The Primal Hunter Chapter 1266 - Peak C-grade
Previously on The Primal Hunter...
Once Jake activated his Mega Soulflame Cauldron Secret Stratagem, he found himself truly immersed in the process. No, it wasn't just about brewing potions; there was another key benefit he aimed to extract from this large-scale production:
Experience points.
Jake's goal extended beyond merely experimenting with his Soulflame and discovering its applications—he had a genuine purpose for pursuing alchemy on such a grand scale. Although he wasn't entirely certain it functioned that way, a swift consultation with Villy assured him that producing larger quantities of poisons indeed yielded greater experience rewards.
Furthermore, this approach to potion-making proved much more challenging and time-intensive than employing a standard small cauldron, which amplified the experience earned even more. Each batch demanded several hours of Jake's effort under this technique, yet the rewards far outweighed the investment.
During this intense crafting session, time slipped by as Jake saturated the market with his creations. His main emphasis lay on health potions, though he occasionally included mana and stamina variants amid the flood.
Mana and stamina potions were typically seen as indulgences, given how uncommon it was to deplete those resources in combat before a victor emerged. Additionally, the universal potion cooldown made it hazardous to forgo the option of using a health potion. Even those engaged in fairly secure hunts found the notion of using potions to accelerate their progress—rather than enduring a bit longer to meditate—utterly absurd.
This explained why the bulk of stamina and mana potions were ultimately utilized by fellow artisans. Smiths and similar creators, who exerted themselves physically in their work, risked exhausting their stamina midway, dooming their ongoing efforts to failure. In such moments, a swift stamina potion could step in to secure a triumphant outcome.
Likewise, while crafting formations or delving into alchemy, a mana potion could work miracles to sustain momentum. Jake himself frequently relied on potions to shorten his necessary pauses, although his usage was undoubtedly far more generous than that of nearly every other artisan around.
On the other hand, health potions stood as vital necessities for any who ventured into battle. Such a potion might well determine survival or demise, particularly since they proved less effective on others compared to Jake, whose Malefic Viper Legacy skills enhanced his potion efficacy.
Numerous individuals also consumed health potions merely to heal more swiftly, as wounds brought far from comfort. This made sense from an ordinary perspective, since enduring fatigue was tolerable for most, but far fewer could shrug off severe cuts or lost appendages.
Jake simply wished Miranda valued the abundance of potions he forwarded through Lillian's assistance. He likewise offloaded his outdated inventory, deeming it pointless to retain with B-grade so near. After all, his fresh brews surpassed the previous ones, so he held onto just a handful for emergencies. He anticipated needing a few during his true evolution push.
To recall, even upon hitting level 349 in both class and profession, one final level remained to grind, elevating him to 350. Naturally, alchemy might deliver that level instead, hinging on the specifics of his Profession Evolution Quest. Still, Jake favored securing it via a brief hunt.
Regarding the Profession Evolution Quest... Jake's accelerated potion output via his innovative, tougher technique brought it sooner than anticipated. He'd long recognized that churning out successful crafts offered the quickest path to profession growth... barring Legacy skill enhancements or bizarre exploits tied to deities or rival Chosen. In essence: Vast cauldron yielding numerous potions meant substantial level-ups.
Despite requiring over a year of dedicated crafting, Jake ultimately claimed those final two profession levels, attaining the ultimate C-grade pinnacle in both class and profession.
The moment Jake registered the dual chime signaling his race and profession had maxed out, a grin spread across his face before he swiftly reverted his Soulflame to its fiery form and drew it back into himself. He retained thousands of potions destined for Miranda, but those could hold as he prioritized a far weightier task.
Emerging from his subterranean alchemy chamber, Jake settled into his lodge and at last examined the initial of two fresh system alerts. A touch of apprehension stirred as he accessed the first, revealing his second C-grade Evolution Quest—this one centered on alchemy.
Profession Evolution Quest
Steadfast in your Path, you continue onwards as a Heretic-Chosen, claiming the power of your Patron on your own terms, yet with his complete acceptance and knowledge. Your Records remain supreme, your Path your own to define, with nothing off limits in your pursuit of power, no matter how heretical some might call your actions. Continue to invoke the power of the Malefic One, make his Legacy your own, and prove your Path.
Objective: Upgrade all nine skills related to the Legacy of the Malefic Viper (9/9). Upgrade at least one skill related to Legacy of the Malefic Viper to mythical rarity (2/1). Perform an alchemical feat worthy of calling yourself a Primordial’s Chosen (1/1). Perform a feat worthy of calling yourself a Primordial’s Heretic (1/1). Perform a feat worthy of calling yourself a Primordial’s Heretic-Chosen (1/1).
So... quite a lot to digest there. Jake once again savored the system's flattering wording in the introductory passage, for who wouldn't relish praise from an all-knowing, all-powerful entity? On a practical note, it also validated that his C-grade endeavors had kept him on the correct trajectory.
As Jake scanned the evolution quest's requirements, he immediately spotted their greater number compared to his class's. Reviewing them closely, he grasped why the system had been so complimentary upfront. Though five tasks appeared, he had fulfilled them all beforehand. As to the methods of completion... he harbored a few suspicions.
The initial pair resolved straightforwardly. He had upgraded every Malefic Viper Legacy skill throughout C-grade and elevated two to mythical rarity, ticking those boxes neatly. The more intriguing trio intertwined closely, excluding perhaps the opening one.
