Chapitre 12: Ascension Points
Ethan sat in his small, dimly lit room, his foot tapping nervously against the wooden floor. The soft thud matched the unease building inside him.
Familiar sounds drifted in—the TV murmuring in the living room, dishes clinking in the kitchen where his mom was cleaning up. Normally comforting, tonight they felt distant.
He couldn't shake the strange feeling that had started at dinner like someone was watching him.
Ethan ran his hand through his hair. He stood and looked outside through the window of his bedroom. 'Am I being watched?'
'Is it the money? Maybe it's just making me paranoid,' he thought. 'Or did I mess up somewhere? Did I do something to put a target on myself?'
Ethan tried to retrace his steps, his mind racing through recent moments and interactions, searching for where things might have gone wrong.
His thoughts landed on Charles Weston, the bank manager, and Suzanne, the overly chatty teller at Novan Bank.
Suzanne had practically announced his account balance to everyone in the room.
She might as well have used a megaphone, Ethan thought bitterly. Anyone could've heard her.
Once again, he turned to the window. His eyes were scanning the shadows outside. He did not know whether he was expecting to see someone or he was being paranoid.
Then he remembered his recent splurge—expensive gadgets, high-end clothes, extravagant gifts—all set to arrive soon. It hit him how obvious these deliveries would look.
Nosy neighbors or opportunistic strangers might take notice.
"If someone finds out… that will be troublesome," Ethan muttered, his steps quickening as dread filled him. The thought of his family being put in danger because of his wealth sent a chill down his spine.
He stopped abruptly, fists clenched. He had to act fast. Two things needed to happen—immediately.
First, he wanted 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 everyone," Ethan murmured, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on his shoulders. Of course, he meant his family members.
The idea of hiring a security agency crossed his mind, and he quickly sent a text to Charles Weston, asking for a reliable recommendation. Charles replied almost immediately, saying that he needed a day or two for that.
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 Panel 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.
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[Skills Panel Unlocked]
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'Just as I suspected,' Ethan thought, his pulse quickening. 'It wants me to level up first before giving access.'
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.
"I never thought it would be this many..." Ethan murmured. He was amazed at what the system had to offer.
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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.
Ethan could not help but grinned at the thought. However, he shook his head quickly. 'Let's be real. This is not some kind of novel.'
He continued his thought, '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 five?'
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.
To make it all the way to the Master tier, he needed 17 Ascension Points.
He believed that when he unlocked the skills, the information would surge into his mind. 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. He could not waste his time anymore. If he wanted to protect himself and his family, he needed to be ready at any cost.
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?
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"Yes," Ethan whispered, clicking the button.
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[Purchase Successful: Krav Maga [Basic] - 2 Ascension Points]
=====
Suddenly, a wave of sensations hit Ethan like a lightning bolt—a torrent of knowledge and muscle memory flooding his mind and body all at once.
It wasn't the slow, steady learning that came with practice; this was sharp, overwhelming, like years of experience compressed into a single, blinding moment.
A piercing ache flared across his temples, his vision blurred, and his whole body seemed to rebel against the sudden transformation.
Gritting his teeth, Ethan clenched his fists, every fiber of his being focused on staying silent. The only thing he did not want to happen was for his family to rush in.
Even so, he felt like every passing second felt like an eternity. It was too much for him to take. Then, the pressure eased.
Ethan opened his eyes. "Whoa…" he whispered, a grin breaking across his face. "That's… incredible."
He flexed his fingers, rolling his shoulders experimentally. Every movement felt smoother, sharper, and more precise.
What had once been concepts or techniques he'd watched others perform was now second nature, embedded deep within him like instincts.
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 unreal… How is this even happening?' Ethan thought, his mind racing as he paced the room.
He threw a quick jab into the air, following it with a series of fluid, instinctive strikes.
Every movement felt precise, powerful, and natural—like his body already knew the choreography. The realization sent a shiver down his spine.
'What else can I unlock?'
His gaze shifted back to the Skills Panel, and his eyes landed on another skill: Close Quarters Combat.
The description was straightforward but carried a weight that made his pulse quicken: a fighting style designed for tight spaces, where split-second decisions and calculated moves were the difference between survival and defeat.
Ethan's breath hitched. The sheer practicality and intensity of such a skill filled him with both awe and anticipation.
"This… would be really helpful," he murmured, his fingers hovering over the screen.
The thought of mastering techniques used by elite soldiers and operatives sent a ripple of excitement through him.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He knew what unlocking this skill would feel like—the flood of knowledge, the disorienting rush of sensations—but he also knew it was worth it.
Without hesitation, Ethan tapped the option to unlock it and braced for the impact.
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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.
Ethan could feel his muscles tightening crazily. Right now, he could feel his head throbbing. He believed that if this situation continued for a few more minutes, his head would explode.
However, the next moment, he felt his body was brimming with 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—spaces where every movement had to count—no longer felt like obstacles.
Ethan's mind raced with an understanding he hadn't earned but now possessed.
He could see how to turn a corner into an advantage, how to use walls as leverage, and how to read an opponent's body language before they even moved.
Disarming, countering, anticipating—it all came naturally now as if he'd spent years mastering it.
"This is… unbelievable," Ethan murmured, turning his hands over, studying them like they were unfamiliar tools. A laugh broke through his amazement, soft but incredulous. "Will this be considered cheating?"
Truthfully, he did not mind cheating for now. It was amazing how the system achieved this feat.
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.
Ethan took a deep breath. He then placed a hand on his chest. He could feel that his heart was beating in excitement. "Now I have the basic things that I need."
However, he knew well that all of this would never mean he or his family was completely safe. There were more things to be taken care of.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
NoahCaelum
NoahCaelum Hey everyone!
I just wanted to drop a quick note to let you all know that while I genuinely appreciate your comments and the time you take to engage with my story, I haven't had the chance to read or reply to them yet.
Aside from being a little worried that some negative feedback might mess with my motivation, I'm also deep into editing the novel right now—trying to polish everything up as quickly and as well as possible.
With that in mind, I don't want to accidentally spoil anything for you by responding too soon!
I'm focusing on giving you the best story version possible. I'll check in with the comments when I feel more ready to handle it all and have more time on my hands.
Thanks for your understanding and support! I hope you continue to enjoy the ride, and I'll catch up with you all soon!
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone