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.

topic any longer. Jake honestly had 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

that done, Jake finally made his way into Haven proper. He had already felt Miranda observing him on 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,

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 didn’t really care much and didn’t wanna ruin his vacation by hearing how the rest of the world was potentially in

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 wasn’t too uncomfortable. Jake would hope not. He had been in Haven for weeks already, so he should have

meeting room, everyone turned

close to healed. Jake’s own mask naturally reflected the healing of the Fallen King in front of him, but he hadn’t really

we agreed to meet at midnight,” Jake answered back. “I

is the only one complaining. I am personally surprised you even showed up this early. I would have expected you

smirk. He met Miranda’s eyes and knew what she was doing. Humanization. She was trying to show that Jake was a normal person in front of Arthur by treating him

would be used as a predictor of future behavior,” Miranda smiled. “Anyway, good to

does not excuse the tardiness of another,”

my meeting, so it begins when I arrive. Not my fault you decided to misread when I would come,”

anything less of Jacob’s dad. What I did not expect was for you to effectively

credit, Arthur didn’t deflect

become clearer to me in the last few weeks. Light has been shed on my numerous 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

am pretty sure you already know that I am quite skeptical of all this. I

it will truly be a council and not just a farce to try and sell the mirage of fairness and representation. That it will be a council that can actually lead to positive change and not just work to advance your personal whims or the wishes of

quite a bit alike, huh, Jake thought. Miranda looked a bit nervous at the standoffish demeanor Arthur had adopted, making it apparent that wasn’t how she

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

even make a council? Why not just have the Order of the Malefic Viper come and take over? With them in charge,

does the Order of the Malefic Viper have to do with anything? This entire council idea can be

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

and do whatever they want. So, I decided to selfishly just claim the planet

a questioning look. He was a bit confused why the hell Arthur was still so ignorant even

before asking: “What is your ultimate goal after gaining control of Earth? What is the goal of the Order of the Malefic

want a place to return to whenever I want, and for those I care about who 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

once more fell silent, his frown making his