Zogarth
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Chapter 1099 - Split Up Once More
🕑 Added 2025-03-24 12:19:44 +0000 UTCJake almost wanted to go and talk with Nature’s Attendant immediately but controlled himself, deciding he wasn’t in a rush. Besides, he and Yggdrasil were already working on helping the Fallen King, and Jake didn’t want to come rushing in only a week later to ask for another favor.
Instead, he decided to wait until they called him. That way, it would also seem as if Jake had considered the matter for longer. When Jake asked Dina more about this idea, it became clear he really wasn’t in a rush, as creating such an item wouldn’t be a quick process.
“Grandpa used the skill to create Bobo, and that took about a decade,” Dina explained. “Even before Bobo was fully created, he was already half-grown, with Grandpa telling me he began preparations before my birth. If he is to create a bow for you, it will take quite a few years, especially if you convince the Mother Tree to donate a branch. Then there are the Records you want the bow to have, which also affects the process...”
“Would it be possible to use Records from an existing bow?” Jake asked, curious.
“That depends on a lot of things, I would guess,” Dina said, shaking her head. “Only Grandpa knows all the details, so you’ll have to ask him if you choose to go through with this idea.”
“I see,” Jake said, nodding, hoping that his Bow of the Apex Hunter would find new life once more with the help of Nature’s Attendant. The system-given bow from way back in the Treasure Hunt still had the best damn enchant he’d ever seen on any weapon, and it just fit Jake perfectly. Definitely by design, as the system had made it specifically for him.
All of that bow stuff was for later, though. For now, Jake stayed and spent some time with his former party members from Nevermore, even though two of them were people he already spent time with regularly. Naturally, he couldn’t help but have a small spar with Dina after the Sword Saint mentioned she’d improved a lot, and while he won in the end, she definitely hadn’t slacked off.
From Dina, Jake also learned that there were many young hopefuls who would love to duel the Sword Saint and Sylphie, but for some reason, the interest in fighting him wasn’t really there. Jake didn’t really understand this until Dina explained.
“They don’t expect to survive it,” Dina said, shaking her head. “You’re the Chosen of the Malefic Viper. In order to challenge you, they need to have an equal status, or your acceptance will be a loss of face even if you win. There’s simply nothing in it for you outside of discouraging others by making examples out of the first fools who dare challenge you.”
“Ree!” Sylphie heavily protested that assumption. Not that Jake would kill anyone daring to ask him for a spar, but the sentiment that challenging her wasn’t also super dangerous as a loss of face, as her status was definitely also significant.
“They’re just ignorant,” Dina said, shaking her head as she addressed both the Sword Saint and Sylphie. “Because you both “only” have Divine Blessings, your status in the eyes of strangers is leagues behind the famous C-grade Chosen of the Malefic Viper.”
“In all fairness, he did beat us in Nevermore due to individual performance,” the Sword Saint said, shrugging. “And in this case, I think he’s the one losing out by having such an intimidating reputation.”
“Definitely!” Jake said, shaking his head. “It’s kind of frustrating that I can’t even get some good sparring in just because of what others assume. It would be fun to fight some elite parties, as I honestly feel that fighting coordinated parties of elites is something I don’t have as much experience in as I should. The last party I fought was this group from the Holy Church, and while they were a bit too weak, it was still a good experience. Well, not actual experience points. You know what I mean.”
“What happened to this party?” Dina asked.
“They were enemies,” Jake replied.
“So they’re dead?” Dina asked.
“Obviously,” Jake replied.
Dina didn’t say anything more, but Jake got the point. He could see why others would find it intimidating to challenge someone they believed to be a lot stronger than themselves, especially when they didn’t know how prone that person was to simply kill whoever he dueled.
“Guess I’ll just have to stick to fighting people I know,” Jake said, sighing at the prospect of not being able to beat up strangers.
“Or those significantly stronger than yourself,” the Sword Saint suggested. “I’m confident you can find some party consisting of peak C-grades who are willing to spar. From my understanding, Artemis has quite a few blessed beneath her and good connections in the Pantheon of Life, so I’m sure she could find people for you if you only ask.”
Jake nodded. That definitely was a possibility. Also, even if he didn’t find anyone to spar with, Jake wanted to go training and just fight things to the death. Sparring was all well and good, but nothing was better than facing a foe who could take his life should he make a momentary lapse in judgment.
After this conversation, they talked about other random topics for a few more hours, and soon enough, they decided it was time to split up once more. The Sword Saint and Dina decided to go hunting together while possibly finding someone else to join them with a more tanky disposition.
