Knuckle was someone Germain recognized. He laughed and gave Germain a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"You must be wondering why my teacher mentioned you?"
Germain didn't hide his curiosity.
"I am indeed curious."
Knuckle raised his eyebrows and answered directly and with pride,
"My teacher is the famous one-star hunter Morel. He heard about you and your ambitions when talking with Chairman Netero."
"Since you are the 'interesting newcomer' Chairman Netero talked about, and because you're a beast hunter like me who has accomplished several impressive things recently, my teacher remembered you."
"He often told me that it would be hard for someone like you to advance as a beast hunter if you only take down 'Shadow Beasts' today and 'Phantom Troupe members' tomorrow..."
Germain was speechless.
On one hand, he was upset that the news of him killing Phinks had spread so quickly. On the other hand, he was surprised that Morel was using him as a negative example to teach his students.
However, Knuckle shifted the topic and continued, "My teacher also respects you for being able to handle both 'Shadow Beasts' and the 'Phantom Troupe' one after another. This is not something ordinary hunters can achieve."
"Even experienced criminal hunters and bounty hunters wouldn't dare attempt it lightly, especially when targeting the Phantom Troupe. Your strength and bravery are unquestionable!"
Knuckle was generous with his praise and also felt a sense of connection with Germain.
"Haha, but since you want to advance as a beast hunter, if you have any questions, I can help teach you."
Germain definitely needed all sorts of assistance, but he wasn't eager to directly invite Knuckle in front of him.
"Thank you in advance." Germain glanced at the large bird eggs beside him and changed the topic. "You're here to investigate the 'World Tree Birds,' the birds that hatch from these eggs, right?"
Knuckle nodded enthusiastically.
"Really? You're interested too? Would you like to investigate with me?"
"After we're done with the investigation, we can go down together. My teacher and my partner, Shoot, are under the World Tree. I can introduce you to them."
It turned out that Morel and his other disciple, Shoot, were nearby, but they hadn't climbed the World Tree with Knuckle.
Germain asked, "I remember Mr. Morel is a Sea hunter and Shoot is an Unidentified Beast Hunter. How did they end up here with you?"
"Actually, we came here for a vacation." Knuckle pointed to the vast ocean visible from the top of the World Tree. "We've only been here for less than two days."
"But I couldn't sit still. When I passed by the World Tree, I couldn't resist climbing up to check out the 'World Tree Birds' and investigate their eggs and nest structures."
"So, how is it? Interesting, right? Do you want to join me in the investigation?"
Germain didn't share the same excitement initially. He preferred hunting wild beasts, whether in the wild or in the city.
However, Knuckle's repeated invitations sparked some interest in him. With nothing else to do, he agreed and joined Knuckle in studying the 'World Tree Birds' at the top of the World Tree.
As a result, they spent the entire day on the World Tree.
Under Knuckle's guidance, a passionate and experienced beast hunter, Germain gained a new perspective on the 'World Tree Birds' and many other beasts.
He also started to see the appeal of what Knuckle had been talking about.
During this time, no one else climbed the World Tree. It seemed that the people Germain had seen on the way either fell or gave up halfway.
Germain didn't mind; he focused on helping Knuckle measure the temperature of the bird eggs, photograph the nest structure, and finally see the 'World Tree Birds' up close.
As night fell, the "World Tree Birds" returned. It was a massive, fluffy bird, resembling a flamingo the size of an airship.
When it came back, its gaze was fixed on the two unfamiliar figures in its nest. It circled overhead for a long time without landing.
Knuckle had taught Germain how to show goodwill to the "World Tree Birds" to let it know they were not enemies, but it didn't work out as planned.
The "World Tree Birds" pecked at them a few times in silence. Unable to fight back, they climbed down the World Tree together.
"Forget it," Knuckle said with a casual smile as he descended, "My movements should have been fine. Maybe it was too dark for it to see clearly?"
Germain shrugged.
The claws of the World Tree Feather clung to the edge of the nest, watching the two of them with sharp eyes. Then it spread its wings in a display of dominance.
Neither Germain nor Knuckle paid it any more attention. Besides, they had been the ones intruding into the "World Tree Bird's" nest and were in the wrong.
It took less than ten minutes for Germain and Knuckle to reach the ground.
When the staff saw them, they recalled how quickly they had ascended and the rumors spread by other climbers. They watched the two men leave with amazement and confusion.
"It's almost seven o'clock," Knuckle said, touching his rumbling stomach. "Germain, let me treat you to a simple meal. It's a good chance for you to meet my teacher and friends."
Germain agreed eagerly, "Then I'll take you up on that."
"Don't mention it," Knuckle said with a wave and a smile. "They'll definitely be glad to meet you."
He brought Germain to a hotel in town and saw his teacher and companions dining in the restaurant on the hotel's first floor. He immediately went over to greet them.
"Teacher, Shoot, I'm back!" Knuckle shouted loudly, worried that no one would hear him.
"Got it, got it." The tall and strong Morel used his little finger to clean his ear. "I've told you countless times to keep your voice down. Do you want to blow out our eardrums?"
Knuckle quickly nodded and bowed. "Oh, I'm sorry, teacher. It was my mistake..."
"Enough talk. Just come and sit down."
At this moment, Morel noticed Germain standing behind Knuckle. He adjusted his sunglasses, took a closer look, and recognized him.
The thin man with a hair bun at the table also looked at Germain quietly.
Noticing their stares, Knuckle remembered he hadn't made the introduction yet. He straightened up and said, "Teacher, Shoot, let me introduce him. You should recognize him."
"This is Germain, who was labeled an 'interesting newcomer' by Chairman Netero. Recently, he's tackled several dark world criminals that even seasoned hunters and bounty hunters couldn't catch."
"I met him by chance on the World Tree, and after a brief conversation, we felt like old friends, so I invited him along."
Knuckle was enthusiastic, Shoot was aloof, but Morel was smooth and sophisticated. He smiled calmly and said, "I've heard of you for a long time. Please, have a seat, and let's have a good chat."
********
Hey Guys, this is fanfic- fic is great and I want to complete it's translation. So please support me and give me some motivation to continue.
Support me on my patreon and read upto 15 early chapters.
https://www.patreon.com/Unique_Writer