The Primal Hunter Chapter 1313 - One Important Final Question

A period of calm settled in as waiting commenced for the Venusians to return with lower-level individuals Jake could potentially guide beyond the Boundary.

The Arachnecs promptly presented their selected candidates, possessing a considerable number of noble variants. However, Jake remained uncertain whether these nobles or simpler, non-sapient undead, such as the Deathstalkers, were preferred for his assistance.

Despite the external tranquility, a palpable tension persisted between the horned frog, identified as a Horned Slayer via Jake's 'Identify' ability, and the Nestmother. Ancient animosity lingered, yet they refrained from aggression or dispute, opting instead to coexist with a wary vigilance, prepared for any hostile intentions.

With several hours of waiting ahead, Jake elected to engage a certain snake god whose existence he had subtly leveraged throughout the preceding negotiations.

After a brief interval, Jake reached out to the snake god, anticipating valuable counsel.

Villy’s response was swift and laced with a playful tone.

Jake inquired, still confident in his own negotiation tactics.

Villy offered a more detailed account of his own methods, which diverged significantly from Jake's approach. He acknowledged never contemplating the elimination of those he intended to transport across the Boundary and conceded to revealing more information than perhaps necessary. Nevertheless, he perceived several shortcomings in the Viper's strategy.

Jake responded.

the snake god elaborated, prompting further reflection from Jake.

In truth, Jake's emotional attachment to Earth was solely due to its inhabitants. Were he able to facilitate their departure, the planet itself held little sway. However, his current status as World Leader and the ongoing system events tied to the Milky Way introduced considerable complexity.

Jake stated.

the snake god remarked, clearly amused by the unfolding events on Venus.

Jake commented.

Villy delivered a candid observation.

Jake declared, finding little else to discuss beyond casual conversation. Oh, except for one potential topic.

Villy responded, appearing eager for Jake to proceed.

Following this exchange, their connection was severed. Jake returned to his meditation, surrounded by numerous A-grade entities for the ensuing hours. The inability to practice alchemy was a mild inconvenience, as revealing his potion-making abilities at this juncture seemed imprudent. Furthermore, the available time was insufficient for both meditation and seeking the Gate of Enlightenment.

Consequently, Jake directed his focus toward Palate and the refinement of Venus's atmospheric conditions. His presence on this world had already proven immensely beneficial, presenting a virtual paradise for his unique constitution. The atmosphere comprised a complex blend of potent toxins, with certain elements standing out distinctly. These toxins were entirely unique, unlike anything Jake believed existed elsewhere in the multiverse.

Considering the pervasive mist and the insights gleaned from Palate, Jake surmised that the primary source of these pervasive toxins originated from what the local inhabitants referred to as the ocean, or perhaps the ocean served as the principal concentration point for these dangerous substances.

He wouldn't be surprised if certain members of the Order chose to spend time on Venus after achieving B-grade status in the future. It was indeed a remarkable location, although the majority would likely find the notion of a toxic world unappealing.

Jake also admitted to finding it rather coincidental that such a Minor World could exist adjacent to Earth, the domain of the Malefic Viper's Chosen. It could easily have manifested as a world of extreme heat, perpetual lightning, or ceaseless wind, assuming its focus was on maintaining a specific atmospheric condition. Frankly, it might even have been the most dreadful of existences: a colossal water world. Jake knew such realities existed and would actively avoid them. Well, perhaps that saying was ill-suited, given Jake's tendency to seek out plagues purely out of curiosity...

Meanwhile, time continued its passage as Jake and the others waited patiently, maintaining a silent, questioning atmosphere. The tension seemed to escalate with each passing second, heightening the possibility of the unforeseen. A profound distrust permeated the two factions, with both the Nest Mother and the Horned Slayer likely suspecting the other of secretly summoning reinforcements and reneging on the established accord.

A sense of relief washed over Jake as a familiar, potent aura approached; he feigned unawareness until the A-grades turned, mirroring his own feigned surprise as the Oracle shimmered into existence. Emerging with her were several dozen Venusians, most of them B-grades, with two lingering at peak C-grade, all appearing remarkably youthful despite their maturity.

However, Jake’s attention was immediately drawn to five familiar amphibian visages.

"It appears you all returned safely," Jake greeted the Shaman with a warm smile, meeting the Shaman’s equally relieved gaze.

"Thanks to your intervention, we did," the Shaman affirmed, returning the smile, while the other four Venusians conveyed their gratitude. "It weighs on me that my oversight led to your capture by the Arachnecs, forcing a sacrifice on your part."

"I find that depiction inaccurate," the Archweaver interjected, tilting its head. "The Envoy was a guest I personally welcomed to the Nest. While there might have been an element of coercion, no ill intentions were directed towards the Envoy, nor was the Envoy mistreated."

"Let’s simply say I allowed myself to be taken, and cease rehashing old discussions," Jake interjected, raising a hand to halt the impending debate, a conversation they had already concluded.

Turning his attention to the Shaman, Jake inquired, "Are the five of you candidates for transcending the Boundary?"

