Chapter 1456 - A Questionable(?) Speech (Patreon)

Jake definitely hadn’t been the person to write this little speech himself, especially not the opening line, though he did add some parts of his personality and whatnot into it. In all honesty, he wanted to add more, but he was sure not to change anything that could affect what was communicated.

If he had been fine making a somewhat offensive speech, Jake would have gone a lot further and called them out more for what had happened last time he visited Venus. However, he also understood that would probably be counterproductive.

The first part of the opening was there to communicate that Jake was here in a very different capacity than last time. This was no longer about his own personal feelings, but solely about what he represented.

It was not an admonishment of what the natives had done, but an opportunity. The admonishment was veiled, and if they understood what they were dealing with, the threat of what would happen should they not accept the invitation was very much implied.

Of course, to have the slightest chance of success, Jake needed the people present to actually believe his words, which was what the ritual circle was there for. It wasn’t time to fully activate it yet, though.

“The multiverse is vast beyond your imagination, and this opportunity will allow you to get a glimpse into what it may have to offer. The system has given the Order of the Malefic Viper and all others of the multiverse a chance to participate in an event, and now, I shall extend that invitation to you.”

Jake had thought that selling the Order of the Malefic Viper more would have been smart, like talking about how powerful they were and the people in it, but evidently, the Viper didn’t think so. Instead, Jake was to focus on the World of the Exalted Prima.

Waving his hand, he activated another layer of formations, and a massive projection appeared above him, visible to all. It displayed an image of a Seat of the Exalted Prima, one of the large space stations that were present in many of the galaxies throughout the ninety-third universe.

“Upon the initiation of the ninety-third universe – the universe this Minor World is placed within – an event came along with it. One that has already progressed through several stages, and now the battle has moved to the World of the Exalted Prima. A reality beyond this one. An entire world that all are to fight for, created by the system as one large battleground to be conquered. Almost like a game, to the extent where death isn’t even real, as should one perish within the World of the Exalted Prima, they shall simply appear within the real world again.”

Again, this direction of the speech felt odd, as Jake was effectively just explaining the system event to them all, which in his opinion felt a bit like putting the cart before the horse. What was the point of explaining all of this to them if they weren’t going to work together, anyway?

What’s more, they already knew parts of this, hence why they had brought potential recruits. They didn’t know the details, sure, but they had some knowledge which made this all feel a bit wasteful, and Jake would prefer to speak as little as possible.

Still, Jake trusted the Viper as he continued.

“So far, the event has progressed through several stages, and the newest one has come with an opportunity. One I seek to take advantage of, using all of you. I, the Chosen of the Malefic Viper, command the Territory belonging to the Milky Way Galaxy. The Galaxy Venus is placed within. This new stage allows me to recruit individuals who are to join my Territory within the World of the Exalted Prima, individuals who I believe can be useful to my efforts and goals.”

Jake scanned the area with Pulse, but found it incredibly hard to read the reactions of anyone present, and those he could read, he didn’t find very useful. Most people who showed emotion mainly frowned or looked curious, while the Nomads primarily looked full of reverence simply at hearing him speak. He did spot some who looked doubtful, though hopefully the next part would dispel some of that doubt.

“You might be asking yourself: why would the Order of the Malefic Viper, a faction with power far beyond this insignificant Minor World, need to recruit you of all people? Why not simply recruit members of the Order if it’s so powerful?”

Clearly, this hit the nail on the head for many as they unconsciously nodded, and it was a good question. Without the context of how the World of the Exalted Prima worked, it truly wouldn’t make any sense, as the Order definitely had armies both stronger and infinitely more loyal than these natives from Venus.

“In truth, we don’t need to recruit any of you or give you this opportunity. However, doing so is more efficient. Recruiting individuals into the World of the Exalted Prima comes at a cost, but this cost is significantly reduced when bringing in natives of the new universe. You all count as these natives. As you saw with the few from your factions who briefly left this Minor World, the system favors those newly integrated. I am here to take advantage of that favor, while extending an opportunity to you. A mutually beneficial arrangement that truly only comes with benefits, both in the short-and long-term.”

Once again, Jake scanned the people observing him, and it seemed that he had at least alleviated some doubt while also making others more curious. Good going so far, he hoped.

