Prime Ascendant

Chapter 2

Marcus stepped out of the bathroom, steam swirling behind him as he wiped the last droplets of water from his face. The grime and filth that had seeped from his body earlier were now washed away, leaving his skin feeling fresh and clean. The strange, almost euphoric high that had gripped him during the transformation had subsided, but the sense of renewal still lingered. His muscles, sore from the recent battle, now only ached faintly, as if the worst of the strain had been purged along with the dirt. 

He inhaled deeply, feeling the air fill his lungs more fully than before, as though his body had been reset. The infection that had threatened to overtake him was gone, but the changes it left behind were undeniable. He caught his reflection in the cracked mirror above the sink—a face he barely recognized anymore. His skin, once pale and sickly, now had a healthier glow, and his eyes, sharper and more alert, seemed to gleam with an intensity he hadn’t seen before.

Then the screen popped up in his view once again.

-Congratulations. You are the 100th Ascender!

The words echoed in his mind, carrying a sense of weight and significance. The 100th Ascender? He had no idea what that meant, but it didn’t sound like some ordinary achievement.

Before he could dwell on it, another notification blinked into existence in his mind:

-As the 100th Ascender, you are entitled to a special reward. Select one of the following:

The notifications echoed in his mind, clear and inescapable.

-Spatial Pocket Technique

   Description: This ability allows the user to create a small, personal dimensional space to store items. The size of the pocket space grows with the user's strength and mastery of the technique. Initially, the space is limited to 3 cubic meters and can only store non-living items. The pocket space is accessible only to the user.

-Flame Burst Ability

   Description: Grants the user the ability to unleash a short-range burst of flames, burning enemies in proximity. The power and range of the flame are tied to the user’s fire affinity and will grow stronger with the mastery of elemental fire techniques.

-Aqua Shield Defense

   Description: A defensive technique that allows the user to summon a barrier made of water, capable of absorbing physical and elemental damage. This technique requires the user to possess water manipulation abilities to be fully effective.

-Note: These Techniques can only be used with their corresponding Elemental affinity.

Marcus blinked at the options, a wry chuckle escaping his throat. He was supposed to choose between these? "Fire and water?" He scoffed. "Doesn't seem like I possess any of these 'affinities'. Might as well just give me one option here."

The system, indifferent as always, remained silent. With a sigh, he focused on the only option that actually made sense: Spatial Pocket Technique.

“Fine. I’ll take the pocket dimension,” he muttered. A surge of energy rippled through him, and for a brief moment, warmth spread across his chest, calming the soreness in his muscles. The knowledge of the technique appeared in his mind instantly, as though it had always been there.

-You have learned the Spatial Pocket Technique!

Sitting up slowly, Marcus reached out with his mind, focusing on the new ability. It responded almost instinctively, as though it had been waiting for his command. It felt strange, like reaching into the air with an invisible hand. Suddenly, a small space opened up before him. He couldn’t see it, but he could feel it, a pocket dimension, about 3 cubic meters in size.

"Well, that’s handy." He smirked. This would definitely make things easier. No more hauling around heavy bags or worrying about losing his gear.

The world might have ended, but now Marcus had something and that was power. This would greatly increase his chance of survival in this damned world.

But he didn’t have time to marvel over it for long. His family flashed into his mind, and the sense of urgency hit him hard. He had to get out of the city, out of the chaos that was swallowing everything whole. His parents lived far from here, about 120 miles away in the countryside. It was safer there for now, but Marcus knew that wouldn’t last long. Whatever this infection was, it was spreading fast. 

He pulled out his phone, hands trembling slightly, and dialed his mother’s number. The phone rang once… twice… his heart pounding with each passing second.

Finally, she answered.

“Marcus?” Her voice was frazzled, but it was her. She was alive. “Are you okay?”

He exhaled, his chest loosening at the sound of her voice. “Yeah, I’m fine, Mom. Where’s Dad? Are you both safe?”

“We’re fine, for now,” she replied, her voice a bit shaky. “We’ve been watching the news, trying to stay inside. Your father’s talking about reinforcing the doors and windows. It’s getting bad, Marcus.”

“I know,” Marcus said, forcing his voice to stay calm. “Listen, don’t leave the house for anything. I’m coming to you, but it’s going to take me some time. Just keep everything locked up, okay?”

There was a pause, then a soft, “Okay. But please… be careful.”

“I will. Don’t worry.”

He hung up, a heavy weight still pressing down on his chest. His parents were safe for now, but what about his sisters? They were studying in Chicago, miles away from the countryside. His stomach twisted as he dialed Lily’s number.

No answer.

He tried again—still nothing. Switching to Alice’s number, the pit in his stomach deepened with each ring.

“Come on… pick up…”

Nothing.

The silence on the other end was deafening.

Please be okay.

He’d try again later, he told himself. For now, he needed to move. Supplies, transport—everything he needed to get out of the city and back to his family.