Indestructible Meat Shield

Darian pushed aside any lingering doubts. He'd already pulled off a few wins in impossible situations. No matter what came his way — he had to use it as a stepping stone to get stronger.

He focused on the woman, whose body was now cloaked in something that looked like black flame...

"Interesting. That really is a Risen Chief transformation," Darian muttered. As soon as the Elders heard that, their faces went pale.

"But... it was forced, and it's incredibly unstable. Perfect..." he added, a grin creeping across his lips.

This time, thanks to his evolved rings, he could sense something he hadn't noticed back when he'd seen other Risen Chiefs in the abyssal nest.