The Primal Hunter Chapter 1293 - Evolved Witch & Flying With Frogs

~6 minute read · 1,446 words
Previously on The Primal Hunter...
Jake observed a group of Venusian frogs—Virumancers, Warriors, and a Shaman—battle the massive Boglord with spores, water summons, and enlarged spiked clubs. The Boglord unleashed a devastating energy beam from a chest flower before retreating into the vast lake, prompting the relieved frogs to stand down. Approaching openly, Jake introduced himself as a lone human explorer new to this world, negotiated peacefully despite their skepticism, and accepted their invitation to visit their home and meet the Oracle.

The onset of the system event arrived at an ideal moment for Miranda. She had returned to the Order of the Malefic Viper, elevating her class to the pinnacle of C-grade, though her profession still demanded further advancement before evolution.

Precisely then, the Seat of the Exalted Prima proclamation emerged, enabling her to immediately assume her political role and function as the de facto leader across the Milky Way Galaxy. She held meetings, contacted Earth's most potent and influential figures, engaged in talks with galaxy leadership, and even conversed with high-ranking members of the Order of the Malefic Viper.

This extensive maneuvering provided ample experience, so just five days post-announcement, the eagerly awaited notification arrived, signaling her readiness to ascend to B-grade. Perfect timing.

Miranda had worried slightly that her evolution might not occur in time, preventing her from selecting her preferred companions for the Administrator promotion test. Both Holstred and William sat at level 350, matching nearly everyone else who had evolved.

As expected, advancement slowed dramatically once more in B-grade, so it came as no surprise that no levels had been gained since evolving. Certainly, dedicated hunting might have yielded a level or two, but most chose to adapt to their enhanced powers and refine skills instead. This held extra weight given the heightened conceptual sensitivity post-evolution.

Her evolution commenced smoothly as anticipated, with no variant human option presented, despite her Patrons' speculation that her extended time in the Verdant Lagoon might enable one.

Post-race evolution, she examined herself for physical alterations, aware that subconscious desires could alter one's form during the process. A detailed check revealed no changes. Excellent—no hidden body dysmorphia surfacing unpleasantly.

For Spirit of Man skills, she acquired two strong ones perfectly suited to her. Research indicated both ranked above average, one boosting class stats and abilities, the other enhancing her profession.

Next came profession evolution. Like all prior ones, five choices appeared, most delightfully surprising her. A couple remained dubious, however.

One involved severing ties with Jake completely to lead independently, without reliance on others. Utterly unacceptable. Another shifted her full allegiance to the Verdant Witches and Verdant Lagoon—another rejection. Their stats were mediocre too, reflecting lower Records.

A third proposed her becoming Jake's concubine or wife, unsurprising given past precedents. Notably, her Patrons had eased pressure lately, avoiding the topic entirely. This relieved yet frustrated her, as they now suggested matches with other prominent peers. Firm no to everything.

The fourth and fifth options closely mirrored each other, one a straightforward upgrade from her C-grade Court Witch of the Primordial’s Chosen. Hard to differentiate precisely, as they offered nearly identical stats. She deliberated deeply, choosing the one best fitting her future path—and offering 5 extra stats per level, sealing the decision.

Not thrilled with the title, though.

Exalted Mistress of the Malefic’s Chosen – A liaison, confidant, right hand, and in many instances, a friend. You are the trusted proprietress, recognized as the Mistress of all that is his, a role you had gladly taken upon yourself as you act on the behest of Jake Thayne, the Chosen of the Malefic Viper and Harbinger of Primeval Origins. It’s your chosen Path to power, and so far, not one you regret. As his Exalted Mistress, you will find yourself managing his territories, exerting his will upon the world, or simply interpreting and acting out his intent. Your Records further blend together with those of the Malefic’s Chosen, allowing you to claim power from his prestige, reputation, and status, increasingly strengthening your bond and mutual beneficial effects between the two of you. Be warned that should you lose the confidence of the Malefic’s Chosen, you will lose much of what grants you power. Stat Bonuses per level: +350 Willpower, +325 Free Points (675 total)

Objectively, a solid profession. It delivered 675 out of the 720 maximum, exceptional in her view and vastly superior to her prior 200. Both viable evolutions more than tripled stats, suggesting this Path amplified further with persistence.

Undoubtedly tied to Jake's own escalating Path. In C-grade, he cemented his status as the Malefic Viper's Chosen, bolstered by the Order's growth and prestige, elevating his multiversal standing.

Miranda pondered her Jake-binding choice extensively, occasionally doubting if this life suited her. Restrictive indeed, and Jake's fall or drastic shift could doom her.

