Ascendant Certificate

4. Trading Area

This, however, caught my interest.

"A bustling marketplace filled with auctions and trade negotiations. Real-time transactions occur here, making it a hub of economic activity."

A virtual economy.

5. Arena Area

"A domain for combat. Citizens engage in virtual duels, team battles, and large-scale war simulations. Performance here determines reputation and rewards."

6. Central Area

"The heart of the virtual world, where major announcements occur and prestige is displayed. Here stands the Amethyst Star Ascendant Path Ranking, showcasing the top hundred Ascendant Paths."

I stared at the projection, my gaze drawn to the bustling Central Area. The moment NovaSys magnified the image, my eyes locked onto a towering stone tablet standing tall amidst a sea of people.

"That is the Amethyst Star Ascendant Path Ranking," NovaSys explained. "It records the hundred most powerful Ascendant Paths in Amethyst Star's history."

My heartbeat quickened. The most powerful Paths in history? I had spent twenty-five years perfecting my Martial Arts Path in the martial arts world, carving my own way step by step. I exhaled slowly, suppressing the flicker of anticipation.

"What rank does my Martial Arts Path hold?"

NovaSys hesitated for a moment before answering. "The Martial Arts Path developed by Citizen Michael is ranked forty-eighth."

Forty-Eighth. I kept my expression neutral, yet my mind churned. To rank among the top hundred in a civilization with nearly 220,000 years of recorded history… It wasn't just good—it was a monumental feat. How many geniuses, how many groundbreaking Paths had been created over millennia? And yet, my Martial Arts Path had carved its place among them.

And I hadn't even submitted the final stages yet. Titanium Will and Heavenly Ascension. The true pinnacle of my Path. Once they were included, my rank would soar.

"The ranking will be updated tomorrow," NovaSys added. "Would you like to hide your citizen ID number from public view?"

I barely needed to think about it. In the Stellar Human Alliance, a citizen's ID number was their true identity—permanent and unchangeable. The higher one climbed, the more eyes turned their way. I wasn't ready for attention yet.

"Hide it."

For now, I'd remain in the shadows. The ranking carried prestige, but prestige invited danger. Until I gain more strength, it was best to move unseen.

I exhaled, closing the interface. As the projection faded, I stretched my stiff shoulders and glanced out the window.

"Dawn already?"

The sky was tinged with the first hues of morning. Had I been immersed in the virtual world all night? A faint hunger gnawed at my stomach, but food could wait. More pressing matters demanded my attention.

I browsed the virtual marketplace, my gaze settling on a item.

Nutrient solutions.

I tapped the listing, scrolling through the descriptions.

Low-grade solutions could sustain an ordinary person for a month. Mid-tier ones were for enhanced humans. But the Advanced Nutrient Solution... That was on another level. Designed for high-energy users and exotic beasts, a single bottle contained enough raw power to shatter the organs of a normal human.

I hesitated, my finger hovering over the purchase button. Was I truly ready for this?

A smirk tugged at my lips. What a foolish thought.

If I couldn't handle this, I had no right to chase power in the first place.

With a decisive motion, I confirmed the order.

The price flashed on-screen.

300,000 eclipcoins.

I sucked in a sharp breath. The equivalent of thirty years' wages for an ordinary citizen. A sum most would never dream of spending on food.

But for me? A necessity.

If not for my second-tier citizenship, I wouldn't even be able to see this listing, let alone purchase it.

I leaned back, rubbing my temples as my mind drifted. My current strength… where did I stand now?

The Stellar Human Alliance had clear classifications for ascendants, and I mentally compared my progress against their standards:

Early first-level ascendant—roughly equivalent to the Early to Mid Meridian Strengthening Stage in martial arts.

Mid first-level ascendant—comparable to the Peak of Meridian Strengthening Stage.

Late first-level ascendant—on par with the Early Stone Core Stage.

Early second-level ascendant—matching the Late Stone Core Stage.

Mid second-level ascendant—aligned with the Early Titanium Will Stage.

Heavenly Ascension Stage—equivalent to a third-level ascendant.

That was where I stood. Early second-level ascendant. Strong, but nowhere near enough. The Heavenly Ascension Stage… that would push me into the third level.

A third-level ascendant wasn't quite a city destroyer, but with time and effort, they could be. A casual strike from them could flatten buildings, shatter streets, and send shockwaves through entire districts.

That's the power I need.

The nutrient solution would take half a day to arrive.

I glanced around my room. Cramped. Barely enough space to sleep, let alone train. If I wanted to regain my strength properly, I needed a better environment.

I pulled up the real estate listings.

Aurora Grove.

My eyes narrowed. A high-end residential zone, secluded yet well-connected. Unlike the city's bustling heart, Aurora Grove offered space, tranquility, and, most importantly—privacy.

Powerful figures didn't live in crowded city centers. They stayed in places like this, hidden away from prying eyes.

The price?

10 to 15 million eclipcoins.

I barely blinked. Money was just a tool. And as a second-tier citizen, I had a 40% discount.

"This one."

I selected a 10-million-eclipcoin residence. Reinforced walls, soundproofed chambers, a private training hall—it was perfect.

Without hesitation, I completed the purchase.

