TL Note:
First of all, I want to apologize for the long hiatus. The reason I had to pause this translation is that I've been working on building my own application, which I'll now be using to translate all of my projects going forward.
Now that I'm back, here's what to expect: starting today, I'll be releasing 5 chapters a day until we've caught up with the raws. I intend to keep that pace barring any exceptional circumstances. If you want to read ahead, there will be additional chapters available on my Patreon.
I'm also adding something new. From now on, I'll include a lore section at the end of certain chapters whenever new elements are introduced. That way, even if you're not familiar with the Monster Hunter universe, you can follow the story without feeling lost.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this, and enjoy the read.
---------------
The small airship wasn't particularly fast; it couldn't even outrun a Gargwa running at full speed.
But flying through the air and running on the ground were two entirely different matters. Even if you ran a Gargwa to death, it wouldn't cover three hundred kilometers in two or three days.
The airship that departed from Val Habar in the evening, however, reached a camp at the border between the Great Desert and the Ancestral Steppe in just one night, before the sky had even begun to lighten.
Inside the camp, hunters gathered around the fire pit, lighting a bonfire.
They had just disembarked from the airship. The wind at high altitudes was bitterly cold, and they needed to warm themselves up before embarking on their next move.
Purrrrr...
Altaïr gently scratched Sajji under the chin. The little one half-closed his eyes, emitting soft, contented purrs.
Isis watched them, her eyes filled with envy, and she couldn't help but miss her own hunting partner, Yuwan.
Yuwan's father had been her father's hunting partner. The two had known each other since before they could even form memories. However, Yuwan had spent a few years living in the wild with her family when she was young, so they only truly became close when Isis was around ten years old.
Still, that was at least six or seven years ago. In terms of the depth of their bond, it was no less profound than that between Altaïr and Sajji.
How long had they known each other? Six or seven months?
If she really thought about it, Yuwan was actually a year or two younger than her.
But Felynes had a shorter growth period than humans. Before Isis had even begun systematic hunter training, Yuwan, under the guidance of her parents, had already become an excellent Palico.
Coupled with personality and other factors, it was the slightly younger Yuwan who acted more like an older sister, always taking care of her.
At the start of every hunt, Yuwan would charge ahead of her. By the time Isis hadn't even drawn her weapon, Yuwan had already taken care of the smaller Monsters.
Back when she had just been promoted to 1★, taking on missions like hunting Velociprey, she would follow her usual routine: arrive at the camp a day early, scout the terrain, then return to the camp to sleep, preparing for a big hunt the next day after sunrise.
But the next morning, she'd wake up to find a string of Velociprey heads hanging by her bedside, while Yuwan was already packing their belongings for the return trip.
According to Yuwan, there was no need to waste time on these small fries. If she wanted to hone her skills, she ought to find more worthy opponents.
The adults all said Yuwan was an experienced Palico and that she should listen to her when she didn't understand something. As a result, Isis felt like she hadn't done anything at all, and before she knew it, she was 2★.
From then on, Yuwan started having her "practice" on Monsters like the Bulldrome.
She remembered her first fight against a Bulldrome; she had lost miserably.
Yuwan comforted her, saying it was fine, and then promptly tore the tendons in the Bulldrome's hind legs, forcing her to face the now-crippled beast.
Similar incidents happened many times. From being chased all over the mountains by a limping Bulldrome to later being able to easily defeat 2★ Monsters on her own.
Most of her practical combat experience was accumulated during that period.
But before she could even rejoice at becoming a true 2★ hunter, Yuwan dragged her off to hunt a Yian Kut-Ku.
She was 3★. Realizing this couldn't continue, Isis left Yuwan a letter and quietly departed. Looking back now, she truly felt guilty toward Yuwan.
Isis lifted her head to gaze at the star-dotted sky.
Was it doing well?
Where was it, and what was it doing?
—--
Under the same starry sky, yet separated by thousands of miles, in the distant New World's Ancient Forest.
A bluish monster with a reptilian head but typical mammalian features in its torso, limbs, and tail leaped swiftly among the giant branches.
Tobi-Kadachi.
A large Fanged Wyvern monster with an average adult body length of about thirteen meters, capable of reaching over fifteen meters at maximum.
Its streamlined body, nearly half its length consisting of a flexible tail, and robust, powerful limbs endowed it with agility and speed far surpassing creatures of similar size.
Not only could it bound and run vertically between tree trunks, but the membranes between its limbs allowed it to glide short distances, elevating its mobility even further.
