Last we left off, Kanba had hunted down an Anjanath scouring the Flooded Forest in an effort to protect Elgado's top Wyverian scientist, Bahari. But despite his success, Bahari insisted to stay behind to keep tracking the first of the Three Lords; Garangolm. Kanba had reported to Fiorayne and Galleus about the success of the mission, and is now on standby until they receive word about the Garangolm. Soon that moment would come as he returns to the Command Center with urgent news from Galleus and Fiorayne.

Kanba: Admiral Galleus? Fiorayne?

Fiorayne: There you are, Kanba. We've just had an urgent report come in from Bahari. After wading through realms of irrelevant drivel, I've worked out that he's found the Garangolm and is now in pursuit. It's attacking nearby settlements, so we need to act fast.

Kanba: Don't worry, I'm sure we'll stop it before it causes major damage.

Galleus: ...The crucial question is, why have these monsters suddenly begun to expand into new territory? Our success on this mission will bring us a step closer to that answer.

Fiorayne: I'll once again be accompanying you. As a knight of the Order, I won't have you going after the Three Lords alone.

Kanba: I'm sure I could handle it myself, but if you insist.

Fiorayne: Chichae should already have the Urgent Quest registered. Make your preparations and let us depart immediately.

Kanba: Of course.

Kanba goes to check his equipment box in his room on the ship to make sure he's stocked on needed items for the hunt, before he turns to face Fiorayne.

Kanba: Oh, Fiorayne. Is there something you need?

Fiorayne: A moment prior, you said you could handle the Garangolm by yourself.

Kanba: Oh, well if that felt insulting then I sincerely apologize.

Fiorayne: No, it wasn't that. You sounded as though you wish to spare me of potential injuries.

Kanba: Well, I just don't wish to put anyone else at risk when I'm hunting monsters that are probably too much for anyone aside from me to handle. I might be "The Fierce", but I also don't want to be guilty for any major injuries. So yes, I am strong and masterful, but also sympathetic.

Fiorayne: I do appreciate your concern, but this is the Kingdom's issue on the most part. Rest assured that I will be fine when we take on these monsters.

Kanba: Very well, I won't stop you. It's your decision, not mine to make. Come along then, that Garangolm won't be waiting for us.

Kanba and Fiorayne depart on the quest, arriving at the old medieval ruins, the Citadel.

Ages have passed, reducing this land to an indistinct ruin. Whether this ruin benefits the hunter... Or whether it benefits the prey, remains to be seen.

We receive a cutscene that shows the Garangolm resting peacefully, before it's rudely interrupted by small Bird Wyverns, Boggi.

A pure creature, lingering to its heart's content. It looks docile and innocent at first glance. But if it's disturbed from its peaceful desires... Pure anger becomes pure strength. As its power grow, so does its ire. Getting in its way is risking life and limb. It's already too late to realize... That this creature's desires are not to be trifled with.

Wandering Colossus: Garangolm

Kanba and Fiorayne arrive at the main camp outside the Citadel, going through a small passage at the forefront of the trail to be met with quite a sight.

Kanba: So, this is the Citadel?

Fiorayne: Indeed, once home to the residents that were part of the Kingdom before Malzeno appeared. Now it lays in desolate ruins.

Kanba: Well, a new locale presents new opportunities to explore. But for now, we have a Garangolm to hunt.

Fiorayne: Let us make haste then.

Kanba and Fiorayne search the Citadel for the Garangolm while searching for Endemic Life on the way, before the two finally encounter the apish titan as it roars loudly at them.

Kanba: So this is a Garangolm? Such fierce rage!

Fiorayne: It would be foolish to underestimate its power! We should keep our wits about us!

Kanba and Fiorayne battle the Garangolm for a bit before the beast plunges both its arms into the ground to bear its elemental gauntlets before roaring loudly once again.

Kanba: That's new! I've never seen a monster do that before!

Fiorayne: Stay sharp! Look out for new attacks!

