Ascendancy: The System’s Chosen

The journey to Ravensrest was grueling.

Ronan led the way, carrying his sister on his back while Eleanor kept watch. The forest was thick with twisted trees and distant howls, but nothing attacked. Whether it was luck or the lingering scent of the Ruinborne Stalker's blood, Eleanor didn't know.

By the time they reached the settlement, dawn had fully broken.

Ravensrest wasn't much—a walled village of stone and wood, built into the remains of an old fortress. Watchtowers loomed above, manned by armed sentries.

As they approached the gate, Ronan called out, "It's me! Let us in!"

A moment passed before a gruff voice answered. "Ronan?" The gates creaked open, revealing a tall, scarred man with sharp eyes and a heavy axe strapped to his back. "Thought you were dead."

Ronan let out a weak laugh. "Not yet."

The man's gaze flickered to Eleanor, assessing. "Who's this?"

Eleanor met his stare, unflinching. "Eleanor Holt."

The man raised an eyebrow. "And what's a girl like you doing out in the cursed woods?"

"She saved my sister," Ronan cut in. "She killed a Stalker."

The air shifted. The other guards, who had been only half-paying attention, snapped their heads toward Eleanor.

A murmur rippled through them.

"No way—"

"A Stalker? Alone?"

"Impossible."

The scarred man studied Eleanor again—this time with something closer to respect.

"…Huh," he grunted. "You're either the luckiest fool alive or something else entirely."

Eleanor folded her arms. "You don't believe me?"

"Oh, I believe you." The man smirked. "Just means I have questions." He stepped aside. "Come on in. Name's Garrick. Captain of the guard."

Eleanor followed Ronan inside.

The village was alive—merchants setting up stalls, blacksmiths hammering steel, hunters skinning fresh kills. It was the first real civilization Eleanor had seen since waking in this world.

Ronan turned to her. "You should talk to the Warden. If anyone can tell you more about your… abilities, it's him."

Eleanor arched a brow. "The Warden?"

Garrick snorted. "You'll see."

She exhaled and rolled her shoulders.

A town. A lead. A direction.

For the first time since gaining her system, she wasn't just surviving.

She was making her move.