The afternoon arrived, and Todd found the team at the research institute, informing them that the review was complete and they were officially approved for the Tower Summit operation.
However, the review board's opinions were not entirely unified.
Zuda, Vegasha, and Pazhizhi all voted in favor.
Gu Xing, on the other hand, was strongly opposed, even threatening to withdraw from the operation. Ultimately, through coordination, he did not actually quit.
"It's so strange, this Gu Xing seems to be targeting us all the time," Li Fan said with some confusion.
"Could it be that the Yiqun Ridge team hunted the Electric Dragon first, and that made him unhappy?" Yudora speculated.
"No, I had this feeling even before that," Li Fan denied.
"Gu Xing is an excellent hunter. It's just that the awakened abilities of the Magnamalo armor can make people a bit narrow-minded. I hope you don't take it to heart," Todd advised.
"Actually, we don't really mind. He's a solo hunter anyway, so there won't be much coordination during actual combat," Li Fan said, not taking it to heart.
The stronger the assimilation effect, the stronger the awakened abilities of the armor, a fact long certified by the Guild.
If one could overcome the negative assimilation effects with mental will and reasonably utilize the positive assimilation effects and awakened abilities, it would undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in a hunter's strength.
Compared to that, the slight distortion of personality brought about by assimilation was not worth mentioning at all.
Therefore, Li Fan could somewhat understand Gu Xing's situation, but he was a bit puzzled by his motives.
"It's great that you can understand. I'm here today to deliver the reward exchange vouchers, 300,000 z for each person, 30,000 z for the Felyne, and also to register for equipment selection. Since material allocation and manufacturing take time, even with the highest priority, you need to submit your requests as soon as possible," Todd explained.
"I get some too, meow!" Dilu exclaimed with surprise.
"Yes, you are the only Felyne confirmed to participate in the Tower Summit operation, which is enough to be recorded in history. Therefore, a bonus reward has been temporarily added," Todd informed her.
"I can't believe it, meow," Dilu was greatly shocked.
"I want the Snowbaron armor helmet," Yudora stated.
"Snowbaron helmet... it can awaken abilities like Focus, Challenger, and Speed Sharpening. It's indeed a good choice," Todd said as he began to record it.
"I want the Bishaten chest plate. If it's a Crimson Bishaten chest plate, that would be even better," Li Fan voiced his request.
According to the latest ecological report, a monster named Crimson Bishaten was discovered in the Lava Caverns region, identified as a subspecies of the five-star monster Bishaten.
The awakened ability of the Crimson Bishaten chest plate was Wirebug Whisperer, an ability Li Fan highly valued.
However, as it was a new species and a five-star monster, Li Fan believed that even at this point in time, if a team could hunt it and bring back materials, no one at the Dragon Calendar Institute would have the time to design it.
"Bishaten chest plate? May I ask the purpose of this equipment?" Todd asked, puzzled.
"It looks good, and I want to collect it," Li Fan gave his reason.
"Alright, but Bishaten series armor has always been quite niche. We will do our best to acquire materials while releasing hunting requests," Todd assured, then added, "In ten days, at the headquarters training ground, there will be a combat drill for the Tower Summit operation. Given the strength of the participants, we can't offer much guidance. We just hope everyone can meet and communicate to minimize coordination conflicts."
"Understood, Guild Master Todd. We will participate on time," Li Fan replied.
"Oh, and Li Fan, the team should avoid eating Palico meals recently. We have prepared an optional special menu for the Tower Summit operation members," Todd reminded him.
"Oh! What ingredients are there?" Yudora became interested.
"Sorry, I can't reveal that at the moment, but it will definitely be very comprehensive," Todd replied.
Having successfully registered for the Tower Summit operation and collected their rewards, there was little significance for the team to remain at headquarters.
Thus, as evening approached, the Hinohara set off from headquarters for the wilderness jungle where Lei Ge was located.
