Last we left off, Kanba had received an urgent message from Rondine the Trader, the situation being an unknown calamity almost similar to the Rampage. And after defeating a Daimyo Hermitaur and facing an azure wolf beast, he meets the female member from the Knights of the Royal Order, Dame Fiorayne, and after an explanation of the calamity that threatens the Kingdom, Fugen assigns Kanba to assist Fiorayne and the Kingdom to help stop their calamity, potentially perpetrated by an Elder Dragon named Malzeno.

Right now, the ship Kanba had boarded pulls into the docks, Kanba himself and his Buddies stepping off the ship to take a gander around the outpost, seeing some spots that'll be useful to him along with new friendly faces before Fiorayne speaks up.

Fiorayne: Well, what do you think?

Kanba: You all have certainly outdone yourselves here. Commendable work.

Fiorayne: Thank you, I'd be honored to give you a full tour... But there's someone who wishes to meet you. Let's go.

Kanba follows Fiorayne to meet the commander of the outpost, Admiral Galleus.

Fiorayne: This is Admiral Galleus, our leader. Allow me to introduce you.

Fiorayne and Kanba step forward a little before they bow respectfully.

Fiorayne: I present you the Hunter of Kamura. Kanba Kenshi.

Kanba: It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.

Admiral Galleus: Likewise.

Soon they stand in what is meant to be the main command center of the outpost.

Admiral Galleus: Long journey, hm? ...I am Galleus.

Fiorayne: Admiral Galleus is in charge of operations here at the Elgado Outpost. As his adjutant, it's my duty to support the Admiral in his work. So you'll be receiving mission assignments from me in accordance with the Admiral's wishes.

Kanba: Very well, you'll have my full subordination at all times.

Fiorayne: Glad to hear it. To start with, I recommend you explore the Outpost. Get to know Elgado's people and its facilities. After all, this will be your new home for the time being. It's best to get acquainted. And everyone is excited to meet Kamura's legendary hunter. I'm sure they're eager to introduce themselves.

Kanba: Of course, Fiorayne.

Fiorayne: With the increase in monster attacks, morale has taken a hit. Your arrival will surely boost their spirits.

Kanba: I've given hope to my people back in Kamura, I can do it again here. That I assure you.

Fiorayne: Excellent. Oh, before I forget. There's one person in particular you must meet first. Master Arlow, our advisor. He's been prodding me for a chance to meet you. Literally. And I hear he has another visitor from Kamura, as well. Though I don't know who he is...

Kanba: Hm... I can take a good guess. Okay, if that's all you have, I'll start getting to know everyone here.

Kanba starts exploring the outpost, meeting many new people here at similar facilities like in Kamura, though different in their own way, before moving on to Arlow.

Arlow: And here you are at last! Kamura Village's legendary hunter.

Kanba: The one and only.

Arlow: This is a pleasant surprise. I was expecting you to be some muscle-bound goon, yeah? But you've got the eyes of a level-headed hunter. No wonder you're so beloved back home.

Kanba: I never hold arrogance in my emotional arsenal. I do what I do to protect people.

Arlow: Gotta say, I'm a little jealous. If I'd cut my teeth in Kamura, I could've been a big shot hero too...

Kanba: Hm...

Arlow: Hmph. Pay me no mind. I'm just a grumpy old warhorse. Anyway... Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Arlow, Chief Instructor of this outpost. Welcome.

Kanba: It's an honor to be here.

Arlow: While I may be the chief instructor, a lot of our combat is derived from Kamura's expertise. Kamura must have a great instructor.

Kanba: Indeed it does, my friend.

Utsushi: Hey, Ace!

Kanba looks up to see Utsushi standing on the roof of the building behind Arlow.

Kanba: I knew I suspected you to be here.

Utsushi: Aw, shurikens, how'd you know?

Kanba: Well, Fiorayne did mention that someone else from Kamura had showed up. And if I had to take a guess, it would've been you.

Utsushi: Heh, I expect nothing less of my star pupil!

Kanba: So, how about you come down here and talk with us?

Utsushi: You got it, Ace!

Utsushi drops down from the building and lands next to them.

Kanba: All right, riddle me this, why did you follow me?

Utsushi: Well Ace, time to get down to business. I've finally completed a new hunting technique I've been working on, but I forgot to tell you about it before you left.

