Gate of Monsters and Men (GATE/Monster Hunter)

[ArtemSolis]

Spoiler: Author's Note

Hello, everyone! New guy here. Had this story for quite a while now and finally managed to get the first chapter squeezed out of my mind. And as I've said, I'm new to QQ and I mostly posting here because I wanted to get some feedback on my story before I post it on ffnet or RoyalRoadl.

I honestly intended for the first chapter to just be 4k-6k words and I had an outline and everything. Then I just started writing and all that was out the window and now I have a 13.5k chapter and I haven't even gotten to the inciting incident yet!

Anyway, I wanted to get people's thoughts on this. Is it dragging? Do people at least find it interesting? Any idea which scenes look like they deserve cutting? Let me know.

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Chapter 1
The Old World - Dundorma​

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​

Instinct was the sharpest tool for survival, and Artem, guild knight of the Hunter's Guild, felt his begin to stir uneasily, though he couldn't say why.

He tapped one of his dual sabers on his right hip, reassuring himself that it was still there. His eyes swept over the swamp, searching for the source of his unease, but the dense blanket of fog obscured everything. His acute hearing proved no better.

Not that the swamp was silent; its natural symphony remained consistent and undisturbed. Frogs croaked, insects buzzed, and birds still chirped. There was nothing out of the ordinary. No telltale signs that a wyvern was stomping about. And yet, Artem could not shake the feeling that something was off and he gripped the reins of his seikret tighter.

"Mew being nervous is meowking me nervous, nyaa." Kage said over his shoulder, the melynx, clad in the red palico version of the guild knight uniform, flicked his tail irritably. "I don't hear anything meowt of the ordinary."

"I don't either," Artem muttered, shifting uneasily in his saddle. Every muscle in his body was tense, coiled like a spring. "But something still doesn't feel right."

"I've seen you claw off against meowltiple elder dragons and not even flinch," Kage said, removing his wide-brimmed hat to reveal ears flicking this way and that. "Mew sure you're not just imagining things? I'm starting to think the fog is playing tricks on you."

"I don't know," Artem admitted, his gaze still scanning the mist for an answer to his anxiety.

"Well," Kage said, his tone lightening as he spotted familiar landmarks ahead, "we'll be home free after the next turn. Either it's nothing, or…"

"Or whatever I'm feeling is going to attack—right now!"

Artem leaped from his seikret, the trained beast retreating instinctively. The guild knight twisted midair, drawing his dual blades in one fluid motion. He landed in a battle stance, the steel glinting in the shrouded light.

Kage leaped from Artem's shoulder, palico rapier in hand, and positioned himself to guard the guild knight's back.

The pair braced themselves, muscles taut, ready to dodge or strike at the first sign of an attack. They waited. And waited. And waited...

But nothing came.

The swamp remained unchanged, serenaded only by the rhythmic croaking of frogs and the cawing of a crow as it passed overhead, its cry sounding like mocking laughter.

"Well... that was embarrassing, nyaa," Kage muttered, sheathing his rapier and hopping back onto Artem's shoulder.

The red guild knight didn't respond immediately. His brows furrowed, eyes scanning the swamp one last time before he relaxed his stance. He let out a slow sigh, still unconvinced but finding no reason to remain on edge. With a flick of his wrists, he sheathed his dual blades.

"So, ready to admit you're just being paranoid, nyaa?" Kage teased, his voice laced with playful triumph.

"I guess I am," Artem admitted reluctantly. He let out a sharp whistle, signaling for his seikret.

The bird wyvern, named Uli and similarly clad in the red uniform of the guild knights, emerged from behind a gnarled tree. Its bright eyes gleamed as it let out a cawing sound, unmistakably laughter-like.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, bird breath," Artem grumbled, rolling his eyes as he climbed onto the feathered mount. "I get things wrong sometimes too."

Kage snickered softly but said nothing, content to let Uli's amusement do the talking.

The group continued their journey, finally rounding the last bend. As they did, the thick mist began to dissipate, melting away like a ghostly veil. The swamp gave way to drier ground, and sunlight streamed through the trees in golden shafts, warming their faces and signaling their return to civilization.

As they emerged from the woods, they came upon the sight of the Guild's crowning jewel, the sprawling city of Dundorma. The city stretched down from the mountain and expanded outwards on reclaimed land, its stone walls gleaming in the morning light.

What began as a small outpost centuries ago had grown into a bustling metropolis. Verdant farmlands stretched around the city, their silver-like canals weaving through fields, while windmills turned lazily in the breeze. Above, airships glided through the sky, transporting Hunters and cargo across the wilds. At Dundorma's base, the great lake teemed with activity, its waters busy with ships and traders readying for their voyages.

At the mountain's peak, the Citadel crowned the city, its spires piercing the clouds. The crimson and yellow banners of the Guild and the Elder Dragon Observation Team snapped in the breeze, their colors vivid against the rugged cliffs. The Citadel stood as both protector and symbol of unity, watching over the city as it had for centuries.

"Purrnally, it's good to be home, nyaa!" Kage purred, stretching lazily atop Artem's shoulders. He flexed his claws in satisfaction, the familiar sight of Dundorma spreading out before them. But after a moment, the melynx noticed they weren't moving.

Kage tilted his head and glanced down at his partner. Normally, Artem would smile at the sight of their home with a look of pride on his face.

Keyword: normally.

Artem wasn't smiling. His brow was furrowed, his face etched with the same unease that had lingered since the swamp. The sense of wrongness had grown stronger—subtly, but unmistakably.

Unable to ignore the feeling, Artem looked over his shoulder. The wetlands behind them lay still and quiet, undisturbed. No longer did he feel any threat lurking in the swamp. Whatever was gnawing at him came from somewhere else. He closed his eyes, focusing inward, trying to untangle the source of his unease.

Then a low, guttural growl resonated from deep within him, a sound both foreign and familiar. It pulled him into his mindscape, where the red face of his Beast loomed before him, its golden eyes glowing with an unnatural intensity. The orbs bore into him, unblinking, before erupting in a flash like a thunderclap.

Images exploded in his mind—fragmented yet vivid. High above even the tallest peaks, rivers as vast as worlds converged violently, their merging currents writhing in chaos as it trickled down to the earth. Imperceptible streams of light and shadow swirled like a storm unseen above a city's blue sky, fusing into a colossal stone gateway, crowned with a triangular roof and flanked by towering columns. Its hollow core shimmered—a churning void that spilled a river of blood, drowning the city and its people.

Artem gasped as his eyes snapped open, his breath came in short bursts as his heart pounded in his ears. He forcefully slowed his breathing and clenched his fist, trying to steady himself.

"I'll never get used to that," he grumbled under his breath.

That was his inner beast—one of the Guild's most closely guarded secrets—and was a presence as familiar as his own shadow. And it had just shown him… something.

It was a creature of instinct and hunger, usually only stirring on a blood soaked battlefield or relishing a fight against an elder dragon. At times, it would scoff at traps laid by his usual targets, amused by their hostile intent.

But now, it was radiating unease like a warning beacon. This was no ordinary threat. The beast was wary, like a cornered animal sensing a predator— no, a storm. A natural phenomenon it couldn't fight back.

And the source was unmistakable: the city.

Artem's gaze shifted upward, scanning the skies above Dundorma. The airships and weather balloons moved serenely through the air, their green flags snapping crisply in the breeze. The signal was unmistakable: clear skies and calm weather. No storm threatened the horizon.

No natural storm, anyway.

"What's wrong, nyaa?" Kage finally asked, his usual teasing tone replaced with genuine concern.

"I can't explain it," Artem admitted. Despite his inner beast's unease, there were no visible signs of danger, no concrete evidence to back his instincts. But he knew better than to ignore the beast's warnings. "Something's... got the beast spooked. I don't know what, but it's coming from the city."

Kage's eyes widened, his tail going still at the mention of the beast. He glanced toward Dundorma, scratching his chin thoughtfully. His usual playfulness gave way to a rare seriousness. "Well, it's meowver been wrong before, nyaa. But what do we do meow? Run into the city and shout, 'Something's coming!' to every Hunter we see?"

Artem sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. Kage was right. Without evidence or a clear threat, there was nothing they could do without looking crazy.

"No," he said finally, urging his seikret forward. "We keep moving. But be on the lookout. Whatever's coming still feels a ways off, but we can't be too careful."

Kage nodded, drawing his rapier and twirling it with a grin. "Don't worry, nyaa. If anything jumps out, they'll have to deal with me first!"

The duo continued down the Hunter's Path, a road used almost exclusively for Guild personnel conducting expeditions into the swamp. Ahead, the side gate to Dundorma came into view. Artem glanced toward the main road where a long line of visitors, merchants, and caravans were jostling to enter the city. Privately, he thanked the Stars his rank afforded him certain privileges, such as skipping queues.

Even the side gate, though quieter, had its own line of foreign hunters and handlers. The hum of voices and the clink of gear filled the air, but it was far shorter than the civilians.

"Hail, guild knight!" Two guardians at the gate snapped to attention as Artem and Kage approached, their blue scale armor gleaming in the morning sun. They saluted with fists over their hearts, their discipline evident despite the bustle of the side gate.

