Emergency processing, field measurements, and hoisting for transport, the members of the Wycademy's Soaratorium aerial research lab had performed these tasks countless times. They were the ultimate professionals, and their efficiency was staggering.
Before dawn, all preparations for departure had been completed.
The lower altitudes were the frequent domain of various Flying Wyverns and were not safe. As the person in charge of the Soaratorium, the Investigation Team Leader issued the order to ascend as soon as preparations were finished.
Draped in the light of dawn, the massive vessel, whose scale far exceeded that of any Large Flying Wyvern, set out, climbing to an altitude of over three thousand meters with breathtaking speed.
This height was beyond the range of most Flying Wyvern species. In these high reaches, almost nothing could truly threaten it.
After adjusting its heading, the propulsion propellers began to spin at high speeds, driving the Soaratorium forward as it accelerated toward Dundorma.
Due to the lack of reference points in the high sky, it was difficult to accurately judge its speed by feel alone.
Like a great whale in the ocean, it gave an impression of being slow and lumbering; in reality, its cruising speed was nearly double that of a standard small Airship.
At this high-speed cruise, it would take only a little over a day and a night to reach Dundorma.
This wasn't the first or even second time Altaïr and the others had ridden in an Airship, but they couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder as they boarded this massive flying ship, a crystallization of humanity's most cutting-edge technology.
Sajji, acting as if he had downed too much Dash Juice, scurried everywhere, constantly observing and recording various components of the Soaratorium, such as the air sac, the ship's hull, the propulsion sails, and the propellers.
Finally, he even had the audacity to seek permission from the Investigation Team Leader and dove straight into the engine room.
Perhaps he didn't have the capability yet, but if the day came when he truly intended to start building a Battle Airship, what he saw and heard today would surely provide immense help.
Altaïr and the others were also looking around curiously, but they didn't dare run about as wildly as Sajji. After all, this was someone else's territory, and society's level of tolerance for humans versus Felynes was quite different.
Seeing this, the Investigation Team Leader smiled and said, "If you don't mind, I'll take you on a tour."
The young Hunters, who weren't sure where to stand anyway, naturally didn't refuse. The three of them followed the Investigation Team Leader into the cabin.
Noticing this, the Professor gave his student, Erik, a meaningful look. Erik looked back at him, completely bewildered, not understanding what he meant.
The Professor felt a headache coming on. His young student had high talent and incredible focus regarding ecological research, but when it came to social graces, he was truly at a toddler's level.
"Follow them. That fellow is likely going to start praising the Wycademy again while taking cheap shots at the Royal Paleontology Scriveners and the Observation Bureau."
"Honestly, it's not like we're some bunch of rigid traditionalists. We evolve with the times too, you know? The Royal Academy itself is a product of progress," the Professor grumbled, sounding quite resentful.
Given his seniority and status, it wasn't appropriate for him to follow them and argue these points himself, but Erik and Altaïr were peers; it was only natural for him to mingle with them.
"Oh! Got it!" Erik quickened his pace to catch up.
Seeing Erik approach, Altaïr and Isis greeted him happily. Erik had been busy assisting with the data measurements for the Duramboros earlier, and they had felt it a pity they hadn't found a chance to talk.
The Investigation Team Leader also offered him a friendly smile.
The Professor's student? The young genius scholar of the Royal Academy? Excellent, all the better to talk him into joining as well!
"This is the specimen room. Do you see this cabinet? These are... well, samples dropped by creatures belonging to the classification above Flying Wyverns."
"You mean 'those' creatures!?"
"Exactly."
"This is the most advanced, highest-powered microscope currently in existence."
"What's the maximum magnification?"
"Around two thousand times."
"Whoa! What's this? I don't think I've seen one of these before."
"This is the separation equipment."
"..."
"..."
The Investigation Team Leader led the group through the various compartments.
Altaïr and the others weren't scholars, so they didn't recognize the strange instruments and tools, but Erik was reaching a state of pure euphoria. Every time the Investigation Team Leader introduced something, he would demand more details with frantic excitement.
If they hadn't known Erik wasn't with the Wycademy, they would have thought he was a plant arranged by the Investigation Team Leader.
Listening to the back-and-forth between the two, Altaïr and his companions began to understand why the Wycademy staff preferred to call this vessel the "Soaratorium aerial research lab" rather than the popular name "Soaratorium."
