MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1008: Thoughts

The remains of Aura Nova, including her detached head, hurtled unchecked through the air under gravity's pull, before slamming into the earth with a deep, eerie crash that sent a light cloud of dust billowing from the force of the collision.

From his vantage point high above, Anthony gazed steadily downward with his clear blue eyes locked on Aura Nova's body, positioned amid the clouds, his mind inevitably drifting; he pondered whether, someday, he might cross paths with an adversary who could truly rival him in all ways and compel him to unleash his full potential without any holding back or strategic reserve.

Anthony recalled just one instance in his post-reincarnation existence where he had truly exerted himself completely, that lone event occurring when assassins were dispatched against him right after his tumultuous shopping trip, transforming an ordinary errand into a grim testament to the world's dangers.

In the Acarnis Galaxy, at his present strength, he stood as virtually invincible, a figure beyond ordinary threats, yet the greater Galaxy presented a whole new scenario, one shrouded in mystery for him and undoubtedly teeming with entities that could surpass even his grasp of power.

His gaze lifted to the heavens, as if trying to pierce beyond the visible expanse toward some distant unknown, like looking straight through the fabric of existence; he let out a quiet sigh and shook his head, since he harbored no urgent desire to enter that sphere, merely a cool, intrigued fascination with it.

Should the Universe provide such a formidable rival, then fine, and if not, it meant little, for he was already savoring his existence quite thoroughly without requiring endless trials to push him forward.

His form shimmered faintly before he disappeared from the clouds in a swift streak that warped the surrounding atmosphere, reappearing in an instant next to Aura Nova's remains, giving it a last look before pivoting away and strolling off with serene detachment, knowing full well she would revive shortly as she invariably did.

'Null Anthony wins,' Klaus announced from overhead in a straightforward manner, having anticipated this result all along without the slightest doubt, since his focus lay more on the path and the details of the fight that culminated here than on the end itself.

Mana soon surged through the atmosphere in tangible ripples, then swirled and wrapped around Aura Nova's body with careful intent, elevating it softly as it shaped a glowing azure shell that throbbed softly with healing power. The onlookers showed no astonishment at the scene, for it matched exactly how she had revived following her prior clash with Lucian Darkheart, a technique now well-known to the group.

After a short while, the mana shell burst apart into myriad sparkling shards, and Aura Nova emerged, her head securely back in place as if it had never been cut off. Upon reappearing, she couldn't suppress a soft sigh directed at herself, a subdued breath laden with deeper significance than any visible reaction. She lingered quietly for a few seconds, her hand balling into a tight fist with nails pressing into her skin, though no blood appeared, as the wounds mended too rapidly for any to form.

She tilted her face upward to the sky without a word, contemplating the floating white clouds and the endless, stunning blue that echoed her own eye color. While she projected smiles and laughter on the surface, she would never confess that her ego had suffered a hit to some extent. In truth, she had reigned at the height of power on the Dusk Planet, where her reputation alone inspired awe.

Yet right now, all her accomplishments from tireless practice, relentless effort, and numerous retreats in isolation appeared... lacking.

Indeed, she had overcome Kingsley Sky, but only by triggering her Root Access Mode Command. And how had Aaaninja handled the same Kingsley Sky? He had dispatched him effortlessly, as if the foe meant nothing and the fight unworthy of attention.

Beyond that, she had fallen to Lucian Darkheart and now to Null Anthony. The deeper she dwelled on these, the more a quiet irritation twisted in her heart. Though it wasn't a fight to permanent end and just a practice bout, it exposed truths she would rather have kept hidden.

Despite her vast progress and attaining True Actualization, she felt it fell short in this instant, having suffered another loss, with Aaaninja set as her upcoming and concluding challenger in this lineup of duels.

The weight pressed heavily, her rivals immensely potent figures; Null Anthony on one hand, Aaaninja Chronisynth Eternos next, Lucian Darkheart after that, and Kingsley Sky too, who had mastered the Martial Rhythm and grown past his old constraints.

All four embodied absurd levels of might in every regard, beings who elevated the limits of capability just by their presence.

As her reflections churned inside, a subtle grin began to curve her mouth. She might have been beaten this time, but future encounters could differ. As a resolute individual who wouldn't bow to fate, she would climb to the summit inevitably, and when she did, she would quietly savor the looks on their faces as they tasted loss against her.

No fierce spark of resolve flashed in her eyes, no bold wave of assurance showed externally; instead, she stayed true to her nature, steady and resolute, as if she needed no grand vows to reach the heights and eclipse them all.

With that conviction rooted in her thoughts, her form ascended gradually into the air, then she propelled ahead at a restrained pace, trailing right after Anthony, until they reached the spot where the others gathered. Anthony merely claimed his place in silence, since no words were truly required.

'Do you need a hug?' Veronica asked as soon as Aura Nova neared, her tone soft but hesitant.

Aura Nova hesitated for a moment, unsure how to reply, puzzled by Veronica's apparent pity, but she declined with a small smile, saying, 'No, thank you,' her words even, deliberate, and courteously refined.

'Don't dwell on it too much, Aura Nova, while you could potentially hold your own against Aaaninja and Lucian later after your training return, you'd still have no shot against Anthony,' Vega remarked from nearby with a slight head shake, her voice matter-of-fact instead of harsh.

Unlike her close friend Veronica, Vega skipped offers of comfort like embraces, recognizing that Aura Nova avoided lingering in feelings; if action was called for, she tackled it head-on without delay. Though their acquaintance was brief, Vega grasped that this defined Aura Nova's character, and it was precisely such qualities that elevated her to her impressive stature of strength.