The sun shone through the glass walls of Ethan’s office at Nova Tech, brightening the view of the city outside. Even with the peaceful scenery, Ethan felt far from calm.

His thoughts swirled with the events of the past days—the chaos, the losses, and the mounting uncertainty about the world he was now entrenched in.

"Why do I feel like every day is becoming tougher?" he muttered. Well, he was true. The things he faced were getting bigger and bigger. Slowly, he was losing people in his life.

It started with Mike being captured by the LaRues, and Ethan knew he stood no chance against the powerful Great Families in Arkansas. He was just starting in Novan City, while these families had a long history, some with hundreds or even thousands of years of heritage in the country.

'I can't act blindly without knowing their true strength. I have family, friends, and people I care about,' Ethan thought.

Jessica’s absence was felt acutely. With her on leave to grieve her father and Jordan still comatose in the hospital, the weight of running Nova Tech fell squarely on his and David's shoulders.

Talking about Jordan, Ethan had visited Jordan the day after he was warded. There was not much he could do since Jordan was still in a coma other than offer some semblance of an explanation to his parents.

“He was stabbed and shot by robbers when he went out for lunch,” Ethan had said, his voice measured and calm. He didn’t care whether they believed him. His priority was ensuring they remained unaware of the larger truth.

Back at Nova Tech, David had taken charge with surprising ease, his enthusiasm palpable. Watching David immerse himself in the intricacies of running the company, Ethan couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Nova Tech was thriving under his leadership. David had always wanted to manage something more substantial than startup funds, and now he had the opportunity to make a real impact.

Ethan allowed himself a rare moment of gratitude. If David had not handled the day-to-day operations, the burden would have been insurmountable.

Yet, even as Ethan reflected on this, a knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called, his voice steady.

The door opened to reveal a tall, striking figure. Lena Volkov. Her presence was as commanding as ever, her sharp gaze locking onto Ethan the moment she entered. She moved with a smooth and easy confidence. Her dark suit highlighted her fit body. Her hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and her sharp eyes felt cold and calculating.

Ethan relaxed in his chair and pretended he didn’t care. He had been expecting her visit, though not this soon. He believed that Lena was not someone who let significant events pass unnoticed. Coming from the Volkov family, one of the most powerful families in the world, she undoubtedly had her ways of keeping tabs on him.

Ethan’s enhanced senses flickered as he gauged her power. She radiated strength—a High Three-Star Bronze Ascendant. Ethan could not gauge for sure if she was stronger than Mark, but she was surely stronger than Steve, and she was only a few years older than Ethan.

It was all because of her status as a Bronze Ascendant. 'Maybe Bronze was not that rare?' Ethan thought, keeping his expression neutral. ‘Does every younger generation of the Great Families have someone like her in their ranks? What is her motive for being in Nova Tech anyway?’

Lena closed the door behind her, stepping into the room with measured steps. “Ethan Cole,” she said, her voice smooth and even. “I've been waiting to meet you.”

Ethan offered a polite smile, gesturing for her to sit. “Lena Volkov. This is not much of a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Lena sat down in front of him, crossed her legs. It was the first time she was being in Ethan's office. She looked around the office and stopped at the frames and decorations on the walls before saying, “I heard about what happened the other day,” she said, her tone neutral but probing. “Robbers attacking your colleague? A shame, really.”

Ethan’s smile didn’t waver, but inwardly he bristled. ‘She’s fishing for information.’

“Yes, it was unfortunate,” he replied evenly. “Jordan’s a good friend and a valuable asset to the company. We’re all hoping for his speedy recovery.”

Lena’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Of course. But I imagine there’s more to it than what the news is reporting. Events like these don’t just happen without reason, especially not to someone like you.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow, his expression calm but curious. “Someone like me? What do you mean?”

Lena looked at him closely as if she wanted to understand his thoughts better. “Come now, Ethan. Don’t play coy. You’re not just some brilliant CEO. You’ve stepped into a world that’s far more complicated than corporate politics. And in that world, people like us attract… attention.”

Ethan leaned forward and put his hands together on the desk. “You talk like you know a lot about this world, Lena.”

Her smile grew wider, but her eyes remained serious. “The Volkovs have their ways. And I’ve been watching you for some time now. What you’ve accomplished with Nova Tech is impressive, but it’s your… other activities that have caught my attention.”

Ethan’s heart rate remained steady, his mind racing to interpret her words. ‘She knows. Or at least she suspects.’

“And what would those activities be?” he asked, his tone light but guarded.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Lena chuckled softly. “Let’s not play games, Ethan. You’re an Ascendant. That much is obvious. But what intrigues me is how quickly you’ve risen—and the kind of power you seem to command.”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “And this… interests the Volkovs?”

Lena leaned forward, her voice lowering. “Not the Volkovs. At least not yet."

She paused before adding, "But it does interest me. The world is changing, Ethan. The Five Great Families of Arkansa might hold influence here, but the stakes are higher than just one state. The power politics of Ascendants span nations, even continents."

"Then, what are you hinting at?" Ethan asked.

"I want to know where you stand in all this.”

Ethan’s gaze didn’t waver. “Where I stand depends on what I’m standing against.”

Lena’s smile faltered, replaced by a more serious expression. “And what if I told you that the LaRues are only the beginning? That what they’re building is part of something much larger—something that could destabilize everything?”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “Then I’d say we have a problem.”

Lena studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Good. Because I believe the same. And I don’t intend to sit idly by while the LaRues threaten everything that I’ve built here in Novan City.”

"What you've built?" Ethan leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “And what exactly do you want from me?”