Sylphie decided she wanted to visit the Sylphs she’d noticed upon arriving at the Great Planet. Dina had already helped her get some information about these Sylphs and learned it was a small commune of elementals led by Sylphs. All of them had gathered due to a supreme natural treasure that took the form of an utterly massive tornado that stretched seemingly infinitely into the sky, connecting the ground with a wormhole connected to a World Wonder not even from the first universe.
From what Jake gathered, there was a World Wonder in the twenty-second universe known as the Vortex Pinnacle, which was essentially just an utterly massive orb-like structure of powerful winds gathered together in the emptiness of space. Of every World Wonder Jake had heard of so far, this one seemed the most useless, but it apparently did occasionally give birth to some very powerful natural treasures, and those who trained in wind-related magic and concepts naturally viewed it as a holy land.
It was a very dangerous place, and the winds occasionally grew powerful enough to tear holes in the void between worlds, allowing tornadoes like the one striking down on the Great Planet to manifest. Due to the winds weakening significantly while passing through the void, this tornado on the Great Planet created an environment where even mortals could benefit, though there was an elemental god ruling the commune of Sylphs.
From every conceivable angle, it would be a waste for Sylphie not to visit the Sylphs. Dina also assured Jake she would be given a divine escort as the Pantheon of Life didn’t want to risk a guest running afoul, especially not one who was a party member of Dina and close to the Chosen of the Malefic Viper.
With Sylphie, Dina, and the Sword Saint all leaving to do some hunting and training of their own, Jake decided it was also time for him to approach Artemis about the same. He wasn’t sure if it was training or hunting time first, but a swift conversation should clear that up. No matter what, Jake wanted to finally get moving and his bow shooting arrows.
Before they parted, there was one thing he’d been wondering.
“Does anyone know what Minaga is up to?” Jake asked the group.
He hadn’t heard anything from or about the Unique Lifeform for the past week, and Minaga didn’t tend to be the silent sort when he was around. Jake knew Minaga had some business with the Pantheon of Life, but considering he’d brought an extra S-grade clone, Jake had halfway expected him to keep it on standby just to lurk around Jake and his friends.
“No, the All-God Legion hasn’t stopped by since we last parted,” the Sword Saint said, shaking his head.
Dina and Sylphie also shook their heads, making Jake wonder even more. Duskleaf had also been entirely missing in action, but that was a lot more expected as Jake would assume the alchemist to go into isolation even if he was technically available to hang out. No, Minaga being nowhere to be seen was definitely-
“Maybe he just had something really personal to do,” a fifth voice joined the conversation. “Or he was waiting to be missed. Really hard to tell with that guy.”
It barely had to be acknowledged, but the newcomer was naturally the Unique Lifeform in question. He’d teleported in just after Jake asked about him, almost as if he’d been waiting for an opportunity... which did strike Jake as a bit odd, considering he hadn’t felt anyone observing them during their talks. Odd enough for Jake to ask.
“How did you even know we were talking about you?” Jake asked directly.
“He used my name,” Minaga said, shrugging as he pointed at the Sword Saint. “I know when people use my name, and I have a clone nearby.”
“It isn’t very surprising,” Dina said, nodding. “Many gods know when their name or title is spoken.”
“That’s also my understanding,” the Sword Saint agreed.
“Ree?” Sylphie asked, making Jake feel a little better that she at least seemed confused about something.
“No, you need to use the exact words that refer to the god,” Minaga said. “Of course, the actual words won’t be the same due to translations and whatnot, but the meaning of the title or name used has to be exact. So, if you refer to me as that handsome devil or the Supreme Maker of Labyrinths, it has no effect, but if you use All-God Legion or Minaga, I’ll vaguely be aware of it. Especially when it’s people I’m already mentally aware of who do it.”
Jake had not expected some divine exposition, but he welcomed it nevertheless. In retrospect, he probably shouldn’t be surprised at what he was told, either. The Viper has emphasized prior that words held power, and something like names and titles had to have a lot of Records associated with them. Records belonging to the beings spoken about.
Chances were that when Jake finally became a god, he would also know it when people mentioned the Primal Hunter.
“You really didn’t know?” the Sword Saint asked Jake. “You never noticed?”
“In his defense, it doesn’t work with him,” Minaga sighed. “He has a skill from his True Blessing that entirely blocks that kind of thing. Well, among other things. It’s actually quite annoying when I try to stalk him.”
