This wouldn't be much different without the ascend aspect to the card
Given the low cost and the trigger for a +1/+1 counter being quite generous, this has all the makings of a very dangerous early-game card that could contribute to quite a few quick wins if your opponent can't deal with it and remove it from the battlefield within one or two turns.
I think it's also a strength that the effect of "HRUM - Utopia Force" can replenish the X monster that was put out by the effect of "No.99 Utopia Dragner" with X materials
Ritual of Restoration was first released in the set Darksteel, illustrated by Dany Orizio
However, in games when this is difficult to set up, these strategies also have access to a toolbox of cards that can apply the Poison status effect
And, the art doesnt match the card mechanic, which is obtusethey try to justify it in the flavor text, and I do think they justify it quite well in the flavor text, but its just very cover-of-a-1990s fantasy novel