The Primal Hunter

Jake had been put on the spot, and while he had wanted to reject the invitation, his curiosity had eventually won out. And in hindsight, he was glad he did as he came to see much of the Order he hadn’t before.

He had not gone home after the lesson but went with the female dragonkin through a portal to what was essentially a buzzing metropolitan area with bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops everywhere. All of them catered to members of the Order, and it was truly a massive area.

Passing the gateway had also shrugged off all the annoying followers who had stared after Jake like he was evil incarnate. No, he was not looking forward to meeting many of them again at the lesson the next day.

The two of them headed towards a café that offered private rooms to have their discussion. Using personal residences for discussions with people you didn’t trust was rarely done, and Jake could see why. The rules of safety seemed to primarily dominate in public areas, and giving someone access to a residence also meant those people would potentially see your secrets.

What plants you grew, the laboratory, books in the library, or just something as simple as the atmospheric mana were all clues. That poison alchemists of an evil snake-worshipping cult were secretive didn’t come as a surprise.

Jake and the dragonkin soon found themselves within a cozy room as an attendant brought them both a cup of some weird drink Jake didn’t recognize. However, he felt the toxins within it. He had allowed the dragonkin to order for them, and he didn’t think she wanted to poison him. Well, okay, she did want to poison him, but the good kind of poison.

“So, the elephant in the room?” Jake eventually said, his Tongue of the Myriad Races doing work to translate the figure of speech to something understandable.

“I believe an introduction is finally in order before we do that. I am Helenstromoz Emberflight, pleased to make your acquaintance,” she said as she nodded.

“Hunter,” Jake just said, sticking to his fake name. When he heard the last name of the dragonkin, he already knew what this was about. “What gave me away?”

The dragonkin just smiled. “Many things… it is hard to hide from an A-grade even if you have means to perfectly mask your level and even possess a Bloodline. The mana lingering on your body is from the ninety-third universe, and the knowledge you displayed did not correspond to what a true master would do. Finally, during the brief discussion with you, he switched languages a total of seventeen times without you noticing… in fact, I have already spoken three during this brief talk. Even if you do have a translation skill, they don’t tend to be that effective, and more often than not, you switch language fluidly with your conversation partner. You did not,” Helenstromoz said with a light smile.

Jake didn’t even know what to say. He had never even considered Tongue to be a dead giveaway, though in hindsight, perhaps he should have. The problem was Jake had no counter currently, so he just took a drink from the poison the restaurant offered. It was tasty as hell, and he gladly just savored the taste for a few moments before answering. “That answered the how he found out, but not why you are here. Helenstromoz, was it?”

“He suspected you had a Bloodline and sent me to check for obvious reasons,” Helenstromoz answered. “And please, just call me Helen. The Stromoz suffix is used to communicate someone is truly a dragon or at least was a true dragon at some point. Us descendants of true dragons are allowed to also have it, so it is truly more about status than anything else.”

“While I am thankful for the dragon lore, it doesn’t truly answer the question of why you chose to come and stay for a lesson you clearly did not need and bring me here for a private discussion. It took you five seconds to confirm I had a Bloodline, didn’t it?” Jake said, shaking his head as he took another sip of poison drink. Yep, definitely a fan.

Helen seemed to study his responses quite closely as Jake enjoyed his drink. She also took a sip herself as she spoke again.

“Bloodlines are rare. I assume you know this despite coming from a new universe?”

Jake just nodded in confirmation, as while he didn’t think it was common knowledge Bloodlines even existed back on Earth, it would be odd for him not to have found out.

the multiverse, many new ones appear with it. There are few better ways for a faction to improve their organizational strength than quickly making contact and hopefully integrating such a Bloodline into their ranks. Though I assume you already have a backer or an organization you belong to? Besides the

can call it that, but no faction besides the Order,” Jake said. He knew acting like he didn’t would be moronic as he had just spent hundreds of thousands of AC on a single lesson, something he clearly couldn’t afford on his own. Hence the only explanation – besides the truth – was that

loud. “I do wonder who it could be… not even A-grades can toss around that many AC on a single lesson they barely get anything out of. An S-grade? Gods are out of the question as the Malefic One has already

baiting him to reveal something. He also knew why she ruled gods out. Why would a god invest in him when the only ones to benefit would be Villy? The reason why gods helped mortals was to get rewards from the system based on the performance of those they blessed. It was part of the reason Jake didn’t feel that guilty about his one-sided relationship with Villy as he knew he also helped his snake god pal, just

indeed have some influence in the Order, but why is that of any concern

am looking to know is, are you associated with any faction besides the Order of the Malefic Viper? The Order does not restrict where one belongs or has any true requirements of loyalty to the faction itself, so if you don’t, I just wanted to let you know there are many doors open to you. Of course, it will require an evaluation to know the true nature of your Bloodline, but if it is deemed of high quality and beneficial, these factions will gladly support you,” she said as she also took another sip of her drink. “Naturally, this also depends on if your backer agrees. Just know that true multiverse factions can

Probably didn’t count if that individual was a

in joining any faction as of the current time,” Jake

with one unless you plan on fully dedicating yourself to the Order. Tell me, how much do you know of the Emberflight?” Helen

just said with a shrug. He knew what Dragonflights were. They were collections of dragons, and he knew it was hard to be

red dragons. We have hundreds of publicly-appearing gods

very impressed, but he had been firmly desensitized after spending

are these Draconian

and no longer has any connection to the accords, but an alliance and close working

also clearly enjoyed sharing it, as she was patient with Jake’s lack of what he didn’t doubt was general knowledge. She did take a jab, though. “I would recommend you

have no interest in joining a faction. I am not saying this won’t change in the future, but

a reason, but she didn’t

understand. Your Bloodline relates to resisting and somehow emitting a presence far more powerful than you actually are. That it has innate properties of pride and unwillingness to submit to those more

Bloodline did, as he and Villy had agreed on that being a good idea a while ago. Better they thought that was all

my Bloodline well… but I have no clue what yours does,” Jake asked, finally getting to the part he actually cared about himself. So far, he only knew of two Bloodlines. His own and Eron’s. Learning

oath, but I am authorized to say it involves the manipulation of fire magic, the concept of flames, and the concept of time,” Helen briefly

a bit surprised. Did that mean he could

of them had Bloodlines, and they merged to form mine. You seem to not know much

why didn’t he explain,” Jake sent to Villy

I didn’t bless you with the intent of having you act like a prize-bull and pump out children left and right. Preferably with other people who possess Bloodlines to hope for them not only to get lucky and inherit one Bloodline but get the Bloodlines of both parents and even have them merge into something useful,” Villy quickly answered. “It is gambling for

but not many details,” Jake answered

like to at least invite you to a more formal chat. Even if you joining us isn’t an option, we

about it, but for now, I just want to focus on my lessons and, of course,

at a higher grade too,” she finally relented as she got up. “It was enlightening to meet you…