Ethan Cole - The Unlimited System

The morning sun lit up the spacious living room, casting a natural warmth over the clean lines and soft-colored furniture. With guests now filling the space, the house felt fuller, more alive.

Laughter echoed faintly through the hallway, and conversation buzzed from different corners of the home.

Ethan walked past the kitchen, catching glimpses of everyone settling into their own rhythms. It was strange to see how naturally the two families blended.

Aaron and Harold were seated at the long dining table, mid-discussion.

"I swear, the Novan Botanical Garden is still one of the best kept secrets in the city," Aaron said with a smile. "Not just flowers. There are wild herbs, and ancient trees. Great place to stretch the legs."

"Sounds peaceful," Harold replied, his hand resting over his chest unconsciously. "I'd like to see it, if my body agrees."

"You'll be fine," Aaron assured him. "Ethan mentioned you've got a consultation lined up?"

Harold looked surprised. "He did?"

Not far away, Elise and Julie stood near the kitchen counter, flipping through a cookbook together.

"Look at this," Elise said. "We've got everything to do a full southern-style roast. But I need you to help me prep."

Julie smirked. "Only if I get to make dessert. I'm warning you though—my lemon tarts are addictive."

"Deal," Elise replied, shaking her hand.

Meanwhile, the kids had taken over the entertainment room. Josh, Joshua, and Jacob were huddled around a console, deep in a local co-op battle, trash talk flying freely between them.

"Bro, you literally walked into the grenade," Jacob groaned.

"I was healing you!" Joshua shouted.

"Who throws a grenade while being healed?!" Josh added.

Lily sat back on the couch, sipping juice while keeping score and offering sarcastic commentary.

Ethan watched the scene for a moment from the hallway, then pulled out his phone and reread the messages he'd exchanged with Charles the night before.

He had asked about possible treatments for Harold's heart condition, keeping it brief.

Charles hadn't asked any questions, clearly unaware of what had happened at Donald's warehouse.

His reply had been quick and clear.

Charles: [There are options. New treatments. Nothing magical, but we've made progress. I can book a consultation. Just give me a day.]

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Ethan had thanked him and promised to get back soon with a time.

Now, knowing there might be real help for Harold eased some of the pressure weighing on him. He slid the phone back into his pocket.

Still, a question lingered in his mind.

How long could this peace last?

And how many more storms were coming before things truly settled down?

Jordan had left shortly after breakfast to meet David at Nova Tech. There were still logistics to handle, and the upcoming recruitment drive needed finalization. Jessica, wanting to distract herself from the previous day's events, decided to join them.

"I can help with the recruitment process," Jessica offered. "It'll keep me busy, and I know the kind of people you're looking for."

Ethan nodded, appreciating her determination. "That sounds good. Ezra and Yamal will go with you guys to ensure your safety."

Jessica gave him a small, grateful smile before leaving with Jordan. Ezra and Yamal, ever vigilant, followed closely.

Meanwhile, Aaron and Elise planned to take the Moores out for a day of relaxation.

"I've planned already for them," Elise said to Ethan. "A walk around the city, some shopping, and maybe a little entertainment will do them good."

Ethan agreed. "Steve and a few guards will go with you," he said, addressing his parents and the Moores. "Stay safe and enjoy yourselves."

With everyone occupied, Ethan finally had a quiet moment to himself. He glanced toward the study where Mark and Maya waited, ready to share the information they hadn't had time to discuss the previous day.

Taking a deep breath, Ethan headed inside, determined to learn more about the world he had unwittingly stepped into.

Maya leaned against the edge of the desk, her sharp green eyes locking onto Ethan.

"Remember what we talked about yesterday? About superhumans?" she began, her voice calm but edged with intrigue.

Ethan nodded his attention fully on her. "Yeah, I remember. About you guys and the superhumans."

"Yes." Maya crossed her arms and said, "These superhumans have physical abilities that are much higher than regular humans."

Ethan didn't say anything yet. He was planning to take on the information first before asking questions.

Maya continued, "We can categorize those attributes into Strength, Speed and Endurance."

Ethan was surprised to hear that.

"They are stronger, faster, and have higher endurance. But that's not all..." Maya paused before adding, "They also have heightened senses, sharper perception, and reflexes that would seem almost supernatural to an ordinary person," Maya added.

As she spoke, Ethan couldn't help but think about what she described. It all sounded eerily familiar, almost like the attributes and skills the Unlimited System had granted him.

The realization sent a ripple of unease through him, but he kept his expression neutral, nodding for Maya to go on.

Mark, who had been leaning silently against the wall, stepped forward, taking over the explanation. His tone was steady but carried a weight that demanded attention.

"What Maya just described was the foundation. But there's more."

He crossed his arms and his eyes were fixed on Ethan with a serious gaze. "The Great Families, as I've told you before, are full of these people, especially the higher-ups or the elite forces they keep within their families. And most of their heirs, too."

Ethan's brows furrowed. "Heirs?"

Mark nodded. "Like Lucien. He was one of the five main heirs of the LaRues."

"Whoa... This is something that Jordan will like for sure. Superhumans and mysterious families," Ethan said with a chuckle.

It didn't mean that he was taking what Mark and Maya were telling him lightly.

Somehow, Mark's expression changed a little bit when Jordan was mentioned.

Still, Mark continue with his explanation, "For the younger generation, the Great Families invest immense resources to groom and train them, pushing them to break through to this… realm."

Ethan tilted his head, curiosity and a twinge of apprehension building in his chest. "Realm?"

Mark's voice dropped slightly, the tone becoming more deliberate, almost reverent. "They call it the realm of the Ascendant."