The testing chamber hummed with energy as Helena adjusted the configurations for the elemental test. Targets resembling reinforced stone pillars stood at one end while hovering spheres of varying sizes floated erratically at the other.
Ethan stood in the center, studying the setup with a calm demeanor. ‘I’m impressed with the technology shown here. I wonder if I can learn it,’ Ethan wondered.
He had received quite a lot of notifications of his points for Charisma increasing. It would be good if he could increase the points for his Intelligence, too, while being here. Ethan believed Nemesis had a vast bank of knowledge that he could learn from.
Helena’s voice came through the intercom. “Ethan, this phase measures both the force and control of your elemental abilities. The force test evaluates raw destructive power, while the control test gauges precision. Let’s begin with force.”
“Got it.” Ethan nodded and approached the stone pillars.
Each one glowed faintly, their surfaces reinforced to absorb immense impacts. Ethan glanced at the observers behind the glass—Maya, Luciano, and Helena. Their expressions were expectant, though Helena’s remained the most composed.
‘No need to show everything,’ Ethan thought, keeping his stance relaxed.
The codex had taught him the fundamentals of all four elements, but he decided to limit himself to showing one element for now. Revealing too much would only invite more questions.
He raised his right hand, forming his fingers into the shape of a gun. The codex’s earth techniques came to mind, and he chose the simplest one out of five: Earth Bullet.
“Let’s do this,” Ethan said.
Taking a deep breath, he focused on the energy within him. A small stone manifested to life at the tip of his finger, sharp and controlled. He aimed at the nearest pillar and released the attack.
Luciano, who was watching intently, muttered, “Did he purposely use such a simple technique in front of us?”
Before, whenever any potential recruits were tested, they would always go with their ultimate technique to impress. Besides, most of them were at least at the Lower Two-Star Ascendants.
Maya could only shake her head. She felt that Ethan was a completely different person now.
Back at the testing chamber, the stone shot forward, a concentrated burst that moved with incredible speed. It struck the pillar with a loud explosion. When the dust settled, a deep scorch mark was left on the surface.
The digital display lit up.
Force Output: 401.
Behind the glass, Luciano adjusted his glasses. “401,” he murmured. “Higher than his physical stats.”
Maya nodded subtly, her gaze fixed on Ethan. “It makes sense. Elemental techniques amplify raw energy beyond physical limits.”
Helena tapped her tablet, logging the data. “Ethan, continue with the next pillar.”
Ethan moved to the next target, and his movements were smooth and deliberate. Again, he formed his hand into the shape of a gun and fired another Earth Bullet. The impact was just as precise and powerful, and the display once again showed 401.
He stepped back, shaking his hand slightly as he glanced at the pillar. The technique had been simple, but its destructive potential was evident. Ethan thought the codex wasn’t exaggerating its basics.
Helena’s voice came through. “Good. Now, let’s proceed to the control test.”
Ethan turned toward the hovering spheres, their erratic movements presenting a more challenging task. The smaller ones darted unpredictably, while the larger ones floated in slower patterns.
“The goal here is precision,” Helena explained. “Use the same technique. Hit as many targets as you can within the allotted time.”
Ethan nodded, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the first sphere. The moment it came into view, he raised his hand and fired a small stone. The sphere was destroyed instantly.
"Easy."
He didn’t stop, moving fluidly from target to target. Each shot was precise, the stone hitting its mark without fail. The smaller spheres required faster reactions, but Ethan’s focus didn’t waver. His golden aura flickered faintly as he pushed himself to maintain control.
The final sphere was destroyed, and the display lit up:
Control Score: 401.
Helena logged the results, her expression calm but thoughtful. “Consistent. Both force and control are way above standard for his rank.”
Ethan turned toward the glass, his breathing steady. “Anything else?”
“That concludes the elemental test,” Helena replied. “Take a moment to recover.”
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Ethan stepped back from the testing area, his thoughts turning inward. The results were consistent with his expectations, but they also raised new questions. Why are these numbers so balanced? Is it the system’s doing or something else entirely?
Behind the glass, Maya and Luciano exchanged glances.
“It is weird seeing consistent scores,” Luciano said simply. “Did he purposely do that?”
Maya chuckled. “Maybe he wanted to save us from heart attacks.”
Helena remained silent, her gaze fixed on Ethan as the data was finalized. There was no need for overanalysis—Ethan’s results spoke for themselves.
No matter if Ethan purposedly scored in such a way or if he really did his best, one thing was for sure. Ethan was way above his rank.
“Golden Ascendant…” she muttered. It was something out of the legend. Throughout the history of this world, not many people have ever been bestowed with that.
Ethan exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he prepared for whatever came next. “Are we done?” he asked.
“Yes,” replied Helena.
The tests showed how much he had achieved but also how much work was still ahead. For now, he kept his thoughts private, choosing to share only what was needed.
In a world where knowledge gives you power, keeping secrets can be essential for survival.
***
Helena stood in the dim observation room. The large holographic screen lit up her sharp features. On the screen were four distinct figures, each representing a core aspect of Nemesis’s structure. They were the Four Core Leaders, the guiding forces behind the organization.
The first figure, a broad-shouldered man with a scar running down his face, was known as the Combat Leader. His presence radiated authority, his expression firm and unreadable. He wore a high-collared uniform with medals, showing his many battles.
