Monster Hunter Monster Girl Story

0008 Working

"With a current rating of -4.6 stars, it's probably similar to a regular Palico. Maybe I should try looking for a job first."

The people here are indeed very friendly and willing to help each other.

However, Li Ai discovered through observation that in Kokote Village, which is surrounded by mountains on one side, only a very small area is suitable for farming and animal husbandry.

The village of Weiqi also needs to export its local specialties to earn money, and it is not realistic to rely solely on the resident hunters.

Therefore, many villagers of average physical condition, without armor or weapons, would also carry baskets and head towards the dangerous forest hills.

While it may not be as deep as Li Ai's location, the level of danger is definitely not low.

"Sigh~ I'm still too weak. Otherwise, I could at least be a gatherer."

Grandma Cat is a kind old woman with pointed ears, a stunted creature from the dragon race, and lives in a corner under the shade of a tree.

On its back was a huge backpack several times larger than itself, with several Palicoes of various colors lazily lying on it.

Upon seeing someone approaching, the Ailus immediately abandoned their lazy demeanor and jumped to the ground.

Backflips, dancing, rolling on small wooden barrels...

The Ailus desperately wanted to show Li Ai their vibrant side.

"Everyone, stop what you're doing. I'm here to look for a job too."

Li Ai's words not only dampened the enthusiasm of the Ailus but also raised questions.

Because those who usually come to Granny Cat are looking to hire Palicoes, it is really rare for humans to come looking for work.

Li Ai explained her situation.

I have no house, am physically weak, and am currently unable to use my skills, but I still want to find a suitable job and try my best to make a good living.

After Granny Cat expressed her willingness to help, she searched through the commission rolls and eventually found a job washing wooden barrels for the guild.

"This was originally a job limited to Ailu, because the cats always like to crawl into the barrel to sleep, which delays the progress, so they also find some villagers to do part-time work. It should be more suitable for you."

"After I finish cleaning these buckets, I can get 300z... Thanks, Granny Cat."

Li Ai took the commission roll and went to the village guild to report.

The hunters drank heartily at the square table by the entrance, engaged in arm wrestling, and chatted, creating a lively scene.

Li Ai's gaze swept over the hunter badges worn on everyone's breastplates, and she noticed a problem.

That is, apart from their condition and star rating, these badges are identical in appearance.

"Hello! Welcome to the Hunter's Guild in Kokot Village!"

The female receptionist at the counter raised her hand in greeting, her enthusiastic voice carrying a magical penetrating power in the noisy room, making it extremely clear to Li Ai.

"Hello, this is Becky. Do you have something to publish?"

Seeing that Li Ai in front of the counter didn't look like a hunter at all, Becky's way of communicating with her also changed.

"I'm here to wash the buckets."

Li Ai will give the commission.

"Let me see... those barrels are in the guild backyard. Elcicel is an old hand; he'll guide you. Thanks for your help."

"Thank you... I'd like to ask, showing my Hunter Badge is enough to accept a quest, right?"

"certainly."

Becky spoke with certainty.

"Aren't there any other verification methods?"

"The materials used in the Hunter Badge are very special and difficult to counterfeit. In addition, although becoming a hunter is the aspiration of many people, those who do not have the corresponding abilities would be in danger of losing their lives just by surviving in the wild, so there are very few imposters."

"Understood."

Li Ai felt that there was now a chance for her to become a hunter.

While no one here officially recognizes the identity of a Love Hunter, the verification process at the counter is not rigorous; as long as the badge is genuine, it's fine.

Upon arriving at the guild's backyard, Li Ai discovered that there were two areas in total.

One is a supply and material warehouse, and the other is a training ground.

The shouts of hunters training their slashing could be heard constantly coming from the other side of the fence.

"Ciscel...Ciscel?"

Li Ai exclaimed softly twice as she looked at the small mountain of empty buckets piled on the ground.

bang~

The lid of a small wooden barrel was pushed open, and a calico-colored Ailu poked its head out of the barrel.

"Who's calling me, meow... Is it already afternoon, meow! I have to finish washing those buckets as soon as possible today!"

The bristling Cisel jumped out of the barrel.

He quickly ran to the well, drew a bucket of water, and poured a little into the small wooden bucket.

Then the cat picked up the brush with its paw and vigorously scrubbed the inside of the bucket.

"I'm also here to clean the buckets, my name is Li Ai."

Following the other person's example, Li Ai found a stool, sat down, and started scrolling as well.

"Hello Li Ai, my name is Cecilia Meow! These are bomb barrels that cannot be detonated properly due to dampness or damage during transportation. Although the gunpowder has been removed, smoking is strictly prohibited during washing. If any barrels are found to be damaged and unusable during washing, they should be removed."

As they were talking, the wooden barrel that Cisse was holding had been cleaned by Cecily, which was quite efficient.

