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Chapter 1035 - Primal Hunter vs Augur's Guardian (1)
🕑 Added 2024-12-05 12:08:28 +0000 UTCJake just stared at the guy before frowning. “You want me to kill you?”
“That would be best,” Bertram nodded.
“Why?” Jake just asked. Sure, he was pissed at the situation, but clearly, it was more complicated than he knew. Especially with the way Jacob had talked making it very obvious he wanted Jake to do something about it.
“Because we stole the soul of Ell’Hakan, obviously,” Bertram explained. “That ought to make you quite mad, right? Only seems proper that you kill me for having taken part in it.”
“Okay, hold your horses, what the fuck are you and Jacob playing at?” Jake asked curtly, wanting to stop beating around the bush.
“Everything is as he told you,” Bertram just said, looking Jake directly in the eyes. “The Augur of hope was tasked with saving whatever of Ell’Hakan he could with the goal of reviving him once the universe opens up. Sure, what will be revived won’t be something I’m even sure could be called Ell’Hakan anymore, but it should have the Bloodline, which is ultimately what the Holy Church wants.”
“But not what Jacob wants to happen,” Jake said, Bertram neither confirming nor denying.
Jake was in thought for a moment before asking: “Is the Holy Church sure they really wanna do this? Are they absolutely certain they want to steal my prey away? I would hope they know what will happen and expect consequences to come from that.”
“They do… to a certain extent,” Bertram nodded, though he did seem a bit unsure of just how far Jake would go. “But you do also really underestimate how much they value that Bloodline… think about it like this, if you died and the Endless Empire had the opportunity to revive you and keep your Bloodline, don’t you think they would use any means possible, even if doing so would make them a lot of enemies? Certain people view Ell’Hakan as something like that. An invaluable treasure they simply cannot miss out on acquiring.”
“I guess I could see the Endless Empire go pretty damn far…” Jake muttered.
“Exactly,” Bertram said with a nod. “While I’m certain the Church would prefer to stay in your good graces, the gains simply outweigh the risk on this one. Sure, here in our tiny little Milky Way, making you an enemy is an extremely scary matter, but in the wider multiverse? Not so much. Some also believe they can placate you somehow… but honestly, I don’t know. I’m not really privy to many of these plans, and neither is Jacob, for that matter. This is all some of the higher-ups making these kinds of decisions, and we mortals are merely cogs in their machine.”
“You don’t sound happy with how things currently are with these so-called higher-ups,” Jake said, not hiding his feelings at all.
“It is what it is,” Bertram just shrugged.
“Why is it like it is, though?” Jake genuinely questioned. “This is far from the first time Jacob has seemingly acted against the interests of the Holy Church. If there is so much disagreement, why stay? You two are only risking yourselves, and if you’re discovered, I can only begin to imagine the consequences – assuming you haven’t already been found out. So… why not get the hell out of dodge while you still can?”
Bertram listened and nodded along at several points. He took a moment to answer, as he couldn’t help but look down at the rapidly deteriorating planet beneath them.
“The Holy Church is big… utterly massive. It’s the single-largest faction in the entire multiverse for a reason. It’s one of the only factions that welcome everyone, no matter their race or heritage. This size is both the Holy Church’s greatest strength and also its greatest weakness,” Bertram began to explain.
“While it’s true the Holy Mother is the supreme leader of the Holy Church, she cannot be everywhere and cannot do everything. This has led to several factions forming within the Church, each of them powerful enough on their own to rival some other pinnacle factions. These internal factions don’t always agree on what to do, and they may even give conflicting orders at times. Earth and the entire Milky Way are under the management of one of these internal factions, and it’s them who made the decision to carry out this plan.”
“You’re saying the Holy Mother isn’t involved?” Jake asked, having kind of assumed that to be the case, though perhaps that was wrong of him.
Jake knew he had a very skewed view of how the multiverse worked because of Villy and their friendship. Because he was so close to Villy, he also often ended up directly dealing with other gods or Primordials, having even met the Holy Mother before during Nevermore, but needless to say, this was far from the norm.
In fact, most times, the peak gods didn’t even know what was going on with the mortals of their factions, geniuses or not. Instead, they had others manage things. In some ways, this was often the entire reason they made factions to begin with. It was all just so that they didn’t have to do much themselves to keep things running while still enjoying the boons of commanding a massive faction when convenient.
The best of both worlds and Jake totally got it, considering he was also the same kind of absent leader who just reaped the benefits of technically ruling a small faction while barely doing any work.
So, if he thought about it a little more, it made perfect sense that the Holy Mother wouldn’t be actively involved in any of this and that she was-
“Oh no, she’s very involved,” answered, stopping Jake in his thoughts instantly. “In fact, if she wasn’t, the situation indeed would be one where we were both putting ourselves at massive risk. However, you need to remember… Jacob is blessed directly by the Holy Mother. While he may be working for an inner faction, he is ultimately directly serving the Holy Mother. They have the authority to give him orders, yes, but not the authority to punish him should not fail to act accordingly. All they can do is request the Holy Mother to carry out punishment… something she has yet to do.”
“You mean to say that the Holy Mother doesn’t disapprove of Jacob’s actions?” Jake asked with confusion.
“I don’t know,” Bertram sighed. “I doubt even Jacob knows. All I’m certain of is that Jacob is doing what he believes is right and that it’s my job to keep him safe. Who knows, maybe the Holy Mother wants to see if Jacob can actually enact any positive change through his actions? Or maybe she’s just giving him a really long leash that she’ll eventually yank back before tying him to a pole. Either way… we stay because Jacob believes that being with the Holy Church is where he can help the greatest number of people… even if things here are far from perfect.”
“It sounds like a bloody mess,” Jake shook his head as he wondered: “Say, is it okay for you to be saying all this?”
