The Primal Hunter Chapter 1280 - Uncomfortable Truths & A Few More Beers

“I’m not saying it could’ve gone smoother, but I definitely view it as a success,” Jake shrugged, not grasping the major issue at all.

“Reports indicated an attack had taken place,” Lillian stated, positioned behind Miranda’s desk. The Verdant Witch was absent from Earth right now, having unexpectedly traveled to the Order of the Malefic Viper ahead of him to handle matters with the trio of Godqueen witches who had granted her their blessings. This situation left Lillian in charge of daily operations, which included managing interactions with Jake.

“Simply inform everyone I was conducting some experiments,” he replied straightforwardly.

Jake failed to spot any real problems. Had he formed a massive crater just a few dozen kilometers beyond the city boundaries after descending too rapidly using Wings of the Malefic Viper to return to Earth almost instantly? Yes, but no one had been harmed in the process.

To Jake, the key achievement was his ability to journey from the moon to Earth in under thirty seconds. This exceeded pre-system light speed, yet given the mechanics of the Wings’ escape function, he hadn’t truly traveled at such velocities.

Admittedly, this method of transportation wasn’t dependable, and precision remained a challenge, with Jake able only to select a general direction. Lacking his exceptional senses, he might have materialized inside or beyond the planet, though he suspected the energy expenditure of passing through the celestial body would have compelled him to emerge midway.

In essence, the escape capability of Jake’s Wings extended beyond the Earth-moon distance. Much of this was due to traversing open space, but the feat stood nonetheless. Jake felt tempted to explore its limits further, yet he couldn’t even manifest his Wings after employing the escape.

“Telling folks it was an experiment will draw crowds to the impact zone,” Lillian warned, shaking her head.

Jake furrowed his brow. “Why bother? I didn’t leave anything behind there.”

Lillian gazed at Jake briefly before sighing, emanating the familiar aura Miranda often projected. “Because you created it, which holds meaning for certain individuals. Earth has no shortage of Order of the Malefic Viper members or even Primordial Church followers, and to them, a crater from you qualifies as a sacred... or perhaps malefic landmark.”

“Oh,” Jake murmured, feeling distinctly uncomfortable with the notion.

“To give you context, many of the potions you supplied prior to your evolutions were snapped up by devotees of the Malefic Viper or your personal admirers. Even the empty vials fetch absurd sums, and before departing, Miranda instructed Holstred to dismantle a scam ring peddling ordinary mana potions with fake certificates claiming your authorship,” Lillian recounted an amusing anecdote that Jake found far from humorous.

“You know what, maybe fabricate a story instead,” Jake sighed, unwilling to envision crowds picnicking or conducting rituals at a haphazard crater born from his velocity miscalculation.

“That’s exactly the intention,” Lillian agreed, lightly tapping an information crystal on the desk with her fingertips. “Miranda provided notes prior to her departure, several concerning how to manage disruptions involving you.”

“I dislike that she deemed it necessary,” he remarked.

Lillian fixed her gaze on Jake momentarily until he offered an awkward smile.

“Still, it probably doesn’t harm anything,” he conceded reluctantly. “Anyway, I intend to head back to the Order shortly, unless you require my assistance with something?”

“No, operations are quite stable lately, as those who could stir trouble for you concentrate on their final B-grade advancements. Even if assistance were needed there, alternatives exist,” Lillian replied. “On a personal note, I wouldn’t mind some small disturbances; serving as interim City Lord presents a valuable chance for growth.”

“I figured your profession outpaced your class by a wide margin,” Jake commented, arching an eyebrow.

“It did, but luckily, my class doesn’t demand direct combat or eliminations for progression; like Miranda, I advance by refining my grasp of magic and its core principles. Recent inspirations have accelerated my class notably, so now I focus on the profession,” Lillian explained.

“Seems like bestowing the Lucenti Mage class on you wasn’t a poor choice,” Jake grinned. He’d assigned it casually, unaware of its quality, yet it evidently suited her perfectly.

