This lesson continued deep into the night.
Aside from some quickly learned tips, Fabius didn't directly teach the two youths much regarding techniques.
Their fundamentals in this area were too weak. Teaching them complex, high-difficulty skills would be incomprehensible and unlearnable for them, while teaching basics would require too much time.
It was better to use this as a demonstration lesson, allowing them to genuinely understand that defense is a refined art, not simply raising a shield.
Of course, given the old friend's request, this alone wasn't enough. Fabius offered Isis some more specific advice.
"Honestly, I can't spare enough time to personally instruct you, but I can introduce you to a truly suitable teacher."
Isis nodded obediently; the other party's official duties were busy, and taking a night to accompany them was already quite difficult.
"Altman, former Head Instructor of Dundorma's Hunter Training Camp. An older generation senior, even older than me, probably over eighty now."
At this point, Fabius couldn't help but smile: "Blademasters from Dundorma, aged forty to sixty, mostly have been kicked by him, even Gunners aren't spared, a very grumpy old fellow.
But his skill is undoubtedly top-tier. From his youth, he earned the reputation 'Steel Altman,' one of the strongest hunters of the Guild in that era.
More importantly, he spent most of his life as an instructor. Throughout Dundorma, or perhaps the entire Old World, few can match his teaching ability.
Most importantly, he is also a tall, powerfully built Gunlance user. One could say no one is more suitable to teach you than him."
After hearing Fabius' words, not only did Isis's eyes shine, even Altaïr felt tempted.
Maybe I should try learning Gunlance too?
But he quickly abandoned this unreliable idea. He couldn't even master Long Sword fully, where would he find time to learn another weapon not suited to him.
"So how can I find that old instructor?" Isis eagerly pressed.
"That's hard to say. Ten years ago, he occasionally still visited the training camp, but in recent years he rarely appears. Only known to be living secluded in Dundorma.
To find him, perhaps ask the older instructors at the training camp.
Whether you can persuade him to properly teach you depends on your own ability. He's a stubborn old fellow; if he doesn't want to do something, no one's persuasion matters."
Hearing this, Altaïr smiled involuntarily.
He had more confidence in Isis than she had in herself.
Young, strong, polite, good temperament, and hardworking, who wouldn't like such a perfect student?
The older generation especially treasures such students.
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The next day, Isis went alone to the Hunter Training Camp to inquire.
This time Altaïr and Francesca didn't accompany her. Altaïr was busy practicing Long Sword techniques, Francesca had other matters to attend to, though she herself couldn't clarify what she was busy with all day.
Anyway, she was very busy!
Only Clawdia followed her, happily running around her.
In casual clothes, no armor equipped, carrying Defender weapons that looked very similar to ordinary Iron Gunlance, young with a tender face, and carrying some naive, silly air, Isis blended seamlessly among those trainees.
When entering the training camp gate, even the guard didn't notice her, allowing her to walk directly inside.
Familiar with the route, arriving at the Head Instructor's office door, noticing "Knock before entering" posted, she lightly knocked several times.
Inside came a clattering sound, like something overturned. After several seconds, came a deliberately deepened female voice.
"Come in."
Isis pushed the door open, very spiritedly greeting Gael seated behind the desk, "Good morning Aunt Gael!"
"Why is it you?"
Gael's straight back slumped, tossing the document pretendingly held aside, legs returning to rest on the desk, leaning back, tilting the high-backed chair backward on only its rear legs.
Demonstrating what sitting improperly looks like.
Isis giggled; she was accustomed to this elder's careless manner when no outsiders were present.
Francesca's father came from a large family, very particular about appearance and etiquette, yet inexplicably married Aunt Gael, such a free-spirited wife. Francesca born under this clash is quite divided, a veritable mixed-up noblewoman.
"Yesterday's arena challenge, heard you got an S Rank, right? Well done!"
Gael said, suddenly relaxing her legs, chair "Boom!" landing upright, changing tone simultaneously, "Opponent was Yian Kut-Ku, right? Saw the Yian Kut-Ku hunt duration ranking?
Rank seventh is me!
Let me tell you, the Bowgun the arena provides is actually pretty good. Can Rapid Fire Sticky Ammo 1. Just careful positioning, lock on head and rapid fire, can quickly finish it off!"
Isis looked somewhat confused, "But I didn't see you in the top ten ranking?"
This statement lacked some tact, but the two families were too familiar, like close aunt, so it was fine.
Gael's face stiffened, but considering that record was set over twenty years ago, being surpassed after so many years wasn't strange.
"Damn, find time later to replay a few rounds, gotta at least get into top five."
"You're a 7★ Hunter, replaying Yian Kut-Ku records isn't appropriate?"
"No problem!" Gael waved her hand, "That old Guild Manager won't mind! Better rankings give more pressure to youths like you!
If your father's reputation wasn't too big, really unsuitable to participate, have him squat at iron gate entrance, bell rings door opens chop Yian Kut-Ku head down, one-second record achieved!
And what about those Heavy Bowgun users?!"
Isis: "..."
"Cough..."
Looking at silent Isis, Gael realized she strayed too far, "So today you came for what? Not again thinking about Great Sword?"
"No, no!" Isis hurriedly explained, "My defensive skills are too weak. After yesterday's arena, received some guidance from Mr. Fabius..."
"Fabius? That old fellow had time to guide you? His official duties almost kill him?" Gael was somewhat surprised.
"Yeah..." Isis honestly said: "Mr. Fabius also said he's busy, suggested I consult a senior. But he didn't know where to find that senior, told me to ask older instructors at training camp, so I came to you."
"Older generation..."
Gael's forehead pulsed a vein, smiling beckoning Isis closer, kindly saying: "Come, Isis come closer, aunt gives you a Divine Blessing."
Isis without suspicion approached.
"Bang!"
Isis: "?"
Gael gritted teeth shaking her hand. Knocking her own daughter was smoother; Isis's head hard like stone, better left for her parents to discipline.
"So who you want to inquire about? Mixed in Dundorma so many years, few hunter instructors your Aunt Gael doesn't know.
Suitable teaching you defense... Cassian? Marlene? Can't be that dead bald Ted, right? He is suitable, but in Minagarde?"
"Said called Altman, seems a senior retired many years." Isis answered truthfully.
Hearing this name, Gael's face drastically changed, Isis first time seeing "panic" emotion on this face.
Subconsciously hugging her own head, voice sharpened, "That dead old man?! Go yourself!"
(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.
SKILLS & TECHNIQUES
Rapid Fire — A bowgun-exclusive firing mechanic. When active on a compatible ammo type, a single trigger pull automatically discharges multiple rounds in rapid succession, making it especially effective for sustained damage output or accelerating status buildup on a monster.
ITEMS
Sticky Ammo — A type of bowgun ammunition that adheres to a target on impact before detonating. The resulting blast deals impact damage and contributes to the KO mechanic, capable of stunning monsters that accumulate enough impact damage to the head.