“To be saying what?” Bertram asked, giving a sly smile. “I’m just buying time for the one I protect to use the Prima Vessel to teleport back to the planet the Holy Church prepared for him to hide out on until the universe opens back up. Can’t you see we’re clearly fighting right now, my death only drawing closer as I do my best to try and keep the injured but still monstrous Chosen of the Malefic Viper busy?”
“Do you really need these theatrics?”
“Maybe, maybe not, but Jacob believes that this inner faction thinking that we are truly enemies would be beneficial to what he wants to achieve,” Bertram replied honestly.
“Yeah, the Holy Mother definitely knows that’s not the case,” Jake muttered, thinking back to Nevermore and the fact the Holy Mother had always been enjoying the live stream there. He could only begin to assume that the Holy Mother had seen them interact there.
“Of that, we are in agreement, but as I said, she has yet to act upon this knowledge,” Bertram just shrugged. “At least not in any negative fashion… in fact, the only change has been positive. Not too long ago, Jacob was given a Divine Blessing by the Holy Mother, which is also why he has taken such center stage during this Ell’Hakan debacle… despite seemingly working against the Church’s interest at several points.”
“Well, that’s just bloody confusing,” Jake muttered as he let out a loud sigh. “I finally fucking killed Ell’Hakan, and now shit has to get complicated again right away… there really isn’t any way to avoid putting myself on a direct collision course with the Holy Church, is there?”
“Not unless you decide to sit back and take a passive approach, allowing them to do as they want,” Bertram shook his head.
“I guess I should have seen this coming the moment I determined myself to kill Ell’Hakan for good, knowing the interest the Church had in him…” Jake said, letting out a second sigh as he looked back at Bertram. “Do you need to buy any more time, or are you good with dying now? I kind of want to get out of there before the entire planet explodes… or implodes… honestly, I don’t plan on sticking around to find out.”
“Fair enough,” Bertram nodded. “Just make sure to kill me in a way that really hammers home how angry you are that we dared steal away the soul of your prey.”
“It’s gonna hurt,” Jake said, flashing a smirk.
“I can take it,” Bertram said as he lifted his shield and sword. “You know, to really make it look like we had a tough fight…”
“Already on it,” Jake said, as he decided to push himself before getting off the planet. He reactivated Arcane Awakening despite the burning sensation it sent through his body and charged at Bertram, wanting things to look proper.
Katar already in hand, he smashed into the Guardian’s shield, finding himself surprised at how sturdy Bertram’s defenses were. Then again, he probably shouldn’t, as while Bertram wasn’t quite considered a true pinnacle fighter, he was still pretty damn durable and even had a very impressive level that surpassed both Jake’s and Ell’Hakan’s, likely due to Augur bullshit.
[Human – lvl 311]
Still, Bertram wasn’t truly fighting back, and Jake was simply on another level power-wise. He quickly made several deep cuts into the shield, even using Touch on it to leave a deep handprint, really hammering things home.
The sword also wasn’t spared, Jake giving that a good round of Touch of the Malefic Viper, too. Finally, with the weapons addressed, both really looking like Bertram had been in a hard-fought battle, Jake went in for the body of the far larger man.
Eternal Hunger stabbed Bertram in the chest, a void Katar hitting him in the stomach just below. The Guardian grunted and stumbled back, but Jake kept on as he stabbed a dozen times, Bertram taking it pretty damn well as the poison dug into his body.
“You’re a pretty good practice target,” Jake commented as he kept attacking. “You can take a lot, and you can’t really die as long as Jacob is around, right?”
“I would prefer not to be reduced to a target dummy,” Bertram said as Jake continued going ham.
“Not just any target dummy, but a top-tier one,” Jake joked as Bertram pretended to fight back, making the wounds he took look defensive in nature. “I am curious... seeing as you get resurrected by Jacob, how do you deal with stuff like soul attacks? Aren’t they still a danger?”
“They are annoying, but not overly so,” Bertram responded calmly, even as he was being torn to shreds. “You would be surprised just how sturdy my soul is. Moreover, one shouldn’t underestimate the abilities of an Augur. The system very happily helps Jacob heal any soul injuries I have during the resurrection process. Ah, but traces of how I died can still be found, and any soul injuries tend to leave detectable echoes behind, so whatever damage you do now will leave evidence behind that’s visible immediately following my resurrection.”
Jake subtly nodded along, Bertram looking like a bloody mess by now, with Jake knowing the guy didn’t have long. For a moment, he wanted to try using Primal Gaze to test how sturdy his soul truly was, but he stopped himself. If Bertram was right, and his soul indeed was impressively sturdy, Jake really didn’t need that kind of backlash from his own skill. He was already in for a bad time once back on Earth due to overusing his boosting skills, and he saw no reason to make it worse.
It didn’t take that much longer before Bertram was only a few steps from death. It had taken way longer than Jake had expected it to, making him consider the outcome if Bertram had actually been fighting back. Not in the sense that Jake believed the Guardian stood even the shadow of a chance, but more how bloody long it would have taken with Bertram being a wholly defensive warrior and all. Quite a good defensive warrior at that.
Still, all his tankiness did was make him look even more brutalized as Jake went in for the killing blow. He stabbed Bertram directly through his chest, really driving Eternal Hunger in there as he penetrated the man’s heart before willing the weapon to get draining.
Bertram groaned as his life force was being absorbed; the curse energy really invaded his body.
“Filling my body and soul with curse energy... nice touch,” Bertram said with a light smile as his life rapidly faded away. “Ah... I almost forgot... when you come for us... have help ready... like the hawk... Carmen... swordsman... may be needed...”
Jake was almost annoyed as Bertram slumped over, a notification popping up letting Jake know the guy had died. Jake would have liked him to elaborate on his final words, as Jake couldn’t help but question why he would need help. Adding insult to injury, even the kill notification sucked.