“As I said, this will also come with the opportunity to work with the Order of the Malefic Viper. At first, as soldiers of our army, fighting for us, but also for yourselves. The World of the Exalted Prima is an opening into a new world that those chosen can explore, and should they perish, safely return here to report back. No one from the Order will stop them from doing so. That I swear upon the name of the Malefic Viper.”

Not really an oath Jake put much stock in, being a Heretic and all, and he wasn’t sure how effective it was with these natives who had little knowledge of gods and such in the first place. Hopefully it did something, though. At least the Nomads seemed impressed at him swearing on the name of a Primordial...

Also, it was a bit embarrassing to say, but only after Jake started this speech and relayed it did he start to understand some of the reasons why it was structured this way. Villy clearly knew that he couldn’t just fully lean on intimidation and his name as a god, which made him also communicate the benefits even if Jake turned out to be bullshitting or exaggerating details regarding the Order.

The part about allowing natives to return to Venus and report everything going on in the virtual world was also fully genuine, as that would only benefit Jake. Even if it were a limited world, it would be entirely different from anything they’d ever seen, and all who experienced it would be shocked, no matter what. At the very least, it would prove many of Jake’s claims without disproving any of what he’d said, and they would interact with other major factions of the multiverse, as well as with members of the Order and others serving Jake.

Even if they weren’t converted, they would at least be witnesses.

In other words, all they really needed was for the Venusians and Arachnecs to “sacrifice” some decent B-grades, and it would be a victory for Jake. He also didn’t doubt that those who did experience the World of the Exalted Prima would be hungry for more after dying in the World Wonder, which would only further his efforts and the goals of the Order.

Jake had purposefully made a dramatic pause after swearing on the Viper, and after taking a deep breath, as if merely having muttered those words had taken a lot out of him, he continued.

Continued on to another part of the speech he was a little nervous about.

“You will come to learn just how ignorant you all are. As natives of a small world like this, you know nothing of what lurks beyond your border. Listen to your kin who get a glimpse of the multiverse. View this as another opportunity to learn. Learn of your ignorance, learn of your foolishness, and only then, when you understand how little you truly know, you’ll comprehend the errors of your ways. This is an opportunity, yes, but know that there will come a choice.”

Jake activated another part of the ritual that amplified his aura. Not the part he had laid down, as the time hadn’t come yet, but still one that would be useful to relay his next words.

Fully unleashing his aura as the Chosen of the Malefic Viper, Jake allowed all present to experience it, even if they knew from last time he’d tried this that it was far from as effective as usual. These natives of Venus did not know its meaning and significance, but only felt that Jake had a “fake” powerful aura that seemed borrowed. They did not understand it, and while a lot of comprehension did spark some fear, it had not been enough to convince them.

“The ninety-third universe is still in a state of integration. It’s limited by who can travel to it, but in due time, it will fully open up and become just another universe. Even before that, it will have been divided up among the top factions. Venus is already in a domain claimed by the Order of the Malefic Viper. But do not misunderstand; that doesn’t mean you are part of the Order. It means you live under our mercy.”

Jake had finally started with the actual threats, which honestly were more just clarifying the situation to the natives of the Minor World. Still, he could definitely feel a few responses as auras flared temporarily from people not happy with what he’d said, and below, he felt the Great Sea Serpent also slightly stir, ready to make his appearance.

Feeling the dissatisfaction among many in the crowd, Jake had to steel himself as he continued, as his next words weren’t exactly less inflammatory:

“Do my words offend you? Why? Are you going to tell me that you’ve ruled this world since its dawn? That it isn’t suddenly under the control of some unknown faction because they say it is? Don’t get me wrong. I understand your frustration when confronted with reality. But it doesn’t change anything. In the grand scheme of the universe, you are weak. Too weak to resist the will of others. Too weak to be given a choice... unless you prove you’re worthy of being listened to. Prove that you have individuals who could one day reach godhood and achieve immortality.”

This part of the speech Jake genuinely wasn’t sure of as it felt like something he’d tried to communicate before, and again, that hadn’t exactly gone well. Once more, it wasn’t that anything said was wrong, but that he was saying things no one in the position of the natives wanted to hear. It was a cruel fact born of a cruel multiverse.

The weak didn’t have the right to decide their own fates but were at the mercy of others. No one would bat an eye if a god destroyed the entire Minor World and every creature within it. Not if that god had claimed ownership of the world.

