MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 999: Determination
Previously on MIGHT AS WELL BE OP...
Aaaninja reflected inwardly, 'My command over mana has surged dramatically,' sensing the energy swirling around him effortlessly, almost as if it pulsed with life and yielded to his presence alone, without any need for active guidance.
He resolved firmly, 'In the upcoming bout, I'll examine each benefit thoroughly,' aware that the following confrontation wouldn't involve him—it was bound to pit Anthony against Aura Nova, their battle sure to rattle the entire arena's essence.
His attention returned to his companions ahead, yet now he deactivated the innate skill that let him glimpse both future and past simultaneously, since it wasn't essential right then, planning to switch it back on after he'd fully grasped his fresh powers and advancements.
In that instant choice, he dissolved from his hovering spot and materialized in front of the group within a mere fraction of a second—no rush of air, no ripple in reality, no lingering trace—just seamless velocity and precision that outstripped all prior speeds, his transit so perfect it seemed the void itself had eagerly shifted to accommodate him.
"Welcome to the Apexus Mana Rank," Anthony declared first, his broad, authentic grin beaming as he hailed Aaaninja, his voice brimming with elation and honor, for how could anyone not rejoice in a comrade's staggering leap forward?
Aaaninja raised an eyebrow just a touch, then countered, "You talk like you've hit this stage already," a subtle, insightful grin tugging at his mouth while intrigue sparked in his eyes.
"Naturally I have—I'm Null Anthony, remember," Anthony shot back with that identical grin, his assurance rock-solid and beyond doubt, as if such a feat was utterly routine for him.
Aaaninja fixed his gaze on Anthony, at a loss for words, having figured he was the initial one among his allies to attain this rank, yet evidently that notion was wrong, sparking a mix of astonishment and fascination inside him.
The group gawked at Anthony like he defied all reason, being the most youthful there—only Veronica and Vega matched his years—yet he towered over everyone in power and development. After a quick pause for reflection, they opted to drop deeper musings on this illogical lead figure and pivot to the freshly dominant Aaaninja, whose surge had just reshaped their view of progress.
'Naturally he's already at the Apexus Mana Rank,' Lucian mused to himself, expecting no less from a figure like Anthony, whose being always shattered standard boundaries.
The others gathered around Aaaninja, offering warm felicitations, their faces earnest and radiating respect.
Aaaninja couldn't suppress a smile in reply, finding this a stark contrast to his usual encounters. Typically, the Celestials of the Celestial Solar System offered praises post-breakthrough, but he realized their words rang hollow, all harboring agendas toward him, overt or subtle. Perhaps only his lifelong attendant and his folks had spoken with real sincerity.
"Come on, share—what powers did you pick up?" Vega pressed without delay, her eagerness too strong to hold back. She knew Aaaninja might dodge such a private query, but figured inquiring and getting denied beat stewing in the unknown.
Aaaninja parted his lips to answer, but Veronica chimed in ahead, her tone laced with awe, "Those eyes of yours look even more captivating and stunning now—bet you've got some enhancement there; what is it?" Her enthusiasm and marvel shone clearly.
Altheria stayed quiet, merely observing alongside Anthony and Lucian, a soft smile gracing her face, her heart swelling with vast pride for her partner's remarkable evolution. Yet, a subtle ache persisted deep down. She was falling further back—not that she'd ever matched Aaaninja evenly from the start, but the divide was expanding so swiftly it chilled her.
What if she turned into Aaaninja's liability? What if a foe unable to best him targeted her instead, snatching her to lure him into a snare, pushing him toward hasty, needless choices that left him severely wounded—or fatally so? His Time affinity didn't render him all-powerful or unbreakable.
She let out a hushed breath at the idea, but instantly, a grin reclaimed her expression as a key memory surfaced: the ramen from that guide Broth-ben had boosted her and Veronica's aptitudes immensely, handing them a chance they'd lacked entirely.
'I get that I'll likely never match his pace, but I'll ensure I never drag him down as a flaw,' she vowed steadfastly in her thoughts, her resolve blazing like an eternal blaze.
Nearby, Zachary and his spouse Nyxss burst into hearty laughter, proudly touting Aaaninja's gifts and feats, their delight boundless and true. From his infancy, they'd imposed no pressures on him, unlike typical heirs in mighty lineages, who carried crushing duties before uttering their initial cries.
Aaaninja had escaped all that; they'd never steered him forcefully down any route, just nurtured his natural unfolding into who he was, steering lightly without stifling his unique spirit.
"Sigh... Jealousy creeps in, you know," Aura Nova murmured from nearby with a gentle exhale, her tone blending irritation and reflection.
At her remark, Lucian pivoted to her, intrigued, and queried, "Huh, how come?"
"Back on Dusk Planet, I was unbeatable and ruled all, but these days... sigh... the gap between Planetary and Galactical stages feels impossibly vast," Aura Nova exhaled again while explaining, her insight rooting firmly inside.
Though she labeled it envy, true jealousy didn't grip her—instead, a fierce, relentless drive burned to seize her prime spot anew. She'd dominated her world; nothing stopped her from conquering her galaxy too.
"Meh... No need to fret. Dive into secluded cultivation, and you'll discover the beast within you. You haven't trained post-True Self Actualization, so it's hidden still," Anthony's steady voice cut in from beside, laced with firm assurance.
Aura Nova dipped her head wordlessly, though a subtle grin curved her mouth, one hinting at a perilous, awe-inspiring vow of coming strength.
Aaaninja turned his stare to Anthony, his prismatic, timepiece-like eyes locking onto Anthony's azure ones as he said, "Hope you're set for our redo—it won't play out as simply as you think," a bold grin edging his lips.
Anthony grinned in return at Aaaninja, responding, "Sure, we're both at Apexus Mana Rank, but recall why they call me Null Anthony," his grin holding steady as he spoke, his poise utterly steadfast.
For Anthony, Aaaninja's surge and strides were beyond doubt colossal and phenomenal, yet insufficient to eclipse him or rattle his core belief in his own dominance.