"Yes, I'm interested," Altaïr replied just as directly.
Even if it wasn't to satisfy his curiosity, from a purely practical standpoint, he had to figure out what this so-called "Hyper state" was.
Taking this hunt as an example, the Hyper Duramboros's abnormally developed leg and back muscles had significantly altered its original attack patterns.
The sudden bursts of speed during its charges, the Tackle that could bring down giant trees, that terrifying attack where it swung itself outward like a spinning boomerang, hadn't every single one been a lethal threat?
If they hadn't covered for each other and responded rationally, combined with a bit of luck, it wouldn't have been surprising if someone had been seriously injured or even killed.
This time the target was the slow-moving Duramboros; what if it were a faster, more aggressive Monster? What would happen if their attacks suddenly became faster and more powerful?
He didn't want to die in the hunting grounds without even knowing why.
"It's not exactly a secret. Research has actually been going on for many years, but Hyper Monsters are extremely rare, and research materials even rarer, so scholars haven't been able to fully solve the puzzle."
The Professor sighed and said, "It's even more so for Hunters. Most Hunters might go their entire lives without encountering a special Hyper individual, so the Guild hasn't pushed much publicity about it."
"That school of thought is wrong." The Investigation Team Leader, who usually seemed quite amiable, suddenly spoke in a very serious tone. "To scholars, the Hyper state is just a research topic.
But for Hunters, a lack of necessary knowledge can result in death. Unfortunately, many Hunters don't realize this."
His words were a bit blunt, but Altaïr agreed wholeheartedly.
Never mind others; take his partner, Isis, for example. If he hadn't taken the initiative to report it, the "mysterious black mist" would likely have left nothing more than a faint impression in her mind before being tossed aside. She would never have thought to get to the bottom of it.
One had to remember that due to her family background, Isis's education level was already quite high among Hunters. If even she was like that, let alone those Hunters with little education whose muscles had seemingly grown into their brains.
Who understands all that technical stuff!
Just tell me where to go and what to hunt!
I'll just deal with things as they come!
Those with that kind of linear-thinking, simple brain made up the majority of the Hunter population. The stereotype that "all Hunters are reckless brutes" didn't come from nowhere.
Altaïr gave a soft sigh. "If only the Guild could strengthen education, perhaps the casualty rate would drop.
Hunters are the most powerful martial force of humanity. If they could further arm their minds with knowledge, it would be a collective advancement."
The Investigation Team Leader looked at Altaïr with piercing eyes.
The Professor also glanced at him askance and said irritably, "Do you think His Immenseness hasn't considered this? Years ago, the Guild even organized mandatory cultural education. Do you know what the truancy rate was? Over eighty percent!
I proposed to His Immenseness that those who failed the written exams should have their Hunter licenses temporarily revoked, and as a result, I was given a lecture by the old man."
"The number of Hunters is already perpetually insufficient. If licenses were revoked for reasons like that, who would be left to deal with the Monsters?"
Hearing the Professor's resentful tone, Altaïr realized that the old man had likely been invited by the Guild to teach classes to Hunters back in the day. The experience of nearly dying of rage while staring at a half-empty classroom had probably happened more than once or twice.
Isis tilted her head as she listened to their conversation and suddenly spoke up. "If someone actually has the brains for books, why would they become a Hunter in the first place?
My sister is very good at studying; she's skilled at art, socializing, business, everything. She was even told she'd make a great scholar. That's why she doesn't put her main focus into 'being a Hunter.'"
"..."
Those few sentences struck Altaïr and the others dumb.
It wasn't that Hunters couldn't pick up a pen or read a book; it was more that only those without the aptitude for academia became Hunters, at least, that was the case for the vast majority of them.
"That is the reality of the situation," the Professor said, breaking the silence and looking at Altaïr. "Young man, hold onto your thirst for knowledge. Don't let the apathy of other Hunters make you feel like an outcast or lead you to neglect these things.
Take this time, for instance. You contacted us immediately and took it upon yourself to stay and maintain a watch. That is good, very good.
You might not realize just what an important piece of live research material this Hyper Duramboros is.
Do you really think I have enough influence to change the flight schedule of the Soaratorium and the entire Wycademy aerial research lab with just a few words, making them fly all the way out here?
There is only one reason you are seeing the Soaratorium in the middle of nowhere, and that is because this Duramboros is worth it."
"Correct." The Investigation Team Leader nodded. "In the future, if you encounter similar situations, you can send word directly to the Wycademy.
The Hunters of our Wycademy are the perfect models of combining knowledge with power.
Have you heard of Hunting Styles and Hunter Arts? They are the secret techniques formed by using knowledge as a method to refine and summarize the skills of generations of Hunters.
If you are interested, you are most welcome to come to Bherna Village to study."
The intent to recruit him was blatant. This wasn't just a simple case of poaching a talent; this was the equivalent of flying in the Soaratorium to lift the entire house away, foundation and all.
*Hunting Styles! Hunter Arts!*
For a split second, Altaïr was almost tempted to agree on the spot, but he quickly suppressed the urge.
