The Primal Hunter Chapter 1315 - Endless Tongues of the Forerunners

Jake had anticipated that the natives of Venus would receive some sort of system notification upon exiting their Minor World, and the possibility of a minor reward had even crossed his mind. However, it quickly became apparent that Jake had significantly underestimated how crucial this achievement was to the system concerning its native inhabitants.

“Could you please tell me precisely what the system communicated to you and what reward you received?” Jake inquired, his tone serious. “To be clear, I am already aware that ‘Forerunner of the New World’ is the designation of a title.”

Although Jake also possessed this title, it was evident they had not obtained it through identical means, as Jake’s acquisition occurred under vastly different circumstances. He also doubted that the benefits of the title were the same, though it would be somewhat amusing if they were.

+3 to all stats for a B-grade was genuinely comical, and had just been a bit of a boost given to newly integrated individuals, probably in part to make up for the existence of G-grade, and the often lacking starting variants, classes, and professions natives of a new universe often began their Paths with.

The skill ‘Endless Tongues of the Myriad Races’ was an entirely different matter. Jake typically referred to it mentally as ‘Myriad Tongues,’ and it stood as, without question, the finest translation skill in the entire multiverse.

It was pure system manipulation embodied, and its description was so simple it bordered on the absurd.

The entirety of the latter portion served a purely informational purpose, as if to aid new initiates who might have missed the initial system message or title notification.

Considering these details and the modest stat increase of his own title, Jake was uncertain if the reward received by the Venusian natives was comparable. This was one of the reasons he had refrained from mentioning his own possession of the title, only acknowledging its existence.

Truthfully, a part of him harbored apprehension regarding what the system had conveyed to them. He had deliberately concealed the fact that the ninety-third universe was presently subject to level restrictions for external entities. While he now knew with certainty that unrestricted travel between Venus and the solar system was not possible, Jake still felt a sense of unease.

Despite Jake having questioned the Shaman about the title, it was surprisingly one of the Arachnec Lords who responded initially.

“It is a title bestowed for successfully traversing the Boundary with the assistance of a native from the ninety-third universe prior to the complete integration of the aforementioned universe,” the Arachnec Lord stated, apparently deciding to reveal everything. “It grants a +250 increase to all stats, along with a skill known as Endless Tongues of the Myriad Races. Given your evident proficiency in all our world’s languages, we surmise this is also the skill you possess.”

Jake felt a degree of surprise at receiving such a straightforward answer, particularly from the undead spider faction. Observing the use of the pronoun “we,” Jake inferred that a collective decision had been made to be so forthcoming, perhaps in an effort to maintain his favor now that definitive confirmation existed that the Venusian natives required aid from natives of the new universe.

Regarding the actual details, Jake was taken aback to learn that their title provided a +250 boost to all stats. Yet, upon further reflection, perhaps he shouldn’t have been.

Performing a rapid calculation, Jake’s Forerunner title granted a +3 increase to all stats, but that was for a G-grade. Since this was a somewhat unofficial classification, Jake decided to disregard it for the moment and instead focused on the F to B-grade spectrum. This encompassed a total of five evolutions. If stats typically tripled with each evolutionary stage, and Jake had acquired the title today, it would have yielded a +243 increase to all stats, wouldn’t it? The calculation wasn't exact, especially considering the existence of G-grade, but perhaps those final 7 points to reach +250 originated from that level. Alternatively, the system might simply favor aesthetically pleasing numbers.

In light of this, the stat bonuses were not particularly remarkable, and Jake surmised that their apparent significance stemmed largely from his recent evolution to B-grade. Furthermore, regardless of the numerical value, the true benefit derived from the title was not the stats, but the exceptionally potent translation skill.

It was widely acknowledged as one of the most significant advantages conferred upon individuals newly integrated into the multiverse. Even if its utility diminished in later stages for inter-species verbal communication, as individuals could convey meaning through sheer intent, effectively achieving real-time translation, the same could not be said for non-verbal or telepathic exchanges.

Written text, newly discovered languages, ancient forgotten tongues, and anything in between would be automatically translated by Myriad Tongues. While books could also be imbued with intent during their creation, this was not always the case, making the effort to learn the language a necessity for reading them, irrespective of how rapidly a high-grade individual could acquire such knowledge.

Furthermore, it was incredibly convenient; the fear of one's words being misunderstood was entirely absent. Jake found himself able to communicate his intentions without any mental gymnastics during lessons at the Order, simply by speaking. He could even write a book, and everyone would understand it by default unless he deliberately employed Myriad Tongues to obscure it. Of course, Jake had no intention of ever sitting down to write a book. Such endeavors were for mere nerds.

