The Primal Hunter Chapter 1274 - Two Awesome Options

The expectations were towering for Jake as he approached the ultimate profession available in his evolution. Prior to starting this process, he had foreseen ending up as the Heretic-Chosen Alchemist of the Malefic Viper once more, with the title unchanged. Just like in C-grade, he anticipated another surge in quality.

With those forecasts in mind and without glimpsing the upgrade to his existing profession yet, after examining four choices, he felt certain the fifth would be that one. Ranked above Harbinger of Primeval Origins, he figured it would be his pick... until he delved into Harbinger's details, realizing how impressive it truly was.

Impressive to the point that Jake no longer desired a mere enhancement of Heretic-Chosen of the Malefic Viper.

Yet, upon finally unveiling the last option, Jake halted, truly puzzled for an instant.

He had assumed that every evolution included at least one direct advancement of the current profession somewhere in the lineup, but staring at the fifth and closing choice... it appeared not to hold true.

For instead of a straightforward progression, Jake encountered a serious rival to Harbinger of Primeval Origins.

Primeval Alchemist of Malefic Origins – You continue down your Path, embracing its paradoxical nature. You remain a Heretic-Chosen, working with your Patron to mutually benefit one another, yet you also start to explore powers from within yourself, independent of the Malefic Viper’s Legacy. Origins of Primeval nature are yours to explore, and not even the Legacy of your Patron is off limits. An alchemist you remain, not only fully dedicated to grasping all that the Malefic Viper’s Legacy can grant you, but going beyond even that. Find deeper secrets, uncover unknown mysteries, and truly comprehend the underlying concepts behind the Malefic Viper’s powers – perhaps even find that which the Primordial himself is yet aware of. Grants skills related to the alchemical profession, primarily focused on poisons while exploring the Malefic Viper’s Legacy, as well as skills related to your innate powers as a Harbinger of Primeval Origins. Embrace the paradox, explore Primeval Origins through alchemy, and begin to truly claim powers found through the Legacy of the Malefic Viper as your own. Stat bonuses per level: +175 Wisdom, +150 Willpower, +100 Perception, +100 Vitality, +60 Toughness, +125 Free Points (710 total).

As he absorbed the text, Jake paused to assess the stats first, gauging its level. A swift calculation revealed it offered 710 stats per level, matching Harbinger of Primeval Origins exactly, leading him to think this profession wasn't superior but rather on par.

Contrasting Primeval Alchemist of Malefic Origins with Harbinger of Primeval Origins proved relevant across various aspects. Their titles alone echoed similarities, both incorporating Primeval and Origins. Beyond that, each centered on Jake’s Primeval Origin Energy and its potentials, employing alchemy to manifest it, albeit one more prominently—the one named alchemist.

Clearing his thoughts, Jake returned to the start of the profession's description, scrutinizing every line. It swiftly clarified that, though Heretic-Chosen was absent from the title, Jake remained one fully. It also highlighted his growing divergence from solely Legacy-based alchemy of the Malefic Viper, even if he hadn't sensed it himself.

Whenever Jake brewed poisons, he freely employed Malefic Viper Legacy skills. Hell, he almost always integrated them all lately, even weaving in Invocation for superior results. His ritual ability tied to the Malefic Viper too, and every C-grade skill he'd chosen—except Arcane Curse Manifestation, which he rarely utilized—bore “of the Malefic Viper” in their titles…

Nevertheless, the system deemed his Harbinger of Primeval Origins endeavors as significant as his alchemical pursuits. If that didn't underscore the Records from his Primeval Origin Energy applications, nothing did, though he recognized three key incidents as primary contributors. The first involved Vesperia's emergence and formation, the second the Demon Prince's transformation into a Cerulean Demon Lord, and the third Jasper, the young Warpsnatcher Jake aided from the Pantheon of Life, now exploring alongside the Seeker.

Minor applications of Primeval Origin Energy existed beyond these, but those three stood as the core influences.

