When we left off, the brave Hunter of Kamura, Kanba Kenshi, had managed to defeat Magnamalo in a hard-fought battle. Now, he returns to Kamura to celebrate the death of Magnamalo, Hinoa and Fugen waiting for him as he returns.

Kanba: It's done. Magnamalo has fallen.

Hinoa: Good job defeating Magnamalo, Kamura Hunter!

Fugen: You are what I call a true hero!

Kanba: Thank you, it means a lot.

Yomogi: *Background* Heeeey!

They turn to see Yomogi and Iori running to them after hearing of Magnamalo's death.

Yomogi: Welcome back! We heard you beat that Magnamalo! Way to go!

Iori: We've been... Thinking about what Elder Fugen told us. About what we could do... To help protect everyone in the village. But all I can do is take care of Buddies.

Yomogi: And I can only prepare dango for you. But then we figured out that all of the work Iori does actually makes your life a lot easier. And my delicious treats keep everyone happy and in good health!

Iori: And that... That's how we contribute to Kamura.

Fugen: Hm, fine answer! I knew Kamura Village had the brightest kids around!

They all share a laugh together.

Hinoa: Well then... I think it's time for me to get back to doing MY part, don't you think?

Iori: Me too!

Yomogi: Me three! Okay, time for some new recipes!

The three walk away to their spots.

Yomogi: I was thinking of a Magnamalo menu! I'd use some dark chocolate...

Hinoa: Sounds heavenly!

Iori: Let us know when it's finished.

Fugen: I gotta say, you did a great job, Kanba. Thank you.

Kanba: You're welcome, Elder Fugen.

The two face each other as Fugen offers Kanba the Hand-Me-Down Blade.

Fugen: Take it. This thing has been passed down through Kamura for generations. You defeated Magnamalo, so now it's yours. Take it will ya? I'm getting too old to be lugging this thing around.

Kanba: *Surprised* I... This is... Such an honor, Elder Fugen.

Kanba takes the Longsword, slinging it onto his back.

Fugen: Heh, I'm feeling lighter already kid!

Kanba and Fugen share a laugh together, but the adventure was only getting harder from here.

Fugen: Okay, Kanba. You may have defeated Magnamalo, but make no mistake, there are far harder hunts ahead... Especially Nergigante, now that Magnamalo is dead, he'll surely be searching for Elder Dragons to munch on. You've got plenty of time to get stronger before you face him. Right now, Five Star quests are available. Go check them out as soon as you can.

Kanba: Yes, Elder Fugen.

Kanba goes to upgrade his equipment before going to Hinoa.

Hinoa: Kanba, we're all grateful that you defeated Magnamalo. You must feel great.

Kanba: I do. But there's still Nergigante to deal with.

Hinoa: True, but you have plenty of time.

Kanba: You're right, let's see those quests.

Kanba signs for the first large monster quest for the Five Star quests, the King of the Skies, Rathalos. Heading out to the Lava Caverns as the cutscene plays, with Wroggi trying to escape from the Rathalos in the caverns.

A cave of crimson
Flames billowing high
This is where he makes his nest
Best to not go nigh
Fires scorching the earth
Rains down from the sky
When his highness sets his sights on you
It's time to say goodbye

King of the Skies: Rathalos

Kanba arrives at the camp and starts searching for materials and Endemic Life.

Kanba: The King of the Skies, another monster of royalty. Best to give him a proper show.

Kanba then goes to battle the beast, using some Flash Bombs to bring the beast out of the sky before he's able to put it down for good.

Kanba: It was an honor to be in your presence, your majesty. May you rule the clouds above with your mistress.

Kanba returns to the village, talking to a few people and going to Hinoa to sign for another large monster quest, Zinogre. He heads out to the Shrine Ruins as the cutscene plays, Zinogre running about.

Look upon its prowess
Its movement full of spark
Its claws cut through the silence
Its fangs bite through the dark
Gaze upon perfection
Thunder given form
Either knock its lights out
Or die fighting the storm

Lord of Lightning: Zinogre

Kanba arrives at camp and starts the gathering phase of the hunt.

