Even if one didn’t ascend through this path, it can still be used to enhance your body. This path was incredible due to its simplicity, with minimal restrictions and no glaring weaknesses. Unlike more extreme Ascendant paths, which are often narrowly focused, this path offers broad utility with little risk.
Kaelthar Amathis studied the details carefully. “The Meridian Strengthening stage of this path seems to meet the requirements for an entry-level evolver,” he muttered.
In the world of Ascendants, there are two categories: non-entered and entered Ascendants. Non-entered Ascendants possess power beyond ordinary humans, but they are still far weaker compared to their entered counterparts.
“This path could likely make it onto the Ascendant Path list of Amethyst Star, right?” Kaelthar asked.
The Ascendant Path List of Amethyst Star was an impressive compilation, containing the most notable paths ever discovered in the planet’s 220,000-year history as a habitable world.
“According to the statistics, the Path of Martial Arts would be ranked 37th on the Amethyst Star Ascendant Path List,” NovaSys replied.
Kaelthar’s expression shifted as he processed this information. The Ascendant Path List of Amethyst Star was considered a prestigious ranking, containing the one hundred most powerful Ascendants paths to have emerged throughout the planet’s long history.
These paths had stood the test of time and rarely changed. In fact, since Kaelthar had become the planetary lord, no new paths had entered the top rankings.
“To think that this path could make it onto the list,” Kaelthar mused.
The Ascendant Path List had remained largely static over the years, a sign of strength of the paths included. The fact that a new path had earned such a high spot on the list was an impressive feat.
NovaSys continued, its voice steady and informative. “In accordance with Article 47 of the Stellar Human Alliance Charter, regarding the policy to support the development of new Ascendant paths, the developer of this path will be awarded 5,000 merit points.”
Kaelthar raised an eyebrow. “Five thousand merit points?”
Merit points were the most valuable currency in the Stellar Human Alliance. Issued directly by NovaSys, they were highly sought after. Merit points could be used to upgrade ranks, access resources, and even command NovaSys itself—depending on how many one had accumulated.
The distribution of merit points was strictly tied to an individual's contribution to human civilization. The higher the merit points, the greater the person’s impact and privileges.
Kaelthar’s mind began to race as he considered the implications of this reward. Merit points in the range of one thousand to two thousand were typically awarded for Ascendant paths reaching the third level of potential. Anything above that was exceedingly rare, and five thousand merit points? That was almost unheard of.
The realization struck Kaelthar hard. He had clearly underestimated the true potential of this Martial Arts Path. If it warranted such a high reward, it was even more remarkable than he initially thought.
After a moment of reflection, Kaelthar nodded decisively. “I agree.”
He trusted NovaSys’s judgment implicitly. If the system deemed the Martial Arts Path worthy of such a reward, then it was beyond dispute. NovaSys didn’t show favoritism; its assessments were always impartial and based purely on merit.
Meanwhile, back in his room, Michael remained seated on his bed, still deep in thought.
At this moment, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in Michael's mind.
"Dear First-tier Citizen Michael, the 'Path of Martial Arts' ascendant path you uploaded has been evaluated."
Michael's interest immediately piqued.
The Path of Martial Arts was the culmination of his efforts in the martial arts world. He had poured countless hours into developing and refining it. Now, he was eager to learn how much value the Stellar Human Alliance placed on this ascendant path.
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"Dear First-tier Citizen Michael, according to the evaluation, the theoretical potential of the martial arts ascendant path is level three. It is highly compatible and is valued at 5,000 merit points. Should I distribute them now?"
"Five thousand merit points?" Michael’s eyes widened in surprise and excitement. He knew exactly what the merit points represented.
Merit points were awarded personally by NovaSys, the central governing system of human civilization. They were a symbol of great honor and could be used to upgrade a citizen’s rank. Five thousand merit points was no small amount. Michael had heard rumors that merit points could be traded for restricted resources, opening doors to nearly anything a person could desire.
In the underground black market, the value of merit points was astronomical. Even at a low conversion rate, five thousand merit points could be sold for hundreds of millions in Eclipcoins.
"Merit points have been issued."
The voice of NovaSys echoed once more, and Michael quickly checked his account. To his delight, a new column appeared, labeled "Merit Points," and beside it were the words: "5000."
"Time to upgrade my citizenship," Michael muttered to himself with a smile. As valuable as merit points were, their most important function was to improve a citizen’s rank.
Using them as currency in the black market felt like a waste. Why bother when the true benefit of merit points was the ability to rise through the ranks of the citizen system? Citizens with higher ranks had access to far more resources, and the wealth that came with those resources was almost unimaginable.
