The professor deliberately engaged Altaïr in conversation and quickly assessed his background.
Though he hadn't received formal biological education, he'd likely read numerous related books. Some knowledge couldn't be gained just by casually buying a few illustrated guides from bookstores.
If his guess was correct, this young man must have been acquainted with some scholar who taught him these things.
In terms of academic knowledge, he was naturally incomparable to proper scholars and far inferior to his own teenage disciple of fourteen or fifteen.
But compared to those fellow hunters who'd barely read any books and filled their reports with typos and grammatical errors, he could even be described as 'knowledgeable.'
This made him increasingly satisfied with the guide Naziya had found, and he readily offered a generous reward. With Ms. Sophia's assistance, Altaïr and Isis signed contracts as guide and guard respectively.
The professor, with his thick glasses, appeared to be a slow-moving old pedant but was actually someone who highly valued efficiency.
"Altaïr, Isis, I'll address you directly like this. First, take a look at this." The professor handed them a document.
Altaïr took it and saw it was a mission form.
The objective was to hunt Vespoids, but fields like the number to be hunted, reward amount, and mission duration were left blank.
After they finished reading, the professor retrieved the form. "The situation remains unclear for now, so consider this commission non-existent.
When the need arises, I hope you two can accept and complete this mission."
Altaïr asked uncertainly, "You mean... issuing the mission on-site based on the circumstances?"
"Correct." The professor nodded first but then felt this explanation was inadequate and elaborated, "The guild's suggestion is for me to decide after completing the investigation whether extermination is necessary.
Normally, we'd wait to return to the city after the investigation to issue the mission, but that would waste too much time, and the people of Sun Worship Town are suffering.
Since you two happen to have the capability to handle the mission, I hope you can accept it when necessary.
I'll set the mission reward higher than usual 3★ extermination missions and also offer some rare items as additional compensation. How about it?"
"No problem here." Altaïr shrugged and looked at Isis. "What about you?"
Isis hesitated and glanced at Ms. Sophia. "I'm fine with it, but is this procedure allowed? Issuing missions to hunters out in the field like this..."
Faced with Isis's question, Sophia felt both pleased and helpless.
Pleased because Isis was a rule-abiding good kid, and helpless because the professor's seemingly reckless behavior was indeed approved by the guild.
After all, his status and position were quite high, granting him such authority.
"If the issuer is the professor, there's no problem." Guildmarm Sophia replied simply.
"I understand." Isis nodded in acknowledgment.
"Now that we've told you everything necessary, Altaïr, can you discuss the travel plans now?"
"Of course." Altaïr looked at the professor. "First is the matter of transportation. There are only two types of livestock suitable for deep desert travel: Aptonoth and camels.
The former are strong and can carry heavy loads, but they're slow, making them ideal for pulling sand sleds with cargo.
The latter are faster, have greater endurance, and can even locate oases, making them more suitable for traversing the sand sea.
Particularly the woolly camel, larger in size, capable of crossing the harshest deserts. We nomads primarily use these, though they're quite rare in Val Habar."
"So the woolly camel would be the most suitable choice, correct?" the professor interrupted.
"...Yes."
"How many would we need?"
"For four people, two would suffice."
"Guildmarm Sophia?" The professor turned to Ms. Sophia behind the desk.
Understanding the old man's temperament, Sophia nodded with slight resignation. "We'll make the arrangements."
Seeing the Guildmarm's agreement, Altaïr nodded in relief. "With the woolly camels secured, other preparations will be much easier.
You two can rest assured. Within two days, I'll complete all preparations for our four-person expedition."
"Excellent." The professor stroked his white beard contentedly. "We'll await your news."
"Wait!" Erik, who had been standing dreamily in the corner since the beginning, suddenly spoke up. "Where can I buy an insect net? A large one, extra sturdy!"
Altaïr, who had been listing necessities in his memo, couldn't help but look up at this slender youth whose delicate features resembled a woman's.
Was this kid thinking of capturing Vespoids alive?
—--
The next day, at Val Habar's guild stables.
"Wow! I never knew camels could be this big!"
Staring at the woolly camels before her, Isis couldn't help but gasp.
Ordinary camels typically stand about 210-220 cm at the head, with individuals approaching 250 cm being extremely rare. Yet these two giants before them reached nearly 350 cm at the head.
While it might sound like just over a meter's difference, this actually represented more than triple to nearly quadruple the volume difference, comparable to smaller Popo.
"Though they're called woolly camels, they're not closely related to regular camels. They just both have humps," Altaïr explained while gently stroking the woolly camel's fluffy, curly coat.
His desert nomad heritage awakened. What nomad doesn't love camels?
Erik, who had tagged along out of curiosity, circled the two woolly camels excitedly. "Look at the skull and ear shape! The angle of the hoof cleft, and this entire coat of curly wool!
These so-called 'woolly camels' must be related to the Moofah from the highlands, right?
But making simple classifications based on appearance is highly unscientific. To get definitive answers, we'd need dissection. Speaking of which, could we–"
Altaïr promptly kicked the academic-minded brat aside, while Isis glared at him furiously.
Realizing his mistake, Erik scratched his head sheepishly. Behind him, the professor approached with his robe sleeves gathered.
"So? Our guide." The professor smiled. "Guildmarm Sophia told me she called in some favors to borrow these two woolly camels from a nomad tribe passing through Val Habar."
Altaïr patted the woolly camel's chest and said with satisfaction, "Solid muscles, full humps, neatly trimmed hooves, seems they were recently maintained. The teeth show minimal wear too. These are two very healthy young woolly camels.
Look at their fluffy coats, we won't even need tents. Just leaning against them wrapped in blankets will give us a sound sleep.
They even come with ready-made saddles. All our bags and cases can be hung directly. Our luggage doesn't even amount to one-third of their maximum load capacity. This journey will be fast and effortless.
The only pity is they aren't female camels. Otherwise, with camel milk, we could've reduced our supplies by nearly half."
"Sounds reliable," the professor remarked, stroking the woolly camel's coat to test its texture. "Is everything else prepared? And what's the travel itinerary?"
Altaïr pulled out his memo for confirmation. "Yes, all items are ready and stored at the Guild Hall. We'll load them on departure day. As for the itinerary..." He produced a map. "This is our outbound route. Since you previously mentioned wanting to investigate several sites, I've incorporated them into the plan, allowing about half a day for investigation at each location.
We'll pass several oases along the way to replenish freshwater and take brief breaks.
Though the added investigation and rest periods will extend the journey slightly, with woolly camels as transport, we can still reach Sun Worship Town around the thirteenth day.
Given the substantial spare load capacity, I've prepared extra supplies for several additional days. This way, even if we miss an oasis, there's no need to worry about provisions.
Do you have any other questions?"
The professor took the map, nodding repeatedly at the meticulously planned half-day schedule. "Excellent. I appreciate detailed planning.
If Naziya hadn't told me you're only serving as a temporary guide at her request, I'd have thought you were a professional tour guide, hehehe.
Erik, come here! Learn properly from him!
Isn't your dream to become a Handler? Being a Handler isn't just about knowledge, planning and route mapping are essential skills too!
And physical fitness! Without sturdy legs, how can you talk about becoming a Handler?"
While the professor lectured Erik, Isis quietly approached Altaïr and poked him.
"Is woolly camel milk tasty?"
"...I'll get you some to try next time there's a chance."