*You have slain [Augur’s Guardian]*
Evidently, some skill was hiding it, or maybe this was just how the kill notification of an Augur’s Guardian worked. Either way, Jake really had to stop dallying around and get the hell off the planet as soon as possible.
While the Celestial Child and his Eclipse had calmed the thunderstorms – primarily by just destroying them all – the planet below Jake was still only getting worse. The earthquakes hadn’t stopped, the entire terrain utterly unrecognizable, and as the rest of the remnants of the atmosphere faded away, Jake could only assume that total collapse was imminent.
To avoid being around for that, Jake took out his special ring for the second time that day and activated it to teleport home. Bertram’s words that Jacob had used the Prima Vessel did make Jake consider if he could go and use that, but he decided not to try, primarily because he had no idea where the Vessel was by now. The best he could assume was that it had fallen into some abyss by now.
As the ring slowly activated, Jake once more let his boosting skill fade away, a massive wave of weakness washing over him. He felt tired throughout his entire body and soul, and more than anything really wanted to take a good nap after getting back to his lodge... but before doing that, he had a few skill upgrades to check out.
Comments
DasGoat622
Maybe she sees the corruption in her faction but unlike Villy can’t just go ham a kill a bunch of people cause it would damage her path. But she sees in Jacob someone who could be a real leader and force for good once he reaches the higher tiers. And being a Primordial she’s a scheming bastard like all of them so she has multiple plans one where Jacob helps her clean house and one where she gets a powerful bloodline. Either way she wins
Trumangolorian
I hope this is the holy mother's way of being able to clean house secretly. TYFTC
Phil Ritter
I was really starting to hate the holy church but with the holy mother’s actions maybe it’s still salvageable. My guess is that she does with the Augur what Villy did when he gave him a slave leaving them enough leeway for them to change what they disapprove of without directly involving themselves
Olof Karlsson
Thanks for the chapter!
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Nexas Aurelias
I have a feeling that's exactly whats about to happen
TNT
Thank you for the chapter. ya know, I seem to recall last time someone stole Jake’s kill, they had to pay the Viper off, with the implication that just stealing it would make them enemies not just of Jake but the Viper too. I think whoever’s is running this scheme just accidentally opened a can of worms that the Holy Mother would, if pressed, definitely sacrifice them to placate the Viper or at the least have to compensate him or Jake. Lastly it would be hilarious if they resurrected EH’s remnant soul only for it not to have the bloodline because it was left behind in the heart, and then they still have to deal with Jake and Villy.
Chloe
Tyftc
Aurora1325
i mean i view it as cheeto becomeing a natrual tresuer and nothing more
Hayden Leech
Finally!!!!! An actual War!! The Prima alliance vs Earth alliance War kinda fizzled out with the Valhal usurper treaty but this has the makings of a real WAAAR!!!
SmokeJam
no worries mate, I like to be a smartass, everyone has their weakness.
Thornorium
I’m getting tired of major enemies getting off too easily. I really hated the orange freak but there needs to be clarification that his bloodline isn’t coming back. Otherwise it’s too hollow a “victory”
Zizawah
".., but not the authority to punish him should not fail to act accordingly." -- "should he fail to act .." Thanks!
Mac
I wonder what happens to Bertram if Jacob dies before him. Would that just annihilate his path or could he find another augur to do the same with. Viscera as well, Jacob seems to have at least a few skills related to Bertram, if he does and Jacob is unable to revive him, will Jacob he just be able to designate a new person as his guardian or will those skills just become useless?
Michael Ferguson
Sorry for making you repeat your your self. I'm a slow learner.
SmokeJam
Villy told him after saving him that palate will only be functional again after his next evolution. Skills don't have evolutions in that sense, only races do. Means he needs to reach b grade. And no, skills are not ranked in the same way, means none of his are in b grade. They get ranked after rarity. Iirc it is currently legendary and almost all will be downgraded on race evolution. Are you mixing up your stories atm? XD feels like you are thinking of The First Defier
Michael Ferguson
Has it been sead he needs to get to B grade? If so upgradeing pallet is moronic, it is already at B grade. He needs to level everything else up.
Kt-x
Thanks for the chapter
Sam
Doesn't the holy church have more than one planet in the Milky Way galaxy with all the help they gave the alliance? How will Jake figure out which planet Jacob has gone to?
Gwiddion
Jake had his bloodline before villy ever showed up. Also all Jake's coworkers and his family got their aura resistance by his surpressed bloodline another point for it existing before the integration. That a bloodline patriarch drops a bloodline orb upon death is either common knowledge ( but then every a+ grade would have one as people would hunt and kill any bloodline patriarch) or it is another peculiarity by Jake's bloodline.
Asher Mack
I think the thing is his bloodline may just be supreme to the point of improvement being against the very nature of the bloodline, like the point of it is that he reigns above all others, so i don’t think it would happen but I may eat my words
Matt Ledingham
Great to see the next direction looming. The resolution of Augur Vs Chosen will certainly set a tone towards the greater multiverse opening up again. Also great to see Jacob back interacting again, interesting to see more familiar characters after a long time with Ell'Hakan.
Shaibene
I can see Jake absorbing the starlight heart, improving his bloodline. Being all about emotions, it would fuse well with instincts. A predator afterall can smell your fear, nervousness, excitement etc this would potentially further improve perception gains or even add an extra % stat like Will
SmokeJam
While the swordsaint never was an enemy and more of a tournament rival, I do think you are not too wrong with your criticism. It is difficult to send well written characters into the abyss, but this time it should've been done properly. You could argue though that all these resurrections and save throws are only possible because so many gods pay attention to Jake. But yeah, I would like to see him actually kill his prey instead of only innocent on the way :D
SmokeJam
No. As said a million times: palate can only be fixed with the next evolution. What gains did his palate skill get? You are around long enough to know that skills only level up if trained and focused on, not by some level up ability points. And what would potions do? He is already using them on cooldown when necessary. None or your complaints make any sense.
