MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 910: Creep

Lucian fixed his gaze on StreamGhost as the man spoke, noting the subtle smile permanently etched onto his mask. The expression remained unchanging and rigid, as if it had been carved into the material rather than being a genuine reflection of his face.

’Is he another reader who bombarded the Author with enough gifts to get a character created in his image?’ Lucian wondered, his thoughts turning inward. While the concept wasn’t impossible—he had witnessed far stranger events—he quickly dismissed the notion with a mental scoff.

’No... what reader would choose to become a mere observer who does nothing but record the battles of characters belonging to others?’ he reasoned. ’Unless that reader happened to be a professional cameraman in the real world.’

Even with that logic, the theory felt flimsy.

Lucian realized he was overthinking, though his suspicion was well-founded. An entity wielding the powers of Omnipotence and Omnipresence wasn't just a threat; it was a reality-warping, logic-shattering existence that defied the laws of the universe. Such a being shouldn't be standing there so casually, acting as if they were all just actors in a play he had already watched a thousand times.

As his mind continued to race, Veronica’s soft voice drifted from beside him, laced with a hint of worry.

"Is something the matter?" she inquired, her eyes searching his face.

Lucian became aware that his facial expressions had given him away. He hadn't noticed, but Veronica had watched him cycle through a flurry of emotions—shock, skepticism, confusion, and several others he couldn't quite identify.

Her question pulled him back to reality. He gave a small shake of his head and let out a soft breath, answering in a gentle, reassuring tone, "It’s nothing. Just some idle thoughts."

He hesitated for a second before adding, "Also... I appreciate you having faith in me."

A genuine, warm smile touched his lips.

Even when I lacked faith in myself, he added silently, keeping the thought to himself.

"Of course," Veronica answered instantly. "I’ve stayed by your side for six months, so I understand a great deal." She paused briefly before continuing, "While I know Anthony, I’m not truly familiar with the extent of his abilities. We never shared missions during our time at the military base." Her white eyes, striking and inscrutable, showed a quiet glimmer of curiosity rather than any sign of doubt.

Lucian gave a silent nod before speaking again with a thoughtful air. "You likely didn't notice, but that specialized ramen we had—the bowl Broth-ben prepared from the Ramen Singularity Timeline—it actually boosted your natural talent."

Veronica went still.

She stopped in her tracks, her face a mask of shock and bewilderment. The claim sounded impossible. While Savor energy was known to bolster one's power, the idea of enhancing natural talent—something innate and unchangeable—was unheard of to her.

Furthermore, even if such a feat were possible, how could an item from a different Timeline affect someone outside of it?

"How is that possible?" she asked bluntly.

"It likely stems from the specific intent infused into the ramen-crafting technique Broth-ben employed," Lucian explained calmly. For a moment, his concerns about StreamGhost vanished. "I’m unsure of the exact degree your talent evolved, but we can run a full diagnostic once we get back. We’ll test your limits properly."

Veronica nodded firmly. This was one of the few places where she could safely conduct such tests. Besides, the prospect of gaining more power or a higher ceiling for growth was something no one would turn down.

’Perhaps... this time I can actually stand on equal footing with them,’ she thought, her fingers tightening into a fist.

Among everyone there, she was undeniably the weakest. Her presence at this galaxy-tier summit was solely due to her status as Lucian’s girlfriend, not because her personal strength justified it. Even Altheria, despite being Aaaninja’s partner, possessed more than enough power to command respect.

"What about you and the others?" Veronica asked out of genuine interest. "Did the rest of you experience a talent boost as well?"

The question hung in the air. Was it even possible for the monstrous natural talents of beings like Anthony, Lucian, Aura Nova, and Aaaninja to grow even further?

Lucian shook his head slightly. "We are already... far too gifted for our talent to see another increase," he said with a faint, amused grin. "Though I am quite certain Altheria’s talent was enhanced, much like yours."

He was well aware that Veronica yearned to become stronger. Regrettably, he lacked any ability that could directly modify another person's potential. If he had such a power, he would have bestowed it upon her without a moment's thought.

Veronica’s focus shifted. While she had been looking forward to the upcoming fight, her mind was now occupied by what would happen afterward—the testing, the proof, and the hope that her Cultivation could finally accelerate.

Vega watched Veronica quietly, though she remained silent. A knowing smirk played on her lips. Through her Cause and Effect ability, she had already detected the shift in Veronica’s potential.

’She won't suddenly jump to our level or possess talent that rivals ours,’ Vega thought to herself. ’But any progress is still significant.’

"Now that the introductions are concluded, I shall take my leave," StreamGhost’s voice suddenly rang out. He performed a theatrical bow, tipping his hat with grand flair. As he stood up, his form began to dissolve from reality, fading slowly and purposefully until he was gone.

Even though only Anthony could track him directly, everyone understood the truth: StreamGhost hadn't actually departed. He remained anchored in the same space, invisible and watching, waiting for them to transition to the next battlefield.

’What a creep,’ Altheria thought, watching the spot where he had vanished.

"So," Vega chimed in, her voice full of excitement, "where exactly is this duel going to happen?" She had already lost interest in StreamGhost; his mysterious behavior didn't phase her.

"Where else could it be?" Aura Nova replied coolly, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. "We all wield planetary-level power. The only logical place is the void of the galaxy."

"Hmm..." Vega hummed, tapping her chin. "How about using one of my father’s Separate Planes? I’m confident it can endure whatever chaos you unleash. Even the flora and terrain there are as durable as entire planets."