Monster Hunter: The Telepathic Hunter; Ch3: Snowy Quests
January 2nd, 2098.
The next day, Alex suited up in his Mafumofu and went to see the Chief. At the large blue rock, there was Anna conversing with her already, so he rushed to catch up. "Good morning! I hope I'm not too late for the party."
"Good morning, Alex," greeted Anna, armored in Mafumofu as well.
"We were just talking about you, Alex," said the Chief. "I've talked with the villagers and assembled a list of tasks for you to complete today."
"Okay, so what do you need us to do?"
"First, I need you to gather some Anteka Antlers. They can be grounded into a powder and used as an ingredient in various medicines." Alex nodded in understanding. "Antekas may be herbivores, but they are a courageous bunch of grass chewers who won't go down without a fight. Next, I want you to practice fighting against some Giaprey..."
"Gia-what?" interrupted Alex. "Sorry. Anna said the word before, but nothing more. Are they some kind of relative of the Velociprey?"
"You being from the west told me you wouldn't know about them. Well, in a way, they are. The Guild calls them White Velociprey. But they are special in that they can spit out an icy fluid, which you should watch out for."
"I see. It doesn't sound too dangerous, though."
"Wait till you see the alpha monster of a pack, the Giadrome," said Anna. "His ice spit can trap you in instant ice." Alex looked shocked at that.
"Whoa, really? So, looks like we're not the only ones who can use Chikara."
"Alex, where do you think humans even got access to Chikara? Our pioneers learned it from monsters, of course!"
"I never thought of that… hmm."
"Anyway, your last task is to gather twenty Mountains Herbs. I used the majority of the village's stocks and some of our Anteka Antler powder to tend to your wounds. I don't think you would have lived otherwise, so I had to be sure. It's great it worked out well."
"Wow! I'll have to consider this last objective with the utmost of priority."
"Well, that's all for now. You may set out when you are ready. Dismissed."
"Well, Mr. Water, let's get this under way," said Anna in a joking voice. Alex just smiled and nodded.
"Let's depart, Miss Frost."
The duo went to the left of the rock and went down a path. From the top of a roof, a woman with dark blue hair watched them go with crossed arms and a foul expression.
Hunter Stats
1. Alex Water (HR1)
Weapon: Bone Kris Plus Sword and Shield
Armor: Mafumofu
Skills: Telepathy, Cold Negate, Divine Protection, Heat Increase
2. Anna Frost (HR1)
Weapon: Twin Daggers Dual Blades
Armor: Mafumofu
Skills: Cold Negate, Divine Protection, Heat Increase
Snowy Mountains Basecamp, The Furahiya.
"We're here, Alex. We just have to circle around that rock," said Anna. "Follow me."
The duo went to the right of the rock and entered into a sort of base camp. There was a red, circular tent and a picnic bench and table. Near the tent sat a large deep red box, and further on towards some trees was a large, blue box.
"This is what a base camp looks like," said Anna.
"I know. That red box there is called the delivery box. For gathering type quests, we only need to drop them off here before we leave." Anna nodded and Alex pointed to the blue box. "And that's the Supply Box. The guild ensures to send resources regularly to support hunters."
"Wow, Alex. You sure learned well," praised Anna.
"Save your praise for after I show you what I can do!"
"Hmph! If you say so. C'mon, let's check to see if there are any supplies." Anna and Alex went to the blue box and rummaged through it. They got some rations and first-aid meds. Anna took a Portable Spit. "Score! We can use this to cook meat on the fly. Let's be sure to carve some off from the Anteka we'll face."
"Okay! After all, a hunter can't hunt effectively on an empty stomach," said Alex in an impersonating voice of Koto. Anna laughed. "I guess we're all set…"
"Don't forget the map, silly!" Anna took out two of them and handed one to him. "The Furahiya Mountain Range is a huge place, but the legal hunting grounds are limited to the 8 zones of this map, which is closest to Pokke. Just because we can stand against the monsters does not mean we have to overstep our bounds."
"I see. If we tried to conquer the entire continent, then we would not be that much different from them, right?"
"It's a bit much if you put it that way, but I guess so." Anna shrugged.
"Anyway, where should we go first?"
"Zone Two is a good place to start. Max said there are always a few them climbing up to feed there as the grass grows pretty fast. So there's always food."
"Alright then, let's get this show on the road!" declared Alex enthusiastically.
"Yeah!" The duo got up from the box and set out down a path between some trees and a rock face. They could look past the tree to see a river down below.
Zone 1.
Zone one was at the bottom of the hill. Spreading from end of the path was a glassy flat. To the left was a clear lake that mirrored the sky. Further beyond the lake was a bank and a huge silver mountain which could be seen from Pokke. Beyond that mountain was a huge expanse of water called the Leviathan Ocean.
Foraging on the flat was a small herd of Popos, three adults and one calf. Alex noticed some banks at the right which led to the entrance of a cave. Alex studied the map and figured out that three of the zones made up an interconnecting cave network. He looked up from the cave to see the mountain where zones six through eight were located, the same one where he had that chance encounter with the Tigrex. He shuddered at the thought.
