Chapter 795: Nevermore: Aura-Measuring Contest

Chapter 795: Nevermore: Aura-Measuring Contest

Sometimes, you just knew you fucked up, and in that moment, Jake knew he had fucked up. Trying to get some petty levels of revenge on Eversmile by getting one over him had already been pushing it, and now Jake had effectively just rebuffed three presences of Primordials, as well as those of dozens of other gods, entirely on accident.

Instantly, Natures Attendant read the mood of the room and dispelled his soundproofing barrier, giving Jake the chance to apologize as he scratched the back of his head. Ah, sorry about that; I reacted without really thinking.

Yeah, that also wasnt the best thing to say, as he had just told everyone he had effortlessly rebuffed them entirely accidentally. Jake was entirely expecting some kind of negative response, but then he saw that Villy was just smiling as he shook his head, seemingly not bothered at all. So, it probably wasnt that bad, right?

The Holy Mother just retracted her own presence without saying anything besides giving Jake an inquisitive look, Valdemar temporarily doing the same as the Blightfather chose to speak up.

I am beginning to get a better understanding of that power of yours after feeling it myself, especially after meeting and Blessing your friend from before the integration of the ninety-third universe. I was intrigued by how he, a mere E-grade at the time, managed to hold up so well before me, but if he was baptized by constant exposure to your presence, that would certainly be an explanation, the Blightfather nodded with comprehension. Quite a multi-faceted Bloodline you got there. If you ever feel like visiting the Ghostlands, you would certainly be more than welcome. You could maybe even go with that friend of yours?

His words were both praise and sharing the fact the Risen also had some level of personal connection to Jake while also deciding to once more reiterate all Jake could do was rooted in his Bloodline. Along with that, he also publicly shared an aspect of Jakes Bloodline he didnt really think was that much of a secret, that being his ability to also increase others resistances through sheer exposure. Valdemar had kind of hinted at it, but the Blightfather pretty much stated it outright.

The final part the invitation was the only thing Jake would answer directly to. I thank the Blightfather for his words, and I am certain I will visit the heartlands of the Risen one day.

It wasnt a lie, either. Jake would probably end up visiting most of the places of note throughout his hopefully eternal life, and the Ghostlands was definitely one such place. He just didnt give any timeline as to when he would visit. It could be in a few decades or a few million years.

Seemingly thinking this answer was good enough, the Blightfather also retracted his aura, having said his piece. Jake thought his mess-up was finally over, only for him to realize it had only truly begun.

You know, ever since seeing that battle in the Challenge Dungeon, ya got me curious about something, Valdemar said in a loud tone as he stepped slightly toward Jake with a massive grin. Prepare yourself!

Jake barely had any time to react as Valdemars presence came back with full force. Instinctively, he once more reacted as his own flared to meet the challenge, the two auras clashing in an invisible battle. Instantly, Valdemars was getting pushed back again until he opened his arm wide, and the Primordials fighting spirit was triggered.

His eyes began to glow golden as a slightly golden luster appeared around his body. He was not using any energy, but the concepts of his Transcendence still bled into his presence as it pushed back at Jakes with indomitable strength.

It was like an unstoppable force, capable of crushing anything in its path, and for the first time ever Jake felt his presence getting pushed back as pressure descended upon him. He felt like a mountain was crushing down on him as his own presence shrank, Jake gritting his teeth as this reminded him of what had happened inside of the Colosseum.

And like the Colosseum, Jake did not back down as he retaliated in force.

The two auras clashed as an invisible battle took place. Valdemar was slightly pushed back by Jakes release but stabilized just as fast, stopping Jakes advance. Their two auras kept battling as an equilibrium was soon established, neither side capable of gaining any ground as each of their auras extended halfway to the other party.

Jake was both astonished and excited. He was equally matching Valdemar in a pure battle of presences, though if Valdemar decided to pour in just a smidgen of energy, Jake would instantly be crushed. However, the mere fact their two auras were equal was more than enough to prove one thing to everyone in the room:

His Bloodline matched the quality of Valdemars Transcendence. A Transcendence many recognized as potentially the most powerful one in the entire multiverse. Some of the gods present even failed to hold their poker faces as they displayed genuine surprise at the impromptu duel of auras.

However, things werent over yet.

Hah! Valdemar laughed loudly as he took another step forward, his body exploding in golden light, enveloping the entire room. His aura spiked several degrees as it washed over everyone, Jake included. With a grin, Jake took a step toward Valdemar as he met the challenge, his heart beating with excitement.