Lena’s smile returned, this time more genuine. “An alliance. I have resources, information, and connections that could prove invaluable to you. In return, I want you to lend me your strength.”

"For what?" Ethan was trying to figure everything out perfectly before agreeing to anything. Having someone as powerful as Lena as an ally would amount to something. He already had too many enemies.

"I'm competing for the head position of the Volkovs. I need your strength to fight against the other heirs of the Volkovs," Lena answered.

Ethan considered her words carefully. The Volkovs’ reputation was formidable, but aligning himself with them would come with its own risks. With the LaRues’ plans getting riskier, he needed to consider all possible allies.

“I’ll think about it,” he finally said. “If I’m going to think about this, I need full transparency. No hidden agendas.”

Lena’s gaze softened slightly. “Fair enough. But remember, Ethan—this world isn’t forgiving. Trust is a rare commodity. Use it wisely.”

With that, she stood, smoothing her suit and offering him a nod. “I’ll leave you to your work. But don’t take too long to decide. Time isn’t a luxury we have.”

As she turned to leave, Ethan felt a mix of thoughts. He knew he had entered a big and dangerous world. The choices he made now would affect not only his own future but also the futures of the people he cared about.

One thought kept repeating in his mind: How strong are the Volkovs?

***

Lena Volkov stood alone on the rooftop of Nova Tech’s building. The cool wind blew her ponytail. She looked at the horizon, trying to think clearly.

She had just left Ethan’s office and had many questions about him. His aura had been undeniable—a glow that radiated power and potential. But what struck her most was the timing. Ethan’s ascent felt recent, raw, and yet impossibly strong for someone who had just entered the world of Ascendants.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the gentle sound of heels on the rooftop floor. She turned around and saw a familiar figure walking toward her. The figure was a woman, wearing a black suit and a white shirt. She had short, dark hair and serious gray eyes.

“Chloe,” Lena greeted, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity. “I didn’t expect you to be here.”

Chloe offered a faint smile, stopping a respectful distance away. “I thought I’d check in. I heard you met with Ethan Cole today. Is there anything I can assist you with?”

Lena shook her head, turning her gaze back to the skyline. “No, nothing for now. I’ll admit, I was surprised by what I felt from him.”

Chloe raised her eyebrow. “Felt? You mean his aura?”

Lena nodded, her expression thoughtful. “It was faint but unmistakable. Ethan Cole is an Ascendant.”

Chloe’s brows furrowed in surprise. “That’s strange. When I met with him the other day, I didn’t sense anything. Not even a trace.”

"That’s what makes it so interesting," Lena said. She crossed her arms and spoke thoughtfully. “I believe he’s only just ascended.”

Chloe’s expression hardened slightly. “If that’s the case, his potential could be… limited. You know the standard metrics, Lena. Late ascensions typically mean capped growth. Most who ascend later in life can’t achieve their full potential.”

Lena tilted her head and smiled slightly. “Maybe. But I don’t think we should depend too much on standard measures. The world isn’t as predictable as people believe. Abnormalities exist—exceptions to every rule. And Ethan might just be one of those exceptions.”

Chloe’s gaze sharpened. “You sound certain. What makes you think he’s different?”

Lena hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “It’s not just his aura. It’s how he carries himself. There’s something… grounded about him. It is as if he understands his own limitations and strengths in a way most newly ascended don’t. That kind of awareness can’t be taught.”

Chloe studied Lena’s face, her sharp eyes searching for something. “Do you want me or one of the others to test him? We could gauge his strength discreetly.”

Lena shook her head firmly, her tone resolute. “No. I don’t want him to get the wrong impression of me. Ethan isn’t someone we should antagonize. He could be a valuable ally.”

Chloe’s lips pressed into a thin line. “An asset for your mission, then?”

“More than an asset,” Lena replied. “Ethan Cole has the potential to tip the scales, Chloe."

She paused for a while. "He could be really helpful for me in beating the other heirs. But for now, we need him to unravel what the LaRues are planning.”

"I understand your point. You want to build your influence in Novan City before taking over the state and then the country. The LaRues would be a problem for your plan. But..." Chloe tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. “You’re trusting someone you don’t know very well.”

“I know there are risks,” Lena said firmly. “But we can’t ignore this opportunity. The LaRues are speeding up their plans, and we need to support Ethan in fighting them.”

"We, the guardians, could easily settle this family, Lena. Of course, only with your order," Chloe refuted.

"No. The family will not let us, the heirs, depend on the guardians to solve any problems that come our way," Lena said.

Chloe nodded slowly, a hint of admiration flickering in her gaze. “Understood. I’ll make sure the other guardians are informed. For now, we’ll keep our distance from Ethan and the LaRues unless you say otherwise.”

“Good,” Lena said, her gaze hardening as she looked out at the city. “But you can engage him for work-related things. You seem pretty invested in the app.”

Chloe could not help but blush at Lena's remark.

"Don't worry about it. I won't be too hard on you guys. Just enjoy the peace while it lasts," said Lena.

Chloe’s eyes lingered on Lena for a moment before she turned to leave. “Thank you, and as always, you have my support, Lena. Just say the word.”

As Chloe’s footsteps faded into the distance, Lena remained on the rooftop, her mind turning over the implications of what she’d sensed in Ethan.

The world of Ascendants was vast, filled with power struggles, hidden alliances, and dangerous secrets. And in the middle of it all, a young man named Ethan Cole was quickly becoming a player she couldn’t ignore.

“Let’s see what you’re truly capable of, Ethan,” Lena murmured to herself, the wind carrying her words away into the evening sky.