《The hunters of the New World》


 The Crossing

    The salty sea air was cool on Akira¡¯s skin in the pre-dawn as he and his team walked toward the Marina. Each carried packs filled to bursting. They knew very little of what awaited them in the New World, so they didn¡¯t want to risk running out of critical hunting supplies. The stillness of the Tanzia Market gave Akira an eerie feeling as they walked down towards the docks. The usual buzzing of conversation and barking of merchants hawking their wares missing. The only noise that could be heard was the sharp click of their boots on the worn cobblestone street and the gentle murmuring of his fellow hunters as they bandied excitedly amongst themselves.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that this is going to be the largest fleet sent to date¡± Astuko said as she readjusted the straps of her bag. The motion jostled the quiver of arrows she kept at the small of her back, the massive projectiles held within unmoving due to the sheer quantity she possessed.


    Astuko had long black hair, gathered into a single braid across her shoulder. She had tan skin and slanted brown eyes, both common among those from the Kamura village. There was a screech from above as a large brown and white Cahoot landed on Atsuko¡¯s shoulder. She gave it a quick scratch below its beak and a small treat from one of the many pouches she had fastened to her armor.


    ¡°I should think so,¡± Hojiro said with a quiet scoff, almost drowned out by the clinking of his chainmail, ¡°it''s been forty years since the first fleet left for the New World. All their hunters have probably retired or returned by now. The commission is hurting for man power right about now I¡¯d wager.¡±


    Hojiro was easily the tallest and bulkiest of the team standing at least a head taller than everyone else. He had a long thick mane of hair with a bushy blonde beard to match. His face and eyes were like stone, as if they were carved from the Furahiya mountains he came from. Even in the chilled morning air his forehead was already beaded with sweat, his body still used to the sub zero temperature of his homeland.


    Anyone who laid eyes on the giant of a man would certainly not be surprised at his choice of weapon. He carried the absolutely massive shield on his right arm with a deceptive ease. The collapsed lance in its special harness across his back completed the set.


    ¡° I¡¯m just curious why the Commission wouldn¡¯t allow us to bring our old gear,¡± Reiji said with a sigh, as he gestured down to the basic set of leather armor he wore. The Hammer that he had holstered on his back was made of iron, just as the rest of the group''s weapons were.


    Reiji¡¯s dark ebony skin easily marked him as from Loc Lac. His eyes were like chips of charcoal, and his thick curly hair was twisted into rows of braids. His goatee glistened in the dim morning light from the oil he applied.


    ¡°Just consider it a test to make sure you still remember the basics,¡± Akira joked, finally joining in on the banter. ¡°I¡¯m sure the commission has its reasons¡­ maybe they¡¯ll even share them when we get to the new world.¡± He patted the Light bow gun hanging from its shoulder strap at his side. The weapon was freshly made, he had picked it up from the smithy just yesterday in fact. He was anxious to try it out, there hadn¡¯t been time due to all the preparations that had to be made before embarking on the ship. Akira needed to make sure that he knew how it handled, unexpected surprises during a hunt were to be avoided at all costs.


    The group had finally made it out of the market district and were now in the marina district. They all fell silent as their gazes drifted up to the giant structure in the distance. In the light of dawn they could make out Port Tanzia¡¯s Lighthouse. The actual lighthouse itself was set atop an absolutely massive rocky spire just off the coast. The massive cauldron of flame that it used to produce its light shone strongly despite the competition from the rising sun.


    Akira let out an appreciative whistle, ¡°The commission can keep all the secrets it wants as long as the new word as wonders like this.¡±


    ¡°Well it looks like the commission won¡¯t be struggling with main-power¡± Reiji said dryly as they all finally made it to the dock yard.


    Before them were nearly 50 ships crowding the small port, many were still out to sea waiting to pull into an open slip. The dock was a whirlwind of movement as sailors, both human and felyne alike, were hurrying back and forth carrying supplies to restock all the ships.


    Akira could see a few hunters interspersed in the crowd, the gleam of iron weapons making them easily distinguishable from the dock hands. They were all making their way to a small tent next to a flagpole. The Sea breeze caught the gold and white fabric making it ripple gently in the air. Emblazoned on its face were two symbols. The first symbol, the commission''s emblem, was a stylized shield framed by dragon heads, the left field had three stars over rolling hills, and the right was the hunter¡¯s guild crest. While the second was a stylized wing.


