MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1125: Evolution

Anthony halted abruptly, a sensation washing over him as the very essence he perceived immediately surged and converged around the fleshy masses representing his parents and grandparents. In the blink of an eye, a small cocoon materialized, pulsating rhythmically. With each throb, its dimensions expanded, as if being steadily inflated in an unsettling, synchronized cadence.

Anthony recognized that this transformative process had escalated to a crucial juncture.

A deafening boom announced a dramatic surge in intensity, striking Anthony with immense force. However, his Infinity ability instantly activated, erecting a shield. He disregarded the concussive blast entirely, his gaze locked onto the four colossal cocoons, observing with unwavering focus despite the overwhelming pressure.

Moments later, mana in its most unadulterated form began to hum, subsequently flowing into the cocoons. It seeped within, appearing to actively facilitate the process, as if responding to an unspoken summons.

Hours elapsed with no apparent alteration. The enigmatic energy and mana persisted in their ceaseless hum and flow, pouring forth in unending streams, showing no inclination to cease, their presence constant and oppressive.

Then, a subtle shift occurred: a discernible decrease in the activity of the unknown energy and mana. Anthony needed no conjecture; he understood the procedure was nearing its conclusion. Within mere minutes, the mysterious energy completely vanished, receding to its origin, while the mana reverted to its intrinsic, natural state.

The cocoons remained, their pulsing akin to a steady heartbeat, alive and vibrant. Suddenly, a cracking sound echoed, followed by another, and then another. All four cocoons fractured simultaneously, reminiscent of primordial eggs on the verge of hatching. Subsequently, with a potent outward surge, the cocoons detonated. Yet, they did not shatter into fragments; instead, they dissolved instantly into dissipating motes of energy, fading into nothingness.

Irene, Collins, Michael, and Mitchelle became visible, their forms suspended mid-air, seemingly in a state of unconsciousness. They drifted motionlessly for a spell, held aloft by an unseen force. Then, that force gently guided them down to the verdant expanse of the plain. The instant their feet met the grass, a primal instinct reasserted control over their bodies, and their eyelids fluttered open.

At that precise moment, the four of them stood in a state of bewilderment, as if engaged in silent communion with something intangible. Anthony, however, grasped the situation: their minds were being inundated with information pertaining to the gains from their metamorphosis, knowledge flooding their consciousness like a relentless tide.

A profound silence descended upon the Mirror Dimension, the only sound the gentle whisper of the breeze as everyone remained in quiet contemplation, absorbing the significance of the event.

Michael, already possessing a striking appearance due to his status as an Apexus Mana Ranker, seemed to achieve an even more captivating visage, his stature now reaching an imposing six feet eight inches. The transformation was not exclusive to him; Mitchelle, Irene, and Collins underwent similar physical enhancements, their bodies radiating vitality, their inherent allure escalating to an almost unbelievable degree.

After a brief interlude, the silence was broken by Michael’s voice, he being the first to articulate his thoughts.

"This is utterly preposterous," he exclaimed, a note of astonishment in his voice as his mind grappled with the recently acquired information. He found it difficult to reconcile the reality with the notions he had previously held, as if such phenomena were fundamentally impossible.

"Is this even achievable?" Mitchelle’s voice followed, her hand raised as she examined it, seemingly captivated by the pristine texture and smoothness of her skin, though her true focus lay elsewhere.

"It appears we were merely frogs residing in a well," Collins remarked, sensing the immense power coursing through his veins, his tone laced with profound reverence.

As for Irene, she remained silent, offering only a serene smile, her expression one of deep contentment.

The sheer magnitude of their revelations had momentarily eclipsed the memory of the torment they had endured. The pain was inconsequential in that moment; faced with the prospect of enduring similar suffering again to achieve such an outcome, they would readily agree without a second thought.

Anthony observed the expressions gracing their faces, a smile playing on his lips. Though their words were measured, he understood they had all experienced something profound that left them awestruck and dazzled. He moved forward, a smile masking the preceding concern he had felt, now that everyone was whole again.

"I genuinely believed you all were on the brink of demise," Anthony stated as he approached.

Anthony’s words jolted them from their reverie, and they turned towards him, wide smiles illuminating their faces.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" Michael erupted in laughter, sounding almost unhinged. "My Baby Monster has truly outdone himself this time," he declared, moving swiftly to lift Anthony as if he were an infant, triumphantly raising him towards the heavens.

Anthony instantly scowled, vanishing from Michael’s hold and snapping back to where he had been. He hadn’t anticipated Michael’s move, finding himself completely unprepared.

’Glad Veg wasn’t here to witness that,’ he mused internally, certain she would seize the opportunity for endless teasing.

"You rascal, you claimed the pain was minimal and bearable, yet you left us shrieking like frightened children," Collins, usually a man of few words, spoke with a grin. It was understandable; who wouldn't jubilate after such a monumental power-up?

Still, he grumbled about screaming in front of Anthony, as if all the aura cultivation he'd practiced since Anthony’s birth had instantly evaporated.

Mitchelle went on to embrace Anthony, bestowing a kiss upon his forehead. Her eyes overflowed with a mother’s love and profound gratitude.

Anthony offered a smile, remarking, "You all are nearly as handsome and dashing as I am now," his words laced with a playful arrogance, as he still held the title of the most striking.

"Alas... your father is already wed. Had I been younger or unattached in my prime, with such striking looks, I'd have been irresistible to every woman," Michael responded with a sigh, a hint of exasperation coloring his tone at the notion that he couldn't fully leverage his allure now that he was a devoted husband.

"Sigh, I feel precisely the same. With my newfound charm, more men will undoubtedly flock to me, much like that Perverted Sage. What was his name again... Azarion Starweaver?" Mitchelle chimed in, mirroring Michael’s energy perfectly, both clearly engaged in jest.

Anthony merely shook his head at the pair, unmoved by their playful exchange. His sole focus was on learning what benefits they had reaped from their evolution, though he already had an inkling of one significant gain.

"So, what did you all gain?" he inquired, his gaze alight with anticipation.

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