible not to attract attention.

Yet after he effortlessly dispatched several ill-intentioned thugs trailing him—using methods none of the observers, even skilled Nen users, could discern—all those overt and covert gazes vanished almost instantly.

With his demonic powers restored, the fox’s demeanor had grown more assertive, and he smiled quietly, pleased with this change.

He stopped before a seemingly ordinary house, knocked politely at the door, and, before receiving a reply, uncharacteristically pushed it open and walked inside—following the house’s custom rather than a lapse in etiquette.

No one came to greet him, but Kurama was unfazed. He strode towards the main room facing the entrance, only to see the door abruptly opened from within. A blond, beautiful youth with a strange smile emerged, unhurried.

Kurama stepped aside to avoid the youth.

“It seems... I’ve arrived at just the right moment?”

Only when the blond youth had vanished beyond the courtyard gate did Kurama turn back to the now wide-open main room.

A plump, kindly-looking old man ambled out at that moment.

“Indeed, my guest,” he said with a smile. “You’ve come at exactly the right time.”

＊＊＊

This house, or rather this “exchange,” was known as Old Byrne’s Courtyard, run by the self-styled Old Byrne. According to the dandelions’ intelligence, he was one of the city’s undisputed three dark lords, specializing in information and intelligence services.

In other words, all the urgent issues Kurama needed to solve could be resolved here: a legal citizen identity formally registered in the Hunter Association’s database, obscure secrets circulating on the continent, information on rare treasures, and various trade deals...

The demon fox traded a high-quality ruby for a tailor-made identity so flawless it could withstand scrutiny during the Hunter Exam. He exchanged a small pouch of diamonds for a universal savings card with nine-digit credit, and traded two turquoise stones for the latest news and intelligence on unpublished treasures and ruins. With Old Byrne's warm and amiable farewell, Kurama departed, fully satisfied.

Old Byrne’s establishment was trusted by all walks of life—from nobles to paupers, gang bosses to government officials—thanks to its cardinal rule: absolute confidentiality regarding clients' information.

Kurama respected this, refraining from tampering with the old man's memory—he preferred not to invite unnecessary trouble.

Now, with the greatest challenge of traveling this world resolved, Kurama had no intention of leaving immediately.

Setolant was not only a famous trading city, but also a renowned tourist destination. Kurama decided to stay for a while, digest the intelligence he had gathered, and slowly consider his next steps—for according to his sources, the original storyline was still two years away.

Kurama had all the time he needed to seek what he desired.

Thinking this, the demon fox was in a cheerful mood, but just as he was about to leave the slum, he paused.

“My friend behind me, you’ve followed me all the way—why not come out and let me treat you to a cup of tea as thanks?”

He turned with a light laugh, addressing the empty alley behind him.

After a moment of silence, the blond youth Kurama had passed in Old Byrne’s Courtyard stepped out from behind a corner.

“How did you notice me?”

He toyed casually with his phone, his face still adorned with that inscrutable smile.

Kurama gazed at the blond, blue-eyed “youth” for a long time, then sighed in resignation—

What season was this? Why were story characters appearing before him one after another, like cabbages sprouting?

Author’s note: Some of your guesses last chapter hit the mark! Kurama did indeed chance upon the blond youth~ [twirls]

Actually, in the Hunter world, there’s no formal ID system, and with Kurama’s capabilities, daily life wouldn’t be a problem. However, he needs to seek rare items to trade with Yuko for his demonic powers. Since those items are likely located in areas restricted without a Hunter’s license, Kurama plans to take the Hunter Exam—so a proper identity is vital, hence this plot development.

As for what happens next, let’s save the preview for the next chapter. First, here’s an illustration for this chapter—

Today’s update was a bit late because I was searching for a suitable image, hoping to find a beautiful port scene for Setolant’s fantasy depiction. Unfortunately, the real-life photos lacked that anime vibe, and others just didn’t feel right. In the end, this was the only pleasing one, so here it is... (I actually found a hand-drawn Miyazaki color illustration that’s gorgeous, but it was too small—had to let it go with tears...)

And, as always, a preview for the next chapter: Request x Refusal x Companionship. What is the blond youth following Kurama after? Who is making the “request” mentioned in the title, and to whom? What does “companionship” refer to...? Stay tuned for the next chapter of “Demon Fox Kurama”: Request x Refusal x Companionship!

Continue rolling and begging for favorites =w= I’m very well-behaved and easy to support~