MIGHT AS WELL BE OP
Chapter 1111: For Old Times’ Sake
The group of friends continued to talk amongst each other, exchanging laughter as ten whole days passed. Ten days spent exploring the Dragon Domain, the Vampire Domain, and the Titan Domain. When Anthony had visited the Titan Domain, of course he had been disturbed by Rider and Bringer’s father, but he simply avoided the man as though he had a plague, maintaining his composure with effortless indifference.
At this moment, they were within the Titan Domain, the five of them walking through a forest as the wind whipped against their clothes and hair while they exchanged anecdotes and jokes, their voices blending harmoniously with the rustling leaves and the whispering breeze that swept across the vast expanse.
The Vampire Domain had also stabilized as a new Ruler had been chosen immediately without hesitation; it was a man this time around. The coronation had been held, but neither Anthony nor Tiara and the rest bothered to attend, as their priorities lay elsewhere, far removed from the rigid formalities of nobility.
Bryan had tried convincing Tiara to become the Queen as she possessed the Royal Grade Bloodline, but Tiara simply refused; she had just saved herself from the Royal family, and she didn’t want to thrust herself into it yet again, as this time she would just deal with another set of Vampires instead of the Vampire Queen and her two-faced son, a prospect she found thoroughly unappealing.
Anthony came to a stop, the wind gently caressing his skin as he enjoyed the sensation, he took a deep breath for a moment then spoke as he exhaled, "you know, I really needed this, this getaway to just chill and talk without any form of distractions or training," he stated calmly as his long white hair billowed with the wind, leaves dancing around him in a quiet, almost reverent rhythm.
"You sound as though you’ve been stressed a lot recently," Tiara stated with a soft smile, her tone light yet observant.
"Not really, as they say, too much of everything is bad, and I’ve spent most of the time fighting one battle or the other, or immediately diving into training. So, these eleven days we have spent together have indeed been relaxing and stress-freeing," Anthony stated as he lowered himself to the ground, unbothered by the dirty soil, resting his back against the bark of a tree.
"Glad we can help then," Bryan spoke as he mirrored Anthony’s motion and sat on the ground, stretching slightly as he leaned back.
"I also feel the same way as Anthony, as a Prince, I’ve spent most of my time learning this and that, training for this or that, never having a break or time to myself," Bringer stated, "but with Anthony’s visitation, Father at least granted my brother and me free time," he spoke as he stared at the greenery before him, his expression momentarily distant.
Everyone silently nodded in agreement as they all had their schedules tight and packed, constantly training for their future, utilizing every second within the twenty-four hours for something that would be beneficial to their growth. Although they were princes, they didn’t have the luxury to just take a day off and relax or sleep without purpose.
Silence descended, not the awkward type, but the kind everyone appreciated in its presence, as the only sound they heard was the howling wind as though it was rejoicing at the reunion of those who were once called the Golden Generation.
Anthony broke the silence as he spoke, "although I love your company and all, the time to leave has come," his words gentle and easy, yet carrying an undeniable finality.
Nobody reacted in surprise, they all knew this day was coming, it was only a matter of time, besides, Anthony had spent eleven days with them; no Planetary level being was this free, not even their own parents had given them this much time, unless it had something to do with training or expectations.
"When next will you visit?" Rider asked, as he had genuinely enjoyed the company they all had, his tone betraying a hint of reluctance.
Anthony fell into his thoughts for a moment then spoke, "honestly, I don’t know, maybe when I’m bored, or maybe never, after all... I will be leaving... permanently."
"Then I will pray for boredom to bless your household," Bringer replied, already putting his palms together as though he wanted to begin the prayer immediately, his expression exaggerated in a way that was uniquely his.
Everyone ignored his antics as they were already used to it, his behavior long since becoming a familiar constant.
"Where will you be going?" Tiara asked, her curiosity evident.
"A higher Galaxy, there, I won’t be strong, I won’t be the Null Anthony everyone knows, there I will have to start from the beginning like the Omni Peak Academy days. Who knows, within this upper Galaxy, I might even be made to attend school again," Anthony replied without hiding anything, his tone calm yet laced with a faint trace of anticipation.
Tiara, Bryan, Bringer, and Rider weren’t surprised at the knowledge of ascension and higher Galaxies; they’ve been with Anthony for eleven whole days, it was natural that this information reached them. As long as it wasn’t some grand secret, Anthony had no problems sharing information on it, his transparency a testament to their bond.
"I hope I will also be able to ascend," Tiara stated as she stared at the sky as though she wanted to stare directly into the higher Galaxy, her eyes reflecting a quiet determination.
"You all are talented enough, you aren’t called the Golden Generation for nothing after all," Anthony replied with a smile, his confidence in them unwavering.
"When do you plan to ascend?" Rider asked calmly, folding his arms.
"After the full-scale war, I plan to gather my friends, then we will begin the Ascension together, should be more fun that way," Anthony replied, as that was his actual plan. He would meet up with Aaaninja, Lucian, Kingsley, and Aura Nova, then together they would answer the beckoning, and then look forward to whatever awaited them beyond.
"It seems you have it all planned out," Bringer stated with a laugh, clearly amused.
Anthony laughed as he spoke, "not really, I’m not really into planning as I always prefer to just overwhelm everything with absolute power," his words calm, yet carrying a quiet confidence that bordered on certainty.
"Okay then, I have a request," Tiara spoke as she rose to her feet, a smile gracing her lips, her expression filled with a familiar spark.
Anthony’s eyes followed her as he asked, "and what will that be," his tone somewhat expectant as he knew she wasn’t going to ask for some favor or anything outlandish.
"Back in our Omni Peak Academy days, we usually fought for Rank 1, now that we’ve reunited and you are leaving, how about we fight you. Although I know it’s futile due to our power difference, but for old times’ sake and the feeling of nostalgia," Tiara replied as she met Anthony’s gaze with her red eyes.
"Hoo!!!! What a nice idea, Tiara," Bringer rose to his feet with a wide grin, his body and blood already boiling with anticipation, his excitement almost palpable.
Rider and Bryan both rose to their feet as they too loved Tiara’s idea, this was simply a battle between friends that might never gather like this ever again unless boredom paid Anthony a visit.
Anthony shook his head as he rose to his feet with an amused smile, although he said nothing, he wouldn’t lie, he liked the idea; he remembered back at the Omni Peak Academy entrance exams, he had challenged everyone at once that day, a moment that still lingered vividly in his memory.
Those were the days.