"Alright," Zhang Tian nodded helplessly after hearing Minoto's explanation.
"So, that's settled. I'll come find you in five days," Minoto said, embarrassed. She then turned and trotted away.
Minoto's personality is introverted, even a little timid. That's why she doesn't dare to hunt alone and needs someone with her, Zhang thought. It seems she considers me an acquaintance, otherwise she wouldn't have asked me. Perhaps I can use this opportunity to get closer to her. With that in mind, he stroked his chin and began to think seriously.
Five days passed in a flash.
After five days of intensive training fueled by Nargacuga meat, Zhang's own level, along with his Arzuros, Great Izuchi, Pidgeot, Tobi-Kadachi, Rathian, and Escuregot, had risen to 52, officially reaching the quasi-Elite Four tier. The Brute Dragon and Crimsondog Beast had each gained three levels, reaching level 53.
The Rathalos, Nargacuga, Redhelm Arzuros, and Barioth remained at level 59; breaking through to level 60 was proving to be a difficult bottleneck. His Arcanine, Gardevoir, Feraligatr, and Gengar had all reached level 51, also possessing the strength of the quasi-Elite Four tier.
Zhang's own Nargacuga-style Long Sword and armor set were now complete as well.
"The effects of the monster meat aren't as potent as before," he noted. "At the Gym Leader tier, eating monster meat of the same level would basically grant one level per day. Now at the quasi-Elite Four tier, eating meat of this level only grants one level every two days. It seems that the stronger you get, the harder it is to improve. Still, even at this rate, my speed of growth is terrifying."
He jotted down his observations in a small notebook before carefully putting it away.
Knock! Knock!
A knock came at the door. Zhang, now clad in a sleek black Nargacuga armor set with a matching Long Sword slung over his back, strode over to open it.
Zhang Tian
Level: 52 (Quasi-Elite Four Tier)
Type: Dragon / Dark
Ability: Red Comet (Speed +100% under normal conditions. Speed +200% in darkness.)
Exclusive Moves: Bite, Tail Swipe, Giant Slalom, Tail Slam, Blade Wing, Dragon Rush, Tail Spike Shot, Predation, Swallow-Tail Flash.
Base Stats:
HP: 80Attack: 160Defense: 80Sp. Atk: 40Sp. Def: 80Speed: 160
Total: 600
Wearing the Nargacuga gear, he had essentially gained its ability, base stats, and moves, making him a human-shaped Nargacuga.
"Minoto, you're here early," he said with a smile as he opened the door.
"It's not early, it's already nine o'clock," Minoto whispered, her tone as timid as ever, making her seem easy to tease.
"Then let's go," Zhang nodded gently and released his Arcanine.
"Let's go," Minoto said, mounting her Palamute and riding toward the village exit, with Zhang following close behind.
Today, Minoto was wearing a full set of Rakna-Kadaki armor, which gave her a slightly enchanting look. The set resembled a red Western-style dress with a high-slit skirt that revealed her thighs. Zhang found it very appealing. The reason for her choice was practical: Gore Magala's weakness was the Fire element, and the Rakna-Kadaki set was fire-attributed, giving her an advantage.
"Minoto, you look great today," Zhang said, riding his Arcanine up alongside her.
"Thanks for the compliment," she replied, her face blushing.
"A while ago, Elder Fugen came to me about something," Zhang said, changing the subject. "He told me about you and your sister's special constitution. He said that if I wanted to marry Hinoa, I would have to marry you as well, because your physiques are special and you can't be separated."
As he spoke, he recalled the game's plot, how Hinoa and Minoto resonated with Narwa and Ibushi. It was clear their bodies were unique. Otherwise, the old elder wouldn't have made a point to explain this to him.
Hearing his words, Minoto's face turned an even deeper shade of red.
"So, Minoto, do you hate me?" Zhang asked with a smile.
"I don't hate you," she shook her head, blushing. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked you to hunt with me."
He had given her a game console, but she had been cooped up at home, giving him no chance to get closer to her. As a result, his relationship with Hinoa had blossomed, while his with Minoto was just beginning.
"That's good," Zhang smiled. As long as she didn't hate him, building a closer relationship would be easy. "Minoto, what's the plan?"
"First, we have to find the Gore Magala. It's naturally timid and likes to hide, so finding it will be difficult," she explained. "Second, we set a trap and hunt it." Her plan was very straightforward.
"My Arcanine has an excellent sense of smell. Maybe it can help us find it," Zhang said, patting his mount.
"In that case, it should be simple," Minoto's eyes lit up. While a Palamute's sense of smell was good, it wasn't a specialized tracker. Finding the Gore Magala would have been very troublesome otherwise.
They arrived at the Frost Islands. After chatting along the way, their relationship had already grown much closer.
"What a beautiful place," Zhang said, taking in the vast white landscape.
"Zhang Tian, do you like snow a lot?" Minoto asked with a surprised but happy smile.
"I do. I love it," he replied. "Where I'm from, it rarely snows. I've never seen a sight like this." He leaped off his Arcanine and landed in the thick powder. "So this is what it feels like to step on snow." He ran a few steps, thoroughly enjoying the sensation.
"Heads up!" Zhang suddenly scooped up a handful of snow, packed it into a ball, and threw it at Minoto.
Splat!
Caught off guard, she was hit squarely.
"Hmph, now I'm angry," she pouted, jumping off her Palamute to retaliate. The two of them started a snowball fight, and before long, the Arcanine and Palamute joined in the fun.
"Okay, time to get back to business," Minoto said after a while, remembering their mission.
"We can play again later," Zhang said, reluctantly dropping the snowball in his hand. "Arcanine, I need your help. You remember the unique scent of the Frenzy Virus from our fight with the Barioth, right? Look for the source of the strongest smell."
"Woof!" The Arcanine barked twice and nodded.
Odor Sleuth!
After activating its ability, it began sniffing the air.
"Wang!" It quickly found a trail and took off, with Zhang close behind.
"So fast!" Minoto exclaimed, hurrying to follow on her Palamute. She was amazed at how keen the Arcanine's sense of smell was, finding the target almost immediately.