Chapter 46
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: The Tauri Challenge
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Dane decided to head straight back to Foldtown.
It wasn’t common to encounter large monsters. This was an Elite he wanted to claim, and with Kreya’s words thrown in, he had no desire to waste time pointlessly.
Before departing, Dane sorted out the operational details for the Yadus Trailer he’d be leaving behind in Mekardo.
Rudelver opted not to reopen Lakes. Instead, he agreed to take over running the “Dane Butchery No. 1 cum Monster Cuisine Development Lab” set up inside the Yadus Trailer.
On top of that, he’d be allowed to reinterpret the dishes developed here in Luiman’s style at Bortong Restaurant and sell them.
“Cooking is about breathing new life into things. Lui and I just chase different flavors.”
It was something Rudelver had strongly hoped for, and Dane agreed. Serving monster meat at a pricey, popular spot would do wonders for promotion.
“For now, you’d be better off steadily working on Yadus applications and monster meat research over sales.”
“Understood.”
Without stored meat, there’d be nothing to work with right away. Until the hunters leveled up, the butchery team would need to supply monster meat, or they’d have to capture small ones and process them right in the trailer. That would take time.
‘Like in Harac Bar, I’ll need to run workshops on the side.’
Dane Butchery Party and Kreya Merchant Company laid out their desired terms ahead of a full contract.
If they partnered up, Kreya Merchant Company would handle intermediating and managing monster meat deliveries. Plus, establishing and running future Dane Butchery chain stores built from Yadus ore.
For Dane, it meant full backing to roam the continent beyond the delta. He could skip the headaches and live easy.
“I’ll bring back the Elite. Seems like that’s what you’re after.”
“I didn’t say I wanted it, but if you pull that off, I’d have every reason to jump ship.”
Kreya winked as she replied.
“Then prove Kreya Merchant Company’s worth it.”
“How?”
“Negotiate with villages for Yadus Trailer placements and draw up a list. Famous chefs where possible. An inter-village cooking contest would be ideal. And…”
“Ah… there’s more?”
“Put together a business plan with realistic profit projections. Cover risks and management for pushing into the delta, the outpost cities in every direction, and even the capital.”
“Whew… Captain Dane, you’re thorough to a brutal degree.”
“Piece of cake for Kreya Merchant Company. Anything else on your mind?”
Kreya took a long drag from her cigarette, mugging deep thought with exaggerated flair. Then she clapped her hands.
“That thing. Captain Dane, you still haven’t answered Ridgeyev’s question from yesterday.”
“Huh?”
Ridgeyev blinked wide-eyed, stroking his mustache like he had no idea.
“Your ideal type—me or Vice Captain River, who’s closer?”
Dane stared blankly at Kreya. His gaze drifted over to River, standing off at a distance.
She was deep in talk with Rudelver. No telling if she’d overheard Dane and Kreya.
“Only care about meat.”
Dane hauled Bankers—who was snickering for whatever reason—back to the carriage.
Everything was prepped for departure. River, stuck in awkward silence with Rudelver, struck a pose to leave as well.
Rudelver spoke up.
“The day you said you’d be the hunter to save the world… I told you saving it wasn’t just about hunting. That cooking held equal worth. And yet… you’re the one who showed me that.”
They stood well apart. The icy memory of their parting lingered too deep for a warm chat between grandfather and granddaughter after so long.
River replied.
“I get it now. Cooking… it could save the world too.”
“True enough. In a world where monster meat’s on the menu, who knows.”
“I’m a hunter now, but I started as a cook. Thanks for teaching me. I’ll be back.”
Her grandfather resolved to open up warmer when she returned from Foldtown.
* * *
Dane Butchery Party made it back to Foldtown in three days.
River headed to the Hunter Information Center for her quest payout. Bankers holed up at base, minding Dink and the carriage for some long-overdue rest.
Dane went solo to Administration Headquarters. Tebier greenlit the meeting on the spot.
“Welcome back. Left as a rookie hunter, return as a captain.”
Tebier greeted him warmly. He looked thrilled, shifting in his oversized chair as he went on.
“Grown up a bit more in no time flat?”
“Director Tebier, you’re looking healthier than ever.”
“No chance. The years are carving lines into my face now.”
“Hard for me to even tell.”
“Hahaha, really?”
Once the pleasantries wrapped, Tebier steered back to the butchery party.
“Such a unique name. Dane Butchery Party.”
“Spells out our direction plain as day, don’t you think?”
“Direction… color me curious.”
“We’ll cover hunting through butchering, portioning, and sales—a game-changer. The one and only spot for fresh, juice-dripping monster meat.”
Tebier’s smile widened.
“Looks like you’re already making it happen. Good ties with Kreya Merchant Company, I hear?”
Nothing slipped past him. Dane nodded matter-of-factly, as expected.
“Promising partner.”
“You’re aware some won’t be thrilled.”
“That’s why I’m here with a request. Thick Root Hunting Party selection’s still pending, right?”
