The preparations to face the Forbidden Black Dragon have begun.
Although the team had previously defeated the equally forbidden Crimson Glow, the Guiding Light Dragon had provided significant assistance.
Finding another ally of comparable strength was now highly unlikely.
Furthermore, according to Li Fan's deductions, the Black Dragon's abilities seemed more peculiar than mere elemental manipulation.
It was a shame all data had been erased, preventing any investigation.
"I need to visit the Elder's Recess to understand the current state of the Dragon Cult and see if I can glean any information. The only other option is to enhance the monsters' combat power."
Li Fan muttered, jotting down his plans in his notebook before rising to return to his cave to retrieve some items and head to the Elder's Recess.
How to enhance monster combat power... What a huge blue mushroom.
Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Li Fan spotted a giant blue mushroom planted in a soil pot.
Approaching it and puffing out his chest, he was surprised to find that the blue mushroom had grown to his waist.
"Is this a new cultivation method Dilu has mastered... Why does it smell moldy?"
Li Fan waved his hand in front of him and climbed back into the cave using the vine ladder.
Before long, the prepared "Flame" departed.
At this time, no monster dared to attack in the skies above the Guiding Lands; they could only watch from afar.
The Guild Hall was always the most authoritative intelligence hub. Li Fan approached the counter and requested information on the recent activities of the Dragon Cult.
Although the information was significantly delayed due to the distance, its accuracy was guaranteed.
The receptionist handed him a black booklet with dragon emblem markings.
Li Fan found a round table in the hall and began to read.
After a period of evasion, Sophia reappeared in the public eye as the leader of the Dragon Cult.
With an ever-increasing number of members and followers, their influence grew, and they established their headquarters in East Dondoluma.
Following the relocation of the divine realm in the volcanic region, the Dragon Cult's prestige soared. However, as they themselves were unsure of the reason for the Crimson Glow's departure, their responses to related questions were very cautious.
"If the anomalies related to the Forbidden ones appear this time, the Dragon Cult is likely to take off..."
Li Fan felt fortunate that Sophia had given him the 3DS, otherwise, many people and factions might have been led astray by the Dragon Cult.
The benefit of the Dragon Cult's rise was that he no longer needed to expend effort searching for Sophia; he could directly attempt to obtain information at their headquarters.
With the intelligence matter settled, the next step was to enhance their strength.
Li Fan pondered his notebook and then took out his handheld console for a closer look.
Finally, his gaze settled on an unfamiliar characteristic accompanying a strange monster.
"Rigid Canid... When was this captured?"
Li Fan stroked his chin, deep in thought.
"Didn't you ask Felyne to bring the Rigid Canid home, meow? Don't you remember?"
Dilu, sitting next to him, reminded him.
"I remember now..."
When the Wind Serpent and Thunder Serpent were about to wreak havoc upon the world, the Rigid Canid, then in Elgado, had also received the call.
It had followed the "path" extending along the coast and, with a surge of passion, had arrived at the Dragon's Roost.
However, on its return journey, it had mistakenly landed on the Main Continent.
After befriending Felyne, it wished to help Felyne return home.
But even though Felyne possessed the ability to cross the sea, it could not carry the Rigid Canid across the vast ocean.
Li Fan then devised a rescue plan: capture it and "carry it across the sea."
"Why are you suddenly paying attention to the Rigid Canid, meow?"
Dilu asked curiously.
"The Rigid Canid's health is continuously declining, along with other negative statuses like pain. I suspect these are all caused by this 'Parasitic Worm' characteristic."
Li Fan informed him.
"Parasitic Worm... I haven't heard of that, meow."
Dilu expressed his lack of understanding.
"It hasn't been confirmed ecologically, but this type of worm is very frightening. Once it infests a creature, it continuously drains its life force."
Li Fan explained.
"That's terrifying, meow!"
Dilu exclaimed, quickly stroking his fur to check himself.
"It's alright. If you manage to survive the Parasitic Worm's draining, you might become its new host. Then, the Parasitic Worm will help you drain the life force of other creatures and transfer it to you. Over time, you'll become a powerful, aberrant Felyne."
"That's so wicked! I don't want that, meow."
A flicker of excitement had appeared in Dilu's eyes, but he quickly dismissed the idea.
"I'm just kidding. Parasitic Worms generally don't infest small creatures."
"Why, meow?"
