Chapter 49. Collaborator and the One Who Burns (9)
Clatter!
What exactly happened?
The question boiled inside me.
Why did I die?
Everything had been going so well. Clearing the dungeon, hunting adventurers, and exacting revenge on the guards—all three of my objectives had come together seamlessly. I had even gained an unexpected ally and acquired an incredible item, Grassmere's Fire.
The liquid displayed terrifying power even when diluted to a twentieth of its strength. The pure form was beyond imagination.
It was remarkable.
I replayed the events in my mind. I'd knocked Rena out and placed her in a safe spot. I'd covered myself and my armor with the powder the old man had given me to protect me from the flames.
Entering the dungeon's depths, I spotted the guards, unleashed the fire, and watched as both the enormous spider boss and the guards turned to ashes.
So why did I die?I followed the old man's instructions.
I kept the recommended distance and applied the powder thoroughly. Ordinarily, I would have felt the heat. Though my senses were dulled, I should have still recognized the dangerous temperatures. Yet, with the powder on, I'd felt nothing.