TRANSLATOR'S NOTE Starting from this chapter, repeated kinship and honorific address terms carried over from the original Chinese text (such as "Big Sis," "Little Bro," "Grandpa" used repeatedly within the same conversation, etc.) have been omitted or replaced with more natural English phrasing. These terms are a common feature of Chinese-language dialogue but can feel stilted or overly formal in English when used in rapid succession. The meaning and tone of each line have been preserved.
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The way Amos dealt with Isis was much lighter than Altaïr had anticipated, just a few knocks on the head and a scolding.
To be honest, given how Isis had looked earlier as if the sky was falling, he thought she would be made to kneel and beaten mercilessly with a wooden sword.
Hmm, maybe it was because he, a guest, was present, and the old gentleman was too embarrassed to be too harsh?
"My apologies for the unsightly display." After finally giving Isis a slap on the back of her head, Amos nodded to Altaïr, signaling that the matter was temporarily closed.
Isis rubbed her head with a silly grin, thinking to herself: Bringing Altaïr back was definitely a smart decision!
Altaïr offered the old man an awkward yet polite smile, unsure how to respond.
He couldn't very well say "Well struck!" or "Maybe hit me a few times too?", could he?
Sophia's earlier letter of complaint hadn't mentioned specific details about Altaïr and the others, so Amos only knew that Isis had a fixed partner and nothing more detailed.
He originally wanted to get a proper understanding first, but who would have thought Isis herself would bring up the Tigrex matter? He couldn't hold back his anger and gave her a lesson. Now that the scolding was over, it was time to return to the original topic.
"Young man, are you from Val Habar?" Amos sat back on the sofa, leaning back slightly.
Altaïr quickly replied, "No, I'm from Loc Lac. I grew up in the sand sea."
"Hmm, I can tell. For someone so young, your skills are quite impressive."
This wasn't entirely just politeness. If his skills were poor, he couldn't have followed a 4★ Hunter to hunt a Tigrex and returned with all limbs intact.
"Altaïr is the same age and month as me, and he's also a 3★ Hunter!" Isis chimed in from the side, with a hint of boasting.
"Hmm?" This time, Amos was genuinely surprised.
He had taught Isis himself, so of course he knew her talent and ability.
The little one managed to reach 3★ at seventeen, relying more on Clawdia's power. Without Clawdia's help, she would have needed at least a year of polishing at 2★ before being qualified for 3★.
Comparing from this angle, this young man named Altaïr's talent and skill might even surpass Isis's? He couldn't possibly also be carried by a cat, could he?
Moreover, the Long Sword was not an easy weapon to pick up.
Isis's mother became his disciple at fifteen. Even with his careful guidance and protection, she only reached 3★ after turning eighteen, and it left hidden issues.
And this 3★ Long Sword user before him wasn't even of age yet. Such an achievement, even with the Guild's relaxed promotion standards nowadays, was still hard to believe.
"Who is your teacher?" Amos couldn't help but press further. "From the sand sea area... Soro? Zaida? Or Mariam?"
He named several Long Sword users who had been famous for years. He didn't believe any Long Sword user could reach 3★ at this age without a master's instruction.
"Uh, no. My teacher is a Dual Blades user."
"?"
"Ah, you might have misunderstood. I can't really be considered a Long Sword user. I only started practicing the Long Sword after meeting Isis, under her guidance. "I used the Sword and Shield more before. I also know how to use Dual Blades, Great Sword, and Hammer."
"..." Amos stared at him.
It wasn't that there was a problem with using multiple weapons; such Hunters were rare but existed.
But at your age, how did you manage to master so many types of weapons and still smoothly promote to 3★?!
"What weapon did you use for your 3★ promotion quest?"
"Long Sword..."
Amos couldn't help but look at Isis. "So what he's saying is, under your guidance, after practicing the Long Sword for a few months, he could take a Long Sword to hunt a 3★ Monster?"
"A Kecha Wacha. I picked a relatively weak Kecha Wacha..." Altaïr hurriedly added.
"That's still a 3★ Monster!"
Isis felt a sense of shared pride, nodding vigorously. "Mhm! He learns super fast. He mastered the basic sword techniques in a few days, refined his Spirit Gauge in a few more days, and recently even invented a brand new sword technique!"
Amos looked Altaïr up and down several times.
He knew Isis wasn't the type to boast. Could this kid really be an unprecedented Long Sword genius?
Finally finding a chance to speak, Altaïr quickly said, "Isis is exaggerating too much. I just have good body coordination and have practiced weapons like the Great Sword. By cross-referencing, I picked up the Long Sword a bit faster. "As for inventing sword techniques, that's completely off the mark. To put it plainly, it's just an application of basic sword techniques."
