MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1050: Bitter Flavor

Bryan's gaze sharpened as Anthony's words sank in; the man had seen right through him, unraveling his inner musings with chilling accuracy. He had no clue if Anthony had truly peered into his mind, and even if that were the case, Bryan held no power to act against it or any method to fend it off.

Yet Anthony's statement ignited a burning query in his thoughts: how exactly did this pill produce such a targeted result? How could it make certain Heinz stayed perpetually one step behind, as if its purpose had been crafted with deliberate precision and unwavering intent?

Though the question gnawed at him relentlessly, he chose to hold it back. Probing too deeply might spoil things, so acceptance seemed wiser—especially since this gift dangled his freedom right before his eyes. Should Anthony harbor some hidden plot, he'd deal with it later. Fretting over uncertainties beyond his grasp made no sense, not when the massive gains dwarfed those shadowy perils.

Moreover, right now, Bryan possessed nothing Anthony desired. If Anthony owned such a pill, he must command treasures and assets far beyond Bryan's wildest imagination.

He drew in a deep breath, then released it steadily while saying, "Thank you, Anthony. I truly don't know what to say or do except thank you," his eyes locked onto Anthony's, crimson clashing with azure blue in a wordless connection.

Anthony grinned and leaned in, handing the pill over as he replied, "What are friends for? No thanks needed—I had no use for it. If I did, I wouldn't be giving it to you," his tone honest and straightforward, free of any concealed motives.

Bryan accepted the pill with a nod, already convinced Anthony had no need for it. Clutching it, he gazed at it in wonder; it resembled a standard cultivation pill, plain on the surface, but packed with power to reshape destinies. He didn't linger on the sight, though—swiftly, he slipped it into his space ring, a pleased smile lighting his features, every move cautious and measured.

"Just so you know," Anthony continued, "if anyone besides Heinz takes the pill, it won't function. Don't claim I didn't warn you," his statement carried a cautionary edge over mere guidance, yet his voice and face stayed even, serene and aloof.

While the Human Domain lacked tools to gauge talent or predict Planetary-level potential, the Dragon Domain clearly held such devices. Otherwise, how could they assess Heinz’s and Bryan’s aptitudes so definitively?

All the Dragon Emperor required was to let Heinz consume the pill and then test his talent immediately—a straightforward verification poised to upend the Domain's power dynamics.

Naturally, the talent pill Anthony provided to Lucian outclassed the one for Bryan by a wide margin. Lucian's version boasted immense potency, bestowing Veronica with aptitude nearly matching Anthony’s ten followers, and it even carried a pleasant sweetness, customized for a female user.

The pill Bryan now held did precisely as Anthony described—no more, no less. It stayed exact, restrained, and purposeful. Its taste was intensely bitter too; Heinz, being male, could surely stomach it without fuss.

Anthony smirked inwardly picturing Heinz's face upon swallowing it; the guy would probably curse him out, no doubt. That image alone lifted his spirits with dark humor.

He fought the urge to laugh outright, holding it in. It might seem like mockery toward Bryan, and that wasn't the vibe he aimed to project.

While Anthony indulged in his playful scheming, Bryan stood from his chair. Noticing this, Anthony refocused and queried, "Heading out?"

Bryan confirmed with a nod, replying, "Yeah, to see my father and brother. We need to use this talent pill right away—the sooner, the better. Plus, if trouble pops up, you're still around," he laid it out openly. Urgency laced his voice; he yearned to shatter the unseen shackles holding him down.

Anthony gave a nod and stayed silent, reclining deeper into the couch without a care for Bryan's plans.

Bryan halted mid-step toward the door, turning back to ask Anthony, "Want to join?"

Anthony hesitated briefly, as if weighing the idea. Moments later, he shook his head; another encounter with Iserios or Heinz held no appeal. He'd prefer waiting here, distanced from the drama.

With that, Bryan waved casually, ripping a portal through the void, space yielding smoothly to his command. He strode in without pause. The gateway, forged by an emergency ring artifact, whisked him directly to his father—and this crisis perfectly justified its use.

Iserios stared in bewilderment as Bryan materialized from the rift. Before questions could form, Bryan launched into the full explanation for him and Heinz, his speech quick but lucid, leaving them dumbfounded as the revelation's gravity hit home.

Back in Bryan's quarters, Anthony pulled out his phone and messaged the Storm brothers—Rider and Bringer—along with Tiara. Having wrapped up his aid to Bryan, it was time for their group to venture out, pursuits far more thrilling than royal entanglements.

Thus, Anthony tuned out all Royal Dragon family happenings, uninterested in the least. He stood from his seat and approached the window, peering through it. Overhead, Dragons soared with enormous wingbeats, their majesty ruling the boundless skies.

In quiet observation, Anthony tracked them, his face composed and remote, awaiting the Titans and Vampire's arrival.

"I wonder when the Angels will strike," Anthony mused silently, the Dragons' wings evoking thoughts of Angels—both winged beings, despite their profound differences.

"Eh, whatever," Anthony shrugged mentally, unconcerned, pivoting from the view back to his phone.

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