The Primal Hunter Chapter 1226 - The Curiosity of a Primordial

Jake finally emerged from his Soulspace, opening his eyes to find the two deities watching him. Both gods were observing him closely, seemingly checking his mental stability or searching for signs of soul trauma, which caused Jake to offer a small smirk.

“Quite the reception for someone who didn’t actually go anywhere,” Jake remarked with a grin.

As he spoke, he watched the tension leave Artemis’ expression, while Villy simply responded with a smirk of his own.

“I’d argue that you embarked on a significant spiritual journey,” the snake god noted, stepping closer. “Such excursions often cause one to lose their sense of self, never returning entirely. However, observing you now, it seems this entire trek didn't result in much personal growth at all.”

“Hey, I’d say the improvements to my stat page are about as personal as growth gets,” Jake retorted playfully. He attempted to stand up, but his legs felt like jelly, and the room began to spin for a brief moment.

Artemis was at his side instantly before he could stumble, her hand steadying his shoulder with a look of renewed concern. “Are you certain you’re alright?”

“I believe so,” Jake answered, though he felt strangely off. Attempting to diagnose his condition, he realized that whenever he tried to circulate energy through his body, he hit a wall. He could scarcely tap into his power. “Actually, disregard that. I’m definitely not at a hundred percent right now.”

“That isn't surprising; you just put your own soul through a meat grinder,” the Malefic Viper laughed. “You might have used that unique skill to stabilize your mind, but your soul was still battered and torn by those fractured Records of Palate. Just because the skill is repaired doesn't mean your soul has magically recovered.”

“It felt like it had, though,” Jake muttered, managing to find his balance. “At least the damage doesn't feel present anymore.”

“Oh, it isn't exactly 'damaged' anymore,” the Viper clarified with a wide grin. “Tell me, Jake, you used to lift weights before the system integrated your universe, right? Do you recall how your legs felt after an intense leg day? It’s basically that. You’ve overexerted yourself, and your soul is simply exhausted and requires some serious downtime.”

“I don’t fully grasp the comparison, but that explanation seems the most logical,” Artemis agreed with a nod. “Even gods experience a strange fatigue if they spend too much time attempting to grasp complex concepts.”

“Speaking of concepts, I want to confirm one thing,” Villy added, his gaze fixed on Jake. “Did you witness the Gate of Enlightenment?”

Jake looked at the Viper with a flicker of confusion before nodding. “Yes? I assumed that was obvious…”

“That is exactly why I needed to confirm it,” the Viper replied, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle. “I’ve mentioned it previously, after all.”

“No, you haven’t?” Jake countered, his confusion deepening.

“Precisely,” the snake god said, nodding as if Jake had just proven his point.

“Wait, are you saying it was considered Forbidden Knowledge until now?” Jake finally caught on.

“See, even if he’s a bit slow on the draw, he eventually pieces it together,” Villy remarked to Artemis before turning back to Jake. “You’ve hit the nail on the head. It shouldn't be a shock, but most things of that nature fall under Forbidden Knowledge. Much will be revealed as you approach godhood. Typically, one doesn't learn of the Gate of Enlightenment until they reach S-grade.”

“Setting aside that backhanded compliment, when you say you can’t divulge details like that, are you referring to the criteria for divine ascension?” Jake inquired.

“Look at him; he occasionally shocks us with his intellect!” Villy joked with Artemis again before answering. “Yes, that’s essentially it. I suppose I can reveal that one requirement for godhood is indeed passing through the Gate of Enlightenment—a path you’ve already started down. Naturally, you also have to…”

Jake felt a momentary mental fog and frowned. “Also what? Wait, never mind…”

The Viper just smirked, having clearly spoken Forbidden Knowledge. Artemis shook her head at his antics before speaking up. “I have something to verify as well. We are correct in assuming you acquired a sacred rarity skill, aren't we?”

Jake started to respond, but the Viper interrupted. “The fact that he’s even able to answer means he succeeded. Yes, the very existence of the sacred rarity is also Forbidden Knowledge. I’m not entirely sure why the system insists on hiding rarities, but there it is.”

Jake ignored the Viper's commentary and addressed Artemis directly. “Yes, I did obtain a sacred rarity skill.”

