Ascension Points

In the dimly lit, cramped room, Ethan sat, his foot nervously tapping against the worn hardwood floor. The rhythm seemed to echo his growing unease, an incessant beat that refused to let his thoughts settle.

The quiet around him was deceptive. Muffled sounds of the TV filtered in from the living room, and the faint clatter of dishes from the kitchen hinted at his mother busy washing the dishes.

Yet these familiar noises, ordinarily comforting, felt distant and unreal.

Ethan couldn't concentrate. A deep, gnawing unease consumed him. At dinner earlier, he'd felt it—an uncanny sensation, like unseen eyes were fixed on him, observing his every move.

He tried to shake it off but failed.

Running his fingers through his hair, he rose to his feet and began pacing. "Why do I feel like I'm being watched?" he muttered aloud, his voice barely above a whisper.

The thought refused to let him go. 'Is it just because I have all this money now? Maybe it's gotten to my head, making me feel like I'm someone important. Or… did I make a mistake somewhere? Did I do something that painted a target on me?'

He mentally retraced his steps, recalling every moment, every interaction, trying to piece together where things might have gone wrong.

His mind landed on Charles Weston, the bank manager, and Suzanne, the overly loud teller at Novan Bank.

Suzanne had practically announced his account balance to anyone within earshot.

'She might as well have shouted it through a megaphone,' Ethan thought, frustration bubbling within him. 'Anyone nearby could've overheard.'

He turned toward the window, half-expecting to catch a shadow flitting past or a figure lurking outside. His heart quickened as the feeling of being watched tightened its grip. "Am I being paranoid? Or is someone really out there?"

The memory of his recent online purchases surfaced next—expensive electronics, high-end clothes, and lavish gifts, all set to arrive soon. It struck him how conspicuous those deliveries might seem. Any nosy neighbor or opportunistic observer would surely notice.

"If someone finds out..." Ethan murmured, his pacing quickening as anxiety filled him. The thought of his family in danger because of his newfound wealth chilled him to the bone. He had to act—now.

He stopped in his tracks, fists clenched tightly, and forced himself to think clearly. Two things needed to happen, and fast.

First, he resolved to move his family out of this fragile, worn-down apartment and into a safer, more secure neighborhood.

With the Unlimited System at his disposal, this would be easy enough. A few searches online would give him everything he needed to expedite the process.

The move had to happen immediately. Even if their current deliveries arrived at this address, Ethan could easily pay to redirect them to their new home.

Second, and more daunting, was the realization that wealth alone wasn't enough. "I need to be able to protect us," Ethan murmured, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on his shoulders.

The idea of hiring a security agency crossed his mind, and he quickly sent a text to Charles Weston, asking for a reliable recommendation.

But security guards and bodyguards wouldn't be enough. Deep down, Ethan knew he couldn't rely entirely on others. He needed the strength and skills to defend his family himself if it ever came to that.

Power. Not just wealth but real, tangible power. Ethan stared at his hands, the determination in his chest growing. "I need to be strong enough to protect them. No matter what."

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. He wasn't a fighter. He had no training, no skills that could help him protect anyone—not really.

"I can't just become that person overnight," he muttered to himself. But then the thought lingered, hovering in the quiet room. Or could I?

His mind turned back to the Unlimited System, the strange and extraordinary system that had already transformed his life in ways he was only beginning to grasp. He recalled the Skills Panel, those intriguing but locked abilities he hadn't been able to access before.

"Wait a minute..." His eyes widened as realization dawned. "I have Ascension Points now."

He had earned them after leveling up earlier. What if the System had precisely what he needed—not just wealth, but strength? The kind of strength that could make him capable of defending those he loved.

He could feel the flicker of hope stirring within him. This was the perfect moment to explore what the System could truly offer. "Let's see what you've got for me," he said under his breath, more to himself than to anyone—or anything—else.

Eagerly, Ethan grabbed his phone and opened the System Panel, scrolling quickly to the Skills section he had barely touched before. His fingers hovered over the screen, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

As he clicked on the Skills Panel, the screen shimmered faintly. Then, with a soft chime, a new notification appeared, glowing faintly in the dim light of the room.

=====

[Skills Panel Unlocked]

=====

'Just as I suspected,' Ethan thought, his pulse quickening.

With a steady hand, he tapped to open the Skills Panel. As it unfurled before him, a cascade of possibilities filled the screen.

Categories upon categories stretched out in neat, shimmering rows, each brimming with skills that seemed to belong more to a hero from legend than to an ordinary young man.

His breath caught in his throat. He hadn't expected this—this overwhelming array of choices. For a moment, he simply stared, his awe growing with every passing second.

"So many..." he murmured, his voice barely audible.

