The Primal Hunter Chapter 1318 - Great Sea Serpent

A palpable shift occurred the instant this newcomer materialized. Its aura, while still within the A-grade spectrum, presented an undeniable, vast chasm compared to everyone else present.

It wasn't a matter of cultivational levels, but an overwhelming disparity in pure quality. Jake, who had been prepared to risk everything to draw even a drop of blood from the formidable Horned Slayer, now watched this new entity emerge, its presence seeming to consume his entire field of vision. He instinctively activated his 'Identify' ability.

[Great Sea Serpent – lvl ???]

Recognized as one of the paramount beings of this world, Jake immediately grasped the significance. While his understanding of the A-grades he'd encountered was limited, he had previously categorized them as above-average specimens. Now, that assessment was deeply challenged. If those were merely above-average, then the Great Sea Serpent was undoubtedly a top-tier variant, poised just a single step shy of a Unique Lifeform.

Its colossal mass of scales continued its ceaseless undulation as the gargantuan beast coiled around the entire domain occupied by Jake and the others. With every sinuous movement, the very fabric of space seemed to lock down, unleashing an oppressive aura that stifled everyone's capacity to exert their full strength.

Jake deployed his sphere, observing the reactions of all the A-grades. It was evident they were all utterly stunned by the Great Sea Serpent's sudden appearance. Some even directed glances Jake's way, though he was just as bewildered as they were regarding the colossal serpent's motives—but one thing was certain: the scaled A-grade's attention had been fixed on him from the very moment it arrived.

Attempting to gauge the true extent of the Great Sea Serpent's size proved a near-impossible feat. Its body formed colossal ramparts that obscured Jake's vision entirely. Even employing 'Pulse', its head remained beyond his Perception range. This was, without question, the largest creature Jake had ever personally encountered, possessing a scale that suggested it could easily encircle entire planets.

“Great Sea Serpent, to what do we owe the honor of your presence?” the Lich inquired, having already thoroughly nullified the demeaning Soul Contract. Her focus was now entirely captivated by the newly arrived A-grade entity.

“Curiosity.”

The voice resonated with an earth-shattering boom, reverberating through what felt like all of existence. The very words carried a tangible weight, pressing down upon the assembled group, with only a select few of the A-grades managing to remain relatively unaffected.

Suddenly, Jake felt the immense gaze of the Great Sea Serpent squarely upon him. Instinctively, he tilted his head upwards. The entire sky had morphed into a swirling ocean of fiery orange, emitting a gentle luminescence that pierced the mists of the Minor World, rendering it clearly visible. A colossal black slit bisected this fiery expanse, and with that, Jake realized he was making direct eye contact with the utterly unfathomably gigantic creature.

“I see. Well, you are naturally more than welcome to participate. Your arrival was just unexpected,” the Lich responded, her previously cheerful demeanor completely vanishing, replaced by a tone laced with caution.

From her words, it was clear she was already aware of their clandestine activities. Jake subtly surveyed the Nomads present, noting that none of them resembled serpents. However, this didn't preclude the possibility that his actions within the Nest had somehow reached the Great Sea Serpent, prompting its investigation.

“Do I require your permission? To announce my intentions?” the Great Sea Serpent intoned haughtily, its arrogance broadcasting a clear belief in its own superiority over all other A-grades present.

Even the Lich, whom the Shaman had identified as the second most powerful being in this world, was still a significant step below the Great Sea Serpent in terms of raw power. In light of this, what could these other A-grades possibly signify? If they dared to challenge the serpent, they would undoubtedly be annihilated.

“Of course not,” the Lich swiftly retracted, her tone placating. “I allowed my curiosity regarding your presence to get the better of me. My apologies.”

The Great Sea Serpent offered no verbal response but continued its intense scrutiny of Jake, never addressing him directly nor acknowledging his explicit presence thus far.

“Yes… It is indeed curious. Venusians and Arachnecs finding common ground. Collaborating. What could possibly have precipitated such an alliance?”

This inquiry seemed rhetorical, yet the Great Sea Serpent paused, implicitly granting an opening for a response. The assembled A-grades appeared hesitant, but one of the Nestmothers quickly seized the opportunity to speak.

