65. Presence

Jake reviews his system, deciding to allocate all 220 saved Free Points into Perception, justifying it for future Path experiences. Prompted by Villy, he checks his Path of the Heretic-Chosen and finds he can use it again, accepting a Legacy vision with two uses remaining.

In the vision, nine early B-grade council members conspire to ambush a destructive beast at the crystalline, oceanic planet Neonwell. The Malefic Viper arrives in a vast dragon form and opens with a devastating Dragon’s Breath, testing planetary barriers before advancing. The council springs layered containment barriers, trapping the Viper with the nine.

Believing themselves peers, the council launches varied, reality-warping attacks that the Viper’s scales largely negate. After a brief exchange plants doubt, the Viper unleashes an overwhelming, mana-laden Presence—embodied Pride—that crushes their wills. Exploiting their momentary stupor, he impales and poisons them with fangs, spikes, and concentrated magic, instantly shifting the battle’s momentum.

The fight becomes a massacre: six council members die and three flee, whom Jake believes the Viper will later hunt down. Through the shared sensations, Jake comprehends the active, will-infused Presence and recognizes his own affinity for Pride.

Returning from the Legacy, Jake’s Pride of the Malefic Viper evolves from Ancient to Legendary. He senses the Viper’s intent and concludes Neonwell will be rendered a desolate wasteland.