Instead of giving a perfunctory answer, he replied very seriously, "My companion and I are currently in a period of refining our basics and accumulating experience. For the moment, we don't have plans to take on more new techniques.
When the time comes for us to take the next step, we will head to Bherna Village to find our direction. I look forward to that day."
"You are welcome anytime," the Investigation Team Leader said with a smile, shaking Altaïr's hand as if to seal the deal.
The Professor's face darkened slightly.
He didn't mind them trying to pull people into the Wycademy, but he had finally found a young Hunter who took the initiative to reach out and provide research material.
He couldn't have the boy writing directly to the Wycademy every time he found something in the future.
"The hunting difficulty of a Hyper Duramboros is far beyond 4★. However, to be honest, it wouldn't be realistic to label it a 6★ hunt right away. I will contact the Guild and ensure this is recorded as a 5★ quest for you."
"The corresponding rewards and other terms will also be settled at an increased standard," the Professor said, looking at Altaïr.
He might as well have told him outright: *This old man isn't just backed by the Royal Paleontology Scriveners and the Royal Academy, but by the Hunter's Guild headquarters themselves!*
Altaïr and the others exchanged glances; this was a truly unexpected boon.
To prevent the Investigation Team Leader from continuing his headhunting attempts, the Professor adjusted his glasses. "Let us return to the original question: what exactly is 'Hyper state'?
"To be 'Hyper' is to be a particularly ferocious, brutal Monster.
"Unlike a naturally occurring Subspecies, the Hyper state is likely acquired later in life. Due to certain factors, a Monster enters a state of extreme agitation, causing muscles in specific body parts to exert themselves far beyond their physical limits.
"Take this Duramboros, for example. Under the influence of abnormal muscular activity, the muscles in its legs became malformed and bloated, eventually even splitting its skin."
"An extreme state of agitation?" Isis followed up curiously. "Is it caused by that black mist? What exactly is that black mist anyway? Some kind of bacteria?"
"No, it likely has nothing to do with bacteria. How best to explain it... well, you are all Hunters, so you must use physical energy to some extent.
"Altaïr, perform a Charge and then enter Demon Mode for me."
"Understood."
Altaïr drew his Sword and Shield, tensed his muscles, and performed a Charge. After a brief buildup of power, a faint light shimmered around him.
Immediately after, he canceled the Charge, swung his blade and shield, and activated Demon Mode. A flicker of blood-red battle aura appeared and vanished.
"Just like that. Whether it is fighting spirit, Spirit Gauge, the blood-red battle aura of Demon Mode, or anything else, they are essentially techniques for utilizing one's physical capabilities.
"The light that flashes across the weapon and body is simply the outward manifestation of this energy.
"Current research suggests that the black mist appearing on the overactive muscle groups of Hyper Monsters is a similar phenomenon."
"Like this, meow?"
Clawdia, following behind Isis as if refusing to let Altaïr hog the spotlight, let out a sharp "Meow!" as she activated Beast Mode.
A blood-red battle aura surged in the Felyne's eyes, and a faint black mist began to emanate from her body.
"Exactly! You can use Beast Mode? That makes it even easier to explain." The Professor clapped his hands.
"It is not the black mist that causes a Monster to become Hyper. Rather, the highly activated muscle groups of a Hyper Monster generate this surging black mist phenomenon, much like the light that appears on a Hunter when they utilize their physical energy.
"Only when a Monster's muscle activation reaches a certain threshold does this dark surging breath appear.
"This has become our primary criteria for distinguishing a 'Hyper Monster' from a 'Monster that just happens to have a stronger limb than its peers'."
"So, what is the cause of the Hyper state? Is it an internal factor like genetics? Or an external factor like the environment?" Altaïr pressed.
The Professor glanced at him. "With a limited number of samples, we cannot reach a definitive conclusion yet. However, the prevailing view in the academic community is that external factors play a larger role."
The Investigation Team Leader added from the side, "But that is only the mainstream view. We cannot rule out other possibilities."
Altaïr: "..."
*Could you lot be a bit more straightforward with your conclusions?*
(Translated by yourtl.app)
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TL NOTES — LORE SECTION
Some terms and creatures referenced in this story may be unfamiliar to readers new to the Monster Hunter universe. The following entries provide additional context.
PLACES
Bherna Village — A small, peaceful village that serves as the home base of the Wycademy. Despite its modest size, it is a hub of academic activity and the starting point for many of the Wycademy's field research expeditions.
SKILLS & TECHNIQUES
Hunting Styles & Hunter Arts — Advanced combat frameworks developed by the Wycademy through generations of accumulated hunter knowledge. Hunting Styles are distinct stances that alter a hunter's fundamental combat approach, unlocking unique movement options. Hunter Arts are powerful special techniques (devastating attacks, buffs, or evasive maneuvers) that can be assigned and activated during combat.
Beast Mode — A combat state unique to Felynes with sufficient fighting spirit. When activated, it dramatically heightens the Felyne's physical capabilities and aggression, accompanied by a surge of battle aura. The visual manifestation closely resembles the black mist observed in Hyper Monsters, hinting at a shared underlying principle.