MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1031: Samson

Aura Nova drifted serenely through the sky, offering a quiet farewell to everyone in sight. Since Anthony had already dashed off with Vega for some undisclosed purpose, her goodbyes were directed toward Aaaninja, Lucian, and the remaining observers. Even though she knew a reunion was inevitable, the timing remained an enigma, and this lingering sense of uncertainty colored her final glance back at them.

Shortly after, her feline companion, Akira, manifested from thin air and delicately perched upon her head. Aura Nova gathered her up, massaging the soft fur with deliberate, rhythmic strokes, her demeanor both tender and familiar. In a fleeting instant, she transcended the boundary of that separate plane, vanishing entirely. Her form rematerialized amidst the sprawling azure firmament and drifting wisps of cloud, settling once more into a very familiar, if distant, realm: the Dusk Planet.

Meow!

Akira vocalized her presence, fixing her obsidian eyes on Aura Nova; the small, sharp sound betrayed a trace of concern beneath her characteristically detached exterior. Having witnessed Aura Nova suffer through nearly all her recent matches, the cat sought to offer what meager consolation she could. Aura Nova grasped the sentiment instinctively without the need for verbal exchange, merely offering a slight shake of her head in response, her silence speaking far more eloquently than any sentence could.

While it might appear that Akira lived solely for the sake of nourishment, Aura Nova held a position in her heart that eclipsed any earthly delicacy—a priority that transcended basic instinct and a loyalty cemented through countless years beyond doubt.

She shut her eyes, drawing in a long, deep breath to let the serene atmosphere of the Dusk Planet permeate her lungs. From the moment she had departed these lands, she had been caught in a relentless cycle of high-stakes combat, never once allowing herself a moment to truly pause or introspect. Finally, she flared her sky-blue eyes open, her gaze dropping to the sprawling urban landscapes below, where humanity bustled about in predictable cycles of routine and survival.

Unlike the Blue Planet, the Dusk Planet was ruled by human hegemony. There were no dragons, vampires, or similar exotic entities here. The challenges were restricted to recurring demonic incursions and the perennial necessity of suppressing monsters that threatened to shatter the precarious stability of their world.

She observed the panorama with an inscrutable, calm mask before flickering out of the atmosphere as if she had never been, her silhouette manifesting within the vast chambers of her personal residence. As the preeminent powerhouse of the planet, it went without saying that her dwelling was nothing less than an imposing, monumental castle, radiating an undeniable aura of authority.

The second she arrived, a blur of motion manifested near her side: a man dressed in a formal butler’s uniform, holding a crisp white towel, as if he had been standing watch for her entire duration away. His timing was impeccable, his presence unwavering.

Bowing deeply, the butler addressed her: "It is a privilege to welcome you back, My Lady," his voice carrying a perfect blend of respect and impeccable composure.

"It has been quite a while, Samson," Aura Nova responded with a soft, steady smile. Samson was among the few he had long numbered among her closest confidants; he had remained anchored by her side for decades, anticipating every whim without hesitation. Though she rarely required anything, his dedication had remained absolute across the decades.

Straightening from his bow, Samson tilted his head toward the passenger in her arms. "Welcome back as well, Master Akira. I have kept your favorite treats ready and waiting since the very day of your departure," he noted, fully cognizant of the staggering power hidden behind the cat’s unassuming exterior.

Akira gave Samson a look, then simply shook her head. Samson stood in stunned silence, clearly rattled by the refusal, especially since he offered her preferred meal. Little did he know that Akira had sampled far more exquisite luxuries beyond the confines of the Dusk Planet; her palate had been refined to a point where Samson’s offerings no longer piqued her interest.

Aura Nova realized this but chose not to elaborate. "Have there been any significant shifts during my absence?" she inquired, her tone carrying the casual, authoritative weight of a master surveying her domain.

"None whatsoever, My Lady," Samson replied in a crisp, efficient manner.

Aura Nova offered a sharp nod. "I intend to begin an indeterminate period of closed-door training starting tomorrow. See that the Hyperbolic Time Chamber is prepared for long-term usage," she commanded, setting her plans into motion without a second thought.

While she possessed the ability to begin her seclusion at this very moment, she opted to wait until the following day. She wished to spend these final hours traversing the Dusk Planet, observing its inhabitants one last time—a silent, final communion with the world before she withdrew into absolute isolation.

Samson did not query her reasoning, merely committing the order to memory with the intent to execute it the moment he was dismissed. "My Lady, your companions, Charles and Bills, have been waiting here for several days, hoping for your return since they were forced to retreat without you," he mentioned, his tone remaining even.

Aura Nova acknowledged this with a nod; she had sensed their signals long before Samson mentioned them. She already knew they would be overflowing with inquiries, and she felt no compulsion to keep any secrets from them.

"That will be all, Samson. You may retire," Aura Nova directed, continuing her steady, unhurried pace while cradling Akira.

"As you desire, My Lady." In a rapid shimmer of motion, Samson vanished as if he had been naught but a phantom.

Aura Nova continued her stride without breaking rhythm. Suddenly, she stopped as the air beside her warped. From the rift stepped Rain, his expression placid as the portal sealed behind him, his dark eyes locking onto his daughter’s cerulean ones.

"Thinking of burying yourself in cultivation?" he probed, sensing her intent without the need for additional context.

"Starting tomorrow," Aura confirmed, offering no pretense of hiding her schedule.

Rain offered a slow nod. "I, too, shall be entering seclusion, though it will require two days; I have several affairs to tidy up before my departure," he explained, clearly invigorated by the insights gained from watching the clashes between the anomalies.

"It is about time you pushed your limits, Old Man," Aura Nova teased with a faint, playful grin.

Rain countered with a smirk of his own. "You realize that you aren't exactly young yourself, having graced this world for over a century," he teased back.

Aura Nova emitted a short, appreciative laugh and shook her head. After the brief moment of levity, she regained her composure. "If you find yourself in need of anything, do not hesitate to reach out, Old Man. Do not allow your pride to obstruct your Dao," she advised, parting ways with him as she walked past without another word.

Rain remained stationary, processing the weight of her parting words. He shook his head with a faint smile, turning in the opposite direction, her counsel echoing in his mind.

Aura Nova entered a secondary chamber where Bills and Charles Evander waited, aching for news of everything that had occurred in the void they had left behind. Their forced retreat from a battle of such magnitude—a struggle far exceeding their current Foundation Establishment—had left them hungry for answers, their anticipation evident even before she uttered a single syllable.