Monster Hunter: Whore

Walking around Astera is a much different experience today than it was yesterday. In just one day, your reputation has taken a major hit. Everyone openly ogles you as you walk past, and a few people even offer you some wonderful catcalling. No one in the Old World was foolish enough to open their mouths as you walked by… Your nerves are solid so you take it in stride, but Liz isn’t so lucky. She tries to start a conversation with you several times, but gets startled out of it every time a “compliment” is thrown her way. Eventually you both reach the Commander.

“Assignment,” you state flatly.

“Ah, Katelyn, you’re back. I’d say it’s good to see you, but I already saw plenty of you yesterday. As I understand, you were squashed by a Great Jagras,” the Commander replies flippantly.

Tch…

“A simple mistake. Give me another assignment and I’ll show you what I’m capable of.”

“Another one?” the Commander asks. “What assignment am I supposed to give a huntress who can’t even handle the least dangerous monster in the New World? Granted, that’s all huntresses, but you were regarded quite highly when you arrived. All of my confidence in you has gone out the window. Also, call me sir. None of that one-word demand crap. I run a tighter ship than that.”

“The ‘ship’ you run forces women to work as strippers and prostitutes. You haven’t earned anything from me, least of all a title,” you huff.

The Commander slams his hands down on the table between you two. “You will respect my authority! I don’t care what you think of me, you’ll call me sir because I’m in charge around here! It’s as simple as that!” he roars.

You slam your own hands down on the table as well. “I don’t have to respect anything about a sexist pig like you! Just give us a damned assignment!” you roar back.

You both lean in, your faces a mere inch from each other. Invisible sparks fly as you exchange vicious expressions, never once breaking eye contact. It’s hard not to notice that, despite being middle-aged, he’s still very rugged and muscular. Still, he’s past his prime. You could take him. Maybe you could even knock him out before the guards showed up.

“P-Please Commander!” Liz pipes up, eager to defuse the situation. “Just give us another shot. I wasn’t being as helpful as I could, so some blame lies with me as well. I’ll be sure to do my homework this time, so Katelyn will be completely prepared. You have to have something, right?” Placated by the sweet girl, you both back away from the table.

“Well, it’s obvious which one of you is the reasonable member of the pair…” God you want to punch him. “Fine. There’s been a Kulu-Ya-Ku wandering the Ancient Forest. Everyone keeps telling me it’s going to get in the way of something important, like setting up a camp. Personally, I don’t see how an oversized chicken is going to cause any problems for anyone, but it’s all yours. See if you can get it out of there. I’d rather not hear about it again, but I’m fully prepared for you to disappoint me.”

You answer, “Kulu-Ya-Ku are easy. Your chicken’s as good as dead. Come on Liz, let’s get this over with.”