"You're really skilled at this."

"Hehe, everyone calls me Quick Paw Cecily Meow!... But when faced with an empty bucket, I always end up crawling inside without realizing it, and then I fall asleep, so I often get off work late... You were introduced to help out by Granny Cat, right, meow?"

"Yes."

"Let's cheer each other on, meow."

"Um...excuse me for asking, do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?"

"What is a partner, meow?"

"It means partner, girlfriend."

Cecilia's cat paw, which was so fast it left afterimages, immediately slowed down.

"I have a beloved cat, but unfortunately, we're too far apart. It's already been chosen as a Palico, while I'm still here scrubbing barrels..."

Cissell looked dejected and hung his head.

"Don't be so discouraged. Things change, and don't underestimate the weak."

Upon hearing this, Cissel's eyes widened, and he remained stunned for a long time.

"Why do I feel like there's a fire burning inside me, meow?"

"Perhaps this is my talent."

Li Ai stroked her chin and speculated.

"This feels so good, can I say a few more words, meow?"

"When we clean buckets, when our Palicoes go hunting with the hunters, we're all contributing to Kokot Village. There's no distinction of rank or status, so there's no need to feel inferior."

"Ugh! I really want to confess my feelings, meow!"

Cecilia threw the brush aside, looking extremely excited.

"Then be bold and give it a try; after all, you have to fight to win."

"Okay! Then I'll confess after I finish washing the buckets, meow... But I still have one concern, meow."

As if realizing something, Cissel's momentum instantly vanished.

Tell me, and I'll help you figure it out.

"I'm not afraid of being rejected after confessing, but I'm afraid that if everyone finds out, they'll think of me as a lecherous feline."

Cecilia scratched her head with her cat paws, looking quite shy.

"What do I mean, Cecilia? Remember this: you're not lustful, but you have an eye for beauty and a heart that can perceive love."

"Ah... Li Ai! I've got it, meow! Please accept this cat's bow!"

As he spoke, Cissell collapsed to the ground.

"No need to be so polite, just let me know if you have any good news."

To support Cecilia's confession, Li Ai didn't slack off either, picking up a wooden bucket and scrubbing it vigorously.

As night fell, Li Ai neatly stacked the last clean empty bucket.

Cecily summoned the guild warehouse manager to conduct the inspection.

"Ciscell was quick today, finished before midnight."

"Hehe, mainly because Li Ai is here today, I'm full of energy, meow."

"No problem, you did a great job. Bring me your work assignment so I can verify it."

With the warehouse manager's stamp affixed, the job of the man and the cat was completed.

"Sir, where will these damaged empty buckets be sent?"

Li Ai inquired.

"The manufacturing requirements for the explosive barrels are very strict; they can only be disassembled and used as firewood."

The administrator was also very sorry about the shortage of supplies.

"Could you sell me that empty G-class bomb barrel with the notch at the bottom as firewood?"

"That's basically scrap; take it if you need it."

"Thanks."

Li Ai knocked over the G-class explosive barrel, which was as tall as a person, and pushed it forward.

He stopped in front of the training field fence and looked into the field.

"It lasted all afternoon, and it really was him."

Li Ai sighed.

"Who are you talking about, meow?"

Cisse, lying in the bucket, was puzzled.

"I vaguely remember the voice of the Hero Hunter Sene, the shouts he makes when he swings his sword. I've been hearing that since I arrived, but I didn't expect him to still be training until the end of the workday."

On the sandy training ground, the shirtless Senegal was wielding a wooden one-handed sword under the torchlight.

Adjust your breathing, twist your body, and swing your arm to slash.

Even with monotonous and repetitive movements, Senegal's muscular body, covered in scars, still unleashed its full power every time.

The dripping sweat dampened the sand beneath them.

"When the hero hunter isn't out hunting, this is how he looks every day, meow."

"Every day?"

Li Ai scrubbed the bucket for half a day and felt like her body was about to fall apart from exhaustion.

The training wooden one-handed sword, although not as heavy as the Blackhorn Dragon Sword [Pitch Black], is still incredibly intense for daily training.

"Yes, meow. His follower cat, Jim, once told me that many people only see the hero hunter's exceptional talent, but overlook Sene's perseverance and hard work."

Cissell sighed.

"It seems that being a true hunter is indeed not a simple profession."

Show the work order stamped with the warehouse seal at the guild counter.

Becky took out two small purses and handed them to the person and the cat.

Cisse truly lives up to his nickname "Quick Claw," having cleaned significantly more barrels than Li Ai today.

Li Ai then spent 40 zol to buy two glasses of ale in the lobby.

It served as both a thank you and a way to embolden Cecilia to confess her feelings.

