Author's notes:
Here is the chapter enjoy!
"You're lucky Rogue got you back fast before we decided to come look for the two of you. And that we still have time to get to the village before noon." Pod 153 said to 9S as the cart they were riding was strolling through the woods heading to the village. Following behind them were another convoy of carts being pushed by the felynes filled with the goods they brought and to be delivered.
"I already said I'm sorry Pod. Besides I told you everything—"
"Yes, everything from trying to ride Rogue then chasing a Mosswine that led to you two fighting a pack of Velociprey!" Pod scolded 9S, making him flinch before he quickly covers her mouth to pause her rant and give him some time to explain.
"Hey, we did fine Pod. We fought them off. Plus, I told you that my choker or err… my kinship stone started glowing. Something happened to me and Rogue and it may have helped us in that fight." 9S said wistfully as he absently strokes the gem on his choker, making Pod withdraw a bit of irritation and her ire to stare at it too.
"But I know you were right that I should have brought my training glaive and I appreciate you packing those herbs for us. I'll let this be a lesson for me to never forget it in case I get in trouble, no matter how much flak I'll get from Anemone or Masamune about using a training tool for combat." Pod simply rolled her eyes in response before nodding her head and letting 9S remove his hand from her mouth.
"Well, you got new information and something about your choker that we may need to check in the manual Meowster. So, there is some good that came from your impromptu joy ride."
"I do admit it, my first ride attempt could have gone better… or worse. But hey, at least I can ride Rogue. That's like a big achievement we did today and that means we can start with the actual training soon." 9S said while wiggling his eyebrows with excitement to Pod.
"Well, it was a surprise that you came back riding, even Whistill saw you from the window openings inside the settlement. It is impressive how quickly you can stay mounted on monster, Meowster." Pod admitted and chuckled at her meowster's excitement.
"Maybe I have a knack for this riding stuff." 9S said as he turns to look at the approaching gates of the village.
"Maybe you do Meowster, but don't get too full of yourself." Pod 153 agreed and reminded him.
"Yeah, yeah."
Pod then faces the gates as well before their carts and caravan of goods enter the village for another day of trade and business.
With a few surprises planned for the day, not expected by the two.
The village of YoRHa. It has seen better days, with the present being one of them.
The two weeks of reconstruction and fortification has done wonders to the village. With only a few cracks and rubble to sift through, YoRHa is in a better shape than it was after the stampede.
Light construction in some areas are still present but all the villagers where able to return to their once humble abodes and the guild has finally been able to take a few breaks from accommodating some of those who were homeless.
Everyday life for the villagers have resumed, with traders occupying the market area, hunters and researchers going through and from the guild continuing their work and the village square full of life of happy villagers.
It was busy too, as 9S and Pod noticed when they arrived. Many people where moving from shop to shop and traders making deals with way ward travelers. It was normal sight for the two, since its how the village was and always has been.
The only thing different was the surplus of hunters from Gildegaran that Zinnia and Commander White requested from the main guild of the city. Both 9S and Pod knew that they were here to help and give support for the investigation of the northern area with the black haze and previously the village reconstruction, since they were shorthanded before.
Spotting and seeing a familiar face and his mobile caravan home, 9S gets the pouch filled with Quick foot seeds and hops off the cart before he make his way to it.
"My stops here Pod! Pops and 32S place is just there!" 9S said, giving Pod the heads up.
"I see it Meowster, I'll see you in the guild after the felynes and I are done with our errands and deliveries!"
"Thanks Pod!" 9S waved at Pod, who with their caravan of carts continue to head deeper into the market area, probably to trade the goods to the local shops or traveling traders before delivering the rest to the guild.
Making his way to Pops, the trader sees him and waves with a smile.
"9S, you're just in time. Its 32S' break and 801S just arrived as well. Heard you three were meeting today and just before me and 32S would leave tomorrow." Pops said.
"I didn't think you guys would have stayed this long; I mean 32S said you guys only had enough for two weeks."
"True but we decided to take the opportunity to help out and get a few nick knacks I could trade elsewhere from here. Now go inside, we wouldn't want to keep the boys waiting and 32S only has some time for a break today since we got something to do tonight." Pops told 9S, who nods and make his way to the entrance of their caravan home.
"Oh, if you three are planning to trade any of 'risks' magazine with each other. We got that latest Hunter's monthly magazine you guys love. Buy it for a discount of a zenny or two instead!" Pops called out to 9S within ear shot.
"Pops! That's Not what we're doing!" 9S quickly shouted with a mortified expression, before slamming the door to block out the chuckling trader.
Keeping his back on the door and giving himself a second to let his red face return to a paler one, 9S then looks to the two other occupants inside and who probably heard what Pops said outside.
