The Primal Hunter Chapter 1277 - Class Chosen, Sight Expanded

Choosing the last choice in system selections was a common practice, given how the system arranged lists by their quality. The most rare skill always appeared at the end, right at the bottom of the status menu, and classes, races, and professions followed the same pattern, despite lacking official rarities.

Fully cognizant of this fact, Jake directed his attention to the fifth and last class presented, remembering it surpassed Arcane Hunter of the Boundless Horizon in quality.

Arcane Huntsmaster of Primeval Origins – On the long Path to the apex, you have found yourself surrounded by kin of your own creation. Powerful allies who willingly follow you and recognize you for who and what you are. Embrace it, and lead them to hunt. This class revolves around strengthening and harnessing the power of the bond you have with your creations born from Primeval Origins, granting both you and them a variety of bonuses while fighting alongside one another. Despite embracing your role as a Huntsmaster, and no matter how powerful your hunting companions become, you remain dedicated to being the most powerful hunter in your group, using a bow and your arcane prowess as your primary tools to lead your pack into combat. Even when the Huntsmaster finds himself alone, he can pull on the powers and Records of his creations, making him a more than dangerous foe even when not with his hunting party. As their Huntsmaster, accept your Primeval creations into the fold, and create the greatest hunting party the multiverse has ever seen. Reach the apex together, all of you fully aware that only the Primal Hunter is worthy of taking the lead. Stat bonuses per level: +175 Perception, +150 Agility, +125 Willpower, +100 Strength, +100 Endurance, +50 Intelligence, +50 Wisdom, +30 Vitality, +100 Free Points (880 total)

Jake needed a moment to carefully examine this class description, since the name had initially made him quite doubtful. He had received the Huntsmaster skill along with Lone Hunter before, so he understood what the title implied, and indeed, this class centered on guiding a hunting group. But not just any ordinary group.

This class was designed for Jake to hunt with the beings he had assisted in creating or evolving. Sylphie, Sandy, Vesperia, Jasper, and possibly that Demon Prince were all exceptionally strong entities, and Jake could appreciate the advantage of battling beside them, yet he also favored facing trials by himself.

The class even acknowledged this preference, as it seemed he could draw upon their powers and Records during solo fights, which evoked memories of the previous Monster Hunter class. However, unlike acquiring Records from slain enemies there, this one enabled him to borrow Records from his companions.

Nevertheless, the description emphasized that the class was intended for Jake to hunt with his group. The allocated stats further highlighted this, with such a high emphasis on Willpower, a stat often tied to leadership abilities.

Overall, the stats were solid, totaling 880, matching Arcane Hunter of Boundless Horizons. It wasn't shocking that Arcane Huntsmaster of Primeval Origins ranked as a premier class, considering how potent anything linked to Primeval Origins usually proved to be.

Jake had dismissed this option at first due to the Huntsmaster element in the name, but realizing it didn't restrict his solo hunting, it became viable. It might even allow him to refine the skill for greater solo strength, potentially at the expense of standard Huntsmaster features, thus enhancing him with each creation. Moreover, the description referenced his Bloodline, which Jake always appreciated.

Yet, despite the potential and numerous advantages, Jake harbored significant doubts.

Typically, classes like Huntsmaster, burdened by stat allocations, would weaken Jake without his group, but this one sidestepped that issue. The constraints probably manifested elsewhere. Perhaps it would deny him experience for solo combats or impose penalties, along with other restrictions.

A familiar limitation might apply: gaining experience only from superior-level enemies… though Jake now wondered if that held true. That restriction stemmed from the “avaricious” idea, now woven into the “horizon” motif, absent here. Extending that logic, couldn't the skill boosting him with his group simply be a modified Big Game Hunter?

In fact, the deeper he delved, the more he questioned if this class emphasized battling higher-level foes. Naturally, Jake would pursue that, particularly with allies like Sylphie or Vesperia, both elite fighters, but the class didn't necessarily revolve around it.