The other party said they needed to go back to Granny Mo's place to get dressed, so Li Ai took advantage of this time to go to the village shop and spend 235 z to buy a set of clothes and shoes at the lowest price.

Although the craftsmanship is rather rough and lacks any aesthetic appeal, the fabrics are all locally produced and won't be torn to shreds like pajama pants after walking through the forest for a while.

"Only 25z left..."

After checking the few coins left in the bag, Li Ai went to the entrance of the Chamber of Commerce and inquired about the price of the truck.

Upon hearing that even the cheapest truck made with the best materials cost 21000 oz, Li Ai immediately lost any desire to buy it.

After waiting for a while at the guild entrance, Cissell, now dressed in a leather outfit and with her cat fur spotless, walked over.

"Li Ai, I'm a little nervous, meow. There are so many Ailu sisters over there."

"Go, the more the better, muster your courage."

Encouraged by Li Ai, Cisel walked towards the few Ailu gathered around the square table.

Seeing this, the Ailus seemed to understand his intentions and stepped aside to make way for him.

A short while later, Cissell walked back with his head down.

Judging from his dejected expression and the task prompt on his phone that still reads "Successfully facilitate two couples' relationships (currently 0/2)".

Li Ai confirmed that Sisser's confession of love had failed.

"It says I'm just a good Palico, but for now I only want to be a good Palico and have no plans to fall in love, meow..."

Her voice grew softer and softer, and tears welled up in the cat's eyes.

Li Ai gently stroked the other person's forehead.

"No need to comfort me, meow, I can handle it..."

"What's there to comfort about? This is a good thing."

"Hmm...is this a good thing, meow?"

Cecilia shook her head, looking incredulous.

"Yes, even if this confession fails, it still brings you three benefits."

"Really, meow? There are three?"

"Of course, firstly, you've expressed your desire to be in a relationship, so everyone knows you want to date. If someone else shares that desire, they might be attracted to you."

"That makes sense, meow."

"Secondly, by confessing your feelings this time, you've eliminated an impossible option, so you won't have to agonize over it anymore."

"Uh... this cat."

"I know you can't accept it yet, but if you meet an Elf you truly love, you'll soon forget about it."

Cissell seemed to be deep in thought.

"Third, being brave enough to try new things is itself a very attractive thing in the eyes of the opposite sex."

"But I didn't feel that, meow..."

"That's because you walked back with your head down, thus ignoring the gazes of the other Elu. There's a reason why the more Elu present, the better."

As Li Ai spoke, she held the cat's head with both hands, and with Sisel's help, the cat slowly turned around.

The Ailus gathered together were indeed looking at him, and some of their gazes held something unusual in them.

"Ah... Li Ai! I've got it again, meow!"

To commemorate my first failed farewell and the breakthrough in my understanding of love.

Cisel took Li Ai to the guild hall for a good drink and even spent a lot of money to order a plate of local specialty mushrooms.

When they came out again, it was late at night, and both the man and the cat were drunk.

Li Ai knocked over the large wooden barrel that was originally used to mix G-level explosive barrels, pushed it under a tree, and then lay down inside.

"So that's why you wanted the wooden bucket, meow."

"The hotels are too expensive, and it's too cold at night... Please put the lid on the bucket for me. See you tomorrow."

Li Ai yawned.

"Okay, meow."

After securing the bucket lid, Cecilia walked along the street toward the cat hut set up by Granny Cat.

Suddenly, an Ellu jumped down from the eaves, puffed out its chest, and placed its paws on its waist, blocking Cisel's path.

Cecilia recognized that it was one of the sisters of the person she was confessing to, named Mitsuha, and immediately her expression turned serious.

"What are you doing so late, meow?"

The next day, a ray of sunlight shone through the gap in the wooden barrel.

Waking up with a hangover is never pleasant, but the sleep-inducing effects of a high-energy environment are simply too powerful.

Li Ai not only didn't feel any discomfort, but the muscle soreness caused by washing the bucket was also completely gone.

I took out my phone and checked the progress of the beginner task of helping two couples fall in love, and it had inexplicably become 1/2.

"Wait a minute, didn't Cecilia's attempt to confess yesterday fail?"

Climbing out of the explosive barrel sleep pod, Li Ai stretched and yawned in the sunlight.

On the roof ahead, two Palicoes were snuggling together.

Judging from their clothing and fur color, one of them is undoubtedly Cecilia.

"This kid, he's figured it out so quickly?"

Li Ai felt that it had only been a few hours since they last met, but she didn't expect the other party to have already accomplished the task.

"Ugh, how annoying, meow, you're such a perverted cat."

A reprimanding voice came from Ailu, and Li Ai pricked up her ears.

"I'm not a perverted cat, this is called having an eye for beauty and a heart that can perceive love."

After Cisel finished speaking, the two Elu pressed themselves even closer together.