MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1078: Exploring Space-3

"It's unbelievable that you can even manipulate the energy stars emit," Rider said as he soared toward his twin to inspect the star orb nearer, his voice laced with awe and skepticism.

"At the Apexus Mana Rank, controlling Star Energy comes naturally to everyone, though your proficiency hinges on your mastery level. Still, no one really cares to, since mana holds equal power to Star Energy and might even exceed it based on your depth of control and comprehension," Anthony replied smoothly, maintaining his usual laid-back tone.

All of them nodded in agreement with his explanation. Though they lacked full grasp of Star Energy's true nature, they saw no point in probing further; at their present level, or even knowing about it, what use would it serve?

"I wonder what swallowing the star orb might do," Bringer mused aloud while fixating on the star orb, "maybe awaken a Titan Star bloodline, grant starlight powers, or bestow star-themed skills?" he went on, glancing at Anthony expectantly for a response.

Anthony paused briefly before responding, "Life demands risks; without them, how do we grow stronger? Go ahead, swallow it and see what happens—who can say?" A subtle grin crossed his features as he looked at Bringer, seemingly urging him on purpose.

A hush fell over the group as they fixed their gazes on Anthony. Moments later, Bringer said, "Perhaps in a thousand years." The star orb disappeared into his space ring. After all, this was an actual star fragment; the chance of death stood at a staggering 99.999%.

He'd merely posed the question to assess the risks, and if it looked promising, he might nudge Anthony for help later.

With that settled, the group resumed flying onward, pressing their exploration silently, as if eager to leave the topic behind.

Minutes later, Bryan came back from his trek on the barren planet. One thing Anthony ensured was sharing every question posed to him and his answers with the others, preventing any duplicates.

Soon after, Anthony declared, "Time to venture deeper; even grander sights await. I'd prefer to proceed slowly for you to savor the views fully, but space's immensity means centuries would pass at that pace," he said evenly.

"Couldn't you provide perception glasses tuned for Planetary level, letting us at least sense the scenery as you speed along?" Rider proposed, sounding optimistic.

"Nope," Anthony answered smilingly, then blinked out of sight, dragging everyone along as he spanned thousands of kilometers in just a second.

In no time, they reached a new spot in the galaxy. "Here we are," Anthony announced serenely.

The group scanned their surroundings at once, eyes bulging in sheer wonder. If prior sights had stunned them, this overwhelmed them utterly, leaving them too dumbstruck to respond.

Nebulae unfurled like glowing seas through the emptiness from one angle, their twisting vapors shining with subdued fervor. Hidden powers within forged stars' genesis and demise. To Rider, Bryan, Bringer, and Tiara, these cosmic tapestries seemed stunning yet foreboding, immense shrouds balancing birth and ruin in timeless quietude.

From afar, a quasar flared at a galaxy's core, its radiance eclipsing myriad stars. Fueled by a colossal black hole, it consumed nearby material, unleashing energy floods. It stood as an entrancing yet ruinous celestial lighthouse, projecting inconceivable might over endless expanses.

In another bearing, utter blackness reigned, with a black hole at its core twisting all nearby, curving light into bizarre paths. Matter flows coiled in, elongating before vanishing irretrievably. The fabric of space warped around it, reality straining against such compact finality.

"These are just too... captivating," Tiara whispered in deep admiration, her voice hushed lest it shatter the majesty's quiet.

"I'd only read about them in books; never imagined seeing them... certainly not this early," Bryan remarked, staring at a nebula in awe of its flawless splendor, its shimmer mirrored in his eyes.

Onward they soared, charging toward nature's cataclysmic powers, entrusting Anthony completely, with unwavering faith in his protection.

Rider stared into the black hole, as if trying to pierce its depths, but his eyes encountered only infinite, eternal void. "I’ve heard many terrifying things about black holes, but to think I’m not even being affected—how is that even possible?" he questioned.

Expecting a response, he turned to Anthony, who merely shook his head and replied, "You just need to understand that I am simply that strong, nothing more, nothing less," his tone remaining as calm and detached as always.

Floating beside a nebula, Tiara wore an expression blending awe and incredulity. "Although I would love to say I expected nothing less of you, this is simply madness," she declared.

Bryan shook his head, still grappling with the sheer ridiculousness of their predicament. "I don’t think even my father would survive a black hole," he remarked.

Anthony surveyed the surroundings—the vibrant array of colors, the brilliant glows, the soft cosmic vibrations, the profound tranquility enveloping all. In his previous life, he had never paused to truly appreciate the galaxy, even though venturing into space's endless expanse stood as humanity's ultimate aspiration.

’I wonder if people back on Earth have started exploring the Milky Way since that first moon landing,’ he mused inwardly. In the next instant, a slight shake of his head refocused his attention on the spectacle ahead.

’Truly, the galaxy’s beauty is boundless and captivating without end,’ Anthony reflected, reclining slowly in a relaxed manner, seemingly prepared to drift off amid the infinite splendor and peaceful hush of the universe.

Yet in the very next moment, a voice boomed across the sprawling expanse of the Acarnis Galaxy: "Hoo!!! What do we have here? A group of Human species children exploring space."

Bryan, Bringer, Rider, and Tiara instantly froze in position, icy dread surging through their veins as shivers crept along their backs. Anthony alone stayed utterly unperturbed, having detected these approaching nuisances far earlier. Indeed, he had awaited them patiently, with serene, near-indifferent composure.

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