The First Descent

Declan pushed his janitorial cart through the bustling preparation area, the atmosphere thick with a blend of excitement and tension. His wrist comm buzzed discreetly, and he glanced at it.

[Ascendant System]

Host: Declan Greyford

Class: Ascendant Hunter

Level: 1

Equivalent Rank: F

Exp: 0/100

Stats:

Strength: 5

Agility: 4

Intelligence: 6

Mana: 20

Stamina: 10

Skills: None

Quests and rewards: None

A new message popped up: "New Mission: Exploration of D-Rank Gate. Available for F-Rank Hunters. Reward: Experience + Skill Unlock."

Ignoring the peculiarity of a D-Rank gate open for an F-Rank Hunter, he accepted the mission.

Jerry from the armory raised an eyebrow as Declan suited up. "You sure about this, kid?"

"More than you think," Declan answered, fitting the last piece of armor.

Declan approached the swirling gate, ignoring the condescending comments from higher-ranked Hunters. Sarah, the team leader, studied him skeptically but said nothing as they stepped into the vortex.

The team found themselves in a lush forest, full of ethereal flora and fauna. Sarah directed them to spread out and collect herbs. After an hour of relative calm, Declan's wrist comm flashed an alert: "Threat Approaching."

A piercing screech filled the air, and reptilian creatures lunged from the bushes. Two hunters were incapacitated instantly.

As Declan focused on the nearest creature, his Ascendant System displayed its stats and weak points. Swinging his sword, he struck its underbelly.

[System Prompt: Monster Defeated. Exp gained: 25.]

Declan felt a rush of energy. His movements became more precise, and he dodged and struck with newfound agility. Another monster down:

[System Prompt: Monster Defeated. Exp gained: 25.]

Before he knew it, the battle was over. His system flashed: "Mission Complete. Experience earned: 50. Skill Unlocked: Basic Swordsmanship."

Declan couldn't help but grin. He had survived his first gate and earned a skill, changing his status in a way that felt tangible.

Sarah stared at him, puzzled and impressed. "Who are you?"

"I'm the guy who cleans your bathrooms," Declan said, sheathing his sword. "But I can do more than that now."

His wrist comm buzzed once more, revealing his updated status:

[Ascendant System]

Host: Declan Greyford

Class: Ascendant Hunter

Level: 2

Equivalent Rank: F

Exp: 0/200

Stats:

Strength: 6

Agility: 5

Intelligence: 7

Mana: 25

Stamina: 15

Skills:

Basic Swordsmanship: Increases proficiency with swords.

Quests and rewards:

Completed: Survive your first gate. Reward: Level Up + Skill Unlock.

As the team returned, some offered apologies for their earlier disdain, while others congratulated him. But Declan's mind was on the new abilities listed on his Ascendant System. Level 2 was just the beginning. The path of an Ascendant Hunter was long, and he was more than ready to walk it.