[ Retractable Cane.
A workshop's bizarre weapon, typically used by Hunters while on duty.
This sturdy cane-sword is quite lethal, and its blade can split and transform into a whip.
Hiding the weapon within a cane and choosing to lash monsters with a whip can be considered a form of mercy, proving that the bloodlust of the hunt will never corrupt a noble Soul. ]
Exchange Price: 1000 blood echoes.
Leaning on the metal Retractable Cane he had specifically exchanged for, Goki slowly walked along the flat roads of Saltwind City.
"We're almost there, almost there, Hunter Big Brother! The research station where Researcher Miss lives is just ahead!"
Ahead, a revitalized Anita, full of energy after eating her fill, was quickly scurrying on her short legs, pointing the way for Goki.
Although she was barefoot, the roads of the mobile city were fortunately flat and sturdy, with almost no small pebbles, so her feet wouldn't get pricked.
Compared to most timid city residents who were afraid to interact with outsiders, Anita, the youngest child in Saltwind City, was the boldest.
It's no wonder that in the game's plot, Anita would be so enthusiastic and proactive in interacting with Skadi, the bounty hunter from a few years later, completely unafraid of this fierce individual who looked like she could punch through 40-centimeter steel plates.
Skadi herself was also walking slowly beside Goki, watching the skipping Anita ahead, seemingly with a hint of relief.
No matter how advanced Aegirian technology was, they were still born of mothers, and there were still children running around in the streets.
Even in the past, after every Seaborn hunt, Skadi would specifically take time to go for a walk to relax.
Just like now.
Currently, Skadi felt very relaxed; although she had started learning Iberian, she mostly pretended to be mute, completely treating Goki as an external thought circuit.
She didn't have to talk to those troublesome people, nor did she need to think about how to explain her identity. Whenever she saw someone, she would retreat behind Goki, only waiting for a fight to throw her arms around and swing her greatsword to engage them—one could say she was very happy.
"This cane of yours doesn't look like an ordinary walking stick, does it?"
Looking at the tall man beside her, and the cane in his hand that could be propped on the ground but was completely unsuitable for assisting walking, Skadi asked curiously.
Not all Aegirians, like the Abyssal Hunters, possessed extremely strong physiques; many of her compatriots were not even as physically strong as the people of Terra, and many used walking sticks.
However, looking at the sharp tip of that cane, and the small holes it poked into the hard road surface, Skadi's combat instincts told her that it was definitely more than just a cane.
To this, Goki merely smiled, not hiding anything at all.
"Yes, this is a weapon used by the Hunters of old Yharnam during their night watch, but when I went to Yharnam, most Hunters were either mad, dead, or half-dead, so there was no need for a night watch anymore."
Mentioning the Retractable Cane, Goki gave it a gentle flick, and the cane emitted a mechanical whirring sound, seeming to extend a considerable length before quickly returning to its original state.
"British, I mean, Victoria's gentlemen, are very fond of using these civilized canes to display their gentlemanly demeanor. Generally, they conceal a rapier within the cane, and there's a corresponding fighting technique—Barton-jutsu."
Many countries on Terra bore the shadow of one or several Earth nations.
Aside from Aegir, a deep-sea civilization, Iberia, a country that liked to build invincible fleets only to lose them and had an Inquisition system, was clearly Spain, which had always been in trouble.
Although Skadi knew nothing about the countries on land and couldn't distinguish between Britain and the Steam Nation Victoria, Goki still used the standard terminology for her convenience in future learning.
"This weapon is deliberately crafted to be so exquisite and elegant, to constantly remind the Hunter that they are a noble savior, not a bloodthirsty beast fallen to the hunt."
The Retractable Cane could also transform; in its retracted state, it was convenient for stabbing monster asses, and in its extended whip form, its serrated properties allowed for better cutting of beasts.
However, the reason Goki specifically exchanged for a second weapon wasn't because he no longer wanted to use the Saw Cleaver.
Facing the relentless Inquisitor who constantly kept an eye on him, Goki decided to be a bit more low-key.
Compared to a giant cleaver that looked particularly terrifying, a small cane that appeared a bit more civilized was less aggressive.
"Yes, you said... a Hunter who hunts beasts might also become another beast. In a sense, we two are quite similar—but we wouldn't actively inject Seaborn blood; that's too dangerous."
Nodding, Skadi turned to look at Goki, with a hint of shared suffering.
Even now, every time she saw Goki either drink blood directly or inject the blood of any beast directly into his veins, Skadi found it unbearable.
"But that also means that the battles you've experienced are much harder than ours... If I have the chance, I might go to Yharnam with you."
"Ha, then it's a deal."
Looking at the understanding Little Orca, Goki suppressed the urge to hug her.
In low emotional intelligence terms, Skadi was always called a 'simpleton'; in high emotional intelligence terms, Skadi was just a straightforward good child!
"Mm, it's a deal—you said it, we are friends."
Skadi nodded, saying softly.
[ Actually, it's basically completely the same; Abyssal Hunters are also Aegirians who inject Seaborn blood. ]
Goki certainly couldn't explain this truth to Skadi right now.
