Second Round. Ascension
Reach the Supreme Level by overcoming mortality.
- Is this a joke? - someone whispered tensely, clutching their sword.
- No, it's definitely not a joke... - the second voice trembled, like an echo of fear seeping under their skin.
The players froze, cold sweat trickled down their backs, and weapons creaked in strained grips.
Last time, there were monstrous wolves, the smell of blood, and screams that cut through the ears. Then, each moment could have been the last. Now, it was different.
A light flashed, and an ogre appeared before them. Above his head glowed the name:
Ascended Bob, Level 121
His aura inspired fear, his movements radiated calm menace.
The players tensed, raising their weapons. Mages whispered spells, summoning fire, lightning, and winds, ready to attack.
Tension hung in the air. The players awaited other enemies, but none appeared. The ogre calmly looked around at them, scratched his head, and remained unperturbed.
After completing the Memory, many players had reached level 120 but found themselves stuck, as if they had hit an invisible wall.
Players below level 120 continued to train and gradually grow. They improved their skills and magical abilities, honing their mastery of swords, bows, and magical arts.
But for those who had reached the coveted level 120, their training seemed to come to a halt: the power was absorbed but seemed to disappear, as if it were hiding, waiting for the moment when their mortal bodies would break through the invisible barrier.
William froze, feeling his heart clench. Thoughts raced like a whirlwind:
- Charging head-on won't work - he'll crush us. Surround him? Weaken him with magic? Even that might not work.
Fear and adrenaline mixed within him, but he tried to remain calm, hoping they could overcome this challenge as they had the previous ones. However, seeing the level - just one above their own - he and the others felt a bit reassured
One level seemed trivial, not a threat. After all, in games, a difference of one level usually didn't matter.
But they forgot that he wasn't mortal like them; he was a Higher Being. The difference between them was colossal - even a single level put them in completely different categories.
Bob clapped his hands. The booming sound shook the ground, a wave of wind tossed the players like light leaves. They stared at him in shock.
- Greetings, contenders. I am Bob, the Higher One, and I am here to explain how you can overcome mortality, go through Ascension, and become Higher Beings, - his thunderous voice echoed.
- What? He talks... just like Ankela! - one of the players exclaimed.
- Transcendence? What is that?
- Maybe we should just kill him? - Gizard smirked, raising his axe. His voice sounded confident, but a shadow of doubt flickered in his eyes.
- Agreed
Bob smiled, seeing their determined expressions ready for a fight, and shook his head, pointing his finger to the sky:
- You can only proceed to the next round by becoming Higher Beings. If you can't... well, then you will simply perish
The players exchanged glances. Some gripped their weapons tighter, others sought support in each other's eyes, while some tried to hide their fear with clumsy smiles.
His words foretold a trial not of strength, but of essence. Someone clenched their teeth in fear, while someone else tightened their grip on their weapon, feeling a surge of determination. A whisper swept through those gathered, and a mix of fear, distrust, and determination hung in the air.
- What do we need to do to move forward? - William asked calmly, keeping his eyes on Bob.
Everyone understood that this was the second round, and the ogre was a guide or NPC whose task was to direct them in this trial.
Bob looked at them with a stern gaze and continued:
- Many of you are stuck at the limit of your development. But by becoming Higher Beings, you will be able to overcome this stage and reach the next level of existence
He paused, giving the players time to absorb his words, then added:
- There are five stages of development:
A Mortal is a person limited by their physical body, lacking magic. They live by the laws of nature, fighting with simple weapons and relying on their strength and labor.
A Mortal Master - those who have mastered magic and martial arts, overcoming physical limitations. They can destroy mountains, control elements, and use magic, but they remain mortal.
A Higher Being - these are beings whose power can destroy cities and reshape the world. Their battles leave chaos and scorched earth in their wake.
Peak Higher Beings are a step away from the Eternal. Their power can devastate continents, leaving behind wastelands where life will not return.
