Monster Hunter Gathering

"Huh? Where did the dust come from?" Nie Chiwu shook the tableware, then put the plate in the recycling area while humming the tune of "Proof of Courage". As soon as he turned around, he saw Grandma Cat standing behind him with a serious face.

"Captain, you seem... sick?" Grandma Cat stretched out her paw and touched Nie Chiwu's forehead with some concern.

"How is that possible? I feel so good right now." Nie Chiwu grinned. "I even want to go exercise and fight an ancient dragon. I feel like I have endless energy..."

As Nie Chiwu said this, he struck a bodybuilding pose, indicating that he was in good health. However, Granny Cat suddenly grabbed Nie Chiwu, stretched out her claws, and pried open his eyes. Then, she saw an unusual light emanating from Nie Chiwu's pupils...

"It's... the Crazy Dragon virus." Granny Cat's expression became even more serious. "You've been infected by the scale powder that carries the Crazy Dragon virus."

Granny Cat quickly discovered the abnormalities in the cafeteria. Almost in the blink of an eye, several skilled people wearing masks jumped out from among the Felynn cats and began to conduct a comprehensive inspection and cleaning of the cafeteria.

Soon, Nie Chiwu was forced onto the bed by the Elu cats, while the cat lady was holding a small bag of cleaned scale powder with a serious expression.

"I've been infected by the Mad Dragon virus?" Nie Chiwu was also confused: "How is it possible! I haven't even seen the Black Eclipse Dragon or the Heavenly Dragon! I haven't even seen any Mad Dragon monsters nearby! How could I be infected..."

Mad Dragon Virus... The appearance of this virus almost inevitably means the appearance of a special monster - the Black Eclipse Dragon.

Hunters have many records of this strange monster. It hides in the darkness, spreads black scales, and leaves corpses wherever it passes. With its appearance, the monster will go crazy. Hunters who are contaminated by the scales will lose the ability to heal themselves. Creatures infected by the mad dragon virus will even go crazy and die.

"It's okay. The Grand Commander usually eats well, so he's in good health. He should be able to easily overcome the effects of the Crazy Dragon Virus." Although Granny Cat tried to comfort Nie Chiwu, a hint of worry remained on her face. "The Crazy Dragon Virus isn't a big problem for the gathering, but the problem is its source..."

Worry hung heavy on Granny Cat's face. "Did the scale powder from the Mad Dragon virus get on the new hunters and accidentally bring it to the gathering?"

"What?" Nie Chiwu was confused. "Xiaoying and Unosaki? How come they have the Crazy Dragon Virus? Who has it?"

"They both have it..." Granny Cat finally revealed what worried her most. "I'm worried that a source of the Mad Dragon virus has accidentally entered their world... and that a similar situation may have occurred in the worlds of the remaining three new hunters."

"How could it be this kind of thing... Could it really be a Black Eclipse Dragon?" Nie Chiwu suddenly felt a headache.

Black Eclipse Dragon... If we talk about combat ability alone, the Black Eclipse Dragon cannot be considered very strong among the [Monsters], but the terrifying thing about the Black Eclipse Dragon is the scale powder called [Mad Dragon Virus] that it exudes.

The Mad Dragon Transformation would not only drive the monsters mad, but would also increase the Black Eclipse Dragon's combat power in a short period of time. What worried Nie Chiwu and Granny Cat the most was...

The Black Eclipse Dragon...is the young form of the ancient dragon Tianhui Dragon.

----------

[The next chapter is a free little introduction to monsters. If you are interested, you can take a look. Not reading it will not affect your subsequent reading.]

Introduction to the Black Eclipse Dragon and the Tianhui Dragon Ecosystem

The Black Eclipse Dragon, also known as the [Black-Clad Dragon] or the [Calamitous Black Eclipse], was a unique monster that could not be classified, having once been recorded as a species.

Later, the hunters of the brigade observed the process of the Black Eclipse Dragon transforming into the Tenkai Dragon for the first time, confirming that the Black Eclipse Dragon was actually a juvenile Tenkai Dragon. After controversy, the Black Eclipse Dragon was officially recorded as a sub-dragon species.

The Black Dragon has the common four-legged, two-winged ancient dragon skeleton structure, but the difference is that the wing claws of the Black Dragon and the Tianhui Dragon can support the ground like a third pair of winged feet, allowing them to stand in a six-legged crawling manner.

When the dark purple scales spread like black mist, the Black Dragon's perception ability will reach its maximum, and it will enter the [Mad Dragon] state. Its head will grow tentacles that flicker with purple light, its body will change, its winged feet will extend, and it will move with six limbs. Its body color will also change from black to dark red, and then to a vicious purple.

