Later that evening, Von sat by himself in the Resistance's training bay—an underground stone and steel room lit by overhead lights and flickering torches. Despite training for hours alone, he had not improved, which was frustrating.
He stared at his hands, which continued to shake.
He had tried again.
Tried to control his power.
To lift one metal plate. To hold up a crate.
Nothing succeeded.
Too tired. Too scared.
Too weak.
Marco entered quietly, his arms crossed behind his back. No blades. No wings. A commander.
"You're frustrated."
Von didn't look up. "I can't even lift a box. I don't have control. I couldn't save Justin. I couldn't even protect myself when they took me in."
Marco said nothing for a long moment.
Then he walked to a large console, pressed some keys, and a holo-screen materialized above their heads—an ancient government map, now emblazoned with the Resistance logo.
A vertical graph took up most of the picture.
The Ascension Scale
"What's that?" Von asked.
Marco's eyes locked with his.
"It's how the world today measures power." The Ascension Scale: Awakening Power Ranking System
Marco began to explain, voice soothing and instructing.
"Every awakened power is unique. Some develop completely under control. Others, such as you, are raw and unbalanced. But power isn't strength—it's how far you go up."
He touched the chart.
E-Rank — Dormant Stage: Basic control, typically involuntary. Powers are seldom used, or only when stressed out. Users experience fatigue and physical backlash. "Where are you right now?" Marco said.
D-Rank—Active Stage Powers can be used freely but with some limitations. Once they begin to develop control, focus is crucial. Physical and emotional states greatly determine ability and power.
C-Rank—Stabilized Stage Full control over the base form of their power. Powers can be maintained longer with less strain. Awakening side effects reduced or neutralized. "Most awakened never make it past this point," Marco noted. "Too scared. Too lazy. Or they believe what the government tells them: that power is a curse."
B-Rank—Evolutionary Stage: Users begin adapting their powers, developing techniques. Their power evolves through creativity, training, and experience. Physical endurance improves. Resistance to countermeasures is improved.
A-Rank—Transcendent Stage Rare. Powers warp reality, control others, and shatter physics. Humans become living weapons—or heroes. "Guys like Bullet," Marco told me. "Brutal. Disciplined. Trained."
S-Rank—The Ascended Legend Level. Powers shatter normal laws. All S-Ranks on file had changed the fabric of history. "We believe Dr. Rhane may be one," Marco said menacingly. "Or close, but there's no evidence."
Marco shut down the display.
"You shouldn't have stayed weak, Von. You should have ascended."
Von glared at the location where the chart had floated.
"I want to," he breathed. "But how?"
Marco placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Through training. Through shedding. Through failing and failing until it clicks.
And when it does, your power won't be a burden anymore. And it'll be your arsenal."
He stepped back and swept an arm toward the training room.
"Tomorrow, we begin. I'll work with you myself.
We'll unlock your strength."
Not only so you can save your friend—but so you can survive what's in store.