"They're too small. They'd die after draining for too short a time. Large monsters are different; they have enough time to drain, and many parts of their bodies are difficult to reach due to their size. They can also hide under their shells and scales, making them safer."
Li Fan explained.
"I see, meow."
Dilu seemed to understand.
Sensing the terror of the Parasitic Worm, his first action was to use his paws to check his entire body.
This seemingly simple action was impossible for many large monsters to perform independently.
Many monsters couldn't even reach their own backs in their entire lives. If actions like collisions and rolls couldn't harm the Parasitic Worm and force it out, they could only let it infest them.
"If we can master a safe method of aberration, the monster team should improve significantly."
Li Fan speculated.
"Uh... I don't think everyone will agree, meow?"
Dilu voiced his concern.
"That's for sure. The beauty-conscious Bingbingzi certainly wouldn't accept this way of getting stronger. Cheche and Yuanjiao probably wouldn't care, and might even be willing to try it actively. As for Shanshan... Shanshan is an insect herself, so perhaps she wouldn't be compatible with Parasitic Worms?"
Li Fan made a quick assessment and realized there were many issues.
"Then shall we go for a field study, meow?"
Dilu asked expectantly.
"There's a major concern..."
"Is there anything there that could threaten the monster team, meow?"
Dilu asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yes, Raging Blight, the nightmare of clustered monsters."
"Uh... Wasn't the Raging Blight epidemic ended long ago, meow?"
Dilu asked in surprise. The Chameleos and Shagaru Magala, which spread the disease, hadn't appeared in ecological reports for a long time.
"That's what they say, but it won't be long before they reappear in Elgado."
Li Fan said helplessly.
"Then we should consider it carefully. It would be very dangerous if the monster team infected each other, meow."
Dilu sighed, sensing the risk.
No matter how dangerous the Parasitic Worm was, the team could at least provide assistance and support. At worst, they could all work together to catch the worms on the monsters.
But if they contracted Raging Blight, there would be nothing they could do; their survival would be entirely up to fate.
"That's right. Why don't we figure out the Parasitic Worm before the Chameleos and Shagaru Magala appear?"
Li Fan thought of a solution.
"Then that means, meow..."
"Exactly. We're going back to the Main Continent."
....
"Back to the Main Continent... Alright."
In the cabin of the "Flame," Eudora, upon hearing this news, was slightly stunned before agreeing.
"You don't seem surprised at all."
"There are no monsters here that pose a significant threat to the ecosystem anymore, and hunters are always wandering. I'm used to it."
Eudora explained.
"That's good. Also, to return as quickly as possible, I plan to travel with Huihui."
"This... Anyway, we have the throne now, and the Huihui outfit. I'm willing to try!"
Eudora's face showed determination.
"I'll go inform Fray and Diyan."
The team had been absent for a long time without leaving a definite destination, and the research team might launch a search.
To avoid any danger, Li Fan decided to notify them.
Learning that the Guild's rescue fleet would depart that night, the issue of how to accommodate the "Flame" was also resolved.
In the evening, the "Flame" was towed and connected to the other ships. Amidst the farewells from the research team, it gradually moved away from the sea.
"Will we come back?"
Eudora, waving from behind the porthole, asked as she looked at the twinkling lights on the shore.
"Of course, but they probably won't notice."
Li Fan replied.
Because their next visit might be to gather the monsters for the decisive battle against the Black Dragon.
Two days later, on the outskirts of Dondoluma City, a blue streak of light streaked across the night sky.
Three figures, riding gliders, descended diagonally from the air.
"Ah! The land of the Main Continent, meow!"
Upon landing, Dilu scooped up a handful of soil and sniffed it.
"Looking from the sky just now, the rebuilt city seems even more prosperous."
Eudora looked at Dondoluma and sighed.
"Dilu, go book a ship ticket to Elgado. Eudora, go to the Guild headquarters to see if there are any contracts for Elgado, preferably for abnormal monster investigations. I'll go to the Dragon Cult headquarters to gather intelligence. The remaining time can be spent freely. We'll meet at the port at dawn."
Li Fan gave his orders.
"I don't need free time, meow. Can I come find you earlier?"
Dilu asked.
"You haven't sent letters to the Felyne Academy in Kala Village for a long time. You should communicate with them now, lest the Felynes in the village think you've gone missing."
"Uh! This is indeed important. Thank you, meow."
Dilu suddenly realized.
"So, after I accept the contract... I can go home for a night too."
