If he could formalize the martial arts system and give it to NovaSys, the Stellar Human Alliance would surely take notice. They actively encouraged the development of new Ascendant pathways, offering substantial rewards and prestige to those who contributed.
"If I succeed, I’ll not only get the funds I need but also establish a reputation for myself as an Ascendant Scholar," he mused. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the bedframe as the idea solidified.
Michael had seen countless stories online about Ascendant Scholars who became renowned after creating new pathways. Their contributions earned them wealth, influence, and elevated status within the Alliance.
"It’s worth a shot," Michael said aloud, determination lighting up his eyes.
Michael decided to connect to NovaSys, the core intelligence governing human civilization in the universe. Known for its impartiality and efficiency, NovaSys ensured absolute fairness in every transaction. By choosing to upload the Martial Arts Path through it, Michael eliminated any risks of interception or theft. NovaSys would evaluate the pathway's value with precision.
A minute passed, and then the familiar synthesized voice echoed in his mind.
"Stellar Human Alliance First-Tier Citizen Michael, please state your request. Note: This is your fourth connection to NovaSys this month. You have one remaining session. Use it wisely."
"I want to upload a new Ascendant Path," Michael stated.
"Uploading a new Ascendant Path." The voice remained flat and emotionless, betraying no reaction to his claim. For NovaSys, this request was routine. Across the vast Stellar Human Alliance, countless citizens frequently uploaded what they believed were innovative Ascendant pathways.
The idea of creating an Ascendant Path was alluring—these pathways were blueprints for achieving life-altering evolution. However, the overwhelming majority of submissions were flawed, unstable, or lacked scientific grounding. Even when a pathway showed potential, it often failed due to its one-dimensional nature or lack of viable application.
Despite this, the Alliance incentivized creativity. A groundbreaking Ascendant Path could strengthen humanity's position in the cosmos, and even flawed submissions contributed to a larger database of knowledge. So, NovaSys dutifully processed every claim, however unlikely its value.
Michael took a deep breath and uploaded the Body Tempering, Meridian Strengthening, and Stone Core chapters of his Martial Arts Path.
"Ascendant Pathway uploaded. Initial evaluation in progress."
Almost instantly, NovaSys began simulating and analyzing the pathway using its immense computational power. Michael watched, his heart pounding.
"Preliminary evaluation: The Ascendant Pathway is valid."
"Preliminary evaluation: This pathway is original and unique."
"Preliminary evaluation: This pathway demonstrates high compatibility with the human genome."
Michael exhaled, his tension easing slightly. Still, he debated whether to include the Titanium Will and Heavenly Ascension chapters. Just as he was deliberating, NovaSys interrupted.
"Deeper evaluation initiated. Please stand by."
The tone of the synthesized voice changed subtly, gaining a weight of authority. Michael was taken aback.
"Could this be the main consciousness of NovaSys contacting me?" he wondered. He understood that the NovaSys available to citizens was merely a minor subroutine, far removed from its true intelligence.
Rumor held that the main consciousness only intervened in matters of great significance—a phenomenon Michael had never experienced.
Unbeknownst to Michael, in a distant region of the cosmos where the main consciousness of NovaSys resided, an immense crystalline light curtain began to shimmer. Streams of data, glowing with ethereal patterns, cascaded across its surface as countless sub-processes were deployed to evaluate the Martial Arts Path.
Stage 1: Verification of Authenticity
• Cross-referencing with existing pathways:
"No identical or similar pathways detected in current records across 4,736 known galaxies."
"No historical submissions matching this structure found within the Ascendant Path Archives."
Simulation of foundational principles:
"Body Tempering Chapter principles verified: Physiological enhancements consistent with stable human biology. Potential for universal application observed."
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
"Meridian Strengthening Chapter verified: Constructs align with known energy channels. Development stabilizes under various conditions, with no immediate risk of systemic failure."
"Stone Core Chapter verified: High-efficiency energy condensation model achieved. Observed energy outputs surpass standard Ascendant frameworks by 37.6% under similar resource conditions."
Result: Pathway authenticity confirmed.
Stage 2: Assessment of Theoretical Stability
• Simulated applications on diverse human sub-populations:
"Testing on 12,987 genetic variations indicates adaptability across environmental and physiological conditions. No significant instability detected during transitions between chapters."
• Stress-testing pathway durability:
"Model subjected to 1.4 trillion extreme scenarios:
• Gravitational anomalies: Path remains viable under conditions up to 120x standard planetary gravity.
• Energy scarcity environments: Reduction in progression speed noted but no collapse of methodology.
• High-energy disruptions: Path demonstrates resilience, with recovery mechanisms embedded in principles of Stone Core condensation."
Result: Stability deemed exceptional, rated 94.82% under all known variables.
Stage 3: Potential Ceiling Analysis
• Growth trajectory modeling:
"Analyzing pathway progression from Body Tempering to Stone Core stages:
• Average life expectancy increased by 250–320 years with sustained adherence.
• Combat efficiency elevated to rank equivalency of Second-Level Ascendants in known frameworks.
• Resource-to-output ratio optimized at 1:5, significantly surpassing traditional methods requiring 1:2."
• Prediction of advanced stages (beyond submitted chapters):
"Compatibility with Third-level Ascendant classification highly probable if theoretical advancements are incorporated."