Pressing onward through the text, it delved into Jake employing his talents to probe the Origin of the Malefic Viper’s Legacy—something he hadn't pondered... or had he?

Jake's brow furrowed as an idea hit him. A hypothesis that lodged firmly in his thoughts upon surfacing.

What if he'd harnessed Primeval Origin Energy more often than realized? What if a skill from D-grade onward had drawn on this energy unknowingly? The notion gained traction as he recalled what amounted to the hallmark ability of his Heretic-Chosen journey... evident from its title.

[Path of the Heretic-Chosen (Unique)]

This ability had enabled countless upgrades to his Malefic Viper Legacy skills and even facilitated an encounter with the First Sage, which, upon reflection, seemed utterly illogical from the outset.

A unique skill, the system described it as granting access to the genuine past. Not a mere recollection or fabrication, but the authentic Records forming that era.

Primeval Origin Energy didn't directly tie to time, yet it linked to history. The Origin marked history's dawn, and while Path of the Heretic-Chosen didn't transport Jake to a full Origin, it drew him partially toward one. Moreover, all Malefic Viper-related visions Jake experienced were glimpses into a Legacy Skill’s Origin, the Primordial embodying the source of them all.

Thus... suppose Path of the Heretic-Chosen had drawn on Jake’s Primeval Origin Energy from the start? What if it subtly stockpiled his energy as “charges,” managed by the system? Such a mechanism would clarify the skill's very existence.

Considering the multiverse's vast history, surely others had faced akin phenomena? Jake had mulled this earlier, contenting himself with his Heretic-Chosen uniqueness, though that explanation rang hollow now.

Another puzzling element emerged: the charge system itself. Jake knew of similar skills, but they typically required deliberate efforts to replenish—like channeling energy to a limit or devouring items for refills.

In contrast, Jake merely needed to level up. Levels reflected accumulated experience and Records, now known to yield Primeval Origin Energy. Hence, wouldn't charges for Path of the Heretic-Chosen logically stem from that energy?

It stretched plausibility somewhat, yet the system adeptly mimicked his Bloodline's facets, as proven by the simulated Sim-Jake.

If Jake's theory held that Path of the Heretic-Chosen depended on Primeval Origin Energy, numerous elements aligned, including this profession's offer and specific descriptive phrases. He had begun unraveling the Malefic Viper’s Origin secrets, notably the figure Jake viewed as pivotal to the Primordial’s ascent: the First Sage.

That individual embodied enigma beyond compare, and Jake suspected deeper insights awaited via further immersion in the Viper’s Path. Naturally, if accurate about the skill's energy source, Harbinger of Primeval Origins might still permit its use and charge generation. No rule forbade it.

Jake pulled back, revisiting Harbinger of Primeval Origins' description. By now, he'd dismissed the initial three options, narrowing to Primeval Alchemist or Harbinger. Re-examining Harbinger reignited his desire for it—magnificent as it was... but Primeval Alchemist? Equally remarkable.

In truth, Jake conceded the professions balanced closely, sharing traits yet diverging crucially.

Harbinger of Primeval Origins emphasized solely his Primeval Origin Energy exploration. The name betrayed it. Alchemy served merely as a means, Malefic Viper’s Legacy enhancements deemed secondary. His Heretic-Chosen role? Mere support for the Harbinger mantle.

This singular focus promised profound mastery of his distinctive energy. Undoubtedly, he'd excel at birthing or evolving myriad beings, accelerate energy production, and uncover novel applications beyond imagination. Ritual magic would abound therein.

Experience gains would surge from creative or potent Primeval Origin Energy uses, outpacing his current profession vastly. Conversely, alchemy, Heretic-Chosen duties, and Legacy pursuits would yield far less unless intertwined with Primeval Origin Energy.

Primeval Alchemist of Malefic Origins, however, mirrored his present role more faithfully. It stayed an alchemy-centric path, core to the profession. Delving the Malefic Viper’s Legacy remained vital, so advancing those nine skills would deliver ample progression. The Chosen element appeared somewhat diminished versus now, though milder than Harbinger's cut.