    ¡°The 5th fleet¡¯s symbol no doubt¡± Akira thought to himself.


    ¡°Alright, looks like that¡¯s where we¡¯re heading,¡± Akira said aloud. He began to make his way through the crowd in that direction. Casting a glance over his shoulder he beckoned the rest of his team to follow.


    As they approached the tent they took a spot in the line of other hunters waiting their turn.


    ¡°Looks like they''re handing out some sort of contraption¡± Hojiro mused, his giant stature allowing him to see above the heads of those in front.


    ¡°Can you tell what it is?¡± Atsuko asked. She tried, vainly, to stand on her toes to catch a glimpse for herself. Her Cahoot ruffled his feathers, unamused by his perch jostling him around.


    ¡°Maybe some sort of crossbow? I can¡¯t really make it out from here.¡± the tall man replied.


    Slowly but surely they made their way to the front of the queue. At the front Akira saw a table being managed by two guild receptionists. One, an attractive wyverian woman, who had her brown locks done in an intricate braid, sat behind a large leather bound tomb.


    ¡°If I could just get you to sign your name here, please¡± the Wyverian said by way of greeting. She had a courteous smile as she proffered a quill for his use.


    Akira returned her smile and quickly signed his name down in the ledger. The other receptionist, this time a human woman, Lithe and with blond hair, handed him the strange crossbow-like instrument that Hojiro had pointed out earlier.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°Oh? This is a slinger, here let me help you,¡± she said as she came around the table and took the slinger from him. ¡°Raise your left arm please,¡± and with a dexterity that belies repetition the receptionist has the device fastened to Akira¡¯s forearm with a small metal band that fits snuggly around his palm.


    ¡°If you press this button here,¡± she began, pointing out two small buttons along the bar in his palm. Akira was startled as with a press of one of the buttons the small crossbow limbs sprung open. A small latch near the back springing out to put the string under tension. ¡°Once loaded, press it again to fire.¡± she continued, ¡°Please be careful with this other one, that will fire the grappling hook¡±


    Shocked, Akira looks across to Reiji who is also staring at his own slinger in amazement, ¡°grappling hook?¡± he mouths silently, one brow arched.


    The rest of the team is quickly outfitted with their slingers and the human receptionist points them to their assigned ship. Quickly they make their way through the busy dockside and up the gangplank of the ship they will be sailing on.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    As they come amidship they see a large mass of other hunters waiting, they all exchange quiet words amongst themselves. Akira felt a tense undercurrent within the crowd.


    ¡°It seems so surreal now that we are on the ship,¡± Atsuko murmurs, her dark eyes wandering around the crowded deck. The others just nod their agreement, all of them feeling the same nervous excitement to begin the next leg of the journey.


    A few minutes pass before a loud baritone voice calls for their attention. Standing along the poop-deck railing is a large man in the uniform of a Guild official. His overcoat all crisp edges and with not a wrinkle in sight. He had the weathered face of one who is a veteran of the seas. His black hair graying along the temples like the salt of the sea itself was gathering there.


    ¡°Sisters and brothers of the Fifth Fleet, It¡¯s time.¡± he began gravely, ¡°I¡¯ll keep my farewell brief-I never was much with words. Once you board this ship, there is no turning back. The next ground your feet touch will be that of the New World. If any of you have lost your nerve, then step away now and let no one judge you.¡± He paused, staring out at the gathered hunters stoically, his stern eyes meeting the gaze of all of them.


    Not a single person went to leave. Many faces in the crowd held determined eyes, a few chins were raised proudly, as if begging someone to challenge their resolve. Akira and his team were no different.


    A few more moments passed, and the man¡¯s lips twitched at the corner.


    ¡°Very well,¡± he continued, ¡°Then let us sail safe and strong and may the Sapphire Star light our way!¡±


    A cheer goes up from the crowd and he steps away from the railing. He turned to a sailor, barking out an order. ¡°Get this ship to sea!¡±


    The next moments were a buzz of activity, the hunters were led below deck to claim a hammock in the quarters prepared for them as the ship¡¯s crew unfurled sails and untied from the dock. With a snap of canvas, the sails were untied and quickly caught the wind. The ship pointed her bow to the horizon and made way out into the tainted sea.


