13. World Congress: Friendly Talks

Jacob refuses to chase World Leader votes, warning his team that the Congress is unpredictable due to systemic opacity and Jake’s fate-warping presence. He notes divine guidance is absent except a warning to avoid the Malefic Viper’s Chosen—advice he intends to ignore—making early power grabs risky.

Miyamoto gauges the masked Earl who claimed the first Pylon and judges the man stronger, easing his fear of lacking worthy peers. Prioritizing bonds over duels, he orders his clan to gather information and default to abstaining on World Leader. He also instructs respectful engagement with the undead, framing all attendees as equals under the system.

Carmen meets the towering Sven of Valhal, who proposes an alliance via Midtgaard. As they coordinate through a City Lord, Carmen reflects on Valhal’s combat-centered, person-focused ethos and neutrality. Sven compares top powers, suspecting Haven’s hunter edges the Sword Saint; both conclude they likely couldn’t beat either.

Elsewhere, Jake and Caleb trade tutorial experiences and discuss divine interference. Nadia, a Court sniper with an extreme-range kill, joins briefly. Jake casually refers to the Malefic Viper as “Villy,” confirms family progress toward D-grade, and plans a visit, reaffirming his intent to protect his family despite potential politics.

As the first half hour unfolds, factions consolidate by Pylon count, neighbors open talks, and alliances begin to form. Thanks to Jake’s earlier public reunion with Caleb, the overall atmosphere remains unusually friendly, emphasizing relationship-building over confrontation.