Ethan took a deep breath as his eyes read the first few lines of the next topic. The codex introduced the four primary Ascendant Elemental Powers. There were fire, water, wind, and earth.
"This seems similar to that series of the bald monk," Ethan muttered despite all the seriousness.
The codex continued to say that each element had its own unique characteristics, strengths, and limitations.
'Can I choose which element I want to connect with?' Ethan wondered. Even so, he continued to read the description of each element.
=====
Fire: The element of destruction and raw power. Fire-users could unleash devastating attacks, incinerating their enemies with overwhelming heat and energy. However, mastering fire required immense control, as its chaotic nature could easily spiral out of hand.
Water: The element of adaptability and fluidity. Water-users were versatile and capable of both offensive and defensive techniques. They could manipulate the flow of energy, redirect attacks, and even heal wounds, making them invaluable in both combat and support roles.
Wind: The element of speed and precision. Wind-users were swift and agile, striking with unparalleled accuracy. They could generate cutting gales, enhance their movements, and even create barriers of air to protect themselves.
Earth: The element of resilience and strength. Earth-users were known for their unshakable defenses and powerful strikes. They could manipulate the ground, create barriers, and launch massive attacks that could shake entire battlefields.
=====
Ethan’s eyes lingered on the descriptions, his mind racing with possibilities. “So these are the foundations,” he murmured. “Fire for raw power, water for versatility, wind for speed, and earth for strength. But can I wield more than one or combine them?”
The codex seemed to anticipate his question. The next section addressed the concept of elemental fusion, where Ascendants who mastered multiple elements could combine their powers to create new techniques.
However, it also warned that elemental fusion required a deep understanding of both elements and perfect harmony between them.
“Luckily, I now have eidetic memory and super high intelligence. If not, all of this would be too much for me to take,” Ethan chuckled at the thought.
Ethan paused as the codex shifted to a new section detailing the path to mastering elemental powers.
“To wield the elements,” the codex explained, “one must first connect with the core of their energy. This connection begins within the Ascendant Core, where energy flows and adapts to the user’s will.”
The codex emphasized the importance of discipline and meditation in cultivating elemental mastery. It wasn’t just about strength; it also needed balance, focus, and a clear understanding of the element’s nature.
Each element has its own personality: fire is wild, water is calm, wind is elusive, and earth is steady. To control these elements, an Ascendant must connect their spirit with the essence of each element.
Ethan smiled as he read. He saw how much potential he had within him. The codex could be considered as the most perfect tool available, but it was his job to use them well.
Ethan turned the page of the book and focused on the bold title: Dragonheart Ascension Method. The page sparkled with details, showing an image of a majestic dragon wrapped around a glowing core. The dragon’s sharp, wise eyes seemed to look into Ethan’s soul, urging him to live up to its standard.
He took a deep breath and started to read.
The Dragonheart Ascension Method, as the codex explained, was an ancient and peerless cultivation technique. It was designed for those with golden cores, a rarity among Ascendants. Legends spoke of its origin, passed down by the first Ascendants who modeled their strength, resilience, and wisdom after the mythical dragons.
The method was divided into five profound stages.
=====
[Dragonheart Ascension Method]
1. Dragon’s Physique: Use basic elemental energy to develop powerful physical strength and launch strong elemental attacks.
2. Dragon’s Scale: Make the body stronger to handle heavy damage, making it as tough as a dragon’s strong armor.
3. Dragon’s Flight: Unlock unparalleled speed and agility, granting the ability to outmaneuver any opponent.
4. Dragon’s Roar: Release powerful waves of energy that disrupt and incapacitate enemies within a wide radius.
5. Dragon’s Soul: Attain mastery over the essence of the elements, paving the way for advanced techniques and the ability to merge multiple elemental powers.
====
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Each stage was clearly explained, with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and guidance on meditation and energy work. The amount of knowledge was impressive, yet it felt personal to Ethan as if it were meant just for him.
“What a method,” Ethan murmured. His fingers were brushing over the dragon illustration. “And what a responsibility.”
The codex ended the section with a stern warning: Only those with the unshakable resolve of a dragon can traverse this path. Hesitation is defeat. Doubt is failure.
A faint smile played on Ethan’s lips. “Good thing I don’t do hesitation.”
With that, he closed the codex momentarily, letting the enormity of what he had learned settle in his mind. There was no question about it—he would master this method. But first, he needed to prepare himself fully.
***
Later that night, Jessica went down to the hotel lobby. She quickly saw Jordan leaning against a pillar. He looked casual but with an air of confidence. It was what was attractive about him.
His face brightened when he saw her, but his smile faded when he noticed her pale face and tense posture.
“Jessica?” he said, stepping forward. “You okay?”
Jessica glanced around the lobby. Steve and the other bodyguards were stationed near the entrance, their sharp eyes scanning the area. Steve gave Jordan a quick look but said nothing, assuming it was just a routine conversation.
“Come with me,” Jessica said quietly. Without waiting for a reply, she took Jordan to a quiet spot in the lobby, away from others.
“What’s going on?” Jordan asked, his brow furrowing. "You seemed in a rush."
Jessica pulled out her phone. “I need you to see this,” she said, her voice shaking. She gave him the phone and watched as he grew serious while the video played.
"Is this your father?" Jordan asked.
Jessica nodded.
“That bastard,” Jordan spat, his fists clenching. “We need to tell Ethan. Now.”