The Eternal - those who have transcended time and space. Their presence can destroy planets, alter reality, and slow time for their enemies.
The Supreme Being - that is the highest level, but you are not yet ready to know about it.
A murmur of confusion passed through the crowd.
- You are all Mortal Masters. You possess magic, skills, and arts, but to become Higher Beings, you must overcome the Limit and the Transcendence, - Bob pointed his hand forward, as if the invisible barrier lay before him.
- In your system, the Limit corresponds to levels 110-120. But beyond that is Transcendence - a trial through which no one passes without knowledge and strength. Even your system cannot make you Higher Beings.
Fenri looked at his comrades, puzzled. Bob's words sounded like a riddle that threw his thoughts into disarray.
- How are we even supposed to do this? - he wondered. - This is not like an ordinary battle where everything depends on strength and skills. There's something else here... something I've never done before
Deep down, he felt confusion and weakness, emotions unfamiliar to him, and that only intensified his unease.
- As Mortal Masters, you can destroy small mountains and rivers. But Higher Beings - they are something greater and different.
- How different are these Higher Beings? - Gizard asked coldly, his fingers brushing the axe, as if preparing for an attack. - Is this just empty talk or a real threat?
Inside him, fear and curiosity struggled. For Gizard, the ogre had become a challenge that could test their limits.
Bob smiled:
- For example, I, with just level 121, could destroy all of you in mere seconds
- That's nonsense! You're alone, and there are more than three hundred of us, half of whom are above level 100! - one of the team leaders scoffed, skeptically eyeing the ogre.
- Level is just a number, - Bob clenched his fist.
In the middle of the clearing, a sphere appeared, emanating an aura of threat. The players barely felt it before it exploded, destroying everything around.
Fwoom.
Time froze. The world returned to its previous state, but the memory of what they had seen remained. The players realized that for a moment, they had all died.
- Such is the difference between our levels, - Bob said indifferently, surveying the crowd.
- And the higher the stage, the greater the chasm
The team leaders no longer objected.
Bob raised his head and spoke indifferently:
- We got a bit sidetracked from your round. Now, let's continue. By overcoming the limits of mortality, a Mortal Master enters the Transcendence and begins a journey through five Realms, each requiring a new level of self-awareness and inner strength
- So, to become a Higher Being, you must pass through five Realms with your consciousness and eventually Ascend
- Consciousness? - Fenri frowned, his voice strained. - What about the body? The soul? How is this all connected?
- Consciousness is your essence. The body is merely a shell, and the soul is the spiritual heart of consciousness. To become Higher Beings, you must understand yourselves and then the laws of nature and the universe
The players exchanged glances. It all sounded more like philosophy than the familiar rules and levels they knew. Bob's words felt alien to their world.
How do you control consciousness? What does that even mean? They only knew about the body and the soul. They were gamers, not philosophers or masters.
Bob also seemed puzzled as he watched their confusion. He realized that they had gained their power undeservedly. Where his master had sent him, Bob did not understand, but he knew better than to ask questions.
Bob shook his head and decided to teach them from scratch, as he had been sent here for that very purpose:
- Let's begin the training, - Bob decided. - Close your eyes and enter your inner world
The players looked at Bob as if he were crazy. How were they supposed to know how to enter their inner world? They weren't monks or spiritual masters. But they did not argue and decided to follow his instructions.
William, Gizard, Fenri, Izabelle, and the others immediately sat down and tried to concentrate, but no matter how hard they tried, nothing worked. They didn't even have the slightest idea of how to find this inner world, what to think about, or how to do it.
Bob, seeing this, shook his head, remembering that they couldn't even enter their own worlds. He slightly beckoned with his hand, manipulating energy that subtly flowed into each of the contenders and helped them find the thread that soon allowed them to enter their worlds.
