MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 578: Double Date

In a flash, Anthony appeared within his room, accompanied by Vega. The first thing Vega did was collapse onto Anthony’s bed as she spoke, “Finally back.” She stretched leisurely, as though savoring the comfort and familiarity of their current location.

Anthony simply smiled and shook his head. After all, a decade was nothing compared to a century. But Vega had probably never spent that much time inside a Time Dilation Chamber in one sitting.

“Is there anything you need to buy? We have a few minutes to prepare before we depart,” Anthony stated calmly.

“Not really. I have most of my essentials ready. My weapons and artifacts are already on me,” Vega replied with a shrug.

Anthony nodded in acknowledgment, then asked, “Have you informed Veronica that we’re heading out on a mission?”

“Ahh… I sort of forgot,” Vega admitted as she suddenly remembered. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone, quickly typing a message to Veronica.

{Vega: Anthony’s room. ASAP. Love, bestie.}

With that, she dropped the phone casually on the bed. “She’ll be here soon,” Vega added.

Anthony gave a slight nod. He wasn’t entirely sure how long this mission would last, and considering Veronica held the rank of Corporal in the military, it was only proper that she was informed before they departed.

Besides, paradoxically, although it had only been a week for Veronica, she and Vega hadn’t seen each other in what felt like a decade.

Within moments, Veronica arrived, pushing the door open without bothering to knock. “Hey, Vega. Where have you been? You sort of just disappeared with Anthony,” she said the moment she stepped into the room.

“Long story, Veronica,” Vega replied. Then, without turning toward Anthony, she sent him a telepathic message.

‘Can I tell her about the Divine Realm?’ she asked. As best friends, Vega and Veronica hardly ever kept secrets from each other, except for the occasional trump card or hidden ability.

Veronica already knew about the Time Dilation Chamber located in Vega’s residence. Vega wanted to share details about Anthony’s Divine Realm, but it wasn’t hers to reveal. Moreover, Anthony had explicitly asked her not to mention it to anyone.

Though Vega didn’t inherently possess telepathic abilities, with her mastery over mana, she had learned to mimic such capabilities. Through intense control, she could simulate telekinesis and even project telepathic communication.

She wasn’t the only one, basically anyone with enough mana control could perform such feat.

Anthony, having heard Vega’s mental question, sighed inwardly. He had already anticipated this moment, but even so, it didn’t truly matter to him.

Even if Veronica knew, it would change nothing. No one could access the Divine Realm without his authorization. Besides, while Time Dilation Chambers weren’t exactly rare, the degree of time dilation varied depending on the chamber’s configuration.

‘You can tell her, but don’t reveal the time difference. Also, make it clear she cannot enter,’ Anthony replied mentally.

‘Thanks,’ Vega responded.

“Make it quick then. You didn’t even bother telling me anything,” Veronica said with a raised brow, clearly annoyed.

Vega started from the beginning, explaining the mission details and their objective to eliminate the Forsaken Cult. Naturally, Veronica was thrilled by this news. However, Vega reminded her that even if they eradicated this cult, another would likely emerge within a few centuries, or possibly sooner.

Vega then described the Divine Realm. Intrigued, Veronica expressed her desire to see it firsthand, but Vega informed her that entry was impossible.

“I can at least come along on the mission, right? I’m sure the Forsaken Cult has members I can engage with. Not everyone will be on your or Anthony’s level,” Veronica said eagerly, clearly looking forward to the action.

“There’s no need to accompany us directly. Once we arrive at the Forsaken Cult’s location, we’ll open a portal. From there, you and your boyfriend can step through and begin your part of the battle,” Vega replied.

Veronica nodded, then turned toward Anthony. “You’ve never met my boyfriend. I’m sure you’d love to meet him sometime.”

‘I’m sure I wouldn’t love that,’ Anthony thought, though he kept his words to himself. He didn’t want to come off as rude, especially not to a beauty.

“When I find the time, we’ll arrange something,” Anthony replied with a polite smile. Deep down, he had already decided not to meet the man, but outwardly, he maintained a courteous acceptance.

“Oh, that’s right! Now we can finally go on that double date we’ve been planning,” Vega said excitedly.

‘Please, no.’ Anthony inwardly groaned, already dreading the idea.

“Exactly! I completely forgot about that!” Veronica added, her enthusiasm growing as she mentally planned the event.

“So, which day should we pick? We need to plan in advance to make everything perfect,” Vega chimed in.

‘At least consult me and the other guy first to see if we even want this,’ Anthony thought with an internal sigh. But there was little he could do. Vega clearly loved the idea.

“Why don’t you hold off on scheduling the date until after this mission? That way, you’ll have all the time you need to plan properly,” Anthony suggested from the side, his tone composed.

“Ooh… I didn’t know you were actually looking forward to this double date, Anthony,” Veronica said, teasing him with a smile.

‘Trust me, I’m not.’ He kept the thought to himself and replied aloud, “Anything for Vega.”

Veronica smiled warmly at his words, then turned to Vega and gave her a knowing wink.

“When are you departing for the mission?” she asked.

“Today. We’ll be leaving shortly with the rest of my teammates,” Vega responded.

Anthony nodded and added, “Veronica, I actually need to take Vega with me now. We have to check in with our other teammates before we head out.”

Veronica nodded in understanding. “I get it. Go ahead.”

With that, Anthony rose from his seat, and Vega stood up from the bed where she had been seated beside Veronica. A portal shimmered into existence before them, swirling with vibrant energy.

“Can you introduce me to your teammates?” Veronica asked as she stood up as well.

“Of course,” Anthony replied without turning back. He stepped through the portal without another word, his figure vanishing into the light.

Vega followed him with a soft smile, her eyes lingering on Veronica for a moment before she too stepped through.

Veronica, without hesitation, walked behind them, and the portal sealed shut behind her with a gentle hum, leaving the room empty once more.