The Primal Hunter Chapter 1320 - Manipulation For Expected Benefits

The Great Sea Serpent continued his scrutiny of Jake before speaking once more. “During my period of rest and meditation, I experienced a… dream. A vision. Faint echoes, which I initially mistook for memories, entered my mind, and from them, an intent was born once I fully grasped their meaning. A curiosity to uncover the truth. I acted upon this, guided by the wisdom of my vision, and confirmed its accuracy upon reaching the Boundary and witnessing the Arachnecs and Venusians collaborating.”

Upon hearing the serpent's explanation, Jake found himself in reluctant agreement. On the surface, the account seemed highly illogical, almost too conveniently aligned with events to be genuine. The peak A-grade claimed a sudden, random vision guided him to the precise location where crucial events were unfolding?

It was, frankly, an almost comical narrative. While many might dismiss it outright, Jake harbored a strong intuition that this 'convenient' vision was not merely a random occurrence. The serpent's explanation even brought to mind a similar experience he'd had previously.

During the Tutorial phase, Jake had encountered a dream invaded by Eversmile. It was a peculiar phenomenon, one that Jake still struggled to fully comprehend even now. He had initially attributed it to some form of divine intervention or karmic magic, yet he was acutely aware that his understanding of the true capabilities of top-tier gods remained exceedingly limited.

Regardless, back then, Jake had directly engaged with Eversmile, and it was plausible that the god had exerted some control over the dream's content. If Eversmile possessed the ability to orchestrate such an event, why couldn't Villy achieve something comparable?

Indeed, based solely on this explanation, Jake had swiftly concluded that Villy was the orchestrator. Could it have been another powerful entity in the multiverse? Perhaps, but his conviction pointed squarely at Villy.

While the Great Sea Serpent surpassed Jake in raw power and possessed a significantly stronger mind and soul, the disparity between a peak A-grade and a newly integrated F-grade was virtually insignificant when confronting a Primordial.

Jake didn't yet fully grasp the mechanism by which Villy could induce dream-like visions in others, but he had no doubt that Villy was capable of it, and that was sufficient for him.

“I understand,” Jake affirmed with a resolute nod. “Aside from pinpointing the rendezvous of the Arachnecs and Venusians, what other knowledge did this vision impart?”

“You readily accept such a preposterous phenomenon without skepticism? Or perhaps you are already acquainted with similar occurrences. Before I answer, clarify this for me: Do you comprehend the origin of this vision?”

Jake recognized that a portion of his inquiry was implicitly answered by the serpent's question, specifically regarding whether Villy had disclosed his identity. However, it appeared that the Viper's intervention was far more enigmatic and subtle.

“I believe I do,” Jake replied, nodding. “My estimation is that it was orchestrated by the Malefic Viper, my Patron. The deity mentioned by the factions earlier.”

Having gleaned insights from the explanations provided by the Arachnecs, Venusians, Nomads, and the Lich, the Great Sea Serpent possessed at least a rudimentary understanding of what a god entailed. He was also aware of Jake's connection to such a being.

“So, that is the case,” the Great Sea Serpent remarked, his gaze fixed on Jake with a questioning intensity. “I served as his instrument, did I not? Unwittingly acting to fulfill his design and extricate you from a precarious situation. Reflecting on my memories, I cannot recall the last time I was manipulated so flawlessly… yet, this also underscores the power and magnificence of this entity you name the Malefic Viper.”

Indeed, despite Jake's prior resolution to exercise greater discretion, he had, once again, divulged sensitive information, effectively informing the peak A-grade individual that it had been compelled to act as the Viper's pawn.

“I believe it is now my turn to respond,” the serpent stated. Fortunately, he did not appear particularly perturbed; quite the contrary, in fact. “Articulating the precise contents of the vision or dream would inevitably lead to the conveyance of sheer absurdity. Instead, I shall convey the knowledge and intent it sought to impart. It indeed informed me of your location, but it also communicated that your existence holds inherent value and presents an opportunity beyond facilitating my passage beyond the Boundary. It evoked a sensation akin to the appearance of a potent natural treasure, drawing all who are worthy of sensing its presence. Lastly, I perceived a grander purpose underlying the vision – an intent and will that would be entirely absent if the system were the source.”

This response was remarkably detailed, exceeding Jake's expectations. The Great Sea Serpent typically presented as a creature disinclined to reveal excessive information, yet he had been unusually forthcoming. Alternatively, the peak A-grade might simply wish for Jake to perceive him as being open.

One aspect, however, seemed unequivocally clear from the serpent's words: he anticipated reaping some form of benefit from rescuing Jake. This act was not motivated by unadulterated altruism but rather as a means to secure the vaguely alluded-to benefits promised within the vision.

“I understand,” Jake simply stated, acknowledging the serpent’s words with a nod. “And what are your thoughts upon observing me now?”

