MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1014: Officially Over

Aaaninja kept his stare locked on Aura Nova’s lifeless form, his features showing no emotion; for him, extending the fight with her had been unnecessary. His sole excitement lay in clashing with Anthony alone, excluding everyone else. Even though he started out keen to battle Aura Nova, observing her combat abilities in the moment wiped away any eagerness he initially held for the confrontation.

Klaus’s declaration cut through the atmosphere, proclaiming, "Aaaninja Chronisynth Eternos triumphs," as he named the victor.

Aaaninja gave Aura Nova’s body one final glance before pivoting and striding off. After just a couple of paces, he faded from his spot in time, reemerging at the spot where the group had assembled.

True to form, the mana in the surroundings quivered and enveloped Aura Nova’s remains, creating a protective shell. Several minutes passed before it burst apart into numerous glowing particles and fragments of mana, allowing Aura Nova to emerge.

Much like Sky Kingsley, Aura Nova lacked true resurrection powers; her Omniedit skill merely revived her upon death unless it was True Death, similar to how it mended her mana core every time it broke during her intense and grueling practice sessions.

Aura Nova parted her sky-blue eyes and stayed quiet for a bit, then shook her head while wearing a subtle smile. The battle’s result didn’t trouble her; only the road ahead mattered, without excess or deficiency.

Aura Nova directed her gaze upward to the expansive blue sky that echoed the hue of her eyes. Deep down, she felt immense joy and profound thanks for joining this Galactic gathering. Had she skipped it, she’d have lingered on Dusk Planet for years, convinced she was the top talent and mightiest of her peers.

How would that set her apart from a frog stuck at the well’s base?

Without attending, she’d never have crossed paths with fellow illogical prodigies like her; she’d never have met Null Anthony, Sky Kingsley, Aaaninja Chronisynth Eternos, Lucian Darkheart, and Vega, talents matching her own in raw ability and boundless promise.

Having entered the Galactic arena, her vision had expanded to fresh vistas, and upon returning, she faced numerous goals and flaws to overcome. Firstly, she must close the delay between issuing an Omniedit Command and its execution. Secondly, she had to hone her sword techniques to utmost perfection. Thirdly, she needed to advance her Sword Intent to the following level and keep advancing beyond. Fourthly, she sought more real fights; she should cease dominating foes with outrageous Omniedit Commands and instead engage them directly, absorb lessons, and evolve via true battles.

These represented just some of the numerous items she’d already noted mentally; others awaited her focus. Still, the sheer volume on her agenda didn’t daunt her; rather, she anticipated them with subdued thrill... toward the superior strength she’d surely attain after fulfilling all her plans.

'It won't exceed a year,' she mused inwardly in serene quiet, already setting a deadline for herself. In one year—just that brief span—she’d surpass her former self by leaps. This one-year limit wasn’t a strict full year; she’d chosen it to buffer against surprises and disruptions. Absent those issues, completion would come much sooner.

Harboring that resolve, she too disappeared from her position, materializing right back at her prior seat from before facing Aaaninja.

"Good to have you return," Vega remarked from nearby, eyeing the newly arrived Aura Nova.

Aura Nova turned her sky-blue eyes to Vega, offering a light smile as she inquired, "How come you skipped the spar? You surely have the strength to join," her tone even and composed. She could easily sense Vega’s solid power and talent equal to the others present.

Vega hesitated briefly before replying, "Truthfully, I figured joining was useless since getting thrashed offered no gain," she said, glancing down at the arena. "Yet I realize now I was terribly wrong," she finished in a steady, reflective voice.

Aura Nova nodded in agreement, grasping her viewpoint completely; after all, she herself had once deemed the Starborn Tournament worthless, which explained her absence from it entirely.

Klaus, positioned off to the side, gradually stood up. The instant he did, numerous gazes turned his way, talks halting abruptly. As the mightiest there, he drew focus naturally, even if many barely knew him.

His voice steady with a slight grin, he addressed them, "This final bout marks the end of the young ones’ sparring exchanges." No applause followed his statement, no cheers or festivities; it had always been a casual meetup among companions, unlike the prize-filled Starborn Tournament.

"To be frank, when my daughter invited me to observe a friendly bout, I anticipated little. After all, what wonders could spoiled young elites show to astonish folks like me or my wife, Amara?" Klaus went on, his words bluntly honest without veiling his starting view of them. Should any take offense, they held no recourse—absolutely none.

"However, learning you were all Anthony’s friends shifted my perspective a touch. The Anthony I know doesn’t associate with the haughty or endure such attitudes," he pressed on seamlessly. "And truly, to my utter amazement, I erred. You’ve delivered one of my life’s biggest shocks. Even at your age, I wasn’t as formidable as any of you."