January 24, 2089.

Alex and Anna were helping out at Pokke Farm. Alex was helping the farmer Felyne on the crop plots and Anna was fishing at the pier. The Pokke hunter duo had been working hard, steadily building up reputation and status for themselves as well as Pokke village. Now the village had two blimps, and the two could work solo on different quests when needed. They steadily improved. Alex could now use the Spirit Sword attack twice per charge up, and Anna could maintain the Dual Blades Power-Up ability for longer. No Giadrome, Velocidrome, Gendrome, Bulldrome, Kut-ku or Cephadrome was safe from them, albeit that Alex still faltered sometimes before a park of the Land Sharks.

"Man, I need a real challenge…" muttered Alex to himself, even though he would have lost against a Cephadrome two days ago if it was not for Anna bailing him out with the killing blow while it was preoccupied with trying to eat him. "Hm, I wonder how Chief Ryuu and Miss Patty are doing? I should head over to Jumbo for a visit." Alex pulled out the last carrot from the raised carrot patch and placed it in the large basket hang from his shoulder. "Okay! Sounds like a plan."

"What sounds like a plan?" asked Anna's voice from behind him.

He turned to see her with two nets filled with her various catches. "I'm thinking of visiting Jumbo village. It's been a while since I've been there."

"Okay, well, why don't you go today? I could continue around here for a while yet. Maybe they'll have some good work for you, too."

"Thanks Anna. You're the best." Anna blushed at that. Alex began making his way to the storage and processing section of that farm. Upon handing over the carrots to a helper Felyne, he then began making his way to his house.

"Hey, Apple, can you whip me up something to go? I'm leaving on an expedition to Jumbo village."

"Ooh! That's my home village. My mom works there. I'd love to see her again…"

"Is that so? Well then, why don't you tag along with me? I'd really enjoy some company along the ride."

"Really!? Oh, thank you mas… I mean, Mr. Alex."

Alex chuckled, having noticed that the Felyne chef was struggling. "You know what, Apple? From now on, you can call me whatever makes you feel comfortable. What do you say?"

Apple's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Master!" She did a little bow. Alex for the most part tried to cope with it. He knew making sacrifices was all part of relationships. "I'll get started on our snacks."

"Alright. Just give me "nya" when you're ready to go." Alex turned and walked towards the main room.

11:00 AM.

In the skies above Planet Macha sailed Alex and Apple, the latter of which was enjoying the view. Alex kept an eye out for other ships. Soon, he spotted the landing grounds and lowered the heat to begin the descent. Once the blimp was safely grounded, the duo disembarked.

"Ah, home sweet home," mused Apple. "The village hasn't changed a bit since I left."

"Okay, Apple. Go find your mom. I'll be heading to the Guild outpost. Meet me there, I won't leave without making contact with you."

"Okay, Master! And thanks again!" Apple then scurried off.

"She looks really happy," thought Alex as he watched her go for a few seconds before turning to the Jumbo Guild outpost.

Inside, he was met with Chief Ryuu speaking to Patty. "Mr. Alex!" called Patty as she spotted him approaching them. Ryuu turned to him.

"Oh, what perfect timing!" Ryuu exclaimed. Alex looked confused. "We need your help once again."

"Really? What can I do for you?"

"Patty, dear, if you please."

"Yes. Mr. Alex, an organized band of Congas and their Congalala leader have been terrorizing the Terosu Jungle lately. Our people cannot gather Special Mushrooms in peace."

Alex nodded, understanding the importance of the latter as Special Mushrooms were a commodity often requested of the Guild. Jumbo village earned good wages for providing it. "I'll take care of this. I actually came here to visit and see if you guys needed anything."

"Well, thanks!" Patty drafted up a quest sheet. "The quest fee is 450 Zs." Alex collected the request amount and paid up. Patty stamped the sheet and handed it to him. "Okay. Happy hunting!"

Alex took a few steps backwards and turned 210 degrees to the right, partially showing his back. He grasped the hilt of his newly upgraded Iron Katana Grace and pulled it out of the sheath a few inches. He was just trying to look cool. "Consider it already over."

"Well, someone's confident," remarked Ryuu. "Congalalas may look dumb but they are quite tough. Be careful, or you may be given a run for your Zenny."

Alex looked thoughtful. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind. "Well, I'm off."

Hunter Stats

Alex Kasai (HR1)

Weapon: Iron Katana Grace Longsword

Armor: Kut-Ku Lv.5 Blade Master

Skills: Telepathy, Attack Up, Vitality Up, Fire Resist (Lo)

Apple (Felyne Chef/Comrade)

Weapon: Kitchen Knife

Armor: Chef's Battle Suit

Terosu Jungle Base Camp. 12:23 PM.

"I promise I won't let you down, Master!" assured Apple for probably the tenth time.

Alex sighed exasperatedly. He was quite surprised to find out that Apple operated in both of the common lines of work Felynes took up. "Alright, but if you get in trouble, don't mess around. Head straight back to Camp. I'll cover you."

