As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, James and Lauren settled into the resort lobby’s decrepit charm. The cushions, moldy and damp from years of neglect, offered a place to rest after the day's exertions after some James Summers special treatment.

  They were both well aware of the significance of the moment before them: the threshold of their rank-up would be a pivotal point in their journey.

  The Everglades' nocturnal choir filled the air outside, a reminder of the world's persistent life, even in places abandoned by humanity. Inside, the lobby was lit by a few makeshift lanterns they had scavenged, casting long shadows across the faded elegance of the room.

  "Before you begin," Mr. Julian started, his voice echoing slightly in the vast, empty space, "remember to think long-term. D-rank isn't just another step; it's a vast plateau. Many Awakeners have found themselves navigating its challenges for years. Your growth rate has been exceptional, but the journey ahead is arduous and demands more than just strength or skill."

  "The choices you make now," Mr. Julian continued, "will shape your path through this rank and beyond. Consider not just the immediate benefits of the skills or talents you might select but how they will serve you in the long run."

  With his piece said, Mr. Julian offered them an encouraging smile, the wrinkles on his face distending. "I'll keep watch over you. Take all the time you need in the System space. This is a consequential choice, and haste here could cost you dearly later."

  James took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision before him. He shared a glance with Lauren, finding reassurance and a similar excitement in her steady gaze.

  With a final nod to Mr. Julian, James focused inward, calling up the mental message from the System lingering at the edge of his consciousness.

  "Yes," James whispered, more to himself than in answer to the message, and accepted it.

  The lobby, Mr. Julian, and Lauren faded away as James was transported into the familiar white void of the System space. It was even more jarring to be instantly disconnected from the real world this time, and James doubted he would ever get used to the feeling.

  The void was serene, insulated from the realities of the physical world. Here, time seemed irrelevant. James’ fingers twitched with trepidation as he surveyed the options before him. The last time he had been in a similar space, the choices had seemed straightforward, but now, with Mr. Julian's advice echoing in his mind, the stakes felt significantly higher.

  Dozens of floating blue windows awaited him, each representing a potential path forward, a choice to be made. Each window floated gently in the void, inviting exploration. James approached the first, his movements thought-driven in this metaphysical space. The window expanded as he neared.

  James smiled. The part about preventing the birth of an Enemy of Humanity was new, but he figured it was about the unborn ant spawn. That creature had been terrifyingly powerful, even as an embryo. He didn't want to see how it would develop when fully grown.

  The First Step part was confusing, as he could only think of it being related to the Soul Domain skill the system had provided. Unfortunately, despite his many attempts, James had not been successful in using the skill, as he always felt like something was missing. Forcing its function by pumping too much mana into it also didn't seem like a good idea, as any damage to his soul would probably result in terrible consequences.

  Shaking himself out of his contemplations, James finally began the process he had come for. His Talent rank-up choices were many and multiform, presenting a different path for him to walk, but he already had something in mind.

  Still, James would read through all of them. He had the time, and he'd never forgive himself if he settled for a lesser option when better ones were available.

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  This is the direct evolution of Psychic Juggernaut. It would allow me to keep employing and refining the tactics I have developed as of late, but it isn't the right choice. It's too basic of an upgrade despite still being powerful in its own right. I can temporarily shelve it and return to it if nothing else sounds good.

  Hmmm… This is more interesting because of the information it gives me than anything else. The existence of an Astral plane is surprising, and it gives me several ideas of how to move forward. I guess this comes from my efforts to explore my surroundings by projecting my consciousness.

  This is cool. I'm not picking it, but it's cool. It would mean completely changing how I fight and returning to a melee style. Also, I don't know how to use a sword. I could learn, but is there a need for that? I'm already good at punching stuff, and my current path allows me to hit things really hard, both at long and short distances. Also, and more importantly, this isn't much of a step up as it is a side-step.

  Now, this is the first one I've been genuinely tempted to accept. It is different from anything I've been doing, but the description is really selling it. There is also something different about the window itself, which makes me think it's similar to what happened with Juggernaut back then. I'll keep it close because it might be the one.

  Ah, there is the missing piece of the puzzle. If I take this, I'm sure I'll be able to use Soul Domain immediately. But do I want to? It's a skill the System gave me, so there must be a way to use it without centering my entire class on it. Expanding my areas of focus even more sounds risky. I don't want to be a Jack of all Trades. Again, this feels heftier than the other choices, but I'm unconvinced. Next.

  This is literally glowing gold. If that's not a message, I don't know what is. The System seems to want me to take this one, and I'm leaning toward it, too, but let's take a moment to review it.

  James sighed in the white void and closed his eyes, thinking deeply. He knew that instinct was as much of a part of this decision as his conscious mind, but he still didn't want to choose simply because of a gut feeling. Mr. Julian had been clear that they needed to take their time, and he would weigh the pros and cons until he had reached a decision.

  Ethereal Champion sounds powerful. Like, just the name. The description is also precisely what I was looking for. Something that will allow me to keep using my current skills, if in a more powerful variant, and will also provide me with something more on top of that without opening an entirely different field for me to spend time on. I use so many of my free hours tinkering with telekinesis that I'd never get anywhere if I were given something else to work on. Still, this sounds like a step up from Juggernaut while maintaining its good qualities. It doesn't directly reference the soul, but it says that it would allow me to strike at the essence of my enemies, and if that's not the soul, I don't know what is.

  James had to fight with himself to prevent his treacherous mind from immediately sending an acceptance message to the System.

  He forced himself to review the many more options left, but nothing stood out like the previous ones. Some offered entirely new fields of magic to explore, like the Phantom Guardian, which would grant him shadow magic. He believed the option came from his closeness to Miss Walker and Lauren and their influence on his life. While it would have been cool to have that in common with them, he wasn't about to completely change his path to be more similar to other people. That just wasn't him.

  In the end, the matter was simple enough to settle. James needed a powerful Talent that would allow him to keep his current abilities, as he had significant success with them, while also opening up the way for him to keep exploring ways to use his tools.

  There wasn't much chance of me choosing anything else after I read this, but it was still good to make sure nothing better was hanging around. Ethereal Champion sounds like the best way to use my natural talent in psionics while still allowing me to use my fighting skills. Also, it sounds cool as hell. And that's that.

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