Upon reaching an acquisition agreement, Li Fan, led by Todd, arrived at the research laboratory within the Dragon Chronicle Guild headquarters.
Pushing open the double wooden doors, rows of tall bookshelves reaching the ceiling came into view.
Several investigators in blue uniforms were either on ladders searching for books or standing between the shelves, flipping through pages.
Passing through the rows of bookshelves, Todd turned to an Felyne wearing a scholar's cap, seated behind a square table, and introduced, "This is Sic, the Vice Guild Master of the Research Institute."
"Hello, meow!"
Seeing Todd bring guests, Sic, who had been writing, stopped his pen and waved a paw in greeting.
Li Fan was invited by Todd to sit at his desk. After pouring a glass of water, the investigation into the origin of the Scorching Shell began.
Although hunters ventured across the world, uncharted wild areas still accounted for over 90% of the known regions.
Even areas like the Dense Jungle, where outposts had a weak presence, were only discovered through years of gradual mapping by hunters.
Therefore, the description Li Fan could provide was only that it was relatively close to the Ancient Forest, about half a day's travel by land, information that was not very precise.
Todd completed the investigation record and began explaining the matters related to joining the Dragon Chronicle Guild.
"The appearance of the Valstrax has indeed led to a shortage of personnel. Your contribution with the Scorching Shell has long surpassed the entry threshold, but I still need to formally introduce you to the situation of the Dragon Chronicle Guild before you make your decision."
Todd said earnestly.
"Please proceed."
"The Dragon Chronicle Guild was established twenty-one years ago. When the Kingdom of West Scylla's Royal Knights were conducting ecological surveys beyond the borders, they were troubled by the lack of a research organization capable of timely analysis of material samples. The hunters accompanying them for security spontaneously formed a research and investigation institution. This was the earliest form of the Dragon Chronicle Guild. After years of development, the Dragon Chronicle Guild has become a renowned research and investigation organization, on par with the Elder Dragon Observation Center and the Royal Knights, and has performed exceptionally in multiple joint operations to resist natural disasters."
Li Fan nodded slightly, feeling as if he were listening to a company introduction.
"The personnel of the Dragon Chronicle Guild are mainly composed of Dragon Chronicle Guild researchers and Dragon Chronicle Guild hunters. Ranks are divided into Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. As the rank increases, the level of intelligence one can access and the resources that can be mobilized will also increase accordingly."
"What specifically does that entail?"
"The most cutting-edge ecological reports, and much highly valuable research data that has not been publicly released. Regarding resource mobilization, any village or town with an airport can take the Dragonship free of charge. Intermediate and Senior members undertaking four-star or higher hunting quests can also have the Dragonship transport their small teams to nearby areas for aerial pursuit of target monsters and airdrop supplies for logistical support."
If it weren't for the little idiot, the free transport by Dragonship would have been quite tempting.
Although it wasn't a direct flight to the hunting area, the efficiency would certainly be much faster than traveling by land.
"Additionally, there are four hunting styles developed by the Dragon Chronicle Guild that can be learned for free: Aerial, Striker, Bushido, and Alchemy."
"Wait a moment, Guild Master Todd, what about the Valor style?"
Li Fan inquired.
"That... the Valor style has been removed due to its excessively high casualty rate in practical application and its extremely high learning difficulty. However, the Dragon Chronicle Guild has always emphasized a pioneering spirit since its inception. If you wish to learn it, I can recommend a mentor for you."
Todd seemed somewhat surprised by the mention of the Valor style.
Li Fan had anticipated this. The wild combat style of Valor was certainly acceptable in games, but too dangerous in reality.
Furthermore, he had never seen a hunter fight using the Valor style, nor had he heard of it often, giving it a sense of being lost to time.
Li Fan's desire to research the Valor style was not because he wanted to die faster.
Instead, he wanted to deeply investigate the release principles of Special Sheathe and Iai Slash.
He had conducted countless investigations.
Yin Tie was convinced that Iai Slash existed, but he himself did not know how to perform it.
The principle of dodging attacks, similar to the near-invincibility of Foresight Slash, could not be applied to Special Sheathe.
After much thought, only the charged sheathe of the Valor style could produce a similar effect.
"Alright, then I will join the Dragon Chronicle Guild as a hunter."
