The Primal Hunter's
What a Weird Meeting

The scaly man's words momentarily stunned Jake. No, if he could be trusted, Malefic Viper said.

Not sure what to say, Jake just stared back at the man. After what felt like forever, the scaly man's face turned into confusion as he observed Jake up close with confusion.

"I told you to go" he said, scratching the back of his head. “You must know who I am, right? So do what I say and leave me alone. ”

“Well, yes, I hear you. But I think Malefic Viper is a snake that turns into a dragon?” Jake asked, somewhat confused by the whole situation.

"Oh that?" The man laughed as a burst of green mist gushed out from him, with Jake standing completely unaffected.

The scaly man was still there, but behind him was a gigantic projection that was almost identical to the dragon he saw in the wall painting. "seen? This is me. Can you go now?”

"Yes, I saw it," answered Jake, still completely confused by what was going on. Why did the system take him to fulfill his namesake profession? “To be honest, I don't know why I'm here or how to go again. ”

Eliminating the projections, the Malefic Viper continued to stare dazedly at him. "Seriously, you're a member of the order, right?"

"No, I don't think so, at least?" Jake answered honestly. Would he be considered a member of the order, given everything he knew came from a place that looked like an old refuge? He has not officially signed up for anything. Also, isn't that a cult?

“Then how did you get my inheritance? And why it brings-wait.”

As if suddenly enlightened, the Malefic Viper chuckled to herself.

“You are a newly integrated human being with the system, right? In one of those tutorials,” asked, with an amused smile on his face.

"Yes, I got the profession through a dungeon challenge" Jake replied, puzzled by the mood swings the other man showed. What's funny about him more or less taking the inheritance?

Laughing louder, he placed his hand on Jakes' shoulder, even though his hand didn't really make physical contact. It seems that touching each other is stopped by the system somehow.

“You don't know anything, son. It brings back some memories. Gosh, I can't believe you can actually get through all that shit,” he said, trying to pat Jakes on the shoulder again in vain.

"I don't understand," said Jake, the confusion grew. Did he accidentally involve himself with an unstable ancient creature?

“No, I assume you won't do it. It would be very strange if you did. But it's funny, so I'll tell you.”

"OKay?" He actually wants to leave now…

“Back to my youth, I really liked all the events made by this system. You know what a Record is?”

"Some."

“Eh, just look for Akashic Records or something. Almost all pre-system cultures had some myths associated with them. Know that having sufficient Notes is very important for everyone. Man and god alike. Which brings me to the next section.

“The newly integrated universe is not only for the newly integrated race itself. Many creatures throughout the multiverse can derive countless benefits from it. Mainly, a large number of Records could be obtained. One way to get more notes is to invest in tutorials and get rewarded from the system. Basically it was only glorified gambling that made such an investment,” The big man started, when Jake finally started to understand why he was so happy.

“Yeah, you being here means I've most likely already regained that investment. Geez, you must have done well for you to come here. ”

“Yes, I..” Jake wants to explain what happened in the dungeon, but Malefic Viper raised his hand to interject.

“Do not bother. I honestly don't care. In addition, systems tend not to like oversharing. Somewhat overprotective when it comes to new universes after some god accidentally destroyed the lower universe in the 5th era , ” he said while sitting on the ground with crossed legs. "It's really not me, by the way."

Jake was about to ask a few questions but was once again interrupted.

“No, I won't answer anything. Again, the system won't like it either. Shit, you're still alive should be proof enough. Never heard of anything below S-rank that could survive in this part of my territory,” as the Viper finished those words, with a movement that even Jake could not see, explosions sounded, he said, it spewed dust and broken rocks everywhere.

With a flick of the Malefic Viper's hand, the dust spreads, and Jake finds himself standing on a small floating stone platform, completely untouched by a speck of dust. All around him, there was nothing left as far as the eye could see. Everything has just been destroyed into nothingness.

"seen? Overprotective. Could tear the whole fucking world down on you without leaving a scratch. You can't even kill yourself if you want now.”

With another wave of his hand, the entire place was restored back exactly as it was before he destroyed it, leaving it as if nothing had ever happened.

“Back to story. You know, long ago, I made dungeons a certain challenge during a time where we gods had a little more freedom to design them. I was very proud and a little embarrassed about how I made it, but at the time, it was very funny, ” Viper said with a mischievous smile.

“Honestly, I more or less made it as a joke. The requirement was nonsense made in place to make the challenger feel special, such as: "Oh my God, I barely fit in with this, this must be fate!". And then, right after entering the first room, I will get them impaled by poisonous nails.”

"That sounds very familiar," Jake nodded. He had found the design of the first part of the dungeon somewhat suspicious. Although he was embarrassed to admit it, he did not really realize how suspicious the requirements were. Thinking back, it was a bit strange.

“It's kind of funny, right? The only sad part is you don't really die in a dungeon challenge. At least not usually. Quite proud of myself for the game system on the last part of the challenge where you have to heal yourself. It took some solutions to make it work and have a deadly stick, ”he laughed, obviously proud.

“So, challenge dungeons are usually not deadly, but somehow you found a way to make it so, and now you're bragging to the person suffering the consequences?” Jake asked sharply.

