The Primal Hunter

“Just accept my hand, and I swear none will die this day.”

Jake was still infusing Primeval Origin Energy into the item hidden in the palm of his hand, and he needed more time, so he tried to buy at least a little.

“You said you wanted to speak with me... well, here I am,” Jake said, not having to infuse his voice with power as with the vessel open, all effects that stopped anything leaving the vessel had been deactivated.

“I also believe I’ve said all that needed to be said,” the god said, her words indication she was at least a little impatient. Jake, on the other hand, felt like he had a lot more time upon noticing the fighting between Artemis and the other gods pausing.

Jake considered his approach as he tried something bold that he hoped would work, in part because it wasn’t a good strategy for someone in his situation. “Let’s just put all the cards on the table. You clearly need me for something, and you need me to actively participate in helping you, so let’s reach an agreement where we both at least benefit from all this nonsense.”

The god tilted her head a little, her smile beneath the mask broadening. “I’m listening, Harbinger of Primeval Origins.”

“I want you to properly promise that everyone here will be kept alive, as I may still need them in the future,” Jake said in a slightly haughty tone. “Additionally, I’m not gonna help you totally for free. Seeing as I don’t know which faction you’re from, I guess details would have to be determined later, but I want something to help strengthen my Path. Powerful alchemical ingredients or artifacts for transmutation. Perhaps exclusive first rights to a few dungeons, as my Dungeon Pioneer title could need some work. Of course, preferably a bit of everything, as I know the ware I’m offering is invaluable.”

From what Jake knew from his recent dinner date with Artemis and interactions with many others, his reputation in the multiverse was indeed that of a young master with a sense of ego and arrogance only surpassed by his Patron.

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Anyone not entirely up their own asses would realize that Jake wasn’t in a proper situation to negotiate. However, that didn’t mean the god wouldn’t entertain him. If Jake was correct, they never planned on having him survive long enough to cash in on any promises, so why would it matter what they agreed to? All that mattered was placating the delusion, arrogant Chosen, until he was done helping these gods.

“Bold of you to try to negotiate, but we’re not entirely unreasonable,” the goddess said, continuing to smile as she seemed to consider the matter. “While I’m not able to make all promises, I can agree to some of them. However, all payments will happen once you’re done assisting us. Got to make sure you’re not just trying to take advantage.”

“I could say the same thing,” Jake said smugly. “But fine, I’ll be magnanimous. Just know that if you need my help again in the future, I don’t do discounts for return customers, especially not to those making such rude introductions.”

“Apologies, but the circumstances demanded it,” the god said halfheartedly, still humoring the delusional Chosen. In her mind, she likely found it more funny than anything that Jake had tried to wrestle back some semblance of control over his life and situation, despite the fact that he truly had no cards to play outside of threatening to end his own life as an act of resistance.

“It can be forgiven if things are acceptable from here,” Jake said with a nod. He was starting to reach the end of his bullshittery as he tried to get on to more things to say... but that was when he felt it.

“All the details can be determined once we are out of here and in more comfortable surroundings,” the goddess spoke again, motioning with her hand once more for Jake to take it. “The sooner we leave, the better. For everyone involved.”

Jake slowly nodded and smiled. “You’re right.”

He took a step forward and reached out his hand, holding the pitch-black marble in his hand. At the same time, he also stepped backwards, his reality splitting in two as Eternal Shadow activated.

Instantly, the god noticed Jake was up to some trickery. Jake’s Eternal Shadow instantly froze the moment it exited the barrier... but its hand had gotten out, and as the entire cursed manifestation faded, the small marble was revealed.