Halo, it's time for the next chapter. Enjoy the reading.
The team LLMM could only look down at the self-deprecating and self-satisfied professor as he stretched out in front of the plane, holding the muzzle which had two ax-like blades on the hilt.
- Professor Port? - Lynda wouldn't have thought that the old, mustached but still tall professor would really be an expert in combat, despite the fact that he teaches it.
- I know, - The professor laughed. – you are impressed that such a high-ranking and professional Hunter will be your guide right from the very first mission. You are obviously speechless in shock.
- Well, you're right about the speechless part. - Lance whispered to the others.
- Right now, - Port started the briefing and the members of the team LLMM immediately paid attention to him. – you're safe as long as I'm around but that doesn't mean you can relax your attention and vigilance during the mission. - Mandy applied. - Yes, Ms. Forester?
- What exactly will the mission be?
- Yeah, - Lance joined in. – they only said that it would be a research assignment.
- Ah, - The professor just patted his shaggy mustache. – that's an excellent question, unfortunately, all I can tell you is that something keeps catching travelers heading north hearing strange noises.
- It must be some Grimm. - Mike guessed.
- Clear. - Lynda shrugged confidently.
Port clearly kept something quiet, as he, a professional Hunter wouldn't have been sent to deal with a simple Grimm but he didn't want to break the confidence of the team LLMM.
- I hope you packed everything, young adventurers! - Port raised his fist in the air. - Because we're leaving the kingdom for several days for an exciting adventure! – He boarded the plane with that but the team LLMM hesitated a little before following him.
- Did you go out of town too?! – Nora from the JNPR team called out to them.
- Hell yeah! - Lance replied. - You too?
- Yes, - Jaune replied. – we will help the sheriff of a small village to maintain order.
- Where do you go? - Pyrrha was interested.
- North. - Lance replied. - Something catches the passers-by and we have to find out.
- Sounds exciting, as does the team RWBY's mission too. - Pyrrha continued. - We're only going towards tomorrow evening.
- Then good luck to you too. – Lance and the team LLMM said goodbye to JNPR and following Professor Port, boarded the plane which rose from the air with a low hum.
A few minutes were enough for the carrier to leave Vale and head north.
- You can worry, - Port was the most excited of the passengers. – because as soon as you return home your group mates will be jealous of the fact that such a famous Hunter as myself is accompanying you. I assure you that my stories and amazing deeds are free to share.
- I'm already calm. - Lynda remarked sarcastically.
- What can you say about the place we are going? - Mike was interested.
- Ah, - Port confidently put his hands behind him and began to explain. - many people from the northern highlands believe that it's cursed because even the Grimms avoid it. It's true that it's not the most delightful sight that Remnant can offer but it's one of those natural wonders whose mysteries haven't been solved until today.
- Interesting, - Mandy cocked her head. – I didn't think you were so interested in mysteries and natural wonders, professor.
- True, - He smugly placed one hand on his chest. - personally, I stand my ground and feel better in the thick of battle when I'm facing a bloodthirsty beast and I know either it's going to get it or I'm going to get it. Of course, there is no personal emotion in this just the basic law of the Hunter-Grimm relationship. This doesn't necessarily mean that I don't enjoy stopping to admire the beauties of our nature and that I wouldn't try to unravel their secrets.
- Then… - Lynda tried to hint that the professor was a little off topic. – what about the mountains?
- Oh yeah! - Port also switched on late. – This mountainous region isn't for the faint of heart, it's a labyrinth of sharp and pointed rocks and these rocks also move and keep intruders away. Not incidentally, the Grimms for some unknown reason avoid it.
- What's the big thing's about that? - Lynda shrugged.
- Grimms like dangerous places, - Lance replied. - they settle there and protect it with all their might.
- That's not necessarily true of all Grimm, - Port corrected. - there are those who wander, sleep in a den once and move on. You're right about one thing, Mr. Monroe, most Grimms like dark places like this and it's quite unusual that they avoid them. This is one of the main reasons why many travelers choose this mountainous area as a detour for the safest crossing.
- But what exactly happened now? - Mandy asked.
- Something as if it has disturbed the mountains and catches everyone who ventures there. It's never done this before. Many Hunters have already tried to explore the cave systems but those who have ventured in have never come out.
- Then... - Mike went a little white when he thought of these cave systems.
- Don't worry, Mr. Birmingham, we won't go into the caves. Apparently, there is a group of highwaymen in the area, whom we can easily deal with. Get ready for landing.
The plane reached a grassy tundra where the weather was much cooler than in Vale. The sky was overcast and the weather sour. The wind was blowing strongly and the pilot had to put the plane down to avoid an accident. The team LLMM jumped out first, then Professor Port and they were all armed.
It was quiet.
You could hear nothing but the howling of the wind as it ominously slapped the faces of our heroes, fluttering the sea of grass and as if whispering a warning to turn back.
- Ladies and gentlemen, - Port put the axe rifle on his shoulder. – your first official Hunter mission has begun!
- And... - Mandy asked after the professor did nothing but pose and didn't speak. – what's your command?
