The Primal Hunter

Sometimes, you just knew you fucked up, and in that moment, Jake knew he had fucked up. Trying to get some petty levels of revenge on Eversmile by getting one over him had already been pushing it, and now Jake had effectively just rebuffed three presences of Primordials, as well as those of dozens of other gods, entirely on accident.

Instantly, Nature’s Attendant read the mood of the room and dispelled his soundproofing barrier, giving Jake the chance to apologize as he scratched the back of his head. “Ah, sorry about that; I reacted without really thinking.”

Yeah, that also wasn’t the best thing to say, as he had just told everyone he had effortlessly rebuffed them entirely accidentally. Jake was entirely expecting some kind of negative response, but then he saw that Villy was just smiling as he shook his head, seemingly not bothered at all. So, it probably wasn’t that bad, right?

The Holy Mother just retracted her own presence without saying anything besides giving Jake an inquisitive look, Valdemar temporarily doing the same as the Blightfather chose to speak up.

“I am beginning to get a better understanding of that power of yours after feeling it myself, especially after meeting and Blessing your friend from before the integration of the ninety-third universe. I was intrigued by how he, a mere E-grade at the time, managed to hold up so well before me, but if he was baptized by constant exposure to your presence, that would certainly be an explanation,” the Blightfather nodded with comprehension. “Quite a multi-faceted Bloodline you got there. If you ever feel like visiting the Ghostlands, you would certainly be more than welcome. You could maybe even go with that friend of yours?”

His words were both praise and sharing the fact the Risen also had some level of personal connection to Jake while also deciding to once more reiterate all Jake could do was rooted in his Bloodline. Along with that, he also publicly shared an aspect of Jake’s Bloodline he didn’t really think was that much of a secret, that being his ability to also increase other’s resistances through sheer exposure. Valdemar had kind of hinted at it, but the Blightfather pretty much stated it outright.

The final part – the invitation – was the only thing Jake would answer directly to. “I thank the Blightfather for his words, and I am certain I will visit the heartlands of the Risen one day.”

It wasn’t a lie, either. Jake would probably end up visiting most of the places of note throughout his hopefully eternal life, and the Ghostlands was definitely one such place. He just didn’t give any timeline as to when he would visit. It could be in a few decades or a few million years.

Seemingly thinking this answer was good enough, the Blightfather also retracted his aura, having said his piece. Jake thought his mess-up was finally over, only for him to realize it had only truly begun.

“You know, ever since seeing that battle in the Challenge Dungeon, ya got me curious about something,” Valdemar said in a loud tone as he stepped slightly toward Jake with a massive grin. “Prepare yourself!”

Jake barely had any time to react as Valdemar’s presence came back with full force. Instinctively, he once more reacted as his own flared to meet the challenge, the two auras clashing in an invisible battle. Instantly, Valdemar’s was getting pushed back again until he opened his arm wide, and the Primordial’s fighting spirit was triggered.

His eyes began to glow golden as a slightly golden luster appeared around his body. He was not using any energy, but the concepts of his Transcendence still bled into his presence as it pushed back at Jake’s with indomitable strength.

It was like an unstoppable force, capable of crushing anything in its path, and for the first time ever… Jake felt his presence getting pushed back as pressure descended upon him. He felt like a mountain was crushing down on him as his own presence shrank, Jake gritting his teeth as this reminded him of what had happened inside of the Colosseum.

And like the Colosseum, Jake did not back down as he retaliated in force.

The two auras clashed as an invisible battle took place. Valdemar was slightly pushed back by Jake’s release but stabilized just as fast, stopping Jake’s advance. Their two auras kept battling as an equilibrium was soon established, neither side capable of gaining any ground as each of their auras extended halfway to the other party.

Jake was both astonished and excited. He was equally matching Valdemar in a pure battle of presences, though if Valdemar decided to pour in just a smidgen of energy, Jake would instantly be crushed. However, the mere fact their two auras were equal was more than enough to prove one thing to everyone in the room:

His Bloodline matched the quality of Valdemar’s Transcendence. A Transcendence many recognized as potentially the most powerful one in the entire multiverse. Some of the gods present even failed to hold their poker faces as they displayed genuine surprise at the impromptu duel of auras.

