"We've been played."
The Professor's expression was grim as he entered the cavern after the "all-clear" signal was given.
Altaïr's eyes swept quickly over the surroundings, observing the interior of the cave.
The cave spanned roughly two thousand square meters, not massive, but just the right size for a Large Monster's nest.
The illumination inside was barely adequate, provided by a light source from above. There was a massive opening at the top of the cave, wide enough for a Large Monster to squeeze through, leading to the outside world.
Caves with this sort of crater-like structure were favorites among Flying Wyverns; if a monster like a Rathalos discovered such a place, it would likely trigger a territory dispute.
However, the opening at the top of this cave was well-concealed, positioned at a sharp diagonal angle. A giant tree rooted within the cave meandered upward, growing through the opening toward the outside world and veiling the entrance from view.
The lush canopy blocked most of the spring water and rain from outside, but a significant amount still trickled down through the gaps in the leaves and along the trunk into the cave's interior. This left the ground exceptionally damp, with pools of water deep enough to reach one's thighs forming in several areas.
The pools were crystal clear, teeming with colorful aquatic plants and numerous small fish of unknown species, the sight of which made Erik nearly lose his resolve to keep from diving straight in.
Clusters of bioluminescent moss clung to the damp inner walls, reflecting off the wondrous water plants and intertwined vines to make the cave look like a dreamlike wonderland.
"It really is a beautiful place," Altaïr couldn't help but admire.
Isis's train of thought followed a stranger path. She looked at the Star Butterflies clinging motionless to the rock walls, then up at the large hole leading directly outside.
She tilted her head. "So, why did it spend so much time winding through the cave tunnels? Wouldn't it have been easier to just fly in through that hole?"
They had tracked the Star Butterfly by following the scent trails it left behind, so they were well aware of its flight path.
Olivia speculated, "Perhaps the Star Butterfly sensed something was wrong and deliberately led us to the wrong location?"
"Perhaps it isn't the wrong location." The Professor stepped into a puddle and retrieved a brilliant dragon scale from the bottom, appearing as if it were a condensed shard of starlight.
"This is an Estrellian scale. This should be its nest; it just happens to not be home.
As for the flight path of the Star Butterflies, don't overestimate their intelligence.
Existing research suggests their behavior is somewhat similar to insects like ants or bees, governed by pheromones.
If the route we just took is a path the Estrellian frequently travels, then they would naturally follow that same line of movement."
At this point, the Professor paused before continuing, "The Star Butterflies aren't very smart, but the Estrellian is quite the opposite.
The Estrellian likely detected our presence early on and allowed that homing Star Butterfly to lead us on a detour to the nest, while it took the opportunity to escape. That is entirely possible."
"Is it really that cowardly?" Altaïr whispered under his breath. Attracting monsters to behave abnormally, triggering the Hyper state, and causing mutations in the Jungle, none of those sound like the work of a benevolent creature. When you put them together, it's easy to imagine some terrifying mastermind lurking behind the scenes.
It felt like a bit of a mismatch compared to the fellow before them, who had abandoned its minions as decoys and fled its own home at the first sign of trouble.
"Don't forget, the Estrellian is a juvenile. Possessing the power to influence the environment is one thing, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still in its juvenile form.
For a juvenile, seeking gain and avoiding harm is biological instinct. It's just like a Basarios; they possess impressive strength, but most of the time they hide in quiet places, camouflaging themselves as boulders while they slowly grow."
Hearing the Professor's words, Altaïr nodded thoughtfully.
"So what should we do now?" Isis asked with a grimace.
Whether it was a Capture or a Hunt, whether she used her Gunlance or a Long Sword, she could accept anything as long as the target was dealt with efficiently.
But now they hadn't even seen a shadow of their target, and even the lead provided by the Star Butterfly had gone cold. Where were they supposed to look?
The Professor's expression was equally grim. "We'll begin tracking immediately. If the Estrellian truly fled in a panic, it should have left at least some traces nearby. We can try to find and follow them.
We'll be more cautious this time. Once a discovery is made, Olivia, who has undergone stealth training, will lead Athos and Clawdia to approach carefully.
Upon finding the Estrellian, fire an SOS Flare immediately and engage it to prevent another escape while the rest of the Hunters provide rapid support.