If continuously exposed to the Mad Dragon Virus, the Mad Dragon Syndrome will begin to erode it. This will cause the organism's natural resilience to decline and its aggressiveness to increase. There are examples of people who have continuously attacked Black Dragons before the onset of the disease to avoid the negative effects of Mad Dragon Syndrome—this is called "overcoming." As mentioned earlier, Mad Dragon Transformation will also erode the Black Dragon itself.

The Black Eclipse Dragon will continue to shed its skin as it grows. Each molt is a test with a very low success rate. Once it fails, it will die miserably. This is why the Black Eclipse Dragon is very rare although it is dangerous. After each successful molt, the concentration of the Mad Dragon Virus in the Black Eclipse Dragon's body will increase. After the last successful molt, the Black Eclipse Dragon will transform into the Tianyu Dragon.

Tianhui Dragon, [Dragon Reincarnated in the Sky], [Lord of the World], [Tianhui White Eclipse], is an ancient dragon species that grew up from the Black Eclipse Dragon. It has the ability to spread the Mad Dragon Virus on a larger scale than the Black Eclipse Dragon. All its abilities can be regarded as an enhanced version of the Black Eclipse Dragon. It can also actively transform itself into a Mad Dragon state.

It is worth noting that when a Black Eclipse Dragon successfully transforms into a Tianhui Dragon in an area, the scale powder emitted by the Tianhui Dragon will [suppress the growth of other Black Eclipse Dragons], allowing them to act as followers of the Tianhui Dragon within their sphere of influence.

The carapace on its body will all turn into a gorgeous platinum color, the antennae will evolve into curved dragon horns, the golden pupils will open at this moment, "annual rings" symbolizing age will appear on the wing claws, the wing membrane will become wider and brighter, and when opened, it will be like a halo, which is the opposite of the Black Eclipse Dragon.

When Tianhui Dragon spreads the Kuanglong virus, it will also mix in Tianhui Dragon's reproductive cells. Every organism infected with the Kuanglong virus is essentially "parasitized" by the Black Eclipse Dragon in the cellular state. Once the host dies, the corpse will become a carrier for the Black Eclipse Dragon to absorb nutrients and incubate.

In addition, if the timing is right, a derivative [special individual] will appear when the Black Eclipse Dragon is suppressed by the Tianhui Dragon.

This individual is not a subspecies or special form of ordinary monsters, but a kind of [wrong degeneration]. Because there are not enough free words, I will talk about it later.

Chapter 291 The Reasons Why Hunters Hunt

After Nie Chiwu realized that the problem he faced this time was particularly difficult, the content of the commission popped up on the assembly panel.

[Subjugation Request: Subjugating the Source of the Mad Dragon Virus

Completion conditions: Completely solve the Crazy Dragon virus problem

Commission content: Due to unknown circumstances, the Crazy Dragon Virus appeared in multiple worlds at the same time. Now these worlds are facing the crisis of the Crazy Dragon Virus. Investigate and solve it before a big mess happens.

Mission location: The world where the five new hunters are located

Reward: Crazy Dragon Virus related equipment and decorations unlocked]

The appearance of this commission undoubtedly completely confirmed the existence of the Black Eclipse Dragon, but what worried Nie Chiwu the most was... whether the Tianhui Dragon would appear in the end.

Nie Chiwu felt a headache when he thought that in these worlds, there might be a black erosion dragon that was constantly shedding its skin and waiting to eventually grow into a Tianhui dragon.

If it was just the Black Dragon, then the current hunters would still be able to fight if they worked hard to update their equipment.

If the Black Eclipse Dragon really transforms into a Heavenly Dragon... then Nie Chiwu can only ask Xin Meilu for help.

Unlike the hollow-shelled King Snake Dragon created by the Winged Lion and the alternative mythical beasts like the Qilin, the Tianhui Dragon... is a truly iconic ancient dragon.

"No, we can't wait any longer... This kind of monster is a threat no matter where it comes from." Nie Chiwu propped himself up and prepared to get up from the bed: "I'll make a plan now!"

"Don't worry." Granny Cat reached out and touched Nie Chiwu, then pushed him back onto the bed. "The Crazy Dragon Virus absorbs the host's vitality to grow, so Captain, you can't force any action now. You need to rest and eat more cat food."

"If it's really uncomfortable, you can use a dispelling fruit to slow down the accumulation of the Crazy Dragon Virus. As long as you can overcome it, it will be fine."

"The Elu cats will be responsible for investigating the matter regarding the Mad Dragon virus." Granny Cat placed her paw on the back of Nie Chiwu's hand and looked at him with a gentle gaze. "Because... the Elu cats will always support the hunters. When the hunters protect the balance of nature, we will always be behind you to support you."

"Hahaha……"

Nie Chiwu forced a smile onto his lips, but did not stand up again. He was ready to listen to Grandma Cat's advice and have a good rest.

