The Primal Hunter

If one called the discussions for those damn materials heated – a vote where Herb truly was the only worthy choice – then the current discussion revolving around the System Event was absolutely blazing.

At least many cities needed some of the same materials, plus the angle of potential trading. It meant that there was at least a strong desire for consensus. However, for this vote, everyone went straight for what played into the strengths and desires of their own city.

The undead wanted Town Defense – or City Defense, really – for several reasons. First of all, Jake had the feeling they were quite good at defensive stuff. Heck, Casper had an insanely defensive class and profession combo, and as the undead had many enemies throughout the multiverse, it made sense they had developed many means when it came to defensive battles.

On top of that, they had the angle of teaming up with other powerful cities. It would give them 10 days to prove they were valuable allies and form strong alliances. They were clearly desperate to form at least some strong alliances or even defensive pacts to offer them some protection.

During their chat, Casper had briefly mentioned that sometimes the Risen in new universes got wiped out on the planet quite quickly as they were seen as undead abominations. Filthy creatures to be purged. Jake thought it was just silly prejudice and bigotry. Being a bit dead doesn’t make you any less of a person.

People tended to fear what they don’t know, so being put in an environment with them for 10 days where you had to work together and get to know each other would allow humanity to become more adapted to their existence. As has been said, then the best way to battle bigotry was to actually get to know those you are bigoted against.

So, their angle made a lot of sense.

Meanwhile, Midtgaard really advocated for the dungeons. As in, really hard, though they did say they could also support the group tournament. It was pretty damn obvious that their city had many powerful parties, or perhaps the leader was just a bit of a selfish guy in a powerful party.

The Sword Saint seemed intrigued at the dungeons, but his faction appeared the most open-minded out of everyone in the top 10. He looked confident in handling anything, which kind of made sense.

He had both a powerful faction and was strong as an individual. No matter what they ended up doing, they would end up on top… which is why their next move made a lot of sense.

”The Noboru clan is open to negotiations for our votes. All four cities worth,” one of the people on the Sword Saint’s platform said. It was the guy Jake assumed to be the City Lord, and he also looked related to the old man. Which he 100% assumed they were since they were from the same clan and all.

The declaration threw the entire hall for quite a loop. The Noboru clan was behind a tenth of the total votes, making their offer quite enticing for everyone. Yet surprisingly enough, the first response wasn’t someone trying to get the votes but denouncing them.

”To openly sell your votes like that… have some shame.”

It was one of the lower-ranking cities; one Jake couldn’t even remember speaking up before. Actually, there were a few cities that had barely talked, if at all. That Eron guy and his city were one of them, though the two people with him did go around doing stuff during the intermissions.

Jake had to admit; it did seem a bit corrupt if that was even the right word to just pretty much put their votes up for sale like that. Then again… who really gives a shit? And isn’t these political discussions pretty much just selling votes and promising stuff for benefits? People just tended to be a bit more subtle about it.

”Oh? What does your clan want in return?” the woman from the undead faction asked, completely ignoring the complaint.

The man from the Noboru clan frowned a bit but responded nevertheless. ”Such things are better discussed in a smaller setting. The Noboru clan will abstain from the discussion till an opportunity to talk more closely with the interested factions presents itself.”

From there… the entire discussion kind of spiraled, as Jake came to learn that most factions honestly didn’t care about what event was chosen, while those that did care were just very vocal about it. What they did care about were gains they could get from others for their vote.

an hour of open discussion, people began spreading out with negotiations becoming face to face and behind closed doors. The first thing Jake did was to go over to Jacob and confirm that the Holy Church indeed did intend to vote for the Treasure Hunt. One can only confirm so much with mouthed words

are several reasons for this, but the primary one is that we feel it

in agreement then,” Jake smiled. ”How do you feel the chances

good. With our and Haven’s votes and a few of the allies we have already made agreements with, we are close. If we manage to secure the votes of the Noboru clan, I believe it

to go straight to the other space mages present to keep discussing their teleportation circle network. In retrospect, it had been an excellent move to bring him. Miranda deserved

was currently talking to and engaged them – completely ignoring the undead woman who stood to the side, already waiting her turn. Jake had to admit, her level of patience and tolerance was impeccable as he didn’t even see her react at

saw his old friend wince a bit, but once he

may as well come along,” Jake said, nodding towards Casper and the undead woman. ”Would make negotiations a bit easier just to have everyone present,

”Alright…”

he did throw out one comment just as he obscured them from outside view. Heard only by the four of them and

think the Holy Church usually associates with

the meaning behind them was clear: he wanted Jacob to

neither the Holy Church nor I have any right to tell him to make them leave. That we happen to interact through

if I happen to be friendly with the undead heathen, it is just to play nice with my friend!”. To Jake, it was total BS, but Jake could empathize with Jacob’s position. He couldn’t openly say that Casper was his friend due to the Holy Church and

but he really didn’t give

Clearly not by

Jake as she extended her hand for a

and it is an honor to finally meet the Progenitor and Viper’s Chosen face to face,” she said, her eyes looking deeply into Jake’s. No matter how ignorant Jake was at times, even he could pick up the apparent signals and her

and shook it. ”Jake Thayne, nice to meet you too. I heard

of becoming undead and the rest of his time in the tutorial talking about her. About how insufferable she was and how she had tried to ”honeytrap” him all the damn time, even when

good things, I hope,” she answered, her

”Sure.”

smile fade a

his name so openly, despite hiding himself with a mask throughout the entire World Congress… it was because he saw no reason to hide it. In fact, he

his brother around to defend them, he didn’t fear that they would suffer any harm; he actually believed that the knowledge of not only

had more friends and comrades now than before. Miranda, Hawkie, Mystie, Sylphie, Villy, etc. All were new friends he

of these had in common that everyone already knew he was close to them

Hunter, but he didn’t really want to be called that all the time, as a hunter wasn’t as unique as an Augur, Judge, Sword Saint, or other cool names like that. Yes, Jake was

weird. It would be like introducing himself as a Prodigious Arcanist or another of

that Jake had just made damn awkward, but luckily Jacob was there to pick up the slack. Casper just snickered at Jake’s response as Priscilla looked scornfully back at her undead comrade… yet still containing a bit of her coy demeanor. Yep,

interested in the Treasure Hunt event, and we naturally hope for your

am sure we can figure something out,” the City Lord of Saya said. ”I believe the Holy Church has much to offer, information being one

began talking. There was plenty of time, so Jake did some negotiating of his