Chapter 48
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: The Hunt for Elite
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Four days later, Foldtown's morning was unusually hectic. It was always like that on days when large monsters were hunted.
In the hunters' homes, their families—fathers, mothers, husbands, sons, wives, and daughters—gathered for a feast from the morning, praying for their safe return. Dishes they couldn't normally afford filled the tables.
Rather than feeling sorry for those who never came back, the families of hunters chose the comfort of thinking, "At least we gave them a good meal before they left." They believed that mindset kept the survivors going.
River was no different.
‘Nothing's likely to happen, but we have to follow tradition. We skipped it last time, after all.’ She spared no expense on pricey ingredients for Dane. With the Galaromotor meat Dane had hunted the day before, she just needed sides to bring out the flavor.
‘Let's see... ruby mushrooms, selfrin, Gauchi potatoes, crystal lizard eggs... This lineup makes for an excellent hot pot.’ The comforting hot pot she whipped up with her skills was perfect for Dane's tastes.
"Wow... What's the occasion today?" River let out a soft sigh at Dane's laid-back attitude and explained Foldtown's tradition.
"It'd be great if every day was like this." Dane didn't hesitate and dove right into the hot pot.
"Not hunting solo like with the Kabakshus, but still, be careful. And don't feel too bad about drawing post-attack." Bankers said that as he gulped down his bowl of broth.
Dane could have taken the Kemora Hunting Party's lives but chose not to. Tebier, whose pride was on the line, stepped in to smooth things over.
He declared that large monster hunts were naturally collaborative and concluded that Dane's butchery squad and the Kemora Hunting Party would hunt the Elite together.
Even if he had witnessed Dane's hunts in Horhe Root Village and Harac Bar, the outcome would have been the same.
It was meant to avoid unnecessary noise since public opinion among hunters and elves hadn't fully swung to Dane's side.
Tebier announced he would officially select the Thick Root Hunting Party based on this hunt's results. And to keep it fair, he drew lots for first and second attack.
Dane was unlucky, but he followed along quietly, treating it as a chance to watch a major hunting party's skills.
He just hoped the meat wouldn't spoil.
"It's not just the hunt—it's what comes after that's key. Eat up and let's give it our all." At the captain's words, the squad members nodded as they slurped down the hot pot.
* * *
As departure time approached, Foldtown's streets filled with cheers and roars.
News that Dane's butchery squad and the Kemora Hunting Party would hunt the Elite together had been a hot topic in the city for days.
On the surface, it was a joint hunt, but with the management office incident already public knowledge, most saw it as a competition to settle the score.
Joint hunts distributed monster parts based on contributions, naturally turning into a contest for the top hunting party.
Gamblers were already deep in bets on the winner, and pre-orders for Elite-related gear flooded the open forges.
And then, the moment everyone awaited.
Hunters joining the expedition gathered at the western gate square.
The two rival parties hadn't appeared yet, but plenty of other hunters and merchants had claimed spots early.
Some came to gauge the new squad's skills, others to admire the Kemora Hunting Party's exquisite and beautiful hunt, some to pick off small and mid-sized monsters along the way, and others to peddle wares to those parties for profit.
Elves lined the stone walls above the eastern gate, looking down at the bustling square. Tebier and Illein's eyes gleamed in unison from the center.
"It's the Kemora Hunting Party!!" Someone shouted, and most joined in without even looking.
"Kemora! Kemora! Kemora!" Forty hunters decked out in top-tier gear marched to the square's center, parting the crowd. The cheers focused on the three at the front.
Juan of the Wet Mace, who saw blood first and shed it first!
Isaacs of the Hawk Claw, who never missed a marked prey!
Friedhold, vice captain of the Kemora Hunting Party, with his caved-in jaw!
Their captain advanced slowly to the center, flanked by the three lieutenants.
Kemora, dolled up with especially revealing attire, drew wild cheers from men, women, and children alike.
"Waaaaaaah!!"
"Welcome, Kemora!!!!"
"I love youuuuu!!"
Kemora smiled lazily, scanning the crowd despite the lingering puffiness on her face. It was the familiar adulation she deserved—and would continue to receive.
The last Tauros had left her with indelible humiliation, but her built-up fame didn't fade easily.
She had legions of followers and admirers. Some even blamed Dane for using dirty tricks.
‘Hunting and duels are completely different.’ Kemora nodded to herself as she took in the cheers.
There was no reason to hand glory to a newbie squad, nor any doubt she wouldn't. This was a match she had to win to defend, reclaim, and climb higher with what she'd built.
‘Cheer even louder...’ Kemora raised both hands to acknowledge and rally them.
"Kemora! Kemora! Kemora!" But disappointingly, her basking in the cheers didn't last long. The noise died down from the back of the crowd. Silence spread swiftly with the approaching figures.
In the hush, a handsome man in a black cloak pushed through the throng. A beauty in no way inferior and a hulking, fierce-looking lizardman followed.
"Is that... Dane's butchery squad?" "What an odd combo."
"Really just three people?" "They used to be the Lucas Hunting Party. It's fewer now." Amid the murmurs, Dane stood before Kemora.
The party members, Friedhold included, glared at him like he was a monster. Kemora ground her teeth but held onto her senior's dignity.
"Still full of yourself, I see." "You look in good shape too? Give it your all." Dane flashed a grin and cheered her on. The one who'd thrown the punches felt just fine.