"Hail yourselves, guardians. Busy day?" Artem returned the salute with a casual nod while Kage patted his chest with his paw. Kage then got off his partner and remained on Uli while Artem dismounted to present his badge. The hairs on the back of his neck were still raised, but he kept his movements calm. No point in making others panic.

"Aye, sir! With the Grand Gathering happening tomorrow, it's chaos out here," the younger of the two Guardians replied. He took Artem's badge and began flipping through the logbook on a nearby table.

Artem blinked, momentarily caught off guard. The Grand Gathering? The words tugged at his memory, and when realization struck, he nearly slapped himself for forgetting. His mission had taken weeks, and in the chaos of tracking and eliminating his targets, he'd lost track of the date. Dundorma wasn't just busy—it was the epicenter of the first-ever assembly of Guild Masters from across the known world ever since the Guild's founding.

"So, how did your mission go, Sir Knight?" the recruit asked earnestly, still flipping through the logbook.

Before Artem could respond, the older guardian stepped forward, slapping the recruit's helmet visor down with a metallic clang.

"Idiot! We don't ask knights about their missions," he barked, before turning to Artem with a quick bow. "Apologies, sirs. He's new."

"It's alright, nyaa," Kage said, waving a paw dismissively.

"Yeah, no harm done," Artem added with a small chuckle. "Are we all clear to enter?"

The recruit, visibly flustered, scrambled to match Artem's badge number in the logbook. "Oh, uh, yes! You're both clear to enter, Sir Artem and Sir Kage," he stammered, handing the badge back with a hurried salute. "Welcome back to Dundorma. And, uh, please be advised to head straight to the Citadel to stable your seikret. With so many visitors for the festival, seikrets aren't allowed in the streets."

"Thanks for the heads-up," Artem said, tucking the badge into his pouch. He swung back onto his seikret with practiced ease and flashed the guardians a faint smile. "Keep an eye out for trouble. And if we ever meet at the Guild Hall, the first round's on me."

The older guardian grinned, and the recruit straightened, his earlier embarrassment fading. "We'll hold you to that, sir!"

After entering the city, Artem and Kage quickly found themselves navigating Dundorma's bustling streets. As the unofficial capital of the Guild, the city was always alive with activity, its avenues filled with a mix of locals and foreigners. but tomorrow's Grand Gathering had drawn an even larger crowd, forcing Artem to slow his seikret's pace to avoid harming anyone in the dense crowd.

After reaching the Market Square, the energy of the crowd seemed to intensify. Colorful streamers crisscrossed overhead, fluttering in the breeze and casting shifting shadows over the crowd. The air was rich with the scent of roasting meat and fresh pastries, while nearby stalls gleamed with polished weapons and armor reflecting the morning sun. Merchants in both local and foreign attire called out, boasting exotic items and vividly colored reagents from distant lands.

"It's so crowded, nyaa!" Kage exclaimed, his ears twitching at the noise. "You'd think an elder dragon was handing out free candy!"

Artem gave a grim nod, his eyes scanning the sea of people. "Everyone's here for the Gathering tomorrow."

"What I don't get is how it turned into a mewll-blown festival." Kage grumbled, ducking as a balloon nearly bopped him in the face. "It was supposed to be a bunch of meowld men talking about Guild stuff. Boring! How'd it turn into this?"

"It was just a Guild meeting," Artem replied, steering his seikret around a group of street performers. "Then countries affiliated with the Guild wanted to witness it—calling it a historic moment. Then Wycademy jumped in, claiming they had some big discovery to present."

"And it just kept snowballing until every Guild Master wanted to show off their shiny claws in a parade, nyaa," Kage finished, his tail flicking irritably. "But now if something goes wrong, it'll be a clawtastrophe!"

Artem grunted in acknowledgement, his gut twisting as he swept his gaze over the crowded streets. "I really hope whatever I'm feeling is just... nothing. Maybe a storm or something mundane."

He sighed, tightening his grip on the reins. With the streets so packed, investigating the source of his unease was pointless. For now, he'd head straight to His Immenseness—or the grand marshal—and report the situation. Urging Uli onwards, he carefully maneuvered through the throng, weaving past revelers and vendors alike.

---

Just as the guild knight left the area, a middle-aged hunter entered from the direction of the side gate. He adjusted the straps of his worn leather pack, his expression weary but content. He had just concluded a long trek from the highlands and was looking forward to a hot meal and a drink—or three—at the Guild Hall.

He paused briefly near the square's central fountain, letting the cool mist from its cascading waters ease the travel-dust clinging to his face. As he stretched his arms, something shifted at the edge of his vision—a faint shimmer, like sunlight reflecting off glass.

Frowning, he turned toward the square's heart, squinting against the midday glare. For a brief, impossible moment, he thought he saw... something. A translucent structure, tall and impossibly intricate, its edges rippling like water caught in the wind.

He blinked, rubbed his eyes, and looked again.

Nothing. Just the open square, bustling with life as usual.

He let out a breathy chuckle, shaking his head. "Long road's playing tricks on me," he muttered. "Need that drink more than I thought."

With a shrug, he adjusted his pack and headed toward the Guild Hall, leaving the plaza behind. As the crowd swallowed him, faint, ghostly lines shimmered again—just for a heartbeat—before fading back into nothingness.

---

"I'm sorry, Sir Knight, but His Immenseness isn't in the city." The guild girl behind the oak counter offered a polite bow.
"He isn't?" Artem blinked. It was rare for the old wyverian to leave the Elder Hall—much less Dundorma. The last time had been when a Lao-Shan Lung wandered too close, prompting the ancient giant to cackle, charge out, and suplex the unfortunate Elder Dragon. "Why?"

The guild girl flipped through her ledger. "He's observing someone's final hunter exam out in the swamps."

"Isn't the Grand Gathering tomorrow, nyaa? And he's out watching a newbie's exam?" Kage interjected, ears twitching.

"Oh, not to worry, sirs. His Immenseness should return by late afternoon. Is the matter urgent? I can summon the city council if needed."

Artem considered the offer but dismissed it. Most of the council wasn't privy to his inner Beast—a secret kept on a need-to-know basis. "Never mind. I'll just report to the grand marshal."

"Very well, sir. Have a good day!" The guild girl smiled warmly with a courteous bow.

Artem nodded, turning on his heel as Kage leaped onto his back. His stride wasn't hurried, but the Beast's warning gnawed at him, pushing him toward action.

The wind surged just as they exited the Elder Hall, its polished stone surface shining under the midday sun, making the crowning structure atop Dundorma's mountain seem like a jewel.

"Of all the times for His Immenseness to leave, it had to be meow," Kage grumbled as he shielded his eyes from the wind with his hat. "Nyaa didn't drag any bad luck with you from Schrade, right?"

Artem raised a brow. "Shouldn't I be asking you that, Mr. Black Cat?"

"Pfft—as if! I'm your good luck charm!" Kage shot back, before his tone grew thoughtful. "Still… why's the big, big guy out watching some newbie now of all times?"

"Who knows," Artem shrugged. "Maybe someone with real talent showed up. We've been gone for weeks; anything could've happened. Besides, we can still report to Casin, so it should be fine."

They descended the broad marble steps of the Elder Hall into the Citadel's plaza where Uli was tethered to an iron hitching post. The seikret ruffled his crimson-tipped feathers and let out a soft, impatient caw as Artem approached.

"Yes, yes—you'll get your lunch soon, you glutton." Artem patted Uli's neck while untying him with practiced ease. In response, the bird gave a sharp peck at his ear.

"Ow."

The trio crossed the plaza toward the Guild Knights' Headquarters, a fortress-like structure draped in crimson Guild banners perched on the cliff's edge, overlooking much of Dundorma. Non-combat staff bustled between the barracks and training grounds, their brisk movements purposeful, as if preparing for a large-scale deployment.

As they passed through the main gate, Artem spotted a stablehand carrying a saddle over her shoulder. He waved her over.

"You're Mila, right?" he asked, recognizing the young teen working around the stables.

"Yes, sir!" she answered eagerly.

Artem reached into his belt pouch, pulling out some zenny. "If you're heading back to the stables, mind taking Uli with you? Feed him a large meal—he's earned it."

Mila's face lit up as she accepted the coin. "Of course, Sir! No trouble at all." She shifted the saddle on her shoulder and took Uli's reins firmly in her other hand.

"Wark," Uli garbled, sounding suspiciously like 'about time!' in Artem's ears.

"Make sure nyaa don't get fat now," Kage jabbed, smirking.

Before Artem could react, Uli's feathered tail whipped out, catching Kage square in the side with a satisfying fwump!

Kage fell off his perch on Artem's shoulder with a sputtered "Hey!" while Uli strutted proudly toward the stables, feathers fluffed with smug satisfaction.

Artem shook his head, hiding a faint smirk. "Let's move."

