MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 888: Motto

“As you have likely perceived, I possess the power to manipulate Time, having been born with a natural Time affinity,” the First Supreme Monarch declared with composure. “I have ascended to this level through my own efforts, yet it seems I have struck a ceiling—a barrier I cannot cross. I require assistance to shatter this wall.”

He paused briefly, his eyes flickering as he attempted to read Aaaninja’s response. However, Aaaninja offered no reaction at all. Neither a smile nor a scowl touched his face; he simply remained still, maintaining a neutral, impenetrable expression while listening in a state of calm silence.

“You are the sole individual I have encountered who can command and weave Time to such a degree,” the First Supreme Monarch went on, his tone dropping slightly. “Thus, I have come to request a favor… to implore you, even, to instruct me, to lead me… at least… provide me with something… anything at all.”

His speech trailed off at the end, showing a hint of strain despite his best attempts to keep his dignity. Nevertheless, his resolve did not falter. He spoke with directness, avoiding any unnecessary tangents. He neither polished his request nor hid behind his ego. He presented the raw truth: he had hit a limit in his Cultivation and needed help to surpass it.

Should Aaaninja turn him away, he would be forced to seek alternative paths, regardless of the time or hardship involved.

Aaaninja said nothing for several long moments. The ensuing silence grew heavy but lacked any sense of hostility before he finally broke it.

“What of Anthony?” Aaaninja inquired.

The First Supreme Monarch raised a brow, showing clear confusion as he failed to grasp the Time Celestial’s intent.

Noticing the bewilderment, Aaaninja expanded on his point, “Anthony also holds an affinity for Time. I am certain his mastery is flawless. Why did you not seek him out?” he asked in a steady voice.

The First Supreme Monarch had never actually witnessed Anthony wielding Time in a significant or overt way, so the full depth of Anthony’s prowess remained unknown to him. Simultaneously, he could not admit that openly, nor was he willing to resort to lies.

After a short hesitation, he answered. “It was Anthony who described you as the absolute best regarding Time manipulation and control. That is how I learned of your existence.”

Once those words were uttered, silence fell between them again. Even though Aaaninja didn't display any outward emotion or offer a comment, he felt a sense of satisfaction knowing Anthony held him in such high regard. This wasn't a desire for Anthony’s validation or praise; it was simply a matter of pure, mutual respect.

Finally reacting, Aaaninja let out a soft sigh. “So,” he remarked, “what are you prepared to sacrifice?”

The question caught the First Supreme Monarch completely off-balance. He had steeled himself for a rejection, a negotiation, or cold apathy, but not this. He stood stunned for a moment. It seemed Aaaninja had conceded far too quickly.

“I am sure you realize that nothing is granted for free in this galaxy, or any other for that matter,” Aaaninja continued with a calm air. “So, what price are you willing to pay for this wisdom?”

The First Supreme Monarch’s eyes narrowed. Indeed, his wealth was vast. He held a hoard of legendary treasures, ancient relics, and rare Cultivation resources beyond the dreams of most. But would any of those material goods move a man like Aaaninja Chronisynth Eternos? Surely not.

His mind began to race at a supernatural pace. His divine sense scanned through his spatial rings, frantically sorting through every item he owned, hunting for anything of value. He had received a path forward; now, he only had to settle the debt… just to pay the price.

However, the more he sifted through his memories and his hoard, the more it became clear that he possessed nothing—absolutely nothing—that could satisfy a figure of Aaaninja’s stature.

“So, you have nothing to offer…” Aaaninja noted softly, his deep voice echoing slightly as his eyes fixed upon the Dragon standing before him.

The First Supreme Monarch felt a pang of inner tension. Was it frustration? Hopelessness? He couldn't quite name the feeling. His objective was right in front of him, yet he was unable to grasp it. He could not claim the prize.

How many years would it take to find an item that someone like Aaaninja would deem even slightly valuable? A decade? A millennium? The more he pondered, the more his draconic heart throbbed with the painful realization of his own lack of means.

Aaaninja sighed again. Without another word, he shut his eyes. In the following heartbeat, he vanished from that layer of reality, leaving the brooding Dragon behind. His consciousness flowed effortlessly into the River of Time.

As Aaaninja’s awareness manifested, he was greeted by a ceaseless river shimmering with every hue that had ever existed within the fabric of Time. He could hear a chorus of voices—laughter, the sounds of death, screams, weeping, snores, and small sounds like hiccups or sneezes. These were the echoes of countless pasts, presents, and futures, all merging into a single, infinite stream.

Aaaninja’s focus landed on a specific child playing happily, chasing after a butterfly. Time blurred forward. The boy grew into a physician, yet ironically, he eventually succumbed to cancer. His gaze shifted elsewhere, settling on a young girl. Born into a lineage of swordmasters, her true potential was for the spear. Since her clan only recognized the sword, she never uncovered her hidden talent. After years of mistreatment and scorn, she eventually took her own life. A brilliant talent extinguished, just like that.

However, Aaaninja had not come here for these stories.

His intent was focused solely on the man known as the First Supreme Monarch. Closing his eyes, he directed his will toward the River of Time.

The River of Time complied willingly. Like disturbed water, soft ripples moved across its surface as the previous visions faded. The sounds of joy and sorrow vanished until only one vision remained.

The First Supreme Monarch.

Aaaninja observed his life from the instant of his birth. He watched his social dealings, his treatment of others, his rise to the peak as the mightiest Dragon on the Blue Planet, his military service, and his eventual ascension to the title of First Supreme Monarch. He scrutinized everything, particularly how the Dragon had mastered Time manipulation entirely through his own intuition, without any mentors or ancient inheritances, as none of his ancestors had ever shared that affinity.

Aaaninja found the Dragon to be quite an anomaly. Through the River of Time, he could sense the man’s pride—sharp and unbreakable—yet it was strangely blended with a deep, sincere humility. Dragons were a species defined by their overwhelming ego, yet this individual seemed to have transcended those racial instincts.

The Dragon had lived his whole life guided by a single motto: There is always someone stronger. There is always someone better.