With Primeval Origin integral, related feats would boost experience, albeit less than Harbinger.

Overall, activities under both would overlap, differing mainly in emphasis and progression priorities. He worried alchemy might lag with Harbinger, yet dreaded forgoing untapped powers otherwise.

This marked Jake's toughest profession or class choice ever. Both shone brilliantly, each with advantages and drawbacks relative to the other.

Objectively, Harbinger of Primeval Origins suited him best, born from his essence and Bloodline. Primeval Alchemist leaned heavier on the Malefic Viper and alchemy broadly.

Jake rose from bed, pacing the lodge in contemplation, eventually stepping onto the porch to sit and gaze at the gentle waterfall and pond. Its tranquility afforded reflective space. Both paths allure fiercely, but an outside influence tipped the balance.

There, Villy’s subtle watchfulness washed over him, recalling that though this evolution was wholly his, its wider impacts merited thought—starting with Villy.

The Primordial's aid to Jake eclipsed Jake's reciprocity; indisputable. Lately, for Jake's True Dragon hunt, Villy sourced rare ingredients and pinpointed a prime quarry. Questions met ready responses from the serpent deity, and withheld insights served Jake's growth.

The Profession Evolution text spoke of their bond nearing balance, though inequality lingered. Jake recognized himself as Villy's venture, his advances benefiting the Patron, yet Villy's efforts exceeded expectations.

Thus, Jake reassured himself that current imbalances would rectify at higher tiers. He'd aid the Malefic Viper enduringly, even via Harbinger of Primeval Origins... yet selecting it meant notable separation.

Jake understood eventual full ownership of the Malefic Viper’s Legacy was inevitable. Ascending via a greater god's shadow eased the path but capped potential. Jake aimed to equal, then eclipse, the Viper, always intending complete Legacy assimilation.

However... full Harbinger of Primeval Origins seemed premature. Primeval Alchemist of Malefic Origins advanced independence moderately, claiming more of the Legacy without extremity—a compromise between inertia and Harbinger.

Someday, Jake would extract and integrate all valuable Legacy elements into his Path, but not immediately.

All else balanced, Jake weighed impacts on others despite self-focus. Harbinger qualms deterred him further.

He dreaded leveling hurdles absent a multiverse-wide Primeval Origin Energy dissemination rampage. Factions craved that, but it clashed with his nature.

Oddly, he cherished each creation or evolution instance as meaningful. Sole outlier: the Demon Prince, still the most dubious Primeval Origin Energy use personally.

True, no innate ties bound him to aided beings, but he rejected reckless energy dispersal for rapid gains.

Primeval Alchemist allowed emphasis on standard poisons and Heretic-Chosen loyalty to Villy, preserving ritual significance.

Moreover, Jake yearned to persist as alchemist. Harbinger would erode traditional alchemy, and though forcible retention possible, he resisted. Alchemy delighted—engaging, demanding.

A common misconception painted Jake as combat-obsessed. False entirely. He thrived on challenges, conquering trials. Hence, the Puzzle Box topped his Chosen Ceremony gifts overwhelmingly.

Alchemy challenged, rewarding with triumphant brews. Satisfaction amplified when deploying them against formidable foes.

Formerly, Jake fretted Harbinger hindering First Sage visions, but now both enabled it—Primeval Alchemist superior via Villy ties.

Harbinger of Primeval Origins stayed viable; sans Villy, a coin toss loomed possible.

Jake inhaled deeply, approaching the pond. He lingered, peering in, then exhaled. Instincts mute, choice his alone; ultimately, he chose what would dismay multiverse powers but suited his present best.

Oh, and a key factor he overlooked mentioning:

Primeval Alchemist of the Malefic Viper awarded Perception. Was the decision ever in doubt?

Decision sealed, serenity enveloped Jake, doubts quelled. He'd embrace the new profession's boons, eagerly anticipating its skills—

Jake's eyes snapped open to an odd sensation. Something amiss. He glanced skyward toward Villy’s vantage, sensing faintly what unfolded