"Hey, Alex. Are you alright?" asked Anna with concern. "You look shaken up."
"Um, it's nothing, really. I was just thinking about…" he trailed.
"…Your incident in the mountain?" finished Anna in suggestion. He gasped. "I heard about what happened from Max. He told me to try not to allow you to worry too much on this quest. I'm sure it's doubtful that we'll see you-know-what again anytime soon, so cheer up."
"Thank you, the both of you," said Alex. "OK, I'm fine now. Let's get resume the mission."
"I know you're the leader and all, but follow me to zone two."
"Sure." Alex followed Anna past the Popo herd and the cave entrance to where the path began to rise.
"The trail gets narrow here, so try not to lose your footing."
"Got it." Alex occasionally glanced at the river as it steadily got further and further away.
Zone 2.
The path climbed to an altitude of about a thousand feet before ending to a circular, grassy plateau. Roaming the plateau were moose like herbivores with brown pelts.
"Look, Alex. Those are the Anteka. We need three pairs of horns. But let's be sure to carve off their pelts too. It's a necessary material in the production of Pokke's famous Mafumofu."
"Okay. Now, let's get happening!" Alex rushed forward.
"Hey, wait for me!"
"Hi-yah!" yelled Alex as he leapt forward while unsheathing his blade, performing the Jump Slice attack. He struck the nearest Anteka on its side. It shook its head while crying in pain, striking Alex with its horns. "Whoa!" He jumped back as it let out an angry guttural sound.
"Alex, dodge now!"
"Ha!" Alex rolled out of the way as the Anteka jumped forward in an attempt to ram him. Alex took the opportunity to do another Jump Slice. He slashed the neck and the Anteka collapsed, bleeding out. "Okay, one down…"
"Ha! Ya! Da! Hiya!" exclaimed Anna. There was a cry and then a thud. "Make that three, slowpoke!"
Alex looked around for the fourth Anteka to see it charging at him. We only need three pairs of antlers, so I would rather spare you. But, so be it. Alex tensed, crouched and jumped high while twisting himself. "Take this!" he exclaimed as he slashed the beast over the back of its neck from midair. It slammed into a wall of rock as Alex landed on all fours. "I almost mastered it this time!"
"Alex, that was amazing! What was that?"
Alex got up and stared at the Anteka, which was already dead. "Chief Koto taught it to me, the Evasive Air Slash. It's only useful against small things, though."
"Okay. C'mon, let's get the materials," said Anna. "Respect nature's gifts and carve all you can!" Unknown to Alex, she had quoted the words of Pokke's hunting life trainer, a man simply and fondly known as 'The Instructor.'
"Right." And so between them two, Alex and Anna got the antlers, as well as some raw meat.
"Okay, I'll cook two pieces before we continue. Anna took out the spit and unfolded it. She placed a piece of meat stabbed through with a bone and lit the fire with a match. Alex watched as she turned the meat in a steady rhythm using a crank, allowing it to cook evenly. She took it off as soon as it was golden brown and held it up for Alex. "Here."
"Thank you," replied Alex as he took it. She promptly got to work on hers. Alex blew on his profusely before taking a bite. "Wow! This is one well-done steak!"
"Thanks, Alex. I've been practicing to get the timing right."
"You're a natural."
"Okay, let's move on." Anna finished hers in no time flat and patted her belly. "Ah, that hits the spot. C'mon, let's climb that ledge."
Alex looked at a series of rocky terraces that led up to a snow covered flat. He looked up to see a frozen vine which went up at least another 700 feet. He knew from the map that this was a path for getting to the mountain without having to navigate the cave network. "Yeah, let's go."
So the duo climbed the terraces, and came upon the entrance to Zone 3. "We should be able to find some Giaprey in the cave. Just watch your step."
"Got it." Alex and Anna entered into the cave.
Zone 3.
Alex looked around in awe at the size of it. From the entrance, he could see a giant hole and ledge unreachable except from the air outside. From the ledge where he stood, he could look down into a large, spacious depth of about 30 feet. Down in the depth he could see three raptor like creatures running around and calling. Instead of the azure and black striped color scheme he was used to of the Velociprey, these Giaprey were a lighter blue with white stripes. Otherwise, they looked the same.
"So these are the Giaprey. I wonder if they behave similar to what I've seen before."
"Well Alex, there's only one way to find out," replied Anna.
"Um, Anna, I'd like you to stay behind and let me handle this. If things get icy, no pun intended, then you can come bail me out."
"Okay, if that's what you really want."
"Thanks. You're the greatest, Anna." Anna blushed at that and Alex fearlessly jumped down to the bottom. Ice shards and some snow were displaced from his heavy landing. "Hi, there!"
The trio of winter raptors jumped as they turned to him. They lowered their forward halves, brought their claws close to their beaked jaws and made low shrill snarls. Alex immediately recognized it as the Velociprey style of taunting. He unsheathed his Bone Kris and became at the ready. "Do your best, Mr. Water!" cheered Anna from above as he rushed forward.