The two made their way toward the assembly ground, where a familiar, authoritative voice rang out from a raised platform. To Artem's surprise, they saw what looked like the entire region's knight corps—about a hundred strong—standing in perfect formation. Rows of crimson-clad knights waited at attention, the white plumes of their wide-brimmed hats gleaming in the noonday sun.

The Guild Knight corps of a region almost never gathered in one place. Typically, three teams were assigned to each area, cycling out periodically with new teams to maintain a constant Guild presence. Their role as negotiators, overseers, and enforcers rarely necessitated such a large assembly.

At the head of the formation stood Casin Elbrecht, the Grand Marshal, clad in red and gold armor adorned with the Guild's crest. His thick, gray beard framed a commanding face shaped by countless battles.

He raised a gauntleted hand, finishing what must have been a rousing speech.

"—mber, these emissaries are not just guests—they are future brothers and sisters within the Guild. Treat them with the respect they deserve and ensure their safe arrival. His Immenseness himself has entrusted us to welcome them, as they represent the promise of a stronger and more united future for our Guild."

With a sharp downward swing of his arm, he barked, "Dismissed!"

The knights saluted in perfect unison, fists to their chests, before breaking formation. A flurry of movement followed as they scattered across the headquarters, preparing gear and mounts for deployment.

Artem and Kage walked up to the platform before stiffening their shoulders in formality and marched up the dais. They stopped a few paces from the Grand Marshal, who had been observing the dispersing knights.

"Guild Knight Artem and Palico Kage, reporting back with our mission accomplished, sir!" Artem saluted sharply, Kage mirroring the gesture with a smaller, pawed salute.

Grand Marshal Casin nodded, returning the salute with practiced precision. "At ease."

The formalities dropped, and a faint grin tugged at the corners of Casin's lips. "Well, I'll be damned. I was starting to think you two wouldn't make it back in time for the festival. Still in one piece, I see."

Artem relaxed his stance as Kage hopped back onto his shoulder, settling into a comfortable perch.

"We always come back in one piece," Kage said with a lazy flick of his tail. "You should know that by meow."

Casin snorted. "You might've kept your nine lives intact, but I wasn't so sure about your partner here. Artem always did have a knack for finding trouble."

"Trouble finds me," Artem replied, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Who were the emissaries you mentioned in your speech?"

Casin grinned and gave them a wink. "That's classified—for now. You'll find out tomorrow before the festival starts. Just know this: things are going to change, and for the better." Then his expression grew serious. "Now, do you have anything to report about your mission? Keep it brief. The others and I are deploying soon."

Artem's smile faded as he exchanged a glance with Kage. The unease from the swamp whispered in the back of his mind, but he pushed it aside and met Casin's gaze to report their mission. "The leader of the 'True Sons of the East' is dead. It was... former General Malden."

Casin's eyes widened in shock. He paused, then let out a heavy sigh, closing his eyes briefly as he processed the name. "Damnation..." He shook his head, resting his hands on his hips. "Malden? The man wanted the war to end as much as we did. Why in the world would he turn on Schrade?"

"In short, he wanted more resources from what was West Schrade," Artem explained, his tone grim. "Enough that he was fine with starving the West to feed the East."

"One of their captains actually said they'd 'starve the fat of the West until their crops grow for East mouths only,' nyaa." Kage twirled a paw in the air near his head. "Safe to say, they went as crazy as they were hungry."

Casin exhaled through his nose, his expression dark. "The fool… Was Malden acting alone? Or is there more to this?"

"Unfortunately, there's more." Artem replied with a shake of his head. "Malden had a mind for tactics, but he wasn't the one who came up with the idea of artificially inducing miasma in monsters. The guys in Schrade Chapter and I found documents and experimental logs—everything lines up with the reports of berserk monsters. Malden was a general, not a researcher. Either someone was egging him on, or he was using someone else to further his own goals. Whoever it was, they managed to slip the net before we closed it."

Casin frowned deeply. "Then we'll need to keep an eye out. What about the documents?"

"Left them with the Schrade Chapter," Artem shrugged. "They wanted copies, and it wasn't something I could carry on seikret-back. They'll deliver it all once they're done."

"That's the best we can ask for, I suppose." Casin sighed again, the weight of the news visible in the set of his shoulders.

"Has it ever been otherwise?" Artem replied with a faint smirk.

"True enough." Casin allowed himself a small chuckle before his voice grew sharp again. "In any case, I'll want your full report later—likely after the festival. For now, what else has you so wound up?"

Artem's smirk dropped. "That obvious?"

"It's the face you make whenever we willingly walked into a trap," Casin replied, his voice tinged with dry amusement. "Now, out with it. Can't have the Marshal keep the knights waiting, can we?

Artem hesitated for just a moment before sighing. "It's the Beast. It feels… something. Like a storm brewing right on top of Dundorma."

Casin gazed skyward, landing on a research balloon drifting overhead, its green flags fluttering in the breeze signaled clear skies, clear weather. No sign of a storm. He then looked back down and raised a brow at his former partner.

"It's what the beast feels," Artem shrugged helplessly.

"I can't feel anything nyaaither, but we all know the beast has never been wrong before." Kage added in his partner's defense.

"No… It hasn't." Casin mused, one hand stroking his salt and pepper beard. "Did you see anything else? It often showed you what we were up against, right?"

"Not quite," Artem shook his head and began to explain. "The beast's instincts work like how Hunters sense a monster's killing intent, but more sensitive. It can tell how many, how strong, and how close they are. I can't make sense of most of what it showed earlier, but..." He thumbed in the direction of the city below the Citadel. "Whatever's coming will be inside Dundorma."

Casin's expression darkened before nodding. "Alright. We're not taking any chances." He turned sharply, his commanding voice carrying over the bustling knights. "Captains Eren, Kael, and Sorin, front and center!"

Three figures broke off from their preparations and approached the raised dais at a brisk pace, saluting in unison.

"Change of orders," Casin said firmly. "Your teams are now on guard detail to protect Dundorma. Knight Sergeant Artem will take point on this mission. You're to follow his commands to the letter until I say otherwise. Understood?"

The captains saluted again, fists to chests. "Yes, sir!"

Satisfied, Casin turned back to Artem. "That's twelve knights. Aza and Cefas are also off duty in the city, but they'll join you if anything happens. Just let them know."

Artem considered it briefly, then nodded. "Short of a herd of elder dragons, we'll manage. Especially if you'll only be gone before noon tomorrow."

Casin then clasped his former partner's shoulder, his voice lowering. "If it comes to it—don't hold back. Let the Beast out. We'll deal with the fallout afterwards."

Without waiting for a reply, the grand marshal pivoted around and strode toward the assembly ground, barking out orders that echoed through the courtyard.

As the rest of the knights prepared for departure, Artem faced the three captains still standing at attention.

"Alright," he said evenly, folding his arms. "Let's get this out of the way—will you captains have any issues following my orders?"

The three exchanged brief glances before replying in perfect unison with wide grins:

"None, 'General.'"

Kage immediately snickered as Artem groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I went an entire mission in Schrade without anyone calling me that—how do you three even know about it?"

'General' wasn't a rank within the Guild Knights—or the Guild as a whole, for that matter. Artem's official title was Knight Sergeant, a rank far removed from anything resembling a general. He'd earned the right to rise much higher—many times—but he'd refused every promotion beyond sergeant, preferring the front lines over endless strategy meetings.

Still, thanks to a decree from the king of the then newly founded United Schrade Alliance, the honorary title had stubbornly followed Artem back across the country to Dundorma like an unwanted ghost—a reminder of a war he'd been all too eager to leave behind.

Artem shook his head in exasperation, waving his hand dismissively. "Alright, enough of that. Gather your teams and meet me on the ramparts. We'll go over the details there."

The captains exchanged knowing grins before saluting in unison. "Yes, sir!" they said sharply before striding off toward their respective groups.

"I'm never getting rid of the 'General' moniker, am I?" Artem muttered as he turned and headed for the ramparts.

"Definitely not, nyaa," Kage replied with a snicker, his tail swishing playfully as he perched on Artem's shoulder.

The pair ascended the stone steps leading to their side of the Citadel's bulwark. At the top, they stepped onto the ramparts overlooking the glide ramp, a cliff-side platform where Guild Knights would usually sortie into open air.

Artem leaned against the battlements while Kage hopped down to sit on the stonework beside him. Together, they took in the panorama of Dundorma. The city spread below, its vibrant streets blending into a colorful patchwork of bustling activity. Beyond its walls, the neatly ordered farmland shimmered under the morning sun, silver canals snaking through golden fields like ribbons.

The rhythmic clanking of boots announced the arrival of the knights that were now under Artem's command. Without a word, he turned and gestured for them to join him. They obeyed silently, nodding in acknowledgment as they took their places.

Despite the breathtaking view, the knights' attention drifted back to the assembly ground, where the rest of the order mounted their seikrets.. And though none of them said it out loud, Artem could sense the flicker of envy among the three teams. After all, It wasn't every day that almost the entire order deployed all at once.

After a few minutes, the knights were mounted and ready to sortie, their seikrets fidgeting eagerly in anticipation of a jaunt out of their pens. At the forefront of the formation, standing on the glide ramp itself, was Grand Marshal Casin, his own team positioned behind him. He turned to address the gathered knights, his voice firm but tinged with levity.