Kanba: Zinogre, a majestic creature of lightning. I shall give it an honorable battle.

Kanba soon finishes up and begins battle with Zinogre, two acrobatic warriors dancing in the night with lighting and steel, but in the end, the Kamura Hunter coming out on top yet again as he defeats Zinogre.

Kanba: You were a good battle, Zinogre. Rest in peace, good boy.

Kanba returns to the village and forges equipment for his Buddies before returning to Hinoa to sign for the next large monster quest, Mizutsune, but this one would be the one that he would gain his completed appearance, heading out to feast the beast as the cutscene plays with the Bubble Fox Wyvern moving about in the Flooded Forest.

Light blue bubbles
Reflecting the moonlight
Fragile and ephemeral
Like flowers blooming at night
Traces of a creature
Graceful in its precision
Noble, yet beguiling
An entrancing vision

Bewitching Dancer: Mizutsune

Kanba arrives at camp in the Flooded Forest, heading out immediately to prepare for the fight.

Kanba: Mizutsune. I've heard many things of you. Let's see if they all hold true.

Kanba finally does battle with the Mizutsune, just like Zinogre, they dance through the night with acrobatic skills, but it would be for naught as Kanba defeats the beast.

Kanba: Another truly magnificent creature, we shall meet again soon.

Kanba goes through the process over and over again, defeating many Mizutsune to complete the needed materials for his signature appearance in total. And finally, the time has arrived, Kanba forged the equipment he worked so hard to get upon returning to the village, and it pays off greatly.

Not only acquiring his signature armor, but as well as his blade, Kakaru Kumo Naki 1, which in the future will be Tamonowo.

Upon attaining his signature equipment, he takes a test run with a another Anjanath in the Sandy Plains, and upon completion, he returns and reports to Elder Fugen.

Fugen: Kanba! Got some good new for you! An Almudron has been spotted in the Shrine Ruins! It's rarely seen outside the mountains. This must has something to do with the Rampage. At this rate, we can't have it near Kamura! Go take care of it before it gets any closer!

Kanba: Yes, Elder Fugen.

Kanba signs for the Urgent Quest for the Almudron and heads out immediately, the cutscene playing when a Bullfango having a fateful encounter with said Almudron in its territory.

Playing in the dirt
After a hard day's work
A grumpy old beast
Rises from the murk
Begone! Begone!
A booming voice resounds
None shall ever enter
This creature's holy grounds

Hermit of the Swamp: Almudron

Kanba arrives at the Shrine Ruins, beginning the gathering phase immediately.

Kanba: This monster shall be cleaned of it's dirty intent when it meets my blade.

Kanba soon does battle with the muddy beast, and his skills have improved tenfold, defeating the monster with little effort.

Kanba: Your presence here is no longer welcome.

Kanba returns to the village and reports to Elder Fugen about the Almudron.

Fugen: Well, well, Kanba! I shoulda guessed an Almudron was no match for you! By the way, Six Star quests are available for you! Go and check them out!

Kanba: Of course, Elder Fugen.

Fugen: By the way, are you doing the quests for Hojo and Minoto? Their quests are a little tougher, but you're not afraid of a challenge are you?

Kanba: Of course not, I always rear to a new challenge.

Fugen: Then get cracking my friend.

Kanba: Yes, Elder Fugen.

After taking care of some of the Gathering Hub quests, Fugen and Hojo greet Kanba to tell some news.

Fugen: Kanba! A horde of rampaging monsters is headed straight for Kamura!

Hojo: The villagers near the Stronghold have taken up arms to defend it. They'll do their best to hold them off...

Fugen: But we'll have to take care of any that did get past and into the fort. If we don't, the village is as good as done. And that's where you come in! You'll be tasked with intercepting monsters within the Stronghold! And now with Magnamalo gone, Nergigante isn't liable to show up, which is a huge relief.

Hojo: You can pick up the urgent quest from Minoto at the hub counter. Good luck to you, Kanba! You're surely going to need it-need it!

Kanba: It's okay, I'll take care of it.

(One Rampage Quest later....)

