Ascendancy: The System’s Chosen

Eleanor, Ronan, and Lia emerged from the ruins just as the sky began to lighten, the deep purples of night giving way to a soft, eerie blue.

The air felt different.

Eleanor wasn't sure if it was the aftermath of battle or the quiet realization that she had changed.

She had fought. She had won. And she wasn't afraid anymore.

Ronan helped his sister onto a fallen log, then turned to Eleanor, his expression a mix of awe and uncertainty.

"You…" He swallowed. "What even are you?"

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

He gestured to the ruins behind them. "I've seen warriors. Fighters. Even people with blessings from the gods. But no one moves like you."

Eleanor hesitated. The truth was, she didn't fully understand it either.

The system had called her class Ascendant. It gave her skills like Adaptation and the ability to summon the Phantom Edge.

It wasn't normal.

And she had a feeling this was only the beginning.

"I don't know," she admitted. "But I intend to find out."

Ronan studied her for a moment before nodding. "Then… let me help you."

Eleanor blinked. "What?"

"You saved my sister." His fists clenched. "I owe you my life. And I don't have much, but I know people. There's a settlement nearby—Ravensrest. It's not big, but there are warriors there. People who can teach you things. Give you information."

Eleanor considered his words.

A settlement. Civilization. A chance to learn more about this world.

And, maybe, a place to start.

"…Alright," she said finally. "Lead the way."

Ronan's face broke into a relieved smile.

But as they turned toward the path leading out of the woods, a final system notification appeared.

[Title Unlocked: The Phantom Slayer]

(One who strikes with an unseen blade, felling creatures beyond their level. Your name will be remembered—this is only the beginning.)

Eleanor exhaled, a slow grin forming.

She liked the sound of that.

And as the first rays of sunlight broke over the trees, she took her first step toward whatever came next.