"Look, even if I brought my magazines to trade, I don't have any with sketches of hunters that look like 2B or A2. And the others are not worth mentioning. Plus, I only have male Kirin armor painted portrait posters to give left. So, I got nothing to offer since I know both of you only swing one way." 801S said.
"And mine are pretty old and this month's Fashion hunter 'Hunter's closet success' was sold out since yesterday. I couldn't sneak and keep one for myself without dad finding out." 32S added.
"You guys know trading porn mags wasn't the reason I called for us to meet today." 9S deadpanned, before shifting his expression to reluctant one.
"Besides… I burned all of mine, so I got nothing to trade with anyway."
"Wait really?" 801S asked.
"Don't tell me Chief Zinnia found out by accident…" 32S questioned as well.
"Not exactly. Pod blurted it out during the stampede and A2 seemed to have an idea or noticed me having some since I… you know …Puberty." 9S answered as he made his way to sit with them, while noticing two square objects covered with a cloth beside 801S.
"Ah. Yeah." Both boys agreed to his vague reasoning. They understand Puberty for 9S must have been hard, with having two of the hottest hunters in their generation living with him.
"And I got rid of them because—"
"Since you already have a woman in mind?" 801S teased with a smirk.
"Well not exactly—"
"Or is it because of 2B? Are you guys like together already? Was it awkward?" 32S cut in as 9S was about to retort.
"What! No its… we're not… it kinda was a bit…" 9S became flustered from 32S's questions, before he shakes his head and goes straight to the point.
"Look it's not any of those okay"—Both 32S and 801S just smirk in response— "Fine! Maybe it was but they didn't talk about it when we got back form the stampede." 9S huffed before resuming.
"Pod was the one who told me to get rid of them since they're not something I should keep. Unless I risk having to explain to them one of these days ...if I'm not careful."
Hearing this both boys nodded their heads in understanding again. Getting grilled from two of the most promising hunters of their generation was another thing they know 9S would have hard time with.
"…Also it got tiring to dig them out from my dung storage" 9S added.
"Oh wow, keeping the dirty stuff with the dirty stuff. Smart …but a bit stupid and disgusting. You shouldn't have done that." 801S commented, with 32S agreeing with a grimace.
"Yeah, I know… But they couldn't call me guilty of having those magazines, since they couldn't find any proof of me having them because of the hiding place. Trust me I know they tried looking, Pod 42 told me it was probably the first thing they did when I left to stay with Whistill." 9S replied with a shrug.
"Well its much clever than keeping them in my sock drawer." 32S chimed.
"And less risk than keeping it out in plain sight, as an open secret in the research center." 801S admitted himself.
"I'm surprise the commander hasn't found out that some of the book casings are fake and are used to disguise Porn mags and Smut novels." 9S said a bit in disbelief, knowing how long this has been going in the research center.
"Look, as we know, Jackass and the other researches are good when they're hiding their shit and the commander doesn't bother to head there unless its about a complaint or an accident has happened." 801S told the two, while giving a knowing look at 9S.
"I know…" 9S grumbled in reply.
"I heard rumors that the commander goes there at night to read a hidden copy of 'The Shadow lord and the Curse swordswoman' by LimE." 32S said to the two, who stare at him in disbelief.
"Get real 32S, she would never do that…" 9S snorted at the thought of Commander White reading smut. She would prefer to berate the genre and even out right burn the book if she got hold of it.
"I don't know, I recall older hunters saying that the chief, the commander and the other village heads were in a secret book club once… You know the hush, hush, sort of thing." 801S told the two, casting some evidence about the rumor.
"Can we just go back to the real reason to why I called you guys to meet up. I mean I could see it there beside 801S." 9S decides to turn their focus back to the reason to why they're here and points to the cloth covering the two square objects.
"That and to at least meet up with 32S before he leaves to Geo-Fulkright tomorrow." 801S Said as he brings the two objects in front of them on the table.
"Which I appreciate it guys. I mean going to that volcanic region would take a month or three weeks at least on caravan, so me and dad will be gone for quite some time. Maybe months more before we get back here." 32S told the two.
"But will you guys be here for YoRHa's anniversary?" 9S asked.
"Well, dad would probably want to sell here when it's peak season for the village because of the celebration and the start of the winter season. But I know we plan to return and stay here until the end of the year before we plan where we'll go next." 32S answered 9S, who was glad about the assurance of 32S and Pops returning.
"So, what's 801S going to show us. I heard from him that you made a request to test a tonic that you discovered from the felyne settlement." 32S said with both him and 9S turning their attention to 801S.
"Well I was able to make it and tested it of course. The results were… let me just show it to you two…" 801S moved to remove the cloth on top of the objects and they were revealed to be two big square glass containers, with unique sort of contents inside.