Artemis nodded, smiling. “And I assume a title followed?”

“A title upgrade, yes,” Jake admitted, feeling a surge of pride. “And it wasn't a small one.”

“It would be a letdown if it were,” Artemis said before turning to the Viper. “I’m curious, how many C-grades do you know who have managed to secure a sacred rarity skill? I certainly didn't. I found it difficult enough just to push a few skills to mythical.”

“Offhand? I’m not entirely sure. Most people don't broadcast it when they get a skill like that, and I’d suggest Jake keep his bragging to a minimum as well. I know of a few, though. I recall some of the Daolords managed it, and I wouldn't be shocked if certain Chosen who became elite gods had them too, though it’s hard to say for sure,” the Malefic Viper shrugged. “What about the Pantheon of Life? Do you know of any there, or perhaps from gods I’m not current on?”

“I only know of one within the Pantheon of Life, and that upgrade was mostly the result of her performance in a massive system event combined with incredible luck,” Artemis replied. “Other than that, the only recent public instance I’m aware of was the late Yip of Yore.”

“Ah, that’s not surprising,” the Viper nodded slowly. “That fellow really needed more self-restraint. He should have allowed his potential to mature instead of trying to bite off more than he could chew. A few more eras and he would have been quite formidable.”

“And now, he’s just a snack,” Jake added, earning a chuckle from the Viper.

“A delicious one, I should say,” the snake god noted before another thought occurred to him. “I assume you reached the Gate of Enlightenment with the First Sage’s help? If so, does that mean the Records and Legacy he gave you are spent, or is there more to discover?”

“I did it with the First Sage’s assistance, and no, parts of his Legacy still remain. I just can't access them yet—likely not until I reach B-grade,” Jake explained.

“I see,” the Viper nodded, a brief flash of relief crossing his face. He was clearly pleased that his Master’s Legacy endured.

“You two… you were just discussing Forbidden Knowledge, weren't you?” Artemis intervened, reminding Jake that she had been excluded from that part of the conversation.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Jake apologized.

“No need to apologize. I’m just surprised there is Forbidden Knowledge that you two share which I am not privy to,” Artemis said, appearing more intrigued than offended.

“Just a little secret between us,” the snake god teased. “Now, since we’ve confirmed Jake’s mind is still functioning—well, as well as it ever does—I think it’s time I depart and let my Chosen rest. I could offer to play nurse, but I suspect someone else here is eager for the position.”

As per his habit, the Viper vanished before anyone could reply, always wanting the final word. He actually managed to get the last word twice, sending Jake a final telepathic message as he left.

Unable to reply, Jake simply accepted the Viper’s suggestion. Regarding the vision, he definitely had questions, though he preferred not to ask them in front of Artemis.

With the snake god gone and the discussion of his upgrade finished, Jake pushed thoughts of the Viper aside and looked at Artemis with a smile. “He has a point; this patient needs some sleep.”

“Then let me help you,” Artemis said with a smirk. She knelt down and scooped Jake up. Before he realized it, the goddess was carrying him in a princess carry, walking out of the laboratory where he’d been meditating and toward their shared bedroom.

Jake didn't fight it, merely commenting, “I’d think teleporting would be faster than walking.”

“Certainly,” Artemis agreed, continuing to carry him as if he were completely helpless.

“It would be nice if someone here knew how to teleport,” Jake continued his dry commentary.

“It certainly would,” Artemis teased. Jake finally gave in and leaned into her. They soon reached the bedroom, where Artemis unceremoniously tossed him onto the bed.

Jake expected more to happen, but Artemis just threw a blanket over him, covering him completely. He pulled it back to see her standing over him.

“What? You need to heal, and the best way to do that is sleep or meditation. Both are better in a bed, so get to it,” she said, clearly enjoying the moment.

“I’m not that exhausted, just a bit tired,” Jake argued.

“Sure,” Artemis nodded slowly.

Jake stared at her for a moment before yielding. “Fine, fine.”

Resigned, Jake settled into the bed with a sigh. He was tired, but he didn't think it was that severe. He figured a few hours of sleep would be enough. With that thought, he closed his eyes, and within seconds, he was out cold.