Confirming there were no issues, Todd led Li Fan to the guild hall to complete the joining procedures.
The Dragon Chronicle Guild headquarters hall was significantly larger in area than the Ecological Report Center hall.
With only four pillars, the view was exceptionally open. Unfortunately, there were few exhibits, only a row of display cases placed against the walls.
"Your contribution quota has been exceeded, and you are already a three-star hunter. I will try to have you admitted directly as an Intermediate Dragon Chronicle Guild hunter. Please wait here in the hall."
"Thank you for your trouble."
After speaking, Todd ascended the spiral wooden staircase to the second floor of the headquarters.
Li Fan, along with Dilu who was dragging a giant dried fish, began to examine the exhibits placed along the wall.
The clawed tail of a Zinogre, the inverse scales of a Seregios, pure white dragon scales...
As he walked past, Li Fan found the high-level materials displayed in the glass cases quite ornamental.
Reaching the center, the display case no longer held monster materials but a diagonally placed Great Sword.
A half-golden sun was cast on the hilt, seemingly symbolizing the rising sun. The somber gray of the blade, however, was like dark clouds, with several interwoven streams of air and water.
Li Fan looked down at the nameplate of this display.
Fearsome Blade [Flower Rain].
Witness to the severe wounding of a Kushala Daora on the Misty Peaks.
Forged by the Dragon Chronicle Guild for its Chief Hunter.
Li Fan's fingers trembled slightly, a surge of impulse to retrieve the Great Sword washing over him, but he quickly suppressed it.
"The matter of the Intermediate member certification is settled. You just need to submit your hunter's badge at the counter."
Todd's voice sounded from behind.
"Thank you, Guild Master Todd. I have a question: Who was this Chief Hunter of the Guild?"
"Hoo... This was a true pioneer of the Dragon Chronicle Guild. Twelve years ago, he went to Konchu Village to investigate the reason for the appearance of a Zinogre. After defeating the Zinogre, he tracked down the existence of a Kushala Daora. For the sake of regional stability, he participated in a joint defeat plan between the Guild and the Dragon Chronicle Guild. At a critical moment, he single-handedly severely wounded the Kushala Daora, and the Dragon Chronicle Guild gained renown from this battle."
Todd said with reverence in his eyes.
This was quite similar to the plot of P3...
Li Fan stroked his chin, growing increasingly puzzled.
"Then, may I ask where this Chief Hunter is now?"
"He disappeared. As if by fate, hunters who save others in times of crisis tend to disappear quietly."
Todd mused.
"This..."
"Just kidding. Perhaps he had achieved all that a hunter could, lost his motivation, and returned to his hometown to live in seclusion."
Todd smiled, offering another explanation.
After receiving his Intermediate member badge for the Dragon Chronicle Guild, Li Fan returned to the research laboratory.
On the training grounds outside the window, Vice Guild Master Sic, with the assistance of other researchers, had set up a Heavy Bowgun, the Icefang Cannon Type 1.
The target of the gun's muzzle was the Scorching Shell, fixed on the other side of the training grounds.
"Distance of 100 meters, Level 3 Pierce Ammo, fire, meow!"
Sic covered his cat ears after speaking.
Bang! Clang! Bang! Clang! Bang! Clang!....
The five Level 3 Pierce Ammo rounds fired, their tips shattering upon impact with the shell, all ricocheting away.
"Let's hope the actual body isn't a composite shell..."
Todd sighed, covering his forehead in distress.
"Considering the Valstrax's high-altitude flight speed, how to hit it is also a problem to consider, isn't it?"
Li Fan reminded him.
Todd's shoulders slumped, and he sighed, "Alas... Yes. I'm sorry, Li Fan, I need to hurry with my research. The mentor I arranged to meet will be here soon."
"Mhm, if I discover anything new, I'll submit it to the research team promptly."
Li Fan informed him.
"Thank you for your support."
Todd said and quickly departed.
While waiting for the mentor to arrive, Li Fan observed the research team's various tests on the shell's strength and resistance.
Fire, water, ice, and electric elemental rounds were fired one after another.
Armor-piercing explosive rounds, spread elements, and cutting rounds were deployed.
Li Fan did not have detailed data, but judging by visual observation alone.
Only the explosions caused by armor-piercing explosive rounds and spread elements caused significant damage to the frozen meat placed inside the shell.
