The Primal Hunter Chapter 1288 - Rude Interruption

Jake instantly knew what sort of treasure the Viper had bestowed upon him. It resembled items he'd encountered multiple times previously, yet this one was undoubtedly far superior in power to all those others. A swift Identify skill use verified it.

[Supreme Token of Akashic Awakening (Mythical)] – Infuse into a piece of equipment to attempt to awaken or amplify the Records within, upgrading the item to a maximum of mythical rarity. If the item is already at mythical rarity, it will try to amplify existing effects through awakened Records. Grants the user some control over the infused Records of an item, enabling minor customization. WARNING: Touching directly upon the Records of an item may make others related to the associated Records aware. Requirements: User must be below lvl 400.

A soft whistle escaped his lips as he nodded approvingly, relieved he wouldn't need to hunt for one elsewhere. Moreover, the description revealed this token surpassed any he'd utilized before, even permitting some personalization of the enhanced gear. Ideal for Jake, who preferred skipping stat boosts to enhance other facets of the item.

While examining the token, Jake's anticipated second guest arrived that day, as the elven goddess materialized right behind him, peering curiously over his shoulder.

“Those aren’t easy to come by, not even for a Primordial,” she remarked approvingly.

“Yet I’m pretty sure I overpaid for it,” Jake grinned, turning to face Artemis. She returned the smile, though he still sensed some unease, prompting him to rub the back of his neck. “Should I be apologizing for not exactly being available recently?”

“Hm?” Artemis queried, appearing truly puzzled briefly before comprehension dawned. She let out a light chuckle and shook her head while gazing at him. “You don’t actually think I just sat around waiting, did you? Even if I did, I wouldn’t call a bit over a year long. We’re both busy people, and if any bond we have can fade just because a bit of time passes, perhaps it was just never meant to be.”

“I guess I was just overthinking,” Jake exhaled, shaking his head. His previous girlfriend would rage over delays longer than hours in messaging, so he wasn't accustomed to Artemis brushing off a full year.

“You most certainly were,” Artemis beamed. “Now, with that out of the way... slightly belated congratulations on your evolution to B-grade. I would ask you if it went well, but based on the fact that you got a skill that affected me and what you just traded with the Malefic Viper, I’m going to assume it did.”

“I would indeed say it did,” Jake affirmed with a nod, offering a quick rundown of events and a basic overview of Primal Spirit of Man. He focused only on the part impacting her, emphasizing his uniquely overpowered variant.

In response, Artemis eagerly recounted her latest victories and challenges, serving as the Pantheon of Life's ambassador. Dealing with the Order of the Malefic Viper proved challenging, as Villy's gods weren't always sociable or amiable, requiring extra diplomatic finesse to advance matters.

Additionally, both groups had ramped up preparations for the impending Seat of the Exalted Prima system event. Its exact start remained unknown, but theories abounded. The leading one suggested no fixed timeline; rather, a specific threshold needed crossing.

Given its design for B-grades, it logically awaited a sufficient number of evolutions among qualified Administrator Candidates or full Administrators like Jake.

This jogged Jake's memory... at the Prima Guardian event's close, five Milky Way natives ascended to Administrators. Jake, Kindroth—the Voice of the One—and three others now deceased or departed from the galaxy. Ell’Hakan and King Iludar, allies of the Chosen of Yip of Yore, perished in their conflict, while the Servant of the Holy Church's identity eluded Jake—possibly dead, Jacob, or an unknown. Regardless, the Holy Church had vanished.

Of course, promotions could extend to other Administrator Candidates. Jake knew several qualifiers who weren't yet Administrators, all close allies, leaving him confident in securing the Milky Way's Seat of the Exalted Prima uncontested.

Not so elsewhere.

Though many galaxies allied during the Prima Guardian event, numerous candidates vied fiercely for their galaxy's Seat of the Exalted. Even within factions, rivalries simmered. The Holy Church grappled intensely with this, and the Pantheon of Life faced similar internal tensions.

Artemis supported her Administrator Candidate followers, including two promoted during the event, negotiating with fellow gods over competitors and claimants. Chaos reigned across many realms.

Yet for the moment, the fresh B-grade evolver and goddess set aside such concerns. After covering recent happenings, they cherished quality time, blending serious discussions with geeky topics like concepts. Jake absorbed much knowledge, and Artemis clearly relished the moments too.

He delayed upgrading his boots right then, mainly due to Artemis's presence. While open with her about many secrets, First Sage matters stayed private. The figure embodied Forbidden Knowledge, limiting explanations. Plus, no urgency existed, as the token lacked a deadline.

Beyond that, post-Lesser Primeval Energy work demanded a mental respite from complexities, and this interlude was ideal. With cleared schedules and no pressing duties, Jake envisioned numerous activities.

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Regrettably, fate sometimes thwarts such plans, for just three days post-Artemis's visit, during a restaurant meal, their chat halted abruptly via a system announcement.

The time has come.

As the natives of the 93rd Universe grow into their own and realize their Paths, the Exalted Prima has watched, judged, and reached a conclusion. Administrator Candidates have been given a chance to prove themselves worthy of graduating to fully-fledged Administrators, granting them the right to compete for each galaxy’s Seat of the Exalted Prima.

All current Administrator Candidates will gain the right to prove themselves worthy of this honor. Each Administrator Candidate can bring up to four (4) trusted allies to assist them during this promotion event. These allies cannot surpass the level of the Administrator Candidate themselves and may not exceed level 375. These allies cannot be current Administrators or Administrator Candidates from other galaxies.

