The plan was simple. Stay near the cave to get a good enough knowledge about the time when the Gore magala is away. But far enough where he can easily hide.
It was hard to see when it was dark and since it's scales were black as well it was even harder. But eventually he got a good enough idea about it's pattern.
It stayed inside during the day and only left when the sun went down. And only came back when the night was halfway over or when the sun just started to come up.
Whith this he went back to the outpost. Nobody will question him about where he was anyway.
While going back he started to form a plan. He needs to wait till Wincent goes out alone to the forest. Once he is in the forest he would get him to follow and he will gide him to that cave when the monster isn't there.
And just as he anticipated when he got back to the outpost no one questioned him.
The next few days of waiting were agonisingly slow for him. Since Wincent haven't left the outpost yet. He started to think that maybe he should change his approach to his plan.
But one morning Wincent left the outpost alone after saying goodbye to his friends and Palico. And went into the forest alone. Not wanting to wait longer he himself left as well but at a different gate.
Since the gates were at a distance from each other he needed a little bit of time to catch up to him. And before leaving he purposely changed his own armour to not get recognised.
Inside the forest it was hard to find Wincent since he needed to make sure that the monsters won't get in his way. A couple of hours have already passed when he finally catch up to him.
Luck seemed to be on his side right now. Since the sun was already going down and they were close to the mountain where the cave is.
And since he's wearing a different armour that covers his face. He won't be recognised by Wincent. Now it was time for him to put his acting skills to use.
After making sure his helmet covers his face he stepped out from hiding.
"Good evening hunter. Straying far from the outpost are we?"
Because of the sudden voice Wincent almost pulled out his great sword in surprise. Just after realising it was a fellow hunter did he relax again and loosened his grip on the weapon.
"Good evening fellow hunter I was just going to go back. I didn't realise that time went by so quickly."
"It's natural when you're having fun. But you won't get back to the outpost before night fall."
"Really? I didn't realise how far I went."
"How about you join me. I know a place where we can wait the night out."
"I don't want to be a bother."
Wincent didn't wanted to invade someone else's hidden resting place. Because in his mind if someone hase a place that is safe but they are the only ones who know the location than there's probably a good reason why that's the case.
"You won't be. Common follow me."
"Thank you. Then I will be in your care."
Wincent visibly relaxed after the confirmation that he won't bother the other hunter with him being there.
After this successful talk Joel lead Wincent towards the cave. Hoping that they arrive at the right time when it already left.
Back at the outpost Nirvana Wincents friends were worried since the sun was going down and he hasn't gotten back yet. Between them they decided to leave to look for him.
They know that they shouldn't disobey the rules that has been set. But they care about they friend more. And since they already know the patrol routes of the guards they can easily slip out.
So after deciding on a plan they went to gear up and wait for the perfect moment they all can slip out.
Wincent's Palico Peet was following them as well. Since he was the most worried about Wincent it would have been heartless to leave him behind.
Back on the mountain after the sun has set Joel and Wincent arrived at the cave. And from the looks of the vine at the outside the Gore magala has already left.
After that confirmation they went inside. Joel told Wincent that he should rest first and he will stay up to guard incase some monsters show up unexpectedly.
Wincent thanked him and went to find a good place to lie down. At the back of the cave at a lush moss growth he putt down his sword next to him and anything else other than the armour.
Since he was constantly coming and going inside the forest and was really tired it didn't take long for him to fall asleep.
Joel waited for a little bit and when he confirmed that Wincent was asleep he left. Not looking back towards the cave he thought that that was the last time he will see him.
At the swamp Franklin was flying above ground, he was looking for something interesting to do while out. Turns out when no one expects anything from you there's a lot of free time you have that you have no idea what to do with.
And since he has already eaten tonight it's not really something that he needs to focus on. At first he wanted to see if he could spot that Elder Dragon again. But since it's basically a giant chameleon it won't be easy to spot.
After spending a little bit more time there he decided that tonight he will return to the cave sooner.
There was a really good reason for that.
A few nights ago he realised that a nother monster was going near his residence when he's away. Tonight he wanted to catch it to ether teach it a lesson or get rid of it.
Going back he flew faster than he normally would to get home quicker.
And just when he got close enough to the mountain where he can see the cave entrance, he saw a monster that was entertaining his cave.
It's a Lunagaron. Basically an ice wolf that can use ice as a weapon. And in battle it can adopt a more bipedal stance.
It was fifty fifty chance that it was that monster that was brave enough to venture close to his residence.
Not wanting to miss the chance of getting rid of it Franklin immediately went towards the cave. After arriving he went inside with a threatening growl.
The Lunagaron hearing the growl immediately turned around to see who hase disturbed him in trying to find a place to rest. But after turning around the monster he saw was not one that it have seen before.
But it didn't take long for the Lunagaron to realise who's home he hase entered so blatantly without a care.
Because it was the owner of this cave. And it was angry.
And that was the first time this Lunagaron realised that he will not get out of here uninjured much less alive.