"I never knew you were so protective, Master."

"I… just don't ever… want to lose a friend again."

Apple gasped, grasping the situation well. She had never met Maxwell, but she knew of him. "I understand, Master. Let's get started."

"Let's head through the beach." Alex put away the map and led the way to Zone 4.

Zone 4's beach looked out at the lagoon, which held part of the water of the Leviathan Ocean. To the right of the beach was an imposing unclimbable cliffside. Alex kept an eye out, for Velocipreys often staged ambushes from the cliffs. However, they would be the least of his concerns.

A trio of Hermitaurs were squabbling with each other over the little food which may be scrounged from the water's edge. Herimtaurs were Carapaceons, a classification of monsters which featured crustacean like monsters. The Hermitaurs could be taken for crabs, though they only hand two pairs of legs and a pair of pincers unlike real crabs which had four pairs of legs.

As soon as they took notice of Alex and Apple, they turned their full attention to them. Alex, sensing this, took out his blade. "Listen up, I'm only going to say this once. I don't want any trouble; if you leave us alone, we'll leave you alone. This doesn't have to get messy."

"That's what you think!"

"Humans and stupid cats aren't allowed here!"

"Let's pinch these jokers!"

Alex grew annoyed as they scurried towards him and Apple. He went in front of her and got into his signature stance. "Apple. I'll take care of this. Please observe me in action."

"Understood, Master! Give 'em shell!"

Alex shifted to the right as the front most Hertaur took a swipe at him. He jumped forward and left as the middle Hermitaur attacked, now placing him in the advantageous position of in the middle of all three of them. He dug his blade into the last Hermitaur, then twisted and pulled with all his might to slash right through the remaining two via a 230 degree sweeping motion. All three crabs were one-shotted by this display of skill, owing to the fact that the Iron Katana was more powerful since it was upgraded, and to the Attack Up Skill granted by Alex's funky Kut-ku armor. "How was that?"

"You were so cool!" praised Apple. "I worry over you for nothing, it seems."

"No, this is just the easy part. I still have that pack and their boss to deal with. Come on, I sense them up ahead in the next area."

"Okay."

"But first…" Alex took out his carving knife. He was after the fallen crabs' brains, which could sell for good prizes to the Guild.

In Zone 3, the duo came upon the Conga pack as Alex had discerned. He did not see the leader anywhere in sight, so he gave the OK. "Let's fight as a team, but not too close so that we end up hitting each other."

"Yes, Master. Let's do it!"

The two charged, and the pack of five Congas became hostile. Alex went to the right and two Congas followed him. He slashed one across the face as it tried to ram him. The other leapt impressively into the air. He sidestepped it and gave its side an impaling poke as soon as it landed. It began to bleed to death, so Alex focused on the remaining one. He did a backslash in the nick of time as it was trying to attack him again, this time sealing the deal. "Two down."

"Nya! Take this! And this! And some of this!" yelled Apple's voice. Alex observed as Apple held her own against two Congas, skillfully delivering her attacks while nimbly avoiding those of her opponents. Of course, she lacked the power to bring them down, but she was softening them up very nicely. "Ha! You missed, nya!"

"She's pretty good, but I rather her as a Chef to be honest. Anyway, I'd better…" An explosion of smelly gas suddenly occurred which sent Alex rolling. "Gaah!" Alex quickly got up and smelled himself. "THis reeks!" Alex turned until he spotted his attack. It was the fifth Conga. Rage suddenly filled him. "Grrr…! You're dead! You're going to pay for this!" Alex charged. He dug the sword into the ground to vault himself into the air, causing him to fly over the pink ape like beast. "Hraa! Ha! Ta! Da! Hi-yaa!" Alex delivered several attacks with menace, leaving bleeding lacerations on the poor Conga. He stopped once he regained an iota of reason. "Phew… looks like I got carried away there for a minute."

A large thud occurred. "Alex-KYAAAHH!"

"Apple!?" Alex turned just time to see Apple being slapped away by a giant Conga. No, this was no ordinary Conga. It was in the top percentage of Congas. It was the boss, a Congalala. "Hey! That's my comrade!"

"You dare come here and kill my subjects!?" replied a feminine voice. "You will know the wrath of Saru!" Saru the Congalala got down on all fours and charged at Alex.

I need to see if Apple is okay. Alex sheathed his sword and prepared to do the Superman Dive. He turned to the left, sprinted in a burst and jumped, causing his attacker to miss and crash into a wall of rock. He landed a few feet away and got up quickly to run towards where Apple had fallen. "Hey, are you okay."

"Master… I… I'm s… sorry…"

"You're hurt real bad…" Alex felt rage well up again. "Can you hold out for a moment?"

"I just... have the strength…. to at least… make it back… to camp."

"Here, drink this." Alex gave her a First Aid Med. He then turned to see that Saru was looking at him, and she was ticked. "Hey there, big, fat and ugly! Follow the birdie!" Alex began to run towards a small islet just several meters off the beach.