Thanks to Fei Rui's detailed route map and the frequent use of the sprayer, they reached their destination in just two days.
Li Fan checked their status on his handheld device. The Elder Dragonworms Lei Ge had lost these past few days accounted for only about thirty percent of the maximum number.
This was a considerable achievement in an environment not suitable for Elder Dragonworms to survive.
"The color of the back carapace is shifting towards gray. Even without entering the Super-Flash state, a small amount of dragon element energy is emanating from its body surface. The regeneration speed of its broken horns has significantly increased, and its weight has also increased..."
Li Fan observed Lei Ge and recorded some changes in his notebook.
"Lei Ge, time is pressing. Fortunately, we still have plenty of Elder Dragonworms in reserve, so the wilderness adaptation training will be temporarily suspended. You need to maintain the Super-Flash state for extended periods now, constantly releasing dragon element energy to make other monsters adapt to fearing Elder Dragons. At the same time, you can also train in controlling Elder Dragonworms."
Lei Ge digested Li Fan's words for a moment and responded with a low growl.
Seeing that there were no issues on this end, Li Fan then gathered Kuku, Xixi, and Xiao Bendan.
"Kuku and Xixi, you are not afraid of Elder Dragons, so there's no need to participate in the training. The Tower Summit is too high, and Xiao Bendan cannot adapt, so it also doesn't need to participate. The three of you will be responsible for the training logistics, hunting more food every day."
After hearing Li Fan's instructions, Kuku, Xixi, and Xiao Bendan each flew off in a different direction.
The remaining Puff, Naughty, and Zhan Zhan began training with Lei Ge.
Five days passed quickly. The monsters did not develop any skill traits in resisting fear. However, with an unlimited supply of Elder Dragonworms, Lei Ge mastered "Elder Dragonworm Control - Beginner" on the second day.
However, in terms of practical observation, the monsters participating in the training had already adapted well to the dragon element energy released in the Super-Flash state.
Without Elder Dragons to test on, the training results were naturally difficult to verify.
However, the capture of the Valstrax this time was a daring attempt, and Li Fan could not aim for absolute certainty.
With three days left until the scheduled combat drill, Li Fan decided to return.
Looking at the increasingly emaciated and listless giant ape on the toilet on the deck, Li Fan temporarily halted the use of the sprayer.
Thus, it took three days to reach headquarters on the morning of the combat drill.
Fortunately, the Hinohara was nearly fully equipped. The team, aside from daily training, had no need to worry about other matters, so their energy and stamina remained consistently high.
Dragon Calendar Institute Headquarters, Training Ground.
Four participants in the Tower Summit operation, Vegasha and Zuda, had already arrived.
Xik came pushing a small cart.
On the cart was a transparent cubic containment shield, inside which was a small red bomb barrel fixed to a base.
"Hello everyone, meow! This is a super bomb that fuses super heavy dragon bone oil with Teostra powder. The super heavy dragon bone oil itself is also explosive, but before it reaches the detonation condition, its viscous and adhesive properties will block the air intake of the Valstrax's chest cavity. If the highly concentrated Teostra powder explodes in a confined space, its power will be even greater!"
"This bomb is so small, can its power really make the Valstrax's intake chest cavity explode?" Gu Xing asked.
"The explosion mainly comes from the dragon energy being synthesized internally, meow. As for the size, first, it's for combat portability, and second, the Teostra powder provided by the Guild can only make this much," Xik explained.
"What about the usage?" Gu Xing inquired.
"I've set three safety locks. One will be disarmed when we depart for Yiqun Ridge, meow. The second will be disarmed upon reaching the Sky Tower Summit. The third detonation switch is a red button located on top of the bomb barrel," Xik explained.
"Xik has already taught you how to use the detonation device. Now, please share your individual hunting characteristics," Vegasha said, scanning everyone.
"I prefer solo hunting and combat. I have a strong killing intent towards monsters. I hope you all maintain a distance and don't become a burden. I won't touch that detonation device unless you are all dead," Gu Xing expressed his stance first.
