MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1066: Envious

Tiara, overwhelmed by a deep relief at last being able to voice her thoughts freely, declared in a resolute and unwavering voice, "I accept," her tone utterly free from guilt, doubt, or compassion, as if the choice imposed zero emotional burden upon her.

All present nodded in response to her statement, having anticipated exactly that reaction; a refusal of this apparently perfect resolution would have stunned and appalled them. With Drake's death, the Blood Queen would inevitably have to dissolve the engagement, no matter her pride or power.

Should Drake’s Bloodline Grade drop only to Noble Grade, outcomes could turn unpredictable? The Blood Queen might stubbornly hold on, rejecting any cancellation of the betrothal.

Those gathered pursued their self-interests, adhering to the hidden codes of their realm, much like Bryan aiding Heinz to boost his talent without letting it eclipse his own.

"No issue then," Anthony responded evenly, his voice calm and detached, as if the issue stood settled ages ago, even prior to discussion.

A subtle but clear smile graced Tiara’s lips, blending relief with eager expectation; escape from her bind lay within reach at last, promising the freedom she craved for so long. Though ignorant of Anthony’s precise method or timing for dispatching Drake, those specifics held no relevance anymore. Crucial now was her secured escape route straight to liberty.

Anthony turned his eyes to Rider, addressing him in a steady, deliberate manner, "Before your trio showed up, I sorted some troubles for Bryan, then aided Bringer in shattering a key mana rank plus multiple levels, and currently I’m tackling Tiara’s... predicament. Yet I’ve offered you nothing, provided no aid, and I refuse to leave you sidelined. Thus, voice your wish, and I’ll grant it, barring anything excessively wild," Anthony declared.

His statement momentarily froze Rider and the others; such an angle hadn’t occurred to them. While ignorant of Bryan’s precise benefits, it stood clear that Rider alone hadn’t partaken in Anthony’s vast benevolence.

A slight smile flickered across Rider’s features before shifting to grave focus as he pondered deeply. With Anthony handing him a blank check of sorts, careful deliberation proved essential for his ask. Anthony’s sparse words and feats confirmed his possession of immense might.

Rider’s thoughts whirled through countless options, each allure growing stronger, weighing what boon this near-omnipotent figure might bestow.

Silence enveloped the chamber; none interrupted as they granted him space to deliberate. Minutes ticked by in profound thought until a sly, shadowy grin crept onto Rider’s face. His shadowed gaze fixed on Anthony as he shattered the quiet.

"I realize your abilities must have boundaries... or maybe none exist, and you simply shun effort on taxing feats. Thus, I’ll start with a query," Rider said, his voice steady yet searching, eyes never leaving Anthony’s.

"Fire away," Anthony answered, curiosity flickering across his face while anticipating Rider’s question.

Drawing a measured breath, Rider inquired, "You mentioned to Tiara earlier that lowering her Bloodline’s grade lay within your power. Following that reasoning... can you elevate a bloodline’s grade as well?" His delivery cautious, like probing an enigma’s edges.

Rider’s question unleashed waves of astonishment across the room; the notion had eluded everyone prior. So outlandish, it never entered their thoughts. Eyes snapped to Anthony, tension mounting as they hung on his reply. Should he wield such power, he’d rank among the mightiest entities ever. They discussed the Ancestor Grade Bloodline, unheard of and unchronicled till now.

Once that idea took root in their minds, a far more disturbing realization started to emerge: if Anthony could pull off such an unbelievable achievement, what prevented him from doing the same to himself? Upgrading his own human bloodline. They weren’t even sure if human bloodline grades were a thing, but if they existed... what if Anthony had already pushed his own Bloodline Grade to the ultimate limit? Wouldn’t that perfectly explain his ridiculously overpowering strength, even though he was the same age as them?

The silence in the control room thickened as this terrifying notion burrowed deeper into their thoughts, clenching tighter with every second that passed.

Suddenly, the quiet exploded as booming, uncontrollable laughter rang out across the entire room.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" Anthony erupted in laughter, grabbing his stomach while leaning back, finally toppling off his chair from the overwhelming force of his mirth.

All those present stood baffled and dumbfounded, completely at a loss to understand what could be so hilarious during such a tense and grave moment.

Moments later, Anthony gradually composed himself and climbed up from the floor as his chuckles faded away. He settled back into his chair, giving his head a slight shake before saying, "I’m sorry... his question simply caught me off guard. I never expected Rider’s train of thought to go in that direction," he added, directing his eyes at Rider. "You truly are the more perceptive one between you two."

After a short pause, Anthony went on, "As for the answer to your question... yes, I can directly increase a bloodline’s grade," he declared straightforwardly, with zero pause, evasion, or vagueness.

No one could find words to reply. Speech utterly escaped them. Pondering such an idea was one matter, but getting straight confirmation was a whole different beast. That one revelation crushed their view of the world yet again, leaving them reeling to comprehend its full weight.

Their gazes naturally shifted to Rider while they pictured him gaining an Ancestor Grade Bloodline from Anthony. Jealousy flared up wildly inside them, blazing fiercer and hotter than before. Yet, right as that feeling intensified, Anthony’s voice cut in once more.

"But I won’t be helping you achieve the Ancestor Grade," Anthony declared coolly, his voice solid and unyielding, brooking no debate.

Rider, who moments before had reveled in their jealous stares with a broad, smug grin, went rigid all at once. His smile evaporated in an instant, swapped for pure shock. Just seconds ago, the whole world seemed his for the taking; now, it had crumbled away like sand.

Tiara, Bringer, and Bryan shot him looks tinged with sly mockery, their faces showing quiet glee. Had Rider actually gotten that kind of bloodline, they’d have been utterly outpaced. Truth be told, “outpaced” didn’t even cover it—the divide would have grown into an uncrossable chasm.