June 1st, 2098. Rekusara Hunter's Guild Outpost, Rekusara City. 5:00 PM.

"I really appreciate your hard work," Nathan thanked Alex and company. The quartet was receiving their payment. "But I have to say, I'm surprised you decided to take it alive."

"Well, I guess I wasn't in a 'killing mood' today," answered Alex with a light chuckle.

"He wasn't in a serious mood either," said Anna. "At least, not until towards the end of the hunt."

"Hey, what are you saying! It wasn't my fault!" Alex was almost whining.

"Is there something that I should know?" asked Nathan. Alex turned to him.

"Nope. There's nothing at all. Well, if you'll excuse me, I would like to see Katie and Jake before I leave for Pokke."

"Allow me to accompany you, Sir Alex," offered Viridia.

"Sure."

Two left the gathering hall together and went to Rekusara's infirmary.

The great feature of hunters having more Chikara than people of other professions was that their healing and recovery abilities were boosted. Wounds that would retire or cripple ordinary people were nothing special to hunters, although that did not mean Hunters were infallible or invincible. Take Maxwell, for example. Anyway, this is why Alex was not surprised to see that Katie and Jake were already feeling much better. They had not taken damage as terrible as what happened to Kotaru, after all.

"I'm glad to see that you guys are doing well," said Alex.

"Yup, thanks," answered Jake.

"We're not 100%, but we'll be fighting fit by tomorrow afternoon," said Katie. "So, how was the hunt?"

"My friends and I took care of the Diablos. He was definitely tough, but we captured him in the end all the same."

"That's amazing," said Jake.

"You sure have become strong, Alex," commented Katie.

"My strength on its own has nothing to do with anything. The four of us put in all our effort, and our teamwork won the day."

"I wish my two eldest brothers were as wise as you, Alex," said Jake with a smile. "They often let their rank go to their heads.

Alex blushed. "I wouldn't go as far as calling me wise…"

"You're above average, Sir Alex," said Viridia. "No need to be modest."

Alex chuckled. "Well, anyway… I'd better get going. It's quite a bit of a trip back to Pokke Village, after all."

"Well, take care," said Katie.

"See you next time you come to visit," added Jake.

With that, Alex and Viridia went to join the others. Within half an hour, Alex and Anna took their Blimp to Pokke, while Ai and Kotaru returned to Kokoto.

Two weeks passed. Alex went on mostly relatively easy quests, exclusively using his Kirin Armor in hopes of trying to master it. This allowed him to take notice of a flaw more glaring than the Elder Dragon Influence Skill. The armor had a secret effect, similar to the Hunger Increase negative Skill, which caused Alex to randomly lose his Chikara energy bit by bit. It was the reason why he was forced to avoid boss battles. Also, using his Khezu Cloak and the Spirit Sword Attack cost double the energy than usual. During the first week, he almost lost to a Giadrome, literally the first boss monster he was able to take down when he was just HR1! You could imagine the blow to his pride. Then one day…

June 16th.

Alex and Anna entered the Pokke gathering hall. "Good morning, you two!" greeted September and Patricia.

"Good morning, Miss September and Patricia-chan!" Alex greeted back. September smiled, while Patricia hid her embarrassed red face. She still had not gotten used to this yet, despite all of this time.

"Good morning," greeted Anna. "Do you have any quest that you think just the two of us can handle?"

Patricia's smile waned. "Oh… That might be hard… Alex-kun here as another special request."

"I do?" Alex remarked in question. "From who? Is it King Nathaniel again? Or Chief Ryuu?"

"Neither. It's the Chief of N'ganga Village."

"N'ganga? Isn't that the village Tigrex attacked?" asked Anna. She looked to the left wall, upon which was a map of the continent. "That village is north of the North Elde District…"

"That's the one…" answered September. "They are still getting on their feet, but their reconstruction has been going well."

"Well, what is their request?" asked Alex.

"To hunt a Gravios in the South Elde District… They want the minerals and metals inside its body…"

"Oh… Now I see the issue," said Anna. "Gravios are above my level. I wouldn't be able to accompany Alex. I could join if we asked Ai and Kotaru to join us, though…"

"But, I wanted to go on a quest with just the two of us," said Alex. "Well, I wouldn't want to turn down a request from those in need…"

"Well, in that case… As an Official of the Guild, I can grant a "Special Case Pass" once every month. For just this once, I can allow a Hunter to take a Quest above their Rank requirement. All you need is my signature."

"You can do that!? You should have told us this before," said Alex.

September looked serious. "Perhaps, but this isn't anything light, you know. Biting off more than you think you can chew is dangerous, after all. Don't forget about the Taboo of Negligence."

"You've got a point," said Anna. "Well, anyway, let's do this. I'm not afraid. If I'm not safe with Alex, I'm not safe anyway! I'm not afraid of this grown up form of Basarios!"

