Alone and Infinite

No? Li Xia frowned. With Steel Dragon's pathetic combat intelligence, as long as you can break through its head defense and its movement is a bit more agile, killing it shouldn't be too difficult.

It's been almost a decade or so since the Monster Hunter spin-off world was first created by the Hall of Fame; it shouldn't be like this now.

"Your Highness, the guide mentions that they hunted Elder Dragons, but it was always in small groups, and they fought Velkhana and Teostra."

Li Xia remained silent for a while. Apart from the ordinary Qilin, which was a "disgrace to the ancient dragons", the easiest ones to bully were indeed the Ice Curse Dragon and the Flame King Dragon.

These two hunter guilds have very special items: cold drinks and hot drinks, which are quite expensive but can provide temporary protection against heat and cold.

The duration is approximately five minutes. In particular, for Teostra, as long as its wife, Lunastra, is not around, drinking the cold drink can reduce the threat of Teostra by more than half.

But if this couple were together...

This would create a team-wiping technique: Nuclear Explosion!

Li Xia's mood suddenly brightened; accomplishing what no one had done before was, after all, something to be happy about.

After a few seconds of sighing, Aowu flew over to Black Charcoal's side, its eyes shining, and joined Black Charcoal and the observer in the exciting collection process.

The steel dragon's hide was exceptionally tough, but after it died and lost its bodily nourishment, the hide began to loosen.

It's not as sturdy as it was when it was alive, and with the guild's specially made skinning knife, it's difficult, but not impossible.

You have obtained the Upper Scale of the Steel Dragon.

You have obtained the Steel Dragon Wings

You have obtained the Steel Dragon's Claws.

You have obtained the Steel Dragon's Horn.

Li Xia took out a piece of steel dragon scales from his spatial storage.

This silvery-white dragon scale is about the size of a palm. Upon closer inspection, its surface appears to flow subtly and shimmers in the sunlight.

It feels heavy in your hand, with a very good texture; you could even call it a fine work of art.

More importantly, its attributes are also quite outstanding.

【The Upper Scales of the Steel Dragon】

[Quality: Purple (Tier 2)]

[Origin: Monster Hunter World - Elder's Recess]

[Type: Rare Materials/Minerals/Active Metals]

[Comment: The scales of the Steel Dragon, made of a metal with a certain degree of activity, are a miracle born of life, a treasure that could never be created in a laboratory. Perhaps?]

Unfortunately, no gem of the Steel Dragon was found. Li Xia put away the materials, feeling somewhat regretful.

This Steel Dragon is too weak; it's young and hasn't experienced much combat.

The precious jade is a treasure that was nurtured over time by the highly active natural energy within the ancient dragon's body.

Li Xia pondered for a while. If he obtained the Steel Dragon's gem and integrated it into his spear, he would most likely gain the ability to control the wind.

Thunder and wind seem to go quite well together.

I put down my pipe, about to end with the thought that life isn't always perfect, when I suddenly heard a howling sound in the team chat:

“Oh, Your Highness, take a look at this material.”

Ok?

【The Steel Dragon's Sharp Horns】

[Quality: Purple (Tier 2)]

[Origin: Monster Hunter World - Elder's Recess]

[Type: Rare Materials/Minerals/Organs]

[Evaluation: The Steel Dragon has six feather-like sharp horns that are tightly attached to its head. The Steel Dragon manipulates the power of wind through the resonance of these six sharp horns. Although it cannot compare to the Jewel, it still has a certain degree of wind control effect.]

Li Xia raised his eyebrows, a thoughtful expression on his face.

No wonder. The head of the Steel Dragon is a weak point; attacking the head can reduce its wind control ability.

It's likely that the steel dragon uses a special ability within its body to cause changes in the wind field, with its sharp corners amplifying and expanding the range of the wind.

The joy of accident!

After a while, the observer closed the notebook with satisfaction, having written down all the relevant information about the steel dragon.

She exudes a peculiar confidence, and Abbott has a feeling that she will become a legendary observer in the future.

Your own handbook will become an essential book for every observer!

It all started that afternoon when Alvin dragged me here in a daze.

"Hey—this is your observer!"

Aibo looked up; the sunlight was a bit dazzling, just like that afternoon when she shielded her forehead with her hand as she looked at the figure sitting on the steel dragon.

"Friend! Should we go back?"

Li Xia slowly stood up, about to speak, when she suddenly remembered something:

"No! Send a message to the guild! Briefly explain what's going on here—"

He paused:

"Tell them we can establish a branch base in the Elder's Recess!"

"This way! Bring all the timber and stones this way!"

"Be careful, this place is very slippery. First, build a fence around the perimeter!"

"Where's the materials dispatcher? Come quick, where are the materials I need?"

"Dragon-Slaying Spear Deployment - Pteranodon Landing Area - Airship - "

The highest mountain in the Elder's Recess, once the lair of the Steel Dragon, has now been transformed into a bustling and vibrant construction site.

The hunters busily moved away the mountains of various materials, which were then arranged by the logistics staff for production.

The blast furnace was ablaze with flames, and the clanging and banging sounds mixed together, creating an exceptionally noisy atmosphere.

Above the sky, the New World Survey Team's airships, carrying heavy cargo, shuttled back and forth.

Other ancient dragons did not react to this.

This is Li Xia's territory, which replaced Steel Dragon as the "Sky Overlord".

