Narration
Today marks the beginning of a mission entrusted to three ace hunters, each renowned for their exceptional rank and status within the Hunter's Guild. These elite hunters are chosen only for the most dangerous missions. Their names are:
Field Team Leader – Lazarus Team Member – Alaric Team Member – Elara
The trio has been assigned a critical mission: to save Citadel Shroom Village, a small settlement located 100 miles from Astera Base. This village faces imminent peril due to a terrifying imbalance in the ecosystem, caused by the impending Elder Crossing of the Elder Dragons.
The Elder Dragons are the oldest and most powerful creatures in the world. When disturbed, they unleash immense energy, altering the ecosystem of the regions they pass through. Normally, these beings remain in one place, but during their periodic migration—known as the Elder Crossing—they travel across continents and vast oceans, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Reports now indicate that all Elder Dragons are heading toward the same location across the sea, though the reason remains unknown. Historically, such migrations were extremely rare, occurring only once every century. But now, they are happening every decade. The Guild has summoned its best trackers to travel to Port Tanzia and join a fleet with a singular goal: uncover the cause of these increasingly frequent migrations.
Now, Lazarus, Alaric, and Elara have been deployed to search for signs of the next migration and protect the communities at risk along its path.
And so, the Elder Dragons' migration continues—heading directly toward Citadel Shroom Village.
The trio journeys toward Citadel Shroom Village aboard the "Seikret," a majestic beast of burden known for its speed and agility. As they travel, they witness a strange phenomenon—creatures and monsters alike are fleeing in haste, seemingly driven by an overwhelming energy in the air. The hunters exchange glances, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.
"Something's wrong," mutters Alaric, his eyes scanning the landscape as the Seikret glides effortlessly over the terrain.
Lazarus nods in agreement, his face grim. "It's the Elder Crossing. We're too close now. This village is in danger."
As they approach the village, the sight before them is almost unsettling. The villagers go about their daily lives, seemingly unaware of the storm that is coming. To them, the air feels heavy and thick with an unnatural tension, but they remain oblivious, thinking it no more than a distant storm.
Upon arrival, Lazarus immediately calls for a meeting with the village leader. The air is thick with anticipation, the wind picking up as if to signal the arrival of a terrible force. The council meeting begins.
Field Team Leader Lazarus
"I am Lazarus, the field team leader of the group sent by the Hunter's Guild to your village. I have come to warn you of the urgent need to evacuate your village—it is in grave danger due to the imbalance in the ecosystem, and the Elder Crossing is approaching!"
Narration
Lazarus is a renowned hunter, celebrated for countless heroic deeds across the lands. His name is known in every village, though some whisper darker tales about him. Despite his many accomplishments, he has been branded a rogue by both the villages and the Hunter's Guild. He takes no sides—he follows only his own path.
Citadel Shroom Village Leader - Uvough
"Pardon me, sir, but it is far too early to be making such claims. The last Elder Crossing occurred only six years ago. Another will not happen for another ten years. The people here are not ready to evacuate, and what you are reporting sounds impossible."
Narration
Uvough, the new leader of Citadel, had been a trusted confidant of the late leader, Elder Wyverian Vornyx. His demeanor is calm but firm, an air of quiet authority about him.
Field Team Leader Lazarus
"Even the Hunter's Guild is shocked by the sudden changes in the ecosystem. Right now, we still cannot explain it."
Citadel Shroom Village Leader - Uvough
"Wait a moment! What about the people's homes and belongings? We will not leave—we will protect this village!"
Field Team Leader Lazarus
"That is not an option! You know what happened to the other villages devastated by past Elder Crossings! Wait... where is this village's Elder Wyverian?!"
Narration
Each village or nation has Wyverians living among the people, providing additional protection and wisdom to those under their care. They give premonitions of impending disasters. Wyverians are a race in Monster Hunter that resemble humans but have wyvern traits—pointed ears, four-fingered hands, and digitigrade legs. They are often considered more intelligent and rational than humans. The Elder Wyverian, however, is not just a protector but a force to be reckoned with. It is said that such Wyverians possess immense power, wisdom, and foresight.
Citadel Shroom Village Leader - Uvough
"Tsk! He has passed away due to a severe illness. Not long ago, a Nargacuga suddenly attacked our village. It was unlike any we had seen before—its fur was an unusual, moon-like color. Thinking he had slain it, our Elder Wyverian was poisoned by its dying breath. Unfortunately, the poison that entered his body was beyond the skill of our healers. We could not create a permanent cure, and he slowly perished, fighting against the poison spreading throughout his body. With his dying breath, he entrusted this village to me—to protect and care for it until my last breath."
