Monster Hunter Stories Ride On Season 1 Episode 1 The Power of Bonds

In the first episode of the anime series, Monster Hunter Stories Ride On, titled "The Power of Bonds," we are introduced to a world where humans and monsters coexist in harmony. The story revolves around a young boy named Lute, who dreams of becoming a great Monstie Rider, a person who rides on the back of powerful creatures known as Monsties.

Lute lives in a village called Hakum where Monstie Riding is a common tradition. His grandfather, Redan, is a renowned Monstie Rider who has passed down his knowledge and skills to Lute. Redan gives Lute his very own Monstie, a Felyne named Navirou, who will be his companion throughout his journey to become a Monstie Rider.

Lute's passion for Monstie Riding leads him to explore the nearby forest where he encounters a massive dragon-like creature called a Rathalos. As he watches in awe, he sees a group of skilled Monstie Riders trying to capture the Rathalos. Lute decides to help them, but is quickly overwhelmed by the Rathalos's power. Just as he is about to give up, he hears a voice calling out to him from within the Rathalos.

Lute soon discovers that the Rathalos is actually a female Monstie who is in pain and needs his help. With the help of Navirou, Lute manages to calm the Rathalos down and heal her wounds. The Rathalos then accepts Lute as her Rider and they form a bond that is unbreakable.

Lute's new Monstie becomes the talk of the village and he gains a reputation among the other Monstie Riders. He is soon invited to an important Monstie Riding festival where he will compete against other riders in various challenges. Among them is his rival, Cheval, who has been training for the festival his whole life and will stop at nothing to win.

The festival takes place over several days and Lute and his Monstie must face off against a variety of creatures that have been brought in for the competition. The challenges are intense and dangerous, but Lute and his Monstie manage to pull out some impressive victories. As the festival comes to an end, it is announced that the winner of the main race will be given the opportunity to ride on the back of the legendary Elder Dragon, the White Dragon.

The final race is a grueling test of skill and endurance, but Lute and his Monstie manage to overcome the other competitors. They ascend to the top of a mountain where the White Dragon awaits them. Lute and his Monstie ride on the back of the dragon and feel its immense power as they soar above the clouds.

As the episode comes to a close, we see Lute and his Monstie reflecting on their journey and the bond they have formed. They have proven that the power of their bond can overcome any obstacle and they look ahead to the many adventures that await them.