The spread element, due to its splitting projectile, could not be used at high altitudes.
Therefore, based on the test results, only armor-piercing explosive rounds posed a sufficient threat.
"Excuse me, are you Li Fan?"
Hearing a man's voice inquire, Li Fan turned his head.
The speaker was a tall, thin man with a faint smile on his face.
"That's right."
"Hello, my name is Yu Shan, and I am a mentor for melee Valor style."
"Hello!"
After shaking hands, Yu Shan led Li Fan to the training grounds.
"Why do you have the idea of studying the Valor style?"
Yu Shan asked curiously.
"I am interested in all the Great Sword techniques."
Li Fan replied.
"Just interested... Then I am relieved. However, before I teach you, I must emphasize that even if you achieve something in your training, it is best not to apply it in actual combat."
As Yu Shan spoke, he took an iron Great Sword from the weapon rack and handed it over.
As Li Fan drew the sword, he sensed something was amiss.
This iron Great Sword allowed the flow of Spirit Energy to enter and exit through extremely small pores, as if it had been deliberately sealed.
The hilt was heavy, and the grip felt strange.
"Slightly bend your knees, hold the Great Sword vertically with both hands at your right shoulder, and stand in a sheathing ready stance."
Yu Shan assumed a stance, and Li Fan imitated him.
"The next step might hurt a bit... Felyne..."
"I know, meow! Herbal water, right?"
Dilu inquired.
"That's right."
Yu Shan confirmed.
"Mentor Yu Shan, I have already fully mastered the basic application of the Great Sword."
Insufficient strength and unfamiliarity in its use caused his palms to suffer from impact injuries when wielding the weapon.
Li Fan felt that this teaching was perhaps too elementary.
"This has nothing to do with proficiency. All hunters who use the Valor style must endure this pain for a long time, though it will gradually fade or be ignored over time."
Hearing Yu Shan's explanation, Li Fan recalled the Valor style in the game, where stamina and endurance were simultaneously consumed when sheathing the weapon in a charged state. He seemed to vaguely understand.
However, he had no clue as to how this consumption was manifested.
"Now, grip the hilt with all your might with both hands and hold on for as long as possible."
Yu Shan gave further instructions.
Li Fan roughly understood what was happening, so he gripped the handle tightly with both hands.
Click! Hiss!
Under the forceful grip, countless tiny spikes emerged from the hilt, piercing Li Fan's palms.
Hum~ Hum~
With a slight humming sound, Li Fan felt the power within his body being rapidly drawn out by the Great Sword.
Whoosh~
A bright blue aura emanated from the blade, forming a thin, semi-circular barrier, faintly appearing in front of him.
"Sheathe!"
Yu Shan shouted.
Click! As the iron Great Sword was returned to its scabbard behind him, it seemed to trigger a mechanism, and the tiny spikes retracted back into the hilt.
"It's rare for someone to endure such a long charged time on their first attempt."
Yu Shan said in surprise.
"It's alright."
Li Fan was able to endure it because he roughly understood how the Valor style was used, and he was psychologically prepared for the sudden pain.
So, the Valor style was achieved through specialized equipment. No wonder there were so many illogical aspects in the game.
The realization of the Valor style's effects had always puzzled Li Fan.
Upon trying it, he discovered that it was not merely a matter of technique but involved modifications at the weapon structure level.
"Mentor Yu Shan, can you tell me about the internal structure of the Valor Great Sword?"
Li Fan inquired.
"Certainly. According to the Guild's standards for Great Swords, a Great Sword must be equipped with a Spirit Gauge and pores that allow Spirit Energy to flow smoothly. This way, the Spirit Energy accumulated through strikes can be utilized with each swing. The structural difference of the Valor style Great Sword is the addition of a Valor Gauge. Although attempts have been made to thicken the blade, to maintain its strength, the Spirit Gauge can only be partially compromised. This means that even when the Valor style Great Sword is fully charged with Spirit Energy, it cannot achieve Spirit Resonance... According to the Guild's terminology, it cannot raise the Spirit Blade level. Therefore, the Valor style Great Sword has not been recognized as a formal hunting weapon by the Guild to this day. However, this is not a major issue, as the Guild has never recognized the Valor style anyway."
Yu Shan sounded somewhat helpless when discussing the recognition of the Valor style.
