Shalan's departure was somewhat sudden, and Altaïr couldn't help but feel a sense of regret.
She possessed the ability to fly, excelled at reconnaissance, and held top-tier first aid and support capabilities. Even her direct combat prowess, relatively her weakest suit, surpassed that of most Palicos and even many Hunters.
With her around, setting aside the massive geometric increase to the team's overall strength, the safety factor alone jumped several tiers.
During this Jungle investigation mission, had it not been for Lady Shalan's timely intervention, the group would likely have perished in the jaws of the Seregios.
Since then, his respect and gratitude for Lady Shalan had become heartfelt, and his attitude naturally grew more deferential. It was precisely because of this that Sajji and Erik always felt he was merely sucking up to Lady Shalan for the sake of utility.
Perhaps it was because Lady Shalan did indeed become easier to talk to once his attitude turned respectful, but it truly left him unable to defend himself...
Watching Shalan's retreating figure as she drifted away on the wind, Altaïr pressed a hand to his chest and bowed slightly in a Desert nomad's farewell. Then, he extended his hand forward, offering a parting blessing common among his people.
"May the wind and sands guide your path."
At that exact moment, a great gust of wind swept in. Shalan, who had been wobbling through the air above the docks preparing to land, was instantly blown off to who-knows-where.
From the distance, a faint scream of "Meow–!" could still be heard.
Isis and Nymera both turned to look at him simultaneously.
"Is that some kind of unique Desert ethnic curse?"
"An astounding skill. I feel a sense of dread."
Altaïr: "..."
Jesting aside, the group knew it was just a sudden gust of wind; at most, it would leave Shalan flustered for a moment.
Rushing over now wouldn't be counted as showing concern, but rather "arriving at the scene to laugh at the first opportunity." For the sake of Shalan's pride, it was better to pretend they hadn't seen a thing.
Isis suddenly reached her hand out toward Nymera and shouted loudly: "May the wind and sands guide your path!"
"Believe in Kiranai!" Nymera cooperated perfectly, clutching her chest and staggering back a few steps before thrusting both hands high: "Burning spirit!"
"Ugh, gaaah! My eyes!"
"..."
Altaïr was momentarily speechless, and even Hibiki folded his ears back.
This game might be too childish for a dog, but for young people, it was just right.
"Alright, stop playing around."
Seeing passersby casting strange looks their way, Altaïr quickly called a halt to these two, who seemed to have rediscovered their inner children after staying in their hometown for so long.
He patted the large bundle on Hibiki's back. "I'm heading to the smithy to deliver the Seregios materials and place an order. Measuring body data and all that will probably take quite a while. Are you two heading back to the Guild Hall first, or what's the plan?"
Isis thought for a moment. "I'll head to the smithy as well. Even though it's only been a few months since I reached 4★, why does it feel like the Monsters we're facing aren't 4★ rank?
The encounter with the Glavenus this time was the same; I feel like the Defender Gunlance is starting to fall behind. I plan to ask the workshop owner for their opinion on what weapon I should switch to."
When Hunters chose equipment, it was common practice to seek advice from a familiar smith.
While smiths were not the direct users of the equipment, a highly experienced artisan's understanding of weapons and Armor was often far greater than that of a Hunter. Nymera tilted her head. "I do not currently have a need for equipment myself, but Hibiki does. This child is still using the most basic gear.
I have accumulated a fair amount of leftover materials from various Monsters, but I do not know if the smiths here possess the techniques to forge Palamute gear?"
"Let's go ask. The workshop owner of the place we go to is very skilled. If the structure isn't too complex and there are blueprints, it should be possible, right?" Isis said.
Nymera nodded.
The three people and one dog followed the street and soon arrived at the "Meta Great Iron Hammer" smithy near the docks.
"Excuse us!" Isis was the first to push the door open and enter.
Balina, who was most familiar with them, didn't seem to be there. Standing behind the counter was her eldest brother, Arman.
Seeing that it was them, Arman came out from behind the counter enthusiastically.
He grabbed Altaïr's hand and shook it vigorously twice. "Thanks to your help, my father and I were able to go to Dundorma and successfully see that Duramboros.
Ah~, a living Monster truly gives off a completely different feeling. Nature's hammer, it really lives up to its reputation!"