- What?! – Port as if he had just realized that they were on a mission shook his head. - Ah, yes! The plan has changed as we can't approach the mountains due to the wind, so we have to walk the remaining kilometers.
- Ugh… - Mike didn't like it.
- There is nothing to fear, only a small amount of Grimm stands between us and the target. – Port reassured the students. - Which have just arrived.
- Nice – Lynda just shook her head before she and her team looked back and a pack of Beowolf was approaching them.
- Kids, - Port looked at the team LLMM. – beat them!
- Oh yeah! - Lynda has already activated her blades.
- A little action. - Lance took out his sword.
- One shot, five dead. - Mandy cocked her bow with an arrow.
- Let me know if I hit something! – Mike closed his eyes but took out What the Heck, pressed it's button and fired a missile that blasted at least 3 Beowolves to pieces. – Did I do this?! - Mike was surprised that he did this.
Mandy was surrounded by at least 5 Beowolves but she didn't panic because she shot her arrow into the sky, waited a bit then teleported away but an arrow pierced the 5 Grimms killing them instantly. Mandy teleported back as the Grimms began to crumble.
Lynda wasn't far behind her teammates either using her amazing speed, flexibility and blades to slash the Grimms as if they were butter sculptures in slow motion. She cut at least 7 before they caught on.
Lance put away his sword and instead began to engage the Grimms with his high caliber pistol, one shot was enough to kill one, so 8 dead Beowolves were soon lying at his feet but there was no time to reload, so he put the pistol away and again he took out his sword. He shredded the Grimms with no difficulty, cutting down 4 when he transformed his shield into a huge spiked rectangle and took down at least 9 others with it.
- Child's play. – Lance, after seeing the pack of Grimm there, confidently turned to the professor with his team.
- Excellent fight, - Port was happy about the team's success. - but it's better if the glory doesn't go to your head. - Everyone frowned at this comment. - Our journey has just begun.
The team LLMM and Professor Port moved forward at a good pace, the students leading the way while the professor just walked forward with his hands behind his back like some kind of forerunner, enjoying the view of the overcast tundra and the nearby mountains.
- Hey, Professor Port, - Lynda, after cutting the 20th Grimm, spoke to the professor in a little irritated way. – I don't want to be disrespectful but I was hoping to see you in action. Or at least help us fight. - She couldn't hide her anger at Port watching while she and her team battled Grimm.
- Come on, Ms. Dawn, a big battle is like a big meal. - Port just answered confidently. - If you eat too appetizer you won't have room for the main course.
- In short, - Lance rolled his eyes under his helmet. – we will take care of the little ones until you have the big one?
- You can arrange the big one too if you have an affinity for it. Remember that I am not only the leader of the team but also your teacher who must evaluate you. This is the essence of the mission you have undertaken.
After a few more hours of hiking and struggling, Port decided to address Lynda.
- Tell me, Ms. Dawn, why do you want to be a Huntress?
- What? Why? - Lynda looked at her teacher in amazement. - To earn a good living and help my little brother to have a better life.
- A noble goal but that's not what I asked. - Port was a little disappointed.
- What?! - Lynda was more indignant.
- Why Huntress? – Port corrected his earlier sentence. - You can help your younger brother with many other things and more quickly.
- Well… - Lynda scratched the back of her head, thinking about the answer. - My father was like that too and super cool. I thought he was a hero but my little brother was too young to know him. I thought that if I were as awesome as my father he would look at me the same way I look at my father. Besides, I'm sure I'd make a good living.
- I see. – Port didn't say anything he just walked over to Mike who was fiddling with his inhaler to help his asthma. - You, Mr. Birmingham, I don't think anyone has seen the potential in you to become an excellent Hunter. Why did you want to be?
- You know, my mother raised me in a bubble all my life. She never allowed me to interact with other people and I never had friends. Not incidentally, the whole world considers me a joke from whom nothing has ever been seen. I was tired of doing nothing but sitting in my room and watching other people heroic deeds on TV. I want to make people understand that I'm also worth counting on.
- Excellent. - Port continued walking towards Mandy who shot another Grimm with her bow. - Ms. Forester, may I ask why you decided to become a Huntress? - Mandy raised her head in fear and looked into the serious but understanding face of the professor.
- As a matter of fact… - Mandy began to wag her fox tail nervously as she almost revealed herself to Port. - Have you ever been to the slums of Atlas where the faunus are living? - She clenched her fists angrily. - I wanted to break out of there! I wanted to be more than a servant on whom people live out their desires and then throw me aside!
- But why? Why do you want to become a Huntress? You can help humans and faunus alike. – Port's question worked. Mandy couldn't say anything to that since she only infiltrated Beacon to be a spy for the White Fang. She hates humans and has no intention of being a real huntress.
- I… - Mandy couldn't think of a sane excuse she simply teleported away.
- Um. – Port didn't get angry after seeing that the faunus girl just threw herself into the fight, struggling with her tears. - Maybe she doesn't know why she is who she is? Her anger can still lead her astray. - He mused to himself as he watched Lance finish off a Grimm. - And you, Mr. Monroe, scion of a wealthy family yourself could have had anything in life that was much easier than being a Hunter. Why did you choose this one?
