The Ascendants followed Jessica as she led them through a winding pathway lined with lush trees and manicured hedges, anticipation building with each step. Finally, they arrived at a sprawling estate with high iron gates that opened to reveal a row of stately mansions, each distinct yet harmoniously designed within the landscape.
Their first view of the main residence nearly took their breath away. The mansion loomed before them, a grand structure with high arched windows, elegant stone columns, and a sweeping staircase that led to the expansive front entrance.
Warm lights glowed from within, illuminating the manicured gardens surrounding it. They were complete with winding stone paths, a fountain in the center, and well-tended flower beds that added color to the estate’s elegant ambiance.
“Are… are you sure we’re living here?” Thorne muttered, his eyes wide with amazement as he took in the grand surroundings.
“No way. I’ve seen places like this in books, not in real life,” Axel said, shaking his head in disbelief. “It’s like something out of a dream.”
Lucan, the usually stoic leader, grudgingly admired the mansion. “It looks like the Boss wanted us to live well,” he remarked, nodding approvingly. I could get used to this.”
Rhea let out a quiet laugh, her gaze sweeping over the gardens. “This is no ordinary setup. He’s really gone all out for us, hasn’t he?”
The other Ascendants murmured their agreement, their excitement and awe blending into a hum of appreciation. They glanced around, still unsure if they were meant to be here, surrounded by such luxury.
Seraph leaned closer to Calder, her voice low but filled with a hint of wonder. “Are we really supposed to stay in a place like this? Seems… well, extravagant.”
Calder chuckled, casting a look toward the towering columns and arched windows. “Extravagant might be an understatement.”
They went inside, where a grand foyer welcomed them with vaulted ceilings and polished marble floors gleaming under the light of a crystal chandelier. Plush, deep-colored carpets stretched over the floors, leading toward wide hallways and sweeping staircases that branched off into the mansion’s various wings. The furniture was elegant but comfortable, with luxurious sofas, mahogany tables, and high-backed chairs upholstered in rich fabrics.
The group wandered through the mansion in awe, inspecting the rooms that branched off from the main hall. Each room seemed designed with care and taste, from the spacious lounges with tall windows that let in the daylight to the dining room with a long table large enough to seat everyone comfortably.
“Are you sure this is really for us?” Flint called out, his voice filled with astonishment and delight as he ran his hand over a mahogany table’s smooth, polished surface. “I mean, look at this place! Even the chairs cost more than we’ve earned on some missions.”
Thorne chuckled, leaning against the wall with a smirk. “You doubting the Boss’s hospitality, Flint? Seems like he’s got big plans for us.”
Jessica, who had been waiting at the main staircase, smiled at their reactions. “Yes, this is your residence, and it’s equipped with everything you’ll need,” she said, gesturing toward the open doors leading into the various rooms. “You’ll each have your own private quarters, with study areas, lounge rooms, and anything else required for your comfort.”
Axel shook his head, a look of utter disbelief on his face. “We’re living like royalty. I almost don’t believe it.”
Lena, who stood nearby, let out a rare smile. “Well, believe it. You’ve earned this.”
Lucan nodded thoughtfully, taking in the grand decor. “It’s a bit surreal, to be honest. We’ve been used to roughing it out there, living in barracks and tents. But this…” He trailed off, shaking his head as he marveled at the polished marble floors and the intricate woodwork around the windows.
They moved from room to room, marveling at every detail, from the high ceilings with crown moldings to the soft rugs that made each step luxurious. The bedrooms were each outfitted with plush beds, elegant desks, and large windows with views over the estate’s grounds. Even the bathrooms were expansive, with freestanding bathtubs and tiled showers that looked like something from a luxury resort.
“Feels like a waste to sleep in a place this fancy,” Seraph joked, her gaze trailing over the carefully arranged furniture in her assigned room. “But I think I’ll manage.”
Jessica led them back to the main hall, where they gathered before the sweeping staircase. Her eyes held a glint of satisfaction at the clear impact the residence had on them.
“If I might add,” Jessica said, clasping her hands, “there are actually five mansions in total, not just this one.”
Her words drew a collective gasp from the group, and they exchanged surprised glances.
“Five mansions?” Rhea asked, her eyebrows raised in shock.
Jessica nodded. “Yes, five. Each mansion is in a different part of the estate grounds. You’ll be divided into groups, each assigned to a separate mansion. I’ve made the arrangements for group assignments, so you’ll only need to follow them.”
Their astonishment grew, and they looked at each other with newfound excitement. The idea of living in such luxury, in individual mansions no less, was beyond what any of them had expected.
“Five mansions… this place is huge,” Axel muttered, absorbing the news. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this.”