“Stalking is a crime,” Jake muttered.
“So is murder, but you still killed one of me in Nevermore,” Minaga said in a serious tone. “I should have you prosecuted.”
“You have no evidence,” Jake pointed out.
“I shall call the Wyrmgod of Nevermore to the stand!” Minaga said with conviction. “The entire encounter was recorded, and I hereby submit this recording into evidence.”
“I object to the handling of evidence and question the veracity of this so-called recording,” Jake countered. “Unless any physical evidence can be submitted, I seek an immediate dismissal.”
Minaga and Jake both, for some reason, turned to the Sword Saint, who’d been appointed judge. The two of them had likely thought the gag would end there, but the old man ended up shaking his head. “I do not believe I have the jurisdiction to even make a ruling. Even if I do, the crime happened in Nevermore, and unless the Pantheon of Life has an extradition agreement, I find it questionable if any prosecution can ever take place.”
“I win,” Jake said with a smile.
“For now,” Minaga said, crossing his arms. “Just know that should you ever set foot in Nevermore again, we will throw the book at you and go for maximum sentencing. Which is to say nothing, as I’m pretty sure killing things inside of Nevermore isn’t actually illegal.”
“... I do think we have an extradition agreement with Nevermore?” Dina said, tilting her head and a bit behind on the joke.
“Either way, I declare diplomatic immunity,” Jake said, shaking his head and smiling. “Anyway, back to the question we originally asked, what have you been up to, Minaga?”
“Stuff,” the Unique Lifeform shrugged.
“More specifically?”
“God stuff.”
“Very enlightening,” Jake said sarcastically.
“Well, thank you,” Minaga smiled. “Don’t complain too much about not seeing me enough. You’ve all been busy anyway. I wouldn’t wanna crash in on you and Artemis when you’re busy getting to know one another.”
“How thoughtful of you,” Jake said, only semi-sarcastic with that one.
“I do have some actual work soon, though. I’ve been asked by Yggdrasil to assist in improving some magic formation and whatnot since I’m here anyway, and considering the stuff the Pantheon of Life will donate to me and Nevermore as payment, it should be worth my time,” Minaga explained.
“That sounds like actual work,” Jake said, impressed. He wasn’t surprised that they asked for help from Minaga, though. Due to his unique circumstances, he borderline didn’t have any skills. That is to say, everything he could do was freeform magic and abilities. His insight into magic had likely reached a level far beyond even those superior to his strongest clone. In addition, his perspective very likely also differed from others as he didn’t have any skills to help with any part of the process when doing magic. Finally, he had so many damn clones that could help with doing mental stuff. He was like a web of supercomputers that could cooperate on every task that took any brainpower.
“Gotta make a living somehow,” Minaga shrugged. “Got a big family to feed, you know.”
Jake shook his head and smiled at Minaga still being Minaga. The god – in an S-grade clone - didn’t leave immediately either but stayed around for a little as the five of them chatted. He was especially curious and asked more about his fellow Unique Lifeform, the Fallen King, and seemed pretty happy that they were working on getting him back.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and soon enough, Jake found himself returning to his own residence. The palace felt even bigger and definitely way emptier with Artemis not around, but Jake knew she wouldn’t be that long, so he chose to take this time to do some practice on the meditation front.
After that, it was time for some hunting and archery practice, likely in combination, so he could train archery theory with Artemis before deploying it in practice while hunting. He was already looking forward to it and all the wonderful hunting grounds the Pantheon of Life possessed, but for now, it was meditation time.
And meditation time meant reading time.
Comments
Chloe
Tyftc
ShreddedShark
That's an interesting theory. I would probably associate Zog with someone more...powerful, I guess. Maybe the First Sage, or another equally mysterious entity, where the author could eventually 'claim' to actually be that being. For example: "The FS did die...but only to the System. He has raced ahead of the System, losing nothing of his passion for writing and reading and everything of his power, and is dedicated to writing an ode to the Primal Hunter."
gary lutz
I'm slow but isn't Minaga Zogarth? Phillip Jose Farmer wrote various PJF characters, Stan Lee and others had roles in their films. Minaga lines feel like they fit Zog 🤔😊
Phil Ritter
Great idea for a side story
Trumangolorian
What grade did minaga start out at? D-Grade? Tyftc
Ender419
Gods I love Minaga! I would love to hear his origin story but it can only be done in the following way; written by Minaga to be narrated by Minaga for all Minaga-kind.