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[Skills Panel]

Categories:

Daily Living Skills

1. Cooking (Basic)

2. Driving (Basic)

3. Sewing (Basic)

4. Gardening (Basic)

Creative Skills

1. Writing (Basic)

2. Singing (Basic)

3. Drawing (Basic)

4. Sculpting (Basic)

Communication Skills

1. Public Speaking (Basic)

2. Negotiation (Basic)

3. Persuasion (Basic)

4. Leadership (Basic)

Physical Skills

1. Parkour (Basic)

2. Acrobatics (Basic)

3. Climbing (Basic)

4. Slacklining (Basic)

Survival and Tactical Skills

1. Wilderness Survival (Basic)

2. Stealth (Basic)

3. Tracking (Basic)

4. Navigating (Basic)

Combat Skills

1. Boxing (Basic)

2. Krav Maga (Basic)

3. Muay Thai (Basic)

4. Close Quarters Combat (Basic)

5. Tactical Firearms (Basic)

Weapon Proficiency

1. Handguns (Basic)

2. Rifles (Basic)

3. Tactical Knives (Basic)

4. Throwing Weapons (Basic)

=====

Ethan's eyes widened in amazement as he scrolled through the list of skills, his breath catching at the sheer scope of possibilities. His gaze landed on the Combat Skills section, and for a moment, he simply stared, his imagination leaping ahead.

'This is it. The kind of stuff mercenaries and soldiers would use,' he thought, a thrill coursing through him.

The names jumped out at him; Boxing, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Close Quarters Combat—practical, lethal, honed for survival. They weren't just martial arts but tools designed for the harsh realities of combat.

Ethan had seen snippets of their efficiency in online videos, where every movement was precise, every strike devastating.

"These... these are exactly what I need," he murmured, leaning closer to the screen. His mind began to race, imagining himself as a force to be reckoned with—a blend of wealth and raw power.

He pictured himself standing confidently, both a master of the boardroom and a formidable fighter, similar to how the young masters he'd read about in novels.

A grin tugged at the corners of his lips, but he shook his head quickly, snapping himself back to reality. 'No, this isn't a novel. This is real life. If I get hurt—or worse—that's it. There's no second chance.'

His gaze moved back to the details, where the System elaborated on each skill. Every skill was divided into three levels; Basic, Intermediate, and Master. Unlocking the Basic level required 2 Ascension Points, a price that made Ethan instinctively glance at his remaining balance.

'I've got ten. Enough to unlock five Basic skills... but which ones?'

The Intermediate level required another 5 Ascension Points. In comparison, the Master level demanded another hefty 10 Ascension Points—and, intriguingly, each level could be mastered instantly.

No long hours of grueling practice, no years of sweat and toil. The knowledge and expertise would be his the moment he unlocked them.

"It's like something out of a dream," Ethan whispered. But then, another thought struck him, sobering him slightly. 'But dreams don't come without their costs.'

He recalled countless stories and novels where inheriting sudden power often came with excruciating pain or dangerous side effects. Would the System be any different?

Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, steeling himself for what might come. The stakes were too high to hesitate. 'I don't have the luxury of time. If I'm going to protect myself and my family, I need to be ready.'

His decision settled, and his heart thudded with nervous anticipation as he muttered, "Alright, let's start with Krav Maga."

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[Krav Maga]

A martial art designed for self-defense and survival in violent situations. Focuses on neutralizing threats quickly and efficiently.

Cost: 2 Ascension Points (Basic)

Do you wish to unlock this skill?

=====

"Yes," Ethan whispered, clicking the button.

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[Purchase Successful: Krav Maga [Basic] - 2 Ascension Points]

=====

Suddenly, Ethan was seized by an overwhelming surge of sensations—an indescribable flood of knowledge and muscle memory coursing through his mind and body.

It wasn't the gradual understanding one gains through study or practice but an abrupt and disorienting deluge, as if years of experience had been condensed into a single, electrifying moment.

The intensity of it was nearly unbearable. A sharp ache spread across his temples, and his vision wavered as though his body and mind were struggling to adapt to the sudden influx of skill.

Gritting his teeth, Ethan clenched his fists tightly, determined not to cry out. The last thing he wanted was to alarm his family in the other room.

After what felt like an eternity—though it was likely only seconds—the discomfort ebbed away, leaving a strange clarity in its wake. He opened his eyes, his breathing ragged but steady.

"Whoa…" Ethan whispered, a grin spreading across his face. "That's… unreal."

He flexed his fingers and rolled his shoulders, marveling at the ease with which his body now responded. Movements and techniques he had only seen in videos were now ingrained in him, not as vague concepts but as instinctual actions.

Blocking, countering, striking—it was all there, etched into his very being. He could feel the power and efficiency of Krav Maga coursing through him. It wasn't just knowledge; it was mastery.

'This is insane… How is this even possible?' Ethan thought, his mind racing as he paced the room. He threw a quick jab at the air, then followed it with a fluid combination of strikes.

His body moved with precision and power as if guided by an unseen hand. It was exhilarating and humbling all at once.

The thrill of it sent a shiver down his spine. 'What else can I learn?'

