The Primal Hunter

Getting back to Haven was quite a bit easier than going to Skyggen. A month was not a long time, but it was enough for many changes to happen. Earth’s space mages had been working tirelessly, and the teleportation network expanded by the day. All the factions that remained were busy claiming what they could, especially after the Holy Church decided to effectively abandon the planet, resulting in the second biggest faction suddenly being gone.

The United Cities Alliance had clearly known of this outcome and already had people in place to take control. They did proceed with the plan of the takeover, but their loyalties to the Alliance were now in question as they all were also made aware of their failed overall plan. Which begged the question: what would happen now?

Jake had talked with Caleb about current events, and he at least had to give these City Lords credit. Their response had simply been to do their jobs as best they could and act as neutral forces. They invited everyone to make teleportation circles, and they prioritized their citizens over petty politics and focused on rebuilding and ensuring public order after all the beast attacks. That was pretty damn respectable and made Jake feel a bit better about what was to come.

For the final stretch back to Haven from the Fort, Jake still had to run. He decided to be nice and not rush, as they were now aware of his arrival back in Haven and could prepare stuff. A bit to his surprise, something unexpected contacted him on the way.

“Had a nice vacation?” Villy asked after the deity descended with his presence.

“I know you peeked in at me pretty much all the time, so you tell me?” Jake asked in return.

“In my defense, I wasn’t really paying attention. Think of it more as me having a security camera on you where I can pull up the footage if I actually want to see something. Anyway, you had a good vacation, and now it is back to work, which is why I pulled you into a fast meeting. What are your plans with Valhal?” Villy asked.

“Not thought much about it, but I am a bit pissed at them for making a deal that is pretty much contingent on my death. Arthur, I can excuse for being ignorant and getting fooled by Ell’Hakan or whatever, but Valhal? Nah, fuck that; they did it with full knowledge. So something has to give, that is for sure, be it telling them to get the fuck out or demanding some kind of hefty compensation for being assholes,” Jake said, a bit miffed.

“Okay, allow me to offer an alternative. Don’t. I won’t share much, but I will say that things aren’t quite as they seem. Valhal is a good ally to have and a beneficial force to keep on Earth. The entire thing with Yip’s Chosen is also far more complicated than you know, and again, while I won’t share much, then you hit it right on the money when you said they went in with full knowledge. Including the knowledge that the contract would never materialize and become relevant,” Villy said, making Jake frown.

“Explain,” Jake simply said.

“I can’t; that would potentially ruin future plans. Some things are simply best left unsaid. But know that Valhal never actually saw you losing as an option. They are allies, and it would be best to keep them as allies,” Villy answered, refusing to give an actual reason.

However, Jake frowned with suspicion. “You were involved in them even making the offer, weren’t you? What are you up to?”

“Things. We are playing a long game here, and some things will only make sense in due time. For now, just keep positive. Shit, if you want to excuse your sudden sense of forgiveness, just blame it on the Runemaiden. Wait, maybe you can demand to make her your mistress to-“

“Okay, bye!” Jake cut Villy off as he severed the connecting, a faint echo of a laugh still left behind as Villy clearly enjoyed teasing him.

no idea what the hell Villy was doing or what he planned, but his gut told him it wasn’t anything that would impact Jake negatively. He was aware that things between gods were rarely simple and that something bigger was brewing than just Yip and the Viper deciding to duke

his trip, not that he didn’t expect her and everyone else to know about his arrival. As he got closer to the city, he also felt more powerful presences, making it clear

Sword Saint and Fallen King were already there. He had kind of assumed at least one of them to be late due to all the things they had to deal with during this month. Both had territories to stabilize and take control of once more, and while Jake had gotten some updates, he wasn’t entirely clear on how things were looking elsewhere on Earth. Primarily because he

for the office, where all the others had already gathered. The King, Miranda, Sword Saint, Lillian, and of course, Arthur. Jake saw them through his sphere before he entered the office, and it was quite the sight, especially with how overly stoic Arthur looked. However, it at least looked like the man

meeting room, everyone turned

were close to healed. Jake’s own mask naturally

Jake answered back. “I

King is the only one complaining. I am personally surprised you even showed up this early. I would have expected you to come a few minutes before midnight tonight to barely meet the

she was doing. Humanization. She was trying to show that Jake was a normal person in front of Arthur by treating him casually and friendly. Jake didn’t think the King was in on it; he was

would have thought that previous history would be used as a predictor of future behavior,” Miranda smiled. “Anyway, good to have

does not excuse the tardiness of another,” the King once

my fault you decided to misread when I would come,” Jake just answered, not caring how unreasonable that

I was surprised, but I guess I shouldn’t expect anything less of Jacob’s dad. What I did not expect was for you to effectively try and start a civil war leading

credit, Arthur didn’t deflect

misunderstandings and misinterpretations, and I now realize my mistakes and can only take full responsibility for my actions. However, I will not apologize for my ultimate reason for doing what I did. What

of all this. I assume Miranda has filled you

I will have to know it will truly be

at the standoffish demeanor Arthur had adopted, making it apparent that

whims,” Jake answered truthfully. “Why else would I bother

council? Why not just have the Order of the Malefic Viper come and take over? With them in

said?” Jake interrupted. “I said it was for my personal whims; what does the Order of the Malefic Viper have to do

other man looked at Jake, confused by the question. “To take control

is ruling the planet. I don’t want to see the Holy Church or some other bullshit faction take charge and do whatever they want. So, I decided to selfishly just claim the planet and tell everyone else to play

still so ignorant even after all this

looked to be considering Jake’s words for a moment before asking: “What is your ultimate goal after gaining control of Earth? What is the goal of the Order of the Malefic Viper, and what, if

remain behind and be safe. As for the role of the Order? Well, they don’t have any, at least not from your point of view. Sure, they will function as a deterrent to other factions, and I probably can’t avoid anyone going here in the future. But it will be clear that this is my home turf and for no one to fuck around. There are certain perks to being the Chosen of

fell silent,