Leon had spent half the day successfully hunting the Rathalos. Carrying the weight of his injuries and a full set of Rathalos materials, he stumbled into Astera with staggering steps.
"Back alive again..."
Leon gritted his teeth and swung his resource-laden pack onto the ground. He slumped onto the wooden steps, sweat and blood streaking across his exhausted face in a scene of pure devastation.
"Thanks to you, Yuri made it back too." A familiar voice spoke from nearby.
Leon turned his head to see Flora leaning against the quest board. Her tone shifted as she scolded, "But you were way too reckless! How dare you send away your Felyne and hunt alone? You're lucky you didn't end up as Rathalos dung!"
"I really did almost end up as dung." Leon forced a grin that looked more like a grimace.
Gasping for air, his trembling fingers fished out a Potion. He gulped it down, the bitterness hitting the back of his throat. After draining the vial, he muttered, "But I took a gamble."
Flora stepped closer and knelt to check Leon's injuries. Her eyes swept over the mottled bloodstains and scorched skin on his body. Her brow furrowed as she sighed. "Gambling with your life? Do you think this place is a casino?"
"Of course not..." Leon shook his head helplessly. "I made every preparation I could, but that Rathalos was even stronger than I imagined."
"Sigh, you really are reckless." Flora stood up and whispered, "I never expected you'd be able to take down a Rathalos in less than two months. I'll catch up to you..."
Leon's growth had exceeded Flora's expectations, both in his courage when facing monsters and his meticulous pre-hunt preparation.
Since becoming a hunter at seventeen, Flora had worked for two years to reach three stars. She'd had chances to challenge a Rathalos before, but she'd lacked the courage.
Before Leon's return, Flora had prepared at least ten different scoldings, but seeing him safe, she swallowed them all back down.
"I need to turn in the quest." Leon rubbed his aching knees and stood up with some effort.
"The Commander is in his office." Flora nodded in reminder. "Walk slowly. Don't go toppling over."
Leon grinned but said nothing, dragging his feet toward the inner depths of the base.
...
The office.
Torchlight flickered across the walls and the desk.
The Commander was bent over his desk reviewing documents. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and immediately saw Leon's disheveled state.
"Leon." The Commander's voice was booming and carried an air of authority, yet his tone held a hint of praise. "I've heard the news. Congratulations on your successful Rathalos hunt."
Leon walked to the desk and unslung his heavy pack. It hit the floor with a dull thud, thick scales and broken claws peeking out from the gaps.
The Commander stood and walked around the desk. His gaze swept over the blood-stained trophies as he nodded. "Successfully hunting a Rathalos proves you truly have the ability to promote to four stars."
Leon didn't speak, simply giving a slight nod.
The Commander patted Leon's shoulder. "Bring out your Hunter's Notes."
Leon drew the heavy journal from his waist.
There were three clear star insignias on the cover, symbolizing his status as a three-star hunter.
From beside the fire, the Commander picked up a heavy iron brand, its handle carved with an intricate crest.
Searing flames licked the metal, and the smell of scorched air quickly filled the room.
The Commander looked at Leon. "Do you know what it means to be a four-star hunter?"
"I don't." Leon shook his head at first, then reconsidered. "Does it mean I can take on more quests?"
"A four-star hunter can explore more regions of the New World." The Commander's lips curled into a faint smile. "It also means you must shoulder more responsibility—for the base and for your comrades."
As soon as he finished speaking.
Under Leon's watchful gaze, the Commander raised the iron and pressed it slowly onto the cover of the Hunter's Notes.
Sizzle!
The scent of burning spread instantly. Black smoke rose where the hot metal met the leather, and a brand-new star insignia slowly emerged, firmly etched into the fourth position.
"From this moment on, you are a four-star hunter." The Commander solemnly returned the notebook to Leon.
Leon took the notebook, his fingers brushing the still-warm star. His eyes were clearer than ever before.
Once the branding was done, the Commander's expression suddenly turned grave. "The New World still holds many unknown monsters. I hope you remain vigilant during your hunts. I have seen far too many hunters... die because of carelessness."
Leon replied, "I understand."
The Commander said no more. He gave Leon a deep look before sitting back down at his desk.
Leon turned and left the office.
Stars lit the night sky as the evening breeze wafted through the corridors, making the torchlight flicker.
Limping, Leon pushed open the door to his cabin. As soon as he stepped inside, a familiar scent wafted toward him.
Grilled fish... and mushroom soup?
"Newbie! You're finally back, meow!" A fluffy white figure leapt down from the stove, landing accurately on Leon's leg.
"Dumpling?" Leon looked with a complex expression at the Felyne in front of him, who was wearing an apron and clutching a spatula.
Leon glanced toward the bathroom. "You didn't use my soap to wash the mushrooms again, did you?"
"Of course not, meow! This time I used that piece you didn't want, the one that smells like old tree bark." Dumpling patted his little paws as he spoke. "The mushroom soup is almost done. Go take a bath first, meow!"
"You... you actually did use it..." Leon didn't have the energy to complain. He pulled off his armor, tossed it into the corner, and shuffled his way to the bathroom.
Fifteen minutes later.
Having washed up, Leon felt much more refreshed.
Just as he sat down, Dumpling arrived carrying a large bowl of hot soup with a few mushroom slices floating inside.
Along with... meat from some unknown creature.
"Here, here! Special Recovery Soup, meow!" Dumpling placed the soup on the table. "It's packed with tonic herbs and that leftover Great Jagras meat from last time, meow!"
"Great Jagras meat?" Leon stared at the bowl. "Are you sure I won't get poisoned?"
"Trust me, meow! You'll feel energized after drinking it! After all, it's High Rank Great Jagras meat, meow!" Dumpling scurried back to the kitchen to bring the grilled fish to the table.
Leon took a sip. The taste was so strange it made him question his life choices.
It was like a mixture of bitter melon and loach, seasoned with far too much salt. The initial taste was fishy and astringent, followed by a surge of bitterness, with an aftertaste like boiling water steeped in medicine dregs.
Despite that, Leon smiled. He looked at Dumpling and said, "Thank you."
Dumpling sat up even straighter, puffing out his little chest with pride. "Don't worry, meow! I'm your best combat partner, chef, and bath consultant, meow!"
"What the heck is a bath consultant..." Leon's mouth twitched. He nearly choked on the strange soup.
"This cat can help you verify if any spots were missed, meow!" Dumpling grinned, showing off two tiny fangs with a look of supreme professionalism.
"Shut up." Leon waved a hand with a darkened face.
"Hey, want me to check right now?" Dumpling sidled over, his paws reaching for Leon's collar.
"You'd better just stick to being a mental counselor!" Leon immediately dodged, giving Dumpling a look of annoyance.
At that, Dumpling plopped back into his chair, his tail curling around his feet. He said seriously, "You don't need one. Your mindset is strong enough. I think you should find time to counsel Yuri instead..."
Leon paused, his brow furrowing. "Yuri? What's wrong with her now?"
"I don't know, meow..." Dumpling spread his paws and muttered, "Maybe she's feeling a bit... off-balance?"
Leon's spoon-holding hand paused. He gazed thoughtfully at the wall.
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