MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1111: For Old Times’ Sake

The group of friends continued their conversation, their laughter echoing as ten full days slipped by. Ten days dedicated to exploring the Dragon Domain, the Vampire Domain, and the Titan Domain. During his visit to the Titan Domain, Anthony had indeed been confronted by Rider and Bringer’s father, but he had skillfully evaded the man as if he carried a contagion, maintaining his composed indifference with remarkable ease.

At this very moment, they found themselves within the Titan Domain, traversing a lush forest. The wind rustled their clothes and tousled their hair as they shared stories and quips, their voices weaving into the symphony of rustling leaves and the gentle breeze sweeping across the vast landscape.

The Vampire Domain had also found its stability, with a new Ruler promptly and decisively chosen; this time, it was a man. The coronation ceremony took place, yet neither Anthony nor Tiara and the others felt compelled to attend, as their true priorities lay elsewhere, far removed from the rigid protocols of royal succession.

Bryan had attempted to persuade Tiara to assume the vacant Queen position, leveraging her possession of the Royal Grade Bloodline. However, Tiara firmly declined. Having just extricated herself from the clutches of the Royal family, she had no inclination to be drawn back in, especially when it meant dealing with a new set of Vampires rather than the treacherous Vampire Queen and her duplicitous son – a prospect that utterly repelled her.

Anthony came to an abrupt halt, allowing the soft caress of the wind against his skin to be savored. He drew a deep breath, then exhaled slowly before speaking, "You know, I truly needed this. This escape to simply relax and converse without any form of interruption or cultivation," he stated with calm assurance, his long white hair dancing in the wind as leaves swirled around him in a quiet, almost reverent ballet.

"You sound as though you've been under considerable stress lately," Tiara remarked with a gentle smile, her tone light yet perceptive.

"Not precisely. As the saying goes, moderation is key, and I've spent the majority of my time engaged in one battle after another, or immediately immersing myself in training. Thus, these eleven days we've spent together have indeed been wonderfully relaxing and stress-free," Anthony replied, lowering himself to the ground, unconcerned by the rough soil, and leaning his back against the rugged bark of a tree.

"We're glad we could be of service then," Bryan interjected, mirroring Anthony's action by sitting on the ground and stretching languidly as he leaned back.

"I share Anthony's sentiments. As a Prince, I've been constantly occupied with acquiring knowledge and honing my skills, never affording myself a moment's respite or personal time," Bringer confessed, gazing at the verdant surroundings with a momentarily distant expression. "However, thanks to Anthony's visit, Father has at least granted my brother and me some free time."

A collective nod of agreement passed through the group. Their schedules were invariably demanding and packed, filled with relentless training for their futures, utilizing every waking hour for pursuits beneficial to their advancement. Despite their royal status, they did not possess the luxury of simply taking a day off to unwind or sleep without a specific purpose.

A comfortable silence enveloped them, not of awkwardness, but of shared appreciation. The only sound that punctuated the stillness was the sighing wind, as if celebrating the reunion of those once hailed as the Golden Generation.

Anthony broke the quietude, his voice gentle yet carrying an irrefutable finality, "While I cherish your company immensely, the time has come for me to depart."

No one displayed surprise; the inevitability of this moment had been understood. Anthony had spent eleven days with them – an extraordinary generosity of time for a Planetary level being, a luxury even their own parents rarely afforded them, unless it was for training or to fulfill expectations.

"When might you visit again?" Rider inquired, his genuine enjoyment of their shared time evident in his voice, tinged with a subtle reluctance.

Anthony paused, lost in thought for a moment, before replying, "Honestly, I'm uncertain. Perhaps when I find myself bored, or perhaps never. After all... I will be departing... permanently."

"Then I shall offer prayers for boredom to grace your household," Bringer responded, clasping his hands together as if eager to commence his supplication immediately, his expression comically exaggerated in a manner uniquely his own.

Ignoring his theatrics, as they had long grown accustomed to his peculiar behavior, which had become a familiar constant, the others let his words pass.

"Where will you be heading?" Tiara asked, her curiosity clearly piqued.

"A higher Galaxy exists; there, I will not possess my current strength, nor will I be the Null Anthony they know. I'll have to restart from the very beginning, much like in the Omni Peak Academy days. Who knows, perhaps in this upper Galaxy, I'll even be required to attend school again," Anthony responded candidly, his voice calm but tinged with a subtle eagerness.

Tiara, Bryan, Bringer, and Rider were not taken aback by the mention of ascension and higher Galaxies. Having been with Anthony for eleven full days, it was natural they had become privy to such information. As long as it wasn't a significant secret, Anthony had no qualms about sharing; his openness was a clear indication of their strong bond.

"I hope I can ascend as well," Tiara expressed, her gaze fixed on the sky as if trying to peer directly into the higher Galaxy, her eyes mirroring a quiet resolve.

"You all possess sufficient talent; you are known as the Golden Generation for a reason," Anthony replied with a smile, his faith in them absolute.

"When do you intend to ascend?" Rider inquired placidly, crossing his arms.

"After the full-scale war concludes, I plan to gather my friends, and then we will begin the Ascension together. It should be more enjoyable that way," Anthony stated, confirming his actual plan. He intended to rendezvous with Aaaninja, Lucian, Kingsley, and Aura Nova, and then, as one, they would answer the call and face whatever lay beyond.

"It seems you have everything meticulously planned," Bringer remarked with a chuckle, clearly amused.

Anthony laughed as he spoke, "Not precisely. I don't particularly favor planning; I generally prefer to simply overpower challenges with absolute might," his words were measured, yet they exuded a quiet certainty that bordered on absolute conviction.

"Very well, I have a request," Tiara declared, rising to her feet, a smile playing on her lips, her countenance alight with a familiar spark.

Anthony's gaze followed her, and he inquired, "And what might that be?" his tone held a degree of expectation, as he surmised she wouldn't be asking for an unreasonable favor.

"Back during our Omni Peak Academy days, we often vied for Rank 1. Now that we've reunited and you're about to depart, how about a match against you? While I know it's likely futile given our power disparity, it would be for old times' sake and the sake of nostalgia," Tiara responded, meeting Anthony's eyes with her own red gaze.

"Hoo!!!! What a splendid notion, Tiara," Bringer exclaimed, leaping to his feet with a broad grin, his body and spirit already brimming with anticipation, his excitement almost tangible.

Rider and Bryan both stood as well, embracing Tiara's idea wholeheartedly. This was, after all, a friendly bout that they might never experience together again, unless Anthony found himself exceptionally bored.

Anthony shook his head, rising to his feet with an amused smile. Though he remained silent, he couldn't deny that he found the idea appealing; he vividly recalled challenging everyone simultaneously during the Omni Peak Academy entrance examinations, a moment that remained etched in his memory.

Those were indeed the days.