He didn't wake up for three days. By then, two things were obvious. First, Jake was far more drained than he realized after touching a gate usually reserved for gods. Second, his improved meditation skill was working even while he slept.

“He reached the Gate of Enlightenment? No, that’s impossible. It seems he only caught a glimpse of the other side,” the Primordial whispered to himself.

“If he had fully opened it, my Chosen wouldn't be napping right now; he’d be something else entirely,” the Viper said, shaking his head. “But to satisfy your curiosity—yes, he managed to peek through.”

“Which only leads to more mysteries,” Eversmile said, looking pensive. “That Chosen of yours doesn't have the temperament I’d expect from an enlightenment-seeker. He isn't a monk or a philosopher, yet he’s outpaced them in their own field. I initially thought it was his Bloodline, and while that’s likely a factor, I don't think it’s the primary cause.”

Vilas stayed quiet as the Primordial of Karma mused aloud, perhaps hoping for the Viper to confirm his theories.

“No, there’s something else. It doesn't seem like your doing either. Is it the Void Gods? They have an interest in him. No… that doesn't fit. I see; it’s something else entirely. Something I don't know about. A unique chance he’s been given outside of known system events,” Eversmile continued, proving his talent for deduction.

The Viper thought about interrupting, but decided to see where Eversmile’s logic led.

“Something potent. Hidden… unknown. Perhaps even something that cannot be known,” Eversmile said, a realization dawning as he looked at the Viper. “This involves the entity linked to his boots, doesn't it? The person whose existence is Forbidden Knowledge, yet you two are aware of them. The only ones, it seems.”

“That’s a bold theory with very little evidence,” Vilas remarked, not wanting to confirm that Eversmile was right.

“You’re telling me you don't know?” Eversmile asked, his unsettling smile widening.

“Know what?” the Viper asked, playing dumb. He knew what the other Primordial meant, but it was better to reveal nothing.

“The karmic resonance from his journey. Through my connection to karma, I saw a sliver. Your Chosen wasn't alone at the Gate. Not really. Something else was there—or the echo of it. Something with that familiar karmic signature I’m forbidden from identifying,” the God of Karma said, living up to his title.

“So you already knew, and that whole speech was just nonsense?” Vilas asked, shaking his head. “You really are bored, aren't you?”

“Quite the opposite,” Eversmile laughed. “I find this fascinating. With so many variables and things I don't know… how could I not be?”

The Viper grew serious. “My warning stands. Don't mess with Jake just to satisfy your curiosity.”

“I’m happy just observing for now. Your Chosen is interesting enough on his own. Besides, he isn't the one I’m most curious about right now.”

“Another victim caught your eye?” the Viper asked, suspecting the answer.

“I wouldn't call you a victim,” Eversmile chuckled.

“Have you seen the resources Jake burns through for his poison experiments?” Vilas sighed dramatically. “But fine, I’ll bite. Why am I suddenly so interesting?”

Eversmile leaned in. “You’re usually excellent at masking your thoughts. You reveal nothing. You can even hide lies from me… but today you slipped. I felt it. When I mentioned your Chosen wasn't alone, and that Forbidden Knowledge you two share, there was a flicker. A shiver of emotion you couldn't suppress.”

The Viper kept his expression neutral.

“It wasn't your Chosen who first met this individual… it was you. Jake met them through you. I suspect it’s linked to his ability to experience your Records. Yes, I know about that. Through that skill, he contacted someone from your past. Someone who is now Forbidden Knowledge.”

Eversmile’s excitement grew.

“Someone you have a powerful karmic and emotional tie to. How can I not be curious about an entity that existed without my knowledge? Especially one that influences history and shares a karmic link with me.”

Vilas maintained his poker face, but he had to admit—Eversmile was terrifyingly good at uncovering secrets, and once he was obsessed, he wouldn't stop until he knew everything.

Perhaps it wasn't all bad. The Viper was curious about the mark his Master had left on the world, and Eversmile was the best person to uncover it. For better or worse.

If Eversmile stayed obsessed, he might eventually uncover the truth of the First Sage, making him no longer Forbidden Knowledge. The thought gave the Viper mixed emotions, but Eversmile could be a tool to reveal his Master’s secrets. Vilas realized that despite the time he’d spent with the First Sage, he had barely understood the man at all.