The Path of Ascension

Matt, a young man seeking revenge for the destruction of his city and the deaths of his parents, plans to delve the rifts responsible for the monsters. However, his dreams are shattered when his Tier 1 Talent is deemed detrimental, leading to rejection by all guilds and groups. While working at a local inn, Matt encounters a mysterious and powerful couple who offer him an opportunity to join "The Path of Ascension," an empire-wide competition to climb through the Tiers and become a living legend. Armed with their recommendation and a stolen skill, Matt embarks on his journey towards ultimate power. This novel blends LitRPG and Xianxia elements, featuring a protagonist who acts rationally and faces internal struggles. It promises deep world-building, a society that cares for its citizens, realistic character interactions, and a logically consistent magic and progression system. The story avoids bland protagonists, unearned romantic interests, gratuitous violence, and one-dimensional villains. It also explores themes of casual relationships and personal growth within a highly regulated society.