"Such a fine synthetic world is not what I expected." Aphosis, who looked to be a young boy less than ten years old, said with a plain expression.

Varian tried not to show any nervousness at hosting a formidable rank 2 in his guest palace.

But he must've tried too hard or Aphosis was just too discerning as the latter shook his head.

"No need to fret. This place is certainly special…and you even sealed off some things from my perception. I can break the seal but am not making any effort to do so.

Such actions will turn you hostile toward me and put my life at risk when you reach rank 2 after defeating Immortal."

"…"

"You are a very petty person. I do not want to negate the cooperative spirit of our agreement for a Synthetic World, no matter how special it is. They're more or less the same. Great for a lot of things but ultimately lacking for a true powerhouse of my level."

Varian sighed inwardly. Thankfully, Boo was taking care of the slumbering Oob since the beginning through a variety of and didn't even see him since his return.

But if the little ghost was here, it'd definitely argue and brag about Hortus' greatness, inviting a lot of trouble.

"I'm petty but it doesn't mean I'd like to be told that in my face." Varian sipped coffee and smacked his lips. "You lot really lack enjoyment in life. Appreciating a small pleasures in life makes it a lot more colorful."

"It is a meaningless endeavor when you can simulate the taste on your tongue without ever having to drink it. The taste receptors have evolved to push an organism to eat, it's a puny trick of biology to dictate your actions. Even most mortal rankers still remain under its contro—"

Varian waved his hand, declaring his intention to stop the speech before it could go any further.

'Dude, I was just saying, why do you have to be so rigorous about it?'

"Why are you here? No, let met ask, why are you here first?"

Aphosis raised his index finger and Varian felt the item given by the Nexian powerhouse in his posession vibrate.

"I do not know how you have managed to maintain such a fine stealth that I've taken so long to find this place despite having that item."

Even though the boy's voice remained neutral as ever, his eyes showed a hint of appreciation and surprise.

Varian rubbed the back of his head, trying not to laugh in pride. "Trade secrets, man. Or I would've definitely told you how."

'Who is awesome? My wives! Even the top powerhouse of Nexus was stalled.'

"They're much, much stronger than me. Even without the item's guidance, they should find you in a few more hours at least, a day at most." Aphosis clasped his and glanced at him from head to toe.

Varian instinctively straightened up as a wave of irrestitble force washed over him for a brief moment before it vanished, giving an illusion that it never happened.

"Almost the peak of pseudo divine. How good are you with the slivers?"

Varian snapped his fingers and a flame of black and white emerged on his palm. Without a word, he shot it at Aphosis.

The boy let the fire hit him in the chest and incessantly try to break in. But the field of Order which existed around Aphosis striked back.

Without any intention from the divine ranker, the power operating on a specialized algorithm used a suitable 'law' to take down the sliver flame.

[0. The power of Order will flow into the flame, upsetting the balance with Chaos and created a predominantly Orderly flame.

1. The law of existing Order would cause the annihilation of matter.

2. The energy emerging from matter annihilation will flow from more chaotic to less chaotic space.]

The space around the flame twisted violently as a million explosion each of which could end an entire star occured every instant. The sliver flame dissipated despite its great struggle.

"60% of a new divine ranker's strength." Aphosis rubbed his chin, looking at Varian with what seemed to be an intense gaze. "Unexpected. Very unexpected. Your age is less than 50. But your divine paths seem much younger, they're not even 5 years old."

Varian's lips twitched.

Looking at the 'boy', he'd sometimes forget he's the top powerhouse of Nexus, stronger than any mid rank 2 in Genesis or Mors.

"What do you think about the fight? I can win Immortal, right?"

"I do not have the relevant information to make a proper estimate." Aphosis shook his head before leaning back into his chair. "But what I can tell is that Immortal is a unique being throughout creation. It is born from the power of slivers themselves as well as the intent of Yami and Keman.

The compatibility Immortal has with the slivers is beyond my guess. A thousand years are too short to have any meaningful progress in divine ranks. But pre-divine strength with slivers? Immortal should not be underestimated."

Varian exhaled deeply and nodded. He's confident he'd win. The rumors said 25%, he prepared for 50%.

Aphosis tilted his head slightly, almost in a mechanical fasion and asked. "What do you think about the battle? Do you foresee your defeat and want Nexus to intercede? Or try to extend the date of battle, though it's highly risky at this point and might lead to full-sclae conflict?"

"Nah, I'd win." Varian said with confidence.

"I see. Instead of letting them find you, allowing for a possibility of not honoring the agreement, I will invite them over to the core of Nexus. Your battle will commence there. I considered sealing off the space but since you have the power of space, I shall not do that.

We will cover the entire Alliance's area, stopping any third party from intervening in the battle.

But do not break into the enemy's territory or even the region in between. The information regarding Immortal and you have not spread in the Jai Empire. Making them aware of the trump cards for dealing with the God Emperor would be a foolish and suicidal move."

Varian nodded in gratitude. The arrangements were done in his favor and in consideration of his safety.

If Immortal just barged into Hortus with a bunch of rank 2s without honoring the agreement, there'd be nothing he could do.

This way, at least, he'd have a fair match. Winning or losing would depend sorely on his abilities.

"Any divine ranking treasures would be barred from the battle, to avoid unfairness." Aphosis said. "Moreover, any move made by the divine ranker could be sensed by the powerhouses in Jai. It could become needlessly complicated."

"Uh-oh."

"I'll call you in an hour after making the proper arrangements. Finish whatever affairs you have and prepare yourself.

If Immortal or any divine rankers appear, the defense I left around this Synthetic World will activate." Aphosis stood up and was about to leave.

But just before that, he glanced at Varian with a curious gaze. "Why did you disappear for a thousand years though? What happened in God's Eye?"