The sky gradually brightened, and by the morning light, Altaïr was finally able to see the full extent of this camp.
Unlike the simple camps common in desert regions, where a tent was haphazardly pitched at an oasis with a few wooden stakes for a fence, this camp had clearly been built with significant effort.
It was situated halfway up a rocky mountain, where the ruins of an ancient site stood.
Although the main body of the ruins had long since collapsed under the erosion of time and windblown sand, the load-bearing walls remained stubbornly intact. The camp was established between these walls, using them as shelter from the wind and rain.
The extremely steep slope made it impossible for large Monsters to enter from the front, while the presence of the walls essentially eliminated the possibility of aerial attacks by Flying Wyverns and other airborne creatures, making it exceptionally safe.
Behind the camp, a waterfall cascaded down from the cliffs. One could easily obtain clean mountain spring water without leaving the camp, a fact that particularly astonished Altaïr and Sajji, who hailed from the sand sea.
A simple lift had been constructed on the steep slope at the front of the camp, making it convenient for Hunters to go up and down without the need for an exhausting climb.
Such a perfect camp. Forget staying for a few days; he would be willing to live here for a month.
Noticing Altaïr's gaze lingering on the simple lift, Naziya rested her elbow on his shoulder and said with a giggle, "This lift was handmade by the smiths from Val Habar.
Or to put it more directly, this camp was built and is maintained daily by our Valhabar Guild. Pretty great, right?"
Nearby, sitting on a large wooden crate, Jara continued to explain, "To the north and east of this camp lies the Ancestral Steppe, though I've never really felt that place was 'flat' anywhere.
To the west and south, there is a vast, level grassland, which is one of the fixed migratory grazing grounds that Val Habar visits every year.
To prevent Monsters from the Ancestral Steppe from invading the grazing grounds, the Guild went to great lengths to establish a permanent camp here.
Our mission this time is to use this camp as a hub to scout and clear the surrounding areas."
Altaïr and Isis nodded in understanding.
"The threat level of this hunting ground isn't high. It's rare for Monsters of the Large Flying Wyvern class to come to this area. Well... generally speaking, that is.
To improve efficiency, let's split into two teams." Jara spread a map out on the crate and beckoned them over.
It was true that he was usually a lazy glutton, but once he entered the hunting grounds to execute a mission, he still became relatively serious.
Especially since he was the captain this time and was leading two "newbies" like Altaïr and Isis; it wouldn't be right to flagrantly slack off.
"Naziya and I will take the area from the northeast to the east. The terrain there is quite complex, and it's easy to get lost when you first arrive, so the two of us will handle that reconnaissance.
Isis, Altaïr, you two head south today. That's a wide grassland with an open field of vision. You only need to scout about four or five kilometers out longitudinally."
Hearing this, Altaïr knew immediately that Jara was looking out for them.
One side was a mountainous area with complex terrain, and the other was a flat, boundless grassland; it was obvious the latter was easier and safer to scout.
"On that grassland, besides Aptonoth, there are usually only some Jaggi and the like. It's been cleared repeatedly over the past month, so I doubt you'll even see a single Jaggi.
You two try to finish scouting the grassland today. Tomorrow you'll have to check the vine-covered valley floor to the north.
If no accidents occur, try to return to camp by dusk to report. If you encounter danger, fire an SOS Flare immediately. Understood?"
Altaïr and Isis nodded in unison.
"Also, while scouting, remember to keep an eye on the sky. The only thing you need to watch out for on the grassland is the threat from predatory Flying Wyverns.
Given a Flying Wyvern's appetite, their targets are certainly large, slow Aptonoth, but they might occasionally want a change of pace, after all, Aptonoth meat can be a bit dry..."
Naziya gave Jara a swat. Realizing he had strayed off-topic, Jara cleared his throat and continued, "Ahem, anyway, just pay attention. If a Flying Wyvern appears in your sight, don't panic. Find a place with thick bushes or tall grass to hide.
Try to make yourselves look inconspicuous; generally, a Flying Wyvern won't dive down to attack.
Oh! Right, there's one more thing you must watch for. Although I've never run into one myself, I've heard from seniors that occasionally a Tigrex appears in this area."