Administrator Candidate testing will take one-hundred (100) days, after which all qualified Administrators will be invited to the Chief Administrator Selection, wherein the true leader of each galaxy’s Seat of the Exalted Prima shall be decided.

Testing for Administrator Candidates will begin in ten (10) days, with no restriction on where it can be accessed. Administrator Candidate must be in close physical proximity to any potential trusted allies.

Once the Chief Administrator Selection begins, all qualified Administrators are to use their Seals of the Exalted Primas to enter their respective Seat of the Exalted Primas.

Only once all Chief Administrators are selected, the next round shall begin.

Artemis quickly spotted Jake gazing blankly ahead, her brow furrowing.

“What happened, did someone-“

Her words cut short as silence overtook her too, probably contacting Pantheon of Life peers. Indeed, the upscale restaurant froze entirely, diners pausing mid-bite. Private formations muffled sights and sounds, yet Jake's Sphere revealed all.

Moments later, Artemis met Jake's eyes. “I fear we’ll have to cut things short.”

“I figured,” Jake replied with a reassuring grin. “I should also head back to Earth and check on plans for tackling this event.”

“From my understanding, there are a lot of Administrator Candidates out there amongst the natives of your universe. Many who performed just adequately during the Prima Guardian event got the opportunity to become one, and that’s not mentioning the monsters,” Artemis sighed.

“Monsters?” Jake queried, frowning. On reflection, what rewards had monsters claimed?

“Yes,” Artemis confirmed with a nod. “I just got word that on planets where the local monster population sided with the Prima Guardian – all of whom are now dead and have turned their Planetary Pylons into regular Planetary Cores – a few Administrators have also appeared, alongside a vast number of Administrator Candidates.”

Thus, monsters vied for Chief Administrator roles too, intensifying Milky Way competition beyond Jake's initial expectations. Still, he viewed his ascension as inevitable, pending the Seat of the Exalted Prima's trial.

“Things are about to get busy again,” Jake murmured. “Especially after these Chief Administrators are all selected.”

“Most definitely,” Artemis agreed, nodding. Galaxy-internal rivalries paled against the looming universe-spanning spectacle.

From Jake's deductions, Seats of the Exalted Primas formed segments of a grander entity—the singular true World Wonder. Ultimately, one supreme owner would emerge from universe-wide contenders.

No... beyond that. With allies permitted sans entry limits, didn't that allow recruits from any universe? True Administrators likely shared this perk.

Jake voiced this, earning Artemis's instant concurrence. “That’s also my conclusion, and has been what most factions assumed based on prior system events. While there are many exclusive events for natives after integration, and it is very normal for these natives to have certain advantages, the system usually provides a pathway for everyone in the same generation as those newly integrated to also gain significant benefits.”

“I take it the Pantheon of Life already has a fair number of galaxies locked down?” Jake probed, aware of their elite prowess.

“Of course,” Artemis grinned. “The Order of the Malefic Viper is lagging behind significantly in that regard, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they still end up with a lot through alliances and sending their elites with otherwise independent forces.”

“That does sound like something that could happen,” Jake acknowledged with a nod.

Throughout the restaurant, patrons vanished via teleportation, the multiverse-shaking event demanding action. Artemis fielded nonstop updates, soon compelled to depart herself.

“I have a meeting with the Verdant Sisters in just a little while,” she apologized. “If you want, you could come along?”

“No thanks,” Jake declined, shaking his head. “I’ll make my preparations on Earth.”

Artemis nodded. “In that case, good luck. Oh, and one final note... if you end up encountering members of the Pantheon of Life during this system event, try to assume they are not enemies. However, if they do turn out to be hostile, do what you must.”

“Alright,” Jake assented gravely. He trusted Pantheon of Life members wouldn't foolishly target him, but if they did, folly awaited.

“Don’t look so glum. It’s a competition. People die during competitions. It’s just part of nature,” Artemis soothed, rising gradually. “Anyone who has the willingness to kill another must do so with the knowledge that it can end in their own doom. Though I will say that I personally hope that you can avoid such a fate, no matter how many you choose to slay.”

“Are you saying you’re worried about me?” Jake teased with a sly smile, standing as well.

“Not particularly,” Artemis laughed, then sobered slightly. “Though I will tell you to take care of yourself. While you are definitely powerful, there are many monsters and enlightened out there with methods you’re not used to. That will only become more and more true the stronger you get. It’s always a risk that you meet someone with an eccentric ability or fighting style that takes you by surprise, resulting in a dangerous situation.”

“I’m always careful,” Jake reassured gently.

Artemis eyed him dubiously before shaking her head. “Sure you are.”

Allowing no further retort, she approached, kissed him softly, then withdrew. “For good luck, in case you need it.”

“I’m also always lucky,” Jake declared, drawing her close for another kiss. “There, good luck to you, too. You’ll definitely need it far more than I, having to enter the den of bureaucracy.”

“I’m getting incredibly tempted to drag you along now,” Artemis quipped playfully, stepping back. “See you again soon, hopefully without such a rude interruption next time.”

With that, she teleported away, and shortly thereafter, Jake restocked at his home before returning to Earth. Tranquility had reigned briefly, but the system's proclamation reignited motion, and Jake eagerly anticipated the system's trials and multiversal foes ahead.