"Alright, let's get this done quick! Treat our soon-to-be comrades with respect, and we can all celebrate on our return!"

A cheer rose from the knights—some for the addition of new comrades, others for the idea of joining in on the festivities in the city below.

Then, with a sharp slash of his hand, Casin shouted, "Move out!" and broke into a sprint, leading his seikret down the glide ramp. At the platform's edge, his wyvern leapt into open air.

The seikret's wings snapped open, catching the wind and carrying Casin into the sky in a graceful glide. One by one, the rest of the knights followed, their mounts diving off the edge and soaring above the city in a disciplined stream of crimson and gold.

Distant cheers rose from Dundorma as the people caught sight of the spectacle, their excitement echoing faintly up to the Citadel.

From the ramparts, Artem and his team watched as the formation soared over the city's outer wall. Just before they disappeared from view, the formation split into three groups, each veering towards different objectives.

Artem then turned to address the knights under his command, who were still watching their comrades grow smaller and smaller from view.

"Alright," Artem said, his voice grabbing their attention. "Let's talk strategy. Something may or may not happen within the city, but regardless, I want all of you to either stay near your seikrets or keep a gliding mantle with you at all times…"

As Artem continued to instruct the knights however, the beast inside him continued to stir—its instincts bristling at a wind that did not touch his skin, unseen but undeniable.

---

Tens of thousands of tents surround Alnus Hill, the purple and gold banners of the Saderan Empire fluttering in the wind. Servants and slaves moved around the camp like ants in a hive, sharpening weapons, tending horses, and preparing meals to fill soldiers stomach's in the coming conquest.

Atop the hill loomed the Gate—a colossal stone structure crowned with a triangular roof, its pillars etched with glowing runes that pulsed with an otherworldly light. Before it, standing on a raised wooden platform and clad in ornate armor was Legate Varro. His cold eyes swept over the assembled legions, his lips curled into a sneer as he prepared to address them.

He raised a gauntleted hand, and the sage beside him murmured an incantation, amplifying his voice, ensuring that every word would resonate across the entire hill.

"Soldiers of the Empire! Today, we stand at the precipice of change! Beyond this Gate, forged by our greatest mages and blessed by the Goddess Hardy, lies a world of savages, a land of unwashed barbarians who are ignorant of the glory of Sadera!"

He paused, letting the venom in his words sink into the hearts of his men, their disciplined faces now filled with barely contained disdain for the enemy.

"These animals, these lesser beings, have neither the culture nor the wisdom to rule themselves. Their land is wasted on them, their existence a stain upon the earth. It is our duty- Nay! Our destiny! Our divine right to bring them the iron fist of order!"

A murmur of agreement ripples through the ranks, bolstered by the legate's contempt. He spreads his arms and lifts his voice, his tone growing more fervent, feeding off their growing fervor.

"These so-called people are nothing more than vermin, scurrying in their hovels, believing themselves free. But tomorrow, they will learn the truth. Tomorrow, they will fear our strength! Our unity! They will bow before us, their betters, or they will die, crushed under the boots of our superiority!"

The soldiers cheered, their voices filled with zeal and hatred. Varro continued, his voice rising with each sentence. The air itself seems to thrum with their bloodlust as they chant the Empire's name.

"Prepare yourselves, my brothers. Polish your swords, don your finest armor, for we shall show these lesser creatures what it means to face the wrath of the Empire. We shall carve our names into their history, a history that will end with the dominance of Sadera! For the glory of the Empire, for the supremacy of civilization, we march to victory! Glory to Sadera! Glory to Emperor Molt!"

The camp erupted in a chorus of roars and applause, the soldiers' bloodlust stoked by the general's inflammatory speech.

At the edge of the army's formation, away from the fevered roars, Count Formal of Italica watched the scene with unease and resignation. His forces were small compared to the grand army assembled by the Emperor's decree, barely numbering a twentieth of the current troops. And more reinforcements were expected to arrive in the coming days. Had it not been for the Emperor's summons, Formal wouldn't have come anywhere near Alnus.

As the military address ended, he nodded to his second-in-command, a grizzled wolfman named Garath. "Lead the troops back to our encampment," Formal instructed quietly. "Best not to tempt them into harassing us when they're all fired up."

Garath nodded, his expression stoic, and without fanfare, the Italica forces quietly broke away from the formation, retreating to their section of the encampment.

Unlike the other legions that were eagerly anticipating the coming conquest, his own contingent was much more restrained. For Formal and the men and women under him, a mix of humans and demi-humans—wolfmen, catfolk, and the few warrior bunnies who had fled from the war in the north—glory and riches held little appeal. What they wanted was survival, for them to return alive to family and loved ones.

Inevitably, Formal's thoughts wandered to his own family, especially his youngest daughter, whom he had left back home. "I'll see you soon, Myui…" he murmured softly.

"My lord," a voice interrupted his musings. Turning, he saw it was Lucius, his mage adjutant with a wary expression on his face. "The men are prepared, though I must admit, there's an uneasiness among them."

"Anyone with sense would be uneasy before any battle," Formal scoffed, his gaze drifting to the other nobles' contingents, where laughter and boasting filled the air. He was often derided as a demi-human lover, a fool who surrounded himself with lesser beings and treated them as equals.

Yet, even Formal knew that not all races could be reasoned with—at least not immediately—especially creatures like goblins and orcs. Who knew what they would find beyond the Gate? The Goddess may have ordained its opening, but there was no telling what awaited on the other side.

"They've become drunk on promises of glory and plunder," Lucius remarked, a faint bitterness tingling his voice. "Change glory and plunder to prestige and research, and they'd be mirror images of the mages in Rondel."

As Formal was about to reply, a group of soldiers from the neighboring encampment passed by, their faces already flushed with wine. One of them, a young noble with an arrogant air, sneered in their direction. "Still playing nursemaid to your beast-folk, Formal? Perhaps you'll find a new pet beyond the Gate," he taunted, eliciting laughter from his companions as they moved on.

Lucius bristled, but Formal stopped him with a wave of his hand. "Let them jeer," he said quietly. "Now, tell me about our supplies. What did the quartermaster provide for our men?"

The mage sighed and shook his head. "Not much, I'm afraid. A few sacks of grain and dried meat. Barely enough for a few days."

Formal cursed under his breath. The nobility's pettiness knew no bounds, even stooping to withhold supplies. Luckily, he had anticipated this and ensured his contingent was well-stocked. The march to the Gate had been manageable as well, and with Italica only five days away, they had arrived last.

"The youngsters troubling you again, Formal?"

Formal and Lucius turned to see Senator Godasen approaching. Formal saluted the older man, while Lucius bowed, his eyes fixed on the senator's feet.

"Nothing we can't handle, Senator." Formal replied with a sardonic smile.

Godasen sighed and shook his head. " On behalf of my faction, I apologize for their prejudice. Damn brats, always trying to belittle others to make themselves look better. Rest assured, I'll ensure you receive proper supplies."

Formal waved the offer away. "No need. That might provoke them further. It's enough that they'll keep us at the back of the invasion force."

Godasen winced, drawing a groan from the Count who noticed his reaction. "What now?"

With a grimace, Godasen explained, "Varro wants all the nobles gathered together so you all can witness the glory of the Saderan army firsthand."

Formal's eyes widened. "Has the Legate lost his mind? Keeping all the commanders in one place is asking for a disaster! If something happens and we're wiped out, the entire army will be leaderless!"

Godasen could only shrug. "I share your concerns, but Varro won't listen to reason. He's convinced the people beyond the Gate are nothing more than stupid barbarians. I suppose the key to a convincing speech is believing even the horse-shit you spout. Unfortunately, I can't intervene. My duty is to protect Alnus and ensure no one stabs you lot in the back while inside the Gate."

Formal rubbed his temples with a deep frown on his face. "So we're to be his witnesses as he throws lives away like water to a flame. And if that flame is stronger than expected, we'll be burned too."

Godasen sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Varro has always been stubborn and the Crown-Prince's support has blinded him further. All we can do now is prepare for the worst."

"Then we'll do just that." Formal straightened, a glint of determination returning to his eyes as he turned to his adjutant. "Lucius, get Garath to see me in my tent after the men are settled. We'll need to plan contingencies in case the worst happens. At the very least, the men should get the chance to go home."

"Understood, my lord," Lucius saluted. He gave one final bow to the senator and moved towards the Italica encampment.

"If you'll excuse me Senator, I'll be going as well." Formal saluted.

Godasen gave Formal a small, respectful nod. "Keep your wits about you, Formal. You may not be under the traditionalist faction, but you're one of the few with a brain between your ears. There's no telling what you'll face beyond that Gate."

Formal nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line. "You as well, Senator. Let's hope the invasion goes well."

With that, Godasen turned and walked back toward the main camp, leaving Formal alone.

The count took a deep breath, his gaze drifting back to the distant Gate, its runes flickering ominously in the fading light.

