Episode 07
The sun hung high in the cloud-dappled sky, casting a warm embrace over the town of Gumboldt. Nestled at the confluence of two rivers, it stood encircled by a protective brick wall, a testament to its resilience in the midst of the bustling world.
As the trio of riverside winds brushed through the town, Gumboldt revealed itself as a hub of diligent activity. The brick wall, weathered by time and bearing the scars of past battles, stood tall, a silent guardian to the town's inhabitants. The air buzzed with the murmur of traders and the lively exchange of goods.
Market stalls, adorned with colorful banners, lined the cobblestone streets. Sellers, their voices a chorus of commerce, shouted with fervor, enticing potential buyers with promises of quality and bargains. "Fresh herbs from the wild! Enhance your potions and elixirs!" one vendor bellowed, waving a handful of vibrant greens.
Nearby, a group of buyers haggled animatedly, their voices blending into a cacophony of negotiation. "Two Mega Potions for the price of one! A steal, I tell you!" asserted a determined buyer, eying the potions with a discerning gaze.
The culinary scene, though less pronounced than the festivities of Jovia or the serenity of Taruno, had its own charm. Stalls adorned with savory and sweet delights enticed passersby. "Golden-crusted pastries! Flaky and fresh, straight from the oven!" proclaimed a baker, wafting the aroma of baked goodness through the air.
Amidst the ebb and flow of the market, hunters and their loyal companions roamed the streets. Palicoes and Palamutes, donned in an array of armor and accessories, accompanied their masters. The rhythmic clinking of armor and the occasional growl of a Palamute added to the dynamic ambiance.
Josh, Gizmo, and Castor approached the imposing west gate of Gumboldt, the entrance to a town brimming with life and opportunity. The aging bricks of the wall whispered tales of countless visitors, and as they passed through the gate, Castor, with a warm smile, welcomed Josh to Gumboldt.
"Welcome to Gumboldt, Josh. Familiar with this lively town?" Castor inquired, his eyes reflecting a sense of anticipation.
Josh, surveying the bustling streets ahead, replied, "Last time I was here was about half a year ago. Always changes, doesn't it?"
As they strolled into the heart of the town, the vibrant pulse of Gumboldt engulfed them. Eventually, they paused a few paces from the gate, surrounded by the symphony of market sounds. Castor, expressing gratitude, said, "Thank you for accompanying me, Josh. And for sharing stories about Master Lucas."
Josh, with a nod of acknowledgment, replied, "No problem. It's always good to remember him."
Curiosity filled Castor's gaze as he asked, "So, what's your next move?"
Josh, his eyes glinting with determination, answered, "I'll go check the quest board, see if there's anything interesting."
Wishing Josh luck, Castor added, "May your hunts be prosperous. I've got to head to the Researcher's Union's office."
"Likewise. Hope we cross paths again soon," Josh remarked, extending a hand in farewell.
As they parted ways, Josh and Gizmo ventured deeper into the lively town. "The town's buzzing today," Josh observed, taking in the sights.
Gizmo, with an affirmative meow, chimed in, "Town smells good, Master Hunter."
As Josh and Gizmo slowly made their way through the lively streets of Gumboldt, the scent of various delicacies intertwined in the air. The town square, with the prominent quest board, loomed ahead, situated just across from the Wegen Theater. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, painting the cobblestones with a warm hue.
Arriving at the quest board, Josh's eyes scanned the array of quests pinned on the board. He mused aloud, "Let's see what we've got today, Gizmo."
Gizmo, standing next to Josh, meowed in agreement. "Good quests today," the Palico observed, his feline eyes narrowing as he examined the options.
As they deliberated, a sudden ruckus erupted behind them. Josh turned, his attention drawn to the commotion. Amidst the crowd, a stout hunter clad in striking red and black armor, his Palamute companion Shiro by his side, was causing a scene.
The hunter's voice boomed through the square as he screamed, "I demand to meet with Chief Playwright Barda! Now!"
Curiosity piqued, Josh and Gizmo exchanged glances before turning their attention to the unfolding drama. The stout hunter, seemingly irate, continued his protest, demanding entrance to the renowned Wegen Theater.
Gizmo whispered to Josh, "Who's that, and why is he so upset with the theater?"
Josh, intrigued, replied, "Not sure, Gizmo. But let's keep an eye on this. Might be more interesting than the quests."
Josh and Gizmo exchanged a knowing glance, their decision made. They shifted their focus from the quest board to the unfolding drama near the Wegen Theater. The theater attendant, a composed figure amidst the chaos, faced the stout hunter.
"Chief Playwright Barda is not available today. May I inquire why you wish to meet him?" the attendant inquired with a calm demeanor.
"Do you live under a rock, or is the air in Gumboldt too thin for you to recognize greatness?" Indignant, the stout hunter retorted, "I am Mr. Brilliant, the pride of Jovia, the greatest performer this land has ever seen!"
Gizmo couldn't help but twitch his whiskers in amusement at the theatrical introduction.
The attendant, unfazed by the proclamation, stated matter-of-factly, "Regardless of who you are, Chief Barda is not present today. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"
Brilliant, with a flourish, struck a pose that only amplified the absurdity of his claim. "You fools! Gumboldt would be honored to have Mr. Brilliant grace its stage. It's a loss to this town if I don't perform here!"
The attendant maintained composure, responding, "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but without Chief Barda, there's little I can do."
