After hearing the two seniors' warning, Altaïr and Isis immediately grew anxious. They had been planning to take a proper break after their latest major battle, but that idea was no longer realistic.
High Rank Monsters were not as common as Bullfangos or Yian Kut-Kus. Simply finding a suitable Monster whose materials could be used to craft Isis's Armor would take some effort.
They needed enough materials for an entire Armor Set, so tagging along with a senior Hunter's party would hardly be appropriate. Joining another High Rank Hunter's team would not be easy either, while hunting alone carried greater risks. All things considered, the most efficient option would be for Altaïr and Isis to hunt as a pair, perhaps with Nymera joining them.
For that matter, Nymera's current Doom Armor Set was also somewhat outdated by High Rank standards.
That meant they needed to hunt two High Rank Monsters within a month and upgrade both Isis's and Nymera's equipment. Altaïr rubbed his forehead and suddenly understood why Lady Gael had lost her temper so abruptly.
Something they could normally have prepared for at their leisure had suddenly become urgent. If he had not upgraded his own equipment ahead of time, they might even have needed to hunt three 6★ Monsters within a month...
The earlier Espinas hunt might have taken only two days, travel included, but that had been possible only because they gathered enough information in advance.
Having Senior Maki and Senior Minoto with them had also given them confidence, allowing them to fight more boldly.
They would never dare take such risks while hunting on their own.
"Francesca, we might not be able to return to Tidal Island for a while," Altaïr said, looking at her. "Could we handle the sign-out procedure after we finish everything here?"
"Of course. That is no problem at all." Francesca made a reassuring gesture. "It is only a formality. You do not actually need to go back for it. I can have someone pack up the belongings in your residence and item box, then ship everything here."
"We would still like to go back once we are done," Isis said quietly. "We want to say a proper goodbye to the Village Chief, Hubert, Ms. Meow-It-All, Dawn, and everyone else."
"I have no objection. It is not urgent anyway, so let us deal with the equipment materials first."
"Would you like me to recommend a smith? Ordinary smithies cannot forge High Rank equipment," Francesca asked with concern.
"That will not be necessary." Altaïr and Isis exchanged a glance, then told them about the "Manti Ticket."
Gael gave a short snort when she heard. "Good. Having that old man forge your equipment is almost beneath his talents."
Despite calling him overqualified, neither Gael nor Amos suggested saving the chance to call on the master smith for some future need.
Hunters were not merchants. There was no point agonizing over long-term gains and losses, forever "saving something for later" until the opportunity followed them into the grave.
"Have you considered any suitable targets?" Amos suddenly asked.
"We should have a few options, right?" Altaïr looked at Isis. "That old man we met in Kamura Village, did he not give you advice on upgrading your equipment?"
"Which old man?" Gael asked curiously.
"The Caravaneer who led the caravan Mom traveled with years ago."
"Oh, him. He is famous for being widely traveled and knowledgeable. What did he recommend?"
"The Caravaneer and Ted each gave me a suggestion. I think both options suit me pretty well..."
"Ted? You met that fatso too? He really is a good person to ask for advice," Gael said, patting her knee.
Amos shot Gael a dissatisfied look. "Why are you talking so much? Let Isis explain it herself."
Gael shrugged and mimed zipping her lips.
Isis scratched her head. "The Caravaneer recommended a Monster called 'Kuarusepu.' I had never heard of it before. He said we might find one in the Highlands of the Goldra Region.
"According to him, Armor made from Kuarusepu materials not only has outstanding Defense, but is also light enough not to hinder movement. Most importantly, it greatly enhances the wearer's strength, so it offers both offense and defense!"
"Kuarusepu..." Amos frowned. "It is an extremely rare Monster. I have heard of it, but I have never hunted one or seen anyone wearing Kuarusepu Armor.
"Still, if the Caravaneer gave you that information, it should be reliable."
Gael spread her hands, indicating that she agreed with Amos.
"Ted recommended Steel Uragaan, the Uragaan subspecies. He said its Uragaan Z Armor Set is tougher than the regular Uragaan Armor Set. Although it is still an ultra-heavy type of armor, its design is not as cumbersome.
"Compared with Kuarusepu Armor, it offers somewhat less offensive power but even greater Defense."
Gael and Amos's expressions changed in unison.
Gael could not help speaking up again. "The Uragaan Z Armor Set... This is not merely a matter of 'greater Defense.' Its defensive performance is at the very top of all High Rank armor.
"Even armor made from Elder Dragon materials might offer other special effects or blessings, but few sets can surpass the Uragaan Z Armor Set in pure Defense.
"See? Instructor Altman, who specialized in Guard, wore the Uragaan Z Armor Set right up until he retired."
Amos nodded, acknowledging Gael's assessment. "But honestly, I would not recommend hunting a Steel Uragaan.
"Ted probably meant it as a future goal, if you happened to get the chance. He was not suggesting you hunt one anytime soon, was he?
"Although Steel Uragaan only has a 6★ Danger Rating, that is mainly because it lives deep within volcanoes and is not particularly aggressive. It almost never attacks human settlements, so its rating remains relatively low.
"In terms of ecological niche, it can compete with Monsters rated at 7★.
"Most importantly, its body is far too tough, and it is adept at rolling, making it extremely difficult to kill. You would need an elemental weapon tailored to its weakness.
"With your current weapons, your chances of a successful hunt are quite low."
"All right, then Kuarusepu will be my target for now." Isis made her decision. "I will check the Gathering Hall later and see whether there are any Kuarusepu hunting quests."
"If there are none, remember to tell me," Francesca said to Isis. "The Goldra Region is Wycademy territory, so many quest notices never make it to Dundorma.
"If you cannot find one here, I will write to Bherna Village and ask on your behalf."
"Thank you, Francesca!"
Seeing that Isis had settled on a target, Altaïr caught her eye, and the two stood together.
"We will check the situation at the Gathering Hall first. We also need to discuss our exact plans with our companions, so we will take our leave."
Amos looked up at them. "Remember to come home for dinner together tonight."
—--
At the Princess's residence, the doors and windows of one meeting room were tightly shut.
The Princess lifted her head from Hibiki's soft, fluffy fur, where she had been rubbing her face for quite some time, and sighed in satisfaction.
She straightened her slightly rumpled collar and smoothed her hair, then glanced sideways at Nymera, who was seated quietly nearby.
"What is wrong? You look troubled. Are you not happy about reaching High Rank?"
Nymera forced a courteous smile. "Your Highness honors me with your concern, but I am not troubled..."
"Talk normally, ja." The Princess closed the small folding fan in her hand and tapped Nymera on the head.
"...Thank you for asking. I am not unhappy."
"Oh, spare me. It is written all over your face. What is weighing on your mind? Tell me." The Princess sat gracefully back in her high-backed chair.
After a long silence, Nymera told her what she had overheard in the Elder Hall about Kamura Village having no one to carry on after the current generation.
"So you are wondering whether you should return home, but you cannot bear to leave your current companions, ja?"
"Mm..."
"Maki is not going to die in the next ten or twenty years, and Isis and Altaïr can manage without you. Put everyone else's circumstances aside. Do you want to go back or not?"
"I... I do not know..."
The Princess opened her fan, covering the lower half of her face, and fixed Nymera with a calm gaze.
"You do know, ja."