My Life Changed with the Unlimited System

Chapter 78 Strength in Every Step

Ethan stepped out of the main residence, his footsteps quiet against the soft evening ground. The air was crisp, carrying a stillness that felt fitting after the monumental meeting with his new Warlords.

The walk home was short—only about five minutes—but he didn't rush, instead letting the night events settle in his mind.

As he walked, he pulled up his Status Panel, the faint glow illuminating his face.

=====

[Status Panel]

Name: Ethan Cole

Level: 11

Rank: Middle Star Apprentice

EXP: 52000 / 60000

Ascension Points: 16

Wealth: Unlimited

Attributes:

Strength: 99

Speed: 99

Endurance: 97

Intelligence: 102

Charisma: 94

Free Attribute Points: 25

=====

Ethan's gaze lingered on the panel. The twenty-five unassigned points felt like the next step forward—another edge he could sharpen before the challenges awaiting him. He knew where each point would go.

He took a steadying breath and allocated five points to Strength, Speed, and Endurance, none to Intelligence, and ten to Charisma. With each mental click, he watched his status transform.

=====

[Status Panel]

Name: Ethan Cole

Level: 11

Rank: High Star Apprentice

EXP: 52000 / 60000

Ascension Points: 16

Wealth: Unlimited

Attributes:

Strength: 104

Speed: 104

Endurance: 102

Intelligence: 102

Charisma: 104

Free Attribute Points: 0

=====

Ethan's eyes lit up as he saw his new rank displayed on the panel, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. He couldn't help but let out a small laugh, feeling the surge of energy from the boosted attributes coursing through him.

"I knew it," he muttered, his voice brimming with excitement. "Ninety-nine was just one step away. I was right there all along."

He stretched his arms, feeling the newfound strength ripple through his muscles. "High Star Apprentice... feels better than I imagined," he said with a satisfied smile, nodding to himself. "At this rate, catching up to the Warlords won't be as impossible as it once seemed."

Ethan clenched his fists, savoring the power that now felt within reach. "Just a few more steps, and I'll be right up there with them."

Ethan's smile faded into a thoughtful expression as he continued his walk, the night air cool against his skin. He couldn't help but marvel at the whirlwind of events that had turned his life on its head in a matter of weeks.

"What a world I'm living in right now..."

First, there was NovaTech, which was David's brainchild. In the beginning, Ethan was a bit reckless, especially when he was eager to see the grand office's mission completed.

Ethan realized it was his fault for hiring more workers than necessary. It had become a real problem for him, especially since the Great Families had begun to plant spies in NovaTech.

In Steven's case, Ethan felt he had no choice but to go along with the plan. If he had followed the mission's original suggestions, things could have been handled more effectively. After all, who knew how many more spies were hidden among the other Great Families?

"I hope Axel can get the information quickly." After the warlords agree to take on the role of elders, Ethan shares what happened to Steven. Lucan mentioned that Axel was the best person for this mission since scouting and infiltrating were his specialties.

They decided to temporarily replace Axel with Calder to guard and ensure the safety of Ethan's family. Once they received the information, they would quickly dispatch a rescue team led by the Warlords.

Then came Ridge Rovers FC. What had begun as a side project, a personal passion, had become more significant. It was a spontaneous decision, but he was fortunate to have Jordan managing it exceptionally well with Theodore's assistance.

It was only preseason, yet Jordan and Theodore had already worked wonders. The stadium and training facilities had been transformed, boasting a quality few regional clubs could match. Mr. Halen's specialized equipment, crafted with Ascendants in mind, had elevated the players' abilities, giving them a competitive edge.

Jordan had also pulled off a coup by recruiting undiscovered talents and top-tier backroom staff, strengthening the club in every area. He kept Ethan updated on each victory, each new player who joined, and the impressive form the team had shown in their friendlies.

Eric proved himself a lethal striker. At the same time, Marcus commanded the backline with authority, organizing the defense with a skill that hadn't gone unnoticed. There were even whispers that the national team scouts were eyeing the two for an international call-up.

"I wonder if I join the team, would I be able to represent Arland too?" Ethan thought to himself. It was his dream, but now he had more urgent concerns.

He then began to wonder whether Ascendants were allowed to join football clubs or if the world-class players he admired were actually Ascendants themselves.

And, of course, there were the Ascendants. He could hardly believe it: people with strength and skills beyond ordinary humans, powers he had only seen in stories.