Turning back to the System, Ethan's eyes lingered on another skill that piqued his curiosity: Close Quarters Combat—a brutal and highly effective fighting style designed for tight spaces, where every second and movement could mean the difference between life and death.

The description alone made his pulse quicken, and the idea of possessing such a skill filled him with a mix of awe and determination.

"This… this could make all the difference," Ethan murmured to himself, his fingers hovering over the screen. The thought of becoming adept in a skill honed by elite soldiers and mercenaries sent a ripple of excitement through him.

Steeling himself for the process once again, he tapped the option to unlock it, bracing for what was to come.

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[Close Quarters Combat]

Combat skills designed for close-range fighting, often used by special forces and mercenaries in real-world battle scenarios.

Cost: 2 Ascension Points (Basic)

Do you wish to unlock this skill?

=====

"Yes," Ethan replied without hesitation. He needed to learn all of these skills quickly.

=====

[Purchase Successful: Close Quarters Combat [Basic] - 2 Ascension Points]

=====

As the torrent of knowledge surged through him once more, Ethan braced himself, prepared this time for the storm of sensations. Yet, even with forewarning, the experience was no less jarring.

His muscles tightened involuntarily, his head throbbed, and for a moment, it felt as though every nerve in his body was alight with raw energy.

Between clenched teeth, he managed a fleeting thought, 'Will boosting my Strength and Endurance make this any easier?'

It was a question worth pondering, though he wasn't sure he'd want to test it again anytime soon.

When the discomfort finally subsided, Ethan let out a long breath, shaking his arms as if to dispel the lingering tension. But what followed was an extraordinary clarity, a quiet yet undeniable certainty in his newfound abilities.

He flexed his hands, rolled his shoulders, and instinctively shifted into a stance he hadn't known before. The movements felt natural and precise—like the actions of someone who had spent years honing them.

He realized, with a jolt of amazement, that he now knew how to defend himself in nearly any situation. Hallways, stairwells, narrow alleys—places where space was tight, and improvisation was key—no longer seemed daunting.

He understood instinctively how to disarm opponents, anticipate their moves, and use his surroundings to his advantage.

"This is unreal," Ethan murmured, turning his hands over as if they now belonged to someone else. A chuckle escaped him as he added, "This feels like cheating."

And yet, the knowledge was his, firmly embedded in his mind and body. How the system achieved this feat remained a mystery—a marvel that left him both awestruck and uneasy.

But there was no denying its effectiveness. Ethan felt, for the first time in his life, not just ready but capable of facing threats head-on.

He scrolled further through the list of skills, his eyes landing on a section labeled Tactical Firearms. He paused, considering the implications of such knowledge.

The descriptions hinted at an entirely different realm of expertise—precision, strategy, and the ability to wield firearms with calm confidence.

'I can't just go around carrying guns,' Ethan thought, his brow furrowing. The notion was impractical, if not downright reckless. But then again, it might prove invaluable in an emergency.

"Well," he murmured to himself, "it doesn't hurt to be prepared."

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[Tactical Firearms]

Training in handguns, rifles, and other firearms designed for tactical and combat scenarios. Used by military and law enforcement personnel.

Cost: 2 Ascension Points (Basic)

Do you wish to unlock this skill?

=====

Similar to before, he replied without a single moment of hesitation.

"Yes," Ethan confirmed.

=====

[Purchase Successful: Tactical Firearms [Basic] - 2 Ascension Points]

=====

Ethan felt the now-familiar sensation wash over him, though this time, it came with a strange sense of nostalgia, as if he had spent years honing his aim and precision at a shooting range.

"How on earth is this possible?" he murmured. "It's like I've lived through the memories of training with guns."

The understanding came effortlessly, as natural as breathing: how to hold, aim, and fire a wide range of firearms with accuracy and confidence. He could feel their weight in his hands. 

However, none were present, and he instinctively knew the steps for loading, disassembling, and maintaining them.

"I'd love to try this out for real," he admitted to himself, his voice tinged with quiet amazement.

This time, the influx of knowledge wasn't as jarring as it had been before. Perhaps his body and mind were adjusting to the process, or perhaps the complexity of this skill wasn't on the same level as the others. 

But Ethan couldn't be entirely certain—he was only guessing. To him, this wasn't an easy skill by any means.

With three skills unlocked and six Ascension Points spent Ethan felt as though years of intense training had been embedded in his very being. His muscle memory, once an ordinary part of his existence, now carried the precision and discipline of an elite soldier.

Taking a deep breath, he pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the rapid thrum of his heartbeat. "This… this is exactly what I needed," he said quietly. A sense of transformation filled him. "I'm not defenseless anymore."

His gaze shifted toward the window, his eyes scanning the darkness beyond. For a fleeting moment, he half-expected to catch sight of someone lurking in the shadows. Yet the unease in his chest had shifted into something steadier—a readiness, a quiet resolve.

"If they come for me…" He let the thought linger, his voice calm yet firm. "I'll be prepared."