Both 9S and 32S tilted their head to look at the contents before tilting back from confusion and seeing a disturbing sight.
"What's with the slugs?" 9S asked as he stares at two bloated looking insects. Even their legs looked like stubbles compared to their entire oblong shape body.
"They're Bnahabras." 801S deadpanned.
"What!?" 32S said in surprised, before he gingerly began to poke one of the Neopterans.
"The tonic did this? What happened to their shells and wings?" 9S asked 801S, as he himself was looking over the bugs and prodding one of them.
"I had to remove the shells since if they remained, they'll pop. Their wings are still there if you know where to look."
"Found them." 32S was able to lift one wing, while the other remained flat on the Bnahabra's back. Both relatively small compared to the body.
"How much did you give them and is this what happens with the tonic?" 9S asked in concern, now worried that Rogue might end up too bloated to move if he were to try the tonic.
"Actually, I only gave them a dose proportionate to their body and not lot to begin with. Like a tiny droplet or a quarter of a small syringe." 801S began to explain.
"I mean the tonic really slowed down their metabolism and made their bodies lethargic that didn't really help with burning the energy they were now storing in surplus. It's a good thing you and the felyne chief watch over that felyne who made this on accident, one entire bottle of the tonic could theoretically affect large monsters." 801S told the two, with the latter directed at 9S.
"Really, something big like a Rathalos? So if you use that tonic on them, they'll get bloated and lazy. Wouldn't that be useful when they're captured and kept in captivity?" 32S said to 801S, who scrunches his eyebrows a bit before replying.
"Well, not exactly. The tonic is really powerful, it's dangerous for anyone or any normal monster to intake since it could cause serious harm to their body." 801S answered, gesturing to the Neopterans before them as an example.
"Unless they have a high metabolism like other monsters, for example like a Deviljho or a Narkarkos. The tonic would cancel out their naturally high metabolism and their appetite would, well… be like most monsters. Hunting and feeding once or twice a week, or eating enough to last a month before hunting again. So it's not really useful besides giving gluttoned monsters a stable diet." 801S added the tidbit nonchalantly, not knowing that this information was important for 9S.
9S is glad to know that the Rider's manual was credible for the method and no side effects or dangers would come to Rogue. Plus, he now knows that Rogue wouldn't need to eat the entire tonic to work. He and Pod may have to determine how much they would have to give him, but they'll figure it out once they get back to settlement.
"So, how long does the effects last?" 9S asked to know if 801S was able to get an estimate time before the effects wear off. 801S thought a bit before he replied.
"Hmmm… well I know that it last longer than a week, since I stopped feeding the others by then. Learning if I don't, they'll pop. But give or take at least two to three weeks, the Bnahabras here are still feeling the effect but they have been chirping to get fed lately."
"Or they learned that you're at their beck and call for lunch." 32S joked.
"I guess we can't use this for anything unless to placate monsters with high metabolism. Not that we can try to use it at monsters in the wild since it wouldn't last long." 9S said with fake sigh of dejection. He really does not intend for the tonic be used for anything else but for Rogue anyway.
"Hey, you win some and you lose some Nines. Besides you can still help me with my own project." 801S said to cheer him up, which brought 9S' attention to the quickfoot seeds he was supposed to give.
"Oh right. Here they are a pouch of Quickfoot seeds." 9S gave the pouch to 801S, who quickly picks one out and stares at it inquisitively.
"Thanks Nines. This is a good batch."
"So, what are you gonna use them for?" 32S asked.
"Well, I'm planning to make a new type of drug that would boost a hunter's mobility and speed. I mean we got drugs to increase strength and durability of ones body, why not one that gives them a speed boost." 801S said, as he stashes the pouch in his lab coat.
"Could I guess the effects would be similar to an insect glaive user getting a speed boost from an extract?" 9S said to 801S who nods in agreement.
"Yup. But the effect would last much longer and maybe much more potent."
"Where you'd get the idea?" 32S spoke with curiosity to 801S, finding his friend's idea unique.
"Just somewhere out of the blue... Well to be honest, I may have gotten some inspiration from the hunters running away from 9S on that Tigrex—" 801S answered, before 9S cuts it knowing what he'll say next.
"And what could have help them run faster."
"Exactly!" The boys chuckled together at the remark, before a knock was heard from the door and it opened.
"Hey boys sorry to cut this meeting short, but I forgot I have an errand to do. I need 32S to— What's with the slugs?" Pops entered to call the boys only to pause and stare incredulously at the Bnahabras in the glass containers.
"Nothing, important Pops." 801S answered to the trader.
"You need me to man the front dad?" 32S asked, knowing that with his dad gone he'll have to watch their shop.
