The smell of cooked meat and fresh herbs drifted through the air as Hunnt and Pyro followed Arthur back into Astera. The city bustled with energy—hunters carrying freshly carved trophies, smiths hammering out sparks in the forge, and researchers scribbling hurried notes on clipboards.
Arthur turned his head with a casual smile. "Welcome to Astera, Hunnt. What do you think?"
Hunnt scanned the organized chaos with sharp eyes, his hands tucked into his belt. "Busy… but efficient," he said flatly.
"Meow!" Pyro chirped from his shoulder, his tail flicking with interest as his round eyes darted between the lively market stalls and the massive forge.
Arthur chuckled. "Looks like Pyro likes it here."
Clove, perched on Arthur's shoulder, let out a sharp "Mrrrow!" and tapped Pyro on the head with her paw.
"Meow?" Pyro blinked at her, then yowled indignantly.
Arthur raised an eyebrow at the sudden feline argument. "Uh… are they—?"
Hunnt smirked, finally letting a small laugh escape. "Don't worry. Pyro doesn't start fights… but he finishes them."
"Meow-meow!" Pyro squeaked in protest, pawing at Hunnt's cheek, clearly denying the accusation.
Arthur snorted. "You two are something else."
They reached the main platform overlooking the ocean, where the salty breeze whipped through the air. Hunnt's sharp gaze caught movement near the edge of the docks—and froze.
Darric.
The veteran hunter from the Old World leaned casually against a crate, his great sword slung over his shoulder. The moment his eyes met Hunnt's, a slow grin formed on his face.
"Well, I'll be damned," Darric said, walking forward with confident strides. "Didn't think I'd see you here, kid."
Hunnt gave a rare genuine smile, clasping Darric's hand in a firm shake. "Didn't expect you either. Still hunting like a madman, I see."
"Better believe it." Darric tilted his head, eyeing Pyro with amusement. "And you brought the little menace with you, huh?"
"Meow!" Pyro puffed his chest proudly, standing tall on Hunnt's shoulder.
Arthur blinked between the two hunters. "Wait, you know each other?"
"Old friends," Darric explained, smirking. "Met during one of my hunts back in the Old World. Kid had potential even then. Didn't realize that potential would grow this much, though."
Hunnt's expression remained neutral, but his eyes gleamed with quiet amusement. "I trained hard."
"Meow," Pyro added smugly, his tail curling upward as if to say, and I helped.
As they walked deeper into the hub, laughter and conversation filled the air. At the canteen, Darric waved them over to a table. "Come on, drinks on me. We've got catching up to do."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? This place isn't cheap."
"Relax," Darric said, waving him off. "I'm celebrating."
When the food arrived, Pyro and Clove immediately leaped onto the table, sniffing the plates before pouncing on the fish skewers.
"Pyro, wait—" Hunnt started, but it was too late. Pyro had already claimed an entire skewer, darting behind Hunnt's chair with a muffled "Mrow-mrow!"
Clove, not to be outdone, swiped another skewer and hissed in playful defiance.
Arthur groaned, covering his face. "Clove, really? You're supposed to be a professional."
Hunnt's shoulders shook with silent laughter. "Guess professionalism isn't in their vocabulary."
Pyro tilted his head, staring at him blankly before letting out a loud, unapologetic "Mrow!"
Mid-meal, the Admiral's booming voice echoed through the canteen.
"All hunters, prepare for a briefing! We've got signs of an Elder Dragon nearby!"
The room went quiet for a brief moment before erupting in murmurs of excitement and tension.
Arthur pushed back his chair, his expression sharpening. "Sounds like we're up."
Darric leaned back, crossing his arms with a serious look. "Zorah Magdaros… I heard the rumors, but if it's real, this'll be bigger than anything we've faced."
Hunnt's expression darkened slightly. He remembered the overwhelming pressure of that first sighting—the weight of its massive form moving across the ocean.
Pyro noticed his silence and pawed at his arm gently, letting out a soft, questioning "Mrow…"
Hunnt patted Pyro's head, his voice calm but firm. "We'll be ready. Whatever comes, we handle it—together."
Later, as the sun dipped low and the camp buzzed with preparations, Hunnt stood alone at the edge of the platform, gazing out over the sea. Pyro sat quietly beside him, tail curled neatly around his paws.
Arthur approached quietly, Clove following close behind. "You're quiet," Arthur said softly.
Hunnt didn't look away from the horizon. "Just thinking. The New World… it's dangerous. More dangerous than most realize."
Arthur smirked, though his tone held respect. "Then it's a good thing we've got you watching our backs."
Pyro chirped in agreement, climbing onto Hunnt's shoulder again.
Hunnt allowed himself a small smile, but in his mind, he knew the truth: the real battles hadn't even begun.