The second figure, the Techno Leader, was a thin man with sharp eyes. He had several cybernetic enhancements. His fingers twitched occasionally, glowing faintly with integrated technology. He exuded an aura of intellect, his mind clearly always calculating.
The third figure was the Stealth Leader, a woman hidden in shadows, even in the holographic image. When she spoke, her voice was soft, but it held a strong presence that captured attention. Her job was to lead the organization’s secret operations and keep its secrets safe.
The fourth, the Vanguard Leader, was an older woman with silver hair tied neatly in a bun. She had a calm but commanding presence, embodying Nemesis’s all-rounder philosophy of strategy, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Her title reflected her role as the bridge between the other cores, ensuring the organization moved as a cohesive unit.
Helena addressed them with a calm, measured tone. “Leaders, as requested, I’m reporting on Ethan Cole. He has completed the initial tests.”
The Combat Leader leaned forward slightly, his deep voice cutting through the silence. “And? What’s your assessment?”
Helena didn’t waver. “Ethan Cole is… unique. His results were consistent across all tests. His physical attributes—strength, speed, and endurance—are on par with a Lower Three-Star Ascendant. His elemental force and control tests also yielded extraordinary results, with scores surpassing his current rank.”
The Techno Leader raised an eyebrow, his mechanical eye glowing faintly. "That’s impressive, but it doesn’t explain why need to have a meeting and discuss about him. What makes him special?"
Helena hesitated for only a moment before dropping the bombshell. “Ethan Cole is a Golden Ascendant.”
The silence was clear and felt by everyone.
The Combat Leader frowned and tightened his fists. “A Golden Ascendant?” he repeated, his voice incredulous. “You’re sure?”
Helena nodded. “Yes. His aura is weak, but it's clear. He’s the twelfth known Golden Ascendant on Earth.”
The Stealth Leader spoke next, her voice quiet but sharp. “Golden Ascendants are ancient beings, relics of an era long past. They are called the old monsters for a reason. If Ethan is truly one of them, why is he only a Lower One-Star at his age?”
The Vanguard Leader interjected, her tone thoughtful. “He’s twenty, isn’t he? He is late for ascension, and yet he’s already surpassed many who started far earlier. That suggests potential, but it also makes him a liability.”
The Techno Leader scoffed, his fingers tapping rhythmically on his desk. “Potential is meaningless if it’s squandered. He’s twenty and barely a One-Star. By the time he’s ready to make a real impact, the LaRues and their allies will have moved far ahead.”
Helena’s gaze hardened. “Respectfully, I disagree. Ethan’s late ascension is not a weakness—it’s an anomaly. His progress in just a week has been unprecedented. With the right guidance, he could become a force unlike anything Nemesis has seen.”
The Combat Leader leaned back, crossing his arms. “And what makes you so sure he won’t become a liability? A Golden Ascendant draws attention, Helena. He’s already a target, and if word spreads, we’ll have every major faction breathing down our necks.”
Helena’s voice remained steady. "I know there are risks, but the rewards are greater. Losing Ethan would be a huge mistake. He’s not just a powerful asset—he’s a key to understanding the future of Ascendants. Golden Ascendants are rare enough, but one so young and unaligned? That’s unprecedented.”
The Stealth Leader’s voice cut in, laced with caution. “And if he turns on us? Or if he’s already aligned with someone else and playing a long game?”
“He isn’t,” Helena replied firmly. “I’ve observed him closely. Ethan isn’t aligned with any of the Great Families, Supreme Families, or even the Ancient Families. He’s an anomaly, pure and simple. And he’s still finding his footing in this world. That’s why we need to support him—guide him—before someone else does.”
The Vanguard Leader nodded slowly, her sharp eyes narrowing in thought. “Helena, what’s your recommendation?”
Helena took a deep breath. “We groom him. Provide him with the resources and training he needs to reach his potential. If we lose Ethan now, he could either fall into the wrong hands or become a rogue element. Nemesis can’t afford either scenario.”
The Combat Leader grunted. “And if he becomes more trouble than he’s worth?”
Helena’s gaze didn’t waver. “Then we’ll deal with it. But I don’t believe that will happen. Ethan is driven, focused, and adaptable. He’s already proven his loyalty to those he cares about. With the right incentives, his loyalty can extend to Nemesis.”
The Techno Leader sighed, his mechanical eye flickering as he processed the data. “If we commit to this, we commit fully. Half measures won’t work with someone like him.”
The Vanguard Leader looked around at her fellow Core Leaders before speaking. “We have a decision to make. Do we take the risk and invest in Ethan Cole, or do we cut ties now before the stakes get higher?”
The Combat Leader frowned but nodded reluctantly. “If Helena is this confident, I’ll defer to her judgment. But if he proves to be a liability…”
The Stealth Leader added, “We act swiftly.”
The Vanguard Leader turned to Helena. “He’s your responsibility now, Helena. Groom him, guide him, and make sure he understands the weight of his position. A Golden Ascendant in our ranks could change everything—but only if he’s on our side.”
Helena nodded, her expression resolute. “Understood.”
As the holographic call ended, Helena leaned back in her chair, exhaling slowly. The room fell into silence, the weight of the discussion settling over her.
She glanced at the data on her tablet once more, her thoughts returning to Ethan. A Golden Ascendant… and the weakest of them all. For now.
But deep down, she knew that weakness was temporary. And in Ethan Cole, she saw the potential for greatness.