“I’ll remain forever thankful,” Lillian smiled back. “On that topic, I’d value your input on a matter. It’s not urgent yet, but based on my knowledge, the goddess tied to the Lucenti affinity will likely notice me upon reaching B-grade evolution. From my investigations, there’s a possibility she or her followers might extend a Blessing, ideal for my class. Still, I worry it could spark loyalty conflicts.”

Jake pondered her concern with a slight frown. “As far as I recall, the goddess of that affinity and her minor faction align with the United Tribes, correct?”

“Correct,” Lillian affirmed. “She heads one of the tribes within the United Tribes alliance.”

“Right,” Jake nodded deliberately. True to its name, the United Tribes consisted of various smaller groups uniting against bigger dangers and handling diplomacy. Composed solely of beasts and their beastkin descendants, the Lucenti affinity’s goddess was undoubtedly a beast herself.

“Truthfully, I might not be the ideal consultant. To me, Blessings resemble deals—investments yielding mutual gains if successful. Yet I recognize that’s inaccurate, and accepting one from their leadership would undoubtedly link you to the United Tribes in others’ eyes,” Jake reflected.

“Exactly,” Lillian nodded. “Nevertheless, declining a Blessing that grants Records enhancing my Path would make me seem foolish, particularly if extended by the Lucenti Monarch herself.”

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“A real dilemma, isn’t it?” Jake acknowledged, but after brief contemplation, his stance solidified. “In my opinion, you shouldn’t fret over such concerns. Pursue what aligns with your Path and your judgment. Others might question it, but that’s irrelevant. Provided you avoid becoming a zealous devotee proclaiming the Lucenti Monarch’s dominance, all’s well.”

“Given my ongoing contact with you, I doubt that’ll occur,” Lillian smiled. “Appreciate the guidance, and I won’t delay you further. You’re welcome to weigh in on these latest proposals if you’d like—”

“Check the clock—time to head out!” Jake interrupted hastily, bolting from the office structure as swiftly as possible to evade any duties resembling those of a World Leader.

He opted against additional visits before departing for the Order, despite curiosities on Earth. Villy’s impatience was mounting, so he proceeded directly to his lodge and the teleportation circle within.

Upon the circle, Jake triggered it, allowing the space magic to transport him. Aided by his Patron, he traversed the void in a swift, unremarkable passage before reaching his goal. He’d intended his residence, but upon recovering his awareness, he found himself in the Viper’s private quarters.

Jake extended his sphere, perceiving farther than before, and with a Pulse, glimpsed portions of the vast subterranean networks comprising the Order of the Malefic Viper. Of course, visibility was limited by extensive spatial manipulations that distorted everything oddly.

As for oddities... the Viper lounged on a nearby sofa upon Jake’s arrival, beers arrayed on the table, one already in his grasp. That wasn’t the peculiar aspect, however.

“Why the flamingo outfit?” Jake inquired, baffled.

“Not a flamingo, although this pink avian does bear a resemblance,” the Viper clarified.

“Why don an undefined pink bird costume then?”

“Revealing that would necessitate your demise,” Villy intoned gravely, shaking his head.

“Those feathers are authentic, aren’t they?” Jake questioned while approaching, impressed by the costume’s detail upon full examination. “Exceptional work. Impressive, even the feet are spot-on.”

“Sure, sure, enjoy the moment,” the Viper dismissed, permitting Jake extended scrutiny of the Primordial’s attire. Jake required no proof to deduce this stemmed from a lost wager.

Jake deliberately took almost a full minute to meticulously appraise the Viper head to foot, offering remarks on the ensemble, before settling across from the Primordial and uncapping a beer. Inhaling the aroma and drawing on Sense of the Malefic Viper’s feedback, he discerned this brew’s potency surpassed Villy’s typical offerings. Ideal for a B-grade like Jake with his Palate.

“Finished mocking me?” the Viper queried, exasperated.

“Absolutely,” Jake beamed. “I assume this area is shielded from external surveillance?”

“Not even Oras could infiltrate,” the Viper assured. “I’ve overlaid a segment of my Divine Realm here via a unique formation. No superior sealing exists short of detaching the space from reality entirely. But if you suspect observation prompting that query, I’m keen to learn of it.”