“We have encountered an individual from beyond the Boundary and are devising a strategy to explore and potentially migrate to the realms situated beyond it. A substantial amount of intelligence has been acquired, including the detection of a significant threat that surpasses the A-grade classification. Fortunately, it appears there exists a form of restriction imposed upon the immediate area beyond the Boundary, and…”

The Nestmother launched into a rapid-fire exposition, divulging all the information Jake had previously shared, even embellishing it with their own interpretations and beliefs. Surprisingly, the Venusians soon followed suit, also engaging in excessive disclosure. Subsequently, one of the Nomads contributed what little knowledge they possessed, leaving the Lich with no significant insights of note to impart.

Initially, Jake found their reactions surprising, but comprehension soon followed. The colossal Sea Serpent had, in fact, presented an opportunity for them to share their insights voluntarily, and the A-grades eagerly seized it upon realizing the situation. Once one faction stepped forward with information, the rest felt compelled to do the same, lest they offend the Great Sea Serpent by withholding their knowledge.

Furthermore, no one could ascertain the extent of the Great Serpent’s existing awareness. It was evident that he possessed some understanding of the current events, making any falsehoods or deliberate deception potentially perilous. The fact that the Great Sea Serpent had already altered space and exerted pressure with its formidable aura suggested severe repercussions for such disrespect.

At least, that was Jake’s deduction. If his assessment was accurate, this majestic Sea Serpent was far more than just a powerful reptilian creature. It demonstrated considerable skill in manipulation, leading Jake to ponder if such cunning was a common characteristic among serpents.

Upon the A-grades concluding their explanations, the Great Sea Serpent finally seemed to acknowledge Jake, addressing him directly.

“A truly peculiar circumstance. Tell me, traveler from beyond the Veil, do their accounts hold any truth?” the Great Sea Serpent inquired of Jake, placing him in a rather precarious position.

A fleeting desire to fabricate a response, hoping the Great Sea Serpent might resort to violence, crossed his mind. However, he ultimately offered a slow nod, refraining from fully endorsing their statements. “For the most part, yes, but any inaccuracies likely stem from their profound ignorance of the multiverse.”

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“Ignorance. Indeed. Are we not ignorant beings? Pathetic creatures, confined to a mere puddle, oblivious to the vast ocean beyond the horizon, with you serving as the conduit to enlightenment and liberation.”

Jake remained uncertain of the Great Sea Serpent’s ultimate objective and harbored distrust regarding the absence of any perceived hostility. The Venusians and Arachnecs had also initially displayed no animosity, yet their past actions demonstrated a willingness to employ ruthless tactics. Their intention had never been Jake’s demise, as he was far too valuable. It was plausible the Great Sea Serpent harbored similar strategic considerations. While Jake wished this were not the case, and for the serpent’s sake hoped it wasn’t, he tempered his optimism.

“However, as they have conveyed, certain limitations currently exist,” Jake responded, sensing the peak A-grade anticipated some form of reply and feeling obligated to provide one.

“Verily, this is the case. Yet, you embody hope and contribute to defining a more concrete timeframe. Concurrently, your arrival here signifies the dawn of a new epoch for this entire realm. An era destined to be rife with both peril and unforeseen opportunities. The path we choose now may constitute the most critical decision ever faced by any inhabitant of this world.”

The more the Great Sea Serpent expounded, the more Jake’s confusion deepened regarding its true intentions. The A-grade’s pronouncements lacked clarity and failed to convey explicit objectives. It was evident that the Great Sea Serpent’s timely appearance was no mere coincidence; it was highly probable that it had been aware of the unfolding events since Jake and the B-grades emerged from the Boundary, perhaps even prior to that.

The subsequent declaration by the Great Sea Serpent largely confirmed its awareness of the events that transpired after Jake’s return from within the Boundary.

“A momentous decision… one that shall not be precipitated. No irrevocable actions will be undertaken.”

These words elicited frowns from the A-grades leading their respective factions, as the Great Sea Serpent subtly rebuked their aggressive approach. It was a reprimand delivered indirectly, yet the underlying intent was unmistakable.

“Then, what course of action do you advocate?” the Horned Slayer articulated, speaking for the first time, his demeanor still assertive despite being demonstrably outmatched.

“None. Not at this juncture. Any proposal would be premature and consequently imprudent. However, a singular act must be performed. An act symbolizing parity.”

The Horned Slayer appeared to detect an anomaly as he spoke. “What is your intent-“

Before his words could fully escape his lips, the Great Sea Serpent struck. Jake could barely process the movement; it was a fleeting blur, after which the Horned Slayer vanished. Faintly sensing the direction of the impact, Jake realized the Horned Slayer had been propelled downwards, to a location already beyond visual range.