SmokeJam
Well he is apparently trying to be a reformist
Hotep Saxis
Oh yeah good catch, I forgot all about that lantern from the end of the tutorial.
JJB4345_80_815
Yes, thank you for the chappy Zogarth!
Michael Ferguson
I think he has had enough gains to fix pallet.
CaptainFlowers
I loved the chapter and interactions between Jacob, Betram, and Jake, yet at the same time, I honestly feel a bit cheated. I love this series, I truly do, despite peeping in here to bitch once in awhile. But will there actually ever be ANY kind of consequences? Every major enemy of Jake has either become his friend or died yet been saved by a god, without fail every time, outside of Chris himself, or some very minor dude in a one off chapter. William, defeated and revived, now made into an ally and potential friend The Fallen King was revived and made a friend too (Fan of this, how couldn't I be?), now being revived again, possibly, fused with the False God? Sword Saint, made into a friend, after a truly awesome fight (My favorite in the series) El'Cheeto, died but not actually, just remade? Bloodline still lives, and will definitely be kicking around in the future, probably A-Grade. It's a very reoccurring thing and it's getting played out, 11 books in, a bit too much. I'm not trying to rag man, I'm really not. I fucking hate El'Hakken and that's due to your ability to write him, and all your villains, very well. You write them so well I want to be fucking DONE with them, and I mean that with all respect man lol. But for being the ultimate hunter, Jake never seems to actually, definitely, kill his biggest prey once and for all. And it's getting a bit grating. Unless Jacob is handing an empty heart with no records. Then I stand corrected.
Michael Ferguson
He needs to drink a few potions too. And it would be nice to talk to Villy. This system event is getting annoying.
Yeslek Nnamhctits
I just want our jake to finally do his once over. The skills, the loot. The cool downs... Appease my goblin brain before the weekend, please...
Shane
Just wanted to mention that the House of the Architect point is a bit reversed. His actions weren't actually hidden because of his Bloodline. He used his Bloodline so much because he knew his actions would be hidden by the System in that specific Challenge Dungeon. In their first conversation, the Bound God told him all participants' actions (in most areas) and Creations were hidden from even the Wyrmgod, which is why he was so comfortable using his Bloodline. It was specifically a measure to allow people to go all out in Creations eithout feeling the need to hold back so that the Creations would provide even more Records.
Gman
You r most welcome
CunnyEnjoyer
Thanks for writing this out!
CunnyEnjoyer
Assuming that it’s keeps going steady and doesn’t start increasing by less or more than 5%. For all we know it’s going to be at 150% at 2nd step!
Brian Stein
I think Villy is special as the keeper of forbidden knowledge. I suspect he is able to get more insights somehow through his own bloodline.
William WIlson
John Jacob's got what's left of Ell’Hakan’s soul locked down. The lantern he uses is a skill and can't be lost or given. Here is the description [Lantern of the Augur (Ancient)] – The fallen souls are never truly lost to the Augur. Summon a lantern that can store the souls of the fallen. While in the lantern, the souls do not experience any decay but are instead nurtured. The souls must enter of their own free will. Capacity and power of the souls stored are based on Willpower and Wisdom. The thing is jacob didn't get all of the Bloodline because of the heart. See this item description [Starlight Heart of the Celestial Child (Unique)] – The crystalized heart of Ell’Hakan, also known as the Celestial Child, former Chosen and Usurper of Yip of Yore. This Starlight Heart was created after his death, containing his Records. Contains remnants of the Bloodline of the [Redacted], granting it unique powers. This item allows you to [Redacted] while held. Additionally, if consumed, the Starlight Heart of the Celestial Child may grant the consumer [Redacted]. May the powers of the moons and stars guide you. Jacob wants Jake to bring everyone because the Holy Church has the Desolate Child false god.
Michael Ferguson
Villy definitely fucked up EH's userpation ritual. That is how the crystal formed.
William WIlson
I think that explains that some member of the Holy Church collected the Desolate Child, which is why jacod said to bring them all.
William WIlson
Ty that's my take. It may have a Bloodline but it's definitely not Ell’Hakan’s full Bloodline because Jake's got some of it. However if Jake was to help he could actually bring back Ell’Hakan.
Tommy S
It's been explained that bloodlines are outside system influence. Like lines of code that are maybe encrypted.
Michael Ferguson
I want Jake to walk into a trap and blow up the whole capitol of the church in retaliation. He is still sitting on a Desolation planet core
William WIlson
Hotep it's a skill see book 2 chapter 11 for this description [Lantern of the Augur (Ancient)] – The fallen souls are never truly lost to the Augur. Summon a lantern that can store the souls of the fallen. While in the lantern, the souls do not experience any decay but are instead nurtured. The souls must enter of their own free will. Capacity and power of the souls stored are based on Willpower and Wisdom.
William WIlson
Gman That doesn't explain the system redactions villy comments on during his time in the house of the Architect dungeon. It redacts both Transcendence skills and Bloodline skills automatically. We've also only ever really gotten detailed Bloodline discussions between Jake and Villy which isn't very conducive in understanding what's Redacted and what's not because Jake's main character and villys Bloodline. I do think had Ell’Hakan told Jake what his Bloodline did it wouldn't be Redacted.
Michael Ferguson
Jake lacks the requirements to understand what those paths do. The system probably doesn't understand bloodline's it just manipulates them.
William WIlson
I'm pretty sure the lantern is a skill and can't be taken or guve the lantern. Maybe upon death Jacob could leave it as quasi loot but I'm not sure about that
Michael Ferguson
Jake has a lot of Villy records, he is the one with a obtained bloodline. I think after Villy did that the system made it easier to get a bloodline.
