A Background Character’s Path to Power Chapter 446: The Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint?

Sadly, the unique connection skill we developed proved to be a domain-based one, rather than a straightforward merging type similar to Glacia Sinfonia.

A twinge of regret stirred within me.

I'll be honest about it. Deep down, I had wished for yet another morphing power that would let me unite with Nemo, maybe even bestowing that fearsome werewolf-esque shape I had pictured in my thoughts.

Yet, I soon brushed away that sense of loss.

The Eclipse Domain remained a formidable skill without question. Actually, as someone who thrives on strategy like myself, manipulating the very fabric of the battlefield could prove far more useful than mere brute strength enhancements.

At that moment, a risky spark of intrigue ignited in my thoughts.

'What if I activated the Eclipse Domain alongside Glacia Sinfonia and Master Virion’s Blessing simultaneously?'

My pulse raced at the wild notion of it all.

I had previously experimented with combining the last two during the clash at the edge.

The outcome was... beyond comprehension.

Even though my body only reached the 4th Tier at best, the explosive synergy of those powers enabled me to match Bane, who had transformed into a true Overlord-level being. My spell potency, response time, and raw devastation had utterly dominated him.

And if I added the Eclipse Domain to that mix now?

If the domain could dampen my foe's presence while I amplified my capabilities to their limits through the merge and the boon...

I squinted thoughtfully.

'Might I stand a chance against Mythical beings?'

For a brief instant, a vision of me on par with the Mistress of the Spire crossed my mind.

But I swiftly stamped out that idea before it could grow.

Such overconfident fantasies had no place in my head.

I understood the reality. From the tomes in the Academy and the Keep, and from all the tales I'd heard.

The divide between the 6th Tier (Grandmaster/Overlord) and the 7th Tier (Ascendant/Mythical) went beyond mere strength disparity.

It was a fundamental shift in essence.

Comparable to the vast separation of sky and ground.

An Overlord might level a city.

A Mythical creature could warp natural laws simply through its being.

No matter what abilities I piled up, they'd probably crumble the instant they met a genuine Ascendant's realm. Just observing the Mistress, who probably stood at that tier or beyond, illustrated it perfectly. She required no arts or methods. Her existence alone twisted the world around her.

'I'm still nothing more than a bug. Merely a tougher bug armed with some lethal gimmicks.'

And by lethal, I didn't solely mean threats to adversaries.

These were akin to blades that cut both ways.

Potent maneuvers that might rebound and claim my life if I slipped even slightly. The backlash from them alone almost ended me in those uncharted fields. I'd endured days of hacking up blood and trembling from a chill that invaded my spirit's depths.

'Moderation matters most,' I whispered to myself. Depending only on loaned might or self-destructive tactics led straight to ruin.

That said, regarding gimmicks...

I flicked the holographic display leftward, uncovering my abilities roster.

A pleased sound rumbled from my chest.

Indeed, several fresh ones had appeared. And nearly every prior skill had surged in level dramatically. The desperate fight with Bane and Velmort had propelled my mastery upward.

My focus drifted over the refreshed details of my top four support skills: Exorcist’s Gaze, Phantom Twin, Narrative Glimpse, and Character Insight.

Their capabilities had transformed in profound ways.

Starting with Exorcist’s Gaze, no doubt.

It advanced post-battle and climbed once more after securing the Hidden Scenario rewards.

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Exorcist’s Gaze (Lv. 4)

Passive Effects:

- Spectral Perception: Grants high-definition vision of the ethereal plane. You can clearly distinguish between spirits, souls, and residual energy echoes.

- Mental Interference Detection: The detection radius for hostile mental influence has increased to 100m.

- Illusion Immunity: Grants 80% resistance to low and mid-tier illusions.

- Ethereal Grasp [NEW]: Your aura naturally coats your body with a spiritual frequency. You can now physically touch, grab, or strike incorporeal entities without activating a specific technique.

Active Effect:

- Soul-Scorching Gaze (Evolved): Channels concentrated spiritual flame to ignite a target’s core for 10 to 20 seconds.

- Soul Anchor [NEW]: Upon activation, inflicts [Spirit Shock]. It stuns the target for 1.5 seconds and locks their spatial coordinates, preventing them from phasing, becoming invisible, or teleporting for 5 seconds.

Cooldown: 12 hours.

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Yes, the enhancements were huge here, particularly the fresh features and the upgrade.

I fixed my stare on the Soul-Scorching Gaze entry, a icy spark lighting my gaze.

This ability had solidified as my ultimate ace.

Most resonators emphasized bodily shields or elemental wards. Scarce few guarded their spirits adequately.

Should I ambush a foe like that Red Envoy unexpectedly...

I sharpened my eyes, estimating the impact.

Yaro could be a pinnacle Tier 6 near-ascendant with dread blood control, but striking him with this in a moment of lapse? His corporeal protections would prove useless. I might dispatch him instantly, or at worst, render him mindless before combat truly started.

Even should the active part be recharging, the bolstered passives held value too. Grasping phantoms bodily via Ethereal Grasp ensured I wouldn't falter against the disembodied terrors lurking in the Spire's halls. Nor would I fear nearby ill intent; detection came easily now. Ditto for deceptions. Barring those from superior beings, piercing them neared certainty.

'Excellent. Truly excellent,' I grumbled, closing the panel.

Next, my attention moved to the following skill.

Phantom Twin.

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Phantom Twin (Lv. 3)

Effect: Summons a spectral duplicate of yourself that possesses physical mass (30% of your stats).

Traits:

- Mirage: Draws enemy aggression with a high priority.

- Cognitive Feedback: Upon dismissal, you instantly gain the twin’s memories and experiences.

Void Transposition [NEW]:

- You can instantly swap positions with your Phantom Twin if it is within a 100-meter radius.

- Restriction: Requires spatial awareness of the twin.

- Cooldown: 1 day.

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I scanned the added trait twice, then a wry, defeated laugh bubbled up from me.

'Heh.'

Though I loathed conceding it, this addition suited me ideally.

Its flawlessness bordered on the uncanny.

With the Spire's pressure stifling standard jumps or gates, I'd felt hemmed in, lacking mobility options. Yet Void Transposition bypassed that—it traded places with an already-present form.

A clever workaround for me.

'The System isn't ready for my end here, huh?' I pondered, shaking my head, before shifting to the pair of vital story skills.

Character Insight hit level 6 and morphed straight into Omniscient Insight Lv. 1.

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Active Effects:

- Basic Profile: Reveals Name, Race, Age, True Rank, Affiliation, and current Status.

- Resonance Analysis: Reveals Path, Gift, and Major Abilities.

- Psychological Autopsy [NEW]: Penetrates the target’s mental defenses to reveal their [Primary Trauma], [Deepest Fear], or [Current Obsession].

- Relational Clarity [NEW]: Displays the target’s 'Hidden Loyalty' or 'True Attitude' toward specific individuals, expressed as a raw value (e.g., Devotion: 90%, Murderous Intent: Hidden).

Usage: 5/day.

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