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"Huh? You're already a one-star Hunter?!"
At the farm, Iwata's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Ethan before him.
Ethan presented his Hunter's Notebook again. The single star on the cover looked dazzling.
"This is not logical…"
Iwata staggered back a few steps and finally sat down heavily on a large log used for chopping firewood, looking utterly defeated.
"I'm only halfway through my physical training at the camp, and I've just started learning weapon usage. How can the gap between people be this enormous…?"
Hearing the words "physical training," Ethan suddenly blinked:
"Can I watch? Your physical training?"
"Eh? You're already a one-star Hunter, and you want to come watch a beginner's physical training? You're not trying to mock me, are you?"
"Stamina is very important in real combat. I need to train."
Iwata lay limply on the log, treating it like a bed board. "Ah— maybe tomorrow. I need some quiet time…"
Ethan lightly patted him twice as encouragement, then carried his large package into the house.
He unloaded his weapon and armor, piling them in the room. As Ethan organized the various materials and items from the package into a wooden box, he looked around the slightly empty room.
There was no weapon rack and no armor stand, which was somewhat inconvenient.
Should I… rent the Hunter's Lodge provided by the Guild? I feel bad constantly inconveniencing them…
Thinking this, Ethan grabbed the newly acquired money pouch and went out to prepare a few things.
…
That evening, at the Iwata residence, in the main hall.
When Iwata's parents returned home after a busy day, they were astonished to find the dinner table completely covered with various dishes. The aroma was rich and incredibly appetizing.
"Wha—What is going on here?"
Kouhei looked left and right, trying to find someone who could explain.
Kaori was first stunned by the table full of food, then her gaze turned toward the kitchen. She sensed movement inside.
Just as she was about to go over and check, the door suddenly opened, and Ethan poked his head out:
"Uncle and Auntie, please wait a moment. The last dish will be ready soon! Please start eating! The food that was made earlier will get cold if you don't eat it now!"
"Little Ethan, what are you doing?"
Ethan grinned, revealing a radiant smile comparable to the sun.
"You've taken such good care of me during this time, Uncle and Auntie. I just earned my first pot of gold, and after thinking it over, I decided to make a hearty dinner to show my gratitude."
"Some of the dishes are made using recipes from my hometown. I hope they suit your taste…"
Kouhei walked over. "Little Ethan, there was truly no need for such extravagance. We haven't helped you that much…"
Ethan waved his hand. "It's just a small token of my appreciation—Ah, right, the Braised Sushiphish is almost ready. I'll go serve it now. I caught this one myself, it's absolutely fresh!"
…
At the dinner table, the Iwata family sat around, and even the Felyne workers from the farm were all present.
Steamed, fried, pan-seared, and sautéed—for this meal, Ethan had put forth his best effort, bringing out every cooking skill he knew. Watching their expressions of contentment, a subtle feeling of warmth rose in his heart.
"Delicious, meow! Truly a delicacy!"
The Felyne Housekeeper enthusiastically gulped down a large spoonful of fish soup.
"Eat up, everyone! Enjoy the feast together!"
Ethan laughed in response.
"Slurp, slurp…Slurp…Ah—"
Iwata coolly slurped his food. His manner of eating made him look somewhat like a Hunter.
"Little Ethan's cooking is truly excellent~"
Kaori picked up a small piece of fish, chewed it gently, her eyes sparkling.
"Wife, try this—it's tender and delicious! Little Ethan, did making this spread cost a lot? You really shouldn't have spent so much. Our farm sometimes yields some crystals and gems from the mine. Take a look later and pick out a couple of pieces you like!"
Kouhei put a piece of Kulu-Ya-Ku egg custard into his wife's bowl, smiling as he spoke to Ethan.
"N-No—" Ethan was about to refuse, but then he suddenly remembered that as a Hunter, weapon and armor forging often required minerals. Never mind rare ores like Light Crystals, Firecell Stones, or Snow Clad Metals, the forging of decorations—or "Jewels"—also required various types of basic spheres.
After a moment of hesitation, Ethan ultimately didn't refuse the kindness. "Thank you, Uncle, but the gems and crystals are too valuable. I would be perfectly happy with just a few pieces of Machalite Ore."
"After all, I am a Hunter now. I will need them for forging equipment later."
"Little Ethan, you've become a Hunter?"
Kaori suddenly looked up, unconcealed worry in her eyes. "Although the Hunter profession is very noble, isn't it too dangerous…"
"It's actually alright. I've been looking forward to the Hunter's life very much."
Kouhei sensed his wife's concern and gently held her hand. "Little Ethan is a man of action. He has already decided to follow this path. Our job isn't to stop him, but to support and help him, isn't it?"
Ethan had intended to take this opportunity to announce his departure and his plan to rent the Hunter's Lodge, but Kouhei didn't give him the chance to speak.
"Without Hunters, there would be no peace and stability in Yukumo Village. We can't help Little Ethan in the hunting ground, but we can at least provide some support for his logistics. I've heard that many Hunters have to specifically venture into dangerous hunting grounds just to gather materials for healing potions. With our farm, Little Ethan can certainly save a lot of energy, right?"
How wonderful… It's just like having family…
Ethan rubbed his eyes. The corners were a bit red, likely from being stung by the cooking smoke.
He nodded heavily. "Yes!"
…
The next day, Ethan woke up early. He put on his gear and ran to the open field of the farm, swinging his Charge Blade.
Advancing Slash, Guard Point, Roundslash…
Charged Double Slash, Fade Slash…
Morph Slash, Up-swing, Down-chop, Elemental Discharge I, Elemental Discharge II, Super Discharge…
He maintained the most standard posture for every move and every stance. Even as he became breathless from the continuous swinging, sweat poured down his forehead, and his arms ached and burned, he did not stop. He continued until he had completely exhausted his last ounce of stamina, then collapsed onto the ground, staring blankly at the white clouds drifting across the sky.
Unknowingly, it had been about a month since he arrived in this world. From the initial confusion and panic to now being almost completely integrated, time truly flies…
Even the chasm of the language barrier was rapidly being bridged by his innate ability and his own diligent study. At least when dealing with strangers, their first impression was only that he was taciturn, not a mute.
His thoughts drifted further. He wondered where his teacher, Kayne, was now. He couldn't even write a letter to contact him… Without his guidance and help, the time it would take for Ethan to officially become a Hunter would likely be drawn out much longer. Judging by the situation when he left, he was going on a very dangerous mission, wasn't he? He hoped he would return safely.
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