However, if the Little Orca first accepted a Hunter who also had the blood of who knows how many species and how many gods, and recognized that Goki still had his own beliefs and honor... then, would Skadi also accept the truth of the Abyssal Hunters more calmly?
Goki didn't know, but he would try his best.
Currently, let alone Rhodes Island, Babel might not even exist. If Goki had to find a goal on Terra, it would only be the Little Orca beside him.
[ However, it would be great if I could meet more acquaintances. Many Operators from Iberia should still be teenagers now, right? ]
In his mind, Goki recalled many Iberian Operators.
Thorns, a certain cornerstone head-swapper skilled in the art of the sublime.
Angela, a divine choice of the Sea Cat, a pharaoh's Incarnation, and half an Abyssal Hunter.
And a certain flashy, narcissistic handsome guy, Elysium; the extremely Mysophobia Nemesis W, Wendy; and Glaucus, who was good at shooting down planes... Now, these future Rhodes Island Operators probably all had their own lives.
However, Terra was so vast, and Goki didn't hold much hope of encountering them.
[ Let fate decide. If destined, we meet from a thousand miles apart; if not, we can't hold hands even face to face. Maybe I'll run into one right away—that's probably wishing too much. ]
"We're here, we're here, Hunter Big Brother, Skadi the Singer Big Sister, Researcher Miss lives here!"
Soon, Anita's call from the side brought Goki's thoughts back to reality.
"Researcher Miss has lived here for quite a while. Every day she uses an iron lump to look through a glass slide, very mysterious. She only comes out occasionally, but only to wander by the sea."
On the side of Saltwind City near the sea, besides other dilapidated houses, there was one exceptionally neat white house. All its windows were purposely sealed, allowing no sunlight to penetrate.
However, there was no sunlight now anyway.
"She's also a doctor! No matter if we have a big illness or a small one, she can cure us as long as we find her. She says she can't cure oripathy, but we don't know what that is."
Chattering like a little bird, Anita introduced the strange aspects of this resident to Goki.
"I'm going to call her now, Big Brother and Big Sister, please wait a moment."
With light steps, Anita quickly ran to the tightly closed door and gently knocked in a memorized rhythm.
"Researcher Miss, there are guests who say they need a machine to check their bodies—not those people!"
At the door, Goki and Skadi exchanged glances, silently tightening their grip on the "ordinary cane" and "weapon box."
"Iron lump, glass slide—those are a microscope and a slide, right? Maybe she's here to study Aegirian problems? Is it about the Seaborn?"
Pinching his chin, Goki was a little curious about this "Researcher Miss."
"She's also a doctor, no wonder there's medical equipment here."
At least in Saltwind City, the residents here currently didn't know about the existence of the Seaborn.
However, Goki believed that Iberia might have already become aware of them, and this researcher's purpose here might be related to them.
"I don't know. The Seaborn are gradually evolving. Although one in ten thousand, there are already types that can survive on land for a short period. If Iberia can do something, that would naturally be good."
Skadi didn't care about the actions of the land governments; instead, she placed her hand on the box containing her greatsword.
"Goki, I feel... something's not right."
Click.
Immediately after, the tightly closed door of the "research institute" was pushed open, and a tall, slender figure in a white lab coat slowly walked out.
"I told you, unless someone is sick, it's best not to disturb me, Anita—ha."
Shaking her white hair, revealing triangular ears with a light green hue, a beautiful Feline female with a pretty face and an indifferent expression swept her emerald eyes over the two people behind Anita.
"...It seems, indeed, these are not very healthy guests."
With thin lips opening and closing, the Feline female spoke in a language Skadi understood.
"Welcome, Aegirian, no, Abyssal Hunter, come inside. I think I know the purpose of your visit."
This was... the Aegirian language.
"Goki! Retreat!"
Instantly, Skadi felt a huge threat and a faint contempt from this woman.
The disguise of laziness and indifference vanished instantly, and she immediately stepped forward, blocking Goki.
This woman was much more dangerous than the "Archerfish" they had fought before.
"Skadi, calm down, don't get agitated."
But soon, a large hand gently patted Skadi's shoulder.
"If we destroy the place, we won't be able to get treatment, right?"
"But..."
Skadi turned her head, only to see Goki's calm and confident smile.
"Trust me."
Her hand, which was about to draw her greatsword, lowered. Skadi hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.
"...Alright."
So, Goki lowered his hand.
"We've come for treatment, Researcher Miss. Thank you for your invitation."
Looking at the Feline female in the white lab coat, although he told Skadi not to get agitated, Goki was actually the most nervous.
He saw... an acquaintance.
"Then come in, Miss Abyssal Hunter, and... this gentleman. I have some Aegirian drinks here; perhaps they will suit your taste."
Her gaze shifted from Skadi to Goki. A hint of surprise flashed in the "Researcher's" eyes, then she turned and walked into the research institute.
A lone traveler wandering Terra, unexpectedly met two guests from another land.