As Jake scrutinized this supposedly superior class more closely, his expression turned increasingly troubled. Eventually, he let out a sigh and shook his head, finalizing his choice. He had weighed it thoroughly, but in the end, Jake favored the horizon-oriented Path, regardless of Primeval Origins' immense power.

Though Jake relished group hunts, he ultimately resisted self-imposed limits. Additionally, while Sylphie and the rest were formidable, he disliked linking his growth and Path to theirs. He trusted their potential for godhood, but only his own ascent filled him with true certainty.

Furthermore, Arcane Hunter of Boundless Horizons was no poor selection. Its stat total equaling a Primeval Origins-related class convinced Jake that his horizon Path was anything but ordinary.

Someday, he would surely incorporate Primeval Origins elements, and he anticipated a future class featuring Primeval or even Primal Hunter in its title. But not today—Jake entered B-grade as an Arcane Hunter of the Boundless Horizon.

Selecting it, Jake felt no remorse, having chosen the class with the highest Perception boost, confirming it as the ideal pick.

Innate knowledge flooded Jake's mind with the level's stats. Unlike his profession selection, this felt more subdued, lacking a surge of experience, just the anticipated single level from his decision.

Jake paused upon noticing his new class had upgraded one skill and added another, mirroring his C-grade transition. Initially, he felt a touch of letdown seeing only one upgrade, hoping for something like Avaricious Arcane Hunter’s Arrows to evolve too. Regrettably, only Big Game Hunter advanced, from ancient to legendary rarity.

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[Horizon-Chasing Big Game Arcane Hunter (Ancient)] – A true hunter seeks not the easy prey but a true challenge. Your hunt has taken you further than ever before as your methods improve, and you have embraced the Arcane. As you forever chase the horizon, you have become more accustomed to facing higher-level enemies. Increases the user’s resistance to auras and gives a small increase to Strength, Agility, Intelligence, and Willpower, and a substantial increase to Perception while facing enemies above your class or race level. The bonus is based on the disparity between the level of your prey and you. Limit of 1.30x your level or 75 levels, whichever is highest. May your hunt take you toward the horizon.

[Big Game Arcane Hunter of the Boundless Horizon (Legendary)] – An apex hunter seeks not the easy prey but a challenge others view as seemingly impossible. You have begun to truly embrace the power that comes from seeking the Boundless Horizon, your sight always on the next challenge ahead. Avarice remains; your desire is stronger than ever, as you overcome anything that stands in your way, always rising to the occasion, no matter how powerful the foe. Increases the user’s resistance to auras and gives a noticeable increase to Strength, Agility, Intelligence, Toughness, and Willpower, as well as a substantial increase to Perception while facing enemies above your class or race level. The bonus is based on the disparity between the level of your prey and you. Limit of 1.30x your level or 125 levels, whichever is highest. May your hunt across the Boundless Horizon be an eventful journey.

The upgrade to Big Game Hunter was anticipated, and it seemed like the equivalent to Malefic Viper’s Poison in scope. This enhancement went beyond mere strengthening, with even the descriptive text undergoing major revisions. Its core purpose stayed unchanged but improved overall.

Big Game Hunter stood as an excellent passive skill, fundamental to his success against superior foes. It bridged the stat gap effectively, and now it performed even superiorly.

Beyond amplifying the original stats, it now included Toughness, a welcome addition. Jake wasn't renowned for resilience, relying on arcane magic, gear, Pride, and Scales of the Malefic Viper for protection. Without active efforts, a standard pre-evolution B-grade could inflict real damage, despite Jake's superiority.

Jake doubted Big Game Hunter's Toughness boost would grant Runemaiden-like toughness, but it would pair nicely with Scales, aiding him in enduring minor, inevitable blasts he couldn't fully evade. Evading true threats remained paramount, yet extra Toughness was always beneficial.