Undeterred by the attendant's apparent lack of appreciation for his greatness, Brilliant continued his fervent plea. "Come on, surely there's someone here who recognizes true talent! Gumboldt needs Mr. Brilliant!" he declared with an air of exasperation.
The theater attendant, maintaining his composed demeanor, replied, "I'm afraid you'll have to come back another time."
Brilliant, persisting in his mission to conquer Gumboldt's stage, pressed on. However, before he could make another impassioned appeal, the theater attendant excused himself and retreated into the theater, leaving Brilliant alone in front of the theater.
Seemingly defeated, Brilliant sighed deeply as the imposing theater doors closed before him. With one last irate remark muttered under his breath, he turned away, his grandeur momentarily eclipsed by the harsh reality of rejection.
Observing the spectacle, Josh couldn't help but comment, "That hunter is so extra."
Gizmo, ever the astute observer, responded, "He's looking at us, Master Hunter."
Josh, realizing they had inadvertently become part of the unfolding drama, whispered, "Don't say anything."
As Mr. Brilliant approached, the air crackling with his palpable frustration, Gizmo leaned in and whispered, "He's coming this way..."
Brilliant stood before them, eyes narrowing as he examined the duo. Unable to resist the urge to inquire, he asked with theatrical flair, "Are you two talking about the magnificent Mr. Brilliant?"
Caught off guard, Josh mustered a wry smile. "Well, we were just saying how lively Gumboldt is today."
Gizmo, suppressing a meow of amusement, added, "And how every hunter has their own way of making an entrance."
Brilliant retorted, "Nonsense! I know you are, of course, speaking about the great and magnificent Mr. Brilliant!"
Josh, with a quizzical look, whispered to Gizmo, "Does this guy have superhuman hearing or something?"
Before Gizmo could respond, Brilliant's attention shifted to the quest board behind them. His eyes scanned the myriad quests offering tempting rewards, but his enthusiasm deflated visibly as he sighed, lamenting, "Why is everything beyond my level? It's absurd!"
Curiosity getting the better of him, Josh ventured, "Are you really a hunter?"
Brilliant, as if insulted by the mere question, proclaimed, "Of course! The one and only Mr. Brilliant, unmatched in his hunting prowess, has taken down many a monster in his lifetime!"
Perplexed, Josh asked, "Then why the fuss with the theater?"
"How could you not have heard of Mr. Brilliant?!" Brilliant replied with his voice brimming with theatrical indignation. "He is not merely a great hunter, but he is also the most entertaining and incredible performer the world has ever seen! Gumboldt is missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
Gizmo, whispering to Josh, remarked with a sly tone, "This guy's ego is bigger than the mythical Zorah Magdaros."
Josh couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at Gizmo's apt observation. Before the banter could continue, a cry echoed through the square, breaking the verbal sparring between the hunters.
"All hunters must gather in front of the office of the Researcher's Union, no matter their level! Important announcement soon!" declared the town crier, repeating the message to ensure every hunter heard.
As the cry reverberated, hunters began to flock towards the Researcher's Union's Office. Josh, pondering the unexpected summons, wondered aloud, "I wonder what that could be."
Brilliant, with a confident grin, quipped, "Perhaps they've realized they need the services of the magnificent Mr. Brilliant."
With that, they both headed towards the Researcher's Union's office, Gizmo and Shiro following along faithfully. The lively square transformed into a sea of hunters, each curious about the impending announcement. Standing in front of the Researcher's Union's office structure, Josh, Brilliant, and their loyal companions joined the throng, awaiting the revelation.
As they stood among the sea of hunters, the atmosphere buzzed with speculation. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as hunters speculated on the nature of the impending announcement.
"Maybe it's an incredible quest announcement," one hunter suggested.
"Perhaps they've discovered treasures and need hunters to assist," chimed in another.
The anticipation reached its peak when the front door of the Researcher's Union's office swung open. Out emerged five researchers in their distinct garb, accompanied by two experienced hunters clad in shiny silver and green armor. Among them was the town's leader, an elder with bushy eyebrows and a large mustache. The assembled hunters fell into a hushed silence as the group positioned themselves in front of the building.
The town's leader, with a nod of acknowledgment to the gathered hunters, began to speak. "Thank you, everyone, for gathering here today. It's heartening to see so many fine hunters in our town."
As the elder expressed his gratitude, Brilliant couldn't resist muttering to Josh, "Well, of course, they're fortunate to have the presence of Mr. Brilliant among them."
Gizmo, suppressing a meow, added, "Always making an entrance, isn't he?"
Josh couldn't help but smile at Gizmo's astute observation. The lively banter between the companions added a touch of humor to the solemn atmosphere surrounding the Researcher's Office.
As the town's leader stepped forward, Josh focused his attention on the elder's introduction. With a dignified air, he began, "I am Gartan, the elder of this town. Today, I am joined by two of my most trusted hunters, Captain Evon and Lieutenant Ziri."
Captain Evon, a large and burly figure with a scruffy beard, carried a formidable spear. Lieutenant Ziri, a blonde warrior, bore a sword and shield with confidence. The two master hunters nodded in acknowledgment as their names were spoken.
Gartan continued, "I have gathered you all here now because I have an announcement to make. I implore everyone here to listen carefully to what I have to say, as these are of the utmost importance to everyone, and our world may depend on this information."
As the town's leader prepared to reveal the nature of the announcement, the gathered hunters leaned in, their collective curiosity palpable in the air. Little did they know that the threads of destiny were weaving a tale that would soon entwine the fates of not only Josh and Brilliant but also the world as a whole.