    <hr>


    The Sea drake, and the rest of the fleet, has been sailing now for just over 2 weeks, the winds had been mostly in their favor the whole time. It had taken Akira, and many of the other hunters, a few days to get their sea legs. More than one green faced hunter had lost their lunch over the gunwale so far. The team found themselves settling into a routine aboard the ship. Atsuko and Akira found themselves spending most of their time, when not pulling watch, in the mess hall going over their notes on the various different wyverns they could think of. They had heard rumors of never before seen varieties in the new world, but it never hurt to refresh their knowledge. Hojiro made himself useful helping the sailors to haul ropes and adjust the sails. While Reiji mostly kept to his bunk, his seasickness has yet to abate and he was barely able to keep food down.


    All four of them found themselves in the mess hall, the constant rocking of the ship felt by none but Reiji, as a felyne cook placed a huge plate of food in front of them. The slab of fish was cooked to perfection with a golden crust that made all of their mouths water. A tankard of frothy ale was placed in front of each of them. All around them other hunters were being served similarly, the sounds of laughter and drunken merriment drowned out the ships creaking and the constant rushing of waves.


    ¡°Urgh, I cannot wait to be off this ship,¡± Reiji groaned. His dark ebony skin was pale and his brow was covered in a thin layer of sweat. He nursed his ale, taking hesitant sips from the tankard.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make you something that should settle your stomach when we get back to our quarters,¡± Akira offered, his brows scrunched in concern for the poor man.


    ¡°For someone who enjoys twirling around with a hammer you think they¡¯d be able to handle a little rocking of a ship,¡± Hojiro teased, his normally stoic face was relaxed and a hint of red flushed his cheeks from the ale.


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ urgh¡­ show you how I twirl a hammer once we¡¯re off this cursed ship,¡± Reiji retorted weakly.


    ¡°Leave the poor¡­¡± Atsuko began, only for a loud clanging to cut through the room.


    ¡°BRACE, BRACE, BRACE¡± came roaring from above deck.


    Before anyone could react, an ugly scraping sound rocked the ship. Atsuko and Reiji were dumped out of their chairs onto the deck. Akira was just barely able to brace himself with the table. Hojiro, the big brute, simply put a massive hand down to the tabletop to keep himself upright.


    ¡°Above deck now!¡± Akira yelled, recovering enough to yank Atsuko back to her feet. Hojiro easily brought Reiji back to his feet, dragging him bodily behind Akira and Atsuko as they made their way through the hunters still on the deck and up the stairs.


    Akira couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing. They all had just made it to the top deck where a deep red glow was emanating from the water around them. The group of hunters was just beginning to head for the bow of the ship, so that they could get a better look, when the ship began to lift out of the water.


    From the ship''s port side a steaming pillar of rock burst out of the water, rising higher and higher by the second. The ship¡¯s deck took a steeper and steeper angle until its bowsprit was pointed at a forty-five degree angle up into the air. The four hunters lunged for something to hold onto, each managing to grab the gunwale rail.


    ¡°What the hell is this thing!?¡± Hojiro roared from behind Akira.


    Any answer he could¡¯ve given was cut off by another grinding groan. The ship¡¯s dragon-bone keel was wailing like an enraged Khezu as gravity took hold and the ship began to slide back down to the water.


    Akira¡¯s eyes were scrunched in pain, he desperately wanted to throw his hands over his ears but he knew if he did he would fall. There was a moment of silence as the ship broke free of the rock. Then a jolt as it crashed back down into the water.


    The force was nearly enough to yank his grip free of the railing, but he grit his teeth and held on. Akira¡¯s body was slammed into the deck and he felt his thoughts scramble from the hit. He thought he heard grunts of pain from his teammates behind him but he was too jumbled.


    Finally the ship settled, ocean spray misting over them from the wave caused by the fall. Grunting Akira was the first to make it back to his feet. His whole body felt like one big bruise and he tasted blood in his mouth.


    ¡°Thankfully I didn¡¯t bite my tongue off¡± he thought, before turning to his compatriots. ¡°Are you all alright?¡± he asked.


    Atsuko was on her hands and knees on the deck holding a palm to her forehead. A small cut on her lip was dribbling blood, but otherwise she looked fine.


    ¡°Just some bruised ribs for me, but Reiji here was knocked out cold,¡± Hojiro said. He was kneeling beside the ebony skinned man checking him for signs of injury. ¡°I don¡¯t see anything serious, but I¡¯ll bring him to the ship''s doctor,¡± he said, carefully picking the man up and bringing him below deck.


