Divine Path System

The fabric of space-time of the region was like a still lake.

When Duke Kriad gathered the power of life essence, life essence enough to run an entire star system for a century poured in, senting ripples across the space-time fabric.

The still surface of the space-time fabric was consumed by the overwhelming waves of this monstrous power.

So much so that every celestial ranker worth their salt in the surrounding hundred light years immediately noticed the fluctuations.

This included the forces of Duchess Serenthia who were vigirously searching for the missing 'brother-in-law'.

Even though the Duchess herself wasn't here in person, Jovian, a subordinate, who's recently promoted to the captain position of a six-member squad, was.

All of them were low rank 8s, with captain Jovian being the strongest of the bunch.

"Let's head to that area of intense aura fluctuation."

"But Captain, the brother-in-law wouldn't be her—" 

"Grow your perspective. The Duchess sent us here to search in an area where that man would only appear with a minimal chance. We're just a deployed to ensure all cornered are covered.

Our team is composed of newbies, including myself. We are the least valuable of all. In that case, to improve our value, we have to provide more than they expect.

The prime information about something related to Duke Kriad perfectly fits the bell."

Jovian's words were calm but resolute. Even though he didn't use his authority, his words already convinced them.

The Duchess had seen his charisma and decidedly supported him. It's for that reason that the man without any edge on his peers was propped with massive resources and raced ahead.

Now, all he wanted was to pay back the kindess of the woman who took him in, recognized his talents and gave his life some meaning.

"Let's hurry!"

The team set off at full speed.

Meanwhile, a tsunami of red light reached the 'prison' enclosing Varian. There were no stars nearby, so the space was completely dark.

Against such background, the sea of glowing red life essence looked like a tsunami of bright blood, forming an eerie but beautiful sight.

Varian held his breath as the devastating power struck the prison.

Time seemed to slow down and his pupils reflected red and only red.

One second, everything was silent.

The next, he crashed against the wall as everything around him began to crack like it's made of glass.

Like a ball in a shaking box, Varian was thrown around by the unceasing impact of the blood red sea, crashing against walls and injuring himself.

He wanted to freeze the space around himself but due to the attacks, the space-lock formation had gone mad.

Wild fluctuations swept not just outside the prison but also the inside, acting on Varian with no mercy.

When half of the prison's defense broke, the pale skinned duke reached the area.

With a black eye patch, black shirt, trousers and coat, he looked less like an Archduke and more like an intelligence agent. But his looks, good or bad, didn't reduce the overwhelming power of the man.

His single eye glance down with a curious expression, anticipating the 'prize' that would be found from the 'gift box' he's breaking with ease.

While this happened, the space ship of Jovian and his squad stopped in a distant location. They wanted to get closer and get a peek at the details.

But once they realized the Archduke himself was involved, the team shut up and went into ultra steath.

Now, they could only observe the bare minimum. In exchange, unless the Archduke deliberately checked the area they were in, they would be safe.

Even though she's only a peak rank 8, Serenthia was promoted to the status of a Archduchess, a position only reserved for high rank 9s.

There were two reasons for this seemingly absurd posting.

The first and most obvious—the legendary princess who broke the records of not just the kingdom but also the entire Empire and the Alliance itself.

Isadora didn't want any of these titles for herself. And frankly, gifting her the title of an 'Archduchess' would be an insult than honor. The woman was too talented that even the title of 'Queen' would fall short.

But while Isadora was a critical factor for Serenthia earning her title, the Duchess herself gave the throne good reasons.

Her natal treasure was a special, one of its kind. Historians opined that it's hard to find its equal in the last 10,000 years.

Even though the reports were very ambigous on what exactly her power was, the public were told that she could, in simple words:

[Easily understand the workings of any non-living structure, mechanical or aura, and manipulate it for minor or major changes, depending on the complexity of the structure.]

For instance, the stealth ship the squad was in originally wasn't capable of hiding from a high rank 9, even at its best performance.

But Serenthia made a good spaceship into a legendary one.

With such utility, even though the forces under her weren't the strongest nor was she as strong as her counterparts, the status she held in an extremely hierarchial Palarian society where the quality of natal treasure was supreme, couldn't be more obvious.

She naturally couldn't be as influential as her counterparts who were high rank 9s. But she's a good bet for anyone in the kingdom.

"Everyone, remain alert. Stay calm and look out for the next moves." Jovian ordered his team and observed the situation with utmost care.

While this happened, Varian pondered between breaking out of the prison before its total destruction and staying in.

The former choice seemed tempting. But upon some thinking, what would the guy breaking the prison would do if he saw someone suddenly escaping?

Yes. He'd attack.

If that attack happened to be a bit harsh, he could kiss his life goodbye.

So, Varian decided to wait while he prepared himself.

'Status'

[

Paragon Body : 2,000/10,000 (+1000)

Death Giant  : 2,000/10,000 (+1000)

Ignis        : 1500/10,000 (+750)

< The experiments you're trying to make a perfect world are very stressful on your body and spirit. If a rank 4, no, even a rank 6 attempted it, they would blow themselves up.

But at the right level, it can serve as a great training. Keep striving.>

Order       : 5000/10,000. (+4250)

Chaos      : 5000/10,000. (+4250)

< It's still unbelievable but the sliver holder of Order-Chaos finally has advanced more on the paths of Order and Chaos.

Your usage of the sliver powers for creating the Prime World helped a lot. Not to discount your intense efforts in trying to get out of this place.

While you weren't able to break free, your efforts didn't go to waste. You progressed unbelievably fast.

But the System feels its necssary to add that as the holder of Slivers, these are beginner gains as you are starting to gain insights into the powers of Order and Chaos.>

Space      : 2000/10,000. (+1500)

Time       : 2000/10,000. (+1500)]

<Since making a Prime World requires intensive usage of powers of space-time and order-chaos, even these two paths have beneffited.

Not to forget, manipulating this prison, which you managed to pull off is an incredibly difficult feat. You've pushed beyond your limits>]