The Primal Hunter

“While we cannot tell you what to do, sister, we can at the very least advise you… and I cannot help but question your decision,” the Dragonfly True Royal said as she looked at Vesperia. “You still have time to reconsider.”

Vesperia looked at her sister and sighed. “I feel like this would be best for me.”

Odonestra also sighed as she shook her head. “It is a risk you do not need to take. The Endless Empire can provide you all the protection you need. Our resources surpass what any other factions would possibly be able or willing to provide. Our unique treasures can only be found here… are you truly willing to forsake all that, even if it is only temporary?”

“I appreciate your concern; I truly do. And as you said, sister, I will stay here for at least a little longer,” Vesperia answered as she smiled. “But I can’t remain forever.”

This was far from the first time they had this discussion, as Vesperia had dropped a bombshell shortly after she had fully absorbed all the energies of the old artifacts of the former Vespernat True Royal. She declared that within five years, she would leave the heartlands of the Endless Empire once more and go somewhere the other True Royals truly didn’t want her to go. Somewhere, they couldn’t go.

The ninety-third universe.

Some had questioned if Vesperia could even go, but she knew instinctively she could. Despite being a True Royal, born in the first universe in a ritual deep within the Order of the Malefic Viper’s headquarters, she was a native of the new universe. At least, she kind of was.

She knew the egg she had hatched from was originally from a system event her Sire called a Treasure Hunt. Anything taken from there was naturally considered native to the new universe, even if the world of Yalsten in which it took place was technically from a far earlier universe.

Vesperia also had to admit that she liked the implications of her origin. That she was a treasure her Sire had brought back. It was an odd thought she didn’t share openly but one she very much cherished.

“Alas, I still do not understand why you find it so imperative to leave,” Odonestra said. “Especially to somewhere we cannot help protect you.”

“You not being able to go also means many other threats can’t. And I will be at the side of the Chosen of the Malefic Viper, as well as many other powerful figures of this new universe. I will be far from defenseless, and besides… I believe I can take care of myself against most threats I will face in a nascent universe. As long as I don’t decide to venture somewhere unwise,” Vesperia answered, trying to put her fellow True Royal’s mind at ease.

It didn’t work as well as she had hoped.

“The risk is still far too high… Vesperia… sister… you are the only True Royal of your Lineage. Even if there is only a minuscule chance you could die, it isn’t worth the risk. You represent all of the Vespernat. Their entire future. Even if you wish to go, can’t it be after you have matured into your powers more? Until you can leave some insurance behind? There are many potential partners out there who are already interested, too, so maybe go after you have left a possible successor? I know it may be a few more decades, but-“

“But nothing,” Vesperia cut her off as she got a bit more serious. “While I perfectly understand your concern, I also know that staying here is not my Path. While this is my Hive… it’s only one of them, and I have to return to the other. I have to get some level of independence. Even as I am saying it, I know how odd of a notion this is for a True Royal, but perhaps it is one of the things I inherited from my Sire.”

Odonestra looked like she wanted to argue more as a figure popped into existence in the middle of the conversation. Instinctively, the other True Royal placed a barrier around Vesperia as this new figure attacked… with a barrel filled with confetti.

“Celebration time!” the Unique Lifeform turned divine menace said with a big grin. “Here with your unscheduled and unrequested update on Jake in Nevermore.”

“We are having an important discussion,” Odonestra said, looking at the All-God Legion without even trying to hide her annoyance.

am in a good mood, I’ll let bygones be bygones. Say, does

information to us, and they have sent a representative that is on their way there right now,” Odonestra answered. “And, yes, we are aware

cause of these

is my Sire due to your

chaos as he has initiated an impromptu Primordial reunion by being himself. As for how he did

stared at

drumroll? Disappointing, should have brought my own. Anywho, Jake did a Challenge Dungeon and ended up beating up a low-level image of Valdemar within, making Valdemar curious and head over. Then Jake also had some interactions with another god’s image from the Pantheon of Life, making Nature’s Attendant and this god he interacted with also headed over. Considering the Viper was already there, others also decided that maybe something cool was

Vesperia just smiled. “It seems like my Sire is having an

He just entered another Challenge Dungeon he really hates and is having a miserable experience, as

hearing that but just nodded. She hoped he would find enjoyment somehow anyway, as she

what I came to share with the group! Oh, and also, I can kind of guess what you were arguing about, and I would advise you to just allow your little sister to follow her instincts or at least Jake’s instincts. Things somehow tend to work out well when that happens,” Minaga said as

find

Vesperia with her sister. They looked at each other for a moment before Odonestra sighed. “Let us talk about this another time, alright? I never questioned the capabilities of your Sire… but he is ultimately still just a C-grade, no matter how

nascent hive for several weeks until Minaga popped back in, having dragged Odonestra along again. At least Vesperia thought so for a moment, but it quickly became clear they had just arrived at the same time due

he really didn’t like, and

audacity of a mortal to do something like that, it’s-”

let her guess,” Minaga interrupted the True

didn’t enjoy the Challenge Dungeon, I doubt it is due to his performance in there, and my sister’s comment makes me believe it involves gods… so did he say something to the observing gods or otherwise end up interacting directly with them? Wait, was he perhaps summoned into the same place as several gods

skipped out on inheriting any

explain everything that had happened, Odonestra even engaging a bit in the conversation as she had been relayed what had happened from the United Tribes and even given

a bit more positive and said she would have a meeting with the other

Minaga was in a mixed mood this time around, and Odonestra looked a

Dungeon,” Minaga muttered. “My Challenge Dungeon… and, well, he did as expected, I guess. Man, I doubt anyone is going to beat his record in my dungeon in this era unless some other monstrous bastard appears.

bit at the end, clearly not keen on the

half-sister, maybe? Maybe cousin? No idea. Anyway, it’s not like she is much better, but at least she doesn’t have a damn broken Bloodline and is a

that the Sylphian Hawk was doing well. She knew that the hawk called Sylphie was Jake’s first creation using his unique abilities, and it was not at all surprising she also excelled. Based on what Vesperia had

Sire, so perhaps going to the new universe is a wise idea. We also have to factor in the fact that many special events and titles are available to those from the newly initiated universe, and it would truly be

making Vesperia look at her surprised as Minaga

I can’t really blame them for getting a bit excited at

was a requirement for

when you go, would it be possible to bring along some items for us?” Odonestra asked. “We can discuss details at a later date, but we

give her Sire a bunch of eggs he could potentially