The Primal Hunter

Chapter 894: Years of Change

“Oh, hey there,” Jake said as he appeared at his residence and, less than a second later, saw Meira pop into existence. Seeing her, he couldn’t help but instinctively say hello as he got a good look at her.

For Jake, fifty years of Nevermore had passed, but for Meira, only three or so had gone by since their last meeting. Yet when he looked at Meira, he was certain that of the two of them, she was the one who had changed the most during their time apart.

Her entire aura had undergone a frankly shocking transformation. It was more qualitative than quantitative in nature, and when Jake used Identify, he quickly understood why.

[High Elf – lvl 206 – True Blessing of Duskleaf]

The first thing to note was definitely the fact that Duskleaf now had a Chosen. He also couldn’t help but stare a bit at the “Duskleaf” in the Identify message, as it seemed a bit… off? It was weird to explain, but probably not anything that mattered much. No, what mattered was that Meira had been given his True Blessing, and that wasn’t even the only big thing that had changed.

Somehow, she had also become a high elf. Jake wasn’t sure about the exact requirements for an elf evolving to a high elf – something the Altmar Empire did much to ensure – but he did know the most basic of things, such as the requirement for an elf to have had a Perfect Evolution in D-grade and in general have a powerful Path. While Meira did get a Perfect Evolution back then, she definitely didn't meet all the other criteria for becoming a high elf. Of course, he quickly understood how she had done it anyway. Or, more accurately, who had done it for her, as this was definitely the work of Duskleaf.

Outwardly, she didn’t look that much different than before, besides her eyes now having a deep golden color to them, and maybe her ears were a bit more pointy than before. Her blonde hair also looked a bit more golden blonde now maybe? It was hard to tell, honestly. People changing things like hair colors with evolutions was far from anything new. Shit, Carmen had changed hers from red to blonde at some point, Jake was pretty sure. Or maybe it was just covered in so much blood during their first meeting that it looked red?

Anyway, the thing about Meira that had changed the most was definitely the aura and overall demeanor she now excuded. And, of course, her power.

She was still far from being a peak genius who had a chance to compete on the Leaderboards. However, she would definitely be considered high-tier now, at least if one evaluated her purely based on her current aura. With time, Jake believed she could grow and become far more powerful.

While it was true that Meira had been subpar until she reached C-grade, that was far from the end of her Path or something that truly determined how powerful she could one day become. Jake’s own massive growth in stats during C-grade thus far was proof of just how fast she could potentially catch up to others who also had powerful Paths in prior grades.

She had even begun to improve her combat skills based on the state of her clothing and the blood and gore still on her, which was great to see. That was one of the areas Jake had been the most nervous for her, as he never got the feeling she was much of a fighter.

With Duskleaf teaching her, Jake didn’t doubt her skills – at least her crafting ones - would catch up with time, and he genuinely believed Meira had a bright future ahead of herself if she kept working as hard as she clearly had been during his time in Nevermore.

It was almost hard to imagine that it hadn’t even been more than a few years since she first appeared before him. Back then, she had barely dared speak, and was practically shaking at all times when in his presence. Meira had been utterly incapable of making her own decisions, and it wouldn’t be an understatement to say she didn’t have a Path at all. At least none she could call her own. All she cared about was surviving another day, never looking toward the future.

Now, she seemed to have a purpose. Jake felt an odd sense of pride and happiness seeing Meira having come this far from where she once was, and he hoped she would continue the Path she was on. Duskleaf was definitely to thank for a major part of her transformation, but Jake still felt glad he had been the impetus. Going from a slave to the Chosen of a god in around half a decade had to be some kind of record, right?

Jake just looked at her as he had all these thoughts while Meira took a moment to gather herself before moving almost in instinct as she bowed.

“Welcome back, Lord Thayne,” she said in a familiar tone that Jake chose to instantly take issue with.

“I don’t think it’s proper for my fellow Chosen to act this submissively,” Jake said in a semi-joking tone.

Meira seemed to realize he was probably right as she quickly straightened her back and stood properly upright as she got back her bearings and spoke again.

didn’t stumble over her words as much as she used to. What’s more, she actually met his eyes

and I’m not even sure where to start when congratulating you,” Jake said. “High Elf, Chosen of Duskleaf, just reaching C-grade in general… lots of

he looked as if she was about to do a small bow again, but stopped herself and only nodded. “I have done my best… but… Lord Thayne, would it be alright to speak in a bit? I want to return to my residence first to not dirty the main building with my current

It wasn’t like Jake ever bothered to clean up before entering the main building, and if she was afraid of spilling blood and gore

a bit.

all in Nevermore right now, and Izil has headed back to the Altmar Empire for a bit and shouldn’t return before in a few months. It’s just

remember giving Irin that token thing he had received from the Demon Prince before he forgot he had it. Because he would totally forget

stop herself from bowing yet again as she just nodded instead. She turned to leave, and

looked at him, making him smile. “You’re looking great. Keep

head around and muttered in a small tone before hurrying back

saw her leave with quick steps as he kept smiling and shook his head. Meira still had a lot to learn even if she had come far, and the first lesson was to get

at the sight. Everything looked the same as when he left, and even faint remnants of the ritual that had hatched Vesperia could still be seen on one part of the large

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he made his way to the couch and plopped down before he took out the Order Token. The item had been inactive during his stay in Nevermore, but now that he was back in the Order, it had been reactivated. Also, while Jake took it out to contact Irin, he decided to do

and one subject only: Nevermore. They were about how to

something like top 10,000 or even top 100,000. Because, yes, the Leaderboards gave titles to anyone who placed in the top 1,000,000. Of course, the title

than now. Even for those like Scarlett who couldn’t compete on the Leaderboards, this was an opportunity to get at least a few

same as usual, with a few added talking about post-Nevermore planning and whatnot. From what Jake gathered, a lot were unsure what to do

what was available. At least he wasn’t interested for now. Maybe in the near future, if he wanted to grind some alchemy before the Prima Guardian arrived, he would

decided to make contact with Irin. The Token had her

she said in a tone Jake couldn’t quite decide if was irony or

Mistress Irinixis, Demon Who I’m Not Sure Has Even Been To Nevermore,” Jake answered, choosing

have not been to Nevermore for a good while,” Irin responded quickly. “The place just

only had a profession and a race, having chosen to forego a class. Her race did offer some combat measures, but ultimately, she didn’t have a

know I’m a lover, not a fighter. Also, I must say

again, maybe it was just Jake. She had always been pretty aggressive and bold, so it wasn’t like she was acting out of character. In either case, Jake was all fine with playing

visit, but now I’m doubting if I should. Here I was, wanting to give you a

isn’t the skull of a beast or something like that,” she said, clearly interested, though she didn’t seem to take his words that seriously, likely thinking Jake was just continuing to

this Crest thing I got from the Demon Prince of the Fourth Hell, who I recently helped absorb the Crystalized Devil Heart of some dead Cerulean Devil during a first-in-the-multiverse ritual, making him evolve into a Cerulean

pause followed before Irin

“… I’m coming over.”

Jake grinned as the connection was cut, and he leaned back on the sofa as he waited for her and

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