The shuttle ride to Aurora Grove was smooth. As the towering skyline of Neo Astralis faded into the distance, I found myself staring at the horizon, lost in thought.

A new home. A new foundation.

When I arrived, the sight took my breath away.

The houses weren't just luxurious—they blended perfectly with nature. Tall trees lined the quiet streets, their leaves rustling in the soft wind. Flowers bloomed in carefully maintained gardens, the scent of fresh earth mingling with the crisp morning air.

I stepped toward my new home. Spacious. Elegant. A private courtyard for training. Every detail screamed excellence.

I ran a hand along the smooth wall, feeling the coolness beneath my fingertips.

"This will do," I murmured.

The purchase finalized without a hitch. With my discount, the final price settled at 6 million eclipcoins. A hefty sum, but worth every bit.

As I sat in the underground training hall, I exhaled slowly. Finally, a place where I can focus.

A notification chimed.

I checked the delivery status of my nutrient solution.

Quickly, I updated the shipping address.

Half a day later, a sleek courier vehicle arrived outside my residence. A uniformed man stepped out, carrying a sealed alloy box.

"Mr. Michael?" His voice was polite. "Please verify your fingerprint."

I reached out and pressed my finger against the box.

"Fingerprint verification passed."

The mechanical voice was cold and clinical, but I barely heard it. My attention was locked on the alloy box as it hissed open, revealing the treasure inside.

A single vial.

I reached for it, fingers closing around the cool glass. The liquid inside shimmered in the dim light, a dark violet hue pulsing with an eerie glow. It wasn't just a drink. It was power distilled into its purest form, condensed energy potent enough to shatter the bodies of lesser beings.

I exhaled slowly.

"Three hundred thousand per bottle. Let's see if you're worth the price."

Without another thought, I uncapped the vial and drank.

The liquid slid down my throat, cool and smooth at first. Then—

Fire.

A violent eruption ignited within my core. It wasn't just heat. It was an inferno, surging through my veins, expanding, pushing, devouring. It felt as if my body was tearing itself apart and reconstructing all at once. My bones ached, stretched, and groaned under the pressure of raw energy flooding my meridians.

Pain lanced through me.

I clenched my teeth, forcing myself into a cross-legged position.

"Refine."

I directed the raging energy, guiding it through my meridians, forcing it into controlled paths instead of letting it run wild.

The sheer force of it felt like trying to hold back an ocean tide with bare hands. Beads of sweat formed on my brow as I pressed on, tempering my flesh, blood, and bones.

Seconds stretched into minutes.

Minutes blurred into an eternity.

At some point, the pain dulled, giving way to something else. A breakthrough.

When I finally opened my eyes, the world seemed sharper. Colors more vivid. My breathing was slow but measured.

I flexed my fingers, feeling the tangible power running beneath my skin.

"I've stepped into the Heavenly Ascension Stage."

Satisfaction swelled in my chest, but it wasn't enough. My reserves weren't full. Not yet.

I estimated the gap in my strength and scoffed.

"Five more bottles should do it."

Without hesitation, I placed the order.

Two Days Later

I exhaled deeply, feeling the last traces of energy settle into my being.

Complete.

The final bottle had been refined, every last drop of power absorbed. My strength—fully restored.

I closed my fists, a slow smile forming.

Now, it was time to make it official.

Ascendant Association

The hovercraft glided through the sky, silent and smooth. As I stepped out, the sight before me was almost underwhelming.

A plain white building. No signs, no banners, nothing to announce its importance. But I wasn't fooled. The moment I approached, an invisible pressure pressed against my skin.

This was a place meant for those who had transcended normal human limits.

I barely had time to take it in before a young man in a black suit approached me, his steps crisp and professional.

"Mr. Michael?" His voice held just the right balance of respect and curiosity.

"That's me," I replied with a nod.

"Welcome. Please follow me," he said, introducing himself as Ethan Cole, a staff member assigned to guide me through the certification process.

He led the way, occasionally sneaking glances at me.

He's young, I could practically hear him thinking. And yet, he's already an Ascendant?

I ignored it.

We reached an elevator. As it ascended, Ethan spoke.

"Before the certification process is complete, all ascendants must undergo a strength assessment. The results will determine your official rank, which will be reflected on your Ascendant Certificate."

I merely nodded.

When the doors opened, I stepped into a long metallic corridor. The walls were sleek and polished. Every inch of this place screamed efficiency.

"This way," Ethan gestured toward the last door at the end of the hallway.

I paused in front of it, studying its plain surface.

"This is it?"

Ethan gave a small, knowing smile. "Yes and no."

He pushed the door open, revealing a minimalist room. At its center stood a virtual world capsule, sleek and silver, its surface gleaming under fluorescent lights.

I frowned slightly. Not what I expected.

Ethan anticipated my question before I could voice it.

"Ascendants of your caliber can easily destroy buildings—or entire cities. Conducting a real-world assessment would be… impractical."

He tapped the side of the capsule. "This system scans your body and creates a virtual model of your exact strength. Every detail, down to the finest muscle fiber, is replicated with absolute precision. You'll be assessed in a simulated environment—one that can withstand your full power without consequences."

I studied the capsule for a long moment.

"A world where I can unleash everything without restraint..."

I stepped forward.

"Let's begin."