The so-called Grand Mission #1 came out of nowhere, but what absolutely shocked Zeke was that failure would result in death.

All previous urgent and special missions initiated by the System weren’t obligatory, at least depending on the circumstances. However, it was different this time, which made Zeke inwardly curse.

It all started when Samuel mentioned the incoming ambassador, which made Zeke suspect that the moment he was privy to that information, the System formulated a plan on the spot.

‘But why does it want me to kill the ambassador? Does it hold a grudge against the earthlings? Fuck! This is impossible!’

“What’s wrong, Zeke?”

“Nothing. I’m going to sleep.”

He laid on his bed and sighed, feeling tired already. It was foolish and suicidal to try and kill the ambassador. Not only will the target be protected by all kinds of strong people, but it would also be ridiculously difficult to get close to him.

Even with his current capabilities, Zeke couldn’t achieve such a ludicrous objective.

Furthermore, he was being forced to kill someone innocent. It wasn’t like Zeke had never killed anyone, but, so far, his victims had been either cultists or enemies.

The ambassador had nothing to do with him, and killing him, especially when he’s visiting the Nezulian Republic, could potentially lead to an all-out war.

‘This is it… I’m really going to die.’

Previously, Zeke had a safe alternative in case he faced a life-threatening situation, but he couldn’t go against the System, and nor could he rely on his skills to defy it or its orders.

…

The next day, Zeke didn’t even bother attending the revision classes or training. Instead, he called Frederic Whitefort and met up with him early in the morning.

“I was starting to think you won’t call!” Exclaimed the vagabond as he sipped on his coffee, seemingly in a very good mood.

Unlike him, Zeke had a gloomy look and sunken eyes, making him look like a zombie.

“Hm? What’s wrong?”

“How much do you know about the Paths of Extinction System?”

“Does that mean you agree to my deal? If so, this isn’t a good place to talk.”

“I don’t care about the deal.”

Frederic was quick to notice the youth’s grumpiness and bad mood. He erased the amicable smile off his face and thoughtfully asked,

“Did perchance face a hurdle? The System is quite tricky.”

“...”

“Why don’t you first tell me what’s going on? Maybe I can help.”

In such a desperate situation, Zeke had no choice but to speak. Although he didn’t fully trust Frederic, he truly was at his wit’s end. There was no one else to help.

Trying to explain the situation to Edward or Principal Solas would probably lead to nothing. This was about the ambassador! An accredited diplomat representing the entirety of Earth!

The more Frederic listened, the darker his face become. In the end, he let out a heavy sigh and leaned back.

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“You’re certainly an unlucky fellow, Zeke.” He paused for a brief moment before continuing, “The Systems act based on the circumstances and the knowledge of the user. Basically, they will generate a type of mission depending on what’s happening. However, in your special case, you would have received a Grand Mission sooner or later as the news about the ambassador is circulating everywhere. Anyway, the first step is to think of a plan to kill him.”

“What?”

Frederic clicked his tongue and explained, “What else is there to do? Wait for the countdown then die? This isn’t a game, Zeke. You kill or be killed, that’s how it works with the System. Actually… do you know why Edward Heart was labeled as the Mad Emperor?”

“...”

“He had grown unimaginably strong, enough to somewhat defy the System. His skills and unlocked paths allowed him to avoid his demise, but it still found a way to corrupt him, for want of a better word. Grand Missions are like an irreversible decree that must be followed, no matter the cost. Unless you’re ready to die in two days, you have no chance but to comply.”

“What of the consequences? Even if, by some miracle, I succeed, everyone will be hunting me.”

“Only if they know it was you.” Frederic grinned and leaned closer, “I told you I know some stuff about the System. Time with the limited time at our disposal, I believe I can help you. The question is; Are you ready?”

Zeke clenched his fists and lowered his head. After a long silence, he resolutely declared, “I’m ready.”

“Great! Let’s go back to my room.”

Frederic took him to the messy hotel room and instructed him to wait.

While the man rummaging through his mountain of books and belongings, Zeke curiously studied the scattered artifacts and dusty scrolls. It was hard to believe that such priceless treasures were like trash on the ground, ignored as if they didn’t exist.

He was a bit relieved after confiding in Frederic, who, although eccentric, seemed to know what he was doing.

“There it is!”

Frederic pulled a hand-sized notebook and eagerly put it on the table.

“This here, is the accumulated knowledge about the known Paths. Most of it is either speculation or based on past records, but there are some verified and usable paths that, with enough effort, can be unlocked. First and foremost, the trick with the Main Paths is that they are finite and work the same way as the mission. Basically, unless you complete a requirement or fall into specific circumstances, the paths won’t show up. I’m sure you figured that already. So…”

Frederic grinned and scrutinized Zeke, “Can you tell me which paths you have? Ah! I already know about the Aether Voltage.”

“It was upgraded into Voltage Body.”

“Really? That’s quite the achievement, buddy! Do you know how you did it or should I explain?”

“I’ve got a guess, but I don’t mind hearing more.”

“Okay!”

Frederic took out a pen and drew lines on an empty sheet of paper.

“Each line is a Path, and each path can either merge with another or be upgraded into a higher variation. I haven’t confirmed this yet, but I think there are a total of 32 Main Paths, though only half can be upgraded. The rest will merge with other compatible paths. For instance, the Hydromancer, Aeromancer, Electromancer, Cryomancer, and Pyromancer Paths can merge into the Elemental Path.”

“What about the time-gated paths?”

“Those are… peculiar and hard to determine their exact number. I only know of the Assassin Path, the Sun Knight Path, and Space Master Path. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to unlock them. Anywho, your other paths… hehehe! Tell me!”

Seeing the overly-excited man gaze at him with twinkling eyes and a beaming smile, Zeke hesitantly responded,

“Martial Arts, Groundbreaker, Sreyzhan Rune, Inexhaustible, Pain-Junkie, and…. Death-Walker.”

“Hot damn! You’ve got the Death-Walker? You don’t look like a survivalist but you must’ve gone through some fucked up shit, yeah?”

Frederic was so enlivened that even his manner of speech changed dramatically. With a slightly red face and rapid breathing, he enthusiastically scribbled on his notebook.

“I don’t know the Groundbreaker Path. If you haven’t done it yet, I suggest you max it out. The time-gated paths are very strong and usually don’t cost much. Then again, my advice is based on the ones I know about.”

Frederic covered his mouth and waved his hand, “Wait wait! Forget what I said! Save your points. You’re going to need them for the new path.”

“You still haven’t told me how I’m going to kill the Ambassador.”

“Hehehe…”

Frederic flipped the pages of the notebook and once he found what he was looking for, he stated,

“The Shooter Main Path. On its own, it’s not particularly strong, but it is diverse and compatible with many paths, like Aether Voltage… or in your cage, Voltage Body.”

The vagabond put his index on his lips as if signaling Zeke to be quiet.

“You’re going to snipe the earthling bastard.”