The morning sun shone through the large windows of Ethan’s living room, creating a warm light in the room. The house felt calm, even though the events of the previous day had been tense.

Ethan was relieved to see that his parents had gotten along well with the Moores. Harold and Aaron had struck up a conversation over breakfast, discussing everything from hobbies to the best spots in Novan City.

Elise and Julie, meanwhile, bonded over their shared love of cooking, planning a meal for later in the week.

Josh, Joshua, Jacob, and Lily had quickly become a lively quartet, their laughter echoing through the halls as they played.

After breakfast, Ethan contacted Charles to discuss Harold’s health. Charles assured him that there were promising treatments available for Harold's heart disease and suggested they arrange a consultation soon.

Ethan felt a weight lift off his shoulders, knowing there might be a solution for Harold’s condition.

Jordan had left shortly after breakfast to meet David at Nova Tech. There were still logistics to handle, and the upcoming recruitment drive needed finalization. Jessica, wanting to distract herself from the previous day’s events, decided to join them.

“I can help with the recruitment process,” Jessica offered. “It’ll keep me busy, and I know the kind of people you’re looking for.”

Ethan nodded, appreciating her determination. “That sounds good. Ezra and Yamal will go with you to ensure your safety.”

Jessica gave him a small, grateful smile before leaving with Jordan. Ezra and Yamal, ever vigilant, followed closely.

Meanwhile, Aaron and Elise suggested taking the Moores out for a day of relaxation. “I've planned already for them,” Elise said to Ethan. “A walk around the city, some shopping, and maybe a little entertainment will do them good.”

Ethan agreed. “Steve and a few guards will go with you,” he said, addressing his parents and the Moores. “Stay safe and enjoy yourselves.”

With everyone occupied, Ethan finally had a quiet moment to himself. He glanced toward the study where Mark and Maya waited, ready to share the information they hadn’t had time to discuss the previous day.

Taking a deep breath, Ethan headed inside, determined to learn more about the world he had unwittingly stepped into.

Maya leaned against the edge of the desk, her sharp green eyes locking onto Ethan. “Remember what we talked about yesterday? About superhumans?” she began, her voice calm but edged with intrigue.

Ethan nodded his attention fully on her. “Yeah, I remember.”

Maya crossed her arms and said, “These superhumans have abilities that are much stronger than regular humans. They are stronger, faster, and have higher endurance. But that’s not all—they also have heightened senses, sharper perception, and reflexes that would seem almost supernatural to an ordinary person.”

As she spoke, Ethan couldn’t help but think about what she described. It all sounded eerily familiar, almost like the attributes and skills the Unlimited System had granted him.

The realization sent a ripple of unease through him, but he kept his expression neutral, nodding for Maya to go on.

Mark, who had been leaning silently against the wall, stepped forward, taking over the explanation. His tone was steady but carried a weight that demanded attention. “What Maya just described was the foundation. But there’s more.”

He crossed his arms and fixed Ethan with a serious gaze. “The Great Families, as I’ve told you before, are full of these people—especially the higher-ups or the elite forces they keep within their families. And most of their heirs, too.”

Ethan’s brows furrowed. “Heirs?”

Mark nodded. “For the younger generation, the Great Families invest immense resources to groom and train them—pushing them to break through to this… realm.”

Ethan tilted his head, curiosity and a twinge of apprehension building in his chest. “Realm?”

Mark’s voice dropped slightly, the tone becoming more deliberate, almost reverent. “They call it the realm of the Ascendant.”

The words hung in the air, thick with significance. A chill ran down Ethan’s spine as the gravity of the revelation settled in. The term somehow triggered something within him.

Ethan thought about the Ascension Points he earned as rewards for completing missions. 'Ascension... Ascendants... This can't just be a coincidence,' he thought.

His mind raced, piecing together fragments of information, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Instead, he looked back at Mark, his expression steady.