- Obviously, - Lance just twirled his sword and put it away. – this is one of the best ways to help as many people as possible, besides, I like fighting and weapons. I've been practicing swordsmanship since I could hold a stick and since I got my first toy gun I've been practicing shooting. - He took out his pistol and reloaded it. - I trained hard every day to be strong, strong enough to face anything and ready to do anything to protect those who don't know themselves. This has been my goal for a very long time.
- Hm. - Port took a nap on the sled, assessed the condition of the LLMM team, Mike was completely exhausted, Mandy was emotionally upset but on the other hand, Lynda and Lance still managed it. He also recognized that it would soon get dark and that they would soon arrive in the mountains. All this in 5 seconds. - Attention! We're camping here for the night!
- Thank God! - Mike collapsed from exhaustion.
- I'm getting firewood! – Lynda gathered with the Semblance in a flash, enough for a campfire. - Mike, if you would... - Lynda pointed to the fat boy's weapon.
- Ah, yes! – Mike gathered his strength, pressed a button on What the Heck pressed so that flames came out of it which lit the campfire.
The fire was already burning, which the members of the LLMM sat comfortably around and now they realized how cold and tired they were. The campfire warmed them and gave them all their strength back.
- Mr. Monroe, - Port said. - would you like to help with the investigation? - That sounds more like an order than a request.
- Yes! - Lance was reluctant to leave the campfire but he had to obey his teacher.
They walked up a higher hill, Port, he was unusually quiet from him which worried Lance a little. Finally, they reached the top of the hill and an amazing sight unfolded before their eyes. Visibility on the tundra was at its worst at dusk but you could still see the endless grassy fields but it was very difficult to tell where the land and the sky began because everything was so gray.
- Nice view, sir but... - After staring at the gray landscape enough Lance wanted to ask the professor but he interrupted.
- Look. - Port saw something Lance didn't.
- What? – Lance looked around but only after a while did he manage to spot that a huge herd of elephant-like Grimm was marching along the road where they had come. - I can see them. Are they Grimm too?! - Lance's eyes widened as he took in the distance between them and the size of the Grimm. - I've never seen anything like them before!
- I don't even teach about them in the first year. - Port was completely serious now. - Only for seniors but now I'm making an exception with you.
- Are we in danger? - Lance tried to figure out why the professor could bring him up here.
- Not at all. - Port assured him. - What I'm trying to say is that not all Grimm are like the ones you fought before. They're not mindless killing machines. These specimens could have lived for hundreds of years. Certain Grimm that survive their first battle become not only stronger but also smarter.
- Then...
- Exactly! They are learning. Grimm of this category don't attack any humans and don't immediately attack our borders because they know that killing one person will only attract more people and if they attack our borders they will most likely die.
- But why do they stay so close to the border if they don't attack?
- They are waiting.
- For what? – Lance was a little worried, but Port didn't answer he just turned around and started walking down the mountain, back towards the camp. - Professor Port, why did you… why did you want to be a Hunter?
- As a hunter, it is my duty to protect as many people as possible. I have spent most of my years fighting but time will soon pass and what I can do is to train as a teacher several generations of Hunters to take my place and help as many people as possible. – Port stopped, fully opened his eyes, which he always kept closed, indicating how serious he was about to say. - I'm a Hunter because there's nothing else I'd rather be.
The rest of the LLMM team were still sitting around the campfire before night completely fell. After settling down, Mandy lay in her sleeping bag and tried to sleep, as did Mike but Lynda was still awake and brooding.
- Can't you sleep either? - Lynda spoke up.
- No. – Mandy got up, followed by Mike.
- Me neither.
- Port asked you too, why do you want to be Hunters? - Lynda asked.
- Yes. - Mike answered. - I told him that I wanted to prove how much I'm really worth, but... I don't know if I want to prove it to others or to myself? One thing is for sure, I'm glad to be on a team with you. - He smiled happily at the two faunus girls. Lynda returned the gesture but Mandy just stared sadly into the fire.
- Yeah, same here. - Lynda continued. - I mean, at first, I just came to fight monsters and then earn a good living but, in the meantime... I don't know. - She smiled happily. - I'm glad we ended up in the same team. I will tell my brother about you.
- And you, Mandy? – Mike looked at the other faunus girl who was crouching by the fire, hugging her knees and bowing her head. - You feel good?
- I'm fine! - Mandy tried to sound strong. - Just… leave me for today. – She lay back in her sleeping bag and tried to fall asleep.
- We are getting up early tomorrow and have to cover a long distance! - Port and Lance were back. - Who is applying to be the night watchman?
- I will! - Lance immediately raised his hand.
Everyone settled down except for Lance, who assumed the role of night watchman. Everything fell silent and once again only the wind could be heard blowing ominously across the tundra but mixed in with this whirring was some Grimm wolf howl.
Lance was just digesting what he had heard from Professor Port about the intelligent and studious Grimms. There's a lot they don't know about these creatures, especially their origins and why they're so drawn to human negative emotions.
"Come…"
He was jolted out of his thoughts by a strange whispering voice.
"Come here."
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