MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 563: Joined

Within the kitchen, Anthony and Vega wore aprons with gloves like real chefs as they both went straight into their competition.

Romulus was made to choose the dish they would cook, and he had chosen ramen, a simple but expressive dish. Both Anthony and Vega made their noodles from scratch.

They both went into full chef mode. Knives moved across the chopping boards as they chopped meat and vegetables, onions, spinach, and more.

Next came the eggs, and within minutes, they were done. The aroma rose into the air with gentle steam that could make anyone’s mouth water.

”Romulus, your turn,” Anthony said with a smile.

Romulus was simply the perfect judge. After all, how many beings could possess a more refined palate and perfect tongue than him?

Romulus floated down gently from Vega’s head, his form expanding until he matched their height. Taking the chopsticks from the tray, he tasted Anthony’s dish first.

Romulus seemed to be deep in thought, but his face remained expressionless as he chewed. Dropping the chopsticks, he moved to Vega’s dish, which he also sampled with the same neutral expression.

After a few seconds, Romulus rose from his bent position. He turned to Vega, who glanced back at him with a smile, waiting for the verdict.

”I’m sorry, Vega, but Anthony wins this round,” Romulus announced calmly.

Vega’s gaze shifted to Anthony, who simply smiled at her.

”Hmph,” she snorted, then picked up Anthony’s ramen to taste. She didn’t doubt Romulus, but she had to confirm the result for herself.

’How is it this good?’ Vega couldn’t help but ask herself as she tasted the rich broth and perfectly balanced toppings.

Only if she knew, Anthony’s Limitless Talent literally applied to every single thing he tried in life. And for something as mundane as cooking, he could perfect it in two attempts per dish at most. In a way, Anthony was cheating, simply because his talent was a cheat in itself.

Anthony smiled, then lifted Vega’s own ramen. As he ate it, he spoke with a gentle tone, ”Welcome to the team, Vega.”

Vega sighed. Although she was at the Zenith Mana Rank just like Clement, she had never bothered racking up points to climb the military rank ladder faster.

Now, both of them sat beside each other as they enjoyed their ramens with smiles. As for Romulus, who acted like a third wheel, he sat perched once again on Vega’s head.

Anthony began talking about his team, introducing names like Kingsley, Reynold, Dale, and Seraphim. He didn’t need to mention Spectre and Clement in detail since Vega was already familiar with them from their shared training year.

”How do you plan on convincing the Supreme Monarch to put a Corporal-ranked soldier in the same team as people filled with Captain ranked soldiers?” Vega asked curiously, her gaze fixed on Anthony.

Hearing her question, Anthony simply smiled and replied in a calm tone, ”Have you forgotten that Clement and Spectre are already Captain ranked soldiers? If I could do that for them, why can’t I do the same for you?”

”I’m impressed you can pull off such things. How long will it take?” Vega asked, her curiosity growing.

She had always wondered about Anthony’s background. She wanted to know who his parents were, how such a powerful and well-connected man came to be.

But Anthony had simply said his parents were away and that he would introduce her to them when they returned. Vega hadn’t asked again and simply nodded in agreement back then.

Anthony didn’t bother answering Vega’s question verbally. He simply snapped his fingers, and in response, a Captain ranked military uniform and a military ID card appeared, floating mid-air in front of them.

Vega was stunned. She had expected Anthony to leave and perhaps use whatever connections or favors he had used previously. But it seemed Anthony had already been prepared.

And indeed he was. After their first date, when they were returning to the military base, Anthony had informed Warlord Raelith that Vega was the final member he had been referring to.

Warlord Raelith had immediately prepared the uniform and ID, handing them to Anthony. All that was left was for Anthony to convince Vega to join.

”You had this from the beginning?” Vega asked as she took the uniform and the card, still a little surprised.

”Indeed. I was already prepared to welcome you if you decided to join,” Anthony replied with a calm smile.

”Damn, your connections must be strong. Seriously, how are you pulling this off?” Vega couldn’t help but ask.

”Such things are easy when the League of Supremes grants it,” Anthony stated matter of factly.

Vega was stunned once again. She had heard of the Supremes and the League of Supremes.

”When did you even meet them? Wait, let’s start with, why did you even meet them?” Vega asked, puzzled. Her father had told her stories of the Supremes, often calling them a bunch of weaklings who couldn’t handle the demon race properly.

Although Anthony hid many details concerning the Starborn Tournament from others, he didn’t hide them from Vega.

He recounted everything from the beginning. He explained Aaaninja’s and Lucian’s broken abilities and how Charles Evander had summoned the Spirit King. He didn’t hold anything back. He even told her how Aaaninja could travel to the past using his overpowered eyes.

”It seems you’re only friends with the powerful,” Vega noted, slightly amused, as Anthony had only introduced Lucian and Aaaninja as his close friends.

Before Anthony could speak again, a soft but mild battle intent leaked from Vega’s body.

Anthony raised an eyebrow and gazed at her, then spoke with a smile, ”If you’re itching for a fight, you won’t have to wait long. We’ll be going on a mission soon.”

”Our first mission together. I’m looking forward to it,” Vega replied as she stood up and headed out to change into her new military uniform.

After a few minutes, she returned.

”You really look perfect in everything,” Anthony stated as he whistled, admiration in his eyes.

”What can I say?” Vega replied with a smile, spinning slightly to show off the fit.

”Ready to meet your new teammates?” Anthony asked, rising from the couch.

”Let’s go see them then,” Vega nodded as she replied with a smile.