The overwhelming gaze from the peak A-grade, a peculiar blend of emotions swirling within it, was so apparent that Jake felt compelled to inquire. While he had detected no malice thus far, Jake was keen to gauge the serpent’s disposition. Naturally, his curiosity was also piqued by something he had fortunately managed to glean a partial confirmation of already.

“You seem strangely familiar,” the Great Sea Serpent confessed. “I possess an innate compulsion to respond with honesty when you address me, and I sense a subtle pressure that I do not believe originates solely from your presence, but from something that transcends both of us.”

“And what leads you to believe this sensation exists?” Jake pressed further, slightly testing the waters, as he genuinely wished to ascertain if the Great Sea Serpent had any prior dealings with the Miresnakes encountered within the Nest.

One crucial detail that the various factions had omitted during their brief explanations was the content of Jake’s conversation with the Miresnakes inside the Nest. Perhaps they deemed it insignificant; all they had conveyed was that Jake had asserted the entity behind him possessed such immense power that its mere existence could influence the development of others. It was a superficial summary that barely touched upon the intricate nature of Records.

“You are curious if the Miresnakes, upon returning from the Arachnecs, informed me of what you disclosed to them, correct?” the Great Sea Serpent replied, giving Jake the uncanny impression that the creature was peering directly into his thoughts. “As my response implies, they did. I encountered them on my journey to your current location. A rendezvous I initially considered coincidental, though I now opt to label it as fated, as fate itself can be a malleable construct.”

“So, you are already aware-“

“I am not. I hold beliefs. I formulate theories. However, I dare not presume to possess true knowledge of what you discuss. The concept of Records strikes me as inherently familiar upon my initial hearing of it. We employ alternative terminology for analogous concepts, but as I absorbed the Miresnakes’ explanation and contemplated the phenomenon, the system reacted. The descriptions were revised, and I felt… enlightened. Even so, I cannot confidently claim to fully grasp how one individual’s existence can reverberate through all those who share these Records with them. It’s not due to the impossibility of the concept, but rather the difficulty in envisioning a single entity wielding such immense power.”

“Yet, such existences are a reality,” Jake stated, still uncertain about the trajectory of this conversation, though the passage of time increasingly led him to believe a positive outcome was possible. “I would readily share my understanding of Records, but even my knowledge is constrained by the profound complexity of such a concept.”

“I would inquire further, but I suspect more pressing matters are at hand, wouldn’t you agree?” the Great Sea Serpent remarked, clearly alluding to an anticipated reward. Jake did have a notion of what that might entail, but before proceeding, there were still several points he desperately wanted to clarify.

“You aspire to become the world’s first S-grade, is that it?” Jake inquired with a smile, injecting a touch of humor to hopefully prolong the serpent’s engagement and elicit further answers.

“Indeed. That is my ambition. However, I am aware that you are not yet in a position to assist me in reaching the subsequent tier,” the Great Sea Serpent responded placidly, causing Jake to knit his brows. The serpent, naturally noticing his reaction, tilted its head.

“Ah. You are unaware, are you not? Allow me to enlighten you then. Transcending A-grade is an impossibility within this world. It has always been so. It is not a matter of accumulating Records or power, but a constraint imposed upon us directly by the system. Upon reaching peak A-grade, I was presented with an evolution quest… and one of its prerequisites is to depart from this world and venture beyond the Boundary. This is the destiny shared by all who attain my current level,” the Great Sea Serpent divulged, causing Jake’s eyes to widen considerably as he spoke impulsively.

“That sounds utterly dreadful. Does this imply that all previous peak A-grades, regardless of their talent, succumbed to old age simply because they were regrettably born into this Minor World?” Jake stammered, finding the very idea genuinely appalling.

“I find your outrage rather amusing, as most would consider themselves exceedingly fortunate to even reach the pinnacle of A-grade,” the Great Sea Serpent commented. “As for their ultimate fates… I cannot say. What I do know is that some among them plunged into the Boundary, never to resurface, with persistent rumors of their escape to a world beyond circulating long before my own hatching. I myself contemplated departing for the past fifty millennia, but I desisted upon receiving the system’s announcement regarding your arrival.”

Jake gave a slow nod, genuinely hoping the system had left an escape route for those A-grades. It was entirely plausible the system had done so, but simultaneously made revealing their true origin a form of Forbidden Knowledge. This was Jake’s preferred outcome, and the only one he deemed somewhat likely, as he found it hard to accept the system would trap all natives in such a... brutal manner.

“Do you know if past A-grades also received an evolution quest to surpass the Boundary?” Jake inquired, his curiosity piqued.

“No, I do not,” the peak A-grade replied. “Such details are not commonly disclosed. The Venusians might be Arachnecs now, but as a solitary being, I possess no historical records or inherited knowledge to draw upon.”