Yet she recognized solo achievement would never match her current stature. Survival post-Tutorial aside, she'd likely end as a mere city administrator at best.

Thus, she embraced the risks of her Path. Fully aboard Jake's vessel, she hoped he'd elevate all. So far, no letdowns, and her efforts yielded rewards.

A key risk for her Path: the tied individual bottlenecking growth. Jake's incompetence or stagnation would cripple her. Or, paradoxically, excelling too much relative to the Patron.

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Given the immense power required in such Patrons for mutual benefit to the subordinate. Miranda subsisted on Jake's residual Records, gaining proxy prestige. Introducing herself alone anywhere in the multiverse yields nothing; invoking the Malefic Viper’s Chosen’s right hand commands respect.

Depressing reflection, yet life's truth? Pre-system, her manager role stemmed from company recognition. Subservience under a relaxed boss granting autonomy wasn't terrible.

Gradually, her talents would earn independent acclaim. Perpetual association with Jake? Probable, but advantageous. As proverb notes, tallest tree draws wind; his shelter proved comfortable.

Still, no “shelter” of that intimate sort. Hence her name aversion. Mistress carried dual connotations, multiversal usage differing from Earth's, yet irksome.

Rejecting over one word? Foolish. At least Exalted Mistress, hinting at grand capabilities ahead.

All hinged on Jake's continued ascent—and survival. She fervently wished his Venus venture proved rewarding and safe.

For now, Jake's affairs aside. Her test and Administrator title awaited.

--

Jake pursued the five frogs across the toxic wasteland, traversing an island vastly larger than initially thought. Their flight remained cautious, lacking strong stealth, justifying the measured pace to minimize risks.

Rushing travel mirrored reckless driving for minor time gains—ultimately trivial, endangering all. On this continent-scale island, at least only self-risked.

En route, Jake chatted with the frogs—Shaman exclusively—the others shy, communicating telepathically among themselves. Discussion centered on surroundings, avoiding sensitive revelations.

Additionally, a realization dawned, clarifying the frogs' assumption of his diplomatic status or greater backing.

“Your fluency in our tongue astonishes me. Pleasantly so. Might I assume a skill aids your language acquisition and usage? Regardless, I am impressed,” the Shaman remarked courteously, underscoring Myriad Tongues' potency.

Yet it sparked queries. Ninety-third universe, Minor World notwithstanding—shouldn't these frogs possess Myriad Tongues too? Universe natives typically did. Higher grades rendered it optional, intent sufficing, but lacking true fluency Jake's skill provided, per frog perception.

Pausing briefly, Jake nodded, probing gently. “Indeed, I possess such a potent skill. Why inquire? Uncommon for visitors to speak your language fluently?”

“Commonplace overall, rarer in diplomacy without precedent,” the Shaman replied. “Know of the Scaled Nomads?”

“Not yet,” Jake responded, noting the faction. “Who are they?”

“Initially mistook you for one by looks, but clearly not,” the Shaman clarified. “Nomads island-hopping, homeless by choice, not weakness—embracing freedom.”

“Your folk prefer settlements?” Jake probed, gleaning much.

“Precisely,” confirmed the frog. “Multiple villages hereabouts, each Oracle-led. Ours medium-sized; Ancestral Village central to Venusians.”

Jake absorbed it, one detail prominent, demanding verification.

“Fascinating. If I may, how ancient is your village?”

“Ours?” the Shaman echoed, pondering. “Uncertain exactly. Seven Oracle generations, so minimally hundreds of thousands of years since founding. Our Oracle can elaborate on history.”

Processing that, Jake grappled with implications. No simultaneous integration origin possible. Venus as ancient Minor World overwhelmed.

Composing himself, Jake nodded. “Eager for Oracle discourse—mutual enlightenment.”

“Oracle offers deeper insights than I,” the Shaman agreed, resuming flight focus, guards vigilant against ambushes.

They detoured from hazards; Jake sensed them early but stayed silent, preserving secrets. Frogs handled competently.

In quiet flight, Jake tested Patron link despite Minor World, hailing Villy.

Jake asked the snake god curiously.

Viper responded near-instantly.

Jake accepted the cutoff without argument, aligning with no-spoiler preference. Thrilling to explore this novel realm—new to him, heightening allure.

The six pressed on nearly half a day longer until the Shaman alerted Jake. “Arrival imminent. Stay near me to avoid threat misperception.”

“Got it,” Jake affirmed. Cresting a huge hill, the “village” appeared... and why the hell label that a village?