There they saw an enormous space. Each person's space was unique:
For William, it was an endless plain where wheat fields stretched to the horizon. The wind rustled the golden ears, and the sky above glowed with pure light. However, amidst this peaceful landscape stood a massive knight's helmet, covered with cracks and battle scars. From inside came a heavy hum, as if the echo of the past was calling him.
In the distance, he saw a stone cross engraved with the names of those he had lost in the Holy War. The cross was surrounded by swords stuck into the ground, each with a piece of red cloth hanging from it, reminiscent of the banners of the fallen. A soft breeze whispered words in an unknown language, but William understood their meaning - they were the names of those who had passed.
William felt his heart clench with guilt, but next to the cross, a banner suddenly blazed. An enormous, bright red cloth waved in the wind, reminding him of the vows he had made.
For Fenri, it was majestic mountains, with crystal-clear lakes surrounded by radiant flowers, and hidden caves filled with ancient mysteries and echoes of distant voices.
For Gizard, it was a green meadow stretching under a clear sky. On its soft grass stood hundreds of soldiers - his soldiers. They no longer looked like ghosts; their faces shone with peace and dignity. Rusty swords, once stuck into the ground, now lay aside, covered in flowers.
One by one, they approached him, bowed, and silently placed their hand over their heart. It was their forgiveness, wordless but filled with strength. In the distance, he saw his house's banner, proudly flying in the wind. The silence was no longer oppressive; it wrapped around him like a warm blanket.
Gizard felt his heart, which had been clenched by pain for so many years, finally open. He dropped to one knee and whispered:
- Thank you... and forgive me once more...
The soldiers silently turned, one by one dissolving into the air, leaving him alone in the meadow, now full of life and peace. The grasses swayed softly in the breeze, and for the first time in a long while, Gizard felt like a part of the world, not a prisoner of his mistakes.
For Anna, it was a dark temple, with columns stretching into infinite emptiness. Shattered stained glass windows were scattered on the floor, their fragments reflecting the light of distant torches.
In the center of the hall stood an altar, covered in blood and ash. In its shadow stood the figure of the abbot who had shattered her faith. The cold gripped her, but in her heart, the fire of justice still flickered.
Light began to stream from her palms, illuminating the walls, and the shadows vanished, leaving a clean space. Yet her gaze lingered on the altar - it was no longer tainted but still reminded her that justice demands sacrifice.
Izabelle found herself in a desert, where the wind formed sand dunes symbolizing her loneliness and search for purpose. The sun beat down mercilessly, and the sand glittered like an endless sea of gold.
Another player found themselves in a modern city, full of light, neon signs, and bustling life, reflecting their love for hustle and bustle. The energy of the crowd invigorated them, and the high-rise buildings seemed to reach for the sky.
- Wow, how beautiful, - Izabelle marveled at her inner world.
- Incredible, - Fenri said, looking around in amazement, then felt that he could fly. It was an incredible feeling - as if all the limitations and weight of reality had disappeared
He felt lightness and freedom, as if his soul could reach any place he had ever dreamed of. The air flowed around him, and for the first time, Fenri experienced true freedom, unbound by body or ground.
Looking at himself, he saw that he was in the form of a spirit, without his physical body. It felt natural, as his physical body remained in the real world. Just then, Bob's voice echoed in their consciousness:
- You are all now in your inner world, deep within your consciousness. Accordingly, you are now in the form of your consciousness. At this moment, your consciousness resides in your body, specifically in your brain. But upon reaching the Higher and subsequent levels of existence, you will be able to separate your consciousness and even travel with it without a body.
- Alright, now that we're done with the basics, let's return to Transcendence
The players exchanged glances, a mixture of fear and determination in their eyes. They didn't know what awaited them next, but they realized that there was no turning back. Some were overwhelmed, others were inspired. Silence hung over them as each gathered their strength, preparing for the unknown.
At that moment, Bob waved his hand, and a gust of wind struck each of the contenders. In an instant, they returned to the real world, spitting out a mouthful of blood. They looked around in shock, not understanding what had just happened.