"Yes." Yeah."

"Well, didn't you***** great," said Jake but couldn't help but laugh a little by yourself.

"Whoever as alleged. How about the part that forces you to feed me so as not to die while using the timer? Forced to study my history, only to be rewarded with my incredible murals? ”

“Very narcissistic.”

"I take that as a compliment" Viper said with a wide smile. "You're surprisingly not angry."

“Wouldn't it be a little boring if you can't even die from a challenge?” ask Jaka. “Makes everything a little more interesting.”

The scaly man looked at him a little to see if Jake was serious. Her. “That's a fucked up logic there. I like that!"

“By the way, why am I here?” Jake finally asked. Funny thing is, he doesn't really want to go anymore. Although it sounded strange, he felt that talking to the snake god in front of him was relatively easy. That's soothing. Maybe because he hadn't spoken to anyone for a few days or because his interlocutor wasn't human. Or maybe they just shake.

"Well, that's a very good question" he replied, nodding his head slowly. After a while where the Malefic Viper looked like he was thinking hard, he finally turned his head towards Jake, looking straight into his eyes. "There's no idea. Well, some ideas, but it would be more fun if you find out for yourself.”

Jake is once again gobsmacked by the reckless demeanor of the Malefic Viper. How the revered and revered dragon he saw defied his own heaven and ascended, turned into.

"Can you at least tell me where exactly we are?" Jake replies, hoping to at least get something real from an eccentric snake that turns into a dragon.

“Oh, that's easy; we're in my territory!” he shouted loudly while stretching out his hands in a funny way. Seeing Jake still staring at him, confused, he explained. “It means this is my world. I've succeeded. Don't worry about it; it's a god thing. So what do you think? My territory is incredible, right? ”

Looking around in a flat and silent environment in all directions, he was not too amazed.

"There must be something" he answered, avoiding to answer. "You mentioned something about being a god?"

Jake had mentioned the gods in several books he had read, but nothing concrete. It makes sense that the Malefic Viper is considered a god, has a cult and everything. He was just not sure what the 'god' meant'.

“Totally me. Keep doing things, level up, evolution, all that jazz, and you'll get there eventually. It's hard work, but it's worth it just for immortality, ” said Viper, as he continued to smile cheerfully on his lips.

Jake just nodded, pondering what was wrong with the so-called god in front of him.

A moment of surprise, Jake wonders how he can be so calm. His martial will definitely increased a lot. But more importantly, he had not felt anything negative from his instincts since he had come here, there was not the slightest danger, not even at the Viper's show of strength.

“I think the statistics of my determination have grown rapidly,” replied Jake honestly.

“Ya, that's not how determination works, pal. You don't suddenly become a bastion of tranquility from stat, ”Viper explained, as she turned serious as usual. “Statistics may change some parts of you, but your mind remains untouched. You become able to think faster, process things much more efficiently, and remember every detail, but changes in yourself are basically never going to happen. That never happened. Many beings with unimaginable strength, possessing a willpower stat at an incredible height, had fallen into a state of mind. ”

Jake becomes serious at Malefic Viper's words as he detects a hint of sadness in his words.

“Will will allow you to endure endless immortality, it will help you fight the attack on your mind, and it can help you stay calm in situations of great danger. However, for that to be possible, you must have the ability to do those things from the very beginning. Some never learn to survive.. and time does not heal all wounds.”.

The Viper's look was extremely oppressed at this moment as he gazed into the vast desolate wasteland that was his territory. Turning back to Jake, he continued once more.

“The path to power is a long and lonely one, but you will meet many people along the way. Friends, friends, subordinates, and superiors, an endless network of karmic threads will be left behind you. But time travel is cruel, the need for continuous progress is endless. Those friends will be abandoned; your colleagues are abandoned because they fail to follow, your subordinates lose, superiors are surpassed. Family... taken from you.”.

The last few words were barely heard. Jake's not sure what to say or do.

“Sorry, I'm raving again. Not speaking a word to anyone for a very, very long time, ”Viper apologized.

Jake stared back at him for a few seconds, unsure of what to say or do. Even if he has to do something. However, as the silence continued, he gathered his thoughts and spoke honestly.

“You sound like you've been through some things. I'm not going to stand here and pretend to understand what people like you are fighting for, but I'm pretty sure doing nothing is not the solution,” said Jake.

"And what makes you think I haven't tried everything yet ?" he asked back, a formless aura spreading from him.

Jake feels like he is suddenly standing in front of an incarnation of death and destruction. But he did not back down. He pushed back, his bloodline fully awakened, refusing to be inferior. The aura failed to affect him as he stood motionless.

“It sounds like a challenge you can't yet beat. And if not such a problem..” said Jake, as he continued, his voice was a little softer. “Then, sometimes, move on can be the best.”

Malefic Viper looked back at Jake, clearly a little surprised at how he was still standing unaffected.

"When you lose everything, what can you do other than try to get it back?" tanyanya sharp.