Gman
Jake's bloodline: G GRADE = 5%, F = 10, E=15, D=20, C=25, B=30, A=35, S=40, GOD=45, 2ND CIRCLE OF DIVINITY = 50, 3RD=55, 4TH=60, 5TH=65, 6TH=70, 7TH=75, 8TH=80, 9TH=85, GODKING = 90, 1ST EMPERION STEP = 95, 2nd step = 100. So, its 2 steps beyond Godking that we would get to see the bloodline fully unleashed or at least where it can coexist with Jake rather than being suppressed.
Gman
If I remember correctly, that was because Jake's bloodline is considered Transcendent level by the system. Also confirmed by the backlash. And Wyrmgod didn't have any info on what happened because Jake temporarily established transcendent authority over the coliseum. So I guess the system considers EH's bloodline transcendent level as well.
William WIlson
It's the system redacting that information because it's a Bloodline. Like the Wyrmgod says the system redacts Transcendence skills and Bloodline abilities even from him in his dungeon. Literally had to ask Jake about the aftermath of the entire Valdemar fight yes they could watch the fight but couldn't see any explanation of how Jake did any of it. Nor could they see much of what Jake did in the Architect dungeon because everything Jake did in there was Bloodline related
Gman
I get all of that and I agree that it will be back. In fact I am looking forward to the first sage meeting even more now. maybe he will find a way for Jake to absorb that bloodline partially or fully into his own bloodline. But redacted parts make no sense to me. Jake has redacted info because of the shroud. and if Jake died, shroud will stop working unless Villy does something. But in case of EH, both him and yip are dead. So I don't get why its redacted.
Clint
It’s still bloodline information, and the System recycles. That bloodline will be back, one way or another.
Hotep Saxis
Jacob was narrating what his internal thoughts would be if he was acting in the churches best interest. He’s saying it out loud so Jake can foil the plot. Remember many people in the multiverse can detect lies, so he couldn’t just give the lantern to Jake.
Gman
Why does the crystal heart description has redacted info? Who/what is blocking it? EH is dead, yip is dead. no blessing or skill should be functioning as they are both dead to the system. why is it being redacted?
joel southard
Nice thank you for the chapter
Jackie
What does “Ah... I almost forgot... when you come for us... have help ready... like the hawk... Carmen... swordsman... may be needed...” mean? Why would Jake come for Holly Church if they can't resurrect EH? I didn't get this chapter tbh.
Jackie
What I thought Jacob lost EH remnants? (“And I shall now make my escape before I’m slain and lose the lantern by using a skill that allows me to switch places with my Guardian, who will fight you to buy time while I get away.”). So when Jake kills Beltram, there will be no way of the church resurrecting EH because they lost the remnant right? Also, Jake has the hearth. So the church didn't get what they want because Jacob helped Jake. So there is no trouble between Jake and church right?
Alpheon
Give constructive criticism or keep your negativity to yourself
Kevin Watson
Good chapter, nice to see the plot is immediately still moving, i see people in the comments STILL complaining which is ridiculous to me. If i remember correctly Jacob has been shown doing his own thing semi separate from the church since before Ell Hakan and i’m extremely interested in what he’s been up to
Horacio Solano
Agree. And Jake starts working staart working as a Chaos agent for diff primordials, whiout him knowing, even Eversmile finds Jake usefull, Storm-bird likes jake, Maybe Aeon get interested in the moment of primal hunter if he watxh in action anytine, i expect the smith galaxy god to craft a bow for our hunter etc etc
ElijahRS
Blightfather might be pretty happy as well, I could definitely see the Risen swooping in to have a large outpost in the Milky Way if the Holy Church gets booted out or at least severely weakened influence across the galaxy.
William WIlson
Mat at minimum some of the Bloodline record are in the heart. [Starlight Heart of the Celestial Child (Unique)] – The crystalized heart of Ell’Hakan, also known as the Celestial Child, former Chosen and Usurper of Yip of Yore. This Starlight Heart was created after his death, containing his Records. Contains remnants of the Bloodline of the [Redacted], granting it unique powers. This item allows you to [Redacted] while held. Additionally, if consumed, the Starlight Heart of the Celestial Child may grant the consumer [Redacted]. May the powers of the moons and stars guide you. It maybe just a portion that allows for greater control over his own emotions considering that's all Jake would want record wise from Ell’Hakan’s Bloodline but we don't really know how much is missing.
ABTelford
I think I know why Jacob wants ELL-Hakkans bloodline to vanish - the emotional manipulation seriously screws up any persons path who falls under its sway. Jacob would find that repugnant
inkaral
As interesting as it is to hear about what Jacob has been up to, as well as the inner politics of his faction... I REALLY do not want a cheeto version 2. The first one was annoying enough.
ABTelford
Wait the title for this chpt is labeled as 1 as in first in a series of fights against the guardian…so…will the second fight be immediate, next chpt or will it be much later, when Jake tracks down Jacob on that hidden planet? Also…I’m wishing for a Christmas present surprise post! 🙏🏼🎅
Rishain
1) jake is suppose to hate scheming, wtf does he need all this explain to him 2) why didnt jake just shoot the el hankin core 3) all this long ass explanation could be said with them just saying church want to bring another el hankan in the world and we dont want that. 4) i feel like this ruins the ending to a great fight between jake and el hawklin. forever tainted 1 to many 1 more things. feels horrible for story telling.
Mat
If they bring back wacko EH back, they will get the bloodline. The heart is at most like the Jake Perennial marble. Something only possible due to the bloodline but does mean it contains. If loot could produce something with a bloodline, then history of bloodlines would have been different. Jake using origin juice on it is a bi❓and with the bloodline attach to the true soul, I doubt
Connor
Thanks for the chapter
Michael Fannon
Divine is the level below the True blessing. That is the one that only one person can have at a time.
thomas johnson
Divine is the one where only one can be given... right?
brjenness
ahh... JD.. I see you have also met Clyde's wife.
Chris
If Jake creates something with cheeto's bloodline first, would it screw over the Holy Church's attempt?
