Abadom
Fat chance my comment will be found, but if you're reading this author may I request that the MC gain spectral choirs singing Jeremy Soule's Dragonborn either by his next round of skill/trait transfers or perhaps inherited within his new race? Spectral hype-men who only show when a truly worthy battle is being fought, rousing the soul.
You could have Philip act like madara, arrogant but has the skill and strength to back up his arrogance. By having Philip act this way it give the heros with motivation and the will to be better a target, and for the weaker heros it will either push them to get stronger or force them to stop. Thank you for the chapter, even though you baited us.