Beyond speed, its specialized fur accumulated static electricity through rapid vibrations, granting it formidable electrical discharge capabilities. The power of its electric shocks could even harm large Brute Wyverns like Anjanath.
Even hunters permitted to come to the New World were all elites of at least 3★ rank, yet cases of them failing against Tobi-Kadachi occurred frequently.
In terms of danger level, it ranked among the highest of 3★ Monsters, and it wouldn't be surprising if the guild someday classified it as 4★ danger level.
If Yian Kut-Ku was the "novice teacher," then this creature was the "novice killer." Ordinary 1★ or 2★ hunters would struggle to escape if they encountered it.
But this "Lightning Killer" now appeared panicked and disheveled.
Its body was covered in wounds. Though not overly large, each injury was deep and concentrated entirely on vital areas like the head, neck, and tail.
Dripping blood soaked its fur, making it difficult to utilize its proud electricity accumulation and discharge abilities.
Kicking forcefully against the tree trunk with its limbs, it lunged forward dozens of meters, then spread its membranes to glide between the trees.
Against the backdrop of the Ancient Forest's unique giant trees, what should have been a ferocious large monster now resembled a frantic, fleeing squirrel.
After gliding for several hundred meters, the Tobi-Kadachi landed on a massive, broken tree stump. Its nest.
Panting heavily, it scanned its surroundings vigilantly for a while. Only after confirming that the terrifying thing hadn't followed did it slowly lie down, curl up, cover itself with its large tail, and close its eyes to fall into a deep sleep.
In a sleep state, the body's metabolic rate increases significantly. Monsters might not understand this, but they knew that sleeping accelerated wound healing and recovery.
Several more minutes passed, and it was sound asleep. But the poor Tobi-Kadachi didn't notice a petite yet terrifying shadow, eyes glowing with crimson bloodlust, approaching from the darkness.
Silently, it reached its side.
"Meow!"
Sharp steel claws tore through its throat, blood gushing out. The sudden, intense pain jolted the Tobi-Kadachi awake from its slumber, but it was already too late. The shadowy figure brimming with Blood Rite leaped onto its neck, blades flashing as flesh and blood flew everywhere. Tobi-Kadachi used the last of its life force in a futile attempt to shake the creature off.
Within moments, Tobi-Kadachi's trachea and carotid artery were completely torn open. It let out a silent roar before collapsing onto the nest floor, crimson blood splattering everywhere.
The dark figure retracted its blood-soaked steel claws and drew the Felyne Fork from its back, driving it deep through Tobi-Kadachi's neck with a vicious thrust.
After confirming the prey's death, the surging crimson fighting spirit faded from its eyes. It pushed back its armor's hood, revealing a round, adorable feline face.
"I've mastered the beastified state now, meow." The Felyne wiped the blood from its face.
But its fur was already thoroughly soaked with the prey's blood, making the gesture futile.
"It must be because I was too weak that Isis left me to travel alone, meow." The Felyne muttered to itself while pulling the Felyne Fork from Tobi-Kadachi's corpse.
Blood drawn out by the weapon splattered onto it, mixing with the already sticky, blood-soaked fur.
"With this, I should be worthy of returning to her side now, meow."
--------------------
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
Ancient Forest — A massive, layered ecosystem introduced in Monster Hunter: World, characterized by colossal trees whose canopies block most sunlight from reaching the forest floor. Located in the New World, it functions as a self-contained biome with distinct ecological zones stacked vertically, from the dark undergrowth to the sunlit upper branches. Access is restricted to hunters of sufficient rank.
CLASSIFICATIONS
Fanged Wyvern — A relatively recently defined monster classification, distinct from Flying Wyverns by the complete absence of wings. Fanged Wyverns are quadrupedal predators combining reptilian and mammalian traits, typically characterized by exceptional agility and close-quarters lethality. The category includes some of the most mobile large monsters known to the Guild.
MONSTERS
Tobi-Kadachi — A large Fanged Wyvern native to the Ancient Forest, averaging 13 meters in length and capable of exceeding 15 meters. Its limb membranes allow short-distance gliding between trees, and its fur accumulates static electricity through rapid movement, enabling powerful electrical discharges. Rated ★3, it is considered one of the most dangerous monsters within that tier, particularly lethal to inexperienced hunters who underestimate its speed.
SKILLS
Blood Rite — A combat skill that triggers a healing effect when landing attacks on a wounded or bleeding enemy. It synergizes heavily with aggressive, close-range fighting styles and is favored by hunters, and Palicos, who rely on sustained pressure rather than evasion.