Now, he was one of them, navigating the complex world of ranks, strengths, and rivalries. His status as an Ascendant had pulled him into battles and alliances he had never dreamed of facing.

Finally, the Cole family was formed—a great family in Novan City. Just the thought was staggering. He had gone from a new entrepreneur to a family head in weeks, managing power dynamics and preparing for a future most would find daunting.

And with the Great Families constantly watching, any misstep could spell ruin. Yet here he was, assembling a team of loyal Ascendants who, against all odds, had trusted him with the role of the Family Head.

"It's almost surreal," he murmured, his voice soft as he let the weight sink in.

***

In a dimly lit safehouse nestled on the city's outskirts, Hale closely watched Steven's family. His usual fiery impatience was absent, replaced by a surprising gentleness few had seen before.

Steven's wife, Leah, was seated on the couch, trying to keep her children calm. Beside her sat Evan, the older of the two siblings at seven years old, his wide eyes flickering with curiosity and cautious trust. On her lap was Lara, a bubbly four-year-old who, despite the strange circumstances, had quickly grown attached to Hale.

With his wiry frame and messy brown hair, Hale crouched beside the children, a rare softness in his usually intense green eyes. "Hey, Evan, Lara," he said quietly, handing them each a snack he'd picked up on the way. "Are you two doing okay?"

Lisa nodded eagerly, her small hand reaching up to pat Hale's shoulder as if he were some kind of hero. "Are you my friend now?" she asked, eyes bright with innocence.

Hale chuckled, a warmth slipping into his voice that surprised even him. "Yeah, kid. You could say that." He ruffled her hair gently, and Evan leaned closer, finding comfort in Hale's presence.

Leah, though tense, managed a soft smile as she watched Hale interact with her children. He was looking out for them, keeping them safe and comfortable despite the unusual situation.

When Lisa curled beside him, holding his hand tightly, Hale let her, feeling a strange sense of duty toward these two children. He shot a quick glance at Leah, his expression reassuring. "Don't worry, Leah. I'll make sure nothing happens to any of you."

Hale looked down, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. "I'm sorry for putting you through this," he murmured, keeping his voice low as he glanced between Leah and the children. "I didn't have a choice—I was following orders. But I swear I won't do anything to harm you. None of this is your fault. You're just… caught up in someone else's mess."

Leah met his gaze, searching his face for any sign of deception. After a moment, she leaned forward slightly. "Is Steven… is he part of this?"

Hale let out a deep breath, his expression softening. "Steven? No, he's not the bad guy here. He got dragged in just like you did." He hesitated, then added, "The Big Boss—he's the one who set all this in motion, chose Steven to do things he'd never have done on his own."

A small, relieved smile broke across Leah's face, her shoulders relaxing as she nodded. "If that's true," she said softly, her eyes brightening, "I'm happy. Steven's a good man. I just needed to hear it."

Hale offered her a faint smile, giving a slight nod. "Yeah. He is."

Leah looked at Hale with gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly, "for not treating us like… like we're just part of some transaction." Her voice was warm, carrying a quiet sincerity that made Hale glance away, a faint color rising to his cheeks.

He cleared his throat, uncomfortable with the unexpected kindness. "It's… nothing. Just doing what I can." Eager to change the subject, he turned to the kids, his voice brightening. "Hey, you two want to learn something cool?" He grinned at Evan and Lara, who looked at him with wide, curious eyes.

Evan perked up immediately. "Something cool? Like what?"

Hale sat cross-legged on the floor, gesturing for them to join him. "How about I show you a little martial arts? It's… a secret way of moving, quick and quiet, like ninjas." His enthusiasm was contagious, and soon Evan was eagerly copying Hale's stance, his little fists raised.

Lara giggled, stumbling a bit as she tried to mimic her brother and Hale. "I'm a ninja!" she declared, her eyes bright with excitement as she copied Hale's movements, her small fists punching the air.

Leah watched the scene unfold, a smile spreading across her face. Seeing her children laughing, immersed in this playful lesson, eased her anxiety. She watched Hale—usually so intense and unyielding—show them how to block and dodge, his movements gentle and his tone encouraging.

The tension melted away for a moment, replaced by the simple joy of watching her children laugh and learn. Hale seemed completely absorbed, and she couldn't help but smile at the unlikely friendship forming before her eyes.