"I like to fight monsters to the bitter end. I will never retreat before a monster breathes its last. So, even if the Sky Tower needs to be blown up, you don't need to worry about me," Li Fan said, and the entire room fell silent.
"Cough, cough... I'm the same as Li Fan," Yudora said.
"Me too, meow!" Dilu also expressed the same attitude.
"We will leave ample escape time for the team before blowing up the Sky Tower. You don't need to be so insistent," Vegasha advised.
"Dean, please don't worry. The team will be equipped with gliders. You can blow it up with confidence, blow it up fiercely, and don't worry about the team at all," Li Fan informed her.
Vegasha and Zuda exchanged glances and said helplessly, "Alright, since it's the team's preferred combat style, we won't interfere too much."
"Heh heh, who told you that you could last until the Sky Tower is detonated?" Gu Xing said with a hollow laugh.
Yudora drew her Dragon Sword and deeply plunged it into the sandy ground of the training area, releasing her hands to let it stand upright.
"Because of this."
"The insect cage on the guard is for carrying Wirebugs, right? Wirebug hunting applications have only been around for a short time, yet there are embedded insect cage designs. This indicates that your Dragon Sword armor was crafted not long ago. Combined with your ages, I sincerely suggest you don't participate in this Tower Summit operation," Gu Xing sighed.
"We will be responsible for our own safety," Yudora retorted against the dissuasion.
"Then who will be responsible for our safety? You and Li Fan alone are completely incapable of participating in the operation," Gu Xing said with a serious tone.
"Gu Xing, why the strong prejudice? The team members are indeed very young, but their hunting records, apart from not having fought Elder Dragons, are top-notch among all candidates," Zuda said, trying to mediate.
"Hoo... alright... but I hope you understand that in a critical moment, don't expect anyone to come and save you." Gu Xing sighed and stood with his arms crossed. Beneath his Hannya mask, his expression was completely unreadable.
"Pazhizhi, it's your turn." Seeing that no one had spoken for a long time, Zuda turned his gaze to Pazhizhi, who was sitting on a Diablos Hammer.
"What is it, Director Zuda?" Pazhizhi asked curiously, putting down her pen and notebook.
Director Zuda rubbed his forehead helplessly and explained, "Talk about your individual hunting characteristics so that we can better coordinate and cooperate during the Tower Summit operation."
Pazhizhi repeatedly poked her mouth with her finger, thinking, and replied, "Hmm... I get quite absorbed when I hunt, and my hammer swings are very powerful. I hope everyone can stay away from me. Also, does anyone here like literature and poetry?"
Wearing an Odogaron armor set and wielding a Diablos Hammer, yet also a literature-loving young woman.
This contrast was quite striking to Li Fan.
"Alright, the introduction segment is over. A circular area approximately the size of the Sky Tower's summit has been marked out in the training ground. Once the Valstrax mechanical training model is assembled, you will proceed with the practical drill," Vegasha said helplessly.
The four combat participants could be divided into three factions.
Each attitude was "don't come near me, or you'll die quickly," which was quite rare.
However, they were all top hunters selected, experts among experts, leaving no room for intervention.
"Is this really marked to the actual size? It's too small..." Yudora spread her hands to measure, feeling that if she sprinted, she would quickly reach the opposite boundary.
"The maximum straight-line distance on the surface of the tower summit is about 400 meters. The data says this Valstrax is about 26 meters. With its wing reversal and spin, any area within 40 meters is a dangerous zone, not to mention the extremely high mobility brought by its dragon energy breath..."
Li Fan flipped through the data, looking at the simulated arena, and felt immense pressure.
Not long after, pulled by two Popos, a wooden Valstrax mechanical training model was transported to the training ground.
However, the appearance of this training model was truly astonishing, like a large rooster with its wings spread.
It couldn't be said to resemble Valstrax; it could only be said to be completely unrelated.