Kanba and Fiorayne continue fighting the beast until Kanba gets a good hit in and it shatters the elemental gauntlets and knocks the Garangolm to the ground.

Kanba: Aha, so the gauntlets can be broken! Time for a counterattack!

The battle goes on and on, the Garangolm fleeing to other areas but the two hunters giving chase each time. Only when the beast gains its element gauntlets and drags its head on the ground does it acquire the element helm and roars loudly again, signaling the final round.

Kanba: An elemental helm?! It must be on its last legs!

Fiorayne: Don't let up! Keep going!

The Knight and Kamura Hunter keep fighting the beast until the final strike, when it finally falls dead before them.

Fiorayne: Remarkable work. I expected nothing less from Kamura's fiercest hunter.

Kanba: You did great too, Fiorayne.

Soon the two were exploring the locale around them, having hit nightfall a few hours ago as they examine the area around them, Kanba examining resin left behind on a tree.

Fiorayne: It may not be much, but at least we have some clues to go on.

She kneels down to examine a liquid substance on the ground.

Fiorayne: Who knows how far they'll lead us though... *Stands up* We need to know the extent of its territory. Other monsters might be affected.

Kanba: Hold.

Fiorayne: Excuse me?

Kanba: Something doesn't feel right. Look.

He points out the ravens flying away in the distance before rushing wind almost blow them away, Kanba knocks Fiorayne behind a tree before finds himself on the ground, fortunately a log lands behind him and he uses that for cover until the wind finally stops.

Fiorayne: Kanba?!

Kanba: *Stands up* Don't worry, I'm unharmed.

Fiorayne: What on earth... I sense something...odious.

Kanba: Yeah, this place doesn't sit right.

Fiorayne notices some large drag marks and kneels down to examine them, but Kanba looks up to see red bird like parasites flying away in the distance.

Soon the pair return to Elgado, reporting to Galleus and Bahari.

Galleus: ...Kanba, Fiorayne. Good work.

Bahari: Hey, you two! You kicked some serious monsterimus maximus out there! But you know, according to my calculations, you should've been four seconds faster downin' that thing. What gives? Four seconds is a lot. I've gotta figure out the discrepancy. Like, are you sick? Are you getting enough shut-eye, Fio?

Fiorayne: *Sigh* Allow me to formally introduce you, Kanba. This irritating man is Bahari. A scientist, as you know.

Kanba: I could tell that much from the moment we met.

Fiorayne: But as irritating as he is, when it comes to monster research, he's the top in his field. He's also behind the construction of a great many of Elgado's facilities.

Kanba: Really? How interesting.

Fiorayne: So you see, his competence has earned him the position of chief researcher. As a result, I can't get away from the man, and spend far too much time letting him get on my nerves.

Kanba: Well, that's a bit of unfortunate luck.

Bahari: Look at her, dancing around my question. C'mon, Fio. I'm four seconds out. Are you sure you're getting enough-

Galleus: *Ahem* Before Elgado was an outpost, Bahari was researching the connections between the craters and the Kingdom's monsters. ...He's always indispensable, and always will be. So annoying as he is, you WILL get along.

Bahari: Woah! I don't know who's harsher, Admiral. You or Fio. ...Alright, alright. Fine. We'll get to the bottom of those four seconds some other time. But first, I gotta get to the bottom of this Bishaten business, I'm gonna analyze some samples of that Garangolm. Maybe they'll shed some light... I could use some help investigating these Kingdom monsters. My lab is next to the Tea Shop, swing by there if you're interested.

Kanba: Of course.

Bahari: You know you're always welcome too, Fio.

Fiorayne: In your dreams.

Bahari: Never change, Fio. Well, guess it's just you and me for now, Kanba. Looking forward to workin' with ya!

Kanba: The feeling is mutual.

Kanba left the Command Center to speak with the residents and receive some side quests, before coming to Bahari.

Kanba: Bahari?

Bahari: Hey there! Sorry to spring this on you, but I need a favor. I'll just cut to the chase. Check this out. Remember that four second discrepancy I mentioned earlier? I figured it out! Fio didn't eat before the quest!

