A Background Character’s Path to Power

"But more importantly," he continued, his voice losing its usual teasing edge, "you need to get stronger yourself. Yesterday proved you can hold your own—but barely. And those people? They won’t stop at just you."

His emerald eyes gleamed in the twilight. "They’ll extend their hands to those closest to you. That’s why you have to be stronger."

I nodded, my grip tightening on the fishing rod. "I know."

And I did.

This world didn’t play fair. If my enemies couldn’t reach me, they’d go after my friends and... my family that I have yet to see.

The thought alone sent a cold ripple through my chest.

Virion studied me for a long moment before nodding, satisfied. Then—

"Now," he said, "let’s talk about your... unusual situation."

My spine stiffened.