I have to be careful to not get surrounded. Alex rolled to the right as the middle raptor lunged at him. "Ha, ta, da!" He made three quick slashes at the neck and the raptor was finished. "Ack!" He took a hit of ice spray in the back.
"Alex, watch out!"
Alex rolled as the Giaprey in front of him did a jump attack. He spun around and slashed its tail with a spin slice maneuver. He backed up as the two raptors snarled and advanced. "Hmm, I know!" Alex ran forward and jumped, causing the Giaprey closest to miss from taking a claw swipe at him. "Take this!" He twisted himself in midair to strike furthermost one through the back of its neck. It made a cry of pain as it collapsed. Alex landed with his back to the remaining Giaprey. He stayed like that as it ran towards him to attack.
"Alex, what are you doing!? Move!"
"Wait for it…" Alex focused intensely, timing the approach of the ice raptor.
'Snarl!' The Giaprey made a lunging attack.
"Now!" exclaimed Alex as he spun around heavily. Everything went dark. A line went across the dark, and it shattered like a mirror. Alex was revealed in the after pose of his attack, while the Giaprey was to the side on the ground choking on its own blood. "Phew… that was tight." He swung his blade to shake blood off of it before replacing it to its sheath. "That wasn't so bad."
There was a thud, and Alex turned to see Anna walking towards him. "I'll give you a B plus, though I must say your final move was cool."
"Thanks, I guess?" Alex took out his carving knife. "Well, time to get to work."
"Next, we will go to area 5. We'll be able to gather the Mountain Herbs from there."
"Okay!"
After squaring off with more Giapreys in area 5, Alex and Anna gathered the required amount of Mountain Herbs before returning. They passed though area 4 to get to area 1 faster. Alex mined for ore at two mining points along the way.
Pokke Village, 2:00 PM.
"We're back!" exclaimed Anna as she and Alex met the Chief at the north gate.
"Did you have fun?" she asked.
"Yes, Granny," replied Alex. "We got everything, and I got to challenge some Giapreys."
"He fought three of them on his own, and showed exceptional skill," said Anna. "He'll make a fine Head Hunter."
"Is that so? Well, I'll be happy to observe your progress. Have a good rest."
"Thanks. Here you go." Alex placed down two bags, each containing the antlers and herbs separately. "Well, see you later, Chief."
Hunter Stats
1. Alex Water (HR1)
Weapon: Bone Kris Plus Sword and Shield
Armor: Mafumofu Lv. 3
Skills: Telepathy, Cold Negate, Divine Protection, Heat Increase
2. Anna Frost (HR1)
Weapon: Twin Daggers Plus Dual Blades
Armor: Mafumofu Lv. 5
Skills: Cold Negate, Divine Protection, Heat Increase
January 3rd, 2098. Snowy Mountains Hunting Area, 7:32 PM.
Zone 3.
Alex and Anna became at the ready as they stared down a troop of four Blangos. Blangos were ape like monsters which resided in cold climates.
"Anna, you take the two on the right while I take the two on the left," instructed Alex.
"It won't be that easy. They're pack hunters just like the Giaprey," replied Anna.
"Okay, but we could still give it a try. Disrupting the enemy's teamwork with yours is usually a viable strategy."
"That's true… Oh, here they come!" Anna and Alex rolled away from each other as two Blangos lunged at them.
'Roar!' The Blango facing Alex lunged again but Alex fended him off with his shield. Before he could make a retaliatory slash, the other Blango tackled him flying.
"Whooaaa… OOF!"
"Hiya!" exclaimed Anna as she did a spin, slashing both of her targets in the face as they attacked her from two sides. They reeled and snarled in pain.
Alex got up and did a jump slice. He caught nothing but air as his intended target jumped back. As soon as he landed, the other Blango tackled him this time. "Ah!" He rolled to a stop and got up quickly with a fury. "That's it! Now I'm mad!" Alex held his sword before him and eyed each Blango carefully, trying to predict who would attack next. You know, I wonder if I can use my telepathy in battle? It's worth a shot. Alex focused on the Blango to the right, which was taunting him.
A voice from the left went, "Okay, he's distracted. I'm going in!"
Alex rolled forward as the Blango on the left tried to tackle him. He made the killing blow on the right Blango while it was in shock. "Ha, it works! You're next!" Alex turned and pretended to do a jump slice. Just as the remaining Blango shifted to the right, he swiftly spun slashed the right side of the Blango's face before finishing it off with a short combo. The snow monkey hollered in pain as it collapsed. "There…"
"Yaaa!" yelled Anna's voice. Alex turned to see her defeat the final Blango. She held up a peace sign at him as he sheathed his blade. "Hey, how did you turn the tables like that? You looked like you were having trouble keeping up."
"I was, but then I used my…" Alex paused. "I'll tell you about it later. Let's carve up our quarries and head home."
"Okay."