Monster Hunter: A New Hero

Chapter 1: A Fresh Start

Life is a constant struggle of survival. The very course of nature is governed by the law, "Survival of the fittest". The weak go at the bottom of the food chain, to be eaten by the stronger species. With the constant evolution of other species, humans have been caught between the food chain. Now, in order to survive, humans must adapt and develop tools that will help them defend themselves from the creatures that lurk in the wild.

"Shin! Shin! Wake up already! Today's your induction to the hunter guild, remember?" a motherly voice called from the kitchen. Shin Ryouichi, an aspiring monster hunter, wakes up from his sleep. "Right mom..Thanks for waking me." he said sleepily, rubbing his eyes and stretching a bit before getting up. He then went for a quick bath then rushes to the table to eat. His mother had prepared quite a hearty breakfast for Shin, especially since that day was very special for him. He ate and ate til he could eat no longer. He gave a mighty good burp and thanked his mother for the meal. "Thanks mom! That was the best breakfast I've ever had!" he laughed and hugged his mother tight. "Anything for my young hunter. This is a very special day, you know. And of course, I'd make a very special breakfast for this very special day." she smiled at her son. 

Shin opened his item chest and donned his steel armor. Shin's mother walked up to Shin and smiled, teary-eyed. "My son's gonna be a full-fledged hunter..I'm so proud." she said as she looked at her son, in full armor. "I'll defend this village, mom. Just like dad...I'll defend this village." he clenched his fists in determination. "I know you will, dear. But, remember, always be safe. When the situation is too drastic, please...Run...Don't die..." she replied in a rather sad tone. Shin placed his hands on his mother's shoulders. "I won't, mom. I promise."

Shin walked out of the house and headed for the Monster Hunter Guild. On the way, he met up with Aria and Natsume, two veteran hunters, talking about their next mission. Aria had crimson hair and beautiful crimson eyes, along with a caucasian skin tone. Natsume on the other hand, had auburn hair and charming golden eyes, with pale skin. "Well, lookey here! If it isn't Shin!" Aria called out to Shin. "Oh...Miss Aria. Miss Natsume. Hello there. I was just on my way to the hunter guild." he smiled as he greeted them both. "Ahh...You're gonna be inducted into the guild, right? Well, about time. You aced training school!" Natsume giggled. Shin chuckled shyly and replied, "Ahh...Well, I'm not that good. I still need experience to be as good as you both." "Don't be so modest, Shin! You deserve it!" Aria smiled, patting Shin on the back. "Well, we have to head out now, we're gonna hunt down a Rathian." Natsume said, grabbing Aria by the hand. "Ahh. Good luck with that!" Shin smiled then waved them goodbye as he continued on towards the hunter guild.

Shin then met up with Zero, a masked hunter, known to have struck down an elder dragon by himself. He dons a silver armor made from the hide of a Silver Rathalos. "Z-zero..." Shin gulped as he passed him by. "Kid...You're gonna be inducted huh?" he looked at Shin through his helmet's eye holes. "Y-yes, sir, Mr. Zero." he replied nervously. Something about Zero just intimidated young Shin. Zero gave a grim chuckle. "There are two things you have to remember when hunting kid. Stay with the team. And stay alive. If ever you're out alone, just remember the last one. Stay alive. It's a wild world outside the walls of this village kids. And hunting is a dangerous business." Zero said as he leaned against a wall. "R-right, sir. T-thank you for the advice." Shin replied shakily. Zero laughed. "It's no advice kid. It's a warning." Zero said then walked away. "W-what's up with that guy?" Shin asked to himself. He shook off the nervousness he felt and walked on to the guild office.

Shin arrived shortly at the guild office and consulted the clerk. "Ahh..Shin Ryouichi. You're here. Line up with the rest of the inductees over there at the dining table." the clerk said. "Right. Thank you." Shin replied and walked to the dining table along with the other inductees who were apparently, Shin's classmates at training school. The other inductees began talking about Shin. "Look! It's Shin! Wow, he's gonna be inducted too, like us. I mean, he totally deserves it after all. He's so smart and strong and very modest." one of the female inductees said. "He's also really cute, don't you think?" said another female inductee. "Dude, he's gonna be a top hunter in no time. Who knows, he can do so much as surpass the masked hunter, Zero!" a male inductee whispered. "Well, hopefully, all the praise won't get to him..It might make his head swell." replied another male inductee. "Quiet guys! The village elder is coming!" 

The village elder came into the guild hall. She was an aged wyverian who seemed to be in her late 40's or early 50's. "Ahh..Inductees. Arise." the village elder commanded. Immediately, all the inductees arose from their seats. "We shall now commence your induction into the Monster Hunter Guild." she continued. "Now, I shall call each one of you to come in front and pick your starting weapon of choice." Shin gulped. "I wonder what I'll pick.." he said to himself. Shin sat there for some time until he was called in by the elder. "Shin Ryouichi. Come forth." the village elder called out. Shin immediately stood up and walked up to the village elder. "Choose the weapon in which you'll start with." she said as she showed Shin the different weapons he can choose from. In front of him were the different weapons developed and use for the specific role of hunting monsters. The weapons on display were as followed: the Great Sword, the the Longsword, the Sword and Shield, the Dual Swords, the Hammer, the Hunting Horn, the Lance, the Gunlance, the Switch Axe, the Light Bowgun, the Heavy Bowgun, and the Bow and Arrow.

Shin thought for a moment then decided. "Ma'am. I choose the Sword and Shield since it's a good balance of offense, defense and speed. I believe it can be a great asset in hunting." Shin declared. The village elder smiled. "Good choice, young man." The village elder picked up the weapon Shin chose and donned it along with his armor. "You are now an official member of the Monster Hunter Guild. Congratulations." Shin bowed and smiled, "Thank you, village elder."

It's official. Shin Ryouichi was now a full-fledged hunter. He was just about ready to jump for joy when an injured hunter stumbled into the guild hall. "H-help!" the injured hunter cried out. "M-monsters! They're at the Great forest! Two of them! A Rathian and a Rathalos! They've killed my team! I-I managed to survive! But I got burned on my shoulder by one of their fireballs!" The village elder seemed shocked. It was rare at the current season for a Rathian and Rathalos to get together. This was a threat, considering that they may mate and produce more monsters. "Newly inducted hunters. I give you the task of subjugating each of these monsters. You four, take care of the Rathian." the village elder ordered. She then pointed to Shin and some other hunters. "You four take the Rathalos." she ordered. Shin agreed and readied himself together with his companions. This was gonna be his first hunting quest. What awaits him in this quest? Can he survive the monster that he shall be fighting?