In any case, Endless Tongues of the Myriad Races was an overwhelmingly powerful skill. It appeared that the indigenous inhabitants of Venus could acquire it if they ventured beyond the Minor World through the Boundary prior to the complete integration of the ninety-third universe.

Moreover, one could argue that the true prize lay in the form of Records. This was undoubtedly a high-tier skill that would bestow significant advantages upon those who obtained it. It might even aid individuals on the cusp of S-grade in breaking through their limits, though Jake still suspected that a more fundamental restriction was the reason no S-grades had yet emerged from the Minor World.

After absorbing all the information, Jake offered a nod of acknowledgment. "I do indeed possess that very skill, along with a title that shares the identical name. However, the circumstances under which I acquired them were vastly dissimilar."

"What is the significance of the message stating this is the ninety-third universe?" the Shaman inquired, posing a relevant question, followed by one that was perhaps even more critical for their understanding. "Additionally, what precisely constitutes a universe?"

Jake was aware that a considerable amount of common knowledge and foundational concepts needed to be explained, but he perceived more urgent matters at hand. Therefore, he provided a concise explanation. "A universe is akin to the Minor World, simply on a vastly grander scale, encompassing diverse biomes, varying energy densities, and an innumerable array of possibilities. My words or descriptions could never adequately convey its immense scope. This is termed the ninety-third universe because it is the ninety-third to join the ninety-two preceding it, all of which now collectively form what is known as the multiverse. I would elaborate further, but for the present moment, I believe we must decide on our course of action."

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While Jake was content to simply drift within the Boundary and nourish his Palate, the Venusians could not sustain themselves indefinitely. Thus, a decision was needed sooner rather than later.

"From my standpoint, we have two alternatives. The first is that I escort you entirely out of the Boundary and into the broader universe. This process would undoubtedly consume some time, as I am unwilling to abandon you merely outside the entrance without properly familiarizing you with the surroundings. Anticipate this to require at least a few days, and that is an exceedingly optimistic projection. The second option involves returning to the Minor World, where you can disseminate this discovery amongst your people. Subsequently, we can collaboratively formulate a plan with them on how to proceed." Jake articulated this, genuinely hoping they would opt for the latter choice.

He likely should have given the situation more thought, but he had no clue what the native inhabitants of Venus were expected to do after departing their Minor World. To exacerbate matters, Miranda, Lillian, and practically anyone else he might consult were engaged in a system event and thus unavailable. The inability to simply delegate responsibility was truly the worst.

Perhaps Arnold could offer assistance, but Jake had a hunch that in the realm of diplomacy, the eccentric scientist was not significantly more adept than Jake himself. No, if he required help, the only individuals likely available were Whaleman and Arthur back on Earth. They were maintaining security while Miranda and the others were away, but Jake remained uncertain about the extent of their potential assistance.

Consequently, his hope was to at least postpone the decision until he could devise a suitable strategy.

"I find myself drawn to the prospect of exploring this entirely new world," the Shaman remarked with a smile, causing Jake to inwardly curse for a brief moment.

"However, you are correct. We are present here as emissaries of our respective races, tasked with scouting the path forward. While it pains me to say so, I do agree that it is best for us to return, report our findings, and devise a more comprehensive plan with the leaders of our factions. This integration into the wider multiverse is not an event that will transpire within a mere few years," the Shaman continued, fortunately proving himself to be a sagacious amphibian once more.

"We concur," the Arachnec Lord stated. Truthfully, Jake had never harbored any concerns about them. There was absolutely no way a contingent of noble, undead spiders would venture out on their own without first reporting everything and obtaining authorization from the Nestmother or another leader within their hierarchy.

"Excellent," Jake responded with a nod. "However, would you do me a small favor? Try to ascertain if the barrier still exerts any influence on you."

The B-grades belatedly seemed to grasp the situation, causing several of them to exit the invisible barrier once more and return to the Venus side. Apprehension was evident on their faces as they approached Jake and the other B-grades. Fortunately, it appeared the system had granted them temporary passes, allowing for easy entry and exit from the Minor World.

With this positive confirmation secured, their motley crew—comprising undead spiders, giant bipedal frogs, and a lone human—began their journey back into Venus. Jake sincerely hoped their reappearance would be close to their point of entry into the Boundary. The prospect of the eleven of them materializing in an unknown location was rather unsettling, though he trusted that the Venusians or Arachnecs would possess means to contact their respective factions if such an event occurred.

The return voyage was considerably more tranquil, especially since the toxicity within the Boundary diminished as they progressed inward. He was certain the Venusians appreciated this easing of conditions, with the Shaman diligently aiding his kin on their homeward path.

