MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 909: Crazy Author

Aura Nova spoke up as if she had just recalled a vital detail, her tone composed but unwavering. "I believe we should implement a new condition before we begin. Anthony is to refrain from using his spirit. If he relies on it, this duel becomes meaningless."

"There is no need for concern," Aaaninja countered without a moment's hesitation. "I know Anthony well enough to say he never intended to call upon Romulus for this fight. He only did so during the Starborn Tournament because Charles Evander summoned the Spirit King." He took a short breath before adding in a measured voice, "Unless you summon something truly ridiculous, he won't use it."

Kingsley and Lucian nodded their heads in silence. They were well aware of Anthony’s character and saw no reason to doubt Aaaninja’s assessment.

Suddenly, Anthony’s gaze flickered toward the side for a second before he released a soft sigh. "How much longer do you plan on stalking us?" he inquired with a calm demeanor.

The group fell quiet at his remark. Instinctively, they pushed their senses outward, scouring the area for whatever presence Anthony had picked up. However, no matter how much they strained their perception, they found nothing. Despite the lack of evidence, none of them questioned his claim or suggested he was imagining things. To do so would have been an outright insult to his capabilities.

Reality itself seemed to respond to Anthony’s question, peeling back like the delicate petals of a lotus flower. The fabric of space rippled and folded, parting to allow a man to emerge from the distortion. He was dressed in a sharp suit and a perfectly fitted hat, with a white mask obscuring his entire face. It was StreamGhost.

"It has been quite a while, Anthony," StreamGhost remarked, his voice steady and even as he drifted downward with fluid grace. "You have finally decided to introduce me to your circle of friends."

The rest of the party immediately shifted into a defensive stance. None of them had detected the man before his arrival, and even now, with him standing directly in their line of sight, he remained undetectable to their senses. Had they closed their eyes, they wouldn't have known he was there at all. This realization caused their tension to spike, and their guards rose instinctively.

'Based on what Anthony said, he’s been tailing us for some time,' Aura Nova mused, her eyes fixed on the mysterious figure.

'What kind of broken side character has the Author thrown in now?' Lucian wondered to himself. He kept his face neutral despite his heightened state of alert. Just because the man was an acquaintance of Anthony didn't mean he was an ally. After all, even the Demon King was on speaking terms with Anthony.

"It is a pleasure to meet such a distinguished group," StreamGhost said with polite elegance, tipping his hat and bowing slightly. "Aaaninja, Aura Nova, Lucian Darkheart, Kingsley, Vega."

Veronica and Altheria traded quick, confused looks. They couldn't help but wonder if they were invisible to him or if the masked figure was intentionally ignoring them. In reality, StreamGhost simply didn't acknowledge them. With so many legendary figures gathered in one spot, he saw no point in wasting his attention on two ordinary individuals.

All eyes turned toward Anthony. He let out another sigh before explaining, "Everyone, this is StreamGhost. He has come here today to record our confrontation." He didn't elaborate further, clearly having no interest in discussing the finer details.

"Exactly how long has he been following us?" Kingsley asked, his eyes locked onto the masked intruder.

"Since the moment Aura Nova began sealing the Tears in Reality," Anthony replied, offering the truth without hesitation.

This revelation caused several members of the group to scowl. The experience of being completely unable to sense someone was new and deeply unsettling for them.

"Do not be troubled," StreamGhost said in a reassuring tone, his voice carrying the hint of a calm smile. "You won't even realize I'm here, just as before. I am merely here to film your battle before I move on to record something more captivating."

While he hadn't filmed the Starborn Tournament live, he had traveled back through time afterward to witness it personally, ensuring he knew everything about the participants.

"I am a great fan of your combat," StreamGhost went on, his smile practically audible. "The displays in the Starborn Tournament and the clashes with the Angels were magnificent. I look forward to seeing what comes next."

"Why didn't Broth-ben sense him?" Veronica suddenly piped up. "Didn't he reach the pinnacle of the Ramen Singularity Timeline?"

"I am far more powerful than that individual," StreamGhost answered with a smug air, clearly flaunting his status. "It is only natural that he couldn't detect me." He then turned his masked face toward Aaaninja. "And don't bother trying to use the River of Time. You won't be able to track or observe me from within it."

Aaaninja’s eyes narrowed. He had never heard of anyone who was entirely beyond the reach of the River of Time. Then again, how could the River of Time possibly affect StreamGhost when the man was, for all intents and purposes, omnipotent?

"Where is your equipment?" Lucian questioned, staring hard at the man. "If you're here to record us, you should at least have a camera, even a basic one."

"Human eyes are the ultimate cameras," StreamGhost replied smoothly. "What device could be more precise or better at capturing the essence of reality than my own eyes?" He then shifted his focus to Aura Nova. "I missed your performance at the Starborn Tournament, so I'm rooting for you. To be honest, seeing someone actually defeat Anthony would make this a monumental day. Documenting the impossible becoming reality would be immensely satisfying."

Aura Nova offered no reply. She remained silent and stoic, watching the man intently. She felt a powerful urge to analyze him and dissect his very existence, but she held herself back. He had just claimed that even the River of Time was useless against him.

A small smirk played on Lucian’s lips. He didn't know this stranger, but this seemed like the ultimate chance to copy some top-tier abilities. With that thought, a list of StreamGhost’s powers manifested before his eyes. However, the moment Lucian read the description, his eyes widened in sheer terror.

StreamGhost only had two abilities, but both were so profound they shook Lucian to his core.

'Is the Author losing it?' Lucian thought, his mind racing. 'Even Anthony isn't this broken.' A surge of adrenaline hit him. 'But this is perfect for me.'

Just as he was about to make his move to copy the abilities, his system let out a sharp, warning chime.

[The System advises the Host not to court death]

Lucian froze in his tracks.

'What are you talking about?' he demanded internally.

[The Anomaly, StreamGhost, possesses an Omnipotence trait that triggers an automatic death penalty for anyone attempting to analyze or copy him. This death is absolute and cannot be reversed.]

Lucian was left completely stunned.

'So if I die, there’s no resurrection?' he asked to clarify.

[Correct, Host.]

Lucian exhaled slowly, his previous excitement replaced by a cold chill. 'What a mental Author,' he muttered to himself.