That single remark fired up the Kemora Hunting Party's morale. Each vowed in their heart to crush that arrogant bastard's spirit today.
"Everyone's here. Time to depart." As Illein spoke down to the crowd, cheers erupted anew across the square.
* * *
Over a hundred people streamed off the Root Path in a single line.
Management office elves led, followed by the Kemora Hunting Party and Dane's butchery squad, then countless hunters and merchants bringing up the rear.
Under the gentle sun, the grand procession's shadow blanketed the plains densely.
The march continued for three or four hours.
A few more hours ahead lay the eastern wasteland. Its harsh environment meant sparse habitats for beasts and monsters. No reason for hunters to visit unless the Elite passed through.
"It's Inspector General Vigdis's group." Illein at the front halted the column and informed Tebier. At the end of his gaze waited the expedition escorts. Tebier spurred his horse forward alone.
"Coming from the east? Right on time." "Fortunately, our Mophtown schedule wrapped up early." A stern-faced man bowed slightly. Tebier smiled and asked.
"How was Mophtown? Did they select a good hunting party?" "Who am I to judge? I just respect the outpost cities' decisions and assist if there's any procedural trouble." Tebier couldn't help a wry smile.
Offers of help were empty words. The capital didn't welcome outpost cities forming their own Thick Root Hunting Party.
"I hear this hunt is a key milestone for selecting the Thick Root Hunting Party. With Elite as the target, it'll draw some famous squads." At Vigdis's words, Tebier gestured back. The Kemora Hunting Party and the heavy cart led by Dink came into view.
"Hmm. I know the Kemora Hunting Party's reputation well, but this allied squad... is that a monster pulling the cart?" Vigdis asked with wide eyes.
When Dane's butchery squad reappeared with the cart amid the hunting parties, Tebier and the elves, along with Foldtown's hunters, reacted the same. Plenty still snuck glances at Dink, marveling as they walked beside or behind.
A squad that stirred buzz wherever it went.
"Hahaha. We were shocked too. Never knew taming monsters was possible. Feels like a new generation emerging." They'd know soon enough if the rumors were true, if the skills that rivaled Kemora's were no fluke.
"...Is that so? I thought it was a circus parade, not a hunting party." Vigdis chuckled lightly and said no more.
Then, dust clouds from distant horses rose in Tebier's eyes, fixed on the horizon. The management office scouts were returning after reconfirming the Elite's position that morning.
"Approaching steadily. One hour out." Tebier ordered the news passed to the parties. As the scouts galloped back along the column, Tebier raised his hand high.
The procession resumed endlessly toward the target, with the inspector general's group.
* * *
The ground had cracked like peeling scales, fully barren ochre. Bankers rose from the driver's seat.
"Eastern wasteland's in sight!" The lead elves halted before a small hill. A flag rose from the elf unit, and the long tail instantly followed suit.
Illein dismounted and approached the hunting parties. Dane and River, Kemora and Friedhold stepped forward to greet her.
"Our guidance ends here." Illein finished, turning her head back. Her gaze aimed beyond the hill.
Dane's chest thrummed like meat calling to him. Drawn by the urge, he pushed ahead, parting the elf unit to crest the hill. His jaw dropped.
"Whoa..."
[Large Monster: Returning Nightmare - Elitetor]
The colossal beast prowled endlessly across the vast, bone-dry wasteland.
‘Way bigger than expected?!’ Its massive body evoked a mountain rock, blending turtle and dinosaur.
The thick brown shell encasing it, the dark ore filling its back, the tentacles sprouting chaotically from its long split tail—all immense and awe-inspiring.
And within: flesh, bones, blood, organs.
His chest swelled at the relentless energy churning ceaselessly inside.
Beautiful.
Truly beautiful meat.
"That's one hell of a big one. Never seen an Elite this size. Both parties are in for it, haha!" While Dane was entranced, Tebier addressed Kemora and Dane.
"True... but it changes nothing." Kemora's face was ashen as she spoke. Dane might be awed by his first sight, but for her, it was completely unexpected.
Feeling Dane's gaze, Kemora forced composure and turned away.
"Kemora Hunting Party! Prepare!!!" She rode calmly to her lined-up squad. One by one, she met their eyes, fanning the embers in their hearts.
The members tracked only their captain's movements, tensed and disciplined.
"You all eat good? Time to earn your keep?" The squad laughed warmly at their captain's teasing. Yet tension held firm. Well-trained bunch.
"Just a oversized brute. Let's see if its death scream matches." Kemora wheeled her horse, glaring down the hill.
Her squad followed her gaze to the Elite. Their eyes filled with steely resolve. Kemora drew her saber and raised the blade high.
"Arm yourselves, my brothers."
"Kemora!"
The shout echoed.
"Today, we prove the Kemora Hunting Party's reason for being."
"Kemora!!"
"The Welcome Kemora will lead you to glory."
"Kemora!!!!"
With Kemora, nothing was impossible to hunt. That faith had made her the greatest, largest hunting party.
Hearts ablaze, they awaited only her command. Kemora smiled brightly. Then roared.
"Kemora Hunting Party! Charge!!!!" "Waaaaaaah!!!!!"
With thunderous cheers, Kemora's horse bolted forward. Her party surged behind with ferocious momentum.
The hunt had begun.