There is another, simpler way: stay here, go into hiding, and bet on the Estrellian returning to its nest so we can corner it at home."
After finishing, the Professor paused briefly and looked at the Hunters. "What are your thoughts?"
He was the operation commander, true, but the Hunters were the ones who would ultimately execute the plan; he naturally had to consider their opinions.
"I lean toward the first option, being more proactive," Olivia said, rubbing her sharp chin. "Although I haven't seen the Estrellian with my own eyes, based on the descriptions in the reports, it shouldn't be difficult to pin it down."
Nymera nodded in agreement. Her Palamute and Cohoot could play a massive role in searching and tracking, whereas staying behind to lie in wait meant giving up those advantages.
Isis held the opposite opinion. Clad in her heavy armor, her movements were relatively slow; even if her stamina could handle the running, she worried about delaying the battle.
Staking out the site suited her much better.
Seeing the three of them disagree, Altaïr thought for a moment and said, "What if we do both simultaneously and split up?
Olivia can lead Athos and Clawdia to track the Estrellian. Nymera provides support; the Cohoot can expand the search area, and the Palamute can help her provide rapid backup.
Isis and I will stay here. The cave is filled with vines and shrubs, so it shouldn't be hard to stay hidden using a Ghillie Mantle."
The Professor nodded slowly. "Mhm... that works as well. With your strength, even if the team is split, suppressing the Estrellian shouldn't be a problem.
Whichever side encounters the Estrellian first, prioritize marking it with a Paintball. The Estrellian cannot fly; if it's hit with a Paintball, it won't be able to run away."
"Then Teacher, what about the two of us and the Gajalaka?" Erik asked, raising his hand. The Professor hummed in thought for a few seconds before speaking. "The Gajalaka will join the search parties. They are natural Jungle hunters, skilled in both tracking and concealment; they should be a major help.
I will travel with Nymera. With the Palamute and the Cohoot, Nymera will be able to spot any emerging situation immediately and provide rapid support.
Erik, you stay here in the cave with Altaïr and Isis. Whether you want to take photos or collect samples, it's up to you."
"Really?!" Erik's eyes lit up.
"Indeed. The more intelligent a creature is, the better it is at gauging an opponent's strength. The Estrellian likely won't view someone as completely non-aggressive as you as a threat; it might even be curious about you.
Furthermore, we've stayed in this cave for a while, so we've inevitably left scents behind. Having you wandering around in the open may help lower the Estrellian's guard, causing it to overlook Altaïr and the others lurking in the shadows."
"You're bait!" Isis provided a blunt summary.
"..." Erik fell silent for a few seconds, then shrugged. "Fine, I'm just happy for the chance to investigate the cave's ecology. Besides, you guys won't just watch me get carried off by a Monster, right?
Actually, being snatched by an Estrellian might be a unique experience in itself. It could be a chance to get up close and personal with such a mysterious beast..."
Erik grew more excited as he spoke. "If the Estrellian shows up later, don't be in such a rush to jump out, okay? Let me interact with it for a bit first!"
"How have you survived long enough to grow this big, meow?" Sajji looked at Erik in disbelief.
He was a Felyne born and raised in the wild; a fellow like Erik should have been snatched away by a Genprey the very day he was born.
Altaïr also didn't quite know what to say. If the Professor hadn't spoken up, he would have considered just tying Erik up and leaving him there; it would have served the same purpose as bait.
"Alright, let's not waste time. Everyone, move out." With the plan settled, the efficiency-minded Professor urged them forward.
"Professor," Nymera spoke up suddenly, pointing toward the Star Butterfly perched motionlessly at the top of the cave. "What should we do with that one?"
The Professor thought for a moment. "Try to startle it away. If it can lead the way for us one more time, that would be ideal."
"Understood."
Nymera raised her Bowgun and fired a shot less than a meter away from the Star Butterfly.
The power of Normal Ammo 1 could only be described as ordinary, leaving nothing more than an inconspicuous white mark on the rock wall.
However, the noise of the shot and the vibration of the Bowgun Ammo hitting the wall startled the motionless, dormant Star Butterfly.
It spread its elytra, fluttering its beautiful, shimmering wings as it flew toward the opening above.
"I'll leave this place to you," the Professor nodded to Altaïr and Isis. "We'll follow it up the tree trunks."
(Translated by yourtl.app)