Although Nie Chiwu did not feel any discomfort after being infected with the Crazy Dragon Virus, and even felt extremely excited, as if his whole body was full of strength, Nie Chiwu also knew that it was a symptom of the disease caused by the Crazy Dragon Virus.

The strengthening of the host by the Crazy Dragon Virus is essentially an overload and overdraft of the host's body to drain the host's vitality.

After covering Nie Chiwu with a small quilt, Grandma Cat turned around and went out to command the Felyne cats to investigate matters related to the Mad Dragon Virus and invite the new hunters to the gathering as soon as possible.

Nie Chiwu lay in bed, covered with a blanket, staring at the ceiling in a daze: "I'm a little worried about the world of the new hunters, but Granny Cat is also worried about me."

"I am the responsible commander..." Nie Chiwu closed his eyes and emptied his mind, ready to fall asleep.

When Nie Chiwu woke up from his sleep, he found that his body was covered with fresh herbs, there was a jar of honey next to his pillow, and a letter next to it.

[Boss! Granny Cat said you're sick, meow. I don't know what's wrong with you... so I went out to the wild and collected a lot of herbs for you, but I don't know how to mix healing potions... so I put all the herbs next to you! I hope you get better soon, meow! I also went to pick a beehive to get honey, but I got stung by a honey bug... It didn't hurt at all! Don't worry about me, meow! But this way I can mix a large healing potion! You have to get better soon, meow! - Silly Cat]

"Drinking recovery potions won't cure the Mad Dragon Virus." Nie Chiwu grinned with a happy expression, but he still skillfully mixed the honey and herbs on hand into a can of recovery potion G using his hunter skills and poured it into his mouth, while also chewing a fruit.

"We put too much honey. We should use it sparingly." Nie Chiwu stretched his body and stood up. "But this gathering... is just like that."

"Hey, let alone the Black Eclipse Dragon, even if it's the Heavenly Dragon! I'll subjugate it for you! As the Grand Commander! As a hunter... of course I have to hunt down all monsters that don't conform to common sense!" Nie Chiwu clenched his fist: "Including Destiny!"

Nie Chiwuke clearly remembered the meaning of the final monster name as a monster hunter.

The black dragon...its name is Miraboreas, which means - the battle of destiny.

"Let me prepare for the next step." Nie Chiwu stretched his body, which still had some traces of the Mad Dragon Virus, and said, "Captain, I want a future where all hunters can live happily and contentedly..."

"Catch-up time!"

----------------

When Nie Chiwu notified everyone at the gathering to officially assemble, the hunters guessed that there might be a new commission, so they took some time out to come to the cafeteria to have a meeting while eating.

But when they arrived at the cafeteria, they found Nie Chiwu, who looked like he had taken stimulants and was lifting dumbbells enthusiastically.

Then, the hunters learned about... the arrival of newcomers and the news of the Mad Dragon Virus.

“Why are there still such ecological monsters!” Kazuma said tearfully, “Let me go back! Wait… I’ll lend you Aqua, okay? I won’t go this time…”

"Don't worry. The Mad Dragon Virus isn't that deadly to the human body, but it will still cause some abnormalities." Nie Chiwu explained, "I've prepared some information on the Black Eclipse Dragon and the Heavenly Dragon represented by the Mad Dragon Virus. You can take a look at it directly."

"Then the question is...will there be any chain reaction between the new members' world and the Crazy Dragon Virus?" Nie Chiwu seriously turned on the large screen in the cafeteria. On it was a low-quality PPT that Nie Chiwu had spent five minutes to make. The PPT also contained the information of the new members.

"Time is tight, so I won't show the anime directly. We'll learn more about it later when we formulate the battle plan." Nie Chiwu held a half-eaten barbecue bone in his hand and pointed in the direction of the screen. "And the newcomers this time can be collectively called - Magical Girls!"

The next moment, images of five beautiful girls who were not in the transformed state appeared in front of the gathered hunters, making everyone present's eyes light up.

Chapter 292 Hunters' Preparations

Sakura with her short brown hair, Madoka with her pink hair tied up with ribbons on both sides, Hibiki who looked like an ordinary girl, Unosaki who seemed to be dancing like an idol, and Mamika who was wearing a pink dress and had a hairstyle similar to Madoka's...

"They're all young girls!" Er Qiao glared. "They look like ordinary girls, don't they? Can they really fight well as hunters?"

"They... don't look like they've ever experienced battle." Tanjiro was also a little confused.

Tanjiro was also very young when he fought against the Demon Slayer Corps, so he didn't have any problem with age, but the girls in the picture didn't look like they had to fight, which confused Tanjiro.

"Magical girl... what's that? Like Maruthil?" As someone with a magical worldview, Laos was completely clueless about magical girls. "Wait, now I remember, isn't that the same as Shirou's sister?"

Laos' words instantly reminded those present who didn't know what a magical girl was. They all looked at Shirou, who was a little embarrassed, and began to recall the content of the first season of Magical Girl Illya...