It wasn’t a reality Jake liked, but one he understood. Law of the Jungle and all that. It was somewhat what the natives of Venus already understood, but they were now learning that the jungle they believed they lived in was far bigger than they’d ever believed and inhabited by predators beyond their wildest imaginations.

“I see that the leaders of the Arachnecs and Venusians have shown up today. I feel your auras. You approach the peak of A-grade, knowing that even if you hit that peak, all that awaits you is an insurmountable wall. One that no creature of this world has ever broken through. Act well, and that wall will be torn down for not just you, but all creatures of this world. You have already shown you have the talent to reach where you are today, and with the help of the Order, you can go even further.”

Jake spoke directly to the leaders now, using a part of the speech Jake would naturally only have needed to use should the leaders show up. As stated earlier, he hadn’t expected them to show, but based on the Viper forcing him to memorize this part, clearly, the snake god had other expectations.

“In some ways, you are unbelievably lucky to be found this early on during the integration. I started out this speech by saying you should congratulate yourselves and revel in the fortune of this encounter, and I wish to reiterate those words. This truly is a stroke of luck. Having your Minor World in the domain of the Chosen of the Malefic Viper is luck you cannot even comprehend. Being given the chance to help the Order is indeed an opportunity others would kill for. It being this early in the integration also gives you some power. Grounds for negotiation, as long as you still know your place.”

To Jake, this part felt a little contradictory. He had just spoken about how pathetically weak they were, and now, he suddenly talked about them having some power to negotiate. While knowing their place, sure, but any negotiation still required some level of equality, right? Jake could only guess this was to give them hope, which the next part supported.

“I can even share that it’s not uncommon for places existing within the dominion of the Order to remain autonomous. Of course, this requires trust and competency, but most importantly, worthiness. A great way to prove yourselves worthy is to contribute to the Order of the Malefic Viper, and the World of the Exalted Prima is an opportunity to do just that. How can you not call that fortunate?”

More truths that could easily be interpreted as rather offensive, but Jake didn’t them long to linger long on the words before he kept talking.

“Finally, before you represent those who wish to get the privilege of joining my Territory in the World of the Exalted Prima, allow me to make one thing absolutely clear: you will do so as soldiers. You will follow orders, act as commanded, and strive to further my goals. This is non-negotiable, and should you refuse to do so, not only will you suffer the consequences, but so may your entire race for failing to prove itself useful.”

Needless to say, this had to be emphasized if Jake wanted to avoid having people join the World of the Exalted Prima only to have them fuck around and do nothing. He did need soldiers who could think for themselves – that was kind of the entire point of this, as if not, they could just recruit more NPCs – but too much independence could also become a problem.

“However, I also know that loyalty is not built in a day. As I stand here, I can feel the doubt from many of you. The lingering questions, asking just how much I’ve said is true, how much is overexaggeration, and how many things I still keep hidden. I even feel a bit of killing intent here and there, shown by those ignorant of the consequences should they act.”

Jake had wondered whether this part should be included if there wasn’t anyone showing killing intent, but honestly, was it ever possible that he wouldn't piss off at least one person enough to want to kill him? There weren’t many of them, but he definitely felt a few here and there, which was good enough.

However, he had to admit that things were going damn smoothly so far. None of the powerful A-grades had raised their voices and objected. Nobody had interrupted him or created trouble, despite all the things he’d said. In fact, they were acting far more respectfully than Jake had assumed they would, making him think that a lot had changed in the last year or so since he left Venus the first time.

“Naturally, it goes without saying that should you act against the Order, not only you, but your entire race and perhaps this whole world may find itself destroyed as punishment. That would be such a waste. Meanwhile, should you act wisely, you will come to learn the benefits and reach new heights. For some, this has already started to happen. Many Nomads have sworn loyalty to the Order, and we even have a few fully fledged members here now. A select few who’ve been granted the privilege early due to their dedication, and witnessing them, I expect you to see the wisdom in their choice.”

With those words, Jake summoned the prime example of this as beneath him, the likely most powerful creature of Venus stirred as the massive sea serpent started to rise. Jake stood there dramatically as the aura of the peak A-grade flared, still finding many aspects of this entire speech questionable, but nevertheless still just going along with everything.