"By the way, the stamina and endurance rapidly drained by the Valor Gauge will only form a protective barrier in front of you and are not actually injected. Only when the protective wall is struck with sufficient force, producing a reaction similar to..."
Yu Shan paused at this point.
"Similar to the dispersion of Spirit Energy during Foresight Slash, activating the reaction upon impact, the Valor Gauge will then refill and absorb."
Li Fan ventured.
"That's right. I originally intended to use Foresight Slash as an example, but unfortunately, there are very few hunters who know about Foresight Slash, let alone understand its principles."
Yu Shan said in surprise.
Li Fan now had a general understanding of the design philosophy behind the Valor style Great Sword.
The introduction of Spirit Energy into the Great Sword as a form of energy utilization was the original design intention.
One day, a genius felt that a single type of energy was not quite enough.
Thus, he discovered the power of the human body, which had similar properties and could also be activated by attacks, and called it Valor.
This allowed a Great Sword to potentially absorb and utilize two types of energy.
However, the actual effect was far more than that, because when the Valor Gauge was filled, Spirit Energy and Valor, when used together, would resonate and blend.
"Mentor Yu Shan, after the Valor Gauge is fully charged, can I use the True Spirit Blade Slash?"
With his thoughts cleared, Li Fan began to ask.
"Uh... Theoretically, yes. But in terms of Great Sword application, you must first start with the First Slash."
Yu Shan felt that Li Fan seemed to possess a lot of information regarding the application of the Valor style.
"Can I try to charge the Valor Gauge and attempt it? My body can withstand it."
Li Fan inquired.
"This is a bit difficult. The activity of the Valor protective barrier is much lower than that of Spirit Energy. It must be an attack containing sufficient power. In the past, we used a heavy hammer for sparring to strike the barrier until... well, it was later prohibited."
Yu Shan explained.
The part that was not mentioned was that the sparring partner was hammered to death during the training of the Valor Great Sword.
Li Fan had not expected that training the Valor style would also carry such great risks.
"Then, alright. I will practice the First Slash more, and I will try again when the opportunity arises."
"Actually, you could find some small monsters for sparring... Alright, this method has also resulted in many deaths, so let's just pretend I didn't say anything."
Yu Shan covered his mouth, feeling that saying more would only endanger Li Fan.
Time quickly passed until evening. Yu Shan led Li Fan to the Dragon Chronicle Guild headquarters' dining hall. After a hearty meal, he escorted Li Fan to the dormitory area.
Although the single room for Intermediate members was not large, it was neatly organized and even included a small bed for the Felyne. It was not entirely free.
Li Fan tidied up, put on the Dragon Chronicle Guild badge he had received that day, and headed to the brightly lit research laboratory.
After consulting a researcher, Li Fan learned that with the Intermediate member badge of the Dragon Chronicle Guild, all the books in these bookshelves could be borrowed with simple registration.
Of course, they had to be returned on time, otherwise, there would be fines for overdue items.
Li Fan immediately began selecting books.
"Miscellany on Monster Diets"
"New World Ecological Reports"
"Frenzy Disease and Extreme Evolution"
"Decoding Ancient Texts"
"Hunting the Firmament"
...
Upon reaching the book management office, Li Fan placed down a large stack of books. He did not rush to register but instead asked, "Excuse me, are there any books here regarding the Nakarkall?"
"Yes, there are, but they are all in the top-secret archives. Only Senior members have viewing privileges, and Guild Master Todd must accompany them. You can only view them on-site and cannot take them away."
The female researcher informed him.
"What about special specimens?"
"They are also in the top-secret archives."
"Alright then, I will borrow these for now."
Before long, Li Fan returned to his room carrying a thick pile of books.
The reason for his intense interest in Nakarkall was due to a peculiar characteristic.
Nakarkall in the Dragon Graveyard would wrap its tentacles with bones to arm itself, which was not a novel ability in the monster world.
However, as the monster's skull changed, it would unleash attacks of different attributes, which was quite perplexing.
Even if all the bones could be collected and the skeletal structure restored with tentacles, without other organs, these multi-attribute attacks could not be achieved.
Li Fan was eager to explore the principle of this driving mechanism.
Because, assuming that a single skull could, in some way, restore the monster's abilities.
Then, applying this activation method to monsters could potentially cause them to undergo a qualitative transformation.