He didn't make a move, so the other ancient dragons wouldn't rashly fly into the sky to attack the hot air balloon—that would be a provocation.

The rest of the Gu Long fully respected Li Xia, and this discovery made the group of elderly researchers, both old ladies and gentlemen, ecstatic and tearful.

Some even suggest that this discovery will usher in a completely new chapter for Gu Long's social structure!

The hidden gains were so great that the New World expedition team was scratching their heads in disbelief.

Li Xia is already a G-rank hunter, which is quite high in the hunter hierarchy. This hunter hierarchy is different from job rank.

It's somewhat similar to military rank and position. Military rank indicates the benefits one receives, while position indicates specific responsibilities.

Above G is the legendary Azure Star, a title similar to 'Grand Marshal of All Armies'.

It wouldn't be granted out easily, but Li Xia's contributions were significant, so it was a cause for celebration that they had a branch base in the Dragon Crystal Land.

The senior members of the New World Survey Team, however, held meetings every day, looking worried and distressed.

Payment must be made in cash; this is the hunters' creed. Merit should be rewarded; this is the hunters' guild's creed.

So how exactly should we upgrade?

"M-rank hunter?"

Li Xia raised her head and looked at Alvin with some surprise, as Alvin was a mid-to-high-level employee in the base with whom she had a good relationship.

The Commander-in-Chief sent Alvin to sound out Li Xia's opinion, wondering if this 'super hunter' was satisfied.

This is the first 'human overlord' ever to be recognized by the ancient dragons!

However, the title of 'Azure Star' is too important. Once a hunter is awarded the title of Azure Star, it will inevitably mean that the hunter will become an object of pursuit and worship among hunters.

Even without a real position, they can become 'spiritual leaders'.

Therefore, the granting of the Azure Star is definitely not a simple matter; without a feat similar to saving humanity, it's unthinkable.

“Yes, M-rank—” Alvin sighed: “The old man (Commander-in-Chief) is about to die of worry. He definitely has to be promoted, but he’s not good enough for Azure Star.”

G-rank is generally considered the pinnacle, but fortunately, researchers from the New World Survey Team have pointed out that the situation in the New World is far more complex than that in the original continent.

Powerful monsters abound; therefore, M-rank hunters should be added to adapt to the current situation.

The Commander-in-Chief and the investigation committee hesitated, as adding a layer was a significant matter.

With your help, this matter is now finalized.

Li Xia smiled and handed a skewer of freshly grilled fish to Alvin.

He hadn't considered Azure Star unless he went and swept through the ancient dragons of the Dragon Crystal Lands right now.

Or go and get a forbidden ancient dragon—like a black dragon or something.

The Hunter's Guild will definitely bestow upon itself the title of 'Azure Star'.

He didn't care what rank of hunter he was; what Li Xia cared about were the things that came with being an M-rank hunter.

Sure enough, Alvin took the grilled fish and, not minding the heat, tore the fish meat apart. Immediately, the steaming hot fish meat, mixed with the aroma of the grilling seasoning, wafted out.

He stuffed a long strip of fish into his mouth and mumbled:

"The Commander-in-Chief specifically instructed that a piece of equipment can be customized according to your needs, and the Second Regiment will do its best to help you."

Li Xia's eyes suddenly lit up, and a piece of equipment suddenly popped into his mind.

It wasn't the Dragon King's one eye, but rather something Aowu had discovered before, though the materials were all used to forge the Qilin set for Black Charcoal.

"Where are the materials?"

"The guild will cover half!" Alvin said immediately, then added with a bitter face, "Actually, it should cover the whole thing, but Xia, you know how the research lab is, it's a material-devouring machine!"

Materials from ancient dragons are extremely rare. Sometimes, people would go to the lair to collect scraps when the ancient dragons were not at home.

Also, defeating an ancient dragon will leave some material residue.

He paused for a moment: "The materials for the ancient dragon are far too scarce."

Li Xia nodded: "Okay! I'm very satisfied, no problem. Did you bring the list?"

Saving half the materials is already pretty good; it's equivalent to half a piece of purple gear.

The Steel Dragon was originally my hunting target, so this was a completely unexpected gain.

"I brought it—"

Alvin casually wiped the grease off his hands and pulled a bag with a dragon claw pattern from his pocket.

This is the symbol of 'Dark Night', and it also represents a high degree of secrecy.

Li Xia took out the list, and the panel of the Hall of Light popped up in front of him.

Skipping the above, we've locked onto one piece of equipment:

【Kirin Belt】

[Grade: Dark Purple (Tier 2)]

[Origin: Monster Hunter - Dark Night Research Laboratory 2, Ryukiin Institute]

【Category: Special Category/Belt】

[Durability: 70/70]

[Equipment Requirements: Physical Strength ≥ 2]

1. Thunder Belt: When equipped, lightning attacks received will be absorbed, with a maximum absorption of 1000 points.

2. Energy Storage Belt: Absorbed lightning will be stored in the belt and can be released all at once to deal damage to enemies based on the stored value, up to a maximum of 1000 points, with a 15% chance of paralyzing the enemy.

3. Lightning Tempering: Absorbed lightning damage can be converted into electric current, continuously tempering the body. Every 100 points of damage can be used for 24 hours of tempering, which will slightly increase the upper limit of physical strength and lightning resistance.

Body Tempering Limit: Physical Strength ≤ 5

Resistance cap: 100 points