MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1138: Every Man’s Wish

Anthony was observed concealed within the spatial Void, his gaze fixed upon his assembled subordinates. The reality was that he had arrived some time prior. However, upon his arrival, he noted everyone was deeply engrossed in conversation, having not seen each other for an extended period. Consequently, he elected to remain hidden in the Void, wishing not to disrupt the ongoing camaraderie and allowing the moment to unfold naturally.

A gentle smile graced his features as he passively absorbed their exchanges and discussions about their recent endeavors. Their voices resonated with a shared intimacy, a testament to the countless trials they had weathered together. Given that their system shops operated on points, obtainable solely through combat, they had been traversing planets and entire Solar Systems, relentlessly seeking more formidable beings and existences to accumulate these vital points – a perpetual cycle of battle and advancement that had become second nature to them.

Anthony would be the first to admit that the creation of his ten subordinates was, in retrospect, a miscalculation. It was an error stemming from his inexperience as a newcomer to this unforgiving domain.

This is not to say he felt regret in assisting Donna and the others; far from it. It was simply that, at the time, he had deemed it a necessary action. Now, however, he recognized its lack of absolute necessity, or at least, not in the manner he had originally conceptualized.

After all, in those earlier days, he had not anticipated reaching his current level of power so swiftly. He was now at a stage where he no longer required the support of the very subordinates he had brought into existence. He had initially created them to provide aid against various potential future issues and unforeseen dangers, threats he believed he might not be capable of confronting alone. Yet, in the final analysis, every predicament that arose was ultimately resolved by his solitary efforts, rendering the initial purpose behind their creation somewhat redundant.

This realization was the driving force behind his decision to grant them their freedom. It remained true that they still heeded his words and complied with his every command.

‘Perhaps, in a way, their good fortune played a role,’ Anthony contemplated silently as he observed them. His thoughts were tranquil, tinged with reflection, and his gaze softened almost imperceptibly as he watched each one in quiet contemplation. He perceived them not as mere subordinates, but as individuals who had forged their own distinct paths.

As their conversation veered towards the sensitive topic of romantic relationships, Anthony's attention sharpened, an undeniable curiosity compelling him to absorb their every word. Engaging in such lighthearted discourse was, after all, a far cry from demanding answers as their Lord.

Noticing the strained expressions adorning Donna, Evelyn, and Vivian's faces, Anthony let out a laugh, shaking his head in evident amusement. He resolved to intervene, rescuing the women from the inquisitorial line of questioning the men seemed intent on pursuing.

Just as Vivian was about to offer a response, not a direct answer but a strategic deflection to dissuade Ross and Marcus from further prying, the surrounding space trembled subtly. There was no need for guesswork; everyone knew who was arriving. Donna, who had been seated, immediately sprang to her feet, her demeanor shifting to one of composed respect. Vivian, who had been in mid-air, descended with a fluid and elegant grace. Spectre sheathed his katana as he, along with Evelyn, who had been resting on the ground, all rose in unison, their reactions immediate and instinctive.

Anthony materialized with a serene smile, his composure as placid as ever. His sky-blue eyes swept across each individual before he finally spoke, "It appears everyone was engaged in a rather enjoyable discussion," he remarked, his voice low and laced with a gentle teasing, carrying a subtle undercurrent of amusement that did not escape their notice.

At his utterance, a collective smile spread across their faces, yet no one offered a verbal reply. The unspoken understanding was clear: none wished to broach the subject of relationships in the presence of Anthony. A silent accord formed among them in that fleeting instant.

"It has indeed been some time. How fares everyone?" Anthony inquired again, his tone relaxed and devoid of any authoritative command, despite the immense power he wielded. As he spoke, he simply snapped his fingers, and eleven seats materialized before them, all expertly crafted with an effortless precision. They all settled into their seats without the slightest hesitation.

With that, the conversations resumed in earnest. Diverse smiles illuminated their faces as they recounted tales and shared anecdotes from their respective journeys. Laughter periodically punctuated their discussions, particularly when cherished memories were revisited and perhaps embellished for dramatic effect.

Anthony harbored no grand directives to issue, nor did he feel the need to project an air of superiority simply because he held dominion over their lives and deaths. Therefore, he allowed himself to seamlessly blend into the atmosphere they had already cultivated during their earlier exchanges, becoming an integral part of the group rather than an isolated figure presiding over them.

Naturally, Anthony did not merely listen; he actively participated, contributing his own narratives. Although he recounted his experiences with a casual air, as if they were commonplace occurrences, the others could not help but shake their heads in disbelief. It seemed that, irrespective of their own exploits, their adventures simply could not compare to Anthony's. The sheer magnitude of his experiences placed them in an entirely different category.

Amidst their conversation, Vivian appeared to notice a significant absence; Vega, who was practically Anthony's shadow, was nowhere to be seen. Their constant companionship made her absence feel... incomplete, prompting Vivian to inquire.

"Anthony, where is Vega? I had assumed she would be accompanying you," Vivian asked, her tone laced with genuine curiosity as her gaze met Anthony's.

"Huh? Who is Vega? Did Anthony acquire another subordinate?" Marcus inquired, raising an eyebrow, his interest immediately captured by the unfamiliar name.

Litt remained silent, yet a similar curiosity flickered within him, his quiet demeanor masking the questions swirling in his mind.

"She is Anthony's girlfriend," Spectre replied with practiced calm. Having been stationed with Anthony in the same Military Base, he was well aware of Vega's existence, delivering the information as if it were common knowledge.

Mike and Arnold couldn't help but whistle, exchanging knowing glances. In their eyes, any woman who managed to capture Anthony's affection had to possess extraordinary qualities, didn't they?

It wasn't that they believed Anthony would be drawn to someone lacking in martial prowess or striking looks; they held no prejudice against anyone, having once been in similar positions themselves. However, they subscribed to the principle that strength gravitates towards strength, much like wealth attracts wealth – a universal pattern, it seemed.

"You gentlemen would be utterly astounded upon meeting her. After all, she surpasses even myself, Evelyn, and Donna in beauty," Vivian declared with a confident smile, her demeanor suggesting she was the one romantically involved with Vega, not Anthony.

Anthony offered a simple smile in response. Vega, Vivian, and Donna had forged a deep and close friendship during the arduous Forsaken Cult purging mission, their bonds strengthened through shared trials and profound mutual understanding.

Vivian's assertion left Mike and the others momentarily speechless. They pondered if she was merely exaggerating due to Anthony's presence. However, Clement, who had contributed only a single remark thus far, spoke again. "She is not exaggerating," his voice, though typically subdued, carried a firm conviction that dispelled any lingering doubt.

All eyes immediately shifted to Clement. If he, a man of few words, was vouching for Vega's beauty, then Vivian's statement was undoubtedly truthful. Their minds raced, anticipation intensifying their curiosity.

As for Anthony, he sat with the serene composure of a proud husband... or rather, boyfriend, a subtle satisfaction evident in his expression.

'You haven't seen her recently. If they were to behold her now, even Vivian and Donna would be rendered even more speechless,' Anthony mused inwardly. Vega's beauty had undergone a dramatic transformation following her Bloodline Ceremony, her very presence evolving into something far beyond its former radiance.

'And once she achieves a breakthrough to the Apexus Mana Rank, her allure will become exponentially more captivating,' he added, his thoughts radiating the pride of an adoring man. His musings were steeped in undeniable admiration; truly, he was hopelessly in love. Yet, this sentiment, whether openly admitted or not, was perhaps the deepest wish of nearly every man.