The group sat on the back of the Rathalos, each tending to their own business.
Olga Marie held a Wyvern Egg in her hands. This was a trophy from when the three cats had initially encountered the monsters. Although it hadn't been retrieved during the chaos of the battlefield, Lancer had brought it out after the fight to let it absorb some of the Elder Dragon energy that hadn't yet dissipated. Though the amount was small, it was better than nothing.
Judging by the Rathian they had killed earlier, the egg certainly contained a "Rath," though it was unclear whether it was a Rathian or a Rathalos. It didn't matter; it was going to be raised as a pet for Olga Marie anyway.
Heng used that strange device of his to guide Lancer's direction, while Zero lay in Lancer's arms, her limbs splayed out as she soaked in the wind, sinking into a long-overdue state of relaxation.
The remaining three cats were curled up together. Aru, who had been heavily injured, had mostly recovered under the baptism of the Elder Dragon energy, but was still being protected in the middle by its two companions. Rarely, it lay there without its usual "salted fish" expression, sporting a satisfied smile instead.
The four humans and three cats were all doing their own thing. Business as usual.
As for the Rathalos?
Naturally, it was a temporary mount Lancer had caught using his "Mounting (Physical)" ability. Everyone had been a bit shocked when they first saw the Rathalos—with several cracked plates on its head and a small chunk missing from its tail—but they climbed onto its back after Lancer repeatedly guaranteed he hadn't damaged its wings.
With the help of this "mount," the journey that had taken Lancer and the others several days on foot was covered in less than one. They bypassed the area where they had first met and sped northwest, finally reaching the coast before noon the next day.
After releasing the trembling Rathalos, Heng led Lancer and the others to an estuary where he had hidden his small boat.
It was a very "strange" boat, seemingly made of wood but lacking a sail. According to Heng, he had found this vessel in a ruin as well.
Hearing this, Lancer couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Of course, the jealousy wasn't over the boat itself—such a thing held no attraction for Lancer, as it wouldn't turn into a cute girl—he was jealous of the man's luck.
Items found in "ruins" were generally junk. Ruins were formed for all sorts of reasons—natural disasters or man-made calamities—but the common thread was that over time, these things usually lost their original function.
However, there are always a few items that retain some of their power, only to be picked up by a lucky soul among treasure hunters.
Why did Lancer never open chests or go exploring?
Simple: he knew that if he went exploring, there was a high chance he'd run into a BOSS, but the chest he opened would likely be empty.
The small boat looked decent enough, but Lancer had other options.
"Take our ship."
As Lancer spoke, the three cats, who had vanished moments before, steered a small modern yacht out from the side.
Seeing Heng's stunned expression, Lancer really wanted to retort: That's right, with money (points), you can do whatever you want.
The small boat was temporarily stowed on the side of the yacht, and under Heng's guidance, Lancer and the others headed out to sea. However, no matter how fast this modern vessel was, it would still take time to reach their destination. During this interval, Lancer intended to update his gear.
He had no intention of wasting the carcasses of four Elder Dragons and a large number of Flying Wyverns.
If there was one thing that disappointed Lancer, it was that he couldn't use Kirin materials to make a "Kirin Set" for Olga Marie.
Why the Kirin Set?
Because it's a man's romance!
The three cats operated the ship, Olga Marie continued her research on the monster materials and the egg, and Zero lay on the roof like a dried fish, letting the sea breeze wither her before dinner.
As for Lancer, he had intended to demonstrate to Olga Marie his "unrivaled strength as a fisherman," as his Senior Brother put it. Unfortunately, after he caught a Plesioth and a Lagiacrus in succession, his fishing rod was confiscated, forcing him to start his "work" early.
In his private workshop, Lancer laid out the forging materials and tools he had prepared to craft his "Lance."
Ever since he had "Zero," Lancer rarely used other lances. Generally, against normal-sized opponents, he preferred the Gáe Bolg, but against massive enemies, he used Zero.
However, a lance made from Kirin materials could perform thunder-element attacks; he could even channel his own lightning through it. The Teostra and Lunastra gear offered special "Blast" attributes. As for the materials from the blue dragon he couldn't name—temporarily dubbed the "Azure Star" dragon—they had him torn for a while.
While he was staring at the materials on the table in indecision, he noticed a figure hovering outside the workshop.
"Is something the matter, Heng?"
"No, just... I'm a bit bored..."
The man was embarrassed because his attempt to "sneak a lesson" had been discovered, but he wasn't lying; he really didn't have much to do.
Initially, he had been using his device to guide the three cats and chart the sea, but once Aru learned how to use the device, he was completely "liberated"—or rather, he became an idle bystander.
Why did he want to sneak a lesson? Naturally, it was because of that "Kirin Lance" Lancer had made. He still remembered the thunder energy that pulsed through it when he had barely managed to lift it.
He was envious of such a weapon, though not for his own use, since he wasn't a combatant. He was envious because he felt this weapon was far more powerful than the "Ancient Weapons" found in ruins by his village or the army.
Lancer wasn't a master strategist, but his intuition was sharp. The man's intent was practically written on his face. Connecting it to Heng's reason for seeking the "Azure Star," Lancer was certain he had guessed the man's thoughts. So————
"You want to learn? I'll teach you."
Heng froze for two seconds before pointing at himself in disbelief, silently asking if Lancer meant it. Lancer nodded with a smile.
In Heng's eyes, he had done nothing but drag the group down. But in Lancer's view, the man had contributed more than he realized.
First, he provided firsthand information about this world. Second, his guidance saved them a lot of time. Third, teaching him cost Lancer nothing and gained him a temporary laborer and assistant. Why not?
Finally, with a look of pure joy, Heng trotted into Lancer's workshop.
Heng likely didn't know that these few days would change the course of his entire life...