A Background Character’s Path to Power

I went silent for a moment, the memory of that searing pain still fresh in my nerves.

This was the hardest part to explain—not because it was complicated, but because it would reveal just how close I'd come to actually dying.

"...As soon as the explosion hit," I began, my voice low, "I activated the Dark Verdant Shield."

Zephyr's eyes flickered in recognition—the defensive feature I got from Virion's Blessing. It could withstand a single lethal blow, but it only lasted for half a second.

"And then," I continued, "I used [Veil of the Unseen Burden], it's a resonant relic I prepared beforehand."

Another half-second of protection.

Just enough time for the final relic—[The Last Embrace]—to wrap itself around me.

The bandages had been a reward from that damn ball incident, a hidden objective I'd unknowingly completed. They could absorb catastrophic damage… for exactly one second.

If Virion had been even a fraction slower—

"I wouldn't be here right now," I finished quietly, glancing at the serpent. "I'd be gone."

Virion, uncharacteristically solemn, gave a slow nod. "If not for that old hag's interference, I would've snatched you out sooner." His tail flicked irritably. "But thankfully, everything worked out. It was quite thrilling, actually—I even managed to let off some steam."

I nodded, though my thoughts were darker.