"There are so many new features, and they are all very convenient."
Riveria couldn't help but admire after becoming familiar with the system under Noa's guidance.
Although she had already grown somewhat accustomed to Noa occasionally producing astonishing and almost incomprehensible creations, this time still left her genuinely shocked. The Divine Path System was not merely an incremental improvement—it was a complete restructuring of how growth, combat potential, and long-term development were conceptualized.
The more she explored it, the more she realized that every feature was interconnected, forming a seamless framework rather than a collection of separate functions. It wasn't just a tool; it felt more like an entire ecosystem designed for evolution.
Especially after hearing Noa explain the benefits of leveling up, her impression deepened further.
"No wonder you have such high expectations for it. It truly deserves the name 'road to becoming a god.'"
Her tone carried genuine admiration rather than empty praise.
On the foundation of the original favor system, the user's strength would not simply increase in a linear fashion. Instead, it would undergo layered amplification. Base attributes would enhance skill efficiency, skill efficiency would enhance combat output, and combat output would, in turn, accelerate experience acquisition. The result was a compounding cycle of growth that became more efficient the stronger one became.
If the gods of Orario were to learn of such a system, they would likely react with disbelief, obsession, or even fear.
Because this was not merely a method of faster progression.
It fundamentally altered the efficiency curve of power acquisition itself.
With stronger baseline attributes, gaining achievements and accumulating experience required for leveling up became significantly easier. Tasks that once required life-risking battles could now be completed with controlled effort, reducing unnecessary danger while maintaining steady advancement.
This was the key distinction.
Although the Divine Path System originated from the favor system, the two were fundamentally different in structure and philosophy.
The favor system was akin to exploring a vast and uncharted wilderness. It required individuals to carve their own path forward through unknown terrain, relying heavily on personal intuition, risk-taking, and trial and error. Progress was possible, but it was unpredictable and often harsh.
In contrast, the Divine Path System provided a structured route.
It did not force users to discover a path—it established one for them. Growth became a matter of following a defined progression framework, where each stage built naturally upon the previous one.
This difference alone separated the two systems entirely.
It was precisely this realization that caused Riveria's earlier shock.
Because what Noa had effectively created was not just a stronger system—it was a reproducible framework for controlled advancement toward a higher life form. In theory, it even extended to the possibility of godhood itself.
Not limited to him alone.
But accessible to others as well.
That implication carried weight far beyond simple power enhancement.
If properly developed, it meant that the concept of "divine potential" was no longer exclusive or abstract. It could be structured, measured, and potentially cultivated.
Riveria's expression softened slightly as she thought about it.
"As expected of the person I like."
Her voice carried a quiet, sincere pride.
It wasn't merely admiration for intelligence or creativity—it was recognition of what he had achieved. Building something like this required not just knowledge, but a willingness to redefine foundational systems of power.
Noa, hearing her words, immediately straightened slightly with visible satisfaction.
"Of course. Otherwise, how could I have conquered you?"
His tone was deliberately confident, almost playful, as he leaned forward slightly, clearly intending to close the distance between them.
However—
Riveria calmly raised a hand and stopped him.
"Come on," she said, her tone composed, though a faint blush lingered on her cheeks. "The kids are watching."
She glanced to the side.
Nearby, Sakura was sitting attentively in class, focused on her lesson without noticing the conversation—but her presence alone was enough to change the atmosphere.
Riveria's reminder, however subtle, was enough to interrupt the moment.
Noa paused mid-motion.
The timing, it seemed, was not in his favor.