However, things weren’t over yet.

“Hah!” Valdemar laughed loudly as he took another step forward, his body exploding in golden light, enveloping the entire room. His aura spiked several degrees as it washed over everyone, Jake included. With a grin, Jake took a step toward Valdemar as he met the challenge, his heart beating with excitement.

Thump!

The only two people standing in the room were Jake and Valdemar, as everyone else was either sitting down… or looked to

had put them quite on edge, many of them unable to take it. Even

say, none of the Primordials, Minaga, or Nature’s Attendant had been affected. This didn’t surprise anyone… but Artemis was also fine, most assuming

said, looking extremely satisfied. “I

more than he thought he would. It wasn’t like an actual fight, but it was a challenge nevertheless. A kind he had never had before, considering there was no one else who could match his presence in pure

atmosphere in the room calmed down as Valdemar looked approvingly at Jake for a few seconds

as he walked back to the Primordials, yelling behind him.

didn’t have to be told twice to go and talk to the two from the Pantheon of Life as he returned to sit down with the Nature’s Attendant and Artemis on a sofa set. The old druid gave Jake

you find

been bothering him for a while. “Why exactly are there even so many here? Valdemar, I could understand, but what’s up with the dozens of gods

of you,” Nature’s Attendant answered. “At least partly. You made Valdemar come here, getting the attention of other Primordials, who then followed suit. With five gathered in one place, it is only natural it will attract the attention of most forces. And

you could bet your ass journalists and other interested parties would also show up to see what was up. Even their casual interactions would be gossip at worst and groundbreaking news at best. Plus, something did happen here. At least, it looked like it had. Two top world leaders had just gotten into a scuffle, after all, and were battling over a

a bit out of it in general. She looked at Jake and lowered her head a bit. “No, wait. Before anything else, I should thank you for just now.

of Mortals. Well, thanking your image, I guess, though based on Valdemar just now, there shouldn’t be that massive of a difference. Either way, I enjoyed the time together

was taken aback at his answer as the tip of her elven ears turned slightly red. “I… I don’t believe there

a big nod as he smiled at her. “I’m talking about the archery training, of course. Wait, what were you

my image sure must have looked like an idiot with her whole speech about how you wouldn’t even

dumb,” Jake shrugged. “It’s not like that wouldn’t be the case if I was pretty much anyone else. I just happen to deal with presences quite well compared to most

what was that thing

jeopardizing anything. Unsure, he looked at Nature’s Attendant, who seemed

with the expectation we would be talking about things best left unshared to the masses, so no worries,” Nature’s

Jake and Nature’s Attendant exchanged glances as she looked confused about what was happening. Jake finally sighed as he leaned back on the couch and

has multiversal implications, so keep it under wraps, okay?” he

now if it can get me in trouble…”

this bigger plot that I think is ultimately pointed at Yip of Yore. As for what it hopes to accomplish and the entire scope of the thing… I have no bloody idea. Nature’s

have been very expressly told to not inform you of more,” Nature’s Attendant continued. “As your lack of

bunch of Primordials and a good segment of the peak existence of

sighed. “And I guess

said, shaking his head before smiling teasingly. “You will be killed

Hunt just held her head and leaned forward. “I’ll just act like I never heard

comfort, I try to do the same, but I keep getting dragged back into things,” Jake

sure would be easier if they could just fight it out and not make things so complicated,” Artemis sighed. “That’s why the nature’s way is so much better. Predators

or fungi who lay hidden for long, slowly growing in power. Predators stalk their prey for long periods to discover where the rest of their packs are. Beasts who take the shape of others mix into groups, only to eat them from within. But yes, I do agree that schemes like this are not aligned with the Paths of hunters like you two. You should still be able to take part in schemes when it benefit you, though.

you low-key calling me out for being bad