    ¡°Akira look,¡± Atsuko said, her eye¡¯s wide and mouth hanging open. She was looking somewhere behind him back out to the ocean.


    As he turned to look, the hand that was rubbing the knot on his head fell to his side limp. His gaze traveled up¡­ and up to the giant wading through the ocean.


    ¡°Elder dragon,¡± He whispered.


    The black rock that made up its shell was belching thick smoke, and all along it were pockets of magma. As he watched the dragon''s head was still rising up from the water. It was massive; easily the length of the ship, beaked, with large scaly protrusion hanging from its jaw, and had a glowing red horn along its snout.


    Atsuko and Akira could only stare as the great wyvern ambled slowly through the waves. All around it the other ships in the fleet began to make way, less they were capsized by the monstrous creature. The predawn sky was awash with the red glow from the creature''s magma cores. Through the smoke a hazy shape could be seen on the distant horizon.


    ¡°Look, I think I see land,¡± Akira pointed.


    ¡°Aye, that¡¯s our destination,¡± a voice said from behind them.


    The two hunters turned and saw the same official from the beginning of the voyage standing beside them.


    ¡°Seems like we aren¡¯t the only ones heading that way,¡± Akira said, as they all lapsed into a contemplative silence, the giant¡¯s silhouette shrinking as it continued its path.


    ¡°Right again, there had been reports of a Zorah Magdaros making a crossing, I just wish we had confirmed it in a safer way. Anyways, with Hunters like you two, we¡¯ll get to the bottom of this phenomenon.¡± He gave them each a sharp nod before departing.


    ¡°Probably to check on the ship no doubt,¡± Akira thought.


    ¡°What do you think is causing the Elders to make the crossing?¡± Atsuko asked after a moment. By now Zorah was a spec on the horizon, the Elder dragon easily out pacing the fleet with his titanic stride.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Atsuko, but we¡¯re going to find out.¡± Akira said, an eager gleam in his emerald eyes. He turned, giving a grin, ¡°let¡¯s go check on Reiji¡±


    By this point Zorah was lost to view, having ducked back below the waves, however the outline of the New world grew more in focus as the ships neared the end of their journey. As they made their way below deck, the two hunters could feel the rush of anticipation growing within their chest. Adventure awaited them out there and they planned to meet it head on.

 Arrival At Astera

    The Sea Drake had sustained light damage from its encounter with Zorah Magdaros, the dragon bone that reinforced its hull prevented the jagged rocks of its hard shell from piercing through. After they took a few hours to inspect the ship, account for, and secure all the cargo in the hold, it only took them another day to reach the New World. Crew and hunters alike were still jittery from the earlier excitement and the anticipation of the journey''s conclusion.


    Akira and his team were back on the main deck as the fleet came into sight of the new world''s coast. Off the port side waves pounded against the rocky cliffs of a lush forest. Above the boughs of the old growth trees wing drakes could be seen circling lazily through the air.


    ¡°Look at the size of that tree¡­¡± Atsuko murmured to nobody in particular.


    Rising tall like a King overseeing his court was an ancient tree. Its branches stretched wide casting shadows over large swathes of the forest. The only thing that Akira could think to compare its height to was the Zorah Magdaros.


    ¡®I think the tree still has him beat¡¯ he thought in awe.


    In the far distance, they could see the silhouette of a Rathalos circling the highest branches, its lazy turns a testament to its dominance over the forest. Though his team and he were all A-list hunters even they would think twice before taking on the red scaled wyvern. Highly aggressive, with blistering fire, and potent venom only a fool wouldn¡¯t approach hunting one with caution.


    Ahead, as they came around a bend they could see their destination. The Research commissions base of operations, and their home for the foreseeable future, was a hodgepodge of wood, steel and bone. As the ships began docking at the small port, Akira could see that the previous fleet''s ships had been repurposed to make the structures within the compound. Its crowning feature was a ship speared onto the tallest peak of the rocky ridges of the HQ¡¯s northern border.


    ¡®I wonder if our ships will share a similar fate?¡¯ he mused, before he and his teammates returned to their bunks to make ready for their arrival.