Michael knew that second-tier citizens could obtain interest-free loans of tens of millions of Eclipcoins from the central bank every year. In addition, registering as a high-level citizen in various regions could generate significant revenues, often in the tens or hundreds of millions annually.
As he prepared to upgrade his citizenship, NovaSys voice chimed in again.
"Dear First-tier Citizen Michael, 500 merit points have been used to promote you to Second-tier Citizen."
A satisfied smile spread across Michael's face. It only took 500 merit points to advance from first-tier to second-tier, but advancing to third-tier would require 5,000 merit points.
Though he hadn’t reached third-tier status yet, Michael felt satisfied. Second-tier citizens were a rare class, representing less than 0.1% of all citizens of Amethyst Star. There was one second-tier citizen for every several hundred thousand first-tier citizens. They were the privileged elite, a class apart.
As Michael reveled in his newfound status, his inbox suddenly buzzed with incoming emails.
"Emails?" Michael raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected this. Without hesitation, he connected to the virtual network. A holographic screen materialized in front of him, displaying his inbox.
In human civilization, technology had advanced to the point where external devices like mobile phones and computers were obsolete. As long as someone was a human citizen, they could access the vast network through specific consciousness fluctuations, a direct connection to the information infrastructure that spanned the universe.
Through this system, NovaSys could contact any citizen at any time, directly and efficiently.
"Open mailbox," Michael instructed, navigating to his inbox.
The first email was from the Stellar Human Alliance. The message began with a congratulatory note, acknowledging Michael’s promotion to second-tier citizen. It expressed hope that he would continue to improve the ascendant path and work closely with human civilization in the future. The email concluded with encouraging words for humanity’s progress in the universe.
At the end of the email was a pleasant surprise. Ten million Eclipcoins had been transferred into his bank account.
“They’re really putting their money when it comes to Ascendant paths,” Michael mused, astonished by the generosity. He quickly checked his bank balance.
Ten million Eclipcoins had just arrived. The currency of human civilization was highly valuable. In fact, this sum was enough to support a family of four for 500 years. Even a second-tier citizen wouldn’t ignore such an amount. After all, who would complain about having too much money?
"It seems like Ascendant Scholars are a lot more valued than others at the same tier," Michael thought. He had never heard of anyone receiving a direct transfer like this just for becoming an Ascendant.
It made sense though. Ascendants could be created in many ways—through purchasing specialized resources like genetic enhancements or physical development. It was typically a personal journey, unrelated to the Stellar Human Alliance.
However, becoming a second-tier citizen required contributing to the Human Alliance, earning merit points through your efforts. Naturally, it would place a higher value on higher-tier citizens, who were seen as vital to its future.
Michael glanced at his bank account again, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
With this enormous sum, he could now afford nutritional supplements and other health boosters. There were no more restrictions on his purchases, and regaining his full strength was now a matter of time.
Next, Michael moved on to read the rest of the emails. These messages mostly contained explanations about the various privileges he now had access to as a second-tier citizen.
Becoming a second-tier citizen opened up several advantages that ordinary citizens could only dream of. The main benefits were:
1. Exemption privileges: This included exemptions from conscription, forced immigration, and other actions that involved coercion. He could refuse any of these actions unless he chose otherwise.
2. Legal Immunity (Limited): In any region governed by the Stellar Human Alliance, even if a second-tier citizen committed a crime, local law enforcement had no right to arrest or harm them unless the citizen consented. They also have legal immunity against minor legal disputes, including civil suits or small fines.
3. Purchase permissions: Many valuable resources in the Stellar Human Alliance couldn’t be purchased just with money—they required a certain level of citizenship. With his new status, Michael could now access those resources.
4. Exclusive Job Opportunities: Second-tier citizens have access to high-ranking positions within both governmental and corporate sectors.
5. Priority Healthcare: Citizens of this rank are entitled to priority treatment in medical facilities, including access to the latest treatments, genetic enhancements, and even rejuvenation therapies that are out of reach for lower-tier citizens.
6. Research and Development Support: Second-tier citizens have increased funding and resources for personal research, allowing them to experiment with advanced technologies.
7. Housing and Land Privileges: Priority access to better living conditions, including luxurious housing in cities or the opportunity to own land in prosperous regions, providing a secure and comfortable lifestyle.
8.Virtual World Access: Eligibility to enter the virtual world LAN, granting access to a unique digital realm.
In addition to these privileges, there were other hidden benefits for second-tier citizens.
“No wonder people are so eager to climb the ranks of citizenship,” Michael thought.
His gaze then fell on the last privilege which was virtual world authority.
Michael could easily understand most of the privileges listed above, but the idea of entering the virtual world intrigued him. What did it really mean? What kind of place was this "virtual world," and what could he do there?