Kanba: You really believe that's the case?

Bahari: Well, it kinda got me thinkin'. Do monsters suffer from a degradation from lack in nourishment? So to support my theory, I want you to hunt an Anjanath and a Pukei-

Kanba: Why exactly?

Bahari: Hm? Why? WHY? *Sigh* Because this is the time of year when monsters have the most ferocious appetites! They're the perfect specimens! Duh!

Kanba: Ah, I suppose that makes sense.

Bahari: So hunt them down and report your findings. Got it? Good. Well? What're you waiting for? Time is zenny, you know! Get goin'!

Kanba: "Such an eager soul."

Kanba completes Bahari's research quest and completes two out of the three key quests before doing the final key quest, facing off against the second Carapaceon; Shogun Ceanataur.

The cutscene begins with a Royal Ludroth trying to fight with a Shogun Ceanataur, but would ultimately cost the spongey mane Leviathan its life.

With a fearsome leap, the hunter thinks its prey vanquished. But what it finds are not the spoils of victory... But discarded armor, shed like a husk. And when the beast finds its next target... It doesn't think twice about leaving its old shell behind. It finds new armor to don, its blades as sharp as ever. Those who oppose it have no choice but to attone with their lives.

Final Flash: Shogun Ceanataur

Kanba arrives at camp in the Flooded Forest to deal with the crabby menace, doing his daily hunting routine first.

Kanba: "A beast that's similar to Daimyo Hermitaur, but different in weaponry. This'll be a tough fight."

Kanba and Shogun do battle, their blades clashing in a dance of life and death, but in due time Kanba manages to put the Carapaceon down.

Kanba: A worthy opponent, but very annoying. So long.

Kanba returns to Elgado Outpost, reporting to the Command Center with Bahari having news regarding in research.

Galleus: ...Bahari has some news.

Fiorayne: What is it? What have you learned? Well?

Bahari: Always so impatient, Fio. You gotta learn to slow down. You can't just go charging in headfirst all the time!

Kanba: I'm inclined to agree. If you charge in without thinking, you'll find yourself on the floor without another thought.

Bahari: See? Kanba gets me. Anyway, here's what I got. I finished analyzing those Garangolm samples. But before we get to that, you and Kanba tell me something, Fio. What'd you think about what happened?

Kanba: It was odd to say the least, the way you lot claim that it was once a peaceful beast before it suddenly turns on you in a second is rather strange.

Fiorayne: I do agree on that statement, it seemed strange from the outset. Garangolm are timid. For it to venture outside the Kingdom...and attack...

Bahari: Right. Sure, it's one of the Big Three, but it's a quiet beast by nature. Not an aggressive creature by any means. Okay, monsters changing how they behave, that's nothing new. But there's still gotta be a reason.

Kanba: He's right. What can force a Garangolm to flip-flop its regular nature to highly aggressive?

Bahari: That's where the juicy part comes in, my hunter friend. After looking at the samples, I gave the whole beast a once-over and... Well, I found something strange.

Fiorayne: Something strange?

Kanba: What did you find?

Bahari: Small wounds, all over its body.

Fiorayne: It's an active creature. What do you expect?

Bahari: There you go with the interruptions. Just be quiet and listen. The wounds were like bite marks. Made by a much smaller creature. But I can't identify them. Their shape and chemistry don't match anything on record. ....See where I'm going?

Fiorayne: You're thinking of those strange flying creatures circling the sky?

Kanba: Yeah, I've been rather curious of those myself.

Bahari: That's right, Fio! It's just a hypothesis, but I'm thinking they somehow influenced that Garangolm's aggressiveness.

Kanba: Hm, I wouldn't exactly rule it out. Some animals get irrated by smaller pests, like fleas and ticks.

Bahari: Now that's some productive thinking, my friend! What do you think, Admiral?

Galleus: ...Can we catch one?