    <hr>


    As they began disembarking the ship they were met by another hunter. He was a tall man with black hair and skin sporting a tanned complexion. The thick leather vest, iron plated greaves, and bracers showed signs of heavy use but otherwise looked well maintained. The same could be said for the large bone greatsword strapped along his back in a heavy sheath. The man greeted them with a wide smile.


    ¡°Welcome to Astea, Hunters of the 5th fleet!¡± the man exclaimed, waving boisterously as they all approached. ¡°Follow me, I¡¯ll get you settled into a bunk, and then show you around.¡±


    Akira and the others followed him through the wooden harbor.


    ¡°The name is Takumi by the way,¡± The field team leader said over his shoulder as they began their trek.


    The dock was set up at the mouth of a river that split the high cliff that Astera spanned in half. Above them was a web of wooden scaffolding and support beams that engulfed the back half of the dock in shadows. The combination of the loud clanking of chains, the noise of the sailors unloading the ships, and the pounding of the waterfall that fed the river drowned out any conversation the hunters thought to have. They made their way onto one of the large platforms used to bring the cargo up from the ships-which was also the source of the clanking chains. A portion of the waterfall was being diverted to fall atop a massive waterwheel, which was what powered the lifts.


    ¡°It seems the Commission hasn¡¯t been idle these last few decades,¡± Hojiro quipped, barely having to raise his voice to be heard over the noise.


    ¡°We¡¯ve had to get creative, but you¡¯ll find that the New World is plentiful in resources.¡± Takumi interjected, having overhead Hojiro. Many things could be said about the big man, but having a quiet voice wasn¡¯t one of them.


    ¡°Which Fleet did you arrive with?¡± Reiji asked, he was already starting to look much better now that he was no longer on the ship.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t come with any of them, I was born and raised here in the new world. Just like my parents were¡± Takumi said casually.


    ¡°Though my grandfather came with the first fleet. You all will be meeting him here shortly. He is the commander of the commission.¡± He continued just as the lift locked into place onto a raised platform.  In front of them, shaded under the massive skeletal hull of a ship, were a multitude of different stalls, each one displaying a range of supplies or equipment a hunter might need, from mega potions to field rations.


    ¡°This here is the trade yard, the commission will give you a voucher for the basics when you¡¯re on an official mission, but if you have any specialty items you require that will be on you. Just talk to the quartermaster over there and he¡¯ll get you sorted out.¡± Takumi explained as he pointed to a far section of the trade yard. There a large stack of barrels and crates were set in neat orderly piles as a man and his felyne assistants made notes on clipboards as they walked through them.


    ¡°I almost feel like we over packed,¡± Astuko murmured as she eyed a vendor selling arrow coatings.


    ¡°Better to be over packed than under,¡± Akira said as they followed Takumi through the stalls. They were heading to a multi-storied structure made of several different sections of ships, lashed together by ropes and a confusing network of catwalks and rope bridges.


    ¡°Too true, we certainly wouldn¡¯t want a repeat of our first hunt together,¡±  Reiji added dryly.


    Atsuko and Akira cringed at the reminder while Hojiro just laughed.  The team¡¯s first hunt had been to capture a Congala for a guild researcher who had wanted to test a prototype gas mask he was developing against the beast wyverns mushroom enhanced fumes. They had planned to lead it into a trap set up beforehand. Only for the trap to be sprung by a wandering Yian Kut-ku just as they led the target to it. With their only trap sprung and having to deal with two angry wyverns, they ended up having to improvise.


    After chasing off the Yian Kut-ku with a screamer arrow shot by Atsuko, Akira unloaded his supply of exhaust rounds into the Congala. When it finally wore itself out Reiji was able to deliver a vicious blow to the beast wyverns head stunning it and knocking to the ground. A convenient branch loaded with vines was dropped onto the writhing creature to further immobilize it while the tranq rounds Akira shot it full of took effect. Only for their efforts to be wasted because the signal flare for the airship transport to move the beast was left back at their campsite.


    Though having ended in embarrassment, that first hunt had shown them that it took more than skill with their weapons to be good hunters. A lesson Akira had taken to heart if his heavily laden pack and journals bursting with notes were anything to go by.


    <hr>


    Takumi ended up taking them down to the bottom level of the living quarters. The rooms down here were shared, each one having 3 sets of bunk beds and a large chest for each hunter to store their possessions.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you all to settle in, meet back at the trade yard in two hours and I¡¯ll finish showing you around.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The hunters had all claimed a bed and began the process of unpacking their gear and personal items.