“So… what exactly does it mean to become an Ascendant?” he asked, his voice calm despite the storm of thoughts swirling in his head.

Mark and Maya exchanged a glance, and Ethan knew the answer would be anything but simple.

Maya leaned forward slightly, her piercing green eyes locking onto Ethan. “Being an Ascendant means everything for these people,” she began, her tone measured and steady. “It’s more than just strength or skill—it’s a symbol of power. Of dominance.”

She paused and then looked at Ethan closely. “Do you know about the old stories of kings, emperors, or rulers?”

Ethan nodded slowly. “I’ve read a few. Why?”

Maya’s gaze didn’t waver as she continued. “In ancient times, rulers didn’t command respect and fear because of their empires’ power alone. It wasn’t just their technological advancements or their military might that made them feared.”

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She leaned back slightly and spoke in a serious tone. “They were powerful. Clearly powerful. They could defeat armies of thousands by themselves and win.”

Ethan’s eyes widened as he listened to Maya. He had known about those feats, but all this time, they were treated merely as a legend. However, her tone suggested otherwise.

Maya’s voice softened but held an edge of conviction. “That’s the kind of power being an Ascendant represents. And for those who understand its potential, it’s a journey—one that brings them closer to what those ancient rulers once were.”

Maya tilted her head slightly and looked at Ethan with a steady gaze. “Do you understand what this means now?” she asked, her voice calm but urgent.

Ethan nodded slowly, his expression serious. “I think I do.”

Maya crossed her arms, leaning against the desk. “Good,” she said firmly. “Because this—this is what you’re up against right now.”

Ethan took a deep breath and cleared his mind. He thought back to everything he had accomplished with the system—his strength, his skills, his abilities. He had thought he was becoming unstoppable.

‘I thought I was strong enough,’ Ethan thought to himself, his hands clenching into fists. ‘But the truth is, there are people out there stronger and greater than me… even without the system.’

He realized something important. It was a clear reminder of the big difference between where he was and where he needed to be.

Ethan took a deep breath. He felt overwhelmed and knew he had to face the situation. "What should I do now?" he asked, unsure. "How can I stand up to these people?"

Mark straightened, his tone calm but firm as he took over. “You need to train, Ethan. And not just any training—you need to push yourself to become a powerful Ascendant.”

Ethan blinked, his brow furrowing as he processed Mark’s words. He glanced between Mark and Maya, his voice quieter but filled with disbelief. “Train? Become an Ascendant? Is it really that simple?”

Maya chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Simple? No. But maybe you don’t realize it yet… you’re already knocking on the door of that realm, Ethan.”

Ethan was surprised. “What do you mean?”

Maya leaned forward slightly, her sharp eyes locked onto his. “What I mean is that you already have the foundation—the potential. You just need the right training and guidance to cross over and fully step into the realm of an Ascendant.”

Mark's expression was firm and resolute. "We will start your training now," he said firmly, making it clear there was no room for discussion.

Without waiting for Ethan to reply, Mark turned and walked to the door with steady and purposeful steps. "Follow me."

Ethan paused for a moment and looked at Maya. She gave him a small nod to encourage him.

“Go,” she said simply. “You've no other choice.”

Ethan took a deep breath and followed Mark out of the study, his mind racing with both anticipation and apprehension.

***

The backyard was massive. Mark stood in the open space. He looked relaxed, but his eyes were sharp.

“Alright, Ethan,” Mark said, his voice steady and strong. “I want you to come at me at your full power.”

Ethan hesitated for a moment. He looked at Maya, who leaned against a nearby tree with her arms crossed. Her intense gaze showed that backing out was not an option.

He took a deep breath before nodding. "Alright." Even though he sounded calm, he was actually nervous.

Mark stood still. He took a more relaxed defensive stance. He could leave his hands on his side, but he felt that was disrespectful. “Don’t hold back. I need to see what you’re capable of.”

