(Hunter's POV)
"There are reports of most of the Plains Monsters reacting strangely to something." Olivia said as she had her arms crossed, "The timing seems to be coincidental to the path you guys found that led to the different region."
We were all gathered at the Base Camp, talking about what is currently going on. According to Alma and Solar, the behavior of the local monsters is strange. According to what Solar mentioned, they are becoming more and more territorial and aggressive. Alma said that they should be dealt with; captured to be investigated.
There was a high chance that something is affecting them from within, since there were no external changes to the environment. I really don't think any of it is the case. I believe that there is something out there that is causing them to react this way. And it isn't the Apex, Rey Dau, since most of the Monsters make sure to clear away. That and the Sandstorm haven't come yet, so it can't be him.
I think it's something else, much more elusive and dangerous, causing them to react strangely. Perhaps it is the same thing that attacked the Shadow Unit's ship, if there was even a shipwreck or a Shadow Unit. I still don't know if that is real or if it is the System manipulating reality to make things go better for me.
"There is a group of Quematrice that have been roaming around the grasslands of the Plains." Alma said, "They have been attacking the Kunafa villagers. Not only that, we found tracks of a different Monster in the outskirts."
Solar nodded, "Judging by the tracks, it seems to belong to a Doshaguma." She said, "They're territorial and aggressive, so I am not sure if I like this. If there is a Doshaguma near the village, which has no means of defense, it can only mean trouble."
"The villagers claim that they would be fine." Alma stated, "They have these chimes made out of fulgurite stones, which create a sound that wards off the monsters."
"An invisible barrier that would not work if something causes the monsters to get past it." I spoke up
They all looked at me.
Sasha frowned, "What do you mean?"
"Think about it." I said, "Why would they rely so much on stone chimes. The sound is clearly mimicking the sound of an even greater danger than the Monsters here. My guess is that all of the monsters are afraid of the Apex Predator, one that stands at the top of the ecosystem here. But.....if they are able to bypass that invisible barrier, then the villagers will be in great danger. If there is a Doshaguma, especially with every other monster acting out, then we have to take precautions."
Alma placed her hand on her chin, "I see...." She said, "That is a good point."
"What do you suggest?" Solar asked me
"Well, pretty much what is already planned." I said with a shrug, "Deal with the other Monsters, capture them and investigate their issue, if it is biological. As for the Doshaguma, I don't think it is safe to try and capture something like that. If we are to find something in the other Monsters, then chances are that what is affecting them is also affecting the Doshaguma. Best course of action for the Doshaguma is to slay it if it proves to be too much of a danger."
Olivia nodded slowly, "That may be so." She said, "But what if nothing seems to affect them?"
"We keep researching." I told her, "But like I said, we cannot risk the Doshaguma to get past the village's barrier. Something has to be done."
"And you want to slay a monster, hm?" Sasha said
"It is clear that it must be dealt with, Sasha." Erik spoke up, "If we need to neutralize it, then there's no other way."
"I don't trust him." Sasha said, "I hate to even say it."
"You don't have to." I said, "I know what I'm telling you. Do we know what the Apex of this region is? Have we seen it?"
"Not yet." Solar said
"I say we deal with this before it shows up. Because if the same thing affecting everything else is affecting it, then we're in for trouble." I said, "We have to act quickly and effectively."
"Right." Olivia looked at Solar, "You deal with the Quematrice problem. There is a Balahara pack that has been harassing some villagers in the Desert area, I will deal with that."
I looked at Olivia, "I can help you with that."
She looked at me, "If you wish to accompany me, that is fine." She said, "But we need to wait for orders from headquarters when it comes to you."
"I understand." I said, "I-"
"Hey, Hunter!" I heard Gemma call out for me, "Your hammer is ready!"
I turned to see her waving me over.
"Right." I said as I walked over to her station, "Thanks."
She picked up the Chatacabra Hammer and placed it on the table, "It's strange that you'd want to use a Hammer when you have a Longsword already." She said with a chuckle, "But have fun with it."
I grabbed the hammer and held it by the handle, "Well...." I said, "Hitting stuff in the face is quite easy."
That much is true, but I find it to be a bit easier to hit stuff without using much of technique. When I fought the Chatacabra, I simply dodged and sidestepped, swinging my sword at it without doing anything else. I didn't use the counters or parries that the Longsword can utilize, because I didn't know how to.
That being said, using a blunt weapon should be easy, without having to learn the finesse of it. And the reason I want to hunt with Olivia is that she uses a hammer as well. If I can see how she wields it, I can replicate her movements.
"By the way." Gemma told me with a smile, "There's a group of Palicos that just came in. I am not sure if you'd want a partner for this expedition, but they are available to hire."
"Oh, the village also provided some Seikrets." I heard Alma said
I looked at her as she approached us, a warm smile on her face, "Oh, is that so?" I asked, "That's convenient."
"You can use one of them, should one of the villagers teach you." She said with a smile, "We'd like to formally welcome you to the Avis Unit. Solar says it is better to keep you in our sights, haha...."
I nodded, "That's good."
"Go and get your palico, Hunter." Gemma chuckled
I turned to see that by the supply stand, there was a group of Palicos helping out. One of them had black fur with white stripes, with a bag on its back.
I walked over to the group, "Hello."
The black Palico looked up to me, "Oh, a Meowster!"
"What's your name?" I asked
"Name's Kkuro!" He said, "Nice to meet you!"
"Kkuro." I said, "Name's Hunter. Would you like to join me?"
"Meooow!!!" He jumped up excitedly, "I've been waiting for some action!!"
"Good." I said, "Let us go, you are my partner now."
"Thank you!" He said as he purred, "I won't let you down."
As he said this, the System appeared:
[Major Task Complete]
- Haki Tree Unlocked
- 2 Points Available