    ¡°These beds certainly beat those hammocks from the ship¡± Hojiro said, he let out a heavy sigh as he stretched out onto his bed. The big man just barely fit the bed, the wooden bed frame creaking ominously as he shifted around.


    ¡°I¡¯d sleep on the hard dirt if it meant not having to deal with that blasted rocking!¡± Reiji said, dragging an oiled cloth over the iron surface of his weapon.


    ¡°If I never see a ship again¡­¡± A knock on the door interrupted him and a woman walked in. Dressed in the typical uniform of a guild receptionist and she carried a large duffel with her arms full of books. Her pale skin was red with strain as she carried her belongings toward one of the unclaimed beds.


    Atsuko and Akira both got up and helped her with her things.


    ¡°Whew, thanks partners!¡± She said breathlessly, after taking a moment to stretch out her back. The woman was short with dark brown hair that had been shorn at her jaw line. Her emerald green eyes show through the lens of her glasses, the curiosity shining in their depths bespoke a mind constantly buzzing with questions waiting to be asked.


    ¡°My name is Hiromi, I will be your handler starting today. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you all!¡± She continued finishing with a formal bow.


    The hunters all shared a look, Reiji just giving a shrug of his shoulders, before Akira spoke up, ¡°Nice to meet you too, Hiromi, but what is a handler?¡±


    ¡°You can consider me as your own personal field receptionist. Since we still have so much to learn from the New World, the Fourth Fleet Master has decided to have guild receptionists attached to hunter teams to gather information.¡± she explained.


    ¡°Of course I will still be gathering all available requests for you all to take on.¡± she continued.


    ¡°Well then I guess that makes you part of the team,¡± Akira said, returning her bow.


    The rest of the hunters followed suit, with Atsuko and Reiji giving an incline of their heads and Hojiro just giving a grunt-he was already dozing off, halfway into a nap.


    <hr>


    Over the next hour the hunters and Hiromi finished unpacking their things and then all made their way back to the trade yard to meet back up with Takumi. The exuberant man entertaining them with antecedentes of the various locations around Astera.


    Their first stop had been the Ecologists research center, The large wooden structure was located in the far corner of Astera. They once again made their way through the trade yard to get there. Inside was chaotic as both handlers and wyverians ran too and fro, their arms full of papers and books, while others sat at desks furiously writing or organizing papers.


    ¡°This is the Ecological research center, any information we find about the local flora or fauna gets recorded here. Most of the researchers left with the third fleet¡¯s airship twenty years ago.¡±  Takumi began, before his brows furrowed, a frown disrupting his usual easy going smile. ¡° We lost contact with them afterwards and haven¡¯t heard from them since.¡±


    He quickly shook his head, a smile twisting his lips once more. ¡°Anyways, let¡¯s go find the head ecologist, he has a new piece of equipment for you.¡±


    With that Akira and the other new hunters of the fifth weaved their way through the busy hall until they made it to a large office situated in the far back. Takumi Knocked on the sturdy wood door and waited barely a moment before entering the room.


    ¡°Thats¡¯s a lot of books,¡± Atsuko murmured as they entered. The whole back of the room was stacked floor to ceiling with tombs of all shapes and sizes.


    Akira just raised a brow in silent agreement, behind him he heard Hojiro let out a low whistle.


    Situated in the center of the massive collection was an old wyverian man, age shrinking him to a diminutive height. He was perched upon a small stack of books, as if a king reclining in his throne. He didn¡¯t seem to notice their arrival so engrossed was he in the large tomb on his lap. Takumi had to clear his throat to get the old man¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Huh?! Oh, Takumi and¡­ you all must be the hunters from the fifth fleet.¡± the head ecologist said, he let out a sigh and closed his book with great reluctance, before hoping down to the floor.


    ¡°Follow me if you please,¡± he continued, weaving through Akira and the other hunters to exit the room. A moment later they were in a new room, this one filled with all different kinds of flora. Flittering throughout the room were small insects that gave off a green bioluminescent light. In the middle of the room was a large table that had small lantern-like objects laid out, the same insects were hovering all around them.