Thump!

A shockwave erupted from his own body as their two auras clashed one final time before both faded. The only two people standing in the room were Jake and Valdemar, as everyone else was either sitting down or looked to be in quite a bad situation.

This was when he also understood why the poker faces of some gods had dropped their clash in auras had put them quite on edge, many of them unable to take it. Even Eversmile was acting like he had been hit by a bus as he was kneeling while breathing heavily.

Needless to say, none of the Primordials, Minaga, or Natures Attendant had been affected. This didnt surprise anyone but Artemis was also fine, most assuming she had been protected by Natures Attendant somehow.

Good! Good! Valdemar said, looking extremely satisfied. I like you more and more!

Likewise, Jake smiled, having enjoyed the clash of auras more than he thought he would. It wasnt like an actual fight, but it was a challenge nevertheless. A kind he had never had before, considering there was no one else who could match his presence in pure quality.

It sure would be easier if they could just fight it out and not make things so complicated, Artemis sighed. Thats why the natures way is so much better. Predators hunt prey, and prey sometimes kills the predator in return.

Nature also has natural schemers, Natures Attendant said. Plants or fungi who lay hidden for long, slowly growing in power. Predators stalk their prey for long periods to discover where the rest of their packs are. Beasts who take the shape of others mix into groups, only to eat them from within. But yes, I do agree that schemes like this are not aligned with the Paths of hunters like you two. You should still be able to take part in schemes when it benefit you, though. It doesnt mean you have to initiate them; just be capable of performing as part of one.

Is this you low-key calling me out for being bad at playing my role? Jake asked.

No, I believe you played it extremely well. No one understands you, so you cannot truly act out of character as you have no established character. Plus, there is a high chance people assume any mistakes you make to be entirely deliberate, considering you are the Chosen of the Malefic Viper, Natures Attendant shook his head.

I definitely didnt make any mistakes, Jake nodded.

Bullshit, Artemis scoffed. You constantly act without thinking and make needlessly rash decisions too quickly. Just from the recording I saw from the Colosseum, your reliance on instincts in battle bleeds into your way of acting outside of fighting constantly.

Youre saying that as if its a bad thing, Jake smiled.

I didnt say it necessarily was. Not most of the time, Artemis shrugged. Theres nothing wrong with living according to your instincts.

Glad we agree on that, Jake said, throwing her a look.

Artemis sighed as Natures Attendant chuckled slightly.

However, before any of them could say anything more, the soundproofing barrier around them cracked, and a second later, disappeared entirely, Jake feeling the energy of the Wyrmgod no, the energy of Nevermore itself tearing it away.

Considering you are a Nevermore Attendee, I will not bend the rules further. I also believe it would be unwise of you to waste more time here than necessary if you wish to continue competing on the Leaderboards, the Wyrmgod spoke, nicely telling Jake to leave.

Jake took the hint as he nodded. Good point. Let me get out of here; I do have a few more Challenge Dungeons waiting, after all.

The Wyrmgod nodded as a teleportation circle appeared under Jake. However, just before he got whisked away, he heard several voices echo out in his head.

See you when you do my super exciting labyrinth that you surely wont ruin all the fun of! Minaga said.

Acceptable performance here, but now that youve shown yourself off so much in front of your little girlfriend, you better do well, or I am sure she and everyone else will be very disappointed, Villy said teasingly.

And finally, the voice of the little girlfriend in question, Artemis.

I will be waiting for when you come out of Nevermore to discuss more private matters further. Good luck!

After Jake had left, Valdemar was back sitting with the other Primordials and Minaga, a big smile still on his lips. The Viper had already set up a sound isolation barrier, making sure none but they could hear the conversation to come.

What brings such a big smile to your face? the Holy Mother asked after a bit, seeing as Valdemar hadnt stopped grinning even after Jake was gone.

He is just happy another strong human has emerged, the Blightfather waved her off. Not that I would blame him. He is quite an interesting specimen.

Heh you really didnt notice? Valdemar asked with a raised eyebrow.

Notice what? the Viper asked, frowning.

That I lost, Valdemar said, clenching his fists as the other Primordials looked confused at him, making the god of war elaborate.

Our auras may have seemed equal but he was protecting that gal all throughout, not allowing a single bit of my aura to reach her, no matter how hard I tried.