Eudora stopped in her tracks, lost in thought.
"Yes, say hello to Guxing for me... and your mother. It would be even better if you could bring some jerky before you leave."
Compared to portable rations, the jerky made by Eudora's mother was simply exquisite.
Unfortunately, due to the hunter's appetite, the several large boxes brought before departure were quickly consumed.
"I'll try my best."
The two and a Felyne then walked towards the city gate. However, after only a few steps, a dark shadow plummeted from the sky.
Whoosh! Boom!
"I almost forgot about it... Thanks, Huihui."
Glancing at the strip-like object in the sunken pit in the sand, Li Fan waved towards the sky, and the blue streak of light disappeared again.
"Hunter, please wait a moment. Is that monster material on your shoulder?"
At the south city gate, a city defense guard saw Li Fan carrying such a large piece of material and prepared to enter the city, so he began to inquire.
"Yes."
"If it's high-value material, please proceed to the Guild headquarters for declaration as soon as you enter the city. If the material surface does not have a compliance mark, it will be deemed illegal material if it participates in trade. If you cannot explain its origin, the Guild will deal with it as poaching."
The city defense guard informed him.
"Poaching... Hmm, thank you for the information."
Li Fan's expression was slightly strange at the reminder, but he still thanked the other party, as it was a kind warning.
On the main street of the city, the team separated.
Perhaps because the threats had all been cleared, the streets were more prosperous than before.
Even though it was two in the morning, many shops were still open all night.
Li Fan picked up a flyer and quickly located the Dragon Cult's headquarters.
"Battle Street South Alley No. 1... If I remember correctly, the Guild headquarters is at Battle Street North Alley No. 1. Are they targeting us so directly?"
Li Fan muttered and looked up, noticing a slightly shorter black building opposite the towering Guild headquarters.
This imposing building had no windows and no lights, only several red dragon emblem banners hanging as decoration.
From a distance, it looked like a black dragon with folded wings and a lowered head, giving off a sinister and eerie feeling.
"It's not impossible to go during the day... Actually, it is impossible. We have to gather at the port in the morning."
Li Fan pondered for a moment and then walked forward.
Thump~ Thump~ Thump~...
The heavy stone door panel emitted a dull thud as Li Fan knocked.
"Hello? Is anyone there?"
Thump~ Thump~ Thump~...
Creak.. Clatter...
Half of the stone door receded inward, and a person in a black robe holding a candlestick revealed half of their body through the gap.
"You, what is it?"
A hoarse male voice sounded.
"I'm looking for your leader, Sophia."
"She is not seeing anyone right now."
The person in the black robe said, and then began to close the door.
"I have something very important. Please help."
At this moment, Li Fan's hand rested on the door panel.
"Heh, young man..."
The person in the black robe smiled faintly and began to push the door panel.
"Mmm~ Uh~ Ah... Take your hand away! I'm closing the door!"
The person in the black robe exerted all their strength for a long time, but found that the stone door wouldn't budge. Their emotions immediately became agitated.
At the same time, more people in black robes arrived at the door.
Amidst the commotion, one person in a black robe pointed at Li Fan and shouted in horror, "It's him! Chief Hunter Li Fan!"
The scene immediately fell silent.
"Yes, it's me."
....
"Quickly gather the cult members!"
"Absolutely do not let this person who angers the Forbidden enter!"
"I will cast a curse! Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!"
Bang! Amidst the clamor, the stone door was quickly closed.
Only a cool breeze was left, blowing on his face.
"I haven't made any enemies with the Dragon Cult..."
Li Fan hadn't expected such a reaction after revealing his identity.
"Alright, with this commotion, Sophia will know."
Clang! After waiting for several minutes, the two stone doors suddenly swung open rapidly.
"Mr. Li Fan, the leader invites you to meet on the rooftop."
A person in a red robe, standing between two rows of people in black robes, politely extended the invitation.
"Thank you."
Li Fan said, and walked into the headquarters.
Clang! The stone doors closed rapidly.
Dark, gray, dim, oppressive.
This was the style and tone of the Dragon Cult's headquarters.
Li Fan ascended the spiral staircase and finally reached the circular top floor.
Here, the surroundings were enclosed by curved bookshelves, with many pages scattered on the red carpet.
Behind a long wooden table, a person in a green robe, illuminated by a candlestick, was holding a quill pen and writing.
"Long time no see, Hunter."
Sophia said, removing her hood.