"I will be better than the Riders of legend. I have that much confidence in myself," Zhang Tian said. "But I am curious, what kind of trouble are you facing that you would go to such lengths to recruit hunters?" He looked at Hinoa, his curiosity piqued.
"It's because of Magnamalo. Every so often, hordes of monsters will invade Kamura Village," she explained. "We call this phenomenon the Rampage. Every time the Rampage occurs, our village suffers heavy losses. If this continues, I'm afraid Kamura Village will cease to exist. Powerful hunters are not so easily trained, after all." As she spoke, her tone grew somber.
"So that's how it is. No wonder you and the village chief were so eager to recruit me." Zhang Tian nodded with an understanding expression.
He already knew about the Rampage, of course, but he was currently playing the part of a newcomer to Kamura Village. It was only natural that he wouldn't know about it. Admitting he did would only arouse Hinoa's suspicion.
"Well, Master Zhang Tian, we've arrived at your residence," Hinoa said softly, pointing to a large building nearby.
The house she indicated was huge, at least six or seven hundred square meters. It was surrounded by several large, shed-like structures and had a sizable yard. It could easily be described as a small farmstead.
"Because you are a Rider and will be raising monsters, we've arranged for you to live here. This place should be large enough for you and your companions," Hinoa explained. "Alright, please make yourself at home. I will come find you later." With that, she turned and left.
"They're really sincere," Zhang Tian sighed, looking at the farmstead before him. The people of the Monster Hunter world, being weaker than the monsters, had very little internal conflict. They were a united people. To be precise, if they weren't united, they would have been wiped out by monsters long ago. That was why Kamura Village was being so generous.
"A good world. I like it." Zhang Tian was very satisfied with their reception. Most people would appreciate such a worldview one without human infighting, where everyone united to fight monsters and support one another.
Meanwhile, Master Utsushi, the Hunter Instructor of Kamura Village, went to see Fugen.
"Do you think you're placing too much importance on that young man? A Great Izuchi isn't that strong. If that's the only monster he's tamed, then these benefits are not worth it. We would be better off using these resources to recruit a stronger hunter," Utsushi said, his arms crossed and his brow slightly furrowed.
"Utsushi, people grow," Fugen replied. "Just like when you were young, the most you could hunt was a Great Izuchi. But now, you can take down powerful monsters like Diablos and Nargacuga. I have high hopes for this young man. He is one of the legendary Riders, after all. Even if he doesn't turn out to be as strong as we hope, we lose very little. Powerful hunters are few and far between. Even if we didn't give these resources to him, we wouldn't be able to recruit anyone else." Fugen spoke with a confident smile.
"I didn't expect you to be so optimistic about him. There's something I don't understand," Utsushi said, his tone full of doubt.
"That Great Izuchi of his is very strong, far stronger than a normal one. From this, we can see that he is exceptionally skilled at raising monsters. Is it not normal to be optimistic about someone like that?" Fugen explained. "When Hinoa returns, you and she should go see if he requires any hunter training. If we can train him into a powerful hunter, then it will be well worth our investment." He laid out his reasoning and gave Utsushi his next instructions.
"Understood, Village Chief," Utsushi nodded. He now understood Fugen's thinking. It was a calculated risk. The potential loss was minimal, but if it paid off, the reward would be immense.
"Escuregot, Tobi-Kadachi, come on out." Zhang Tian released both Pokémon. The Tobi-Kadachi was still unconscious.
"Escuregot, heal the Tobi-Kadachi."
The Escuregot opened its mouth and exhaled a green mist that enveloped the injured monster. Under its healing effects, the Tobi-Kadachi's wounds began to mend rapidly. Soon, it was completely healed.
"Hiss..." With a low growl, the Tobi-Kadachi opened its eyes and looked at Zhang Tian.
"Tobi-Kadachi, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we'll get along." Zhang Tian held out his right hand with a smile.
"Hiss." The Tobi-Kadachi nodded, then placed its large right claw on Zhang Tian's hand, much like a large dog offering its paw.
"You too, Arzuros." Zhang Tian released his other Pokémon.
Then, he turned his attention to the Great Wroggi carcass lying on the grass. "There are a lot of useful materials on this thing. I need to be careful." He pulled a sharp, arm's-length knife from his backpack and began to butcher the corpse.
Teeth, scales, hides he stripped them all off with practiced skill. He had gotten good at this from butchering Bombadgy every day. Of course, his own elite-tier strength helped. If he were still an ordinary person, he wouldn't have been able to cut through the Great Wroggi's tough hide.
"Alright everyone, dinner time!" After cutting off a piece of meat for himself, he gestured to the carcass.
"Roar!"
The Escuregot, Tobi-Kadachi, Pidgeotto, Great Izuchi, and Arzuros all pounced on the meat and began to feast. The Tobi-Kadachi ate the fastest, having been starved for a full day.
"I didn't expect you to also have a Tobi-Kadachi and an Arzuros. They weren't here a moment ago. It seems you Riders are far more mysterious than the legends say."
It was Hinoa's voice. Zhang Tian looked back to see her approaching with a young man he recognized as Utsushi, the Hunter Instructor.
"That's a Rider's secret, so I have to keep it confidential for now," Zhang Tian said with a smile.
"For now?" Hinoa looked at him in surprise. "You can't say now, but you can later?"
"We've only just met, and our relationship is still new. But in the future, when we become comrades-in-arms who have faced life and death together, then I will naturally be able to tell you," Zhang Tian replied softly.
"Master Zhang Tian, you are very direct," Hinoa said, shaking her head with a smile. "Alright, let me introduce you." She gestured to Utsushi. "This is Master Utsushi, the Hunter Instructor of our village. He is here to train you. If you wish to become a hunter, this is part of your benefits."
"Hello," Utsushi said with a smile, raising a hand in greeting.
"Instructor Utsushi, a pleasure. I look forward to learning from you," Zhang Tian replied, returning the smile and greeting.