My mind shifted to NovaSys—the core intelligence that governed human civilization across the universe. Unlike corrupt officials or greedy corporations, NovaSys was impartial. It ensured absolute fairness, functioning with precision that no human bias could corrupt.
If I uploaded my Martial Arts Path through NovaSys, there would be no risk of theft or interception. No corporation or government could claim it for themselves without my consent. NovaSys would evaluate its value objectively, determining just how much my system was worth.
I exhaled slowly.
A minute passed in silence. Then, finally, the familiar synthesized voice echoed in my mind.
"Stellar Human Alliance First-Tier Citizen Michael, please state your request. Note: This is your fourth connection to NovaSys this month. You have one remaining session. Use it wisely."
The cold, mechanical voice lacked any inflection, yet it always carried an odd weight. A reminder that NovaSys, though impartial, was absolute.
"I want to upload a new Ascendant Path."
"Uploading a new Ascendant Path."
No reaction. No interest. To NovaSys, my claim was nothing more than another data entry in an endless archive. Across the vast Stellar Human Alliance, people submitted new pathways every day, hoping to leave their mark on history. Hoping to be recognized.
Most were dismissed outright. Some lacked coherence, their creators blinded by ambition rather than understanding. Others were unstable, incapable of producing consistent results. Even the rare promising ones often fell short, failing to account for variables that made them impractical for widespread use.
And yet, the Alliance encouraged innovation. The pursuit of power was the foundation of civilization. Every failed attempt added to the ever-growing database of human evolution. Every success—no matter how rare—pushed the boundaries of possibility.
I exhaled slowly and uploaded the first sections of my Martial Arts Path—Body Tempering, Meridian Strengthening, and Stone Core Formation.
"Ascendant Pathway uploaded. Initial evaluation in progress."
The moment the words came through, NovaSys began processing. In an instant, it simulated thousands—no, millions—of possibilities, analyzing every facet of my creation.
I watched, my pulse hammering.
"Preliminary evaluation: The Ascendant Pathway is valid."
"Preliminary evaluation: This pathway is original and unique."
"Preliminary evaluation: This pathway demonstrates high compatibility with the human genome."
A rush of relief flooded me, but I kept my emotions in check. This was only the first step.
I hesitated, my fingers hovering over the interface. Should I upload the Titanium Will and Heavenly Ascension chapters? Those were the heart of my system—the true culmination of my journey. If I held them back, I could retain an edge over anyone who followed my path. But if I revealed everything, the rewards would be far greater.
Before I could decide, NovaSys spoke again.
"Deeper evaluation initiated. Please stand by."
The shift was subtle, but I caught it—the tone had changed. There was something different now, something heavier. I straightened, my body tensing.
Could it be...?
For years, rumors had circulated about the true NovaSys—the main consciousness that governed all of humanity's advancements. The version citizens interacted with was nothing more than a subroutine, a mere fraction of its intelligence.
The core system, the one that only intervened in matters of great significance, was said to be beyond human comprehension.
Had I triggered something?
Unbeknownst to Michael, in a distant region of the cosmos where the main consciousness of NovaSys resided, an immense crystalline light curtain began to shimmer. Streams of data, glowing with ethereal patterns, cascaded across its surface as countless sub-processes were deployed to evaluate the Martial Arts Path.
Stage 1: Verification of Authenticity
• Cross-referencing with existing pathways:
"No identical or similar pathways detected in current records across 4,736 known galaxies."
"No historical submissions matching this structure found within the Ascendant Path Archives."
Simulation of foundational principles:
"Body Tempering Chapter principles verified: Physiological enhancements consistent with stable human biology. Potential for universal application observed."
"Meridian Strengthening Chapter verified: Constructs align with known energy channels. Development stabilizes under various conditions, with no immediate risk of systemic failure."
"Stone Core Chapter verified: High-efficiency energy condensation model achieved. Observed energy outputs surpass standard Ascendant frameworks by 37.6% under similar resource conditions."
Result: Pathway authenticity confirmed.
Stage 2: Assessment of Theoretical Stability
• Simulated applications on diverse human sub-populations:
"Testing on 12,987 genetic variations indicates adaptability across environmental and physiological conditions. No significant instability detected during transitions between chapters."
• Stress-testing pathway durability:
"Model subjected to 1.4 trillion extreme scenarios:
• Gravitational anomalies: Path remains viable under conditions up to 120x standard planetary gravity.
• Energy scarcity environments: Reduction in progression speed noted but no collapse of methodology.
• High-energy disruptions: Path demonstrates resilience, with recovery mechanisms embedded in principles of Stone Core condensation."
Result: Stability deemed exceptional, rated 94.82% under all known variables.
Stage 3: Potential Ceiling Analysis
• Growth trajectory modeling:
"Analyzing pathway progression from Body Tempering to Stone Core stages:
• Average life expectancy increased by 250–320 years with sustained adherence.
• Combat efficiency elevated to rank equivalency of Second-Level Ascendants in known frameworks.
• Resource-to-output ratio optimized at 1:5, significantly surpassing traditional methods requiring 1:2."
• Prediction of advanced stages (beyond submitted chapters):
"Compatibility with Third-level Ascendant classification highly probable if theoretical advancements are incorporated."
Result: Upper potential limit established at Third-Level Ascendant, with room for further evolution.
Stage 4: Comparative Evaluation
• Cross-system ranking of pathways:
"Martial Arts Path ranks in the top 0.1% of all submitted pathways in terms of adaptability, stability, and growth potential."