Blaq Jesus
I disagree. Martin Luther...
Clint
Depends how important EH’s bloodline is to the church. They could definitely teleport their people from galaxy to galaxy.
RobbieDonei
He'll provs just wipe out the faction that wants El Hakkebs bloodline and then Jacob starts a reform as the holy mother believes half the faction is corrupt typical church trope
Nate Slusher
Ugh!! Nice chapter but too short
Ty Cooper
Doesnt Jake hold the bloodline and records associated with it in the crystal heart? Doesn't that mean if they resurrect EH he wouldn't be complete missing what they want from him or even make a false god
SmokeJam
No, Eternal Hunger doesn't eat the soul per se. It eats any and all energies it encounters, so you could say it drains the soul. But as the True Soul is indestructible bar System intervention, as long as you have an anchor for it, it should be possible to be revived. It just might change dramatically on encountering death. I understand it that way: The True Soul is the existential building block of any (sentient) creature and helps imprint the soul and person with their personal information. If you happen to lose everything though, you are left with a "raw" piece of True Soul, but no information data on the character who carried this soul as it doesn't preserve those, just the most basic concepts of the individual. As bloodlines are apparently part of these basic concepts, you can try to resurrect that part but you will not get the person itself back.
SmokeJam
Jacob "Martin Luther" and his martyrs. Good troll title though, I was somewhat confused seeing another "fighting title" today
Lonnie
Right? I was like, "here we go again with dbz fight scenes!" Zog's a fuckin troll
John Durrett
At least he didn't put on a fuzzy red coat and say tickle me
John Durrett
I still like the idea someone one already posted about Villy giving Jake a top grade beer for them to toast together once the event closes and the can hang out.
John Durrett
Thats what she said
John Durrett
Act now while quantities last!
John Durrett
Getting a bloodline from someone who's dead sounds like a Risen Kink.
Frankie Rose
Zogarth does it again
John Durrett
Dodging the question Eh? lol
John Durrett
Both work.
Niko Tainui
I like the possible setup of the next ?Maybe villain?
John Durrett
It might be to give an even greater illusion or story of them being overwhelmed by Jake's forces and unable to defend the bloodline. Jacob doesn't want the bloodline to exist but needs to sell that did his best to protect it while still losing it to Jake.
John Durrett
Suddenly my head is filled with the Song "Whip it" by Devo - but replaced with "Lick it" instead. ;)
John Durrett
B Grade will not be as long in chapters because by nature its NeverMore. :P
Ansordia
or anti believers... but yea ;P anything goes as long as it's not those specific things ;P
William WIlson
Yeah and Jacob is knowingly giving it to her
John Durrett
Well its led by the Reverend Mother and apparently she needs a big shaft. :P
liquid_helix
Nice title
The lord of chaos
The HC is like a parasite. They either own the world or the leave unless there is a reason for them to stay, ie to fight off the risen or as an outpost for connection to other factions. I think the same is with the galaxy especially since it is the home Galaxy of a chosen of a primordial. People would just assume that the Order will make sure the galaxy is fully under their control. So they are probably going to keep a few planets anyway. For EH's bloodline is a small price to pay for probably a golden age when the bloodline propagates enough. Even after a few generations the only bit that remains is the sensing others emotions, it can be used to keep people under their sway. They will be able to address people who are having second thoughts and less people would leave.
Steven Tuttle
its not a troll they will fight again even if just to sell there trick
Doug
I had this same thought. Also makes me wonder gore they can attempt to resurrect EH if the soul is fully gone, but idk maybe the records are in those shards
The lord of chaos
nothing can destroy the True Soul, so if they have a way of bringing it back the rest of the soul can be healed in time. Bert even says that the system helps with healing soul damage
kingofshibainu
Nice! I like the internal intrigue at the church. It explains Jacob's actions and now I see a path forward for him still in the Church as a reformer. He has found his path!
Avi Kopla
I know there is nevermore in other grades but I thought that they weren’t really necessary or impactful until S-grade
Boombaga
I really hope he gets to see Artemis again, i loved their little tryst and wanna see more :D
Trevor Mergen
Thanks!
SinCinnamon
It shouldn’t as there are no leaderboards past C grade.
Corvid
Holy Mother and Blightfather both are the sovereigns of the long game. They basically copped to creating a generational blood feud for benefits while giving platonic cheek kisses. She's probably cool with sitting back and letting whatever happens happens. \
Danny Bagley
Nice little troll there with the chapter title lolol.
Corvid
I don't know why, but that image killed me. LICK IT is still probably one of my favorite moments in the series.
Corvid
[The Primal Hunter] vs. [One Absolute Unit of a Butler]. One thing got me thinking though. He can heal soul damage sure, but doesn't eternal hunger kinda nom the souls of things it kills.
ReadingObsessed
No matter their race or heritage. Except Risen & Vampires.
William WIlson
I'm still laughing because the Holy Church will waste all this time and resources to bring back Ell’Hakan for his Bloodline yet his Bloodline records went it the heart. Basically leaving them with a massive Karmic debt and nothing to gain. They totally got shafted.
William WIlson
Nah that was given to Nevermore with her promising it wouldn't leave. However Jacob might interact enough with Jake for it to naturally occur it happened to the sword saint
Ray Light
He got a greater blessing near the end of book 2 that has apparently recently been upgraded to Divine
William WIlson
Nah he got a greater blessing if I'm not mistaken.
Ray Light
Just hope the B-grade version won't be as dragged out as the C-grade was tbh
Michael Fannon
Wait, didn't Jacob already have a divine blessing since the end of the tutorial?
Ray Light
Part two is probably something that happens in the near future or has specific consequenties. Perhaps this fight is similar to what Yip did to Villy. For Bertram to learn how he fights and what he can do to steel themselves for a bigger fight later.