"Indeed, we are," the Shaman confirmed, opting not to argue with the Archweaver or revisit the previous point. Jake suspected this compliance stemmed not just from his words, but from the palpable fear the Shaman exhibited towards the Arachnec, reinforcing Jake's impression that Archweavers were a more formidable variant than initially perceived.

"However, for the sake of clarity, I also believe our presence here is due to our acquaintance with you," the Shaman continued. "I am fully aware that our chances of accompanying you beyond the Boundary are slim, despite our strong desire to try."

"We shall discover that soon enough," Jake replied with a smile. "Still, I believe it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the five of you to be part of the initial group. You occupy a comfortable middle ground between those I believe can and cannot depart."

"I will certainly raise this matter with the Oracle," the Shaman acknowledged.

Following this, the Venusian approached the Horned Slayer, and soon after, the Nestmother addressed the assembled group, her patience visibly strained.

"Now that all are present, let us proceed towards the Boundary and ascertain the means of transcending it," she declared, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

The Venusians exchanged glances before concurring, and Jake offered a nod as he addressed the A-grades.

"I assume you will assist in expediting our journey?"

"Our Nest is connected to a Tunnel Mound situated very near the Boundary, making that the swiftest route," the Nestmother explained, though it became evident the Venusians were hesitant about this plan.

"You expect us to venture into your Nest and entrust ourselves to your guidance through that accursed death portal?" the Horned Slayer scoffed. "What prevents you from dragging the human through and abandoning the rest of us? Or perhaps the Tunnel Mounds possess a hidden mechanism to transport us elsewhere. Forgive my skepticism, but we Venusians are uncertain of the hidden dangers within those infernal passages."

"At this juncture, what benefit would arise from eliminating a mere handful of Venusians while simultaneously alienating the Envoy?" the Archweaver queried, its tone laced with exhaustion. "A temporary accord has been established. Provided you refrain from hostile actions towards my kin, we shall reciprocate in kind."

"Furthermore, to be unequivocally clear, any attempt by either side to exploit the situation and initiate an attack will signify the end of their aspirations to transcend the Boundary," Jake added sternly. "As for our mode of transit beyond the Boundary, honestly, I am indifferent; however, I surmise that the most efficient method is the one we ought to employ."

A brief consultation ensued amongst the Venusians, and despite the Horned Slayer's clear reluctance, he ultimately acquiesced.

Subsequently, for what was likely the first time in Venus's recorded history, a contingent of Venusians willingly entered an Arachnec Nest to utilize their Tunnel Mound. Jake observed their apprehension, particularly evident on the faces of the younger amphibians. The Oracle provided protection throughout their passage, as the oppressive deathly energy would have been detrimental to them; fortunately, their time within the Nest was brief as they proceeded directly towards the Tunnel Mound.

"Arachnec candidates are already positioned on the other side," the Nestmother announced upon reaching the cave-like portal. "The directive has been issued, and we should all be able to traverse through unimpeded."

The Horned Slayer cast one last dubious gaze, his disdain for being inside the colossal undead structure quite apparent. Nevertheless, despite his reservations, the Horned Slayer guided his small contingent of A-grades into the Tunnel Mound, Jake and the Shaman accompanying him. They conversed side-by-side about the events that transpired after their separation due to the Archweaver's swift approach. The very Archweaver they discussed floated behind them, likely eavesdropping on Jake and the Shaman's casual exchange.

Upon entering the Tunnel Mound, Jake admittedly felt a twinge of apprehension, questioning if the Arachnecs would honor their agreement, though he kept his unease concealed. Fortunately, his prior posturing, threats, and assurances had proven effective, as he reached the other side unharmed. Soon after, the Oracle emerged along with all the less powerful Venusians.

Finally, the Nestmother made her passage. The group, composed of sworn enemies, found themselves on a surprisingly compact island, featuring only a single Tunnel Mound and little else of significance. Jake described it as small, yet even with his Pulse of Perception, he couldn't grasp its entirety. He could discern some of its peripheries, and once they exited the Tunnel Mound and ascended into the air, Jake surveyed the entire island, a benefit of possessing the best stat conceivable in the multiverse.

From the island's vantage point, their objective became visible. Not distant, an impenetrable barrier of dense, noxious energy stretched across his entire field of vision, both vertically and horizontally. This sight reignited Jake's contemplation on whether this Minor World possessed a square configuration. It was entirely plausible, given the invariably straight appearance of these Boundary walls.

“So, are we prepared?” Jake inquired with a smile. “I propose for the initial wave, we select only those below level 400. Should they navigate it successfully, we can slightly increase the threshold. Conversely, if they falter, we must reduce it.”

The Arachnecs and Venusians concurred without opposition, dispatching their chosen candidates for Jake to escort, inclusive of the Shaman and his four companions. Jake turned his gaze toward the wall, a profound realization dawning upon him. A crucial, final question, which he should have thoroughly considered much earlier, now occupied his thoughts.