Last we left off, Kanba, now accompanied by Fiorayne, headed back to Kamura to dispatch a Bishaten Subspecies, Blood Orange Bishaten. Fortunately, the knight and hunter working in tandem made the monkey like beast seem like light work, as they return to Elgado.

Kanba was currently standing in the command center with Admiral Galleus and Fiorayne.

Admiral Galleus: Welcome back, Kanba.

Fiorayne: I am rather impressed. Your technique out there was superb. Despite the severity of the situation, I quite enjoyed hunting with-

Admiral Galleus: *Ahem* ...I have received a full account from Kamura. Good job... Both of you.

Kanba: All in a day's work, sir.

Admiral Galleus: So the appearance of this Bishaten Subspecies is due to the influence being spread by the Kingdom's monsters... We cannot allow them to continue invading other territories.

Fiorayne: Yes, sir. The researchers have discovered signs of the Kingdom's Three Lords. They're following their trail. The Three Lords are all very powerful monsters. Elgado will need to show great solidarity here. And we'll be counting on you, Kanba.

Kanba: Of course. I won't stop until the job's done.

Fiorayne: Good. But let's wait and see what the investigation reveals about the Three Lords. For now, we need to talk. Do you have time?

Kanba: Of course, what do you wish to speak about?

Fiorayne: Now, I know we just went out hunting moments prior, but I feel interested in going out with you again.

Kanba: Well, aside from my Buddies, I haven't had any human companions to work with in a while. So I'm eager to work with you again.

Fiorayne: Splendid. I've actually prepared a new quest. Chichae has it added to her list. Go speak to her when you're ready.

Kanba: Of course, Fiorayne.

Fiorayne: You can also take other allies out on quests with you as Followers. Allowing them to hone each other's skills. I'm sure there are many here who would wish to tag along with the Fierce on a hunt or two.

Kanba: Now that is interesting. I'll keep that in mind.

Fiorayne: Excellent. Now, if you have anything else you want to speak about, you can be on your way.

Kanba: There is one thing I'd like to speak about.

Admiral Galleus: Speak your mind, Hunter.

Kanba: Earlier before we left to dispatch the Blood Orange Bishaten, you mentioned something about an "Archdemon of the Abyss". What is that?

Everyone present share slightly concerned glances at each other before Galleus speaks up.

Admiral Galleus: There was an old tale passed throughout the Kingdom, a tale of a monster of pure evil that surfaces whenever anyone's heart is filled evil desires; the Archdemon of the Abyss. No-one has seen this beast, and it's best if we didn't at all.

Kanba: ...I see. If this Archdemon of the Abyss responds to the darkness in one's heart, then I can see why you scolded Fiorayne for trying so hard to come with me.

Admiral Galleus: I only wished to spare her of these inner desires. But you're pure of heart, aren't you, Kanba?

Kanba: Of course I am, sir. I only hunt to protect those I hold dear to me. Not for sport or pleasure. I'm more empathic when I hunt.

Fiorayne: Then I believe you will hold our beliefs in your mind?

Kanba: Definitely. Anyway, that's all I needed to know. I'll be on my way to undertake more quests.

Fiorayne: Best of luck to you.

Kanba leaves the command center, his heart hung heavy with this disturbing answer to his question about the Archdemon of the Abyss. He would have to mindful of his actions to make sure no malice crept into his soul. But for now, he would take on more quests, but even doing Follower Quests before returning to the Command Center in Elgado with Admiral Galleus and Fiorayne.

Admiral Galleus: ...Kanba, there's urgent business. Fiorayne?

Fiorayne: Yes, sir. There's a slightly...eccentric scientist on the investigation team. He was tracking the trail of one of the Three Lords in the Flooded Forest. But while tracking the Three Lords, another monster was tracking him as well...

Kanba: How did he let another monster catch wind of him?

Fiorayne: Curiosity gets the better of him, and when he's focused on his research, he's blind to everything around him. Though he's not in any immediate danger, he's rather fleet footed for someone who doesn't get any exercise. But the problem is that, without him, our investigation cannot proceed.

Kanba: Sounds like trouble. Very well, I'll go save your scientist.

Fiorayne: Excellent, we've already sent an Urgent Quest to Chichae.

Kanba: Right then.

