The young boy's name is Lute: a rash but passionate fellow
who aims to be the world's top Monster Rider.
And he's Navirou's top pupil, too!
Having come to Pawpad Place in search of info on Kinship Ores,
Navirou is faced with one trial after another...
...and overcomes them handily on his own strengths!
And now: another day, another request
has made its way to Lute and friends!
"Monster Hunter Stories RIDE ON"
"Episode 21: Barroth, Landslide Wyvern"
Huh? A quest request from Captain Simone
of the Scriveners?
And it's for us? Not the Hunters?
Yep! It's because you're all Riders
that Simone--I mean, the captain made the request.
What's it about?
It might have to do with the Black Blight.
The Black Blight?
You might not believe it, but this vast desert here
was rich and green until just a few years ago.
No one could stop the mysterious quicksand,
and the desert just kept spreading.
And because of that, the monsters are dwindling, too.
So there are fewer and fewer monsters?
Uh-huh.
And the Black Blight has something to do with this?
The Scriveners think it might be.
I'd like to go with you all to see if that's the case.
So you'd come, too?
Yes. If the Black Blight's involved, I'll do anything to stop it.
That's right!
Yeah.
But why do they think the Black Blight's a factor?
There's a rumor going around among the townsfolk
about black monsters appearing in the desert at night,
even hiding the moon from view...
Black monsters?
This has got to be linked to the Black Blight.
That's why I want to investigate it with you.
If we visit Oasum, a camp of refugees
who lost their villages to the encroaching desert,
we can hear all about it.
Let's go!
Yeah!
"I'm sure you must have heard:
there are reports of drastic environmental changes in the desert lands."
"We believe these are related to the Black Blight,
as was the incident in Hakum Village, Lute's hometown.
Therefore I have asked for the Riders' help
as I launch an independent investigation.
Since you came from a desert village, too,
I thought you should know."
"P.S. I understand your current quest
is a Deserted Island Grand Hunt-a-thon.
I know it's none of my business,
but don't try too hard."
In other words, wind it up and join the crew.
Okay, we've bought just about everything we need.
No, you're forgetting something important!
What's that?
Donuts, of course!
I've put Mille and Hyoro in charge of provisions--
they'll be meeting us back here soon.
Ah, there they are!
They've got a lot of something!
Ooh!
Here we go!
Okay, give Navirou those freshly-made donuts!
All Lilia asked for was Rations and Well-Done Steak.
Right.
You're kidding. No donuts, no life!
Huh?
That'll cheer you up.
That's Cheval! Navirou's top pupil!
Navirou, you're heavy!
Don't hold back now: pet Navirou all you like!
I'm glad Cheval's back to normal.
Eh?
When we were talking about the Black Blight, he totally wasn't himself.
Cheval...
He wants to stop the Black Blight, that's all.
Yeah.
Check, check, and check!
That's all of our stuff--
we'll head out first thing tomorrow.
--Yep! --Got it!
The desert is a really unforgiving place,
so make sure you get plenty of rest tonight.
This is so cool, Lilia. You're such a Scrivener now!
You think so?
You're a natural in that uniform, too.
I'm still an apprentice, but I'll do my best.
As expected from Navirou's top pupil!
Just how many top pupils do you have?
As many as there are!
And that's... a Navi-rule.
What part of that is a rule?
You make no sense.
Nope.
Argh!
Your flowerbed might get torn up.
What can you do? If that happens, I'll sow more seeds.
The flowers will bloom again.
--Chev-- --Cheval!
There you are!
I got worried when you weren't at the inn.
Sorry.
Can't sleep?
I mean, I sure can't.
I'm going on behalf of the Scriveners-- it's a big responsibility.
Now I'm nervous!
Calm down, Lilia.
Deep breaths, now.
Cheval, you've been saying that since we were little kids.
Yep--calmed right down!
C'mon, you do it, too.
Huh? Me? Why?
Why not?
Eh? Did you two stay up late?
I was just so nervous...
You, too, Mille?
N-Not especially!
W-We'll be at the desert lands soon.
We should probably have those Cool Drinks now.
Will those be gross, too?
I don't know about the taste...
But they'll temper the heat for us.
Leave it to me. I'll mix us up some tasty Cool Drinks!
Huh?
I got this combination directly from Captain Simone,
It's so yummy, it'll knock your socks off!
Done! Bottoms up!
Restraint is hazardous to your health.
I've made plenty, so don't be shy!
Cheval!
Let's do this together!
Ready, and...
Huh? That was better than--
There's a time delay! Scary stuff!
Cheval's frozen in place!
A-Are you okay?
The sheer deliciousness stopped him in his tracks!
You're so positive!
Too much optimism is a crime!
Lilia, you try this!
Sure thing.
--See? The gross taste'll kick in--
What balanced lusciousness! I think I'll have seconds!
Go on, everyone--drink up!
You, too, Navi!
Navirou won't take anything but tasty donuts!
So you don't care if you get all dried up in the heat?
Navirou has a body of steel!
It can shake off a little heat, no problem!
Taste aside, that stuff really works!
Good thing we drank it!
Even though my tongue is still tingling.
If we hadn't had any,
we'd be all dried up by now!
--Pant... Pant...
Come on, Navirou. Swallow your pride and have a Cool Drink already!
If it means drinking that awful stuff, Navirou'd rather wither away.
An oasis!
Follow Navirou, gang!
Navirou!
That's no oasis! That's...
Eh? It's not an oasis.
Come back, Navi!
A Barroth!
"Barroth"
Ride On!
Rathian!
Navirou! Don't struggle!
He's sinking deeper into the mud!
Ugh!
Navirou thought he'd drown in mud out here!
Barroth can fling mud--be careful!
And if that mud hits you...