Kanba: *Chuckles* All right then, you caught my interest.

Utsushi: Sweet, you'll have to come back to Kamura though. You can come too if you want, Arlow.

Arlow: This should be interesting, yeah? Count me in.

Utsushi: Cool! Let's head on back to Kamura. When you're ready, Ace, come talk to Arlow and we'll be on our way.

Kanba: You got it.

Kanba talks to Arlow again and they head on back to Kamura Village's Arena to learn the Switch Skill Swap.

Ravenous monsters
Their eyes shining bright
Courageous hunters
Looking for a fight
This is where they clash
Their spirits alight

Kanba starts practicing with the Switch Skill Swap and learns a new Switch Skill technique, the Sacred Sheath Combo, evening using an Arzuros in the arena below to practice his skills in a fight. In no time at all, he manages to learn the ins and outs of the Switch Skill Swap, completing the quest and returning to Elgado.

Kanba: Well, that was cool. Can't wait to put my new skills to the test in the field.

Arlow: About that...

Kanba: Huh?

Arlow: There's a lass in charge of quests here in Elgado. That's her over there, Princess Chichae.

Kanba looks over towards Chichae by the quest board.

Kanba: Huh, she looks like a little sweetheart.

Arlow: Yeah well, finding that "princess" part is a big pill to swallow, yeah? But still, the little miss is our princess.

Kanba: Hey come on now, I believe you. She just looks so sweet.

Arlow: Well she didn't want to be locked up in the castle while everyone else were risking their lives. So she became a quest receptionist.

Kanba: Hm, it must feel good to be here and not stuck in a castle the whole time. I'm kinda eager to meet her.

Arlow: Well don't let me get in the way. Just be mindful about how you talk to her, yeah?

Kanba: You got it.

Kanba goes to meet Chichae.

Kanba: Hello there, your highness.

Chichae: Oh, you must be Master Kanba! Lady Fiorayne's told me so much about you.

Kanba: I imagine it was all in good details.

Chichae: Oh most certainly. I'm Chichae, I've been given the great responsibility of handling the quests here in Elgado Outpost.

Kanba: I think I remember how it all works, though I imagine things are a little more different than before.

Chichae: You would be right. We need to stop all the Kingdom monsters from invading other territories to prevent the collapse of the ecosystem.

Kanba: Doesn't sound like a hard task, though I feel like there's more to it.

Chichae: You would be right. There are three types of monsters among the Kingdom that are very influential, the Three Lords.

Kanba: The Three Lords?

Chichae: Yes, the Three Lords are the Lunagaron that you encountered in the Shrine Ruins, the Garangolm, and the Elder Dragon, Malzeno.

Kanba: I see.

Chichae: Because these monsters have a much greater potential to upset the ecosystem, we're monitoring them more closely. And that will be the focus of the quests that you'll be taking. Thank you. "...Oh, I managed that quite well!" *Ahem* That's all for now. When you're ready to embark on a quest, just remember: "Chat with Chich for all of your questing needs!"

Kanba: *Giggles* I'll remember that quite fondly.

Chichae: Oh, just one more thing, though!

Kanba: Hm?

Chichae: Do you see that adorable Felyne over there? That's the Courier! Chat with him for some essential information about quests.

Kanba: Noted. Okay, I think that's all I have to hear for now. I'll come see you again when I'm ready to leave for a quest. Until then, take care, your highness.

Chichae: See you later!

Kanba goes to the ship where the sleeping quarters have been converted into his personal room.

Kanba: Nice.

Kanba decorates the room with traditional Japanese arts and motivational words written in Japanese on scrolls, as well as a few trinkets from home.

Kanba: Now it feels like home.

Fiorayne: Making yourself comfortable in your new quarters?

Kanba: Oh, Fiorayne. Yes, I was adding some decorations to make it feel like home. So you know, I don't get homesick.

Fiorayne: *Small chuckle* I see. So, I believe you have met the princess?

Kanba: Yes, she's very sweet. Reminds me of Hinoa and Minoto. Also, what did you tell her about me?

Fiorayne: Oh nothing too serious, just the part of when you protected me from that Lunagaron in the Shrine Ruins. She thought it was very noble of you to put your own life at risk for me.

