Kaelen's eyes lingered on the cash shop interface, where the first offer glimmered like a small promise of power. The soft golden glow of the Starter Pack button seemed almost like an invitation, beckoning him to take the first step in a world that was now fully under his control.
[Starter Pack] (One-time Offer – 12 Copper)Contents: [Iron Sword] x1, [Iron Armor] x1
From the limited official information, Ascendant's equipment tiers progressed as follows: Common → Bronze → Silver → Gold → Epic → Legendary → Mythic. Every new player began with laughably weak starter equipment: a fragile [Novice's Cudgel] with 1–2 Attack and a threadbare [Novice's Robe] with 0–1 Defense. Even this modest Starter Pack could provide an early edge. In a game where every second counted, early advantages meant securing first kills, rare crafting materials, or even rare companions.
Kaelen's throat went dry. This was the test. He took a slow, steadying breath and focused entirely on the Starter Pack, letting every ounce of his hope and determination pour into the activation of his trait.
SYSTEM ALERT: You have used your trait [Miracle Engine] (Unique, SSS-Rank) and successfully claimed the [Starter Pack] reward!SYSTEM ALERT: You have obtained [Iron Sword] x1, [Iron Armor] x1!
The items materialized in his inventory. Relief surged, but a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Half the players already had this gear. If everyone starts like me, the advantage disappears. He studied the village around him. Hundreds of players were bustling about, organizing parties, chatting excitedly, and showing off their first purchases. I need to be careful. I can't afford to draw unnecessary attention… but I also can't hold back.
A nearby player noticed his hesitation. "Twelve copper is nothing. You can convert real money—dollars, euros, whatever—into gold anytime. Why not get ahead?"
Kaelen nodded silently. He understood. Most players treated this game as a short-term thrill or a bragging tool. Not him. He had a second chance at life and wouldn't waste it flaunting wealth. I just need the tools to survive and achieve my goals. Step by step. Nothing more, nothing less.
The higher reward tiers appeared: 1.2 Silver, 12 Silver, 1.2 Gold, 12 Gold, 120 Gold — each tier unlocking better equipment and rare items. Kaelen's gaze lingered on the numbers, imagining the fortune most players must spend to acquire such gear. Real people drop their fortunes here… but he didn't need money. He just needed willpower.
He pressed a finger to the screen and activated Miracle Engine three times in rapid succession, claiming all the high-tier rewards for himself. The clinking of coins and the shimmering of gold-lighted items filled the air around him, unnoticed by most but unforgettable to him.
SYSTEM ALERT: You have used your trait [Miracle Engine] (Unique, SSS-Rank) and successfully claimed the reward for [12 Gold Tier]!SYSTEM ALERT: You have used your trait [Miracle Engine] (Unique, SSS-Rank) and successfully claimed the reward for [120 Gold Tier]!
A final notice appeared: remaining tiers were level-locked. Kaelen felt a twinge of curiosity — how far had the developers pushed the limits?
Galeslice's jaw dropped as Kaelen's avatar appeared in the rare outfit from the 120 Gold Tier.
"Wait… you got that already? How much did you spend?"
Kaelen shrugged calmly. "Nothing. I'm playing free."
I didn't spend a single coin… and yet I have what they paid a fortune for. He thought. I don't need anyone's approval. I just need to survive and achieve my goals. Every step I take has to be deliberate. Every move matters.
Galeslice smirked, cocky as ever, trying to reclaim the spotlight. "Impossible! That's the Azure Tempest outfit—120 Gold Tier. No free player gets that!" He flexed for attention, expecting whispers and awe. But the crowd's eyes immediately flicked to Kaelen's avatar, wearing the same outfit with calm composure. His smug grin faltered.
Other players murmured: "Yeah, right! You must have dumped real cash!"
"That's… cheating. There's no way a free player gets that."
Galeslice's pride pricked, so he pulled out a [Lucky Lottery Ticket] and scratched it, hoping to regain attention with a rare drop. He revealed an A-rank mount — a sleek, armored steed, gleaming blue in the sunlight, stamping its hooves as if eager to be ridden. The crowd cheered at the spectacle.
Kaelen stayed calm. He scratched his own lottery ticket, a reward from a free event. The coin-scratch echoed lightly.
Then the sky cracked open. A deafening roar shook Humblebrook Village, golden light flooding the square. A dragon of impossible scale emerged, white-gold scales shimmering like sunlight, wings spanning the plaza, tail knocking over crates as terrified players scrambled. Its presence pressed down on every player in the village.
Kaelen stood his ground. This is real. I can't let fear stop me. I've already bypassed rules and probabilities. Now… I rise to the challenge. No matter how impossible.
Galeslice rushed forward. "Did you win the lottery?"
Kaelen remained calm. "Just… got lucky."
No luck. Only willpower. I won't let anyone or anything stop me. This dragon… this egg… it's my second chance. I will take it.
The dragon's booming voice echoed through the village:
"Mortal Kaelen, your fortune marks you as worthy. You are charged with the care of my heir."
A golden egg descended before him, landing gently as if the dragon had placed it with its own claw.
Chaos erupted — screams, disbelief, and awe. Hundreds of players reacted, a mix of envy, jealousy, and admiration:
"Unbelievable! A dragon egg… at level one?"
"This isn't fair!"
"I want that… even if it's impossible."
"Level one… and he already has a dragon? What kind of cheat is this?"
"He… he's calm too. Like it's nothing. I… I wish I had that confidence…"
Some backed away, fearful or intimidated. Others leaned forward, trying to catch a better glimpse of the prize. A few whispered conspiratorially, debating whether it was a glitch, a rare event, or some hidden system trick.
Kaelen bowed respectfully. "This humble one thanks you, Elder. I will protect it with my life."
The dragon vanished. Kaelen tucked the priceless egg into his inventory and moved toward the edge of the village before anyone could challenge him.
No one can stop me. Not now. Not ever. I have a life to live… and I will take it into my own hands.