...you won't be able to move!
Mille! Hyoro!
Heave ho!
Ride On!
Rathian!
Cheval!
It's Cleanser!
Grab on!
Thanks, Lilia.
Cheval! That one's not Blighted!
It's just scared 'cause we disturbed its den!
I will take it down!
Cheval!
Whoa!
It got hit by the Shock Trap!
Now put it to sleep with these Tranq Bombs!
Here goes!
Yesss!
Could you celebrate after you rescue Navirou?
Oh.
Good thing we got you out, eh, Navirou?
You'd all forgotten about Navirou. So cruel...!
Come on, let's get that mud off you.
If you'd had that Cool Drink, this never would have happened.
Sniff...
What should we do about that Barroth?
We'll leave that up to the Guild.
It's not like it was affected by the Black Blight or anything.
Once we get through this valley, the road to Oasum splits into two.
The mountain route looks pretty treacherous--
and there are no oases along the way.
Lilia, I'll handle the investigation along that route.
But you can't go alone...
Okay--I'll go, too.
So will I.
Thanks. I feel better having the two of you along.
Then Lute and I will hand the Barroth over to the Guild
and take the route through the valley.
Mmm, so very ultra-tasty!
Yoink!
Hey!
A real taste!
Nuh-uh!
You're not eating this.
Why not?! You cooked it up so very ultra-tasty and all!
Let Navirou have it!
You don't know when to give up!
We gotta settle food scores right here, right now!
So let Navirou eat that!
You make no sense!
No way! Forget it!
Mom... Mom...!
Cheval?
Cheval? Cheval!
Are you okay, Cheval?
Cheval?
I was dreaming...
I've been dreaming about that night a lot lately.
And...
When I see a monster attack someone,
this irresistible... anger, of sorts, wells up inside me.
I can't help myself.
Like, if I ignore it,
it could happen again, to someone else.
And... maybe we should defeat monsters who hurt people.
Yeah. You should probably go with your gut, Cheval.
You've got some serious ambitions--
especially after Hakum Village was attacked.
I mean, Lilia joined the Scriveners, and she's working hard.
Hyoro's doing his best to be stronger, in his way.
And Lute... He's got big dreams.
I'd like to find my own path, too.
You can find it, Mille. I know you can.
Believe in yourself.
Yeah.
Thanks, Cheval.
This is for you!
Are you sure? You were so happy it turned out so well.
What'd really be great is if I could make a lunch as good as Mrs. Vlau's!
Thanks.
And an Energy Drink from me!
Huh?
If you're ever feeling blah, drink this and it'll perk you right up!
Nooo--it'll make you feel even worse!
Right?
What's that? You want some, too, Lute?
Oh, no, no, no! That's for Cheval, right?
Don't worry about me!
No problem--I've set aside a serving for you!
Thanks, Navi!
Aye-aye.
I-It's the thought that counts...
Now, now--don't be shy!
I'm totally not!
Be careful out there, gang.
You, too.
See you in Oasum, Lute.
Yeah! I'll beat you there!
Then it's a race.
Take care, everyone!
Will do! Later!
Okay, let's get a move on!
Yeah!
Eh?
Huh?
No way!
It vanished!
It was right here a second ago!
Where did it go?
It's our lucky day, Itsy-Bits!
We snagged us a Barroth without getting our hands dirty.
Leave it to you, Dr. Manelger!
You pulled off your special move, the Ol' Snatcheroo, yet again!
What brilliant handiwork! Well done!
Don't be too impressed just yet, Itsy-Bits.
Hmm?
Starting with this Barroth here,
I'm moving forward with my plans for a unprecedented revolution!
Doctor! The ground is moving!
Eh? That's quicksand. Exercise caution.
Get too close and it could prove fatal.
Hmm? What's that?
We really are lucky!
First a Barroth, then a Diablos?
The gods are smiling down on me! They're smiling down on me!
It's so important, you said it twice!
Itsy-Bits, procure that Diablos posthaste!
But if we get too close, it could prove fatal...
'Tis a common man indeed who holds his life so dear!
Whoa!
B-But that's...
...a Plum Daimyo Hermitaur wearing a Diablos shell!
"Plum Daimyo Hermitaur"
Save us!
Let's go!
Ride On!
Rathian!
Ride On!
Bulldrome!
Ride On!
Aptonoth!
We'll rescue you!
Cheval!
Mille! Above you!
But where's Cheval?!
You must not forget the Riders' laws.
We live by the grace of nature.
You could say we are part of nature ourselves.
Do not take life unnecessarily,
but foster life with care.
The only thing that can stop these tragedies is strength...
...great strength and a strong will!
Rathian!
Scorching Slice!
He did it!
Oh, he's a good one! We'll get along just fine.
Monsters who hurt people... should be defeated!
"Monstie Manual"
The Monstie Manual!
"Monstie Manual"
Navirou here will fill you in on some Monsties!
Get your Media Trigger smartphone app ready!
And you've got your egg with you, right?
Okay, time to form Kinship with your Monstie Egg!
And now, the moment of new life: awaken!
"Monstie:"
Our Monstie this time is Barroth!
"Barroth"
"Type: Speed"
You'll definitely be spooked seeing this pop out of the bog!
"Species: Brute Wyvern"
"Overall Length: 314.0 cm"
It uses the mud on its body for attacking and defense. Handy!
"Overall Height: 123.0 cm (with mud)"
"Leg Size: 49.9 cm"
The crest on its sturdy head has some major destructive power!
What Monstie will hatch for us next time?
"Next Episode Preview"
Lute here!
We made it to the camp in Oasum,
but now it's Hunters versus Riders.
We'll never slay that Cephadrome like this!
"Desert Mayday"
Next time: "Desert Mayday"!
Ride On!