"Everyone, due to the rush of time, the exterior is a bit crude. Please forgive us," Todd apologized helplessly from the control platform on the back of the model.
The subsequent training was individual. An hour later, as Pazhizhi accidentally destroyed the model with her training wooden hammer, the practical drill was terminated.
"These are the Valstrax attack patterns deduced by our research institute based on ecological observations. We hope they will be helpful to you," Todd introduced.
"They were helpful, but not very," Gu Xing commented.
"It's alright. Attacking by spinning its wings is something I've never seen before. If only it were a bit sturdier," Pazhizhi expressed her thoughts.
"Guild Master Todd, do you think Valstrax might attack hunters by dropping from a high altitude?" Li Fan proposed a scenario.
"That... based on Valstrax's posture when diving from high altitudes to hunt in the sea, it is indeed possible," Todd agreed.
"So we must prepare a countermeasure, otherwise, with the area of the tower summit, it will be too difficult to dodge," Li Fan suggested.
"That's right, this is indeed a problem worth considering," Todd fell into thought after Li Fan's reminder.
However, after thinking for a long time, he still had no clue.
This was because during operations at the top of the Sky Tower, no external support could be delivered.
However, Li Fan mentioned this not to have Todd provide a solution.
He wanted to remind the other two combat participants that Valstrax possessed lethal capabilities against hunters.
Two mornings later, cannons sounded and streamers fluttered over the Dragon Calendar Institute headquarters.
Villagers from Bherna Village, along with many who had come to witness the event, flocked to the headquarters' airspace, preparing to bid farewell to the departure of the giant combat airship fleet.
In the Dean's office, the four participants in the Tower Summit operation were seated around a square table.
Li Fan's Bishaten chest plate had just been received yesterday. Since he put it on, his hands had not stopped playing a game called cat's cradle.
"To ensure the cooking standard of the Palico meals, your Palico meals will be prepared by the Dragon Calendar Institute's top chef team. Here is the menu."
As Todd spoke, he distributed four menus to those in front of him.
"One Hornetaur heart, prepared as you wish."
Gu Xing casually glanced at the menu and closed it, as if he had already made his decision.
Li Fan glanced at it. The Hornetaur heart was used to awaken the fire element field.
"Excuse me, is there no Zinogre heart?" Pazhizhi asked.
"No," Todd shook his head firmly.
"Then I recommend the Zinogre tail. Prepared as you wish. I cannot eat spicy food, thank you." Pazhizhi finally chose the first page, an ingredient that could awaken dragon element resistance.
Li Fan, who was flipping through the pages at this moment, suddenly stopped. He leaned closer to the recipe and asked, "Can this be eaten?"
Vegasha, who came to check, confirmed, "Yes, it can. It's just not very fresh, so the taste might be lacking."
"Uh... also, please do not make any mention of it after eating," Todd added.
"What ingredient? ... Teostra's tail!" Yudora exclaimed, leaning closer to look.
"To be precise, it should be dried meat made from Teostra's tail. I hope it hasn't spoiled due to improper preservation over the years, as it was a celebrated trophy back then," Zuda explained.
"Li Fan, if you just want to taste it, then after the joint hunt is over, Director Zuda will definitely be willing to give it to you. For now, please choose a more suitable ingredient," Vegasha advised.
Zuda's mouth twitched, but thinking that Li Fan might stubbornly choose an unsuitable ingredient, he forced a smile and said, "Dean Vegasha is right. The heat invalidation awakened by Teostra's tail is completely useless in the Tower Summit operation. If you really want to taste it... after the joint hunt is over, I will make ALL OF IT FOR YOU!"
Li Fan raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected someone to say "ALL OF IT FOR YOU!" word by word with a firm tone while displaying extreme reluctance.
"I still want to eat Teostra's tail," Li Fan said, and the tangled knot of string on his finger was quickly untangled.
Within seconds, it transformed into straight threads.