Kanba: Well it's not the first time I've done so, but in that sense, I feel honored that I have.

Fiorayne: That's not all, she even considered you to be "a Knight in Shining Armor." Honestly, I couldn't agree more.

Kanba: *Blushing* Well then, Sir Knight Kanba Kenshi, at your service.

Fiorayne giggles at the joke he made, Kanba's heart skips a beat and realizes that he's in love with her.

Fiorayne: You have quite a sense of humor, but please do save it for when we're here in the outpost and not in the field.

Kanba: Please, I don't joke when I'm out in the field. I'm just work hard first and play around harder later. So you won't see me lacking in skills when fighting a monster.

Fiorayne: I'll hold you to that statement, "Sir Knight Kanba Kenshi."

Kanba: Hey now!

Kanba and Fiorayne share a laugh together before they stop.

Kanba: Well, that's enough jokes for now. Time to get serious. I'll be heading out on my first quest.

Fiorayne: Very well, good luck.

Kanba returns to Chichae and signs for his next Master Rank quest with a Kulu-Ya-Ku, heading out to a new locale in the Kingdom, the Jungle.

Those who step foot in this land...
Will behold its breathtaking splendor.
Ancient ruins, lush greens, and rich waters.

Kanba arrives at the first camp in the Jungle, and starts navigating this new environment for Endemic Life and crafting materials, while also taking in the beauty of this new biome.

Kanba: This place is so pretty. It's a wonder why they wish for me to protect the ecosystem from invading beasts.

Kanba finishes up and goes to fight with Kulu-Ya-Ku, the fight being a wash and he finishes in no time at all.

Kanba: I wonder what else this place holds for me. Only time will tell.

Kanba returns to Elgado and signs for another quest, this time signing for a culling quest regarding Hermitaurs and Velociprey. Finishing the quest with little difficulty, he returns to Elgado and goes to see Galleus and Fiorayne in the command center.

Admiral Galleus: ...Something's come up that concerns you, Kanba. It's about Kamura Village.

Kanba: What's wrong?

Fiorayne: While it's entirely true that the Rampage isn't completely over, your village has been largely unscathed thanks to you.

Kanba: I wouldn't let anything get through, even if it meant my life.

Fiorayne: So, at the suggestion of Elder Fugen, Elgado and Kamura to strengthen their ties and collaboration more.

Kanba: Doesn't sound like a hard ask. Count me in.

Fiorayne: Good, because there's a hitch. There's a Tetranodon being a nuisance in the Jungle. As a result, travel between the two lands is proving difficult. We were preparing to send knights to deal with the issue, but Elder Fugen suggested you for the task.

Kanba: He's a wise elder, never led us astray once. I'll handle your Tetranodon problem.

Admiral Galleus: See that you do, you'll get the quest details from Chichae.

Kanba: Yes, sir.

Kanba goes to Chichae to get the quest details.

Kanba: Hey, Chichae. Is something wrong young princess? You seem rather glum.

Chichae: ...Master Kanba. While I may be a princess, it's my duty to send knights on dangerous missions. I admit, it was frustrating not being able to hunt... To be able to protect your people. However... I received a letter from Rondine about how hunting isn't the only way that protects those you care for. That made me feel so much better.

Kanba: And Rondine is right, your highness. Two young friends of mine, Yomogi and Iori, were in the same boat as you. They wanted to help me hunt down Magnamalo, a beast of pure malice. But Fugen riddled them that their work was more than enough to help me, and in turn, that allows me to protect everyone. So remember, Chichae, even though you can't go out in the field with us, your work is greatly appreciated regardless.

Chichae: Noble and compassionate! You're such a splendid hunter indeed!

Kanba: I try, thank you. Anyway, I have a Tetranodon to take care of. So if you don't mind?

Chichae: Oh, of course!

Kanba signs for the Urgent Quest and heads off to deal with the Tetranodon, the fight being a wash as he returns to the outpost, reporting to Admiral Galleus and Fiorayne.

Admiral Galleus: Well done, hunter...

Fiorayne: Thanks to your efforts, the passage from Kamura to Elgado has opened up. This passage not only increases our commerce but to strengthen our bond as well. May our people prosper.

Kanba: Happy to lend a hand.

Fiorayne: And speaking of, Lady Hinoa, Lady Minoto, and Master Utushi is already en route to come visit you. Hehe. You're quite popular.

