MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 358: Lieutenant Darren

Anthony sat in his room, his thoughts drifting back to his fatherʼs words.

It was a rare sight, his father, usually composed and unwavering, had shown a moment of vulnerability.

The memory played over in Anthonyʼs mind, not as a source of reassurance, but simply because it was unprecedented.

Like an old melody caught in a loop, the scene refused to fade.

A faint smile tugged at his lips as another memory surfaced, Michael vanishing in an instant.

”He must have been escaping from that embrace”

Anthony murmured to himself, amusement flickering in his eyes.

Then, suddenly, he felt it.

Or rather, everyone on the Null Estate did.

A presence.

Looming.

Above.

A ship.

Its engines rumbled like a distant storm, a low, resonant hum that filled the sky.

Below, the wind stirred in response, whispering against the estateʼs grounds.

Anthony didnʼt need to turn.

He didnʼt need to acknowledge it.

Whoever they were, whatever their purpose, it was of no concern to him.

Such matters were the duty of the guards, distractions best left to others.

And so, he remained still, unbothered.

He remained seated, idly scrolling through his phone, searching for a movie to pass the time.

Whoever was coming to escort him to the military would arrive soon enough.

Who knew if this would be his last chance to enjoy something as simple as a movie?

Before he could make a selection, a knock echoed through the room.

”Come in”

Anthony intoned, not bothering to lift his head.

The door opened, revealing the same maid he had encountered earlier.

She bowed respectfully before speaking.

”Young Master, someone from the military is here to see you”

Anthony exhaled softly, setting his phone aside.

”Lead the way”

He said, rising from his seat.

Without hesitation, he followed the maid out.

They stepped onto the lawn, where the air felt unnaturally still.

With a respectful bow, the maid took her leave, vanishing into the estate.

Anthonyʼs gaze settled on the figure standing before him, unmoving, rigid as stone.

The man made no effort to exert his aura, yet his very presence carried an oppressive weight, as if the air itself acknowledged his authority.

Then, as if sensing him, the figure turned.

Anthony stopped a few paces away, taking in the manʼs imposing form.

Broad shoulders, towering at least seven feet tall.

Black eyes. Black hair. A crisp black military uniform.

ʼA vampireʼ

The thought settled in Anthonyʼs mind as he studied the man in silence.

With a single glance, Anthony absorbed countless details about the man before him.

His posture, rigid, disciplined.

The dormant bloodlust simmering beneath the surface, restrained yet ready to erupt at a momentʼs notice.

His heightened senses, subtly sweeping the area, ever vigilant for an ambush.

This man was unlike anyone Anthony had encountered before.

Then, the silence broke.

A voice, clear, precise, devoid of excess.

”You are Null Anthony, correct?”

”I am”

Anthony replied without hesitation.

”I am Lieutenant Darren”

The man continued, his tone unwavering.

”I am responsible for your recruitment”

There was no further preamble.

”Follow me to the ship. We leave for the military immediately”

Darren didnʼt wait for a response.

Without another word, he propelled himself toward the hovering ship above the Null Estate, his movements swift and precise.

Just as Anthony was about to follow, he paused.

Something made him turn.

His gaze swept over the gathered maids and guards, their eyes fixed on him, their expressions filled with quiet pride.

Though they said nothing at first, their body language spoke volumes.

Then, in perfect unison, they bowed.

”We wish the Young Master absolute success”

Their voices rang out, refined and resolute.

A small smile tugged at Anthonyʼs lips.

”Iʼll be back. Try not to miss me too much”

He said, his tone laced with casual confidence.

And with that, he vanished from where he stood.

Anthony landed aboard the ship, where Darren was already seated, his posture as rigid as ever.

With a low hiss, the hatch sealed shut.

Without missing a beat, Darren spoke.

”Straight to Military Base Alpha-6”

Beep.

”Affirmative”

A mechanical AI responded, its voice smooth and emotionless.

The ship hummed, energy pulsing through its frame.

Then, with a sharp zoom, it vanished into the skies.

Darren sat in complete silence, unmoving, his presence as still as a statue.

The ship tore through the skies at a staggering speed, its engines humming with restrained power.

Then, as if reaching a critical threshold, energy surged through its core.

A brilliant beam of light erupted from the ship, tearing into the fabric of space itself.

The air trembled as the beam expanded, distorting reality until space bent, twisting into a swirling portal.

Without hesitation, the ship surged forward, vanishing into the rift.

The portal sealed itself shut the instant they passed through.

Beep.

”Arrived at Military Base Alpha-6”

The mechanical AI announced in its crisp, monotone voice.

Darren didnʼt waste a moment.

”Proceed to the testing ground”

He commanded.

”Affirmative”

The AI responded.

With a sharp acceleration, the ship shot forward once more.

Anthony remained silent, his gaze fixed on the view before him.

He could tell.

They had left Blue Planet behind entirely.

His curiosity stirred, he leaned closer to the glass, eyes wide as he took in the sights beyond.

Ahead, sprawling structures loomed, some grounded solidly on the earth, others suspended in the air, hovering with an otherworldly grace.

Still more seemed to float even higher, forming layers upon layers of suspended architecture.

Anthony marveled at the spectacle, a silent awe rising within him.

The mana here was thick, pure.

But what truly struck him was the spiritual energy, it was as pure and pristine as anything he had ever encountered.

As the ship continued its journey, Anthony finally broke the silence.

”Is there anything I should know?”

Darren didnʼt respond immediately, his focus steady.

Several moments passed, the stillness stretching on as if Anthonyʼs question had gone unnoticed.

”You will be informed of what you need to know later”

Darren replied, his voice flat and steady.

”For now, you arenʼt qualified to know anything”

Anthony simply nodded, accepting the answer without protest.

ʼSo, weʼre heading to the testing groundʼ

He thought.

ʼThat means we arenʼt officially part of the military yet. Just like the Academy, we probably have to pass a series of tests before gaining full membership. Once we do, weʼll receive basic information based on whatever level of access we earnʼ

A spark of excitement flickered within him.

ʼI wonder what kind of tests theyʼll have. Iʼm kind of hyped for thisʼ

With that thought, he fell back into silence, the ship pressing forward into the unknown.