Several A-grades reacted with stark astonishment, adopting defensive stances in response to the sudden assault, notwithstanding the futility of resistance should they be the next targets. The Oracle, representing the Venusian contingent, seemed poised to speak as the very fabric of space momentarily quivered. Then, the Horned Slayer reappeared, forcibly returned, his condition visibly deteriorated.

Jake gasped for air, the heaving breaths revealing two soda can-sized wounds on his chest and shoulder. Both were oozing a venom that Jake’s Sense of the Malefic Viper instantly identified as instantly fatal should he even make contact.

“A wound for a wound. Justice? Perhaps not, but it’s the closest we’ll get in a situation like this.”

Once more, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as the Great Sea Serpent made its intention to strike abundantly clear. The Horned Slayer was still struggling to breathe, black veins spreading from what Jake guessed were two fang holes. The poison was coursing through his body, even affecting his soul, as far as Jake could discern.

The Great Sea Serpent's presence was utterly oppressive, its words hanging in the air, silencing all action. The Venusians, especially the truth-telling individual from the Ancestor Village, seemed intent on assisting the Horned Slayer, yet none dared to move under the scrutinizing gaze of one of the Minor World's three most formidable existences.

“A small gesture. One I hope will compel the human to reconsider, allowing us to reset. To begin anew in the process of making this all-important decision. What do you say?”

Jake stood, stunned, as the peak A-grade being addressed him again. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, carefully considering his response before speaking.

“I was open to discussion and planning from the very start, but I do appreciate the sentiment,” Jake stated, earnestly hoping the colossal serpent wouldn't take offense. Thankfully, it appeared he hadn't.

“Good. Now, let us delve into what comes next.”

The Great Sea Serpent seemed poised to continue, but fell silent, prompting everyone else to speak. As before, no one immediately voiced their thoughts. Each individual present was exercising extreme caution in their speech following the incident with the Horned Slayer.

Incidentally, the A-grade Venusian, still one of the stronger members of his faction, managed to resist the venom's effects to a decent degree. The spread had halted, and his overwhelming vital energies were fighting back, but the damage was undeniable. The Venusian would be left with significant soul damage that would take considerable time to heal.

Finally, after an eternity, the B-grade Archweaver surprisingly broke the silence. “As the Great Sea Serpent stated, rushing to a decision would be both reckless and risky. So, rather than deciding what comes next today, perhaps we should all take a step back. Allow time for everyone to reflect on a plan that benefits all involved and paves the way for the best future for our world, without resorting to actions unbecoming of us.”

The Archweaver spoke without interruption, and no one even frowned at a B-grade daring to voice an opinion. Instead, several heads nodded in agreement, particularly among the Arachnecs, who appeared to be in complete accord.

Naturally, none of this held true significance, as only the opinion of one entity truly mattered. The Great Sea Serpent remained silent for several long seconds, even after the Archweaver finished speaking, before its voice resonated once more.

“Do the others concur with the protégé of the Grand Weaver’s words?”

It was at this moment Jake understood the Archweaver's rather significant identity. He surmised that the Grand Weaver was likely the leader of the Arachnec race. If the Great Sea Serpent was aware of the Archweaver’s lineage, his standing couldn't possibly be low; he might even be a contender for the leadership of his entire race.

Regarding the Great Sea Serpent’s query, several seconds passed with no response, save for the Arachnecs nodding. Surprisingly, however, the next to speak was another of the B-grade individuals present.

“If I may be permitted to speak… and please understand this is merely my personal opinion, as I cannot possibly represent my race or faction… I also believe it’s best that we avoid making enemies as we embark on our journey beyond the Boundary,” the Shaman stated, his tone laced with nervousness, and not solely due to the Great Sea Serpent’s imposing presence.

He had effectively contradicted his superiors and openly expressed his dissent. This action, at least, provided Jake with some solace regarding the recent events. Jake had believed he and the Shaman had formed a good rapport, especially after their joint Arachnec-hunting expedition, and felt betrayed when the Venusians turned on him. Fortunately, it seemed the Shaman had no inkling of how things would unfold and personally disagreed with the actions of his race's elders.

The Great Sea Serpent didn't directly address the Shaman's words, but after a brief pause, its voice echoed again.

“With no objections raised, I presume we are all in agreement.”