Fleetpanda
People blow the implications of Villy getting his bloodline out of proportion. That was him, a primordial, getting the top prize in a unique system event. He had to request it from a system avatar. It’s not replicable outside of unique circumstances
Sean
I actually was baited by the title. I thought we were going to get like 3 chapters of Jake drunkenly swaying in a fight against Bert lol.
Fleetpanda
I’d imagine they aren’t in this galaxy. They might be in a completely different faction
Sal
Nevermore still has a B-grade version so maybe Jake and Co have a reunion there
Darshar Griffonmane
He might get a title or achievement for destroying a planet or doing the divine bargain/sacrifice. Otherwise it'll just be records added to his potential and such.
Clint
The Holy Church had two people in the top ten… I mean eleven… in the 93rd universe at Nevermore. Will the Saintess and Paladin be there for this fight? Could be epic.
Clint
Or forget he has it.
Clint
I’m wondering what would happen if a holy soul turned heretic.
fruit dragon
No i get that , it will be sweet when they get evicted
Clint
Don’t forget that Carmen is now in the running to be Valdy’s chosen, after surviving his blood. She seems much more likely than Caleb.
Clint
It is, but the potential gains for the faith-farming faction from EH’s bloodline could be a far bigger gain.
Phasmatic7
Thankies
Clint
I could see a big arc visiting Ygg and hunting with an avatar of Artemis, maybe early in B grade?
Chase Burton
Tftc!
Davey876
I wonder when we will hear from dina next. Loved her synergy with the nevermore party
Justice Knapton
O don't give him ideas with next chapter sleep knowing zog he will spend next chapter describing Jake falling asleep just to push the skills of a cliff
Bryan Wilson
He already did send something but he couldn’t check bc he was fighting CC
Ben
Poor Jake just wants to find a stoop, drink a beer, and lick his orb but I’m excited about where this is going. Full war with the order and Valhal vs holy church maybe? It’s been kinda strange with a galaxy wide conflict and Valhal just sitting around.
Psyck0
I keep feeling Jake's gonna hunt the holy mothers pantheon at some point
A. B. Edwards
Ok Zog, you scared me with that title. Jake vs the Guardian (1)? I almost thought we were going to have another 12 part fight. Next chapter, sleep. Monday, skill ups. Tuesday, meeting to get everyone together to ruin the Church's day. Then likely Friday we see the first fight with the Church put make a massive cliff hanger to drive us all nuts.
D
Maybe she wants a heretic chosen too?
BumAssBumAss
This chapter revealed that the holy mother has been taking a seat back regarding what is going on. I personally believe that the holy mother is waiting for Jacob to do something, to grow just like Jake did just now with ell'hakan.
fruit dragon
After the prima event isn't the milky way like prime real estate and the church getting the hell booted out of it be a real loss?
Despair
i was like woooot
Azazel
TFTC! I think I’m starting to like Bertram more lol
doob
I wonder if Jacob is going to get his hands on that heretic/blessed grimoire that Jake made. He seems like a good person for it
John Looney
Don’t be gaslighting the ladies luv it when men came from rushing lmao
BumAssBumAss
Ell'hakan's heart is a valuable alchemical material. Jake will probably use it for some insane alchemy more likely. It is a one of a kind material.
brjenness
Good point.
John Looney
Eternal hunger might be a pretty nice tool to hold power of to pinnacle bloodlines and it might even synergize with it
brjenness
There is a hidden primordial that is a planet and it made earth it's chosen. Earth is now the Walmart for gods...no...it's the exotic car dealership for God's. Potential chosen that can't be found anywhere else that may or may not actually be worth the price.
Pip Mitchell
Tftc, loved the J/B expo (B so trusting!). Minor point, second last para, probably don’t need “by now” two sentences in a row.
Andromeda Adams
Sounds like Jake will be fighting a part of the holy church next. I wonder why he has to bring help? Tyftc!
Matthias
tftc
Reno
I didn't mean that the Church would give it to him. I don't think they would even if they could. Villy acquired a bloodline (presumably) after getting a transcendence that was designed to work with a bloodline he didn't have at the time. So there has to be a way to acquire a bloodline from someone who's dead. Whether you need to be a god to do so, I don't know. But an augur MIGHT know, if we stretch our imagination a bit.
MarineDebris
Agreed. Jacob and Bertram already know that Jake wouldn't just sit by passively and allow Ell'Hakan's bloodline to come back. However, Jake is currently in possession of said bloodline. He should prolly give that Heart to Villy for safekeeping. Or Miranda, to use in a ritual.
Gwiddion
I doubt people know about it and I doubt it's a regular drop from bloodline patriarch it's more likely a trophy created by Jake's bloodline. Else everyone who doesn't have a bloodline wouldn't experiment on them just kill the patriarch and you got urself a bloodline.
Gwiddion
He will get whatever villy sends him as a reward.
Valhazstromoz
That's my running theory I feel like Jake's involvement will change villys path maybe that's what the other primordials need
Gwiddion
I could also see Jake giving it to Miranda as she is far more levelheaded than EH. Though I doubt it.
Boomer
You thinking she wants in on the heretic chosen action? That would be kinda sick to have 3 primordial chosen from the same planet if we think Caleb will get umbra's true blessing.
Ray Light
Heart more like?
Ray Light
Patience my good man.. Nothing good ever came from rushing things after all!
Boomer
It's been said in no uncertain terms bloodlines can not be stolen only transferred by the system so it would be pretty weird to invest in some low grade mortal if killing them and moving their bloodline to a god or someone more desirable was an option.
Sean
Yup, Earth has an insane amount of records for a new universe. Plus Jake will probably get some good records just by destroying a rivals planet
Alexander C Hyde
I kind of want to get out of (here)there before the entire planet explodes… or implodes… honestly, I don’t plan on sticking around to find out.”