"You may come to regret those words," went Patricia's thoughts. "I don't know…"

Alex grimaced inwardly. "Don't worry, Patricia, I'll look after her," he spoke up. "Besides, our teamwork has really improved. As a matter of fact, I'm much stronger when we fight side by side."

"Alex…" Anna found herself blushing. "Well, September? What's your answer?"

September sighed, before smiling. "Alright. Let's give this a try. Please, just don't die out there, or I'll never forgive myself."

"You have our word," said Alex and Anna in unison.

Hunter Stats

Alex Kasai (HR4)

Weapon: Plesioth Finswords Dual Blades (Water Element)

Armor: Kirin

Skills: Telepathy, Kasai Potential, Element Attack Up, All Resist, Item Usage Decline, Elder Dragon Influence

Anna Frost (HR3)

Weapon: Order Rapier Dual Blades (Water Element)

Armor: Kut-ku Blade Master

Skills: Vitality Up, Strength Up, Fire Resist.

South Elde District, Volcanic Belt. Basecamp. 6:00 PM.

Alex and Anna were watching the sunset together. Their target Gravios only appeared at night. If you are curious, Alex's Plesioth Finswords were made from his Cutlass Plus Dual blades. The mats came from a Plesioth that was there in the White Night Dunes a week after the Monoblos Alex fought alongside Ai and Corra. As for Anna's twin short swords, Vance made them for her with Light Crystals, rare materials that could be seldom found in the Still Swamp, and rarely obtained from the stomachs of Gypceros, who loved to steal and or eat shiny things.

"Alex, let me say this now, while I have the chance." Alex turned to Anna. "I put on a brave face in front of September and Patricia, but… I am pretty daunted by the prospect of this quest. Kotaru and I were probably only able to defeat the Basarios thanks to your…"

"Let me stop you right there," Alex cut in. "First… sorry for that… And second, it's okay to be scared. This is a five star threat level monster we're talking about here, the same level as a Tigrex." Anna just nodded. "But, you don't need to sell yourself short. I meant what I said to Miss September and Patricia. You're like an extension of myself, and in turn, I am an extension of you. I believe in your strength. I believe we can overcome anything together. You're my sibling-in-arms, after all."

"Alex… You…" Anna let out a single tear. "Thank you. I did say I would support you, no matter what, didn't I?" Alex nodded with a beaming smile. Anna found his smile accentuated by the traces of remaining but fleeting sunlight shining off of his face. She even blushed a tiny bit. "Well, let's get going."

"Right. Let's do this!"

The two drank a Cool Drink together before setting off. They started with area four. No sign. Then they went to area three. There, they were attacked by some Ceanataur juveniles. They actually decided to practise their teamwork on their aggressors. While Alex was most proficient with the Long Sword weapon class, he had learned a lot about Dual Blades from Anna herself as it was her specialty. Once they were done with training, they went straight to area seven, with Alex needing to drink another Cool Drink already, as the negative Skill Item Usage Decline reduced the duration of the heat canceling effect.

South Elde Area 7.

No sooner than Alex and Anna exited the caverns did they spot their target. "Whoa… look at the size of that thing…" commented Anna. "That Basarios was a baby in comparison…"

"That's a bit of an exaggeration," said Alex. "But he is big, though."

Standing four meters tall, with a body length head to tail of about seven meters, was a rugged white giant, an honest to goodness Gravios. His mighty tail swayed behind him as he stuffed his face into a wall, munching on rocks.

"I don't have my bow, but I brought a couple of large barrel bombs and a small barrel bomb. I can't use Remote Detonation, so we'll have to be creative in order to get an opening."

"Let's focus on his legs and get him to fall onto his side," Anna suggested."

"Good idea. Let's get started."

Alex and Anna began to sneakily approach the Gravios. However… "Hot Stone, senses something. Intruders? Hot Stone show no mercy!" To our heroes' complete shock, the Gravios, now known to us as Hot Stone, turned to them. "Oho! SO there were intruders! Hot Stone you beat not! Hot Stone beat you!" The rugged Rock Wyvern began to approach the two hunters.

"So much for the element of surprise," said Alex as he and Anna unsheathed their blades.

"Well, this is what we signed up for. Here we go. I'll attack from the left. And you'll come in from the right!" Anna went forward.

Instead of trying to stop her, Alex followed her lead. He knew that being a leader did not mean just barking orders all the time, but also trusting and incorporating the ideas and judgments of one's allies into the overall strategy. "You're wrong, Hot Stone! We will beat you!" Alex taunted, trying to get his attention. But Hot Stone had other plans.

"Whoa!" Anna dodged as the wyvern tried to ram into her. "Okay… Hyaa!" She took the opportunity to take a swipe at the left leg. Of course, her attack bounced off effortlessly, only a splash of water element getting through. Anna threw her weight back, allowing her reeling momentum to cause her to fall flat on her back. This allowed her to avoid getting nailed by the tail as Hot Stone did a 180 degree spin.

