MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 900: Explode

The group proceeded with their tour, strolling past a variety of buildings that defied conventional architecture. Some were shaped like massive ramen bowls, while others rose into the sky like noodle towers or twisted into spiraling forms resembling tangled strands. By now, the team was no longer shocked by such sights. What would have once been dismissed as ridiculous now seemed entirely logical within the rules of this Timeline, as if reality itself had accepted ramen as its fundamental building block.

As they moved, they crossed paths with individuals from a multitude of races, each possessing a unique aura and appearance. Anthony found himself staring at beings he had never encountered before. Despite his extensive history of traveling to various worlds, he couldn't identify a single one of them. It was obvious they didn't hail from the Acarnis Galaxy, a place typically ruled by Dragons, Humans, Celestials, and other well-known species.

Anthony quickly deduced that these people were likely travelers from afar, much like himself.

"I'm considering moving here permanently," Aura Nova remarked nonchalantly. She walked with a light, graceful step, her face glowing with sincere wonder.

"I believe Rain would be quite miserable," Altheria teased with a playful grin. "Or even better, Valak—who is completely smitten with you—would either cry forever or simply decide to follow you here."

Aura Nova merely offered a smile in response to the jest, her quiet demeanor speaking volumes more than words ever could.

Turning his attention toward Vega, Anthony spoke with a soft and earnest tone. "If it's what you desire, we can visit a place like this for a date."

Vega’s eyes sparkled instantly, shining as brightly as twin stars. "Yes... oh, yes!" she replied with immediate fervor, unable to suppress her joy. "And if you can, could you make it about cake? Perhaps a cake Timeline, or even one made of ice cream!" she added, her voice rising with growing excitement.

Anthony let out a soft laugh, reaching out to playfully pinch her cheeks as his grin widened. "Of course. I don't see why that wouldn't be possible."

Aaaninja Chronisynth Eternos, who had been listening to their exchange with mounting bewilderment, finally cut in. "How exactly do you plan to acquire the Timeline coordinates for such a place?" he inquired with genuine interest. "Even for me, those coordinates were only obtainable through the River of Time."

Anthony’s sky-blue eyes moved from Vega to Aaaninja, his voice remaining calm yet laced with mystery. "Just as you possess the River of Time, I have my own methods." A subtle smirk played on his lips as he finished speaking.

Lucian watched Anthony for a moment before simply shaking his head. He didn't need to waste time speculating or thinking deeply to figure out Anthony’s plan. Lucian was already well aware that Anthony’s absurdly OP system featured a shop. Purchasing a Timeline coordinate from such a source would be a simple task.

Aaaninja’s rainbow-colored, clock-like eyes shifted toward the silent Lucian. "You appear to understand how Anthony will pull this off," Aaaninja noted, stating it as a fact rather than asking a question.

Lucian Darkheart hesitated for a split second. He briefly thought about denying it, but ultimately saw no point in deception. "I am indeed aware of the details," he answered with confidence, a smirk of his own appearing.

Aaaninja kept his gaze fixed on him, clearly waiting for an explanation, but Lucian just shook his head. "I'm afraid I cannot share that with you, or anyone else for that matter."

Aaaninja paused and then nodded, deciding not to push. In truth, it didn't matter much to him; if he truly wanted to, he could just ask the River of Time for a new Timeline, and it would provide the answer without delay.

Anthony’s eyes drifted toward Lucian. Having overheard the conversation, his All Seeing Eyes confirmed that Lucian was telling the truth. This realization, however, left him deeply unsettled.

'Is it possible he knows about the system?' Anthony pondered.

He considered the thought for a moment before dismissing it with a shake of his head. He had never revealed the existence of the system or the truth of his reincarnation to anyone—not to Vega, his parents, or even his grandparents. There was simply no way Lucian could have found out.

Suddenly, a flash of golden light erupted above Vega’s head. A small figure radiating a regal and commanding aura appeared, floating down gently to sit upon Vega’s head as if it were a royal throne. With golden hair and piercing golden eyes, the figure’s mere presence commanded respect and dignity.

"It has been quite a while, Vega," Romulus, the Divine Flame, said calmly.

"Romulus! You’ve finally appeared!" Vega cried out happily. She had always shared a close bond with Romulus, but he had been absent for a long duration. Romulus’s golden gaze flickered briefly toward Akira, who was perched on Aura Nova’s head, before he looked away without a word.

"Who might this handsome spirit be?" Aura Nova asked, her eyes glittering with interest. As was her habit, her curiosity took control. Almost by instinct, she triggered her Omniedit ability.

The instant she did, her eyes shattered and exploded outward. Blood and shredded tissue sprayed into the air, raining down upon the ground. The sound of the rupture was chilling.

A heavy silence fell over the group as they struggled to process the gruesome sight. Akira’s black and white fur stood on end, a sharp hiss tearing from her throat. Her fangs were bared as she glared at Romulus, her muscles coiled as if she were about to strike.

Aura Nova slowly lifted a hand to gently stroke Akira’s soft head. "It's alright, Akira... the spirit isn't to blame."

Despite the comfort, Akira’s black eyes remained locked on Romulus with pure hatred, looking as though she wanted to shred him. Romulus, however, didn't spare the cat a second look. His initial glance had been nothing more than passing interest. Now that he had perceived the entirety of Akira’s existence, she no longer held any importance to him.

"Sigh... I knew your curiosity would eventually lead to trouble, Aura Nova," Veronica remarked, shaking her head in disapproval.

Aura Nova didn't offer a verbal reply. She simply smiled as a fresh pair of eyes manifested where her old ones had been. The blood and biological debris on the ground vanished in an instant, wiped from reality as if the incident had never occurred.

"Aura Nova," Anthony interjected from the side, "this is Romulus, the Divine Flame. He is the entity I summoned to battle the Spirit King during the Starborn Tournament."

Anthony’s explanation wasn't just for Aura Nova; he noticed Kingsley and Altheria were also burning with questions, and this answered them.

Aura Nova already understood why her eyes had just been destroyed. She had tried to perceive something that was never meant to be analyzed by her. Romulus hadn't actually attacked her; if anything, he had provided a strange form of protection. The moment she attempted to scan him, the sensation of total death had washed over her, yet that finality never came. She didn't need a formal explanation to know the truth: Romulus had spared her despite her own recklessness.

Even Aaaninja had once cautioned her against trying to analyze the River of Time, yet she had just tried to peer into a being that existed far beyond even that power.