The Guild infirmary was bathed in the warm light of early morning. The scent of herbs and ointments mingled with the faint metallic tang of armors being repaired nearby. Hunter lay on a soft cot, muscles aching and body bruised from the Rathalos encounter. Faint bruises ran across his arms and shoulders, reminders of just how close he had come to death.
Pyro, perched loyally beside him, tail flicking anxiously, scanned the room for any threat. Agile, alert, and ever faithful, the Palico had proven indispensable during the hunt. Even now, it was as if the little creature understood the gravity of the moment — their master was recovering, but the world beyond awaited.
---
Hunter flexed his fingers inside the fist gauntlets he had carefully crafted. The pangs of pain reminded him that even the strongest warriors were not invincible. The Rathalos had been terrifyingly fast, aggressive, and powerful. Yet, in the midst of near-death, a new force had awakened within him: Conqueror's Haki.
He closed his eyes, mentally reviewing every movement from the hunt. Observation Haki had allowed him to read the Rathalos' attacks, predicting its strikes with near-perfect precision. Armament Haki had reinforced his punches, allowing him to strike with power capable of piercing thick scales. And the seven Marine Styles, though still integrated imperfectly, had enhanced his mobility, evasion, and strategic positioning.
He had survived, but only barely. The awakening of Conqueror's Haki had saved him — but it also reminded him of the dangers that awaited in the wider world. The Old World, as formidable as it was, was only the beginning.
---
Even while recuperating, Hunter did not remain idle. The Guild provided ample space for him to practice Haki and Marine Styles, while ensuring his wounds healed safely.
Conqueror's Haki Control: Hunter began small exercises, focusing on controlling its radius and intensity. A single pulse could knock back smaller creatures or untrained hunters, but he needed precision before it could be used strategically.
Marine Styles Integration: Though he had learned all seven techniques — Soru, Kami-e, Tekkai, Geppo, Rankyaku, Shigan, and Seiken — Hunter worked tirelessly to blend them seamlessly into combat. Geppo allowed him to leap over obstacles, Soru closed distances instantly, and Kami-e evaded attacks almost effortlessly. Pyro acted as a sparring partner and tactical support, weaving in distractions and minor attacks to simulate real hunts.
Armament and Observation Haki: These remained elite, yet Hunter drilled relentlessly, pushing his reflexes, speed, and predictive abilities to the next level.
Pyro was always at his side, purring softly, leaping and weaving with perfect timing. The Palico's training in Soru, Kami-e, and Tekkai allowed it to act autonomously when Hunter's focus was split, healing minor injuries, distracting enemies, or guiding Hunter's movements. Their bond had grown stronger than ever.
---
Recovery also allowed Hunter to focus on blacksmithing upgrades, a key part of his strategy. With monster materials salvaged from past hunts, he refined his fist gauntlets, reinforcing them with Rathalos bone and special alloys discovered by Guild blacksmiths. Each adjustment increased strike speed, durability, and comfort, allowing Haki to flow unimpeded.
He also designed light armor that mirrored the appearance of standard hunter gear, ensuring villagers and other hunters would not suspect the hidden enhancements. Flexibility, mobility, and protective strength were perfectly balanced. Every plate, strap, and joint had been carefully measured to match Hunter's fighting style — a combination of fist combat, Haki, and Marine Styles.
---
During his recovery, Hunter spent hours in the Guild's library and training grounds, studying the ecology of monsters he had faced and those rumored in distant lands. Observation Haki allowed him to memorize attack patterns and physical weaknesses quickly, while Marine Styles gave him the practical agility to counter them.
Every monster became a lesson:
Behavior patterns: how and when they hunt, how they react to threats.
Weak points: where to strike with maximum effect.
Movement and flight dynamics: particularly for flying wyverns like Rathalos and Rathian.
Pyro, ever observant, learned to anticipate Hunter's strategies, further enhancing the effectiveness of their hunts.
---
Rumors reached Hunter through Guild channels: explorers were venturing to a New World, an uncharted continent teeming with monsters far stronger than any in the Old World. Lands where ancient creatures roamed freely, ecosystems were untouched, and challenges awaited that could test even the most elite hunters.
The Guild spoke of the fifth fleet, a group of skilled hunters and adventurers chosen to explore, study, and tame the New World. It was the perfect opportunity for Hunter — a chance to test his Haki, refine his Marine Styles, and uncover secrets beyond the Old World's borders.
Hunter's fingers flexed in anticipation. "The Old World taught us well, Pyro," he said softly. "But the real monsters, the real challenges… they're out there. And when the time comes, we'll face them together."
Pyro meowed softly, tail flicking with energy. Agile, tactical, and loyal — the Palico would continue to act as hunter, support, and companion, always ready to assist Hunter in battle.
---
Over the following months, Hunter prepared meticulously:
Combat readiness: Drills combining Haki and Marine Styles, sparring with Pyro and Guild hunters.
Equipment refinement: Upgraded fist gauntlets, reinforced light armor, and portable tools.
Monster knowledge: Studying new species and practicing strategies to counter unfamiliar attacks.
Mental fortitude: Meditation and controlled Haki exercises to strengthen focus and resolve.
By the time he reached eighteen, Hunter was ready to join the fifth fleet. His Haki was elite, his Marine Styles advanced and fluid, and his equipment perfectly optimized for mobility and power. Pyro, fully trained, would accompany him as a tactical partner and trusted ally.
---
Hunter glanced at the horizon, sunlight glinting off his gauntlets and armor. "The Old World was only the beginning," he whispered. "The New World will test everything we've learned. But we're ready, Pyro. Together, nothing will stop us."
The Palico chirped in agreement, leaping onto Hunter's shoulder. Agile, loyal, and prepared for any challenge, Pyro had been trained to anticipate and support his master in every encounter. Their bond was unbreakable, a combination of trust, skill, and shared experience forged over a decade of secret training and countless hunts.
The New World awaited, filled with unknown monsters, untamed lands, and a destiny that had only just begun. Hunter and Pyro stood ready to face it all.