---

After spending the afternoon planning shelter protection, organizing guard duties, and alerting the off-duty knights of a potential attack via cohoot letters, Artem and Kage decided it was time to unwind. They boarded the massive inclined lift descending the mountainside, overlooking Dundorma. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the city in the hues of twilight, while the warm orange glow of the festival lanterns bathed the bustling streets buzzing with excitement.

Once the lift deposited them onto the busy streets, they waded through the throng of festival-goers near the Guild Hall. The scent of roasted meat wafted heavily from the nearby stalls, causing their stomachs to growl, demanding a much-needed meal.

As they approached, the sound of laughter and clinking tankards spilled into the street, signaling a full house. Still, having come this far, they decided to see if any tables were available.

Rounding the corner, Artem froze. A sudden jolt shot through his chest as the beast stirred. His hand instinctively brushed the hilt of his saber as he scanned the street for danger but found nothing amiss—just the continued revelry of the city.

He frowned and closed his eyes, focusing inwards to see why the beast was causing a fuss. It remained coiled and cautious but, to Artem's surprise, it felt… excited. And not in its usual battle-hungry way either.

Opening his eyes, Artem followed the beast's focus toward the Guild Hall's entrance.

A young wyverian woman stood at the front desk, tucking a strand of her long, light blue hair behind her ear as she spoke animatedly with the guild girl. A massive greatsword rested on her back, its weight seemingly insignificant despite her petite frame and curvaceous figure.

Perched on her shoulder, opposite the weapon's hilt, was a snow-white palico wearing a neatly tied blue scarf. Wide-eyed and trembling slightly, the little lynian clung to her partner's back, clearly overwhelmed by the noise and commotion.

The Guild Knight's gaze lingered on the wyverian. Something about her niggling the back of his mind. It wasn't anything bad, more like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit but did so anyway. He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Kage, similarly lounging on Artem's shoulders, noticed his partner's sudden focus and smirked. "Something catch your eye, big guy? Or should I say someone, nyaa?"

Artem shot Kage a flat look. "It's not what you're thinking."

"Oh, sure, nyaa," Kage replied with playful disbelief. "You've been on edge all day, and now you light up like a gypceros after spotting a pretty lady. Totally not like that, right?"

Rolling his eyes, Artem ignored the jibe. It was the beast that was interested in her, and he was curious as to why. So he stepped forward just as the wyverian began to plead more earnestly with the guild girl.

"Are you sure?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of desperation as she leaned closer to the troubled guild girl. "Not even a corner table? Or a spot at the bar? We'd even take some crates!"

The receptionist shook her head with an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid not. The hall is completely full tonight. I'm truly sorry, miss."

The wyverian's shoulders sagged and her ears drooped. The little felyne on her shoulder stroked the bluenette's hair in an effort to comfort her.

"Excuse me," Artem stepped in just as the wyverian was about to leave. "Are there really no tables available?"

"Eep!" The white palico squeaked at his entrance, ducking behind the cascade of the wyverian's blue tresses, and peeking out cautiously.

The receptionist blinked, also startled by his approach, but her expression quickly brightened at the sight of his crimson guild knight uniform. "Ah, Sir Knight! Yes, we do have one table available on the second floor."

The wyverian's ears twitched, and she turned sharply, golden eyes narrowing. "Hey, wait a minute! Why can he get a table when I can't?!"

The receptionist hesitated before offering an apologetic smile. "The second floor is reserved for high-ranking Guild members, including guild knights and… well," She trailed off, her gaze flicking to the wyverian's dark-blue gambeson beneath the leather vest, gloves, and boots, identifying her as a prospective or freshly titled hunter. Seeming to realize she was committing a faux pas by staring, the guild girl bowed in apology before continuing. "I'm sorry, but the second floor isn't available to rookies."

The bluenette deflated once more, a slight blush coloring her cheeks at her rank being found lacking. "I understand," she muttered, turning away. "Come on, Daifuku. Let's just tell Grandpa and master we'll have to celebrate outside the city."

As she turned, the beast stirred again, stronger this time, with a low, insistent pull that drove the words out of Artem's mouth. "You can share my table."

The wyverian blinked at his invitation before shaking her head. "Oh, no, we couldn't impose! There are two more in our group, and—"

"Then we'll just make room," Artem said simply. Turning to the receptionist, he asked, "The table can fit six, right?"

"Yes, Sir Knight," the guild girl confirmed.

The bluenette hesitated, biting her lip. "But my grandpa... he's, um, a bit larger than most people. I mean… really, really big." She raised her hand as high as she could, but being a head shorter than him, it wasn't much. "I'm not sure he'd fit at a regular table."

Artem's brows lifted slightly at the mention of "grandpa" and "really, really big." Only one wyverian fit that description—His master, His Immenseness. Now that he thought about it, the old wyverian had been bragging about his "cute great-great-granddaughter" training to become a hunter. He had also encouraged Artem to get along with her, a request that had puzzled him since they had never met before.

The guild knight's gaze flicked to her hand, and his master's urging and the beast's interest suddenly made sense. She had five fingers. Wyverians only had four—except for him, who carried the ancient legacy in his blood. And now, it seemed, her too.

"If your grandpa's who I think he is, that won't be a problem." Artem said at last with confidence.

The wyverian blinked and tilted her head. "How do you know who my grandpa is?"

"How many old wyverians do you know that can be described as 'really, really big'?" He pointed out.

"Oh yeah…" She trailed off before her eyes flickered between Artem, the receptionist, and the still jam-packed Guild Hall. Finally, with a soft sigh, she nodded. "Well, if you're sure... Thank you for having us."

"Don't mention it," Artem said, waving off her thanks before extending his hand. "My name is Artem by the way. The talking calamity on my shoulder is Kage."

Said melynx gave a cheerful wave with one paw. "Pleasure to meet mew! Don't believe his depurrmation, though—I've saved his tail more times than I can count, nyaa."

The wyverian managed a small smile and dipped her head politely. "I'm Lamy, and this is Daifu—"

She stopped mid-sentence, her hand hovering near her shoulder where her partner had been perched. Her smile faltered as she turned her head slightly, realizing the felyne wasn't there. Confused, she did a quick 180 turn, scanning the area around her. "Daifuku?"

As she turned around, two white cat legs could be seen peeking out from between the edges of her long blue hair.

"Looks like your palico's playing hide-and-seek, nyaa," Kage snickered.

Artem's lips twitched into a faint smile as he helped Lamy out. "Your partner is hiding behind your hair."

Lamy paused, craned her neck around, and reached up to brush her hair aside. The wide eyed palico was revealed from her hiding spot, staring at them like a kelbi in front of a tigrex.

"Oh, Daifuku," the bluenette murmured softly, stroking her fur. "It's okay. Just introduce yourself."

Daifuku trembled slightly but took a deep breath, gathering her courage as Lamy turned back around. She slowly climbed back to perch on Lamy's shoulder and gave a small, hesitant wave with her paw. "I… I'm Daifuku," she said in a quiet, almost squeaky voice. "I'm Lamy's healer palico, but… I'm still learning."

"Sorry, she's quite shy around strangers."

Kage leaned forward, grinning. "Hey, no worries, nyaa. We've all been new somewhere, right? Daifuku will get used to it in no time!"

"Yes, there's no need to apologize," Artem said with a nod. "It's nice to meet both of you."

Thank you, really." Lamy said with growing smile. She shifted Daifuku gently on her shoulder before stepping back. "I need to let my grandpa and master know we've got a table. I'll be back in a jiffy!"

"We'll be waiting," Artem replied, watching as she turned and made her way through the crowd, Daifuku now sitting more comfortably, his ears twitching at every noise but no longer hiding.

A cough suddenly called the guild knight and palico's attention and they turned to the waiting guild girl with a strained smile. "Sir Knight, if I may, may I take you to your table? I still need to assist with serving the other tables."

"Sorry," Artem apologized and gestured to the receptionist. "Please lead the way."

Artem and Kage followed the guild girl up the stairs to the second floor of the Guild Hall. The tables here were less boisterous than those below but only marginally so. A few other high-ranking hunters and guild officials were scattered about, engaged in their own discussions.

Artem didn't see either of the off-duty guild knights, so he had to hope they read the letters he sent earlier.

The receptionist led them to a large corner table near the far end of the hall, overlooking the hubbub of the ground floor. "Here you are, Sir Knight. Shall I take your order now?"

Artem shook his head. "I'll wait for my companions. Oh, but could you get us a drink first? And let the kitchen know His Immenseness is coming."

"His Immenseness..?" The guild girl blinked, seeming surprised at the mention.

"The blue haired girl from earlier. She said her grandpa was really big. There's only one wyverian that fits that description." Artem clarified as he took his seat. Kage hopped down from his shoulder as well and stretched languidly on the tabletop.

The receptionist paled as she seemed to put two-and-two together, realizing she had rebuffed, even politely, the Great Elder's descendant.

Artem chuckled at her reaction. "I don't think you have to worry about it. She didn't seem to mind. She's from Pokke Town if I recall correctly, and they're not big on status over there."

"Too cold to have your nose up in the air in that region, nyahaha." Kage snickered as he hopped down on the seat next to the railing.

