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Rachelle suddenly seemed to be energized. She spoke about everything from weapon upgrade paths to choosing suitable armor, from item combination experience to important considerations when hunting large monsters. Some of this information Ethan already knew, some he had learned from the books Kayne left behind, but most of the practical experience was precisely what he lacked.
"Hunting in hunting grounds with different environments requires consciously adjusting your movement patterns. For example, in places like the Stream, Flooded Forest, or Swamp, the climate is wet and the ground is muddy. If you use your normal footwork, you'll feel your legs being sucked into the ground, making movement extraordinarily strenuous."
"Look closely at my footwork. If you do this—as you step, try to apply even pressure and place your center of gravity on your entire sole, rather than shifting it from your heel to the ball of your foot—your movements will require much less effort."
"The same principle applies to environments like deserts and snowy mountains, but there will be slight differences in the nuances due to the nature of sand and snow."
Ethan nodded repeatedly. He hadn't paid attention to this issue before, but now that he thought about it, this footwork was incredibly practical. If he had mastered this movement technique when encountering the Royal Ludroth, his stamina wouldn't have been depleted so quickly after being inflicted with Waterblight.
The Smithy owner, who had long finished modifying the Shadow Snipe, stood with his arms crossed, listening with interest to the exchange of experience between the Hunters. Hearing this topic, he couldn't resist interjecting.
"Actually, this method of movement only mitigates the environmental effects; it doesn't eliminate them entirely. If you plan to hunt in such environments, it is best to slot a Mudslide Jewel into your gear. With the special protection this Jewel provides, you can move freely in the water like a fish, allowing you to focus entirely on combat."
"Eh? There's such a good item? Why didn't I know about that?"
Ethan hadn't even opened his mouth to ask when Rachelle jumped in with the question.
"The technology was passed down from Kamura Village. It seems to be a newly developed decoration this year, and because it's not commonly used, few places know how to craft it."
"I see…"
As if afraid Ethan didn't understand, Rachelle turned and explained to him:
"So-called decorations are not things used for cosmetic purposes in the conventional sense. They are small accessories, or 'Jewels,' that are slotted into the gear to provide extra special protection. They are usually made by specially processing various monster materials with a basic sphere."
"Right, what materials does the Mudslide Jewel need? I'll forge two and try them out."
The Smithy owner counted on his fingers. "Barroth Fin, Barroth Tooth, Earth Crystal, and an Aqua Sphere. Hmm, that's all."
"Hiss… That monster is mainly found in coastal regions, right? It shouldn't be found near Yukumo."
The owner shook his head helplessly. "Well, Kamura Village researched it, so they naturally used monster materials available around Kamura Village."
"But Kamura Village isn't too far; it only takes a few days to get there. It just depends on whether you're willing to make the trip for the Mudslide Jewel."
Rachelle was still pondering, but Ethan's eyes lit up, and he was quite tempted.
A trip for a Mudslide Jewel might not be worth it, but a trip for a Canyne, a Wirebug, and a Cohoot? That would be absolutely worthwhile! Before, he hadn't secured his footing in Yukumo Village, so he hadn't considered visiting Kamura Village. But now that he was a two-star Hunter, the trip to Kamura Village should probably be put on the agenda.
"Hmm, maybe I'll go when I get the chance."
Rachelle decided to give up after a moment of contemplation. She had traveled all this way to Yukumo Village and hadn't even soaked in the hot springs yet. Running straight off to Kamura Village would feel like a loss. She should at least enjoy herself for a while, shouldn't she?
The Smithy owner didn't particularly care; he was just offering a suggestion.
He returned Rachelle's Shadow Snipe to her and then hoisted his own large iron hammer, calling out to Ethan:
"The materials from your Great Jagras King are still piled up in my warehouse. Do you want to take them or have me use them to forge some equipment?"
In truth, Ethan had been waiting to place his order with the Smithy owner, but Senior Rachelle's passion for instruction had taken over, and since much of the knowledge she shared was genuinely useful, he had temporarily suppressed the urge. Now that the owner brought it up, he immediately stated his request.
"I want to forge a full Jagras armor set and upgrade and reinforce my Bone Glaive."
"A Jagras set, is it? I thought so. No problem. I checked your materials. You have enough Jagras Scale, Hide, and Claw, but you are short two 'King's Frills,' which are the Great Jagras's ears…"
Before he finished speaking, Ethan pulled out two silver-white materials, rolled together, from his item pouch and placed them on the counter.
"You—this…"
The Smithy owner recognized them instantly. They were the two ears that had inexplicably vanished from the Great Jagras King carcass transported to him. It turned out this kid had carved them off beforehand.
"I only took these two items! I didn't break the rules!"
To prevent Hunters from losing out on scarce materials while getting an unusable surplus after the Transport Team divides the carcass, the Guild allows Hunters to carve up to three materials they need immediately after a successful hunt, and then the remainder is subject to division.
Ethan had been worried that he wouldn't get the ears he needed in the final material split, forcing him to hunt another Great Jagras King. That's why he carved them directly at the scene.
Heaven witness it, he didn't even take the full three allowed carves! He was definitely a rule-abiding Hunter!
"Alright, alright. Besides the Great Jagras King materials, you're also short a few mineral materials: Iron Ore, Machalite Ore, and Earth Crystals. Do you want to buy them from me or provide them yourself?"
Thinking of the mine shaft deep inside the Iwata family farm, Ethan quickly waved his hand. "I'll provide those myself. No need to spend that extra money."
He really wasn't well-off!
"Ai-yi-yi~ Helmet, Mail, Vambraces, Coil, and Greaves. Each item is 1150z, for a total of 5750z. And the Charge Blade reinforcement will be…"
"Wait, wait! Ho-How much?"
"5750z! What's wrong?"
Ethan's face flushed. "Can I pay a deposit first? I don't… don't have that much right now…"
He had just completed an Urgent Two-Star Quest. The reward money, plus the double deposit refund, totaled 2100z. Ethan had felt instantly wealthy, but a look at the cost of forging the gear confirmed it: He was still poor! He hadn't even paid back the 200z debt he owed the instructor for the Mega Nutrients!
"Ayaya, Little Ethan, do you want big sister here to lend you some money?"
Rachelle, who hadn't left after getting her Heavy Bowgun back, was watching from the side. Seeing his embarrassment, she offered a helping hand with a sly smile.
This kid owes her money and a favor, which is practically the same as Kayne owing her money and a favor. This way, she becomes his creditor, and then let's see what excuse he can use to sneak off without her!
Plan complete!
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