# 🆕 New Mode: Ascension — Pure Typing Challenge

Ascension is a brand-new difficulty mode designed for players chasing typing speed limits. The upgrade selection screen is completely removed — just focus on typing, and the system will automatically enhance you on every level-up.

## How to Unlock
Ascension is available only when you select the **Random English Word Book** or **Random Pinyin Word Book**. After choosing a word book, enter the difficulty selection screen and you will see the third option: "Ascension: Speed Challenge".

## Choose Your Evolution Path
Once you enter Ascension, choose one of three evolution paths (locked for the entire run):
- **Immortal** — Each level-up, max HP ×1.1 and heal for the same amount (6.7× at level 20)
- **Reaper** — Each level-up, base damage ×1.08 (2.7× at level 20)
- **Endless Cycle** — Each level-up, HP regen ×1.10 (8.2/sec at level 20)

All three paths use **exponential scaling** — steady early growth, explosive late-game power spikes.

## Zero Interruption
- No UI popup on level-up — buffs apply automatically
- No energy orbs, no Enter key needed
- No Protocol Override (mutation picks)
- Uninterrupted from start to finish

## 🏆 Ascension Leaderboard
Ascension has its own **dedicated leaderboard** — click the "Ascension" tab at the top of the leaderboard screen. It features Global and Local sub-tabs (Global shown by default), synced automatically via Steam. Challenge players worldwide!

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## 🔧 Bug Fixes
- **Fixed custom word books polluting global leaderboard** — Custom word books no longer affect global leaderboard data
- **Fixed Research Center lottery items** — Lottery items in the Research Center now generate correctly

## ⚡ Improvements
- **6 weapon ultimate ability feedback improved** — Visual and feel improvements for all 6 weapon ultimate abilities
- **Black holes now burst at enemy positions** — Black holes no longer fixed at screen center; they burst at enemy positions instead
- **Chain lightning cannon projectile visuals improved** — Projectile visuals are clearer and smoother

🆕 New Mode: ASCENSION — Pure Typing Challenge

A new difficulty mode for players who want to push their typing speed to the limit. No upgrade screens, no interruptions — just type.

How to start: Select a Random Mix word book, then choose "ASCENSION" in the difficulty selection screen.

Choose one of three evolution paths (once chosen, permanent for the run):
• IMMORTAL — Max HP ×1.1 per level (6.7× at Lv.20)
• REAPER — Base damage ×1.08 per level (2.7× at Lv.20)
• PERPETUAL — HP regen ×1.10 per level (8.2/s at Lv.20)

All paths use exponential growth — steady early, explosive late.

🏆 Ascension Leaderboard: Separate ranking with Global and Local tabs. Your scores auto-sync to Steam. Challenge players worldwide!