Bahari: It's funny you ask. Some have been spotted near an Aurora Somnacanth out in the Frost Islands. Think you can distract the Somnacanth while I bag one of those little chompers, Kanba? I mean, I'm not sure I trust you goons to capture one.

Kanba: *Sigh* I'll do it.

With that being said, Kanba accepts the Urgent Quest from Chichae and heads out to the Frost Islands to deal with the Somnacanth subspecies.

A cutscene plays with two Izuchi roaming alone before they get caught by the Somnacanth.

A song drifts softly over snowy soil. Bewitching and seducing all those unfortunate enough to be in earshot. And before they even sense it, they find themselves frozen to the bone. Helpless, as their life is drained away. How the song ends, they will never know. For this minstrel shall never refrain.

Seductive Siren: Aurora Somnacanth

Kanba reaches the main camp in the Frost Islands, starting his hunting routine effective immediately.

Kanba: "A Somnacanth subspecies that can use ice to chill its victims. Things are about to get more chilly than they already are."

Kanba and the Somnacanth subspecies duke it out while Bahari is off trying to capture one of the flying creatures, now aptly named "Qurios". Soon enough, Kanba manages to put down the mermaid like Leviathan.

Kanba: Your song ends here, you bewitching creature.

Kanba returns to Elgado to see their findings.

Bahari: Hey, nice going out there! Qurio procure-rio-ed! Now that we have some specimens, I can figure out how they influenced the Garangolm's behavior. And if I can figure that out, we might just be able stop the Kingdom monsters from causing more chaos. Time to get my hands dirty! Ha, I'm so psyched right now! Monster goo, sleepless nights, questionable experiments! It's great to be alive right now!

Fiorayne: Ugh... Well, while Bahari plays with his experiments, we can proceed with our assignments.

Kanba: Something still has me on edge, I don't know if it's the thought of Malzeno doing all of this by itself, or there's something more sinister than we're being let on.

Bahari: Kanba, I know you're a very experienced hunter, but take a break once in a while. You're always out fighting monsters, maybe take a breather while you're here, unlike Fio who's always raring for a fight 24/7.

Fiorayne: Hmph.

Kanba: ...Maybe you're right. I was so worried about the Rampage then and had never taken a break, I'm worrying about everything else now. Perhaps I could use a break.

Galleus: ...Take as much time as you need. Chichae will have assignments for you when you're ready.

Kanba: Yes, sir.

Kanba leaves the Command Center to take a break from the stress, cleaning his Longsword, singing a few Kamura songs to himself, even playing his Buddies in his room.

Kanba tosses a toy that looks like a bone to Jasper and gave Banzai a ball of yarn, watching both Palamute and Palico playing with the given items, even making Kanba chuckle a bit. Then he hears footsteps walk in, looking up to see Fiorayne approaching before he stands.

Kanba: Is there something you need, Fiorayne?

Fiorayne: I had taken in consideration of what you said earlier. Do you really believe that there's something more dire behind these events?

Kanba: ...A similar feeling I got during the Rampage, we never knew anything about it for years until Thunder Serpent Narwa and Wind Serpent Ibushi made their appearances. For the longest time we never knew they existed until Ibushi reared his head up first, searching for his Queen, as said when Hinoa resonated with him before Nergigante attacked the serpentine Elder Dragon. So to be frank, I don't want to let my guard down if this is a similar case. Does that provide a decent explanation?

Fiorayne was silent for a moment, thinking about what he told him before she speaks up.

Fiorayne: Thanks for sharing with me, if we need any sort of answer, we'll talk to you first. Your experience may be just what we needed.

Fiorayne then gave Kanba a small kiss on the cheek, leaving the Human-Wyverian hybrid in a blushing state.

Fiorayne: A little something to show my own appreciation, just keep it between you and me. Understand?

Kanba: O-Of course, I won't tell anyone.

Fiorayne smiles and gave him a soft double pat on his chest before exiting the room, Kanba still in a blushing mess before he sits down in the chair behind him, his breath almost taken away at the fact Fiorayne kissed him.

(To be continued...)