Ethan shifted into a ready stance, his mind racing. He had unlocked skills like Krav Maga and Close Quarters Combat through the system, and while the knowledge and techniques had been ingrained in him, he lacked real combat experience.

The only real fight he’d been in was against those two thugs—and that was nothing compared to this.

Mark was different. A trained soldier. A professional.

Ethan inhaled deeply and surged forward, aiming to close the gap quickly. His first move was a straight punch aimed directly at Mark’s chest. It was a calculated strike—simple but effective.

Mark didn’t even flinch. He shifted slightly to the side, letting the punch pass harmlessly by him. “Strong,” he said, his tone almost casual. “But predictable.”

Ethan followed up immediately, throwing a sharp elbow aimed at Mark’s jaw. The move was precise, but Mark raised an arm, effortlessly blocking the strike and pushing Ethan’s arm away with controlled force.

Without pausing, Ethan dropped low, attempting to sweep Mark’s legs. It was a fluid motion, one that the system had taught him in vivid detail.

But Mark stepped back just enough to avoid the sweep, his movements smooth and deliberate. “Good form,” he remarked. “But this is not enough for you to win a fight.”

Ethan gritted his teeth, his frustration building. He adjusted his approach, switching to a rapid combination of punches and kicks. Each strike was aimed at vital points—areas that the system had taught him.

Mark, however, remained unshaken. He blocked, dodged, and redirected each attack with minimal effort. Ethan could feel that Mark was using a unique martial art or combat style.

Every time Ethan struck, he felt as if he was striking water.

'What kind of martial art he's using? I can't hit him at all,' Ethan thought in frustration.

Maya was smiling because she knew how difficult it was to confront Mark. In the Five Ghosts, Mark was regarded as the strongest due to his unique martial arts skills.

Ethan's mind raced. It was a struggle to find an opening even though Mark barely did anything.

'I should grab him and pin him to the ground.' That was his plan since he believed he might have a chance to win if that happened. He moved quickly to grab Mark.

“Really?” Maya laughed, a playful glint in her eye.

Mark already saw it coming. As Ethan reached for him, Mark twisted his body, using Ethan’s momentum to throw him off balance. Ethan stumbled but quickly recovered, spinning around to face Mark again.

“You’re fast,” Mark said, his tone approving. “But you rely too much on technique. Show me your instincts.”

Ethan frowned. Instincts? He wasn’t sure what Mark meant, but he pushed forward again. This time, he used an unexpected move—a sudden spinning back kick aimed at Mark’s ribs.

The kick was faster than Ethan anticipated, a burst of speed that even surprised him. Mark raised an arm to block, and for the first time, Ethan felt the impact connect. It wasn’t enough to stagger Mark, but it was something.

Mark smirked. “Better. You’re starting to think.”

Ethan didn’t have time to feel satisfied. Mark stepped in close, his movements blindingly fast. He lightly hit Ethan’s shoulder, making him take a step back.

Ethan acted quickly and threw a punch at Mark’s stomach. Mark caught his wrist mid-air, his grip like iron. Before Ethan could process what was happening, Mark twisted slightly, pulling Ethan off balance and forcing him to the ground.

Ethan got back on his feet, breathing heavily. His muscles hurt, and his mind raced with calculations and adjustments.

Mark tilted his head and looked closely at him. “You’re holding up better than I expected. But…”

Before Ethan could prepare, Mark stepped forward with a deliberate slowness. He raised his leg and delivered a simple, almost casual kick to Ethan’s chest.

The force was not strong, but it was applied exactly where it needed to be.

Ethan felt a hard kick and rolled onto the grass. He ended up on his back, looking up at the sky and trying to breathe.

Mark walked toward Ethan. “That was good. You have the potential,” he said calmly as he offered his hand. “But you still have a lot to learn, Ethan.”

Ethan took Mark's hand and allowed him to help him stand up. His body hurt, but his mind felt clear. “I understand,” he said between breaths. “Let’s keep going.”

Mark smirked. “No. That's enough for now.”