Kanba returns to the Gathering Hub and reports to Hojo.

Hojo: Well done, Kanba. We successfully fought off the Rampage without casualty. Above all, your defence of the Stronghold was exemplary! I knew you had it in you! But the Rampage had only just begun... The monsters will continue to grow stronger and more numerous! Why monsters form groups and attack our village is yet unknown to us. I just hope we find answers before it's too late!

Kanba: I won't allow that to happen, I will keep the village safe from destruction.

Hojo: Your spirit is strong young one. For now, focus on polishing your skills. Do that by taking quests available to you.

Kanba: Yes, Master Hojo.

Kanba takes on some quests to defeat previous monsters, including another Magnamalo in an urgent quest, before Fugen and Hojo comes to Kanba regarding another Rampage.

Fugen: Kanba! A large horde of rampaging monsters is threatening the village!

Hojo: The Hunter's Guild's investigations have revealed a monster directing the Rampage control from the center of the horde! It seems an "Apex" has appeared. This monster lords over an enormous territory. At some point, the Apex has joined the Rampage, and taken command of part of the horde...

Fugen: Kanba... When Hoj has that look on his face. It means you better be careful! An experienced hunter's senses are finely tuned to what's going on. This isn't gonna be your average hunt.

Hojo: Even so, we can't change course now. Like before, the villagers will defend the perimeter while you focus on the inside. An Arzuros is the Apex monster leading the assault! Take it down, and the village is safe!

Fugen: Now, go get to it!

Kanba: Right away!

Kanba goes to Minoto and takes the Urgent Quest with the Apex Arzuros and the Rampage.

(One Rampage and Apex Arzuros fight later...)

The fight was won in the end, everyone walking together to bask in their small victory.

Kanba: We did it, again.

Fugen: I never would've doubted you.

Minoto: I wonder... How long will the Rampage last?

Hojo: Hmmmm.... It's tough to say for sure. We've been searching for answers for hundreds of years...

The peace was broken again when they heard a strange roar in the sky, making them look up to see a serpentine Elder Dragon flying through the sky, Wind Serpent Ibushi.

Kanba: What in the heavens is that?!

Hojo: I've never seen that one before!

The beast roars again before Hinoa suddenly grimaced in pain, receiving worried looks from everyone.

Kanba: Hinoa?

Fugen: Hinoa? Are you all right?

Then Hinoa opens her eyes and her irises are blue before she speaks, not for herself, but in the thoughts of the monster.

Hinoa: "Where is my queen? Where is my queen?"

Her eyes stop glowing and she breathes pained breaths.

Kanba: Hinoa, what happened?

Hinoa: "Alone... Searching..." That monster's...thoughts?

Ibushi roars again before lifting into the sky, before another familiar roar of a certain Elder Dragon fills the air.

Kanba: I recognize that roar anywhere.

Fugen: Nergigante.

Nergigante suddenly appears in the sky and starts fighting Ibushi, living up to his reputation as the Eater of Elders.

Kanba: He's fighting it!

Fugen: He doesn't joke around when Elder Dragons are involved. Let's go, we'll let him handle this while we regroup!

They all retreat to the village while Nergigante was fighting Ibushi.

Kanba: The monster Nergigante was fighting, what was it?

Fugen: The monster is most likely an Elder Dragon. But why haven't we seen it before? We need answers now! But, something else is bothering me... The way Hinoa reacted when it appeared.

Kanba: Whatever happened startled me a little. What was that she did?

Hojo: I think Hinoa... "Resonated" with it.

Kanba: "Resonated"?

Hojo: Hinoa has always been able to sense Minoto's emotions, even from a distance. We call that "Resonance". And for some reason, Hinoa resonated with that fiendish beast.

Kanba: That's... Bizarre.

Hojo: Kanba, the Guild will investigate this matter. You now can accept Four Star hub quests. If you can take care of those, that would be an enormous help. And one more thing. Do your best to help cheer up Minoto. She's been crying ever since she got back to the village.

Kanba: Goodness, that's sad. I'll do what I can.

Hojo: See that you will, young Hunter.

(To be continued...)