He had anticipated hearing that all A-grades had received such an evolution quest previously, as this would imply they indeed had a chance to depart and join the multiverse. Jake adamantly refused to believe the system would issue a quest leading to certain demise. It was even conceivable that Venus’s peak A-grades could also depart now; they simply wouldn’t materialize at the exit within the Milky Way Galaxy.

“If I may offer my viewpoint... I believe the A-grades of the past also had an opportunity to break free and evolve. The system typically leaves possibilities accessible, even if they become nearly insurmountable,” Jake stated, uncertain if his words were intended to console or inform.

“Such a belief would suggest that I, too, would have possessed the potential to break beyond the Boundary independently. Perhaps I should have attempted it in the past, but I harbor no regrets, particularly not now. Not after witnessing the advantages your existence presents,” the Great Sea Serpent declared, casting him an expectant gaze once more.

“I understand you seek some form of reward, but I feel compelled to be transparent regarding the nature of these benefits,” Jake sighed, already grasping the serpent’s implication and realizing there was essentially only one action Jake could undertake to aid an A-grade’s evolution.

As a side note, Jake instinctively understood that even if he desired to facilitate a peak A-grade’s evolution to S-grade using his ability as the Harbinger of Primeval Origins, he was utterly incapable, given his current B-grade status. The power disparity was simply too vast. Although Jake possessed considerable Primeval Origin Energy, he would deplete it if he attempted to compensate for a lack of quality with sheer quantity.

This implied Jake had only one offering:

A Blessing.

Alright, technically, Jake wasn't the direct dispenser of the Blessing; Villy was, but Jake would function as the conduit for its bestowal. Jake did consider that the Viper might be capable of granting Blessings remotely, perhaps employing methods similar to how he had revealed a vision to the Great Sea Serpent, yet he had not directly bestowed a Blessing upon the colossal snake.

Instead, he had entrusted the matter to Jake, intervening minimally while preventing Jake from succumbing to his own foolishness.

Consequently, Villy should also be in complete agreement with granting a Blessing. Moreover, the Great Sea Serpent genuinely merited a Blessing, and had he been within the multiverse, would undoubtedly have received one already.

He was a high-tier variant who had attained his current power level solely through his own endeavors. The serpent was also demonstrably intelligent and cunning, traits that the Viper held in high regard. Lastly, even the Order would welcome another S-grade, as while S-grades remained mortals, they represented the pinnacle of mortality and were highly valued by even the foremost factions.

“Yes... I surmised as much. However, there is no need for concern; I do not deem myself as naive as others. This multiverse clearly harbors beings beyond our understanding, and given that, would it not logically follow that we are so insignificant in their eyes that our affairs do not truly concern them? Instead, we ought to adopt a self-serving approach and ascertain how the existence of these beings can serve our interests, even if it necessitates modifying our actions to merit the favor of a deity,” the Great Sea Serpent articulated, hitting remarkably close to the truth.

For the most part, anyway.

Deities were typically beings who seldom interacted with mortals and remained unconcerned with mortal affairs. It was simply that Jake and those in his proximity were extraordinary exceptions, largely attributable to Jake himself and the influence his presence exerted upon others.

Villy had informed Jake some time ago that a primary reason other gods and even Primordials had been so amenable to figures like the Sword Saint, Casper, Sylphie, Carmen, and many others was their genuine capacity for interaction. The presence resistance Jake provided facilitated conversation. It rendered those interactions genuinely engaging.

Still, exceptions existed for a reason, and the Great Sea Serpent possessed a terrifying knack for discerning such truths even with scant details. Perhaps it was because the serpent itself was an ancient being, one that likely paid little mind to the lesser inhabitants of Venus.

“Then do you know what form this benefit takes?” Jake inquired, curious if the serpent could also deduce this.

“Would it trouble you if my initial thought was that devouring you was the path to my benefits? Though fleeting, the notion did cross my mind. Naturally, I no longer entertain it, even if it appears somewhat appealing,” the Great Sea Serpent responded, in what Jake fervently hoped was a jest.

Wishing to expedite matters, Jake offered an awkward smile. “Instead of attempting an explanation… how about I simply demonstrate? I will require physical contact. Rest assured, if the nature of this benefit displeases you, you are under no obligation to accept it.”

Jake anticipated the Great Sea Serpent might require a moment to consider, but the colossal serpent materialized before him instantly, moving with a speed beyond Jake's perception as it gazed down from above.

“You may proceed.”

Nodding, Jake extended his hand, making contact with the Great Sea Serpent's scales, intending to impart a presence… Upon doing so, he felt the Viper's essence flow through him as the serpent's eyes glazed over. The serpent's consciousness seemed to drift elsewhere, and Jake couldn't suppress a smile as he sensed that the peak A-grade had just gained a personal audience with the most formidable serpent of them all.