Previously on MIGHT AS WELL BE OP...
The group decided to visit the Timeline for a meal, but first, Aaaninja needed to pick up his girlfriend from the Celestial planet. Lucian swiftly retrieved Veronica, while Anthony noted Lucian's subtle spatial manipulation. Aaaninja then opened a portal to the Celestial planet using his Temporal Replication skill, surprising Kingsley. As the group departed, StreamGhost, a being who records historical events, emerged, having observed them. He commented on their unique powers and Lucian's strange grin, before also traveling to the Celestial planet to continue documenting their journey and the upcoming battle for Team Captain.
Anthony stepped through the gateway, and as he emerged on the other side, his vision was instantly flooded with a rush of light, color, and tangible reality. It was a fleeting but pleasant sensation, as if the universe had briefly dissolved before solidifying around him once more. Behind him, the others followed in sequence, fanning out as they entered a massive hall within what appeared to be a grand fortress.
The architecture was imposing and refined, featuring walls etched with intricate patterns that exuded an ancient, majestic dignity. High above, the ceiling arched gracefully, held up by massive pillars that practically radiated wealth. Yet, regardless of its opulence, it was clearly just a room.
“Bruh,” Lucian grumbled immediately, his complaint echoing through the vast space. “I get that you’re on a mission to find your girl, but you could have at least warped us somewhere with a view. This is our first visit to the Celestial Planet, your home world. You can’t just dump us in a room. We’ve spent enough of our lives staring at four walls.”
His annoyance was palpable, though it masked a deeper sense of letdown. His secret hopes of mimicking the unique powers of the Celestial race had been dashed by their arrival in such a secluded spot. In his eyes, this was a massive waste of potential.
“I’m with him,” Aura Nova chimed in. She lived for discovery. As a bibliophile, she craved the experience of seeing new sights, tasting exotic foods, and immersing herself in foreign cultures. Her initial spark of excitement about seeing the Celestial Planet had vanished the second she realized they were stuck in a room—a damn room.
Aaaninja simply shook his head at their griping, responding with a level voice, “There is nothing here for you to see. Whatever exists on your worlds exists here too. It isn't special.” He let out a weary sigh, as if the mere act of having this discussion was draining his Qi.
“I do have a question,” Anthony intervened. “I understand that planets vary in scale, but how does the entire Celestial race reside on a single world? Isn’t that physically impossible?” To him, the math didn't add up. Cramming an entire species onto one globe seemed like a recipe for gravitational collapse. He wondered if other top-tier races faced the same spatial dilemma.
Aaaninja halted for a moment before offering an explanation. “While we refer to it as a planet, it isn't one in the traditional sense. Just as the human population of our galaxy couldn't fit on one rock, neither can we.” He paused for emphasis before continuing, “We possess our own solar system, one of our own making. Every world within that system is populated exclusively by the Celestial race... along with the usual beasts and monsters, of course.” He made a vague gesture. “The entire system is then tucked away inside a sealed plane of existence. That is how the Celestial race and other dominant powers manage their territory and population.”
“That makes sense,” Anthony whispered to himself.
With a flick of his will, Anthony expanded his Sense Dome. He usually kept it restricted to a few meters or a kilometer at most when traveling with allies, but now he let it ripple outward with effortless grace. Through his perception, he verified Aaaninja’s claims. It wasn’t a matter of trust; Anthony simply preferred to confirm reality with his own eyes.
As he scanned the layout of the pocket dimension and the celestial bodies within, his focus shifted toward Zachary and Nyxss, Aaaninja’s parents. He found them immersed in a pool of iridescent, milky fluid, using the substance to mend the damage dealt to their very essence.
‘Don't they have alchemists or high-tier health potions?’ Anthony wondered. He quickly dismissed the thought. Not every healer possessed the terrifying Cultivation of his grandmother, Irene, who could restore planetary-level experts to their peak in a day as easily as breathing. Satisfied, Anthony pulled back his Sense Dome, shrinking it back to a small radius. He had no desire to be a voyeur.
The party began to move. As soon as Aaaninja pushed open the chamber doors, a man waiting in the corridor dropped to his knees.
“Young Master, you have returned...” the man gasped, his voice thick with relief. He was Aaaninja’s personal ward, a man who had served him since he was an infant and had stood by his side during his first clash with a Ten-Winged Angel.
“Ease your mind,” Aaaninja said softly, resting a hand on the bodyguard's shoulder. “You know those Angels are merely throwing their lives away on a fool's errand.” The man nodded, though he couldn't entirely suppress the instinctual worry he felt for his charge.
They moved past him and proceeded down the hall. No one bothered to mock Aaaninja for the “Young Master” title. In truth, they were all Young Masters of their own domains, with the exception of Aura Nova—though even as an orphan, she carried the same elite status.
After navigating several turns through the fortress corridors, they reached a specific door. Aaaninja gave a measured knock before entering. The air inside was heavy with the scent of various lotuses and roses that filled the space. Seated at a table was Altheria, looking perfectly composed as she swirled a glass of red wine.
She looked up, and the moment her gaze met Aaaninja’s, a radiant smile broke across her face. “You’re back,” she said, her voice dripping with affection.
Aaaninja smiled back, looking like a man completely captivated. “I am,” he whispered. He stepped toward her, leaning in for a kiss. The rest of the group stayed by the entrance, watching as the usually stoic Aaaninja turned into a hopeless romantic.
Unlike the guard who had been a nervous wreck, Altheria hadn't worried for a second. It wasn't a lack of devotion; she simply had absolute faith in his overwhelming strength. She had recognized his power long before they became a couple. If Vega were in her shoes, her reaction would have been identical.
Aaaninja briefed Altheria on their objectives. She listened in silence, eventually shaking her head with an amused grin, surprised to learn he could traverse different Timelines. She was wise enough to know she didn't grasp the full extent of Aaaninja’s capabilities; to her, he was the type of genius who could manifest a new Dao every day.
Rising from her chair, she spoke with calm resolve. “Then let us depart.” With that, the group prepared to set out once more.
