After the long evening spent with his family and Aurora, Dave realized that it was time for him to focus on his own progress again. Aurora seemed content with Emily, who had taken an instant liking to her, treating her almost like a younger sister. For now, Dave decided it would be best for Aurora to stay with his family, keeping her safe and out of harm's way.
"Aurora," Dave said as they all sat in the living room. "I'm going to be doing some more training for a while. I want you to stay here with my family. They'll look after you."
Aurora looked at him with her usual wide-eyed innocence and nodded slowly. "Okay, Dave."
He turned to his parents, John and Linda. "Keep an eye on her. Make sure she's comfortable. She's been through a lot."
Linda smiled, her caring instincts already in full gear. "Of course, Dave. Don't worry, we'll take good care of her."
Emily, still beside Aurora, grinned. "She's basically my new best friend! You have nothing to worry about."
Dave chuckled at that. "Good. I'll be back soon." With that, he left the room and made his way to his private training area where the AI-powered PODs were set up.
Once he reached the training room, Dave entered his own POD and lay back as the familiar hum of the machine activated, enclosing him in the virtual training environment. It was a peaceful yet intense space where he could focus on leveling up his skills and pushing his body and mind to new heights.
As he floated in the virtual void, his thoughts wandered back to the recent events, especially his encounter with Lukan, the SSS-ranked superhuman. The fight had pushed him to his limits, and if it weren't for Aurora's unexpected intervention, he likely wouldn't have survived. But what Lukan had said before his death kept echoing in Dave's mind—the mention of "Transcendence" and powers beyond what he currently understood.
Unable to hold back his curiosity any longer, Dave called out to the system. "System, what is the next rank after SSS? And what did Lukan mean when he talked about Transcendence?"
The system responded in its usual calm and efficient tone, though there was a slight delay, as if processing something particularly complex. "The rank after SSS is known as Transcendent. It is a state that goes beyond the limits of physical power and mental capabilities. Those who reach Transcendent status are no longer bound by the conventional rules of the universe, achieving mastery over their existence in ways that defy logic."
Dave furrowed his brow. "Transcendent... What does that mean exactly? What's different from the SSS rank?"
"Transcendents possess abilities that stretch beyond mere strength, speed, or intelligence. They gain control over fundamental forces of reality itself. Time, space, and even the laws of nature can be bent to their will. Unlike superhumans, who rely on physical forms and mental faculties, Transcendents operate on a higher plane of existence."
Dave's pulse quickened at the explanation. The thought of reaching such a level was both exhilarating and terrifying. It wasn't just about being the strongest or fastest anymore; it was about gaining control over reality itself. "And what did Lukan mean when he said Transcendents exist beyond what I know? What should I do next?"
There was another brief pause before the system continued. "Transcendents are extremely rare. Lukan was only on the verge of understanding their powers. Many who ascend to SSS rank search for ways to reach that next level, but few succeed. The path is perilous and unclear. To raise your rank from SSS to Transcendent, you will need to undergo a series of Trials, each one testing your mastery over reality. These Trials will force you to face beings and entities far beyond the power you've encountered before."
Dave's mind spun as he tried to process the information. "Trials? What kind of beings are we talking about? Are they like Lukan?"
"No," the system replied. "Lukan was still bound by physical limitations, even at his SSS rank. The entities you will face in the Trials exist on a different level entirely. Some may not even have a physical form. They wield powers that can alter timelines, reshape matter, and even end worlds. However, the specifics of each Trial will only be revealed as you progress. You will also need to seek out certain ancient relics, which are necessary to begin the path to Transcendence."
Dave took a deep breath, feeling both the weight of this new knowledge and the excitement of what lay ahead. The idea of facing entities with such terrifying power was daunting, but if he wanted to protect those he cared about and become something greater, it was a path he had to take.
"So, I have to find these relics... and then I'll be able to start the Trials?" Dave asked, his voice firm.
"Correct," the system confirmed. "But be warned—once you begin, there is no turning back. The path to Transcendence will either elevate you to a power beyond imagination or destroy you entirely."
Dave exhaled slowly. "No turning back, huh? Sounds like my kind of challenge."
With that, the system went silent, leaving Dave alone with his thoughts. He knew the journey ahead would be the hardest he had ever faced. But if Transcendence was what awaited him, then he was ready to face whatever Trials came his way.