Damon's past life had taught him to dread this one. It curved sharply behind the jawbone and wrapped around a sensitive cluster of nerves. Too much energy, and his brain would cook instantly. Too little, and the feedback snapped the meridian like a twig.
This was where most players died.
This was where he had died, over and over and over.
Damon felt the meridian's resistance immediately, a coiled, trembling serpent bristling with hostility. Even touching the edges sent ringing pain into his skull. His vision flickered. His breath grew shallow.
Pain flared white-hot behind his eyes. His chest tightened. His heart thundered so violently he thought it might bruise itself against his ribs. However, the next moment, the third broke as well. More mana poured into his head, his skull, his brain. It essentially permeated all parts of his brain.