“Perform an alchemical feat” eluded Jake's understanding, yet since it stood completed, it couldn't have demanded excessive difficulty. Alternatively, it might have posed a tremendous challenge, only for Jake to bypass it through one of his Primeval Origins rituals.
When facing these ambiguous tasks, Jake remained utterly in the dark, and he could only picture the irritation of tackling them without prior success. The subsequent pair mirrored this vagueness, urging feats befitting a Primordial’s Heretic and Heretic-Chosen alike.
Once more, what did any of this signify? What elevated a feat to “worthy” status? What even defined a feat? Did Jake's mere jabs at Villy suffice to mark him a heretic? Or required greater audacity, such as the ruse he staged to deceive Yip of Yore by feigning allegiance to Valhal while openly disparaging Villy? Or, considering that aligned with the Viper’s scheme, might it instead qualify as a Heretic-Chosen accomplishment?
Man, Jake pitied anyone forced to decipher these imprecise quests. It seemed like pure torment, fumbling through trials until the system deemed something adequate. He also comprehended better why B-grade ascension daunted so many, with such peculiar demands possible.
Clearing his mind with a head shake, Jake set aside musings on these already-achieved tasks. Instead of dwelling on past deeds, he pondered the absences in the requirements.
Jake had half-anticipated an element tied to the First Sage. If not a direct nod to the Viper’s mentor, then something loosely connected. Naturally, the Heretic-Chosen feat might encompass encountering the First Sage, though Jake dismissed that likelihood. In truth, upon final reflection, he suspected the entire saga with Ell’Hakan and Yip of Yore had satisfied all three nebulous objectives.
He inevitably wondered about B-grade peak requirements... yet ages lay ahead before such concerns arose. Presently, one additional system alert awaited regarding a truly pivotal issue:
Jake’s Race Evolution Quest.
Among the trio of quests for his B-grade evolution, this one piqued Jake's curiosity most. Oddities surrounded his race, as Villy had never encountered anyone skipping a C-grade evolution quest. Lacking the quest initially, they had spun numerous theories without uncovering the reality. They had also debated a B-grade quest's arrival... and now answers emerged.
Drawing a steadying breath, Jake accessed the system interface and immediately... an unease settled in.
Race Evolution Quest
Humanity. The enlightened race with the largest population in the multiverse, a race that can walk myriad paths, be found in all grades, and at all levels of power. Be it the Path of a creator, a destroyer, or anything in between, a human can be found who has walked it. Yet you have managed to create your own Path, claiming what you desire from the Legacies of others as your own while using your unique Origin as the foundation. An unshakeable will, an indomitable mind, an immutable desire, and an unrivaled Origin. Continue on your Path to supremacy, Primal Hunter.
Jake perused the system prompt twice, pausing in disbelief amid a wave of familiarity. It took a beat, but recognition dawned.
This... was downright bizarre, to put it mildly. Jake often quipped about these descriptive texts, enjoying their accolades and pat-on-the-back vibe, but they encapsulated one's grade-spanning journey. Recycling the prior text without fresh insight felt profoundly amiss.
Nearly hesitant, he verified for any true objectives prior to evolving, and the revelation failed to shock.
Objective: N/A
Again, Jake confronted the absence of a substantive Race Evolution Quest. Even more sparse than before, deprived of novel introductory flair.
Jake lingered in quiet reflection, mulling the implications. Theories bubbled up once more, but rather than ponder solo, he connected with someone eager for news on his evolution quests.
A mental outreach linked them as his esteemed Patron’s voice resounded within.
Villy said in a half-joking manner.
“I would hope you find it exciting,” Jake spoke out loud, knowing the snake god could hear him. “Last time, you were very curious.”
“Of course,” Jake confirmed.
the Viper theorized.
“Wow, right again,” Jake said, shaking his head with a smile. “Now for the big one. Thoughts on my Race Evolution Quest?”
the Viper said, acting all offended.
“Damn, he’s right on the money today,” Jake chuckled. “But you missed something else weird about this Race Evolution Quest.”
“I do know I’m awesome, yes, and also I’m a little offended that you assume my race is only comparable to those two. Who’s to say I’ll have a race evolution quest when evolving to A-grade? Or S-grade? Perhaps I’ll even make it all the way to godhood without seeing one!” Jake said playfully.
Villy returned the same joking energy.
Jake didn’t say anything but just motioned for the Viper to continue, as he would not let the snake god get away with just stating the obvious.
Villy ventured what Jake had to admit was actually a pretty good guess.
“I like your thinking, but no,” Jake shook his head. “It’s a lot weirder than that.”
the Viper asked, his tone suddenly more serious.
Jake shook his head. “Nothing related to anyone.”
“Close enough that I’ll give you the answer,” Jake finished joking around. “I got the exact same flavor text as when I evolved to C-grade.”
The Viper was silent for a while before speaking.
“Ever heard of that happening before?” Jake asked curiously.
the Viper answered.
Jake nodded slowly. “Speaking of my weird human race... any new interesting theories?”
the Viper said.
“I also have a pretty strong theory on the matter, so hey, let’s compare notes,” Jake said with a smile, knowing that while they couldn’t get any definite answers, it was still fun to make theories and guesses.