Hunnt gripped a sturdy branch like a sword, his small knuckles whitening, and clutched a jagged scrap of wood like a shield. He planted his feet firmly, crouching slightly, determined to mimic the hunters he had watched in the village.
I need to try it myself… just a little practice, he thought, tightening his fists. His heart thumped in his chest like a drum — anticipation, nerves, and excitement all tangled together.
He swung the branch, imagining the Sword and Shield moves he had memorized. Step, thrust, parry — each motion flowing from muscle memory built through hours of watching hunters and playing Monster Hunter. His swings cut through the air with precision, yet there was a subtle disconnect. The branch felt… off. It lacked the weight and balance of a real weapon, like trying to draw a bow with a rope instead of a string.
"Close… but not perfect," Hunnt muttered under his breath, frustration flickering across his small, determined face. He shifted to a makeshift hammer, then a longsword, then an imaginary bow, each attempt a test of rhythm and coordination. Every weapon moved well in his imagination, but the reality was just slightly misaligned, almost imperceptibly off.
From a distance, leaning lazily against a post, Rio watched him with an amused smirk, hammer slung casually over his shoulder.
"Kid… you really think sticks and twigs are gonna make you a hunter? Hahaha!"
Hunnt flushed but didn't stop. "I just… I just want to practice… a little!"
Rio chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. But don't break your arms swinging like that, eh?" His eyes sparkled with humor, though a flicker of genuine admiration showed.
---
After Rio and his party left the village, a quiet stillness fell over the small training area. Hunnt's chest heaved as he dropped to the grass for a moment, then sat up, determination blazing in his eyes.
Now… now I can try the other weapons. Since no one else in the village uses them, I'll have to make do myself.
Branches, sticks, and scraps of wood became a full arsenal: Sword and Shield, Hammer, Bow, Longsword, Great Sword, Dual Blades, Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun. In his mind, he performed every combo perfectly — every swing, every counter, every reload, every charged shot.
I can do this… I've done it in the game, so it should work here.
He swung the makeshift Sword and Shield with precision, imagining monsters in front of him, each attack a lifelike strike. The motions were fluid, almost natural, but the faint disconnect lingered, whispering that mastery remained just beyond reach.
Undeterred, he rotated through each weapon in turn. Each one carried its own rhythm, its own challenge. Sword and Shield demanded speed and defense; the Hammer required timing and momentum; the Bow needed steady form and focus. Even with his memory-perfect motions, every tool felt slightly alien in his small hands.
Sweat dotted his forehead, but he muttered each weapon's name like a mantra:
"Sword and Shield, Hammer, Bow, Longsword, Great Sword, Dual Blades, Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun…"
Each one… the faint disconnection remains… but I won't give up.
He paused with the Sword and Shield, gripping the branch tightly. Something flickered within him — a subtle awareness of his own body adjusting, muscles learning to compensate for the imperfect tools. His reflexes sharpened slightly, swings felt more instinctive, more alive. Yet, the elusive feeling of true mastery still teased him just beyond his reach.
Step by step… swing by swing… I'll master them all… Hunnt thought, chest tightening with determination. Even if it's not perfect yet, he's closer than ever before.
With a deep breath, he swung again, imagining the clash of steel against monster hide, the roar of a beast, the thrill of victory. His small body moved with growing confidence, and for the first time, he felt not just like a boy practicing with sticks — but a hunter in the making.