The Path to Ascension

Chapter 15: The Path to Ascension

The early morning sun cast long shadows across the clearing, its light reflecting off the dew-covered grass as Ren and Kairos sat facing each other. The tranquil setting contrasted sharply with the weight of the knowledge Ren was about to impart. Kairos knew today would be different—today, the veil of mystery surrounding the world would be lifted, and he would finally understand the true path he was meant to walk.

Ren gazed at Kairos with an expression of calm intensity, his eyes betraying the vastness of the wisdom he held. "Kairos," he began, his voice steady, "there's much about this world you've yet to grasp. And before you can truly ascend, you need to understand not only how to progress, but also why."

Kairos nodded, leaning in slightly, eager to hear more.

"This world," Ren began, gesturing to the skies and the earth beneath them, "is far more than what it seems. There are realms beyond the one you currently occupy, places where Essence flows like rivers, where spirits and entities of immense power reside. We live in a world bound by rules, forces that govern life, death, and everything in between. These forces are tied to the concept of Ascension."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Ascension isn't just about power. It's about shedding your mortal limitations and stepping into a higher plane of existence. The higher you ascend, the closer you come to understanding the true nature of the universe."

Kairos furrowed his brow. "And what does it mean to ascend? How does one do it?"

Ren leaned back slightly, drawing in a deep breath. "There are seven stages of Ascension," he explained. "Each one brings you closer to the truth, reshaping you both physically and spiritually. But ascension isn't automatic. It requires trials, refinement, and a deep understanding of the forces within and around you."

Ren continued, his tone serious. "The stages of Ascension represent different levels of existence, and each stage has its own unique challenges. The further you go, the more you'll need to understand yourself and the Essence that binds all things."

Kairos absorbed the information, his mind racing with the possibilities. But the question remained: *How* could he ascend?

Ren stood up, motioning for Kairos to do the same. "Ascension isn't something that happens overnight. It's a process that requires both Essence Refinement and Overcoming Trials."

"Essence Refinement?" Kairos asked, puzzled.

Ren nodded. "Everything in this world has Essence—the rocks, the trees, the air itself. To ascend, you need to refine this Essence within your own body. The more Essence you absorb and purify, the stronger you become. But refining Essence is an art. It takes time, practice, and the right techniques."

Kairos furrowed his brow. "And the trials?"

"Each stage of Ascension has its own unique trial," Ren explained. "These trials aren't always physical—they can be mental, spiritual, or emotional. They test your connection to the world, your understanding of yourself, and your ability to wield the forces of Essence. Only by overcoming these trials will you be able to ascend to the next stage."

Kairos instinctively opened his system interface, remembering the points he had invested in Harmony after his previous battles. It had felt like a logical choice at the time, but now he wondered if it was enough.

Ren glanced at him knowingly. "You've been focusing on Harmony, haven't you?"

Kairos nodded. "I used all my Ascendant Points in Harmony… but I'm not sure I fully understand why."

Ren chuckled. "Harmony is crucial. It's the balance between all your other attributes. Strength, Speed, Willpower—none of them matter if you can't control them. Harmony allows you to regulate your Essence, to focus it, and to keep yourself in balance. Without Harmony, the power you gain from ascending can spiral out of control."

Kairos looked down at his hands, feeling the flow of Essence in his body. It was faint but steady, as if his body and spirit were starting to work in tandem.

As Kairos contemplated this, a thought struck him. "Ren… this system I have, it's unique to me, isn't it?"

Ren's eyes darkened slightly, as if he had been waiting for this question. "Yes," he admitted. "Your system is something only you possess. But you aren't the only one aware of its existence. The Guardians, Zira, even I—we know of the system's presence, though none of us have direct access to it."

Kairos blinked, stunned. "Then why is it only for me?"

Ren gave a cryptic smile. "That's something you'll need to discover on your own. The system is tied to you for a reason, and it will guide you on your path. But don't rely on it too much. In the end, true power comes from within—not from any system."

Ren motioned for Kairos to check his stats again.

Current Stats:

Name: Kairos 

Realm: Body Refinement (Early Stage) 

Level: 1 

Strength: 13 

Speed: 10 

Spirit Power: 11 

Endurances: 12 

Flux: 0 

Willpower: 10 

Harmony: 10 (up from 7) 

Essence: 5 

Ascendant Points: 0 

Ren smiled. "You've improved your Harmony. That's good. It means your body and Essence are starting to sync up. Keep refining that balance, and soon you'll be ready to ascend to the next level."

Kairos took a deep breath, feeling the subtle changes in his body. The journey ahead was long, and the path to Ascension was fraught with danger, but for the first time, he felt truly ready to begin.