“Correct. Your feats give us leverage to balance things with the others.”
“Then let’s lock it down. There’s an Eli…”
*Knock knock!*
A knock cut Dane off. Tebier grinned.
“Speak of the devils.”
Two familiar faces stepped in.
“Why drag this punk in with me?”
The square-jawed man spat his gripe at Dane on sight, grudge clear. Tebier just shrugged.
“Thanks for the recognition. Kemora Hunting Party’s… square-jawed Friedlow, was it?”
“Square-jawed Friedhold.”
“Right. Square-jawed. Must like the nickname—keep slapping it on.”
“Who’d hate a moniker from the captain himself!”
Friedhold shot a glance at the woman beside him. Foldtown’s top hunting party leader. The one and only Rank 4 hunter, Kemora.
First face-to-face since the rookie naming ceremony.
“Looks like you hold your captain in high regard. Our crew could stand to learn.”
“Cheeky whelp… some green kid strutting as captain?”
Friedhold bristled again, but Kemora raised a hand to hush him.
“Turned down my scout, ran to Lucas… and booted the captain? Didn’t peg you for the ambitious type.”
“Yeah. As the senior, look forward to your guidance, Captain Kemora.”
Kemora cracked a faint smile. Where Tebier’s hid depths, hers laid bare.
“I know your type. Got talent, faith in your strength. That fire’s not unwelcome.”
Her bold getup matched the swagger.
Like Dane with his regeneration, the exposed skin sparked an odd camaraderie.
“Don’t mind your style either.”
“You impudent shit!!!”
Friedhold shot to his feet, hand dropping to his waist. He’d shrunk back at their first encounter, but no weak front before his captain.
Tebier smoothed the brewing storm.
“Now, now… greetings done. Captain Dane, pick up where you left off?”
He waved Friedhold and Kemora to seats. Gentle tone, iron edge. Kemora sat; Friedhold yanked his hand from his belt like he’d been waiting.
“Heard an Elite’s prowling not far from town.”
Tebier smiled.
“Word gets around. Normally, no call to tangle with an Elite. But its path runs through root villages. A week tops before it hits.”
“Those villages got the muscle to hold it?”
“Root influence is kaput. It’ll steamroll straight through—no detour. Annihilation otherwise.”
Dane shook his head at Tebier’s reply.
“That’s… bad news. Our butchery party’ll pitch in.”
“What’s that mean?”
“Elite’s a big beast, yeah? Sounds like heavy casualties ahead. Can’t sit idle. Count us in.”
Dane balled his fists.
The offer blindsided Tebier—and Kemora’s crew.
The Elite-tor—Elite for short—a regenerating juggernaut all parties shunned. Low payoff for sky-high risk, like the smith said.
Dane stepping up? Unfathomable.
“No dice. It’s ours already.”
Kemora cut in. Cool as ice, but veins bulged on Friedhold’s face.
“Hmm… Request hit Kemora first, sure. But you’re shopping for allies now, aren’t you?”
Tebier murmured, eyes slyly cracking open. Kemora’s side gawked; Dane pounced on cue.
“Ah, no parties locked yet. Sweet. Team up with Dane Butchery Party. Foldtown elite schooling the newbies on a mega-hunt. Perfect optics.”
“Know your lane. Kemora Hunting Party side-by-side with trash like you?”
Friedhold barged in, leaping up and jabbing a finger. Gutted, clearly.
“Both hunting parties. What’s the holdup?”
Kemora snickered as Dane held ground.
“Shallow one, you. Spooning in for scraps.”
“Not hunted yet. Who’s spooning who?”
“Dane Butchery’s got three heads total. What ‘help’ is that?”
“No clue. Our trio might outmatch your full roster. Hypothetical, anyway. Never crossed swords.”
“Insolence!!”
Friedhold ripped his blade free this time. Tebier threw up both hands.
“Now, now… cool it. Can’t hand a done deal to Dane Party. But Elite demands a coalition—it’s that massive. Dane Party’s been dazzling lately. Horhe village ring a bell? Room to work it out?”
“Work it out with brats? Taur’s the only way.”
Kemora shot back.
“Taur?”
“Friedhold. As Kemora Hunting Party Vice Captain, formally Taur-challenge Dane of Dane Butchery Party.”
She spoke for her tense second. Friedhold went ashen.
“So what’s a Taur?”
Dane eyed them in turn, pure innocence. Kemora steamed ahead, deflating.
“Hunter duel staking badges. Badge’s your lifeline—means neck on the line. Taur deaths? No recourse.”
“Fancy way to say ‘one round.’ Why send the underling?”
“Y-You! Captain’s too good for this. Mock the party, you mock me. Taur accepted!”
Veteran that he was, Friedhold dug his own grave.
Dane sighed inwardly at the life-on-the-line nonsense over peanuts. That effort better spent bagging an extra monster. But reason didn’t rule the world.
‘Falling into place…’
Troubled mask on, peace within.