According to the Investigation Team Leader, once they received word of something like a unique Monster appearing or an ecological anomaly, this Soaratorium aerial research lab could respond with maximum speed, arriving on site within days.
An elite team of Hunters traveling with the ship would swiftly deal with the Monster, then the Soaratorium would move in to conduct an on-site investigation. The entire process was staggeringly efficient.
By contrast, other traditional academic institutions had to first send field scholars to conduct a preliminary survey, then post a request, hire Hunters, and wait for the hunt to conclude before finding a way to transport the Monster carcass back to headquarters via cargo Airship or transport teams. Only then could the research process truly begin. It was a vastly inferior workflow in terms of efficiency.
And yet, the latter was the standard procedure for Monster research in this world.
Altaïr wasn't Isis; he could certainly hear that this smiling Wyverian scholar was "tempting" them in this manner. But this was an open play.
The Wycademy's systems and models were more advanced and efficient. Otherwise, why would so many young scholars be so eager to run off to the Wycademy?
"Hey now! That's a bit disrespectful to other academic organizations," Erik, walking beside Altaïr, finally remembered the task the Professor had assigned him.
"The Royal Paleontology Scriveners' research methods are very traditional, sure, but their field scholars are incredible. They're highly experienced, they have the numbers, and more than seventy percent of the intelligence regarding Monsters across all regions is provided by them."
"Then there's the Observation Bureau; they have hot air balloons scattered all over the world. They might not match the Soaratorium in quality, but they certainly make up for it in quantity!
But of course! The best of them all is still the Royal Academy!" Erik's tone suddenly shifted. "It was established by combining the strengths of several major academic organizations, including the Guild, the Royal Paleontology Scriveners, the Observation Bureau, and the Wycademy.
Whether it's personnel or resources, they are the absolute pinnacle!
The Royal Academy is also actively forming its own versions of the Soaratorium aerial research lab. A large research Airship belonging to the Royal Academy is currently under construction. The Monster Bone frame has already been laid down; I saw it when I took a peek last time!
Ah, though I think the Professor warned me not to talk about that..."
Altaïr: "..."
He could guess that Erik had been sent over by the Professor, but he was certain the Professor hadn't intended for him to provide a commentary like this.
The Investigation Team Leader also fell silent, clearly left speechless by Erik's bizarre reverse-persuasion and his casual leaking of secrets.
Nymera, however, asked with great interest, "That sounds pretty good. So, is this Royal Academy something we Hunters can join?"
"No." Erik shook his head decisively. "Unlike the Wycademy, which has affiliated branches, the Royal Academy is a purely academic organization directly under the Guild.
If the Royal Academy needs Hunter support for their research operations, they apply to the Guild, and then the Guild assigns people directly.
That's why I'm saying! Even if you want to enjoy the efficiency of a Soaratorium aerial research lab, there's no need to join the Wycademy. No matter how advanced the Soaratorium is, it's an old ship built nearly thirty years ago. How can it compare to the Royal Academy's new ship that hasn't even debuted yet?
The Professor has already memorized your names. In the future, when there are good missions and projects, he'll invite you directly through the Guild!"
The Investigation Team Leader's expression stiffened. Even a man as good-tempered as he was felt a sudden urge to tie Erik up and toss him over the ship's hull.
Altaïr looked with astonishment at the youth, who seemed to understand and care for nothing outside of academia.
You actually managed to bring that back around?!
(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.
CHARACTERS
Erik — The Professor's apprentice and a young scholar of the Royal Academy. Gifted with exceptional talent for ecological research, he possesses an almost single-minded dedication to academia that leaves little room for social awareness. His enthusiastic, unfiltered commentary makes him as disarming as he is unintentionally chaotic.
INSTITUTIONS
Royal Academy — A prestigious academic institution established under the Hunter's Guild, formed by combining the strengths of several major organizations including the Guild itself, the Royal Paleontology Scriveners, the Observation Bureau, and the Wycademy. Commanding vast personnel and resources, it is considered the apex of scholarly authority in the known world.
Royal Paleontology Scriveners — One of the oldest academic institutions dedicated to Monster research. Known for highly traditional methods, their extensive network of experienced field scholars provides the majority of Monster intelligence data across all regions.
Observation Bureau — A widespread monitoring organization that deploys hot air balloons across the world to observe and track Monster activity. What it lacks in cutting-edge technology it compensates for with sheer reach and numbers.