MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 959: Guilty

Aura Nova kept quiet in response to Lucian's statements. She realized he was referring to her... or more precisely, to the two of them as anomalies, entities that lingered just beyond the strict boundaries of fate, but she couldn't quite grasp the full implication of his words. In theory, she was familiar with anomalies, having listened to scholars and countless others discuss the concept repeatedly, yet she didn't sense that label fitting her. To her, she was merely who she was, full of flaws and shortcomings, far from remarkable enough to deserve such a designation.

After a brief pause, she gave a subtle shake of her head and opted to set the thought aside, concluding it wasn't worth overthinking. She sensed she'd never completely figure out this individual called Lucian Darkheart. At times, he lightly broke the fourth wall and talked like reality was just a story being told, while in others, he labeled himself and others as anomalies challenging fate and structure, treating the rules of being as optional guidelines.

With that resolved, she gradually lifted into the sky, her form ascending with smooth elegance, before darting off toward the area where the onlookers observed. A gentle breeze followed her like the tail of a dim comet. Lucian didn't hang around much longer; there was no point remaining on the field now that the fight had wrapped up. He trailed after her effortlessly at matching velocity, hands slipped into his pockets, gliding as if the atmosphere propelled him without any effort.

Upon reaching the assembly, Anthony broke the silence first, his voice steady but tinged with mild humor, "Congratulations on your realisation. I guess next time you can take revenge on Lucian, and lecture him," he added with an easy grin, obviously jesting rather than anything serious.

"Thanks," Aura Nova responded with a slight bow of her head, her words courteous yet genuine, as she stepped aside and settled softly into her chair, her actions poised and deliberate.

Veronica faced Lucian while addressing him, her eyebrows knitting together in slight worry, "Don’t you think you are being too harsh by cleaving her in two?" she remarked with a soft exhale. She recognized she shouldn't voice this, understanding that spars involved danger and discomfort, but since Aura Nova was her close friend, witnessing her torn apart like that had disturbed her more than anticipated.

"My blade doesn’t discriminate between gender," Lucian shot back in a playful manner as he gave her a wink, his mouth curving into a sly smile that left it unclear if he meant it or was just ribbing her deliberately.

Veronica let out another sigh and decided to drop the topic, aware that debating with Lucian was futile, like chasing the breeze—it led nowhere and just wore you out.

Altheria and Vega were already peppering Aura Nova with inquiries about her actualisation, their eagerness overriding any hint of holding back.

"How do you feel?"

"Did you gain anything?"

"Did you perceive any reality’s secrets?"

They unleashed the questions nonstop, even though Anthony had already described what true self actualisation entailed. Yet they preferred hearing it straight from her, not from someone versed only in the idea without living it. For them, her insights held greater value than any secondhand account.

Aura Nova took her time without displaying irritation. She replied to their queries with an inviting smile, her voice soft and reflective, selecting her phrases deliberately as if struggling to convey what words couldn't fully express. It resembled a sensation more than a concrete benefit, a sense of insight over raw strength, but she made every effort to explain it in relatable ways.

Rain observed quietly from the sidelines. He'd caught every word Lucian directed at Aura Nova regarding her shortcomings and vulnerabilities, each criticism and defect exposed without restraint. A mix of guilt, sorrow, and joy churned inside him fiercely, like a subdued tempest.

Joyful that Aura Nova had attained true self-actualisation, despite him only learning of it moments ago. Sorrowful that she'd been defeated and endured such severe pain. Guilty because he believed her constraints and flaws stemmed partly from his own shortcomings.

Had he warned her sooner against overdepending on her Omniedit innate ability. Had he insisted on tougher drills. Had he included her in his missions beyond the planet. Had he challenged her more rigorously rather than shielding her. Had he...

A torrent of feelings churned in his core, squeezing his chest with sharp discomfort. But soon after, he released a slow breath and sighed. He held firm faith in Aura Nova's abilities. Even without fully unlocking them, she'd advanced this far, and now true self actualisation was hers. He felt true joy, deep joy, knowing she'd grow even stronger, and given her incredible aptitude, that progress would happen quicker than anyone could predict.

Aura Nova's gaze drifted to Rain, who sat wordlessly. Her eyes lingered briefly as she sensed his inner turmoil. Having known the man who served as a father figure to her for years, she could discern his thoughts without probing his mind. To her, his expression laid it all out clearly.

’No need to feel guilty, Rain. It isn’t your fault, it’s mine. This is my path, my journey, and I’m glad I met people like them. If not, I would have been stuck on this road without achieving my true potential for a long while,’ she hesitated for a second before adding, ’and at the end of the day, it is thanks to you, who brought me here, that I was able to meet them. Thank you. My true self actualisation would also not be possible without you too,’ Aura Nova conveyed to Rain through telepathy, her inner voice tender and comforting.

Rain halted briefly upon receiving Aura Nova's message in his thoughts. He merely shook his head and stayed silent, doubting his ability to speak steadily. Still, a gentle smile formed on his face, modest but authentic.

’Only if I could do more for you,’ he mused inwardly while seated quietly, his mind dwelling on her with tender paternal care.

Riven glanced at Rain. He wrongly assumed Rain's gloom came from Aura Nova's defeat at his son Lucian's hands. With a smug grin, he commented, evident pride in his features, "No need to feel down. It’s only natural she lost against my son, Rain," his words laced with parental boasting as he mentioned Lucian.

Rain turned his eyes to Riven. He offered a resigned smile and a nod, saying nothing and letting the misconception stand.

"I guess it’s time to resume this battle, right?" Klaus' voice rang out from nearby, steady and commanding as ever.

"You just want to see the younger generation beat each other up," Amara chimed in from her spot next to Klaus. She'd spoken little during the whole event, staying mostly quiet from the initial match onward, just watching attentively.

"There is no harm in that, is there? And besides, because of this spar, they are all growing in real time," he countered with a broad grin, evidently relishing the display more than appropriate.

Amara gave a faint smile and a head shake as she answered, "I guess so." After that, she fell back into her observant mode, viewing the proceedings without input.

At that, the massive holographic screen shimmered once more, throwing varying glows over the group's faces. The five figures danced and reordered swiftly, cycling endlessly as suspense mounted subtly. A hush fell over the crowd as eyes fixed on the display, excitement hanging heavy.

The next instant, two figures emerged as the pattern halted entirely.

One versus Five.

The top against the bottom slot.

Null Anthony versus Sky Kingsley.

____

Thanks for reading. Still need those golden tickets, please.