"Haaa!" Alex came in with a dual thrust. "Whoa!" His attack also bounced off.

"Grr! Attack Hot Stone how dare you! Hot Stone serious now get!" The wyvern ran forward several meters, before turning to the two. He spread his wings as he opened his mouth.

"He's going to…!" Alex ran over to help Anna get up.

"Fire Element: Heat Ray!" Hot Stone fired his lava colored swirling beam attack.

"YIKES!" Alex and Anna were just able to throw themselves completely out of the way. Alex had learned his lesson, that this attack was to be respected. He got up first. "Hey, watch where you point that thing! Someone could get hurt!" Alex lifted up his blades, which then began to glow red.

"Me too! Dual Blades Power Up!" exclaimed Anna as she did the same. "Alex, forget the bombs. Let's just go on the offensive."

"I think I have a quicker way to soften him up anyway. Water Element: Water Cutters!" Alex's blades began enveloped in thin and sharp coatings of water. "Anna, follow my lead this time."

"Understood, Mr. Water!"

Alex and Anna charged at Hot Stone. "Hot Stone knows not why you are fired up, but Hot Stone does know that you will be crushed!" The wyvern began to charge. Anna went to the right, while Alex went to the left. "Huh!?"

"Prepare yourself, Hot Stone!" Alex began his graceful, deadly assault. "Water Element: Dual Blades Water Dance!" Alex hacked and slashed, first focusing on the wyvern's leg, until Hot Stone collapsed.

"What!? No! How can Hot Stone be toppled!?"

"Anna!" Alex exclaimed as he moved to her side.

"I know!" she replied as she got into position. "Water Element: Dual Blades Water Dance!" She began attacking Hot Stone's stomach. Alex joined her as soon as he got to her side.

"No! NO! NO! AAAAHHH!" Hot Stone cried. It did not take long for the two to break through the belly armor and start landing substantial damage. "Hot Stone will not let this STAND!"

"Get back, get back!" exclaimed Alex as he jumped back. Anna followed suit, just in time too as the wyvern got up.

"Hot Stone will incinerate you now!" The Wyvern lifted his head to the sky. "Fire Element: Blast Bomb!" With a flick of the wyvern's head, a huge ball of flames was let out.

"Whoa! There's… no time to…"

"FIRE RESIST!" exclaimed Anna as she stood in front of Alex, with her back towards the incoming attack. Her body glowed red.

"NOOO!" Alex closed his eyes just as the attack impacted Anna. BOOM! "AAAAHHH!" The duo was sent rolling. Some seconds passed, and then Alex felt himself being shaken. "Urrrggghhh…" Alex groaned.

"Alex, you need to get up…. He's coming to finish us off!" said the hurried and scared voice of Anna.

Alex opened his eyes. Anna looked banged up, her armor sporting burn marks here and there. Alex sooned remembered why. "Now I'm mad." Alex got up, just as a shadow began to cover the two. "Hot Stone! This ends now!" Then Alex noticed what was about to happen.

"Hot Stone agrees!" The wyvern unleashed a Hip Check attack.

"KHEZU CLOAK!" Alex jumped high, his strength increased by his Thunder Elemental power. He landed on the wyvern's back.

"What!? Get down from Hot Stone!" The Gravios began to thrash about, but Alex held strong.

Alex plunged one of his blades into the back in order to hang on. With his free hand, he took out a large barrel bomb. "Alright, your wish is granted!" Alex kicked himself off. Just as the bomb was falling from the wyvern's back, Alex tossed a Throwing Knife at it, causing it to explode!

"AAAAAHHH!" screamed Hot Stone.

"Anna, toss me your blades!" exclaimed Alex as he landed. Though weakened from taking the giant fire attack, Anna was just able to comply. "Thanks!" Alex flared his cloak as he charged at the wyvern who was toppled yet again, this time sporting a bleeding gash of exposed flesh on his armored back. "Take this! Dual Water Slash!" Alex cross-slashed the wound, scoring mortal damage.

RRROOOAAARRR! "No… Hot… Stone… was defeated…"

"Normally, I don't like winning with other people's gear, but you hurt Anna, and as these are her blades, I'll make an exception this time."

"Alex, you did it!" said Anna as she approached.

"No, we did it," Alex retorted. Anna smiled at that. Alex ran to catch her as she started to fall forward. "Whoa! You took more punishment than you would care to admit. Protecting me was so reckless, but I'm thankful."

Anna chuckled weakly. "I'll be fine once I drink a Mega Potion. Or two…"

Alex chuckled back. "Well, let's get you fixed up, then we can carve up this guy so that we can get out of here."

"We have to go to N'ganga to deliver the request items in person. The Chief wanted to meet you, remember?"

"Right."

Alex and Anna prepared themselves to close out the rest of today's adventure.