“Nah, nothing detectable, but caution never hurts,” Jake denied, shaking his head prior to sipping the beer. Potent indeed, yet delectable. “So, queries about my latest evolution?”

“Plenty,” the Viper confirmed, eager for the essentials. “I sensed minimal impact on my Blessing this evolution. From my perspective, the karmic bond neither intensified nor diminished significantly, though a minor... detachment emerges relative to previously. I suspect your new profession ties less directly to my Legacy.”

“Spot on,” Jake verified with a nod. “My updated profession branches somewhat from your Legacy, yet retains strong elements. It now incorporates facets of my Harbinger of Primeval Origins role as well.”

“Wise selection,” the Viper approved. “Though I’m mildly disappointed my Chosen didn’t opt wholly for my Legacy in his profession. At minimum, confirm your class is the Champion of the Malefic Viper variant?”

“Regrettably, no,” Jake replied smilingly with a light laugh. “It was proposed, actually. Called Exalted Hunter-Champion, though the exalted element baffles me.”

“Exalted, eh?” the Viper mused approvingly. “Notable, but unsurprising given Yip and Nevermore’s involvement. To explain, an exalted class signifies widespread recognition of your status as my Chosen, coupled with substantial acknowledgment of your personal strength and sway.”

“I’d expect that to influence professions more than classes,” Jake puzzled.

“Typically, true. But an Exalted Champion status implies you’ve become a worship target independently, granting access to a fascinating perk: faith energy.”

“Glad I skipped it now,” Jake grumbled, disliking the concept. Primarily because worship felt bizarre, and secondly, recent faith-wielders like the False God and Ell’Hakan had proven problematic.

“I concur it wouldn’t suit you, and diverting from your emerging Path would be wasteful,” Villy agreed, having downed two beers already. “Presumably, both your class and profession are exceptionally potent?”

“I wouldn’t choose otherwise,” Jake smiled. “Hard to rank them, but the profession will intrigue you. It remains alchemy-based, as before, now infused with Primeval Origins elements. Crucially, I can perform this.”

Raising his hand, Jake generated Lesser Primeval Energy within a contained arcane mana cube, drawing the Viper’s keen attention. Aware the god was analyzing it, Jake waited through a dozen seconds until Villy commented.

“A diluted version of your Primeval Origin Energy?” Villy inquired.

“Precisely,” Jake affirmed.

“Prudent to manifest it thus? I understand Primeval Origin Energy as a scarce, slow-replenishing asset.”

“Here’s the exciting part: the expenditure is negligible, rendering such a display inconsequential,” Jake grinned. “Yes, it’s finite, but siphoning a drop from a lake changes nothing. Plus, accruing Records refills it effortlessly.”

“I’ll defer to your assessment,” the Viper nodded thoughtfully. “The potential applications with that energy are already evident. I won’t suggest specifics, but experiment freely. Ideally, you’ve realized access to Lesser Primeval Energy enables safer exploration of the true variant.”

“That crossed my mind right after reviewing the skill,” Jake noted, finishing his initial beer and opening another.

“And the Path of the Heretic-Chosen skill?” the serpent deity probed.

“Evolved, yet largely intact. Keeping details private,” Jake teased.

“Fair enough,” Villy conceded dismissively. “No need to delve into your class, and though I have further profession queries, it’s time to tackle the elephant... your race evolution variant.”

Jake nodded, inviting the Primordial’s questions.

“Context first: Post-evolution, Records rippled across the Order, subtly influencing all, imperceptible to other gods—but I sensed it, including their subtle shifts. They detected the anomaly due to Record sensitivity, yet Shroud of the Primordial obscured the origin, so I attributed it to my actions,” the Viper explained before proceeding.

“Now, my turn for answers... what exactly occurred? Was it genuinely a unique Spirit of Man leadership skill outcome?”

“Partly yes, partly no,” Jake responded, reclining. “Before explaining, I suggest a few more beers. It’ll soften the blow as I reveal potentially the most dominant race skill any human has ever obtained.”