As the guild girl hurried away to inform the kitchen, Artem settled into his seat with a sigh, feeling the day's tension ebbing just the slightest bit. Kage sprawled lazily across the table, tail swishing contentedly.

"So," the melynx drawled, a cheshire grin stretching his lips, "Nyaamy is the kind of girl you like, huh?"

Artem rolled his eyes again and decided to clear the misunderstanding up directly. "How many fingers did she have in one hand?"

Kage blinked at the non sequitur. "What fingers? She had four, obviously."

"Think carefully. Did she really?"

Kage scratched beneath his chin in thought before his eyes widened in realization. "She had five fingers! Is she...?"

"Like me? Definitely. But I don't think she's in tune with her beast. Her's could still be dormant, which would explain why she's so bright and cheerful. Or why she's unaffected by this damn invisible storm."

"The beast still bothering you nyaabout that?"

"Yep. Feels like a bunch of ants crawling over my skin. Or under it." Artem shook his head, trying to dispel the unsettling sensation. "Anyway, the beast is still uneasy, but it's... curious about her. Probably something like recognizing a kindred spirit."

Kage's ears perked up. "Oh? So it's not just you being interested in a pretty face after all, nyaa?"

Artem shot his partner a flat look. "Don't start."

The melynx chuckled, holding up his paws in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. But you can't deny she's easy on the eyes, right?"

Before Artem could respond, the hall trembled from a muted thump, a faint vibration that stilled the air. The second floor patrons felt it first. Conversations faltered, and people exchanged wary glances. Soon, those on the ground floor felt it too, silencing the entire building as the rhythmic thudding grew closer, each impact reverberating through the floorboards.

All heads turned toward the Guild Hall's entrance.

The enormous double doors—crafted for beings far larger than humans—swung open with a resounding groan, their weighty hinges protesting under the strain. Standing in the doorway was His Immenseness, the founder of the Hunter's Guild. His long, flowing beard, mustache, and eyebrows were white with age. Yet, the ease with which he wore his plate mail and the segmented plates on his shoulders, arms, and legs spoke of a being still rich in vitality.

Awestruck whispers rippled through the room, a wave of disbelief washing over the patrons. Tankards clattered to the floor, forgotten in the presence of the towering figure now framed in the doorway.

Towering at twenty feet, the Great Elder's presence radiated authority but the twinkle of his deep cerulean eyes spoke of a warmth that only a century's worth of wisdom could bestow.

The silence stretched for a heartbeat longer, the weight of his gaze sweeping across the hall, before he spread his arms wide in a gesture of welcome.

"Good evening, my friends!" His deep, resonant voice filled the hall, rolling through the air like distant thunder. "I hope I'm not too late to join the festivities!"

A moment passed before the crowd erupted into a roaring cheer, the initial shock of seeing the ancient wyverian giving way to unrestrained joy. Hunters raised their tankards, and the hall filled with jubilant cheers of "His Immenseness!" and "Great Elder!"

His Immenseness waited patiently for the applause to settle before continuing, his eyes twinkling with pride. "I have someone special to introduce to you all tonight."

He gestured to the side, and Lamy was pushed into the light of the hall. She cast a reproachful pout at the shadowy figure behind her before facing the crowd. Her cheeks flushed crimson at all the eyes on her, and she found a sudden interest in the wooden floor, eliciting a few good-natured chuckles from the crowd.

"This is Lamy," His Immenseness announced, his voice filled with affection. "Today, she passed her Final Exam with flying colors—single-handedly stabilizing the overpopulation of Yian Kut-Kus in our region, all amidst their breeding season!"

A wave of respectful applause swept through the hall, punctuated by polite cheers from the more seasoned hunters.

Artem whistled, impressed. Handling a Yian Kut-Ku culling during their breeding season was no small feat, especially as it often took about a dozen solo examinees to quell the population. Having done it herself meant she was quite skilled or, from the way she was lugging around her greatsword with ease, packed quite the punch in those slender arms of hers.

"She fought with bravery and skill," His Immenseness continued, pride swelling in his chest. "And she has earned her place among you as a hunter of the Guild!"

The applause grew louder, a few cheers turning into whistles of encouragement. Lamy's blush deepened, but she stood a little taller, her confidence bolstered by the warm reception.

"And now," His Immenseness's voice boomed, a grin spreading across his weathered face, "let the drinks flow tonight—! On my tab!"

The hall erupted into a thunderous roar, the crowd's earlier politeness dissolving into raucous celebration. Hunters slammed their tankards on tables, shouting their thanks, while others rushed to the bar, eager to take advantage of the generous offer. The barkeep, wide-eyed and overwhelmed, scrambled to keep up with the sudden flood of orders, his assistants hurriedly filling tankards and passing them along.

Kage's ears twitched irritably at the sight of the bar. "We're never getting our drinks at this rate!" he grumbled, crossing his arms. "If that guild girl takes any longer, we'll be sipping is disappointment!"

Artem chuckled and shook his head at his partner's impatience. He turned back to the Hall's entrance and cupped one hand around his mouth. "Hey, old man!"

The room didn't quiet, but amidst the noise, the Great Elder's ears perked. His head turned ever so slightly, and his gaze landed on the guild knight before a broad smile spread across his face. "Artem, my boy! You're back!"

Lamy turned to her grandpa, then followed his gaze toward Artem. Her eyes lit up with recognition, and she raised a hand over her head, offering a cheerful wave.

Artem, not wanting to hold a conversation across the hall, signaled for them to come up. The shadowy figure behind Lamy seemed to snort and led the way. Lamy followed close behind while Daifuku, upon closer inspection, had her legs peeking out from under her partner's hair again.

The Great Elder made his way down the center of the hall, each step measured and graceful despite his towering frame. Hunters quickly cleared the way, some even lifting their tables in a coordinated effort to ensure the path remained unobstructed.

Reaching the end of the hall, His Immenseness eased himself onto a custom stool kept ready to accommodate his giant form, his head now level with the second floor.

"And Kage, you rapscallion! Good to see you too," the old wyverian rumbled, settling comfortably. "I was beginning to think you boys wouldn't make it back in time for the festival."

"And give the Schrade Princess more chances to tie me down there? No thanks." Artem waved off.

"Yeah, lover boy over here is more interested in your great-great-granddaughter, nyaa!"

"Kage!" Artem shot his lynian companion a withering glare, but the melynx just grinned impishly, clearly enjoying his partner's discomfort.

His Immenseness let out a booming laugh that shook the rafters. "Ho ho! Is that so? Well, I can't say I'd disapprove. Lamy could use a strong partner to keep her out of trouble."

Lamy, approaching the table with her companions, blinked as she caught the tail end of the conversation. "What's this about me?"

"Nothing," Artem said quickly, changing the subject. "Congratulations on passing your exam. Single-handedly dealing with the Yian Kut-Kus in this season is quite impressive."

"Oh, thank you!" Lamy beamed, her earlier shyness melting away. "It was really crazy at some parts, but Daifuku and I managed somehow!" She gestured to her shoulder, where Daifuku peeked out from her hair, cautiously studying the company.

"I-I didn't do anything special. L-Lamy did most of the work."

"That's not true. I really needed those healing bubbles," Lamy encouraged.

"Not to mention carting her after she got in the middle of a four-way beak down," added the last member of their party. She was tall and imposing, clad in Brute Tigrex armor, her raven-black hair cropped neatly to her chin.

"Master! You promised not to tell other people about that!" Lamy complained, stomping her foot, causing a slight vibration across the floor.

Artem recognized her as Voyeh, a renowned G-Rank Hunter. He inclined his head. "Voyeh. I've heard much about you. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Guild Knight," Voyeh nodded back, her sharp brown eyes narrowing slightly. "I'd like to say the same, but you're still wearing that damned hat."

Artem blinked, then chuckled. "Sometimes I forget I'm still wearing it." He removed his hat, revealing swept-back red hair, golden eyes, and pointed ears.

"Hey! You're a wyverian too!" Lamy exclaimed excitedly.

"That's not the only thing we have in common." Artem spread his fingers, wiggling all five and making Lamy gasp. The guild knight then turned back to Voyeh. "I've already introduced myself to Lamy and Daifuku but my name is-"

"Artem. Yes, I've heard about you too," Voyeh nodded.

"Wait, wait!" Lamy interrupted, raising her hand as if she were in a class. "How come I never noticed Artem was a wyverian too? I mean, it's not like the hat hides his ears! And are you half wyverian, which is why you have five fingers? And how do you know grandpa?"

Artem glanced at His Immenseness, silently seeking permission. The hat part was another of the Guild's secrets. Even though Voyeh seemed to know, Lamy and Daifuku were still rookies.

"It's fine," the giant chuckled. "Lamy and Daifuku aren't ones to gossip, are you, girls?"

With permission granted, Artem gestured for the others to join him and Kage at the table, with Lamy sitting directly across from him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "In reverse order, His Immenseness was my master the same way Voyeh is yours. Yes, I'm half-wyverian. As for my ears…" He held out his hat to the table. "The feather on my hat isn't just for show. It's a Decoration with skills, including one that obscures the wearer's features."