"Yup, sorry to cut you break short son and your time meeting up with your friends." Pops apologized, but 32S understands not minding his break was cut short.
"Its okay dad, we're practically done with what we're doing and 801S and 9S still have some other errands to today anyway."
"Right! I'm supposed to meet with Anemone and Jackass in the Hunting Arena." 9S remembered and knew that today Anemone would give him a special exercise.
"And Jackass? I bet whatever you're gonna do with Anemone that has Jackass involve might be something important …or explosive." Pops commented with a hand on his chin.
"We'll you better get going since it would be a long walk to the hunting arena." 801S said before 9S turned to him in confusion and asked.
"Wait your not coming with me? The arena is only north of the guild and a walking distance, won't we head to the same way?"
"I'm not needed at the guild today, since its my day off. Plus I'll probably head back to my place to start working on my personal project." 801S replied as 9S nods in understanding.
"I see, I mean you got your quickfoot seeds so might as well start now that you have them, and you're right that I need to get going. Anemone said she wants our training to be done early before the day ends. She told me last time that Zinnia wants me to meet her for something."
"What for?" 32S asked.
"Not sure, she didn't tell me anything else besides that." 9S shrugs, unsure of it himself.
"Well, I got to go kids. Nice to know that you three got to meet up and settle what you guys needed to do. Son you're in charge until I get back." Pops told the boys as he makes his way back to the door.
"Oh, and 9S …tell Jackass I said hi when you get there." Pops added before leaving the door and heading to where he needs himself to be.
The three boys had a perplex expression on their faces from hearing Pops' last statement, before both 9S and 801S look at 32S for an explanation.
"Jackass…"
"…Really?"
The two asked 32S in disbelief.
"Hey, I'm out of the loop as well. I mean they could be doing business together ...but Jackass has been stopping by a lot lately." 32S said to the two, while also weirded out himself from his father's suppose sudden interest with the explosive lunatic of a researcher.
"Maybe, you can get something about this from Jackass, Nines? I mean, I'm a bit curious if if she and Pops are a thing or my superior started dating to test an experiment." 801S said to 9S, with 32S agreeing with the idea and plausible explanation of Jackass' motives.
"I guess, but chances are I would have to run a gauntlet of explosives before she'll tell me." 9S deadpanned.
"Who knows, that may be what you'll be doing anyway." 32S guessed with a tilt of his head.
Which was true.
*BOOM
"AAAAHHHHHHHH!" 9S screamed as he was flying through the air with a real insect glaive in his hand, a bone glaive, and the force of an explosion behind him sending his vault off course from its intended trajectory.
With a quick maneuver, 9S triggers a burst of air shooting out of the insect glaive to right himself before landing gracefully on the ground with both of his feet. Giving himself a moment to breathe, 9S dusts off his current attire. Which was a standard guild hunter armor.
It was given to him officially for his training today, which he needs since it turns out his agenda today was a test in the Arena. Anemone said that he could keep the armor if he pass. Personally for 9S, it would be his first armor too if he did.
That is… if 9S could keep it intact from the entire exercise.
9S hears a sizzling sound and stares at his feet seeing another barrel bomb that was buried. His landing must have set it off and 9S proceeds to vault away before the barrel bomb suddenly erupts from the ground before exploding in the air.
The bomb's explosion releases several stones shooting off in various directions and landing in random areas. Some of these areas suddenly have the ground beneath them explode and causing a chain reaction of explosions, which 9S sees and runs for his life. He jumps away using his glaive, ducks from random debris flying overhead and tries to find cover to avoid the explosions and the other barrel bombs being set off.
Watching 9S scramble and jump away from another explosion was Jackass and Anemone, who was garb in her full Rathian gunner armor. All three were in the YoRHa's official hunting arena.
A large colosseum like building, with the main structure being the arena area where the action happens and where 9S currently is. The slay ground, which the arena is popularly called by hunters, is outfitted with a few platforms for ballista to be fired and cannons that hunters can load and fire from. The arena also has a dragonator on one wall side, a weapon that fires a large spear to pierce and disembowel monsters, plus small switches on the sides of the middle of the arena to summon a large gate to split the ring into two. Then above the slay ground are the rows of seats surrounding the entire oval shape of the arena.
The hunting arena also has a section of the building where beginners are taught the basics of hunting and other lessons important for them to learn, like item crafting and monster ecology studies. Basically it is where hunters and new recruits go to train and hone their abilities as hunters.
it is also where any captured monster individuals are slain due to the guild deeming them too dangerous to return to the wild because of their violent behavior and threat to the local ecosystem. Which is a rare occurrence and slaying a monster would be treated as an event that all hunters could participate in and a spectacle villagers could watch to their own digression.