    ¡°These are scout flies, a curious insect native to this land,¡± The wyverian said without preamble once they had all entered the room, ¡°we discovered that they lack a means to digest food by themselves so form a symbiotic relationship with local fauna, circling nearby herbs, plants or corpses with their bioluminescence to attract them. Thereby getting to eat whatever is left over.¡±


    At this point the Ecologist was intent to give a lecture, already he was pacing back and forth in front of them. ¡°Additionally, when they sense the prey drive of large carnivores the light they give off will turn to a bright red. Some of our researchers have postulated that this is to warn their ¡°feeders,¡± as it were, of the danger so that they preserve their source of food.¡± Just as he took a breath, no doubt to continue regaling them with his accumulated knowledge, Takumi gave another polite cough.


    ¡°Ah, my apologies, to the point, each of you will receive a scout fly cage to help you in your hunts.¡± the head ecologist finished, a look of slight embarrassment coloring his expression.


    They all receive a cage and a brief instruction on how to feed them before continuing on with the tour.


    <hr>


    The sun was low in the sky, a warm orange glow cast over the wood and sails that made up the gathering hub. This was the last stop in the tour. Takumi had been thorough, taking them to the workshop, training yard, canteen, and the arena.


    The arena had been a surprise, though not unheard of. A lift had taken them down into a natural cavern behind Astera. At the end of the tunnel was a large pit, this was used for hunters to dispatch captured wyverns that the commission wished to examine or harvest parts from. This served an additional purpose of allowing hunters to train in a controlled environment and was also a source of entertainment for the denizens of Astera.


    The gathering hub had been the Flagship for the first fleet, the Celestial Pursuit, but due to a large wave that had lifted the vessel as they approached the new world, it now rested high on the ridge overlooking Astera. Though it no longer sailed the waves it now served as a place for hunters to relax and trade stories of past hunts and information acquired with blood and sweat.


    Akira himself was nursing a tankard of Ale as he leaned against the railing. His gaze was drifting out across the expanse of the Ancient forest, the lush foliage slowly being engulfed by shadows as the sun sunk to the horizon¡¯s edge. Behind him, the vibrant sounds of laughter and camaraderie filled the air, the other hunters of the Research Commission made merry and relaxed as the day drew to a close, their jovial shouts and clinking tankards contrasted with his introspective mood.


    ¡®What is it about this place that draws the Elders?¡¯ he mused, taking a sip of his drink.


    As he pondered this thought, he turned away from the railing and leaned his back to it. Out in the crowd he saw Hojiro laughing uproariously- cheeks flushed a deep red from his drinks- as he flung a would-be challenger to the ground in an arm wrestling contest, the poor man no match for the giant prodigious strength.


    ¡°What are you doing skulking in the shadows Akira?¡± Atsuko asked, leaning next to him on the railing. She had her own tankard of ale in her hand, a teasing smile on her face.


    ¡°I was just taking in the sights and thinking,¡± he answered, giving a nod towards the forest sprawling behind them.


    ¡°This place is amazing,¡± she agreed easily, ¡°I can¡¯t wait to get out there and see what else there is to see.¡±


    They stood in a companionable silence, content to watch the other hunters enjoying themselves. A few moments later, there was a hush that descended over the gathering hub as a figure made his way to the edge of the poop deck. He had stark white hair and his weathered face was covered in faded scars. Despite his age, the man¡¯s posture was straight and full of confidence. He wore a stern expression, but there was compassion in his eyes that shined through as he looked out over the assembled hunters.


    ''<i>This must be Takumi''s grandfather, the commander. There is certainly a resemblance.'' </i>He mused.


    ¡°Hunters! Lend me your attention,¡± the Commander began, ¡°I want to first extend a warm welcome to the hunters of the fifth that join us tonight.¡± At this he raised a tankard up, those in the crowd mimicked him and gave a cheer. A few minutes passed before everyone quieted down quickly as he raised a hand. ¡°With the help of these hunters I know that we will be able to make progress in our task of unraveling the secret behind the elder crossing. In that regard, as I¡¯m sure many of you have heard, a Zorah Magdaros has just arrived to the New World, we will need to track it down. It is the key to this mystery, I can feel it in my bones. So enjoy the night, drink and eat your fill, but know this! Tomorrow we have work to do¡±


    Another round of cheers punctuated his departure as everyone returned to their drinks. Their voices once again filling the air with excited chatter and laughter.


    ¡°Well you heard him, let¡¯s get some food,¡± Akira said with a smile, gesturing with his now empty mug as he and Atsuko made their way to an open table.