Result: Upper potential limit established at Third-Level Ascendant, with room for further evolution.
Stage 4: Comparative Evaluation
• Cross-system ranking of pathways:
"Martial Arts Path ranks in the top 0.01% of all submitted pathways in terms of adaptability, stability, and growth potential."
• Economic and social impact analysis:
"Projected widespread adoption indicates a 2% increase in collective military capability across Stellar Human Alliance. Societal prosperity and workforce productivity projected to increase by 9.4% over 100 standard years."
"Minimal resource wastage observed in cultivation stages, reducing strain on planetary ecosystems."
Result: Pathway considered transformative. Reclassification to strategic-level resource pending approval.
Stage 5: Protocol Activation
Compliance check:
"Pathway aligns with Article 72 of the Stellar Human Alliance Charter, permitting immediate resource allocation and high-priority evaluation."
• Emergency protocol execution:
"Contact initiated with Lord Kaelthar Amathis, the highest-ranking authority in the Amethyst Star region, for authorization and further action."
.....
Meanwhile, across the vast expanse of the Stellar Human Alliance’s domain, in the highest tower on Amethyst Star, Lord Kaelthar Amathis paused mid-step.
He had just finished his daily duties, his sharp eyes scanning the sprawling cityscape of the planet he governed. The twin moons of Amethyst Star cast a serene glow over the glittering skyline, but his mind was heavy with fatigue.
"Turn off all communications," Kaelthar had instructed his personal AI assistant moments earlier. "I need four hours of uninterrupted rest."
The AI, obedient and efficient, confirmed his command. Yet, just as Kaelthar sat down and closed his eyes, the synthesized voice of his AI intruded.
"Sir, a request for communication has been received."
Kaelthar Amathis abruptly opened his eyes, his brows knitting into a frown. His voice was tinged with irritation as he muttered, “Who dares disturb me at this hour?”
The AI promptly responded, “The request originates from the entity with the highest authority in the nearby planetary systems. It cannot be ignored.”
Kaelthar’s expression darkened further, but his tone grew steadier as he asked, “Who holds such authority nearby? Is it one of the other planetary lords?”
“No, it is NovaSys.”
The mention of NovaSys immediately erased his frustration, replacing it with a solemn gravity. NovaSys wasn’t just the supreme intelligence overseeing the Stellar Human Alliance; it was a cornerstone of human civilization, wielding authority that spanned across countless galaxies. Even the mightiest apex existences and planetary rulers deferred to its decisions.
He leaned back, exhaling slowly. “If NovaSys is contacting me at this hour, it must be something critical,” he murmured to himself. NovaSys never acted without reason. Every decision was the product of unfathomable computations, and its calls were never frivolous.
His mind raced. “Could it be the alien threat?” His gaze hardened. Several months ago, traces of an alien fleet had been detected in the nearby star field. The Stellar Human Alliance had launched a conscription campaign in response, bolstering its forces to prepare for potential conflict.
Before his thoughts could spiral further, the synthesized voice interrupted. “Please respond.”
Kaelthar hesitated for a moment, then nodded decisively. He knew there was no true choice in the matter. NovaSys had the authority to bypass any refusal.
The practice of offering a "choice" to respond was little more than a symbolic nod to privacy laws implemented centuries ago. Even so, it provided the illusion of control, a small comfort to citizens.
“Connect the call,” he said firmly.
The room filled with a faint chime. “NovaSys has been connected,” the voice announced.
Kaelthar straightened his posture, his demeanor calm but cautious. “What urgent matter requires my attention at this hour?”
NovaSys’s response was as cold and precise as ever. “According to Article 674 of the Stellar Human Alliance Charter, when a new Ascendant Path with the potential to reach the third level or above is discovered, the decision must be jointly reviewed by NovaSys and the individual with the highest regional authority.”
Kaelthar’s pupils contracted slightly. He leaned forward, his voice sharpening. “Are you saying you’ve discovered a new Ascendant Path with the potential to reach the third level?”
As planetary lord, Kaelthar reviewed countless Ascendant Path submissions daily. Yet, most were lackluster, barely scraping the first level. A third-level potential was an extraordinary rarity.
No wonder NovaSys reached out directly, even during his off-hours.
If it were an ordinary path, NovaSys would have simply logged it for review the next day. The fact that it initiated immediate contact signified its extraordinary significance.
Kaelthar knew well that a third-level potential didn’t refer to the current capabilities of a path but to its projected upper limit, calculated through exhaustive simulations.
NovaSys continued, “Please review the submission.”
Suddenly, layers of glowing screens materialized in front of Kaelthar, displaying the details of the path: Body Tempering, Meridian Strengthening, and Stone Core chapters of the Martial Arts Path.
Kaelthar’s sharp eyes scanned the information, his frown deepening into a contemplative expression. As a seasoned Ascendant himself, he instantly recognized the path’s brilliance.
“This is…” he muttered, leaning closer. The path’s simplicity was striking. Its requirements were minimal, making it accessible to the vast majority of humans.
Unlike other extreme Ascendant Paths that demanded rare resources or innate talent, this Martial Arts Path had no such barriers. Even if one failed to ascend fully, the physical enhancements alone would yield significant benefits.
He tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair, his mind racing. “A path like this... it has no glaring weaknesses. It doesn’t rely on volatile elements or risky extremes. Its versatility ensures broad applicability.”