Pickled Rick
They have the authority to give him orders, yes, but not the authority to punish him should not fail to act accordingly. -> should he fail to act accordingly
Alexander C Hyde
So… why not get the hell out of (Dodge)dodge while you still can?”
Horacio Solano
You remember when Duskleaf asked Villy about using Jake to create Chaos in the order, well, Holymother is using Jake to create chaos in holyfactions!
Ty Cooper
And Valhal probably
A Flashy BR
Oh thank goodness I was worried we we about to get another fight cliffhanger.
Ty Cooper
It might be like Villy and slavery. He is using Jake's views on slavery to inact change without doing it himself. But the Holy Church is a propaganda machine. Maybe she needs people like Jacob to reach godhood
Valhazstromoz
She needs a Jake .......a friend which I think Jacob will fill that role same with Casper and imortau and selphy and stormild
Tilen Praprotnik
Thanks
TyranT-Rex
I think so too. The holy church is already fragmented into different factions. Whoever got that bloodline could pull others to their side. So unless the holy mother herself got it, it could cause a massive internal issue.
Alexander C Hyde
Oh no, she’s very involved,” (Bertram) answered, stopping Jake in his thoughts instantly.
Reno
It would be such an unfortunate turn of events if Jacob was forced to absorb the bloodline in order to keep it from Jake. Oh how terrible it would be for an augur who can't fight to have an unblockable ability to read and manipulate emotions. Oh no. (It would be such a good fit on paper, even though Jacob might not have the stomach for it. I'm kinda rooting for Jacob to get it.)
brjenness
Does a planet have records?
austin kutz
I think it's more likely that she's a broken sociopath who can't tell right from wrong anymore due to her power and vast life
brjenness
Zog loves to troll. Saw him at the pub last night and I asked, "hey zelmo (that's his real name) what's going on with the church? Who is it that really wants that bloodline?" Zelly (as I like to call him) explained there are two competing S grades that will be in charge of the 93rd...let me go take a Wizz then I'll teii you the rest. I waited a few minutes, then the bartender handed me Zelly's bill and said he left and said I was going to pay it.
Matthew Lemon
Could be both tbf
C0bra$
Thank u for the story
brjenness
Zog took inspiration from Jake Paul fights for this one.
brjenness
Yes, this is something along the lines of what I'm thinking.
brjenness
Maybe the holy mother is going to use Jake and the order to cut some cancer out of the church? I still don't think she would want that nasty bloodline in her church.
Tyler S.
At current level it would be overwhelmed, if he maintains it till godhood (plenty of time change) then probably have a feast
Exaiter
Phew. Had me worried, good shit. I want a massacre, they stole his prey, not cool.
brjenness
The augur unknowingly influenced by cheetoh is his plan for revenge and rebirth.
Carver Conway
No it’s a planet and doesn’t have skills or levels
Tyler S.
Or just a joke to the bored of the fight opinions
Valhazstromoz
I'm wondering if the holy mother wants Jacob to make his own decisions in enacting change without being another. Yes Man I imagine that will lead to her giving her true blessing because only one willing to defy her to follow his path is worthy of her attention
Namorat
That was a trap title 😂
Justin Moen
I can’t take it! Zog! You gonna give us a multiple chapter drop for Christmas..?? ❤️❤️❤️ I really just wanna get to the sage! Tyftc!
Tyler S.
Lol really should have known that if it weren't for making it look like a hard fight, Jake would have quickly cut his head off and cursed him to oblivion. No need for a part 2
Arieh Sochaczevski
Thanks for the chapter!
Bi-Dailey
TFTC, and 10 out of 10 chapter title, or rather, (1) out of (1) :p
Devillelouch
Damn what a fight. Jacob having the EH bloodline would be very interesting. It really doesnt fit anyone else. Future fun, unless Jake forgets it in storage again...
Brian
Agreed, definitely indicating there will be a continuation of this conflict in the future. Looking forward to at least a dozen chapters of no fighting though.
Bryan Wilson
Will he get a kill notice for the planet
Michael Ferguson
This smells like a trap. The church wants that crystal.
Rick Delallata
More shenanigans, love it
Profile Name
Wonder what would happen if Jake stuck eternal hunger in the holyland considering it eats souls could be intressing. Tyftc
Rewdan
Thanks Zogarth. The church vs the order 👌
Martino Zanchi
Nice bait the number in the title
Sam
He needs help because the holy church is going to have an army there to protect the lantern
Unlisted Pokémon Hudson
I was kind of annoyed that we were going to get another long fight scene that ended with Jake crushing. My worries were misplaced.
Darshar Griffonmane
Bertram almost had him! *rolls eyes* Holy Mother I think is using Jacob and Jake the same way Villy used Yip. To clean house within the faction and re-align it to as of now, unspoken goals. As it is usually very hard for those at the top of large organizations to actually get real change done without breaking the entire organization. Though I will love the idea of the Nevermore crew + a few others taking on a batch of Holy Church elites and just wreck'n them. tyftc!
I Solis
lol! Thought it was going to be another multipart fight.
Harbby
LMAO
Andy Swearingen
Also you're a troll for that title zog !
Beemoss
Tftc
LongMickeyRicky
I was about to cry if we had a week of jake fighting bertram
Andy Swearingen
I really hope this some how ends with Jake actually becoming closer with the church because I'd love to see what happens when an angel made with Jake juice looks like 😂
Jana
Jake is decorating Bertram like the worlds most bloody Christmas Tree. Some Cuts here, a handprint there and now sprinkle some curses for the final touch.
Tommy
Trolling with the title?! lol TFTC!
Gavin
This division and faction situation with the church was a great addition and adds a lot of layers. I think we're headed for another arc pretty quickly?
Paulo Furlaneto
TFTC
Sailesh Kumar Kumar
Tftc
TyranT-Rex
Interesting title
Cryingwisp
Llletttss gooo
BumAssBumAss
Thanks for the chapter
