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.

know, I know. I was trying to listen in. It’s pretty rude to make isolation barriers like that, but seeing as I am in a good mood, I’ll let bygones be bygones. Say, does the Endless Empire have anyone

have allies from the United Tribes who are relaying information to us, and they have sent a representative that is on their way there

the cause of these movements?” Minaga asked

would assume it is my Sire due

ding ding! We have a winner! Yep, Jake is once more the catalyst of chaos as he has

dramatic pause as he stared at the two of them, Odonestra far less

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

explanation as Vesperia just smiled. “It seems like my Sire is

Challenge Dungeon he really hates and is having a miserable experience, as far as I can tell. Like, he’s doing okay but definitely

would find enjoyment somehow anyway, as she knew her Sire did better at things

That’s 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

find this story

this another time, alright? I never questioned the capabilities

to argue against that point. She continued her practice and nurturing of her 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

Dungeon he really didn’t like, and guess what happened

mortal to do

Minaga interrupted the True Royal as he looked expectantly at

the observing gods or otherwise end up interacting directly with them? Wait, was he perhaps summoned into the same place as several gods and acted

skipped out on inheriting any of his intelligence! But yeah, that is exactly accurate. Not

the conversation as she had been relayed what had happened from the United Tribes and even given a

and Minaga left, Odonestra seemed a bit more positive and said she would have a meeting

decided to visit. Minaga was in a mixed mood this time around, and Odonestra

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

Maybe cousin? No idea. Anyway, it’s not like she

her Sire continued to do well. It was also fortunate 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

the bond with your 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

at her surprised

when Jake beat Valdemar…. I can’t really blame them for getting a bit

True Royals was a requirement for her to go to the ninety-third universe, but their approval did

items for us?” Odonestra asked. “We can discuss

they give her Sire a bunch of eggs he could potentially end up turning into True Royals if he one day got the inspiration to play around with his special