MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1105: Misunderstanding

Aurelius Ignis, the formidable Phoenix King, broke the silence first. "We all sensed the True Death of the Blood Queen, prompting our swift arrival to ascertain the events that transpired," he stated, his voice as serene as the fiery red crown of flames adorning his head, emanating an imposing yet contained aura.

A general nodding followed from those present, a silent consensus that they had indeed converged for the very same purpose, seeking clarity on the pervasive question that occupied their minds.

Anthony raised an eyebrow. "I find it curious that you all harbor animosity towards each other and possess significant disagreements. What accounts for this sudden concern regarding her demise and its underlying cause?" he inquired, ascending to their level to avoid the strain of constantly looking upward.

"Despite our individual differences, the abrupt passing of a Domain Ruler is a matter that warrants serious attention. We may be facing a hidden threat or some other unforeseen circumstance. Confirmation is always prudent," declared Kaelen Wildhart, the Ruler of the Demi-Human Domain, his tone factual and steady. The other Domain Rulers nodded in agreement, appearing to share his perspective.

"I comprehend..." Anthony remarked thoughtfully. "I had initially assumed your intentions were to plunder the Vampire Domain as well," he added, a subtle, amused smile playing on his lips as he met their gazes.

"Indeed, that was our secondary objective," Gorath Storm, father of Rider and Bringer, responded with blunt honesty. He saw no reason to feign ignorance about their desire to seize and exploit the valuable assets held by the Vampire Domain.

"Well, that was our plan," Baldor Ironhammer, the Ruler of the Dwarf Domain, began, deliberately emphasizing the word "was." This clearly indicated that such aspirations were now relics of the past. "However, given your apparent protection of the Vampire Domain, we shall refrain," he stated plainly. Engaging in conflict with the entity known across the cosmos as Null Anthony was the last thing he desired.

Anthony's eyebrow arched once more. "I believe there might be a misunderstanding," he calmly asserted, his voice even and composed. "I am not safeguarding the Vampire Domain; therefore, do not misinterpret my presence as such an intention," he clarified without the slightest hesitation.

At Anthony's declaration, the Domain Rulers exchanged significant glances, a distinct glint appearing in their eyes. It seemed they were now eagerly anticipating the prospect of plundering the Vampire Domain without reservation. Naturally, they had no intention of engaging in indiscriminate slaughter of vampires, robbing the vulnerable, or annihilating the Vampire Domain entirely, as such actions would yield no tangible benefit or value. Instead, their focus was directed towards targeting every cultivator at the Apexus Mana Rank and above, including those of the Origin Mana Rank.

They harbored a firm conviction that the Vampire Queen would not have kept all her treasures on her person at all times. They themselves, as Domain Rulers, certainly did not practice such imprudent behavior. After all, it was common sense and standard practice to loot the spatial rings of fallen adversaries subsequent to a battle. To carry all one's possessions would be akin to surrendering their entire life's wealth to their killer. It was considerably more judicious to secure such treasures in clandestine locations.

Although they were unaware of the Blood Queen's hidden vaults, they were confident in their ability to eventually discover them. Should they fail, they would simply enlist the aid of a Seer to reveal the concealed troves; the process, they mused, was straightforward.

"Since you are already present, do you have knowledge of what caused the Blood Queen's demise?" the Dragon Emperor inquired, his gaze meeting Anthony's with a calm yet penetrating expression, clearly seeking a definitive answer.

Anthony regarded him for a brief moment before responding with a flat, impassive expression. "I extinguished her life," he stated, his tone entirely devoid of any trace of hesitation, tension, or regret.

Upon hearing Anthony's confession, an abrupt silence descended upon the assembly, each individual staring at him with stunned disbelief, as though the revelation was beyond their capacity to comprehend.

"May I be so bold as to inquire as to the reason?" the Elf King calmly asked, meticulously choosing his words to avoid encroaching upon any unspoken boundaries. He had no desire whatsoever to follow the Blood Queen into the realm of the deceased.

"Well... her son met his end; she sought me out to restore him to life. Like any practitioner of healing arts, I stipulated a price. When she proved unable to meet my demand, she falsely accused me of refusing out of malice, claiming I was responsible for his death," Anthony explained with composure. "Consequently, she initiated hostilities, and in response, I ended her existence," he concluded in the same detached manner.

Upon hearing Anthony’s explanation, the matter of the Blood Queen’s demise was immediately overshadowed. Solemn expressions replaced their previous thoughts as concern gravitated towards the perplexing death of her son. The unique resurrection capabilities of the Vampire race were common knowledge, and if even the Blood Queen herself was incapable of reviving her child or identifying the perpetrator, it naturally raised fears that their own children might be next.

Yet, unbeknownst to the assembled rulers, their anxieties were entirely unfounded, as the very cause of this enigmatic death stood before them.

"What exactly did you demand from the Blood Queen?" the Phoenix King inquired, his curiosity piqued. While Phoenixes possessed the gift of rebirth, it wasn't a power they could consciously control, and even those with Royal Grade Bloodlines experienced it infrequently.

"Nothing specific; you will comprehend when you encounter a similar predicament," Anthony responded, a light shake of his head preceding his lack of further explanation.

However, his cryptic words only intensified their furrowed brows. The phrasing suggested an ominous premonition regarding their descendants, fostering a growing sense of disquiet and unspoken tension.

"It appears I've forgotten something; I shall return," Aeltharion Moonwhisper announced. He casually plucked a strand of white hair, which instantly materialized into a flawless clone. With that, his original form dissolved as he made an urgent departure for the Elf Domain.

"I seem to have left the gas on," Aurelius Ignis declared, conjuring a fiery clone before promptly departing for the Phoenix Domain.

Anthony found himself momentarily taken aback by the sheer absurdity of the excuse, which defied all logic. Nevertheless, he remained silent, simply shaking his head at their evident misinterpretation of his words.

Following their lead, the remaining four Domain Rulers each left behind a clone and hastily returned to their respective Domains. Simultaneously, their clones descended toward the Vampire Domain below, initiating a systematic plundering of Origin-grade resources and above without hesitation.

Anthony offered no commentary, merely shaking his head once more before vanishing from his position. He made no move to correct the Domain Rulers’ flawed assumptions, as the matter held no personal significance for him.