"Gah! I am royalty! I WILL NOT ALLOW INSULTS FROM A HUMAN!" Saru gave chance.

Zone 10: The Islet.

Alex barely had time to take in the small islet before Saru caught up to him. He turned to her and readied his Iron Katana Grace. "I came here to end your tyranny against the people of Jumbo Village. I am Alex Kasai, proud Head Hunter of Pokke Village, and in the name of my comrade whom you harmed, I will not lose!" Alex charged at Saru.

Saru stood tall and took in a deep breath. Her stomach made a ballooning sound as it swelled in size. Alex gave a downwards powerslash, but his attack bounced off, leaving him reeling and open. "You're MINE!" Saru released the breath and slammed down her hands with explosive force. The ground thundered as Alex was sent rolling.

"AAAHH!" He came to a stop. He slowly got up, having shrug off the attack thanks to the Vitality Up Skill. I have to watch out for that… but it is exploitable too. "Nice move for a pink gorilla," he taunted.

"Grr! You haven't even hurt me yet! Meanie's like you only deserve special punishment!" Saru used her tail to lob an hunk of her dung at Alex. His eyes opened wide as he dodged it.

"No! I am not doing that again!" Alex charged. He ducked while moving to the right to avoid a deadly claw swipe. Holding his sword in a reverse grip, he slashed her side, finally drawing first blood. Saru reeled and Alex jumped back to gain some distance. He observed as his sword glowed red, brimming with stored energy. "Finally. Let's bring this to an end, Saru!"

Saru's face was now bright red. "You took the words right out of my mouth!" Saru charged.

Alex took up his signature stance and stood his ground. That last attack did more than I thought. I can use two Shots of the SSA, but I might need to make this one attack count, so all unleash everything in this one attack! Alex loosened himself. "Take this! Chikara Focus: Super Spirit Sword Attack!" The katana glowed a bright white Alex inhumanely unleashed a mighty storm of lacerating attacks.

"GRAAAAHHHH!" Saru roared in pain before collapsing from the onslaught.

Alex caught his breath heavily, having expended a lot of his own Chikara energy in that attack. Okay… I think she's down. I'm not even going to bother trying to carve materials from her. I'm outta here. Alex turned and began slowly making his way back to the mainland.

Behind him, the not so defeated and very much enraged Pelagus beast got up quietly. "Where… do you… think… you're going!?"

"What!?" Alex turned around.

"Fire Element: Hot Pepper Stream!" Saru got down to all fours and blew out a hot haze of fire.

"Fire Resist!" exclaimed Alex quickly as he tried to get out of the way. A red glow emanated from his body. "AAAHH!" he screamed as he was almost torched. The last of his strength was used up to survive this. He collapsed onto his back. "No… No!"

"Heh, heh, heh… You're through!" And Saru proceeded to lay the everliving smackdown on poor defenceless Alex. She only stopped when the pain of her wounds interrupted her adrenaline rush. "Urg… You're lucky… Your attack... did a number… on me… I'll acknowledge you this time… Alex Kasai." She picked him up and flung him towards the mainland. "Oh, I'll need to return home after a skirmish like this. I gave him a good thrashing, so I'm satisfied. Now… a nap is in order…" With that, Saru came to terms with her fatigue. Her face returned to normal as she collapsed under her weight.

Meanwhile, Alex landed hard on the beach. Apple, seeing him laying unmoving as she entered the area, came scurrying towards him. "Master! Master! Are you okay!?"

Alex opened one eye. The other was swollen black. "I've… never… felt… worse…. Ugh." He passed out.

"Master…" Apple waited by his side. There was not much she could do besides giving him a First-Aid Med, and even then he was hurt pretty badly.

Jumbo Village, 3:47 PM.

"So, how did it go?" asked Patty with some worry, seeing the state that Alex had returned in.

"I lost utterly… I fought hard, but the Congalala was far more formidable than I could have imagined. She was able to get up after a double powered Spirit Sword Attack…"

"Don't feel too bad, Alex," said Chief Ryuu. "Not just anyone can defeat a Congalala on their first try. At least you came back alive. Many novices meet their end at the hands… claws of those overgrown pink apes."

Alex shuddered. "Anyway, I think I did enough damage that she will have to recuperate for a while. Apple and I took out her pack too. The mission can be considered a partial success."

"Any level of success is good enough for me," said Ryuu.

"And you won't see me complaining," added Patty. "Here you go, for your trouble." She paid Alex 2000 Zenny. It would have been 3000, as per the quest agreement, but he fell once in combat, so the reward was cut by one third.

"Thank you… Well, we'd best be on our way back to Pokke."

"Yess, Master. I'm sure the others are worried about us."

"Catch you all next time, you two," Alex signed off.

"Be sure to come again!" replied Patty as the Pokke duo made their way out of the hall.

"Will do!" said Alex.