This blood sport use of the arena is highly debated throughout the entire world, which even members of the guild debate whether this practice should continue. Regardless, captured monsters are also used to train new recruits and this purpose is what the guild is mainly advocating the arena to be used for.
As seen with 9S and his instructors.
"What the hell Jackass!" 9S now yelled at the woman standing at the audience area of the hunting arena after finally finding a spot that seems to have no buried barrel bomb.
"What? I warned you that I planted barrel bombs hidden around the arena." Jackass looked down at where 9S was, seeing him glare at her.
"You hid all kinds of barrel bombs! In the ENTIRE ARENA!" 9S spoke hysterically waving his hands, gesturing the entire arena. Some of the grounds are deeply burned and filled with ash and some of the equipment that hunters could use as support like the ballista platforms or the dragonator are covered in soothe but luckily not damaged.
Anemone made sure the switches for the large gate and for the dragonator are closed and not to be used, with both switches stored underground on their spots to avoid getting damage by the explosions.
"Yeah, what you'd expect, I just leave them out in the open? How else will we test you when you're suddenly trust into a dangerous situation?" Jackass replied as if it was common sense for 9S to know of rig booby trap explosives in the arena.
"She's right 9S, even if its unorthodox and highly dangerous, it is exactly what I wanted to test you on today. More so, how would you react and act with your weapon of choice in this certain situation." Anemone agreed with Jackass and explained to 9S the meaning of this test to him.
"And especially when it gets worst and more dangerous!" Jackass shouts with a disturbing sense of glee, before she pulls a lever from her position.
"Wait, what?" The statement caught 9S off guard and before he could ask more of what Jackass meant, a section of the arena opens up and lifts a pack of Velociprey to the slay ground.
Hearing the telltale cries and seeing a pack, which he counts five Velociprey staring at him, 9S gives a cuss to himself as his expression turns to a frustrated one realizing what Jackass meant.
"Again… ****…." Whispering to himself and finding it ironic he'll be facing the same type of monsters from this morning.
"Survive and slay all your adversaries, you pass the test and todays training. Fail, well you can guess what will happen." Anemone said in a firm tone, while 9S contemplates that he would have to survive a minefield of an arena and a pack of Velociprey.
Until sudden realization hits him that he's armed. Not fully armed, since he left his kinsect back in the settlement, but he now has a real glaive to use. A bladed glaive that could cut or at least pierce monster hide.
He isn't defenseless like he was earlier this morning and he may not have Rogue at his side right now, but he's been training and fighting these kinds of bird wyverns with a blunt glaive since he started staying with Whistill. The thought of how he would fare with a real one excites 9S.
Plus, a small part in the back of his mind is telling him that this is the perfect oppurtunity to vent and channel some of his frustrations he got from the Velocipreys earlier this morning. 9S admits, he could feel the lingering anger Rogue had when they tried to steal his kill.
9S then swings his glaive around himself before going to a combat stance in front of the Velocipreys. The act was to gesture the bird wyverns to 'bring it', which the Velocipreys didn't fail to recognize and instead understood the taunt. They all gave threatening cries to 9S in response.
"Nothing personal, but I have a few things to string out of system." 9S said before launches himself straight at the pack, vaulting through the air before giving a downward slash to the nearest Velociprey on his descent.
The strike hits, slashing the head and through one of the eyes of the Velociprey before 9S delivers another to its neck causing blood spurt. The Bird wyvern flops to the ground, forcing the rest of the pack to jump back away from 9S.
They attempt to surround 9S, before he simply vaults to another and gives an overhead slash and combos to a thrust slaying another pack member. One Velociprey close to 9S attempts to pounce on him, but 9S dodges it then uses its back as a springboard to send him airborne.
The Velocipreys look up to 9S who triggers another burst of air to send him straight to another Velociprey to attack. But this time, the Velociprey sees him and dodges. Landing on the ground, one pack member ceases the opportunity to attack 9S and rushes claws out.
Hearing it because of its cries, 9S turns around and bashes the Velociprey with the blunt end of the insect glaive sending it sprawling to the ground. But before he can finish it, 9S hears a sizzling sound and looks down to see another barrel bomb has been activated.
"Huah!" 9S panic vaults away from his position, while at the same time luckily dodge one Velociprey pouncing towards him. The bird wyvern took 9S' place before the explosion kills it sending its body flying into the air. Both 9S and the remaining pack members watch the body fall to the ground to a spot near them, lifting up dust in the area and revealing more barrel bombs buried in the ground.
Not forgetting that the arena is now a minefield of explosives, 9S immediately sheaths his glaive and begins to run away while the two other bird wyverns follow him as they could recognize a sign of danger when they see one.
What came next was another chain reaction of explosions, with several barrels shooting up into the air exploding and sending more debris to the ground activating more barrel bombs.