"Wouldn't that be confusing?" Lamy tilted her head. "I mean, if every guild knight doesn't know who's who, how do you stop someone from stealing a feather and sneaking in?"

"The feather's skills include allowing other knights to see past the obscuration ability. Plus, each feather is granted to a guild knight through a special ceremony. I don't know all the details—you can ask your grandpa—but the feather only works for the knight it's bestowed upon."

Lamy's eyes gleamed. "Wow, what else does it do? Can I get one?"

Kage, licking his paw lazily, grinned mischievously. "Only if you join the Guild Knights. If you want, you can give Artem a single night, and he could fast-track you from squire to knight in no time, nyaa!"

The table reacted with surprise, but Artem, knowing his partner too well, understood the innuendo and kicked the lynian's seat for good measure. "Kage's exaggerating. At most, I could waive the requirement of being a High-Rank Hunter."

Then as if on cue, a quartet of guild girls approached, balancing trays laden with a variety of dishes. The rich aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and seasoned seafood filled the air. They placed the trays down, revealing an impressive spread that covered nearly every inch of the table.

Kage's eyes widened and his ears perked up. "Nyaa, now this is service! I was starting to worry we wouldn't even get our drinks."

Lamy blinked in confusion, glancing at the guild girls. "Wait, we haven't even ordered anything yet."

The guild girl receptionist from earlier smiled politely, her hands folded in front of her. "This meal is to accommodate His Immenseness's party. We've served you the G-Rank special."

"Ah, they always know how to treat an old wyverian. Thank you." His Immenseness chuckled as a pair of men balanced a large plate across the ground floor, the seated hunters ducking down as it passed overhead. On the plate were a couple of giant skewers—modest by His Immenseness's standards but immense to everyone else.

Voyeh, already selecting a piece of roasted meat, turned to Lamy. "Don't mind it. Just eat what you want. You won't see this level of food again until you rise in rank."

Lamy hesitated for a moment, then picked up a slice of bread and some smoked fish. Her eyes lit up as she took a tentative bite. "This is amazing!" she mumbled through a mouthful, quickly reaching for more.

Daifuku, still perched on Lamy's shoulder, eyed the spread with curiosity but remained reserved, only taking small nibbles when Lamy offered her pieces.

Artem reached for a slice of roasted meat, savoring the rich, smoky flavor as he chewed. Kage, with a pleased purr, lapped up a small bowl of broth, his tail flicking in satisfaction. The guild knights and hunters at the table dug in with gusto, each bite accompanied by murmurs of appreciation.

With the meal before them, the conversation turned casual, flowing from hunting tales to light-hearted banter. As the night wore on, tankards clinked, and laughter filled the hall. A few rounds of drinks loosened tongues, lightening the mood further.

As Artem leaned back in his chair however, the beast within him stirred again, a persistent reminder of unease. His eyes then landed on Lamy. Despite his denial, Kage had been right—he was interested in the young wyverian. Though she was a grown woman and a newly ranked hunter, she was still a rookie. Whatever was riling the beast, he didn't want her anywhere near it, especially if her own beast was still dormant.

Still, he couldn't exactly tell her that he had a beast inside him and it was sensing something dangerous without sounding like a madman. If nothing else, he would put her in the safest place in the city.

With that in mind, he went ahead and asked, "So, where are you three staying tonight? The inns must be packed with all the festival-goers."

Lamy paused mid-drink, her brows knitting together. "I hadn't thought about that." She glanced at Voyeh. "Master, do you think we can find a place?"

"I'm renting a hostel room nearby, but—" Voyeh cut herself off, suddenly hitting the table with her palm, her eyes widening. "I completely forgot! I've been so busy preparing for the exam, I didn't continue paying for the room!"

Lamy's eyes widened. "You mean we don't have a place to stay?"

Voyeh sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Seems that way. We'll have to find somewhere else, though with the festival in full swing, I doubt there's a room left in the city."

"Well, that won't do, especially with Lamy's graduation." Artem frowned but inwardly cheered at the good timing. He snapped his fingers as if the idea had just come to him. "Why don't you stay at the Elder Hall? There are plenty of guest rooms available."

Voyeh raised a brow. "Shouldn't the Elder Hall be full with all the dignitaries coming for the Gathering?"

Artem hesitated, realizing he wasn't sure. Having been away for weeks, he didn't know the Elder Hall's availability. He turned to His Immenseness and tugged at his collar twice, a Guild Knight signal indicating the importance of the topic and that it must happen.

His Immenseness frowned, then replied by stroking his beard, appearing thoughtful but signaling he wanted an explanation later. "Actually, with so many VIPs requesting lodging, the Elder Hall decided to deny them all to remain impartial. So, the Elder Hall has plenty of rooms available."

Lamy's eyes widened. "Can we really stay at the Citadel?"

The giant wyverian chuckled. "Of course! It's only for the festival anyway, so there shouldn't be any problems." He turned to Voyeh. "You're welcome to stay as well."

"If His Immenseness insists, who am I to refuse?" Voyeh shrugged, then glanced at Lamy. "After you finish your drinks, can you help me gather my things at the hostel? There isn't much, but I'd appreciate an extra pair of hands."

Lamy nodded eagerly. "Sure, master! You can always count on me when it comes to lifting things!" She chugged her drink in one go and turned to her palico. "What about you, Daifuku?"

"O-okay." The white felyne gave a small nod, taking a much more reserved sip of her tankard before placing it down and climbing onto Lamy's shoulder.

"There wasn't a need to rush," Voyeh said, rolling her eyes as she finished her drink. Adjusting her armor, she rose from the table. "We won't take long. Meet you at the Citadel?" She asked, looking to Artem and His Immenseness.

Artem nodded. "We'll see you there."

With that, Voyeh led Lamy and Daifuku out of the Guild Hall, the trio weaving through the crowd as the festivities continued around them.

Once they were gone, His Immenseness turned to Artem, his voice lowered to a level only a nearby wyverian could hear. "Now, my boy, care to explain why it was necessary for Lamy to stay at the Citadel tonight?"

Artem sighed, brushing a hand along his hair. "The beast has been restless ever since we got back to the city. It's sensing something—something big." He then relayed the vision he saw to his master, as well as Casin leaving behind fourteen guild knights with him to protect the city.

His Immenseness stroked his beard, absorbing the information with a thoughtful hum. "A stone gateway, you say? It sure doesn't sound like an elder dragon's doing… Could it be the Ancient Civilization?"

"I don't have the foggiest idea," Artem admitted, taking another gulp of his drink. "And to think this is happening when the known world has its eyes on Dundorma."

The Great Elder nodded slowly, his expression grave. "I'll have the remaining guardians be on high alert and shelters readied."

They continued discussing contingency plans, but before too long, a diminutive wyverian approached His Immenseness on the ground floor. It was the local Guild Master of the hall, his small frame a distinct contrast to HIs Immenseness's towering presence.

"Pardon the interruption, Great Elder," the Guild Master said respectfully, though his tone was businesslike. "A moment to discuss the bill?"

His Immenseness chuckled. "Of course, Guild Master. I suppose even I can't escape the administrative details. Also, I'm afraid I'll have to bother you to ask your subordinates to work overtime and prepare the shelters."

The Guild Master blinked. "The shelters? Are we expecting trouble?"

"I'll explain in a moment," His Immenseness replied, then turned back to Artem. "You should go ahead to the Citadel and recruit any available staff to assist with the preparations. Tell them I'm offering three- no, five days worth of pay for their time."

Artem nodded. "Understood. It's about time I head towards the lift and meet the girls anyway," he said, placing his hat back on and nudging Kage awake from the alcohol-induced catnap.

"Who? Wha-? Where?" Kage stammered, blinking in a daze.

"Come on, Kittycat. Let's get you to bed."

"You could've just carried me home," Kage grumbled before perching himself on the guild knight's shoulder.

Artem gave a final nod to His Immenseness and made his way toward the exit. The hum of the Guild Hall's festivities continued around him as he stepped into the cool night air, his mind already focused on the preparations ahead. The festival swirled on, but the weight of the unseen storm continued to unnerve both the beast and Artem's instincts.

---

The nerscylla roared in challenge to the blare of the hunting horn, its mandibles clicking menacingly at the intruders of its dark domain. The echoing cry filled the cavern, a warning to leave—or face the consequences.

Before it could act, a cluster bomb shell detonated in its mouth, cutting off its roar with a choking blast. Staggering, it barely had time to recover before a gunlance exploded behind it, tripping the creature forward—right into a heavy hammer strike beneath its jaw, lifting it briefly off the ground.

The temnosceran whimpered, its bravado shattered, and scuttled deeper into the shadows, abandoning its nest and disappearing into the caverns.

"And don't come back to block the passage, you dumb insect!" the hammer-wielding knight called after it, shaking her fist aggressively in the now quiet cave.

"That's enough, Sofre," Casin sighed at the knight. He knew she hated insects but thought it was the 'fear' kind of hate. So he voluntold her to confront the insect, only for her to smash the poor thing into a corner. "No need to bully the poor beast any further."