Kanba talks to Chichae and heads off to deal with an Anjanath scouring the Flooded Forest, and once the voracious beast was dispatched, he's met by Elgado's Wyverian scientist, Bahari, when he went explored the area to look for him, finding the scientist trying to find tracks.

Bahari: Hmmm... Nah, that's not it. This thing is really hard to find.

Kanba: Ahem.

Bahari: Hm? Who are you?

Kanba: Kanba, Kamura's legendary hunter. I was sent by Galleus and Fiorayne to eliminate the Anjanath stalking you. Or at least it was until I put it down.

Bahari: Woah really? I didn't-

Bahari pauses when he notices a large track behind Kanba, walking past Kanba to examine it rather excitedly.

Bahari: Wow, look at this! All of this! Isn't it great!? Something strong scooped up the soil here... And there are marks of something being dragged. Look at the size of it!

Bahari thinks for a moment before he speaks up.

Bahari: Garangolm... It must've passed through here.

Kanba: Garangolm? One of the Three Lords of Elgado?

Bahari: Got that right. Oh right, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Bahari gadget expert and researcher extraordinaire. Nice to meet you.

Kanba offered his hand for a handshake but Bahari blindly dismisses it.

Bahari: Anyway... Garangolm aren't know for leaving their territory, so... What's this thing doing here...? Something weird is going on. Guess I gotta start investigating huh?

Kanba: Don't you wanna head back to Elgado?

Bahari: I'd love to head back to the outpost with you... But I need to take care of things here first. Could you uh... Give my regards to the Admiral?

Kanba: Whatever you say.

Kanba was about to leave before Bahari interrupts him.

Bahari: Oh, and one more thing!

Kanba: Hm?

Bahari: If you run into Fiorayne... Tell I'm looking forward to seeing her again.

Kanba: Very well.

Kanba leaves Bahari to his investigation and returns to Elgado and reports to Galleus and Fiorayne.

Kanba: I took care of the Anjanath and found your scientist, but he refused to return to the outpost.

Galleus lets out a small sigh when receiving this information.

Fiorayne: Well, sir... What can I say? Bahari is true to form. I'm not sure how we can guarantee his safety if he ignores the assistance offered to him...

Admiral Galleus: Fool.

Fiorayne: Yes, yes. I couldn't agree more. Your previous reprimand feels more relevant now. Though one might feel it is their duty to sacrifice themselves, one may look at it as recklessness.

Admiral Galleus: Precisely. One's virtue... Another's vice. Simple as that. Does your family...your friends care about your legacy more than your presence? No. It's foolish to believe such nonsense.

Fiorayne: ...Well said, sir. Now then, Kanba... The Garangolm Bahari mentioned, is in fact, one of the Three Lords we're looking for. He must have a good reason to stay out in the field. I just hopes he understands the danger he's put himself in.

Kanba: Well, that reality will catch up to him eventually.

Fiorayne: Nevertheless, once he's ascertained the monster's approximate location, we'll dispatch reinforcements to guarantee his safety. Oh, and well done on your last mission. We're counting on your continued success if we are to push this investigation forward.

Kanba: I won't disappoint.

Kanba went on his business to take requests from the residents of Elgado, before talking to Chichae.

Chichae: Kanba, I have received a message from your village elder.

Kanba: Elder Fugen? What did the old man say?

Chichae: Apparently a Legiana has been terrorizing the wildlife in the Frost Islands, and he needs you to help dispatch it.

Kanba: A Legiana huh? All right, leave it to me.

He assigns for the Urgent Quest and heads back to the Frost Islands, as a cutscene plays with a flock of Remobra being attack by the Legiana.

Small flying wyverns minding about their business, is soon met by an agile predator. The empress of the tundra is swift and deadly, their flight is seemingly a hypnotic dance. As its piercing black talons grab you with no intent of release, the empress has caught their prey.

Frostwoven Flyer: Legiana

Kanba arrives at the Frost Islands and starts collecting resources and Endemic Life.

Kanba: "A Legiana, an agile beast of ice. This is going to be interesting."

Kanba and the Legiana do battle in the icy tundra, both hunter and beast preforming smooth and seamless attacks as the fight goes on, but the Legiana soon falls to the hunter.

Kanba: You were an elegant opponent, rest in peace.

Kanba returns to Elgado after the quest is complete.

To be continued....