Narration
The Nargacuga, with its black scales, fur, and red eyes, resembled a predatory black panther. Its tail was a weapon in itself, lined with spikes that could be flung at targets with deadly precision. Lazarus has encountered the creature before, but this one was unlike any he had faced—its moon-like fur and venomous bite were enough to cripple even the strongest of warriors.
Field Team Leader Lazarus
"You do not understand what you are saying! Your people need you to lead them! You must evacuate as soon as possible!"
Citadel Village Leader - Uvough
"Unless you give me an undeniable reason, I will not follow you! I will protect this place, even at the cost of my life!"
Field Team Leader Lazarus
"If that is your decision, and I cannot change it... So be it! Let your people perish under your watch!"
Citadel Shroom Village Leader - Uvough
"Ha! How dare you say that to me?! We begged for help when our leader was poisoned—but no one listened! Every day, we sent messages carried by birds, yet they always returned unanswered. We even sent people to seek your aid, but they perished on the dangerous journey to the Hunter's Guild! It was far too perilous for us!"
Field Team Leader Lazarus
"Tsk... I do not wish to prolong this conversation any further. The villagers must be informed immediately. If you refuse to lead your people... then I will put them down myself! That way, we can complete our mission faster!"
Narration
Lazarus pondered why their message wasn't reaching the Hunter's Guild. Something was wrong here, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Citadel Shroom Village Leader - Uvough
"You're a demon! You're despicable!"
Suddenly, Uvough lunged at Lazarus, his dual blades flashing in the dim light of the chamber. But Lazarus was prepared—he effortlessly blocked the attack with nothing but a small knife, barely moving from his position.
Field Team Leader Lazarus
"If this is how you repay my help to your village, then there's nothing more I can do. I'll bring you down along with its destruction!"
Citadel Shroom Village Leader - Uvough
"Let's see how strong you really are, Lazarus the Rogue!"
The battle between Uvough and Lazarus erupted. Uvough's strikes were relentless, but Lazarus skillfully dodged and deflected every attack, refusing to counter. His movements were precise, calculated, yet filled with an unnerving calm. Lazarus had fought many battles, but this one—this was personal.
Citadel Shroom Village Leader - Uvough
"What's the matter?! Fight back! Stop dodging, you bastard!"
Field Team Leader Lazarus
(Smirking)
Citadel Shroom Village Leader - Uvough
"If this is all you can do, then you have no right to order me around!"
At that moment, Uvough's attack found its mark, sending Lazarus crashing out of the room. Alaric and Elara, witnessing the chaos, simply smiled, their faces calm as they ensured the townspeople remained unharmed.
Field Team Leader Lazarus
(Shouting)
"All of you who are here! If you wish to survive, prepare for evacuation! We only have three days left to leave this village! Don't worry, we will take you to a place where you can live in peace, free from fear!"
Citadel Shroom Village Leader - Uvough
"Do not believe him, my comrades! He is Lazarus, the Rogue! And it seems the rumors from other villages were true—his intentions are wicked! They only seek to take what belongs to us! Go back to your homes! I am your leader, and I will deal with these three myself. Don't trust those two companions of his! They're only trying to gain your trust, but in reality, they're here to steal from us!"
Lazarus, rising to his feet, glared at Uvough. The battle wasn't over yet, and Lazarus wasn't about to let the village be destroyed on his watch. His voice boomed through the chamber as he prepared for the final confrontation.
Field Team Leader Lazarus
"You can destroy my basin! But I won't let you drag my comrades into this!!!
The battle raged on—Lazarus was no longer holding back. The roar of his Great Sword filled the air as he finally unleashed his "true charge slash" power. But before he could strike the fatal blow, Alaric intervened.
Narrationgreat sword - A slow, heavy weapon with massive damage potential, the Greatsword is the heavy artillery of melee weapons. While simple at first,the Greatsword requires skilled timing and spacing in order to get the most out of it. On offense, the Greatsword attacks with slow, ponderous swingsthat hit with high damage and stagger.
Team Member - Alaric
"Captain... enough. Everyone, get ready for evacuation. In three days, we should be able to leave this town. If you think we're here to steal from you, you're mistaken. We have no ill intentions toward you or your town. We only wish to keep the people of this community safe from the changing ecosystem! Further details will be explained when we arrive at our base, Astera!"
Narration
Astera, the Guild's stronghold, is built to support the Hunters and researchers as they explore the New World and its volatile ecology. Its tiered design—a labyrinth of winding stairs and waterwheel-powered pulleys—ensures that supplies and people can move quickly between levels.
As the town began to prepare for evacuation, people packed their belongings, unsure of what lay ahead but trusting in the hunters to guide them to safety. The storm was coming, and time was running out.
The Elder Dragons were on their way, and no one knew what would happen when they arrived. But the Hunters were ready.