MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1137: Relationship

Mike, Spectre, and the others were engaged in conversation, catching up after some time apart. Some among them had formed pairs, with Donna and Vivian together, while Spectre and Clement were side-by-side at Military Base Alpha-9.

"Sigh... we've traversed such a long road," Evelyn remarked with a gentle smile, her composure serene as her golden locks swayed in the breeze while she sat on the grass.

"Indeed, we have," Donna concurred, positioned on a crystalline throne crafted from pure, radiant water, her legs crossed with elegant grace.

A comfortable silence settled over the group as they simultaneously gazed towards the vast, cerulean sky. The quiet was then broken by Mike's calm, thoughtful inquiry.

"Do you ever ponder why he selected us?" Mike questioned, his eyes still fixed on the heavens.

A brief pause ensued before Litt responded, "I don't believe there was a specific 'why' or a special reason behind his choice. After all, we weren't hidden prodigies or anything extraordinary at the time," his words conveyed the conviction of someone who recognized his own past ordinariness.

Mike gave a nod. It wasn't that he considered himself special or possessed of some latent Bloodline or Physique ability previously; his curiosity stemmed from the fact that out of billions of humans, Anthony had chosen them.

However, Mike was merely overthinking. Anthony had chosen them precisely because they were the most vulnerable individuals then, closest to him, and fellow students.

"You know," Marcus began, levitating slightly as he spoke, "if we hadn't become Anthony's subordinates, I wonder what destiny would have awaited us. Perhaps we would have been adventurers, or mercenaries, or even enslaved by those powerful families ruling our Human Domain," his voice was calm yet laced with contemplation.

The others nodded in agreement, having entertained similar thoughts at various points. Ironically, despite self-identifying as untalented, they possessed a degree of skill. The Omni Peak Academy, after all, accepted only a thousand students annually from over ten million applicants. Ranking within the top thousand among millions of children their age indicated they were, by statistical measures, quite capable.

But then again... being the most talented among a group of mediocrity doesn't signify exceptional talent; it merely indicates being a slightly less flawed piece of trash, a refined shard amidst a vast ocean of the unremarkable.

"Sigh... five years ago, I never imagined exploring the world," Arnold added. "Back then, my sole ambition was to reach the SSS rank as swiftly as possible and then attempt to break through to the Master rank. I recall setting the S rank as my objective; at that level, we gain the ability to fly and utilize aura." A smile touched his lips as he remembered S rank being one of his greatest aspirations. Now, he could obliterate planets and constellations with effortless ease, a reality that still felt astonishing.

"Indeed, the allure of flight back then was simply irresistible," Vivian chimed in, letting out a soft laugh, her voice tinged with a faint echo of nostalgia.

Ross turned to Clement, speaking up, "Bruh, we get that you're a man of few words, but we rarely get together like this. Loosen up a bit and say something. You haven't uttered a single word since we arrived." He released an exasperated sigh, as if pondering what he expected from Clement, knowing that was simply his nature.

Clement, who had remained silent, paused for a moment before responding, "I have nothing to add, but I resonate with everyone's sentiments," his tone was low. Though his lips didn't visibly move, his voice was clearly heard, as if his speech transcended the need for physical articulation.

Ross stared at Clement briefly before shaking his head with another sigh. Clement offering a reply at all was a minor miracle, so there was no need to press further. His gaze then shifted to Spectre, who was engrossed in meticulously polishing his katana. After observing him for a moment, Ross shook his head wordlessly. Everyone knew Spectre's deep-seated obsession with his katana, a fixation present since their first encounter.

"Hehehehe... so, do any of us have partners, girlfriends, or boyfriends?" Marcus inquired, his voice laced with a mischievous, almost sinister chuckle, as if eagerly anticipating the ensuing discussion.

All eyes shifted towards him, but Marcus remained unfazed. He then turned his attention to Spectre, addressing him, "Mr. Second-in-Command, you first. Tell us about your girlfriend... or boyfriend, if that's your inclination. I'm not one to judge," a wide grin spread across his face, fueled by his palpable eagerness to know.

Spectre paused briefly, his gaze flicking towards Marcus as he responded with remarkable composure. "I'm not interested in that way, nor do I currently have any girlfriends. My duties consume my every waking moment, leaving no time for a relationship," he stated. Upon finishing, he broke eye contact with Marcus and resumed polishing his katana with an unbroken, intense focus.

"Man, you must lead the most monotonous life imaginable," Ross remarked, shaking his head. "And what duties are you even referring to? Anthony hasn't assigned us anything specific; we're supposed to be free to do as we please, you know."

At his words, Spectre remained utterly unconcerned, his focus on the steady rhythm of his sword polishing seemingly impervious to interruption, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

"Besides," Litt interjected, a smirk playing on his lips as he turned to Marcus, as if he had pinpointed the core issue, "it appears Mr. Marcus here has found himself a sweetheart. Otherwise, why would he be so inquisitive about our romantic lives?"

Marcus grinned, retorting, "The best is always saved for last. I'll share all the juicy details once I've heard about all of your uninteresting love lives," he boasted, his confidence teetering on the edge of arrogance.

"Given Clement's perpetually silent nature, I suspect even someone like Spectre would find a romantic partner before he does," Arnold quipped, glancing at the quiet Clement, who offered no protest or reply. A wave of laughter rippled through the group, and the conversation smoothly transitioned, the lighthearted mood persisting.

"Hehehe, let's start with the ladies," Ross added with a playful smile, clearly relishing the unfolding conversation.

At his words, all eyes turned to Vivian, Donna, and Evelyn. Faced with their collective gaze, the three women felt a familiar sense of impending dread, a headache already forming as they braced themselves for the inevitable line of questioning.

Their only hope was that Anthony would make a timely appearance, rescuing them from such an uncomfortable interrogation.

However, considering the time-altering capabilities of the Divine Realm, could Anthony possibly arrive soon enough to save them from this unexpectedly awkward topic?