ABTelford
Nah, dragon kin are sentient and he doesn’t hunt thinking beings unless they are enemies. I can see him hunting a dum dragon though.
Jacob Conway
Hmm I wonder if there will be a Drake of the North Wind that flies around the Vortex Pinnacle… Thanks for another great chapter!
Corvid
Thanks for permanently tainting my image of Minaga.
Corvid
The Desolate King has a nice ring to it. Also he kinda knew both times Jake was gonna be his avenue to survive. The first time was more of a "maybe i'll find a way back somehow" desperation play, but the second one was him actively deciding "I'll infuse my memories in the mask and sacrifice myself for my allies, if anyone can find a way to bring me back it's the hunter." The difference the second time is what makes me think he won't feel too upset about it like the first time.
Corvid
I would argue the fallen king's records perfectly align with him being a tool, it's a central facet of his personality
Rahsheem Reid
I think he still gets a new bow one way or another from our little elf goddess, while still getting his forever bow In The making later on. Unless they started making him a bow once Nevermore started… hmmm TFTC
Zogarth
Fix
Zogarth
Fix
Corvid
I don't even really think Minaga would ask for anything if Jake wanted another soulcore. I think Minaga sees Jake as a buddy almost. At worst he sees him as a good person to sew positive karma with for when Jake ascends. "You remember when you were just some C grade and the great and benevolent Minaga helped revive your first poke'mon, oh great and powerful hunter!?"
Corvid
"Minaga, Chose of Minaga, former chosen of Minaga, Blessed by Minaga..." ad infinitum.
Phasmatic7
Thankies zogie
Corvid
Yeah would be funny but Artemis already pretty much said she would find that a major turnoff. She pretty much said she's into him because he's a more "dangerous predator." Girl's a freak.
Corvid
There was that whole thing with palate that makes me think it might not be good, but it also might be fine if the item isn't already soulbound or pseudo-soulbound. Be fun to see
Corvid
Yeah I can definitely see some random pantheon of life god getting into an aura pushing contest with the dude who is very well known for whipping it out in front of Valdemar the War God without thinking, and getting a no-score draw
Dave
Tftc
Cory Sauls
TFTC!
Daniel Hamilton
Yeah no way he could win but I want to see him pushed. He does want a fight after all where it’s all on the line. I’d settle for a strong b grade fight
Humane
I doubt it. It's way too early in the storyline to fight God's. He can't even beat most B grades 😅.
Daniel Hamilton
Wondering if one the gods is going to disrespect Jake and get into it with him based off the reactions and the Mother tree having to warn everyone. Would love to see Jakes bloodline pushed again and do some impossible things again.
brjenness
an acorn
Michael Ferguson
Got to love the banter
Doodlenoodle
Mythic? I hope it will gain some kind of awareness. So Jake got a aware katar AND a bow! So if we ever see a trancendense skill we will have 2 types of shadows. So 2 choises become 3.
Numbzy
That's a big, fun question. I expect we'll find out eventually.
Goofy
Okay, hear me out now. What would happen if in the process of making Jake’s bow, he gets asked to assist with some of that sweet sweet Jake juice? What would the prime evil origins of a bow made from a branch of Yggdrasil and the craftsmanship and magic of nature’s attendant look like?
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Nexas Aurelias
King of all Bows! 😆
dash w
Thanks for the chappy
Grine
I can imagine Minaga blessing himself somehow.
SnowReason
empathized -> emphasized
Stolen Hero
I want to see Jake get flustered. I know it's not in his character. But I would find it hilarious if Artemis took the place of a teacher, was guiding his hand on how to aim and he said "wait a second uhh". Again, never gonna happen, but would be funny
NovaZero
New stealth technique. When Jake unmasks himself and becomes Mundane Mann, blending perfectly with others.
Tristan
Its kinda sad unique Lifeforms that make it to godhood arnt allowed to bless people. I want minaga to have a chosen buddy too
Ty Cooper
Man it seems that it will be a while for Jake to get his bow. I am looking forward to these hunts though. It's about time for a dragon fight! I know it will probably be after these fights before we see him fix palette and improve meditation. It is a runnning cliffhanger teasing us. Lol it is a cruel joke that I can't help but to laugh at and appreciate.
Staudi
Can't tell you enough how much i love minaga as a chatacter! Tyftc Zog!
Daniel Jackson-Woods
My guess is hell start hunting dragon kin work8ng up to a true B grade dragon and hell do it before evolving after he fixes his own soul damage.