Lucan chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the gathered group. “I don’t think we will, but I’m willing to try it.”
The Ascendants murmured in agreement, their voices buzzing with excitement and curiosity about what lay ahead. The splendor of their new accommodations seemed to fuel their pride and dedication, the realization that the Boss had gone to great lengths to provide them with more than they could have imagined. This was more than just a mission—it was a place they could call home, at least for now.
***
The family’s head and elders were gathered in a grand, dimly lit chamber within the Roscoe estate. The heavy mahogany doors shut with a low thud, silencing the hall outside as the Roscoe family leaders settled around a long, polished table.
A sense of urgency hung in the air, the tension thickened by the whispers of power that had reached their estate not long ago.
Marcel Roscoe, the head of the family, sat at the end of the table, his steely gaze sweeping over the others. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, his expression a blend of curiosity and concern. One of the elder members, an aged man with silvered hair and piercing eyes, leaned forward.
“That concentrated aura we felt earlier,” the elder began, his voice low, “it wasn’t just a typical Ascendant activity. Whoever they were… they were strong. Strong enough to catch the attention of every Great Family.”
A murmur ran through the room. Everyone present had sensed the power earlier—a sudden pulse, like the echo of a distant thunderstorm. It had come and gone quickly, but its force lingered in their minds, raising questions none had answered.
“It’s strange, though,” said Soren Roscoe, Marcel’s younger brother, his brow furrowed. “Nothing on record has mentioned a force of Ascendants of this caliber moving into Novan City recently. Could it be outsiders?”
Marcel shook his head. “Possible, but unlikely. If this were some roving Ascendant group, we would have had reports before they even reached the city. No, this was… orchestrated.”
The elder beside him nodded. “Yes. We have reason to believe this wasn’t a random occurrence.”
Another family member stood, holding a thin report from one of their scouts. She glanced at Marcel before speaking. “We’ve received confirmation that this surge of energy came from the training grounds set up by Ethan Cole, the owner of NovaTech. Our scouts report that many Ascendants are under his employment and training under rigorous conditions.”
When Ethan’s name was mentioned, a ripple of reactions spread across the room. Some of the Roscoe heads appeared troubled, while others leaned forward, intrigued.
Marcel’s eyes narrowed, his voice low. “So Ethan’s the one responsible for this shift. He’s been quiet until now, but this—this is different. To draw in so many high-level Ascendants… it changes things.”
Soren let out a faint chuckle, his eyes gleaming with a hint of excitement. “This could be good for us. Finally, someone stepped up to shake things up. We’ve been comfortable for far too long.”
One of the elder women frowned, her voice cold. “Comfortable? You mean stable. Do you realize the risks if he truly plans to challenge the status quo?”
“Risks?” Soren countered with a smirk. “Or opportunities?”
A hushed tension settled over the room as the family leaders absorbed his words. For years, the power of the Great Families had remained in balance, each keeping to their territory and maintaining a careful peace. But this… this could alter everything.
Marcel held up a hand, silencing the debate. “Regardless of our individual feelings, it’s clear that we can’t ignore this development. Ethan’s assembling a force and a strong one at that. We need to keep a close eye on him, on every move he makes from here on out.”
A wave of agreement swept through the room, but the emotions varied. Some family heads appeared uneasy, while others looked as if they welcomed the challenge, the spark of competition lighting their eyes.
Marcel’s gaze turned distant, thoughtful. Whatever Ethan was planning, it would certainly send ripples through Novan City, ripples the Roscoe family would have to prepare for.
Similar discussions were taking place outside the Roscoe estate, in the sprawling compounds of the other Great Families. Heads and elders gathered, their faces grave, their discussions urgent. Reports had already begun to filter in, detailing the training ground’s activity, the arrival of the Ascendants, and the possible implications for their own families.
In some of these meetings, there was an unmistakable sense of threat. The sudden presence of so many powerful Ascendants in the city felt like a direct challenge to their established power, disrupting the control they had long held over their territories.
In other halls, however, there were nods of approval, even smiles. Some of the Great Families saw this as a chance to test their strength, to face off against a new force that could finally present a worthy challenge.
Others viewed this moment as a potential shift, an opportunity to change the balance of power that had held Novan City in its steady grip for decades.
They spoke quietly, their voices calm yet laced with ambition. To them, Ethan’s actions marked the beginning of something they had long awaited—a possible reshaping of influence in the city, one that could see the rise or fall of any family willing to take a risk.
But one thing was certain. Every Great Family, from the Roscoes to the others scattered throughout Novan City, was watching closely. The power shift had begun, and the world they had known was about to change.