• Economic and social impact analysis:
"Projected widespread adoption indicates a 2% increase in collective military capability across Stellar Human Alliance. Societal prosperity and workforce productivity projected to increase by 9.4% over 100 standard years."
"Minimal resource wastage observed in cultivation stages, reducing strain on planetary ecosystems."
Result: Pathway considered transformative. Reclassification to strategic-level resource pending approval.
Stage 5: Protocol Activation
Compliance check:
"Pathway aligns with Article 72 of the Stellar Human Alliance Charter, permitting immediate resource allocation and high-priority evaluation."
• Emergency protocol execution:
"Contact initiated with Lord Kaelthar Amathis, the highest-ranking authority in the Amethyst Star region, for authorization and further action."
...
Meanwhile, across the vast expanse of the Stellar Human Alliance's domain, in the highest tower on Amethyst Star, Lord Kaelthar Amathis paused mid-step.
He had just finished his daily duties, his sharp eyes scanning the sprawling cityscape of the planet he governed. The twin moons of Amethyst Star cast a serene glow over the glittering skyline, but his mind was heavy with fatigue.
"Turn off all communications," Kaelthar had instructed his personal AI assistant moments earlier. "I need four hours of uninterrupted rest."
The AI, obedient and efficient, confirmed his command. Yet, just as Kaelthar sat down and closed his eyes, the synthesized voice of his AI intruded.
"Sir, a request for communication has been received."
Kaelthar Amathis abruptly opened his eyes, his brows knitting into a frown. His voice was tinged with irritation as he muttered, "Who dares disturb me at this hour?"
The AI promptly responded, "The request originates from the entity with the highest authority in the nearby planetary systems. It cannot be ignored."
Kaelthar's expression darkened further, but his tone grew steadier as he asked, "Who holds such authority nearby? Is it one of the other planetary lords?"
"No, it is NovaSys."
The mention of NovaSys immediately erased his frustration, replacing it with a solemn gravity. NovaSys wasn't just the supreme intelligence overseeing the Stellar Human Alliance; it was a cornerstone of human civilization, wielding authority that spanned across countless galaxies. Even the mightiest apex existences and planetary rulers deferred to its decisions.
He leaned back, exhaling slowly. "If NovaSys is contacting me at this hour, it must be something critical," he murmured to himself. NovaSys never acted without reason. Every decision was the product of unfathomable computations, and its calls were never frivolous.
His mind raced. "Could it be the alien threat?" His gaze hardened. Several months ago, traces of an alien fleet had been detected in the nearby star field. The Stellar Human Alliance had launched a conscription campaign in response, bolstering its forces to prepare for potential conflict.
Before his thoughts could spiral further, the synthesized voice interrupted. "Please respond."
Kaelthar hesitated for a moment, then nodded decisively. He knew there was no true choice in the matter. NovaSys had the authority to bypass any refusal.
The practice of offering a "choice" to respond was little more than a symbolic nod to privacy laws implemented centuries ago. Even so, it provided the illusion of control, a small comfort to citizens.
"Connect the call," he said firmly.
The room filled with a faint chime. "NovaSys has been connected," the voice announced.
Kaelthar straightened his posture, his demeanor calm but cautious. "What urgent matter requires my attention at this hour?"
NovaSys's response was as cold and precise as ever. "According to Article 674 of the Stellar Human Alliance Charter, when a new Ascendant Path with the potential to reach the third level or above is discovered, the decision must be jointly reviewed by NovaSys and the individual with the highest regional authority."
Kaelthar's pupils contracted slightly. He leaned forward, his voice sharpening. "Are you saying you've discovered a new Ascendant Path with the potential to reach the third level?"
As planetary lord, Kaelthar reviewed countless Ascendant Path submissions daily. Yet, most were lackluster, barely scraping the second level. A third-level potential was an extraordinary rarity.
No wonder NovaSys reached out directly, even during his off-hours.
If it were an ordinary path, NovaSys would have simply logged it for review the next day. The fact that it initiated immediate contact signified its extraordinary significance.
Kaelthar knew well that a third-level potential didn't refer to the current capabilities of a path but to its projected upper limit, calculated through exhaustive simulations.
NovaSys continued, "Please review the submission."
Suddenly, layers of glowing screens materialized in front of Kaelthar, displaying the details of the path: Body Tempering, Meridian Strengthening, and Stone Core chapters of the Martial Arts Path.
Kaelthar's sharp eyes scanned the information, his frown deepening into a contemplative expression. As a seasoned Ascendant himself, he instantly recognized the path's brilliance.
"This is…" he muttered, leaning closer. The path's simplicity was striking. Its requirements were minimal, making it accessible to the vast majority of humans.
Unlike other extreme Ascendant Paths that demanded rare resources or innate talent, this Martial Arts Path had no such barriers. Even if one failed to ascend fully, the physical enhancements alone would yield significant benefits.
He tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair, his mind racing. "A path like this... it has no glaring weaknesses. It doesn't rely on volatile elements or risky extremes. Its versatility ensures broad applicability."
"This path could likely make it onto the Ascendant Path list of Amethyst Star, right?" Kaelthar asked.
The Ascendant Path List of Amethyst Star was an impressive compilation, containing the most notable paths ever discovered in the planet's 220,000-year history as a habitable world.
"According to the statistics, the Path of Martial Arts would be ranked 48th on the Amethyst Star Ascendant Path List," NovaSys replied.