Kanba: And for good reason too. I can't wait to show them around.

Fiorayne: While you do wait, why not see if Chichae has posted any new quests for you?

Kanba: One step ahead of you.

Kanba talks to others and checks out more quests to take, while also completing delivery quests before returning to Admiral Galleus and Fiorayne.

Admiral Galleus: ...We've had an urgent message come in from Kamura.

Kanba: That's not good. What happened?

Admiral Galleus: ...Fiorayne?

Fiorayne: Yes, Admiral. The urgent message requests that you take care of a Bishaten that's terrorizing the Shrine Ruins.

Kanba: Sounds easy, but I feel like there's a catch.

Fiorayne: Very perceptive. This apparently is no ordinary Bishaten. Or an Apex, for that matter. It's a Subspecies. A Blood Orange Bishaten.

Kanba: Subspecies huh? I guess things aren't going to be easy. Then again, when are they ever easy?

Fiorayne: Not very often, I'm afraid.

Kanba: All right, I'll take care of this Blood Orange Bishaten.

Fiorayne: Admiral, with your permission, I'd like to accompany Kanba on this assignment. If I'm correct, responsibility lies with the Kingdom. And as a knight of the Royal Order, I'm bound by duty to rectify the situation.

Admiral Galleus: ...Fiorayne.

Fiorayne: I took an oath to follow the knight's code long ago. I will not let the Kingdom down!

Admiral Galleus: Fiorayne. Honor, pride, chivalry, duty... Fine virtues. And your willingness to sacrifice everything is admirable. But valuing your life is still a greater virtue. One you've yet to learn. ...Understood?

Fiorayne: Y-Yes, sir! Absoultely, sir!

Admiral Galleus: Recall the tale of the Archdemon of the Abyss; drawn by corrupted hearts. The fiend rises again to devour our kingdom whole. A knight whose heart is drunk on virtue invites nothing more than calamity. May you never forget that. You have my permission to accompany Kanba on this mission. Kanba, Chichae should have the quest ready for you to register. Don't waste any time.

Kanba: Yes, sir. And I'll make sure Fiorayne comes back safe and hopefully unscathed. You have my word on it.

Admiral Galleus: I'll hold you to it. Now get going.

Kanba and Fiorayne go to see Chichae about the Urgent Quest.

Chichae: Lady Fiorayne, are you going to accompany Kanba on this assignment?

Fiorayne: Indeed, it is my duty to resolve the matter after all since this is a beast from our kingdom.

Kanba: And the Shrine Ruins are near Kamura, and I have more than enough reason to go take care of it. Now I have assistance with me.

Chichae: You two would make excellent hunting partners, and I say it with certainty.

Kanba: Thank you, Chichae. Anywho, about that quest.

Kanba signs for the Urgent Quest, he and Fiorayne heading to the Shrine Ruins to take care of the Blood Orange Bishaten. The cutscene plays with a couple of normal Bishatens encountering their Subspecies counterpart.

Opportunity may present itself from the most unexpected of places.
As folly begets yet more folley.
And even if it results in disaster of unknown proportions...
The cycle of stupidity created by these creatures...
Could appear like a feast to the crazed eye.

Dismal Jester: Blood Orange Bishaten

Kanba and Fiorayne arrive at camp together in the Shrine Ruins.

Kanba: First we met, I couldn't really see much of your fighting skills. Perhaps now you can show them to me in full.

Fiorayne: To you as well. You fight bravely, but I wish to see more.

Kanba: Then let us make haste.

Kanba leads Fiorayne throughout the ruins to collect Endemic Life and crafting materials.

Kanba: I apologize if this is time consuming. I want to make sure I'm ready for anything when I face a monster.

Fiorayne: I show no judgment for your routine on a hunt. It's always best to be prepared.

Kanba: That should be everything. Come, let us face our target.

Kanba and Fiorayne find the Blood Orange Bishaten and face it in combat together, the beast proving no match to the might of the Kamura Hunter and a Knight of the Royal Order, as the beast falls before them.

Kanba: That was a good hunt. Your skills are impressive.

Fiorayne: Likewise.

Kanba: Let's return to Elgado and report to Admiral Galleus.

Fiorayne: Let's.

(To be continued...)