- Entering your inner world should only be done in a safe place. I attacked you slightly with my energy, abruptly pulling you out of contemplation
- So, you could've easily killed us all? - Gizard said, getting up and wiping blood from his lips.
- I could have done that even without this, - Bob smirked and continued, - Now that you've learned to control your consciousness, we can proceed to the Trial of Transcendence
- Transcendence consists of five Realms:
The Realm of Beginning - Here, a Mortal Master confronts the truth about themselves. All illusions and fears crumble, leaving them face to face with their primary essence. They must rid themselves of weaknesses and doubts, finding their true self.
The Realm of Origin - A Mortal Master dives into the origins of their power, learning its nature and purpose. Old goals and attachments lose meaning, giving way to a new, purified aspiration.
The Realm of Insight - The Mortal Master begins to understand that their place in the Universe is not unique, and even Ascension is just another step in an endless chain of existence. However, this Realm offers not only truth but also a heavy realization: the power they sought has always been within them, but unlocking it will require complete transformation.
The Realm of Enlightenment - Here, a Mortal Master finds inner harmony and balance. They learn to find peace within themselves, accepting their place in the world and preparing for the final trial.
The Realm of Ascension - Here, the traveler bids farewell to their mortal essence, finally freeing themselves from its remnants. The trials here involve overcoming their limits and embracing a new state.
After passing Ascension, they become a Higher Being, gaining power previously inaccessible to them.
The players stood still, as if their souls were caught in a cold grip. Bob's words hit them like a sudden downpour on a clear day, washing away all familiar landmarks. The reality where everything could be measured in levels and skills vanished, giving way to something immeasurable and terrifying.
Fear enveloped some like a sticky fog, forcing them to take a step back, though their feet remained rooted. Others swallowed, feeling the weight of an invisible responsibility pressing on their shoulders. The world they knew now seemed like a mere sketch compared to the vast canvas of boundless eternity.
Previously, their threat was physical danger: monsters, battles, blood. Now, the true test awaited them within.
- Ascension... This can't be real, - one of the players thought. For them, the idea of self-awareness seemed foreign and impossible.
Fenri looked at the others. They were just as stunned as he was. - Who am I? Why am I here? - questions he had never asked himself now pierced his consciousness like sharp arrows.
Until that moment, the world had always seemed simple to him: enemies, allies, rewards. Everything fit into categories. But now those categories shattered, leaving a void that demanded answers.
Bob surveyed the players with a stern gaze.
- Everything is explained. Now you face the first step. There are no enemies here, only yourselves, - Bob's voice sounded like distant thunder
He paused, giving the players time to process his words.
- Remember: time in Transcendence flows differently. It may feel like years have passed, but here it will be mere moments. I will be here to protect your bodies, but on the Path, you will be alone. And remember this: if you die in Transcendence, you will not return. Your consciousness will vanish, and your body will become an empty shell
His words hung in the air like shards of ice.
Fenri felt cold sweat on his back - Die? Within myself? - The thought was terrifying and, at the same time, inexplicably alluring
- Good luck, - Bob said, his voice indifferent, as if it were just a formality.
The players nodded, knowing that what lay ahead was unknown, more frightening than any monster.
Bob finished his speech, and for a moment, it seemed as if his figure was weighed down by the invisible burden of time.
These teachings about Ascension were rare. Mortal Masters knew almost nothing about them, as the methods of Ascension were the greatest secret of the Higher Beings. This method, provided by Game God, was just one of many paths, but even it was incredibly valuable.
Game God did not share this knowledge lightly. It was all part of his grand plan. He wanted the game to become something more. It had to be filled with drama, despair, triumphs, and defeats that would be remembered forever.
Bob, watching the players, understood that if even a quarter of them reached Ascension, it could shift the balance of power below, where the war for the Crown of Dominion was already raging.