Hearing this, Altaïr was stunned for a moment, but he quickly composed himself.
"Tigrex is a Flying Wyvern species, but they mostly run on the ground. This Monster is too ferocious; as long as it notices you, it's basically guaranteed to attack.
If you encounter one, just retreat quietly. You're safe once you're back at camp. With the Airship, we don't have to worry about being trapped. Return to Val Habar and report the situation, and plenty of tough guys will come to deal with it.
If you really can't shake it off, use Flash Pods wisely. By the way, you are carrying Flash Pods, right?"
"We are."
Jara was a bit talkative, but Isis and Altaïr listened very intently. This was information that could save their lives at a critical moment.
Naziya also added a reminder from the side, "You both have SOS flares, right? If you run into danger you can't handle, fire the SOS flare immediately.
While the two of us aren't exactly much stronger than you, four people are always better than two when trouble hits."
The two humans and one cat nodded obediently.
"No other questions? Then let's head out!" Seeing that the instructions were mostly finished, Jara waved his hand.
The Hunters, who had already checked their equipment and hunting items multiple times, took turns boarding the lift, descending along the ropeway to the foot of the mountain.
Jara and Naziya gave them a shout of greeting and then headed toward the high-mountain and deep-valley northern region, while Isis and Altaïr went in the opposite direction toward the golden grassland that stretched as far as the eye could see.
—--
The wind from the Great Desert was filtered of its grit by the grassland, replaced by countless golden bits of grass blowing toward them.
Compared to coarse, dry sand, the feeling of soft grass debris brushing across the face was much more comfortable. Having set foot on land outside the Great Desert for the first time in his life, Altaïr couldn't help but open his arms and take a deep breath.
This feeling of being able to breathe deeply against the wind without wearing a dust veil and without worrying about choking on sand felt liberating and novel to him.
"Meow! Honey, meow!"
Sajji suddenly ran out; he had discovered a massive Bee Hive.
Resources were scarce in the desert, and honey was an extremely precious nutritional item. It was only occasionally found in some larger oases; as long as it was seen, no one would pass it up.
But the abundance of resources on this grassland was on a different level compared to the desert. Even an oasis couldn't compare to this place.
Having just finished gathering from one Bee Hive, Sajji looked up and saw another. With a face full of excitement, he was about to run over to continue harvesting when Isis called him back.
It wasn't just honey; plant resources like herbs, mushrooms, and hollowberries were visible everywhere. If they stopped to gather every single one, they wouldn't have to do anything else for the rest of the day.
"This place is just too great, meow!" Sajji said as he looked back toward the distant Bee Hive with regret while jumping excitedly. "It's truly a super treasure trove, meow!"
Isis looked around for a while, thinking to herself: This can only be described as 'not barren,' right?
The Schrade Forest and Hills, the Kurubutios Wetland, the Telos Jungle, the Fonron Great Forest... which of those wasn't far more bountiful than this?
Not to mention energy-active regions like Kamura or the New World; she had heard that the flower nectar collected by insects was so much they couldn't digest it all, eventually forming massive balls of honey beneath them.
If he saw those, how happy would Sajji be?
(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.
PLACES
Ancestral Steppe — A rugged wilderness first introduced in Monster Hunter 4, known for its dramatic elevation changes despite its name. Its base consists of open grasslands home to herds of Aptonoth, while its higher reaches shelter far more dangerous predators. Ancient ruins scattered throughout the region suggest it was once inhabited by an older civilization.
CLASSIFICATIONS
Flying Wyvern — The most widespread monster classification in the known world. Flying Wyverns are defined by their two wings and two legs, though some species like the Tigrex have evolved their wings into forelimbs over time. They range enormously in size and temperament, from relatively docile mid-sized predators to apex threats capable of leveling entire settlements.
MONSTERS
Tigrex — One of the most primitive Flying Wyverns alive, considered a living fossil predating most known wyvern lineages. Its wings have evolved into forelimbs, making it as dangerous on the ground as in the air. Rather than elemental breath, it weaponizes sound, producing shockwave roars capable of throwing Hunters off their feet. Fully grown individuals reach roughly 1,800 cm in length and can exceed 3,000 kg. Rated as a High Rank threat, extremely territorial, attacks on sight with no provocation required.