The Path of Ascension 2: A LitRPG Adventure

THE PATH OF ASCENSION 2 ©2023 C.MANTIS This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of the authors. Aethon Books supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. 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ALSO IN SERIES Book One Book Two Book Three CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Thank you for reading The Path of Ascension 2! Groups LitRPG 1 Matt opened his eyes and saw. It was like the world had been hidden by sunglasses that were finally taken off. The world was sharper, more real. Colors were far more distinct, as though separated by lines each time they changed hue. Sounds broke into a melodic composition, every movement highlighted. Matt released his Concept, and the world returned to normal, giving him a moment to orient himself to his new ability. It was a stronger effect of what the Emperor had done, when he had appeared as a hologram when they met at the PlayPen. The man didn’t even need to be present to impact reality itself, which made Matt’s status as a peak Tier 4 cultivator practically insignificant in comparison. I am Endless, his Concept whispered in his spirit, but compared to the absolute oceans of strength which the royals displayed with their mere presence, he was a single drop of water. And Liz grew up with these monsters. Taking stock of his situation, Matt scanned the area to find only Travis, Liz’s brother, still lingering in the chairs they’d set up around the house to watch the Ascension. Quietly, he walked inside, jumping when he kicked a finger-long shard of what he thought was glass. After looking at the Tier 17 and ensuring he wasn’t bothered, Matt scooped it up. He could feel the same energy that had permeated the air during the Ascension. Some still lingered around them, but in a much smaller quantity. Here in this shard, the energy was condensed. He could even see a part of the ascender’s calf captured in the shard like a picture. Once inside, he came face-to-face with a graceful redhead holding Aster. Now that Matt was less absorbed in his newfound Concept, he felt through his bond with the small white fox that she was in serious distress. He crossed the intervening distance with hurried steps. As he reached out to scoop up the white fox, Aunt Helen shifted slightly to deny him. He looked to the Tier 24 Phoenix with concern. Her feathered hair swooshed in an arc as she moved. Quietly, he asked, “What’s wrong with her?” He trusted that the older woman had her reasons for preventing him from taking his bond, but he still needed answers. The older woman smiled, but it was one filled with what he interpreted as remembered pain. Or maybe a shared experience. “Beasts who advance usually do so without complications from Tier 1 through 4. Tier 5 is a monumental change. Little Aster is having her mind forcefully enhanced. She is going from Sentience to Sapience. And it hurts like nothing else.” She looked down, and kept stroking the little fox, whose flank was now violently quivering. Matt wanted to clarify. “So, she’s becoming more human? And those hurt?” Aunt Helen smiled. “I remember mine, though it was so very long ago. It’s excruciating. And there isn’t much that can be done without hurting her more. Her mind is growing and creating new connections. I’m doing my best to soothe her, but I can’t interfere anymore.” “Is this going to happen every time she Tiers up?” His stomach rolled at the idea, and he tried to send warm, comforting thoughts to his bond. But she was curled up tight, even mentally. She let nothing in, and Matt was getting desperate to help. “No, Matt. This will be the worst. Tiers 5 through 10 are all about the mind evolving, and Tiers 11 through 14 are about your body feeling…wrong. Easier advancement has its drawbacks. Beasts’ minds grow, which makes it so that we start feeling trapped in our own bodies. It’s why we create a more fitting form once we reach Tier 15.” She gently rocked the ball of white fur in her arms. “This is the worst of it. She’ll get better in a few more hours. It’s almost over.” Matt opened his mouth