Both 9S and the raptors bob and weave around the arena from the explosions, generally avoiding each other and trying to not knock into each other.
Finally when all the explosions cease, 9S gives a pant for air from all the running and a moment to collect himself before he hears the shriek of the Velocipreys behind him. He turns around and sees them panting as well but still eyeing him.
He shifts his feet to go into a stance but feels it touch something. He looks at the corner of his eye what it was and saw it was a barrel bomb, a large one still intact and not set off. An idea is formed in his head, as he looks at the Velociprey and smirks. He moves carefully away from the bomb, a few steps before he draws his glaive again.
The Velocipreys see him arm himself and both ready their claws and teeth in response. With a yell, 9S charges at them head on and they in return charge together at him. One makes a leap towards him, but 9S anticipated this and vaults towards it.
Panic and confusion is seen from Velociprey, not expecting 9S to meet it head on but could not stop itself from crashing into him. 9S himself doesn't intend to crash themselves and dodges at the last second, triggering a burst of air to move him away from the Velociprey's trajectory. He also gives a parting slash, not to kill but to destabilize its fall before he lands to the ground and turns to see if his plan worked.
The Velociprey in the air falls on top of its pack member right at the place where the large barrel bomb was and in an instant both where engulf in a fiery explosion.
Once the smoke clears, 9S sees two dead Velociprey, marking the end of his test. With him passing, a sound of applause is heard near him and turns to see Anemone on the ground with him.
"Bravo 9S! You passed your test."
"Congratulation kid! Ten out of ten for that explosive finish by the way!" Jackass shouted from the stands.
"I could now dub thee as hunter trainee …with field work permission." Anemone tells him and earning a perplex look from 9S.
"Aren't I doing that already?" 9S asked in response, before Anemone chuckles in amusement before coming close to ruffle his hair. Flustering 9S to try to remove her hand off his head.
"Unofficial yes, since you are a special case. But now officially, you can get paid and earn points from the guild with the materials you gather from field missions you can join as a trainee." 9S gives Anemone another unamused look to her wide grin under her hand, trying to identify if there is anything else.
"…And you get to keep the glaive."
This brings a surprise look from 9S before he moves away from Anemone and looks at her in disbelief. Not sure if he heard her right or if she was joking.
"Y-you mean…"
"I deem you're ready for combat against threats and in situations that hunters would meet out in the field. You have accumulated enough skill with the insect glaive, making you capable of fighting with it out in the field and monster territories. But that doesn't mean you should stop practicing it, when hunting monsters there is always a need for improvement, is that clear?" Anemone tells him in cordial tone, while finding the glee radiating off of 9S amusing. 9S nods to the latter of Anemone's statement agreeing, but the smile on his face remains.
"So, I get to keep this?" 9S gestures to the glaive on his hand. Anemone simply nods in agreement before she explains to 9S what they would be doing next.
"Yes, and it means the rest of our training session would be you learning the basics of the other 13 remaining weapon types, since it is mandatory for hunters. Maybe some weight training as well for you to bulk up."
"But how about the other studies?" 9S inquired, noticing that he wasn't being assigned for lessons and classes like A2 and 2B, when they got promoted before like him now.
"You already have the needed accompanied knowledge for hunters, from all your self-studies and trips to the research center. You are pretty diligent in that regard but hunting in the field while working with fellow hunters is something you must gain with your own experiences." Anemone answered 9S, helping him understand what he would need to learn in his training. He could maybe even use the field lessons he'll learn in his sessions with Rogue whenever they venture out into the woods or look for more monster dens.
"Hey you two! Are we about done here?! We still need to go to the celebration tonight!" Jackass yelled at them getting their attention. For 9S, he got a bit confuse to what Jackass meant for a celebration.
"Celebration?" 9S turned to Anemone to shed some light about it.
"Right, you weren't here, so you didn't hear about it." 9S could see the hunting captain remember something and could guess it might have happened when he didn't visit the village the other days.
"Basically, Zinnia wants us to meet tonight for a dinner party to celebrate a few things. But the main one would be…"
"SURPRISE! CONGARTULATIONS!" Everybody cheered as 2B and A2 entered a pub filled with people they knew. With the people who greeted being Zinnia, 9S, Pod 42, Pod 153, 6O, Anemone, Jackass, Pops, 32S, 801S and Masamune; who was at the back giving a gracious bow to the twins in greeting.
The pub they were in was one of the few taverns and restaurants in YoRHa, but the entirety of this pub was privately reserved by Zinnia for the party and dinner she planned for the twins. It was located much nearer to their home, making it ideal and easier for them to return to once it gets late.
"Really? I thought you had enough of parties with our birthday last month." A2 said with a visible cringe. She really was not expecting another surprise party this soon.