Scott Schluter
🤣🤣🤣 look at me!
Roy
i love reading time!
Noah
Maybe even Desolation Soul King or Fallen Desolation King. Want to make less like a title and more of a proper name for a unique lifeform you know what I’m saying.
micah Hogan
Minaga waiting till people missing him to come back is so real omg
Specter
Thank you! Also: "The Viper has empathized prior" -> Emphasized
Trevor Mergen
Thanks!
ABTelford
Fun chpt. Hope the upcoming hunt has an unexpected something for us. 🙂
Andy Swearingen
I feel like King would find a way to truly torment Jake if he did this 😂 maybe just whisper really cringe stuff all the time. Jake seems very susceptible to those kinds of mental attacks
Andy Swearingen
I'm thinking the records of desolation are already going to be a big power up. Imagine how effective his soul magic would be if he could just desolate enemy souls.
Timothy Spradlin
Tftc
S_Ally
I hope he's able to use some of the records of Desolation, since that Child of Desolation attached itself to his fragment. That would be a good addition to his other Gold and Soul powers. 'Fallen King of Desolation' has a ring to it
S_Ally
Funny to think about, but ultimately impossible. The Fallen King's Records would be diametrically opposed to being used as a tool. He's a King!
TwistedVanity
Me too
TwistedVanity
Thanks for the chapter
Paul B
Ok but hear me out, what if Jake asked Minanga for another core for the King (since Jake felt bad about him missing out on the system event). Minanga agrees but on the condition that he helps (for levels and also bc Minanga is a curious fellow(s)). Ygg, NA, Minanga and Jake then work on the ritual to bring back the king and homie returns with his own soul autonomy and at an insanely powered up version (The Risen King of Souls...not actually a risen but it would also be DOPE AF if a unique life forms could become risen)
Kasey Lindenmayer
TYFTC!
Nexas Aurelias
Fallen Kings gonna become Jake's new bow. Obviously a reach but think if the possibilites 😆 🤣
Borbino the great
Maybe the reborn king? I think it would be kinda cool
joel southard
Thank you for the chapter
Rick Delallata
Oh no, now I can't unsee or unhear it
Noah
So since the fallen king is getting resurrected for second via jake doing something or getting help, I wonder what the consequences/repercussions he is going to have to deal with. He wanted to separate himself from Jake but as we know at this point he owes Jake even more unfortunately with 2 full sail saves even if Jake doesn’t care about that or want him to the favors from the fallen king. I feel like the fallen king will have to deal with that someway personally as he is a prideful and arrogant lifeform. I do kinda what a name change for the fallen king also with this second resurrection as a show of progress and as show of the accumulated records that reflect what the fallen kind has gone through and done. How do y’all feel about this. Sorry if this was talked about don’t read the comments that anymore and I’m also not in the discord anymore
C0bra$
Thank u for the story
Rewdan
Thanks Zogarth, what a way to kick of the week.
Kt-x
Thanks for the chapter 😀
IntenseSushi
Tftc
Aaditya Ravindran
All hail Minaga, the All-God Legion! Always a fun conversation. I've always pictured Minaga as Mr Meeseeks 😂
Arieh Sochaczevski
Thanks for the chapter! “[…] just an utterly massive mass[…]” while not incorrect, this is awkward. Maybe “[…] just an utterly massive gathering[…]” “ The Viper has empathized prior that words held power[…]” I’m certain you meant “emphasized.”
Alexander C Hyde
The god – in an S-grade clone - didn’t leave immediately either but stayed around for a little (while) as the five of them chatted.
Jeremy Bookbinder
I bet Artemis will make the string for Jake's new bow. The first time we saw her real body she was working on a bow string.
eatingpitza314
When the book says drops the title in the chapter.
Justin Moen
Tyftc!
JJB4345_80_815
Yes, thank you for the chappy Zogarth!
Matthias
tftc
DestroyrBuck
The Viper has empathized prior that words held power -> has emphasized prior
John Durrett
Tyftc. Minaga can be a good bloke sometimes. :)
Wselby64
I hope when jake goes to never more again in the future he gets instantly teleported into a courtroom with minaga and the wrym god
Lizy Flore
The banter today is incredible 😂😂😂
mitchell kaiser
Ahhh my little dose of dopamine in the morning.
SyndaXatrix
Thanks for the chapter Zog!
Noname
Tyftc
Connor
Thanks for the chapter
Sylphie
REE!
Chris Tillery
First
Beemoss
Tftc