"Magical girls are... about girls solving problems together and then becoming friends?" Jotaro scratched his hair and said, "I don't think there will be any big problems."

"Speaking of which, Illya also likes magical girls..." Shirou was a little embarrassed, not knowing how to explain the fact that magical girls are actually children's works without such a bit of a welfare state...

"You don't understand at all!!!!" Sato Kazuma, a veteran of the anime world, screamed, "Magical girls are actually dangerous too!!! They face all sorts of enemies... and even tentacle monsters and slimes are their natural enemies..."

"BYD, what kind of magical girl is that you are talking about?" Nie Chiwu was furious and prepared to hold a trial with the heretic Kazuma.

"but……"

Nie Chiwu scratched his hair and said, "Magical girls do have some of that."

"No social insurances or housing fund, no salary, tricked into working by strange creatures who know where, and even risking combat..." Nie Chiwu muttered, "No wonder those mascots had to find underage girls like these to sign contracts. They're basically exploiting their dreams and hiring them as child laborers..."

Seeing Nie Chiwu muttering to himself, it was only after Iwaya Naofumi patted Nie Chiwu on the shoulder that Nie Chiwu continued speaking.

"I don't know if you have any knowledge about magical girls before, or how much you know about them specifically, but these magical girls in the picture... their stories and styles..." Nie Chiwu scratched his hair and then showed the transformed postures of several magical girls.

Sakura Kinomoto, an ancient magical girl who controls the Clow Cards with a key magic wand.

Tachibana Hibiki is a powerful magical girl who sings and fights with her fists.

Madoka Kaname, a depressive magical girl who was forced to fulfill the Law of Circles due to the reincarnation of her best friend.

Huang Shu Molixiang came to the world where the Creator existed by accident, and was eventually killed in battle because of the disparity in the world.

And after transforming, she becomes Unosaki, a muscular magical girl wearing a pink magical girl skirt, and fighting with blood and flesh flying everywhere...

"These are the newcomers we'll be bringing this time." Nie Chiwu clasped his hands together. "And now the commission has informed us that the Crazy Dragon Virus has appeared in the worlds of these five people. We must help them while also eliminating the dangers of the Crazy Dragon Virus."

"Just like... everyone helped me before?" David raised his hand and asked.

"No, we need to work even harder than we did back then." Nie Chiwu took a deep breath. "Because the Qilin has no intention of harming humans, but whether it's the Black Eclipse Dragon or the Sky Dragon, their very existence is an extreme threat to the ecosystem."

"I have a question." Laos raised his hand. "If we go by the information on the Black Eclipse Dragon and the Heavenly Dragon... while the Black Eclipse Dragon shouldn't be as powerful as the Qilin, the Heavenly Dragon should be even stronger than the Qilin."

"Can we really deal with such an opponent now?" Laos wondered.

"If it's not resolved, the Mad Dragon Virus will become a plague that will cause great harm to the world it spreads to." Nie Chiwu shook his head. "It's a monster that destroys the natural ecology. As the hunters' will, as the Grand Commander, I will be at the forefront in defeating it."

"I hope the enemy we're facing is only the Black Eclipse Dragon... so we have to hurry up," Nie Chiwu said. "Once the Black Eclipse Dragon completes its final transformation..."

"Captain...I'm a little concerned..."

At this moment, Shirou Emiya was looking at the newcomers with their introductions on the screen, and because of their identities as magical girls, he thought of Illya.

Nie Chiwu had told him before that Illya would face many difficulties in the future, and when he thought of this... Shirou Emiya felt an urge in his heart that he could not sit idly by and watch these girls in front of him.

"Some of their experiences are...too cruel," Emiya Shirou said. "How can we help them?"

"……hunting."

Nie Chiwu turned his head and looked at Shirou Emiya: "Do what hunters do best."

"What we need to do is not to deliberately save or change their fate, all we need to do is hunt them!" Nie Chiwu said: "In fact, sometimes when I watch magical girls, some ideas pop up in my mind."

"Sometimes it's too cruel to put all these things on a group of young girls..." Nie Chiwu grinned, "But now that I have the chance, I, the elder brother, must firmly shoulder the responsibilities of an adult!"

"You are still the brother, but in their eyes you are just an uncle..." Kazuma turned his head and muttered to the side.

"You TM..." Nie Chiwu completely let go of his warlike nerves that were affected by the Mad Dragon Virus at this moment, and the Mad Dragon Captain suddenly pounced on Kazuma.

After Nie Chiwu and Kazuma fought for a while, Nie Chiwu crushed Kazuma's spine with a strong punch, while carrying Kazuma and talking to the other hunters.

"The Felyne cats have already gone to confirm the specific conditions of several mission worlds. As for what we can do... we'll just have to wait for news from them."