After a long emotional outburst, he nodded firmly. "Since coming back from this trip, Father has been inspired. He's currently shut himself in the studio, immersed in designing. I expect the blueprints for the new-model Duramboros Hammer will be out soon!
This is all thanks to everyone!
Ah... sorry, I've been rambling on by myself. Did you all come here for something specific?"
Altaïr's expression stiffened slightly.
The workshop owner was currently in seclusion, which meant that Arman was the one running the smithy for now?
Although Arman's forging skills were quite good, he had admitted himself that he had no experience handling materials from 4★ Monsters or higher on his own.
The same applied to Isis, who came to seek advice, and Nymera, who wanted to forge Palamute gear. To put it bluntly, all three of them had come specifically for the more experienced workshop owner...
Arman leaned forward curiously and peered into the large bundle on the Palamute's back. "So golden. What Monster materials are these? I don't think I've seen them before."
"These are Seregios materials."
"Uh, I definitely haven't seen those. What's the hazard level of that Monster again?"
"5★."
"Ehh–"
Before Altaïr could say anything, Arman rubbed his neck with a dry laugh. "I'm not yet qualified to forge equipment of this level on my own. You might need to wait for a while until Father finishes the blueprints...
Or, perhaps you could consider other smithies? I can introduce you to some capable smiths."
Altaïr exchanged looks with his companions. Just as they were hesitating, a gruff shout suddenly erupted from the inner room behind the curtain.
"Useless brat!" A sparse-haired old man pulled back the curtain and stomped out from the inner room, glaring furiously at Arman. "Since when do we push customers away!"
"Grandpa..." Arman looked dejected after being scolded. "Even so, Dad doesn't have the time, and I'm really not confident. We can't just waste rare materials they worked so hard to get, can we?"
"Am I not still here!?"
"Eh? You're willing to take it on?" Arman was stunned.
As the previous owner, the old smith's skills were far superior even to the current workshop owner's. However, due to his limited stamina in his old age, he had not worked for a long time, except for the very occasional order from a high-rank Hunter. The old smith ignored him and turned to Altaïr's group. "You took the risk and effort to bring back a live Duramboros, giving my useless son some inspiration. Our smithy owes you a favor.
Tell me what you want forged. I'm getting on in years, so my hands aren't as quick as they once were, and it might take a while, but I can guarantee the quality of the finished product."
This sudden turn of events left Altaïr pleasantly surprised.
He knew that if it weren't for his advanced age and the obvious decline in his energy and physical strength, the old man before him would have been qualified to compete for the title of Master Craftsman.
He was capable of forging High Rank equipment; a personal order would be no problem at all for him.
The same was even truer for Isis. She had come here to seek guidance, and an old smith with over half a century of experience had handled countless Hunter weapons; he would surely be able to resolve her questions.
Altaïr moved the materials onto the table so the old man could inspect them.
"Ho, this really is Seregios material." The old smith adjusted his reading glasses. "Most smiths have likely never even heard of this Monster, let alone seen it.
About thirty years ago, a few appeared in the Jungle, but they've rarely been seen since.
Hmm... there's enough here to forge a set of Armor plus one weapon. You want to make Dual Blades? To be honest, it's a bit of a waste. Weapons made from Seregios materials have impressive power, but they don't contain elemental energy, so they aren't exactly a great fit for Dual Blades..."
The old smith had noticed the Cool Cleavers on Altaïr's back when he spoke.
"Ah, no, I want to forge a Long Sword," Altaïr replied quickly. "I use both the Long Sword and Dual Blades. Like you said, since Seregios materials don't have elemental energy, forging a Long Sword should be more appropriate."
A smile finally appeared on the old smith's face. "That's more like it. Long Swords and Great Swords are the best fits for Seregios materials. Look at this Impaler; it's practically a natural blade blank.
Rest assured, I will leave you satisfied!"
Altaïr followed up with another question. "By the way, this horn was struck by lightning, it turned red-hot at the time. Will that have any effect?"
"Struck by lightning?" The old smith paused upon hearing this. "It won't matter, it has to be heat-treated anyway. But why was it struck by lightning?"
"My cat did it," Altaïr said with a hint of pride.
Lady Shalan might be impressive, but Sajji won't lose to her in the future!
(Translated by yourtl.app)