Sofre shrugged, a grin still playing on her lips as she sheathed her weapon. "Aw, come on, Grand Marshal! It's not like it was a paolumu. nerscyllas are ugly, invasive pests—and they lay, like, a hundred eggs!"

"We're still the ones disrupting their ecosystem, temporary as it may be," Casin lectured, instilling the need for restraint. "The rules of the Guild still stand. We don't antagonize unless necessary."

Sofre rolled her eyes but gave a sharp salute all the same. "Yes, Grand Marshal!"

"Cheeky little shit," Casin muttered with a faint smile, Sofre's attitude reminding him of his younger days.

Sofre and the other three knights fell back into formation, mounting their seikrets. Behind them, the rest of the platoon chuckled, exchanging small sacks of zenny as bets were won and lost. Casin didn't mind the gambling—they knew better than to avoid it in official or public settings.

He urged his seikret forward, resuming the lead. "Let's move. I'm not getting any younger in these blasted caves."

The group pressed onward through the narrow corridors, the wind beckoning them toward the exit. Finally, they emerged into the forest, the full moon and starlit sky peeking through the canopy above.

Casin surveyed the woods, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of danger. Finding none, he turned back to his platoon. "Our rendezvous point is in the clearing just ahead. Don't let your guard down—we're not at the finish line yet."

"Yes, sir!"

"Yes, sir!" came the unified response.

The platoon marched their seikrets deeper into the forest, heedless of the darkness that would have blinded untrained men. After several minutes, the trees began to thin, revealing a wide clearing bathed in soft moonlight. Flickering campfires dotted the field, and the scent of cooked meat with quiet murmurs of conversation confirmed the presence of their ward.

"There they are," Casin said, turning to his men. "Alright, no sudden movements. Let's not cause a scene or an incident. That means you, Sofre"

Sofre stuck out her tongue but otherwise remained composed.

"Good evening, everyone," Casin announced, notifying the emissaries of their presence. He paused a respectful distance from the camp and dismounted, removing his hat to show his identity. "Grand Marshal Casin, of the Guild Knights of Dundorma. Apologizes for any inconvenience caused by our late arrival."

The conversations around the camp quieted, and two figures rose from the group, their features shadowed by the campfire's flickering light. As they approached, Casin discerned their appearances—a young man with spiky brown hair and a cheerful demeanor, and a young woman with blonde hair and serene blue eyes. Both of them were dressed similar to any Hunter, wearing a mix of leather and fur with bits of metal armor here and there.

"Evenin-" the young man began jovially, only to cough and quickly recompose himself with a more formal tone. "I mean, good evening, Sir Casin. I'm Lute, the, uh... village chief of Kuan Village?"

The blonde woman beside him snickered, much to Lute's embarrassment. She took his hand in hers and gave a graceful bow. "And I'm Avinia, Lute's wife. We've been looking forward to this meeting.

Casin's lips twitched into a faint smile, and he waved a hand dismissively. "If it's all the same to you, Lute, Avinia, let's drop the formality. I'm not one for it myself."

Lute visibly relaxed, his shoulders slumping in relief. "Oh thank goodness. I was worried I'd mess up and cause an incident or something."

Avinia gave Lute a playful poke in the side, a teasing smile on her lips. "Don't get too comfortable, Mr. Village Chief. Sir Casin might not mind, but we've got a lot of important people to meet tomorrow."

Casin nodded, his tone warm but measured. "I have to say, I've heard much about your group's efforts. You especially, Lute. Introducing the seikrets was quite the game changer for the Guild."

"Ah, you're welcome!" Lute said, scratching the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. "Honestly, I'm surprised it worked so well! Just goes to show we can be friends with monsters if we just give it a try, right?"

Avinia chuckled, her eyes gleaming. "Probably helped that seikrets are far more adorable than other wyverns. Though, let's be honest—my Fuzzfang is still the cutest."

"Fuzzfang?" Casin raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

Avinia's face lit up, a look Casin recognized of a proud owner ready to gush about her pet, but she caught herself, her smile softening. "Actually, we should stop standing out here in the dark. Come, you and your men should join us by the campfire. We'll introduce you to the rest of the team."

Lute and Avinia led the Guild Knights toward the largest campfire in the clearing, where several other figures now stood waiting. Like Lute and Avinia, they wore similar attire, but Casin's eyes were drawn to the grey, egg-shaped accessories on their hands, each embedded with a glowing blue gem.

He had read about these in the reports: Kinship Stones. A gem that allowed their wearers to control- nay, befriend and form bonds with monsters, establishing a profound link between rider and wyvern.

As he finished the thought, the shadows on the other side of the firelight shifted. And from the darkness, wyverns of all types stepped forward. At the forefront, a crimson rathalos and a white barioth with impeccable fur approached Lute and Avinia, nuzzling their snouts against their riders.

Casin's platoon gasped at the sight, and he glanced back at them. Thankfully, they held their ground despite their surprise. He didn't blame them. It was one thing to hear about the riders in a briefing—it was something else entirely to see them in person.

As the rathalos and barioth settled beside their riders, Lute waved the grand marshal over with an inviting smile. "This is Rath—my first partner. We've been through a lot together. Why not come over and say hi?"

Casin nodded, stepping closer with deliberate calm. "Rath," he greeted. The crimson wyvern stood taller than any other rathalos he's seen, with a rather intimidating scar that ran down its left eye. Slowly, he extended a hand, palm forwards.

Rath shifted slightly, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed the air around the guild knight. After a moment, the wyvern nudged Casin's hand with his snout, a soft rumble emanating from deep within his chest.

"He's magnificent," Casin murmured with a faint grin and ran his hand along Rath's scaled jaw.

Lute beamed, his pride evident in his expression. "Rath's always had a good sense for people. If he trusts you, it means you're alright in his book."

Casin chuckled. "That's good to know."

The other guild knights, having witnessed the exchange, seemed to take their cue from Casin's example. They began to relax, their initial wariness giving way to curiosity. One by one, they approached the riders and their wyverns.

One of the younger knights approached Lute, who eagerly began explaining the riders' bond with their wyverns. "It's not just about riding them. It's about understanding each other—working together as equals."

Nearby, Sofre had gravitated toward Avinia and the Barioth, the girls immediately gushed over the creature's pristine fur. "Oh, my, Stars! Aren't you the handsomest wyvern there is? Oh, yes you are! Sofre exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

Avinia laughed, clearly enjoying the attention. "He's a bit spoiled, I'll admit, but he deserves it."

Casin allowed himself a small smile, observing the growing camaraderie between his knights and the riders. The atmosphere was light, the earlier tension dissolved in the warmth of shared experiences.

Yet, as he looked around, a chill ran down his spine. He glanced back toward the forest, his gaze narrowing on the dark silhouette of the mountains. Dundorma lay beyond, hidden by the thick trees and towering peaks.

Artem's warning echoed in his mind, the image of the seasoned Knight's serious expression surfacing. Whatever the beast within Artem had sensed, it wasn't something to dismiss lightly.

For a moment, Casin considered urging the riders to pack up and head toward Dundorma without delay. The sense of something lurking, brewing, gnawed at the edge of his thoughts.

But then, his eyes returned to his platoon. The knights were laughing, sharing stories with the riders, and Sofre was completely immersed in conversation with Avinia, their voices mingling with the crackle of the fire and the soft sounds of the resting wyverns.

Casin sighed softly, shaking his head. He didn't have the heart to break up this moment, this fragile sense of unity and peace. Whatever waited in Dundorma, they would face it soon enough. For now, he could only pray that Artem would hold the line until their return.

 

[ATP]

I always like Gate crossovers,but knew notching about Monster Hunter.
Are they stronger then Sadera? weaker? i hope for somebody as strong as them,becouse cumberstomps are booooring.

 

[Xodarap]

Nice prologue
Throughout the chapter I was on the edge waiting for the Gate incursion beat down only to get caught in the cliffhanger.
Edit

I always like Gate crossovers,but knew notching about Monster Hunter.

Are they stronger then Sadera? weaker? i hope for somebody as strong as them,becouse cumberstomps are booooring.

Click to shrink...

When a single hunter is a superhuman capable of carrying nearly half a ton in equipment and perform Gate Apostle worthy feats wielding unbreakable weapons and explosives just double digits of them can destroy armies in the tens of thousands especially when those armies are bottled up behind a single entry point.

 

[ATP]

Nice prologue
Throughout the chapter I was on the edge waiting for the Gate incursion beat down only to get caught in the cliffhanger.
Edit

When a single hunter is a superhuman capable of carrying nearly half a ton in equipment and perform Gate Apostle worthy feats wielding unbreakable weapons and explosives just double digits of them can destroy armies in the tens of thousands especially when those armies are bottled up behind a single entry point.

Click to shrink...

Thanks !
So ,Saderans are as fucked as in canon.Maybe more,becouse japaneese tanks need logistic delivering them a lot of fuel and ammo,when all ,let say,20 hunters need is some food and water...which they could capture on enemies.