"Aw, c'mon A2. Turn that smile upside down! Its not everyday that I have two of my childhood friends become official hunters on a short notice." 6O said as she hooks both girls by the arms and lead them further inside.
"But was renting an entire pub necessary." 2B asked, not finding the expenditure worth it and seeing that there were only a few people to accommodate a space this large.
"Very necessary! I feel like a mother seeing her baby chicks grow up and-and *sniff sniff…get employed." Zinnia teared up at the thought while getting bewildered looks from the others.
"Despite the nature of the job." Jackass side commented.
"And why not have the opportunity to spend time together, we all been busy with the work from the past two weeks. Some of us can't afford it either due to some complications" Anemone added, thinking about White. The commander was still busy with writing forms to the guild and asking for more support for the investigation of the northern area and the mysterious black haze.
"Yeah and its nice. A needed break is good once in a while, especially when you got another day ahead of you. I mean me and 32S are leaving tomorrow to Geo-Fulkright, so might as well have a night to enjoy before we go." Pops told the two, with 32S nodding in agreement.
"Besides, you guys should really celebrate. You've been training and working hard to be hunters for the past two years. Now you two are officially recognize by the guild as hunters. You guys deserve to relax and celebrate this accomplishment." 9S said, with it being the final plea for 2B and A2 to relent and try to enjoy the night as they make their way to a table. The rest of the adults made their way to their own table, with Zinnia facilitating some of the staff to serve the food.
"Also, if I knew you guys just got promoted yesterday, I would have gotten a quick gift or something…" 9S spoke shyly at the two, not noticing the knowing looks from the other members of the party.
"Really, like one of the slugs 801S has in his study? Pass, we already got you to take care of..." A2 joked with a raise eyebrow as they sat around the table, with her sitting beside 9S and him sitting beside 2B. 6O took seat at 2B's other side, while 32S and 801S sat at the remaining chairs.
"Not a slug, unless you want one A2... I would have planned to find and give both of you charms to help in hunting. But thinking about it now, it wouldn't be fair if only 2B got a charm that's helpful. I mean there isn't a charm that could increases your level of intelligence A2." 9S playfully snarked back, earning a pinch on the cheeks by A2.
"Cheeky little shit." A2 responded back playfully too, before shoving him lightly with no ill intent evident.
"It's okay Nines, you don't have to find a gift for us. We were told unexpectedly, not even informing us until we return to the guild either and its simply us getting officialize by the Guild community. Nothing to cause much celebratory really..." 2B spoke before getting closer to 9S and whispered.
"But you being here with us is enough for me…" The slight blush 9S had on his face earned another round of knowing looks from the rest of the occupants in the table.
"Hey 2B and A2, what did you guys do to get promoted? I mean normally it would be a hunter going for his first hunt solo, right?" 32S asked the two and getting 9S' attention to the matter. 9S has been gone from the village for a while and he has been wondering what 2B and A2 did to get them registered as hunters.
"Yeah, I'm curious as well. Did you guys have a confrontation with a monster or something?"
"Me, too! I didn't see any quest that you guys took that involved slaying a specific monster."
Both 9S and 6O asked the twins, with 32S and 801S coming closer to hear their answer.
"Oh. I slew an Azuros for a patch of trees filled with honey in a gathering quest and 2B slew two raptor packs going in a turf war with each other." A2 said nonchalantly.
"Wait! Hold up. You fought an Arzuros for its honey and won!" 801S said surprise.
"Yup."
"Details, I know Arzuros can get really fierce when fighting for honey. I mean me and pops normally issue a quest to get some when those bears are around. Other hunters consider it a chore too, if they're there protecting their honey fiercely." 32S asked turning his and 801S attention to A2.
"Well since you guys asked…" A2 began to regale the tale to the two while 6O and 9S were focused on 2B's.
"Hey 2B, when A2 meant pack ...like you even slain the alphas? And which kind of bird wyvern were they?"
"Yeah, and did you really jump in between a turf war. Like with both packs going on each other."
"No 6O, I didn't. I tracked them down to their den and fought them. And yes 9S, I slain the dromes of the respective packs. I believe the packs that I fought were Velocipreys and Iopreys." 2B answered the two's questions and their conversation continued even after the food was serve.
The table of teenagers were engrossed with talking with each other, talking what they've been doing the past few days. Their conversation turned to slightly serious one, when 9S asked the situation with the investigation of the black haze. Both 2B and A2's expression turned a bit glum explaining that they were only able to map out how far the infection spread and nothing much else. No new dens or underground passages, but on the positive side no monsters.
9S said the same with his observation of the west side and said that monsters are still reluctant to return to the other areas of the forest. Except for the Velocipreys, who are desperate and a few herbivores.
