MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 910: Creep

Lucian observed StreamGhost as the man spoke, noting the subtle smile permanently fixed upon the surface of his mask. It was an unchanging expression, appearing more like a carved feature of the wood than a fleeting human emotion.

’Could he be another reader who showered the Author with gifts, earning himself a custom character within this world?’ Lucian pondered, his mind racing through possibilities. While the theory wasn't impossible given the strange things he had witnessed, he quickly dismissed it with a mental scoff.

’No... what reader would choose to be a mere observer who only records the conflicts of characters belonging to others?’ he reasoned. ’Unless that person held some sort of professional camera-related role in the real world.’

Even with that caveat, the hypothesis felt flimsy.

Lucian realized he was spiraling into overthinking, yet such caution was warranted. An entity wielding the powers of Omnipotence and Omnipresence wasn't just a threat; it was a reality-warping existence that defied all logic. A being of that caliber shouldn't manifest so casually, standing before them as if they were nothing more than actors in a script he had reviewed a thousand times over.

As he remained lost in his internal monologue, Veronica’s soft voice reached him, carrying a hint of worry.

"Is there anything wrong?" she inquired, her gaze searching his face.

Lucian became aware that his facial expressions had betrayed his inner turmoil. He hadn't noticed, but Veronica had watched him cycle through a whirlwind of shock, disbelief, and confusion. Her intervention pulled him back to reality. Shaking his head gently, he let out a soft breath and spoke in a soothing, affectionate tone, "It’s nothing. Just lost in thought about a few matters."

He hesitated for a second before adding, "Also... thank you for having faith in me."

A genuine, warm smile touched his face.

Even when I struggled to believe in myself, he added silently, keeping the thought private.

"It's no trouble," Veronica answered instantly. "I’ve stood by your side for six months, so I’ve learned a great deal." She paused, her expression shifting slightly. "Though I am acquainted with Anthony, I’m largely ignorant of his true capabilities. We never shared missions during our time at the military base." Her striking white eyes remained unreadable, showing only a quiet sense of wonder.

Lucian gave a small nod before speaking again with a thoughtful air. "You likely didn't realize it, but that specialized ramen we consumed—the batch Broth-ben prepared from the Ramen Singularity Timeline—it actually enhanced your natural talent."

Veronica went completely still.

Confusion and shock warred on her face. The concept seemed preposterous. While Savor energy could boost one's power, the idea of altering one's inherent, foundational natural talent was unheard of. Furthermore, how could a dish from another Timeline affect someone so fundamentally?

"How is that possible?" she managed to ask.

"It likely stems from the specific intents woven into the ramen-crafting technique Broth-ben utilized," Lucian explained calmly, momentarily forgetting about StreamGhost. "I’m unsure of the exact degree your talent evolved, but we can perform a full evaluation once we return. We'll test your limits properly."

Veronica nodded firmly. This was one of the few environments where such an experiment could be safely conducted. After all, gaining more power or a higher ceiling for growth was a universal desire.

’Perhaps... this time I can finally stand on equal footing with them,’ she thought, her fingers curling into a tight fist.

She was acutely aware that she was the weakest person in the room. Her presence at this galaxy-wide summit was due to her relationship with Lucian, not because her personal strength justified a seat at the table. Even Altheria, as Aaaninja’s partner, possessed enough raw power to validate her status.

"What about the rest of you?" Veronica asked, her curiosity piqued. "Did everyone else experience a talent boost as well?"

The question hung in the air. Could the monstrous natural talents of people like Anthony, Lucian, Aura Nova, and Aaaninja actually reach even higher peaks?

Lucian gave a slight shake of his head. "We are already... too gifted for our talent to see another increase," he admitted with a wry smile. "However, I’m fairly certain Altheria’s talent was upgraded, much like yours was."

He was well aware of Veronica's deep-seated desire to grow stronger. Unfortunately, he lacked any direct ability to modify another's innate potential. Had he possessed such a power, he would have bestowed it upon her without a moment's hesitation.

Veronica’s focus shifted. While she had been looking forward to watching the fight, her mind was now preoccupied with the aftermath—the testing and the hope that she could finally accelerate her Cultivation.

Vega watched Veronica silently, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. Through her Cause and Effect ability, the shift in Veronica’s potential was obvious to her.

’She won't suddenly reach our heights or possess a talent that rivals ours,’ Vega thought to herself, ’but any advancement is significant.’

"Now that the introductions are concluded, I shall take my leave," StreamGhost announced abruptly. He performed a theatrical bow, tipping his hat with grand flair. As he stood up, his form began to dissolve, fading slowly until he vanished from sight.

While only Anthony could still perceive him, everyone else understood the truth: StreamGhost hadn't actually departed. He remained in the same space, a hidden observer waiting for the group to relocate.

’What a creep,’ Altheria thought, watching the spot where he had stood.

"So," Vega spoke up, her voice brimming with excitement, "where is this duel going to happen?" She had already dismissed StreamGhost from her mind; his eccentricities no longer interested her.

"Where else?" Aura Nova replied, leaning casually against a wall with her arms crossed. "We all wield planetary-level power. The only suitable arena is the vacuum of the galaxy."

"Hmm..." Vega hummed, tapping her chin. "What about one of my father’s Separate Planes? I’m certain it can endure whatever chaos you unleash. Even the flora and terrain there have the durability of entire planets."

The suggestion caused several eyebrows to shoot up in surprise.

"Wouldn’t wrecking a place like that provoke your parents?" Aura Nova questioned. Having spent most of her life on the Dusk Planet, she was unfamiliar with such realms, but the concern was valid.

"It’s fine," Vega said with a casual shrug. "They’ve abandoned those spaces anyway. The local reality simply can't contain their true power anymore." The nonchalant way she described her parents' overwhelming strength left the group in a brief, stunned silence.

The idea of trees and mountains having the structural integrity of planets or other celestial bodies was alien to most. Usually, Separate Planes were just empty dimensions where people stashed actual planets.

"If that's the case, then no problem," Lucian agreed after a moment, though a trace of hesitation remained in his voice. "I just hope we don't cause any trouble." He had never met Vega’s parents, but her description made it clear they had long since transcended the planetary level.