The Primal Hunter

Jake had only stood with Draskil for a few minutes while waiting for the last group to arrive, but it had been enough for him to establish himself. He did find the very purposefully built room interesting in that it had clearly defined levels. It was made for people to separate themselves into tiers of power by default, making some stand higher than others.

He decided to go back to Reika and the others for the next part as they all went through yet another teleportation gate. The good thing about these gates was that at least they showed the other side before entering, and there was no feeling of actually being teleported.

They appeared within a new chamber that held a number of discs that reminded Jake a bit of the one below Haven. The demon ushered them all towards one of them as the group silently followed. Jake made sure to inspect the people he was with, and one general mood seemed to dominate: nervousness.

Nervous for what, Jake didn’t know. It was potentially the fact they were surrounded by more powerful people, and while walking to the disc in question, Jake also felt many auras. A lot of which he knew would be able to utterly curb-stomp him, as there were several C-grades among them.

“The entire entrance test should take about a day to finish for the fast and up to a week for those on the slower side. As mentioned, you will be allowed entrance no matter the result, but better performance will lead to more benefits upon entry. All other details will follow after the test,” the succubus said as they stood in front of the disc.

Jake looked behind her and inspected the disc.

Dungeon: Order of the Malefic Viper D-grade entrance-test

Requirements to enter: D-grade

Requirements to enter met

WARNING: Only 1 challenger per entry

It was indeed a pretty standard dungeon, and Jake was ready to go as someone else spoke up.

“Will this test involve combat or be purely focused on alchemy?” an elf asked.

“Naturally it will,” the demon asked, looking at the elf as if she was an idiot. “It will also involve tests of general energy control and auxiliary skills.”

Jake had to admit, he also found the question a bit silly. Of course there would be combat. After all, it was a dungeon designed by the Order of the Malefic Viper. At least no one was stupid enough to ask if-

“Will it include any real danger of death?” a human asked, and to Jake’s dismay, it was one of the alchemists that had come with him and Reika.

This time not only the demon looked at him like he was an utter moron, but nearly everyone did. He didn’t even get an answer as he just tried to make himself smaller as the demon muttered under her breath. “Damn newcomers.”

Draskil, who stood at the front of their entire group, suddenly just stepped forward as he walked onto the disc and disappeared. The demon nodded approvingly as others also followed suit as entire groups went onto the disc and entered together. Well, individually, but they went there together. So… together alone?

Jake turned and threw a look at Reika behind him. She nodded, and Jake felt her nervousness. He also knew it wasn’t really for herself but those she was with. Jake nodded back as he took a step forward and teleported onto the disc as he disappeared, teleporting for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

Irinixis looked on as the last native disappeared. The last few had been a bit slow, but it wasn’t like she could expect too much from natives of new universes. At least not all of them. This batch had quite a few good ones and at least one absolutely outstanding one.

appeared during the last half a year or so. All because the Malefic One was truly back. She couldn’t help but wonder if the dragonkin called Draskil was perhaps the Chosen, but the chances were low. To meet the Chosen of

one of the transference gates

that was quick,” she heard a

or Irin for short – greeted her immediate supervisor. “And yes, it

within the Order was a massive complex handling most internal workings of the Order of the Malefic Viper. These offices were all connected, even to the external branches, and usually, each Hall had one main office

from far-off places,” her boss asked again. The boss was a succubus like her but had already evolved to C-grade and gotten promoted only a few years ago. They came from the same clan, so they had always had a good working relationship, and both knew they

serious. “There

less than a year ago? Even with special events and Nevermore, that is outstanding,” her boss whistled. “But even so, his foundation may be a bit unstable for the test. Do

said he carried a divine Blessing, given by the Patron,”

we have a day at minimum to prepare everything. No matter the result,

today’s work. She knew being in charge of the administrative work of this

of the others would

opened his eyes once more as he found himself within a hall. Before him was a massive and intricate gate with the motif belonging to the Order of the Malefic Viper, and as he looked at it,

have entered the dungeon: Order of

Objective: Complete the entry-test

as he went forward and up to the gate. A handprint matching a human hand appeared on it, and Jake naturally placed his hand on it as he felt energy enter his body. Very familiar energy, once more giving him flashbacks to the Undergrowth and the gate

his heart, and he barely felt it interact with Shroud of the Primordial as it just went straight through and scanned the outer part of his Truesoul. He knew it had just successfully Identified him without Shroud doing anything to block it, and he couldn’t help

the Identify worked on some higher concept than usual. Directly system-done, perhaps due to it

The motif on the gate lit up as it slowly

vaguely humanoid shape, but as the figure became fully detailed, it was clear it was actually some kind

marks there,” the projection said first thing as it appeared. “Sadly

casually. He was a bit surprised at the demeanor of the projection as it seemed too… lax? Or was it just Jake who

like we’re all in for a disappointment then,” the projection said. “Now, let’s get

to both alchemy and combat, with alchemy being the primary subject. The tests will vary based on your specializations,

Order of the Malefic Viper itself?” Jake asked a bit

you can’t expect much. Finally, much of the knowledge related to Order is unconfirmable and subjective. This projection was placed here in the second Era, and I am certain much has

took it as a sign to

will be considered a failure, and anything above two stars is considered above average. You can choose which segment you want to do first. Do you want to get the combat portion

to either option?” Jake

get it out of the way, though if you suck at

all about. It wasn’t only the projection in front of him observing, but he

first?” the projection asked

am fine with either,” he

“Alchemy first, then.”

command leading into a large circular room, looking not unlike Jake’s own alchemy lab. The room began shifting and changing as more than a hundred boxes appeared. All of them were sealed up with items inside. Jake could only see the inside due to his sphere, but he believed

Note that your Identify skill will be unavailable during this test, not that it would help much. There is a total of one hundred herbs; you have an hour total. Describe each herb by infusing your understanding into this, “ the projection said as a small crystal appeared floating in front of Jake. “Got