“If what you have done so far has not worked, then change your strategy or rules of the game, but... Sometimes victory is obtained by walking just like that.” Jake started with a sigh. “I don't know them, but I've never met anyone who doesn't want their loved ones to be happy, even after their own death. Perhaps your victory is found not by fixing what you cannot do, but by creating something new. Doesn't have to be better.. just fine.”.

Jake doesn't know exactly where his words come from. In some ways, he tried to channel Jacob's mind, and on the other hand borrowed from something his father had told him. When she was injured and had to give up on being professional with her archery, she was broken.

Viper just stared back at Jake for a time that felt like forever. He finally chuckled as he smiled - his first sincere smile for a long time.

"Look at you being a philosopher full on my ass" he said as his laughter turned into laughter. “Yeah, this shit doesn't make sense. A mortal comforting a god, for what this world is going on. ”

Thinking about it, Jake had to agree. He was a bit embarrassed to admit that he had somewhat forgotten that the scaly man in front of him was a god for a moment. In his defense, he didn't really act that way.

What followed was a rarely seen sight. A human and a god were sitting on the ground, just chatting. Viper gives advice on small things, with Jake only telling random anecdotes from his own world. It might even be that Jake, with his usually reclusive personality, yearns to talk to anyone during isolation. The Viper who missed the conversation was even more obvious.

Jake doesn't know how long they've been talking, but he's really enjoying their time together. He heard stories about the multiverse, about how Viper met a fellow god and fell in love. It was never spoken, but Jake knew that he was the one he talked about before, because he always had a flash of sadness in his eyes every time he mentioned it.

Only two people are lonely, no matter status or power.

It's no secret that Jake came up with the most knowledge. Viper knows far more than Jake in almost anything. But he refrained from giving direct advice on anything related to the system. He did provide a bit of general knowledge, but nothing major. According to Viper, there is more value if Jake discovers the secret himself.

After a few hours, the Malefic Viper finally woke up, gesturing for Jake to do the same.

“It looks like it's time for you to come back soon,” said Malefic Viper, as Jake stood up.

"We still haven't found the reason I came here" Jake added. They somehow managed not to talk about it.

“Oh yes, the. When I made the dungeon back in the day, I had no one else around with permission to agree on a better evolution, so responsibility naturally fell to me. One could call it a nice little accident that you came here, ”Viper was laughing.

"ah! Now I remember! The description did say something about being selected, ” said Jake when he finally got it. "Does that mean I passed the job interview?"

“You're lucky, young man,” The Viper joked back before turning a little more serious once again. “I'm not going to give you anything concrete, but I can give you a tip. Focus on where. You can feel it around you. Feel it more. The earlier you do it, the better. This will help you in more ways than you can imagine.”

Stretching his hands towards her, Viper gestured to shake hands.

Without hesitation, Jake grabs his hand, knowing that physical contact cannot be made. But surprisingly, his hands met with a scaly texture. Before he could question anything, he felt a warm stream envelop his body as he shook that hand.

“Something for your trip. A small series of karmas if you can, ” said Malefic Viper while releasing Jake's hand.

Sensing his vision blurred and spinning once again, Jake knew that his time here was over. The last thing he saw was green eyes staring back at him as he heard Viper speaking for the last time.

“And thank you once again, Jake. Cia later!”

With those words, he disappeared, and the Malefic Viper was alone once again.

The scaly man did not take off back to the old decrepit cave. He could not even remember the last time he spoke to anyone. Meet anyone, to be honest.

Looking at his hand, he still felt the aura of his little guest. Compared to him, it was very small, very insignificant. But it feels strong. Limited, but still powerful. Deep within the Records, he felt a strength that even gave him pause.

"What a strong bloodline .." he whispered to himself. It was not only powerful; it was intimidating. Even the remnants of Record alone carried the charm of something that refused to retreat from his probing gaze. It was primal, like a ferocious beast, that refused to give up even on her .

Many people might see this stupidity as a weakness, but Viper only felt strength. One would never achieve true strength from avoiding danger. This might lead to a short life, but without that determination, one would also never reach the top.

Smiling, he thought that he might have made a good investment. It was not cheap, as he still felt a slight weakness, unlike anything he had felt in countless thousands of years. Even so, he did not feel regret. More than an investment on a strong initiation, he might have made something more worthwhile.

However, the smile quickly disappeared, as he rethought their conversation. The serenity and candor of a human being really impressed him. But the fact that he was really straightforward also meant that the words were more weighty. Being talked about in person was not something he had ever done.

Taking a step, he appeared in a valley. This valley, compared to everything around it, was not desolate but filled with life everywhere. Small animals were running around in the bushes, birds were chirping, and a calm wind was blowing everywhere.

In the middle of this valley, stood two obelisks. One of them possessed countless runes with unimaginable power, covering every single point of its surface, each rune storing more information than any mortal mind could comprehend in a lifetime.

The other obelisks only had one rune despite its similar size. This solitary rune did not dig into any power but only one word:

Hope

The Malefic Viper stood there for a while before moving forward and putting a hand on each of them.

“Maybe I've wallowed enough. You always told me to smile and never doubt myself, ”he spoke while gently stroking the runes on the filled obelisk while just putting his palm on the only rune on the other side.

“Maybe it's time for Malefic Viper to return.”