But giving a positive note, 6O said that the guild would be requesting the aid of the Royal Paleontology Scriveners and their two captains to help with the investigation. 801S himself has heard of them and their reputation. He speculates that maybe they could get a lead on it and that their rate of failure was near non-existent. It lifted the spirits of 2B and A2 a bit from the idea.
From there their conversation returns to a more lighthearted one, with them talking about what they would do next.
32S said he'll try to get some souvenirs from Geo-Fulkright for them, while 801S explains his idea of a new speed boosting potion. 6O told them that her field training had begun, which 9S adds that he himself has been officially given permission to join for field work and training as well. The thought of the two of them doing field work didn't escape their minds, but 9S said it would not likely be possible until he is done with his business with the felynes.
Though, A2 adds that 9S could look forward in the future to shadow her and 2B on a quest since they are now officially hunters and him being a field trainee. A thought 2B liked and willing to do, but she too agrees only once 9S is done with his work with the felynes.
The twins then share that they'll be doing some quest for the guild and help handle the situation in the southern area of the forest since most of the monster activity is there due to the recent events. Deciding then that they'll take a break with the investigation until the Royal Scriveners arrive to help. They also wish to start upgrading their guild armor and make them stronger, unless they slay a monster Masamune can make into a full set of armor.
The night went on with more merry celebrations and hard drinking from the adults. Zinnia had challenged her table to a liquor drinking contest that quickly went south and ended the night with several parties formed to carry their drunken guardians home.
"You think Anemone would be okay by herself?" 9S asked 2B as they walk ahead of A2, Pod 42, Pod 153 and Zinnia. The wyverian being winner of her own drinking contest and looking none worse to wear.
"She didn't drink much. But I'm more worried of how she'll get Masamune back to his."
"True. I mean you think he would remove his armor when he's in the forge because of the heat and not because of feeling hot from getting drunk. But at least that's a lot less weight to carry him back home."
9S then made a face remembering what happened after when the blacksmith began to strip during their bout of drinking. With 2B speaking her thoughts on the matter of Anemone being in charge of taking Masamune home.
"I feel sorry for the captain. But she really goes above and beyond though."
"...Still, the idea of carrying him naked is something I don't want to experience."
"You and me both Nines."
Both individuals grimace for a moment at the thought, before chuckling.
"Will you stay the night?" 2B asked with uncertainty.
"Hmmm, yeah. Turns out Pod 153 was in with the celebration and told Whistill beforehand. So yeah, I'm staying with you guys tonight." 9S answered to 2B, grinning.
"That's nice to know. I haven't been seeing you around lately."
"Well, its pretty hard for us to hang out with me working with Whistill and you and your hunter tasks."
"True…" 2B hasn't been able to allocate time for her and 9S to be together due to the investigation and 9S helping the felynes build their home.
"But we got the entire night you know… to be toge— h-hang out t-together." 9S stuttered at his words and giving an obvious slip up, but 2B simply smiles in response and draws to walk closer with 9S.
"I like that. But you don't need to be early tomorrow?"
"Nope, Whistill said my morning shift is covered. So, I can stay pretty late." 9S responded, while noticing how close he was with 2B.
"Good, because there is something I've notice and been wanting to talk to you about." 2B spoke, making 9S pause in his steps and in turn 2B pauses her own.
"What do you want to talk about?" 9S was a bit nervous asking and thought of the worse case scenario that she saw him and Rogue in the forest together. Especially now that he could see 2B getting a bit nervous on how she should ask him, before speaking up.
"Its about Jackass… and Pops."
It took a minute for 9S to register what 2B said and saw that her expression turned to a worried one. She was about to ask him what's wrong before, 9S immediately started to laugh in relief and amusement.
"Oh my gosh! You too, I mean I just learned today and started to speculate with the other guys when Pops told me to tell her 'he said hi' when I meet up with her."
"Jackass actually asked me to gopher some materials to him one time and then when I gave it to Pops, he looked elated at it before he simply gave a parcel in response and ask me to give it to her. It smelled weird too. But Jackass took interested in it and 801S said she was examining it for a few hours."
"Did you see them try to double team Zinnia?"
"They actually left together too."
"Yeah and was Pops leaning on Jackass or was it the other way around?"
"They both were too drunk for their own good."
2B and 9S's conversation continued, with even A2 and the rest joining in with their own accounts of the mysterious interactions of Pops and Jackass until they got back to their home.
It was a good night for them and a well deserve break as well. For tomorrow, would be another day of work for the family.
Especially for 9S since he would be training with Rogue, unaware of the consequences he and his monstie had wrought from their earlier excursion in the woods.
Author's notes:
Okay that's the end for this chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed it and Thanks for reading!
See you in the next chapter!