The Primal Hunter

Jake felt himself once more pulled through space. This time he focused on not trying to look anywhere or spread out his senses as he passed through that weird void. It went a bit faster than the first time, and Jake promptly found himself back in the middle of the grand monument.

In front of him stood Chris, who had clearly been doing some maintenance work. “Lord Thayne, you’re back!”

Waving to the guy Jake suddenly got an idea. “Can you Identify me?”

“Sure!” the young man agreed without question. “It says human, but I can’t see the level.”

Jake nodded as he confirmed it worked as he intended. It would be a bit suspicious if people too low level to detect his façade would suddenly be shown a number they otherwise shouldn’t be able to. “Thanks, man, I got some stuff to handle back in Haven. See you around, and good job on the teleporter. Worked as intended.”

“All according to the will of the Malefic One,” Chris said in a tone giving Jake the creeps.

He headed out as he began flying towards the teleporter and back to Haven.

He had been told to wait a week before heading back again and going to the academy. He would use this time to make sure nothing bad had happened in his absence as Jake discovered he had been gone for months. He already kind of knew seeing how many levels Chris had gained, and he even felt the general level of power from the Fort had increased.

Flying over, he did notice something weird, though. He was faster than before. Jake frowned as he wondered what had happened, but he hadn’t had any stat changes. One could say Jake had not progressed at all, for what he discovered was nearly fourteen years total – about ten times longer than he could even imagine it had taken.

But he quickly discovered this wasn’t true. As he moved his wings, the energy moved through them more efficiently and controlled than before. This was without him even thinking about it, but just purely passive improvements. He couldn’t hold back his curiosity as he tried to make an arcane bolt, but not much had changed there. He then tried to move some internal energy or even internal mana and found the process easier.

It appeared that spending that long comprehending his own Soulshape and the Shroud had led to unexpected benefits. Surely something to explore later.

Quite a bit had changed back at the Fort during his absence, primarily in that Arnold was done with his sphere, and from the looks of it, he had even expanded it a little. Jake would bet on the dude expanding downwards soon too.

Going to the teleportation place, Jake noticed two more had opened up. One led to a city run by an independent faction at the direction of the Noboru Clan, and the other was one that surprised Jake – it was linked directly with Sanctdomo.

He did discover that one was not active yet, though. Not that Jake had anything against them coming. In fact, he could recognize the gain in the trade connection. Ultimately, he would have Miranda decide how to handle it.

Teleporting back to Haven, Jake went straight back to his old lodge. He had already mentally informed Sylphie he was back and knew she was heading back with her parents. Jake didn’t even have to stop by Miranda’s office as she seemed to already know and had headed for his lodge.

Probably those tattling witches.

Jake flew into the valley and landed right in front of the porch. Miranda was already sitting there with Reika and Lillian, clearly waiting for him.

“Hey there,” Jake said in greeting to the three women.

“Welcome back,” Miranda said. “I hope it was a pleasant trip?”

was,” Jake said with

this possible?” Reika said, confused. “How can you only be level 100? What did you

you just learned what I have been doing,” Jake said as his level instantly changed to 180, getting a funny reaction from

a method to hide your true identity when you go the Order of the Malefic Viper?” Miranda

weird,” Jake said as he turned to Reika. “What would you say to come along to the

Reika said, her level of confusion growing by the moment. “I doubt that would be a good idea. I am not a member of the Order and no believer of the Malefic One. I don’t see how it would make sense and if I would

not having equal minds to spar with. The Order will have

would even advise you to pick a few of the best D-grade alchemists you brought with you from your clan. As for not being a believer and all that? It should be fine. At least the Viper said it would be as long as you don’t try to start some heretical movement. Also, finally, think about the benefits! I plan on using this, and I am sure we will get some good stuff,” Jake explained as he took out a certain

a deal made with the Nalkar vampire line to grant a set number of the Nalkar Clan vampires

at it for a moment before Reika brought up

be fine. We got it from the system event

that

into the multiverse. While apparently my existence as a Chosen has been kept a bit under wraps, the fact that a newly integrated individual was the cause of the Viper becoming more active again has been spread.

the only one blessed by the Viper,” Miranda cut in. “Unless you

will just be the leader who got the token and brought some of my fellow humans. It makes sense I would be the only one who got blessed for getting the token and to act

be a wise choice. Just some preliminary research makes it clear it may be dangerous. I even heard

Viper, so just avoid drinking stuff, and honestly? If someone of a similar grade

but

many should go?” she asked.

well-known and recognizable than Jake in the Order. I have interacted with several members in the realm of the Verdant Witches, and I have a divine Blessing I am unable to hide. My presence would

that mean you know more members of the Order than me?” Jake asked in

also means they don’t know you, and not much information has been shared. Not even your grade, race, or anything directly related to you. None of the other factions have shared much either. It seems like there

just referred to Reika again. “So, thoughts? Also, you can bring

Reika answered, clearly unsure. “Will it be possible if

be possible, I would choose based it on it not being easy. Choices

was being honest, he

left to consult with the ones from her clan. Miranda had stayed together with

you think she will

course,” Jake answered with a smirk. “Even if she is doubtful and isn’t sure it’s a wise choice, she is starved for knowledge. This isn’t an opportunity she will

for the benefit of their clan as for her. The Noboru clan did not have any real heritages besides the newly obtained vampire one, meaning they had far less to work with than others. Jake wanted to at least give the old man a helping hand by training a few alchemists for him. He was fully

had proposed this entire

“Now for a breakdown of what happened in your absence and future

become a common hunting ground.

the topic of the teleportation circle to Sanctdomo, Miranda had not activated it due to Jake not being there to approve it. Which he promptly did, not seeing a huge reason not to. He doubted they would create any unnecessary trouble, and if they

could feel was no slouch either. Witches were notorious for being difficult to fight in their own territories