Jake could have potentially offered assistance with Pride or similar matters, but he assumed the Shaman had everything under control, thus he remained uninvolved. Instead, his thoughts turned to the impending discussions with the A-grades from both the Venusian and Arachnec factions.

He held hope for a productive agreement and the formation of a concrete plan for the forthcoming immigration of Venus natives into the wider multiverse, while also hoping they wouldn't lodge too many complaints about Jake's limited ability to bring out individuals the system deemed weaker than himself.

All things considered, events continued to unfold remarkably smoothly, and every indication pointed towards a positive conclusion. At least, that was Jake's perspective.

Observing his Chosen within the Minor World was genuinely entertaining, though tinged with a degree of frustration at times. While his Chosen had performed adequately by Jake's standards, his methods remained crude, and his plan harbored several vulnerabilities that, fortunately, had not yet proven fatal.

Furthermore, he remained unaware of his critical errors. He had overlooked several key elements and divulged information that likely should have remained confidential. Concurrently, he withheld other details that could have proven beneficial in the long run.

This wasn't to say he judged his Chosen too harshly. It was his initial foray into a world populated by more powerful natives who possessed no knowledge of the broader multiverse. Such situations were invariably simpler when one could simply overwhelm the local populace, but alas, that option was unavailable on this occasion.

Again, Jake had managed thus far, but... this was still not his area of expertise. Consequently, the snake god had reached a decision.

Vilas had no intention of intervening or becoming involved in any capacity, preferring instead to let Jake enjoy himself. However, the Viper possessed a far deeper understanding of psychology and was privy to the nature of the beings Jake was interacting with. Yes, his Chosen had performed admirably to date, and no, it was not guaranteed that things would go awry... but Vilas had still opted to subtly influence the outcome. Preparations were made for a potentially unfavorable turn of events.

It was merely a minor adjustment. One that he hoped would not be required, but knowing his Chosen, if events unfolded in the direction Vilas foresaw... the situation could rapidly devolve into unpleasantness. And truly, Vilas had no desire to lose his Chosen so prematurely.

Oh, and could he not have simply advised his Chosen to refrain from returning to the Minor World? Warned him of his missteps and potential hidden dangers?

Certainly. He possessed the capability. But where would the amusement lie in that?

The journey back through the Boundary proved somewhat swifter than the initial approach. This was likely due to the diminishing toxicity, which allowed everyone to relax incrementally, alleviating the need for excessive caution to ensure everyone could endure the passage.

It was a slight disappointment, as Jake would have relished a longer sojourn amidst the delightful Palate cuisine, but ultimately, returning to Venus was the paramount objective. During the return trip, the overall mood within the group became noticeably more cheerful and relaxed, as Jake engaged in pleasant conversations with both the Shaman and the Arachnec Lord.

Unsurprisingly, they remained disinclined to converse directly, but Jake served as a competent intermediary on several occasions. Their discussions primarily revolved around shared knowledge of the multiverse. Non-sensitive topics, such as the mere existence of planets.

“It proves challenging for me to comprehend that most inhabit spherical islands... how would one even position themselves in the lower region? Do they not risk plummeting off?” the Shaman inquired, posing a question Jake might have expected from someone who, prior to the system's advent, believed the Earth was flat.

“Gravity,” Jake replied, a grin on his face. “It’s a principle I won’t waste time explaining, but essentially, it’s what keeps everyone on the ground and dictates the existence of directions like up and down.”

Despite his slight uncertainty, Jake stuck with his explanation.

“And do these colossal gas giants act as focal points for other planets?” an Arachnec Lord inquired, posing a question about the existence of star systems.

“Those giant spheres of gas are called ‘stars,’ and the one nearest the entry to this Minor World is commonly known as the sun. Come to think of it, most planets seem to call their local star the sun, but that’s beside the point. You’ll witness it soon enough. I imagine it will be quite a spectacle,” Jake conveyed with a soft laugh.

He carried on sharing more fascinating tidbits, and their reactions continued to entertain him. Everything commonplace in the vast multiverse seemed utterly alien to these Venusian natives. The mere notion that the universe lacked a definitive “bottom” was a concept they struggled to comprehend.

This lighthearted conversation persisted as the Boundary grew progressively thinner, and their exit was imminent. Jake sent out a few Pulses of Perception, probing the path ahead. Fortunately, his senses indicated they had indeed returned to their original point of entry, bringing him a sense of relief.

However, this solace was fleeting as a frown creased his brow. His perception of the area ahead revealed that the situation at their entrance point had drastically altered during their lengthy absence.

Significantly, the number of presences had increased dramatically. Furthermore, based on his senses, at least one, if not more, of these new arrivals possessed a strength surpassing even that of the Horned Slayer.