Amos stared at Altaïr for a good while.
Having devoted his life to the study of Long Sword swordsmanship, hearing that an 18-year-old kid invented a brand new sword technique naturally piqued his curiosity.
"Mind showing me? The basement at home is a small training ground." Amos tilted his head slightly, speaking to Altaïr.
Altaïr thought for a moment and didn't refuse.
He had come with the intention of seeking guidance from the other. If what he displayed could interest this old gentleman, then he should be more willing to instruct him.
Seeing Altaïr nod in agreement, Amos wasted no words, pushing himself up with one hand on his knee. "Follow me."
Altaïr and Isis quickly followed. Clawdia jumped onto Isis's back, and Sajji hurriedly stuffed the pastry in his paw into his mouth, puffing his cheeks as he followed.
The group entered the basement from the courtyard entrance.
This basement was not small, about fifty or sixty square meters. The floor was covered with packed earth, not afraid of being damaged, and many training tools were neatly placed around the walls.
Of course, the most crucial training dummies and wooden practice swords were also present.
"Will you use your own sword? Or is a wooden sword okay?" Amos asked, turning his head slightly. "The wooden swords are also made from Yukumo Wood, no need to worry about damage."
"Then a wooden sword it is." Altaïr took off his Iron Gospel and picked up a wooden sword nearly two meters long.
He was never picky about weapons. He could even perform a Blade Dance with a Sword and Shield. Slight changes in weight and balance wouldn't affect his demonstration of swordsmanship.
"Warm up and get ready to start." Amos cleared the space around the training dummy and went to the side of the area.
Altaïr obediently started moving his limbs to warm up. Isis squatted to the side, looking expectantly at Amos's face.
After a brief warm-up, Altaïr held the wooden Long Sword at an angle, feeling its balance.
The sword-holding posture is acceptable, no obvious flaws. Amos, with one arm crossed over his chest, silently critiqued in his mind.
Of course, this didn't mean much. Any Hunter who had seriously practiced the Long Sword, even a beginner, could basically do this.
Altaïr let out a soft breath, swung the Long Sword, and activated Demon Mode.
"You wait?!"
"Hehe!" Isis, who had been watching Amos's expression, giggled happily.
This was it! This was what she wanted to see!
Amos stared intently at Altaïr.
What surprised him wasn't that Altaïr activated Demon Mode while holding a Long Sword. In fact, if it were just activating the Demon Mode state, he could do it himself too.
As a state-type skill that requires no preparation, no charging, can be activated anytime, anywhere, and significantly enhances physical abilities, too many people have wanted to utilize it with other weapons, including himself.
Unfortunately, no one has ever succeeded.
As a former 8★ Hunter, Amos wasn't the rigid type who practiced moves from a manual one by one without thought.
But countless practical attempts proved that the Demon Mode state was only suitable for Dual Blades. Other weapons simply couldn't keep up with the frenzied muscle twitching frequency of the Demon state.
Could it be that this young man before him had broken through this problem? This was what truly shocked Amos.
Hearing Amos call for a stop, Altaïr deactivated Demon Mode and looked over in confusion.
Amos took a deep breath. "Sorry, it's nothing. Please continue."
Altaïr adjusted his breathing, activated Demon Mode again, and under Amos's intense gaze, the blade flashed swiftly as he executed the Crimson Blade Slash.
(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.
EQUIPMENT
Sword and Shield — One of the most versatile weapon types in Monster Hunter, consisting of a one-handed blade paired with a small shield. Despite its modest appearance, it allows for high attack speed, item use while drawn, and a wide variety of combo options. The Blade Dance is one of its signature techniques.
Dual Blades — A fast, aggressive weapon type consisting of two short blades wielded simultaneously. Known for its relentless flurry of strikes and its exclusive access to Demon Mode, which dramatically amplifies attack speed and power for a limited time.
Great Sword — One of the heaviest and most powerful weapon types in Monster Hunter, capable of dealing enormous damage with a single charged strike. Its slow swing speed demands precise timing and positioning from its user.
Hammer — A blunt impact weapon favored for its ability to stun monsters through repeated strikes to the head. Lacks cutting power but excels at inflicting status buildup and breaking specific monster parts.
Iron Gospel — A Long Sword available in the Monster Hunter series, forged from standard iron materials. An entry-level weapon representing the classic Japanese-style katana aesthetic central to the Long Sword weapon class.
Yukumo Wood — A high-quality timber material originating from the Yukumo region, a mountainous area known for its hot springs and traditional architecture. Featured in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Yukumo Wood is prized for its durability, making it a preferred material for quality training equipment.