- Phew, - Fenri exhaled deeply, slapping his cheeks to bring himself back to reality. Then, gathering his thoughts, he sat on the ground, preparing for the trial.
- Are you serious? Right now? - Izabelle's voice trembled like a taut string. Her eyes glistened with tension, and she clenched her hands into fists.
Izabelle remembered the moment she first opened her eyes in this game. The world seemed thrilling but frightening. Her hands had trembled back then too - but from cold and fear of the unknown. - Just like then, just like now, - she thought. - Stepping forward is scary, but there is no other way.
- What choice do we have? - Fenri answered calmly, though his eyes betrayed anxiety. He remembered his past. - In real life, I always waited, - he thought. - Waited for a chance, waited for luck, waited for change. But if I do the same here, nothing will change.
His calmness irritated her, but she knew he was right. Looking around, Izabelle noticed that many of the players, like her, hesitated. They wanted to first see what others would do, to ask what lay ahead, but there was no time for that.
Bob remained silent, but his gaze spoke louder than words. The players understood: the time for the second round was not limitless, and they could not afford to hesitate.
- Alright, - gritting her teeth, Izabelle took a deep breath. She slowly sat down on the ground next to Fenri and closed her eyes.
Fenri nodded briefly to her, though his own hands trembled slightly. He tried to focus, taking a deep breath.
Bob surveyed those gathered, as if trying to ensure his words reached each of them. His voice, low and resonant, seemed to reverberate in the very essence of the space:
- You have already surpassed your Limit. You have crossed the boundary where ordinary mortality ends. But to fully transcend the bounds of human existence, you must go through Transcendence. Feel its call and take the first step.
The players tensed. Many already realized they were on the edge, beyond which lay something unknown. But despite this, they didn't understand what they needed to do.
Fenri took a deep breath, trying to focus. Clenching his fists, he closed his eyes, and everything around him began to dissolve. A soft light flickered at the edges of his consciousness, gradually giving way to something different - something beyond words.
Pressure enveloped his body, wrapping him in an invisible force. There was no pain, but a heaviness. The space wavered, and before him appeared the Veil - a shimmering fabric of energy.
- This is not just a boundary, - Bob's voice echoed in his head. - This is Transcendence. It does not merely separate Mortal Masters from Higher Beings. It demands that you accept your new nature and face the trials with its strength.
Fenri stepped forward. The Veil flashed, pouring a torrent of energy onto him, simultaneously blinding and incomprehensible. At that moment, he felt his body and consciousness begin to change.
Fenri squeezed his eyes shut. The world around him seemed to dissolve, darkness gently enveloped him as all sounds and images disappeared. In that moment, he heard a faint, barely audible whisper.
From the depths of this darkness, a child's face appeared before him - a face he hadn't seen in many years. His own face.
- Do you want to become stronger? - the boy asked in his voice.
Fenri froze, unable to respond right away. It wasn't a question; it was a demand, a call he had always avoided.
- Are you ready to accept yourself?
Fenri pressed his lips together, feeling fear rise within him. He stepped forward, leaving behind everything that held him back.
After a few moments, he felt movement, as if a stream of water had picked him up and carried him to another dimension. His consciousness moved beyond the familiar, leaving his body behind, and an immense white expanse unfolded before him, shimmering with soft, glowing light.
A blindingly bright area spread around him - vast, radiant, filled with calm. Yet ahead, he saw the ground give way to something else.
At the edge of the white expanse began a dense darkness, as if reality itself ceased beyond its borders. The air grew dense, and cold seeped under his skin.
Fenri took a step forward, feeling the Veil unleash a surge of energy upon him. A whisper echoed from the depths of the darkness:
- Are you ready?
- Yes
The world around vanished. An icy whirlwind burned him, and blinding light pierced his consciousness. Everything collapsed, leaving him in the silence of emptiness.
The Realm of Beginning