The limit had also advanced; keeping the 1.30x multiplier but raising the flat cap to 125 levels. As levels rose, 1.30x remained substantial, and simple calculations showed the multiplier surpassing 125 levels around Jake's level 420. That placed it midway through B-grade, from 350 to 500.

Curiously, the system omitted mention of grade differences massively influencing Big Game Hunter, despite a single-level gap technically qualifying. Jake lacked a precise measure for grade impacts, but comparing peak C-grades to B-grades suggested it equated to dozens of levels.

Regardless, Jake approved of the improvement and recognized it would fade into background unless examined, now a seamless part of his routine. No need to dwell, so he proceeded.

More thrillingly, alongside the solid Big Game Hunter upgrade, Jake acquired a fresh skill. He had mildly griped about one upgrade and one new skill earlier, but seeing the new one erased all dissatisfaction.

[Sight of the Boundless Horizon (Mythical)] – To seek your goal, which lies within or perhaps even beyond the Boundless Horizon, you must first be able to locate it. This is your attempt to do so. Relying on the concepts glimpsed from the horizon and an insatiable desire to uncover all of existence, you have learned to strain your soul beyond its limits, sacrificing stability for increased Perception. Allows the Arcane Hunter of the Boundless Horizon to massively increase the effectiveness of Perception temporarily and perceive things beyond current limitations. May have additional effects when used alongside certain Perception-based skills. While using Sight of the Boundless Horizon, the hunter’s physical and mental defensive stats will be severely hampered. This skill can be used in conjunction with any other stat-boosting skills or abilities. Excessive use of Sight of the Boundless Horizon may result in soul damage. Open your eyes, expand your senses, and perceive the boundless Horizon.

Perception was universally acknowledged as the top stat across the multiverse—no debate needed. Thus, a skill enhancing Perception had to rank among the finest possible.

Jake certainly believed so upon first glance.

All lingering thoughts of Huntsmaster superiority vanished, leaving him thrilled as he explored the innate knowledge and meticulously reviewed the description.

A skill permitting Jake to amplify Perception boosts was extraordinarily powerful, beyond his prior expectations. It retained an enigmatic quality, hinting at perceiving “things beyond current limitations,” the exact nature unclear. He eagerly awaited discovery, but it stayed enigmatic for now.

The skill wasn't flawless, carrying risks. From the innate insights, Jake grasped its mechanics: it “drew” from soul aspects, diminishing soul and body stability to heighten Perception. Attempting this via freeform magic could devastate his soul far worse than mishandling Primeval Origin Energy with Palate of the Malefic Viper, so system oversight was reassuring.

Still, the strain restricted duration and frequency. As noted, overuse risked soul harm, akin to Primal Gaze in that regard.

Crucially, it amplified Perception's effectiveness without raising the stat itself. This synergy potential with other skills, which passively enhanced Perception usage, seemed obvious. The description suggested Jake might have lowballed it, especially this line:

“May have additional effects when used alongside certain Perception-based skills.”

Unclear on specifics, but testing was essential. Surely Event Horizon would integrate, and Primal Gaze seemed promising.

Grinning, Jake opted against further pondering—instead, why not venture out and test his limits? Freshly in B-grade, he needed time to grasp his new capabilities, and conveniently, a space jaunt was scheduled, with Arnold's visit impending. Miranda would favor him experimenting in void rather than disrupting Haven. Post-moon, the Order of the Malefic Viper awaited. He could head to the Order directly for trials, but Jake preferred the lunar detour to check on Arnold's activities.

Rising from bed, Jake stretched his neck en route to the porch. He bid farewell to the eels with a wave, then fixed his eyes on the distant moon. Raising his foot, he invoked One Step, immediately sensing the enhancement. Without the new Perception amplifier, his conceptual awareness had soared to new heights, letting him traverse space effortlessly, covering over tenfold his usual distance in one stride.

His grin broadened as wings unfurled, propelling him upward at double his prior flight speed, and by rough assessment… confronting Yrelstromoz now would end in under a minute, solely because she could survive his initial strike.