“No!” Jessica said sharply, grabbing his arm. Her eyes were wide, pleading. “We can’t tell Ethan.”
“Jessica, are you hearing yourself?” Jordan hissed. “He can help. You know he can.”
"No! I can't get him involved anymore," she said, her voice shaky. Tears almost fell again, but she stopped them. “This is my mess. My family’s mess. Ethan has enough to deal with. I won’t burden him with this.”
Jordan stared at her, his jaw tightening. “And what’s your plan? You’re going to face Donald alone? Pay him off?”
“I will pay with what I have,” Jessica said, her voice strong even though her hands trembled. “For now, I have about $600,000. It was the commission received from selling the headquarters."
Jordan understood what she wanted to say.
Jessica added, "But if that's not enough... If he wants more, I’ll buy time. With my salary, I can take out a loan or sell the house or the land.”
Jordan ran his hand through his hair, looking frustrated. “This is crazy, Jessica." Donald’s not going to stop just because you pay him off.”
Jessica’s voice wavered, but her resolve held. “I know. But I have to try. Please, Jordan. Don’t tell Ethan.”
Jordan exhaled sharply, his shoulders slumping. “Fine,” he said reluctantly. “But if anything goes wrong, I’m stepping in. Got it?”
Jessica nodded, relief washing over her. “Thank you, Jordan. I mean it.”
Jordan didn’t reply. His mind was already racing with backup plans, but he kept them to himself. If Jessica wants to manage this on her own, he will respect her choice—for now.
***
The room was dark, with one light hanging above. Donald sat at a wobbly table, smoking a cigar. He looked at the three people in front of him, who seemed tough and powerful.
The first man was tall and thin, with sharp features and a cruel smirk on his face. He had pale skin and piercing green eyes that showed his malice.
His name was Verran. He was an Ascendant who could control the wind with great skill. His reputation as a swift and merciless assassin had earned him the nickname The Gale Reaper. Verran leaned back in his chair, his long fingers drumming on the table as if bored by the conversation.
Next to him sat Kaida. She had short, black hair and a strong, muscular build. Her dark eyes sparkled with a fierce intensity, and scars covered her arms. For her, it was her medals won from the battles she had fought.
Kaida was an Earth Ascendant known for her strong defenses and powerful ground-shaking attacks. She sat with her arms crossed, and her presence demanded respect.
The next one was Dravik. He was a large man with a shaved head and tattoos all over his arms and neck. His deep-set eyes looked cold and calculating, and he moved in a careful and controlled way.
Dravik was a Fire Ascendant, known for his power to create intense flames that could burn anything in front of him. He cracked his knuckles as a faint glow of fire flickered around his fingertips.
Donald leaned forward with a cigar in the corner of his mouth. “I want to remind you guys of our deal,” he began, his tone calm but laced with menace. “You’ve fulfilled part of it by coming with me to Novan City and being my dogs.”
Despite his harsh words, the three Ascendants exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.
“I want you guys to do another thing for me. Deal with Ethan Cole. But…” Donald continued, “Don’t kill him. I want him alive. Stripped of his wealth, his dignity, his power. Everything. I’ll handle the rest.”
Verran raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Stripped of his wealth? You want us to humiliate him, is that it?”
Donald nodded, exhaling a cloud of smoke. “Exactly. I want to ruin him.”
Kaida leaned forward, her scarred hands resting on the table. “And what do we get for doing your dirty work?”
Donald grinned, tapping the ash off his cigar. “You’ll be paid well, of course. Do this, and you’ll each receive double what I promised.”
Dravik chuckled, a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the room. “Double, huh? Generous. But there’s just one problem.”
Verran’s smirk twisted into a sneer. “You’re asking us to go up against Ethan Cole, who just so happens to have the backing of the Five Ghosts of Nemesis.”
“Don’t think we don’t know about that.” Kaida’s eyes narrowed. “And you think we’d risk that for pocket change? That’s absurd.”
The room was quiet and tense. Donald took a long puff from his cigar, which glowed brightly. He did not show that he was afraid, even though the people in front of him were Ascendants. It was because he had something they wanted.
Donald leaned forward, his voice low but firm. “You’re not doing this for the money.”
The three Ascendants exchanged a glance, intrigued but wary.
“You’re doing this,” Donald continued, “because I can give you something far more valuable. Connections. Power.”
Verran’s smirk faded, replaced by a calculating expression. “Go on.”
Donald extinguished his cigar, crushing it in the ashtray with deliberate care. “I’ll arrange for you to be introduced to the LaRues. You want real power? Influence? They can give it to you. But only if you prove yourselves.”
Kaida’s lips curled into a sinister smile. “Now you’re talking.”
Dravik leaned back, his massive arms resting on the sides of the chair. “An invitation to join the LaRues? That’s a hell of a promise, old man.”
Donald met his gaze without hesitation. “I’m not promising anything. I’m offering the chance. You do this for me, and I’ll ensure Lucien takes notice.”
The three Ascendants sat in silence for a moment, the weight of Donald’s words sinking in. Finally, Verran broke the silence with a chuckle.
“Well, if the LaRues are involved, this might actually be worth our time,” he said, his smirk returning.
Kaida cracked her knuckles, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Consider it done.”
Dravik’s lips curled into a grin, a faint flicker of fire dancing across his fingertips. "You have a deal."
Donald reclined in his chair with a satisfied smile. “Good. Now, let’s ensure Ethan Cole understands what happens when he crosses me.”