MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 657: Departure

After thinking about it for a while, Vega discarded those thoughts from her mind. First of all, she had only met Vivian a few hours ago, which meant she knew next to nothing about her true capabilities outside the display of her ice magic.

Furthermore, the mere fact that Vivian was a subordinate of her boyfriend, Anthony, meant that she was not ordinary. She, too, must be special in her own way, someone whose abilities and character had earned Anthony’s trust.

If Vivian was informing Anthony of her intentions, it meant Anthony already knew she had a way to accomplish them.

Anthony was taken aback by Vivian’s words at first, but his reaction soon softened into a smile. He understood almost immediately that she wasn’t asking for permission, nor was she asking for assistance. She was merely informing him of her next move.

Anthony knew himself well enough to recognize her determination. If he were in her shoes, if the situation involved his parents, he would not hesitate for even a second. He would bring them back, resurrect them, no matter the consequences or the laws of reality, time, or the universe itself.

For parents, there was no hesitation, only action.

But still, his practical mind could not help but wander. Anthony considered the immense, perhaps even ridiculous, amount of points it would take to purchase her parents’ souls back from the system.

The alternative, buying their lives directly, could prove even more costly, a burden far beyond comprehension.

But he said none of these thoughts aloud. Costs, after all, were irrelevant to the weight of such a situation. Besides, he was certain Vivian herself already knew the enormity of what she intended to do. She was not naive; she had already made her calculations.

Though Anthony had the ability to help, though he could provide assistance in ways few others couldn’t, he was also sure that Vivian would want to achieve it by her own hands. Such a victory, such a reunion, had to belong to her alone.

”I look forward to meeting them,” Anthony replied simply, his voice calm, his words carrying quiet respect. He said nothing more. There was no need to.

Vivian turned her gaze towards Vega then, her voice softening into warmth. ”Although we have only known each other for a few hours, I look forward to seeing you again. Or, if you are free, you could come to my guild. I would be glad to show you around the building... and my orphanages.”

At that, Vega’s eyes lit up with delight, glowing as though someone had sparked a fire within her heart. The mention of orphanages struck a deep chord within her, her face instantly brightening.

She raised her hand and, with a faint shimmer of light, her phone appeared in her palm, summoned from her space ring. She extended it towards Vivian, who accepted it with a gentle nod. Vivian swiftly entered her number, and in return, they exchanged contacts.

Off to the side, Donna observed in silence. She had not spoken a word until now, merely content to watch the exchange unfold.

”Don’t you have anything to say?” Anthony turned to her, asking with a teasing tone, his words laced with amusement.

”I was simply allowing Vivian to say her piece. Besides, she speaks for both of us,” Donna replied, a light chuckle slipping past her lips.

Her attention shifted to Vega as she added with sincerity, ”I look forward to your arrival. I am certain the guild members and the children will adore you.”

”Thank you,” Vega responded, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. ”I should be there within a week, two weeks at the very latest.” She wasted no time in setting a clear timeline for her visit.

Donna nodded approvingly, acknowledging her promise.

”Would you be coming with her?” Donna asked then, her gaze sliding back to Anthony.

Anthony shook his head lightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ”I don’t think so. I should give you all space to have some girls’ time, talk freely, and gossip about things men can never quite understand.”

Donna nodded once more, amused by his response.

”Until next time, Anthony. Vega,” Vivian spoke, her tone final but warm. With a graceful wave of her hand, a portal shimmered into existence before them, glowing with rippling energy.

The opening revealed a path back to their guild. With one last glance at Anthony and Vega, Vivian stepped through. Donna followed closely behind her, disappearing into the fold of space.

The moment they vanished, the portal sealed itself shut with a muted hum. Though Vivian and Donna had departed from their guild members to be here, they had not left their responsibilities unattended. Each had left behind a clone in their stead.

Clones capable of using one hundred percent of their strength. But unlike Anthony’s clones, theirs lacked one particular advantage: they could not access the system.

”They are indeed lovely,” Vega remarked softly as she watched the space close.

”I know,” Anthony replied calmly, unbothered. ”After all, I trained them.” His tone carried no shame as he casually claimed credit for their strength and hard work.

Vega tilted her head at him curiously. ”So, if you had such fine women under you, why didn’t you date any of them?”

Her question struck him unexpectedly, and for a brief moment, Anthony was caught off guard.

’Is this one of those questions women ask,’ Anthony thought inwardly, ’where it seems innocent on the surface but is actually a hidden trap?’

”What do you mean by that? I was waiting for you, obviously. How could I have met you if I had chosen to date another woman?” Anthony replied smoothly, his words slipping past like silk as he skillfully dodged the question.

Vega stared at him for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly before her lips curved into a smile. Together, the two of them walked forward, hand in hand, towards the Last Stand military aircraft.

Around them, soldiers moved about in preparation, boarding swiftly. The mission was ending, and soon, departure awaited them.

Anthony’s name continued to echo across the desert, shouted by the citizens in gratitude, admiration, and awe. But Anthony did not turn towards them. He simply held Vega’s hand firmly, their fingers intertwined, as they walked side by side.

In his heart, he knew he had already done for them what no one else could accomplish in years, and he had achieved it all within the span of a single day. That was enough.

’I seem to remember ??? mentioning something about rewarding Aaaninja Chronisynth Eternos and Lucian Darkheart,’ Anthony thought quietly as he walked. ’I wonder what they received. After all, ??? is wealthy beyond measure. Will he also grant me a reward for putting on such a display during this mission?’

The thought drifted through his mind before fading away.

Without warning, Anthony lifted Vega’s hand gently and pressed a soft kiss to the back of her palm, his lips lingering there for a brief moment. A gesture of affection, quiet yet profound.

At last, they reached the Last Stand military aircraft. Together, they ascended the ramp with calm strides. The hatch closed behind them with a soft hiss, sealing them inside.

Almost immediately, the craft began to hum with power. A surge of energy rippled outward from the aircraft’s core, flowing throughout its metallic frame until its very plates shimmered with light. Defense mechanisms deployed in quick succession, preparing for their departure.

Then, with a sudden, thunderous burst of momentum, the aircraft lifted gracefully from the ground. Its metallic plates shone brightly under the desert sun, casting dazzling glints in every direction.

And then, with a speed that tore at the fabric of space itself, the Last Stand surged forward. It cut through the sound barrier, ripping past the air, clouds, and the very boundaries of the atmosphere. In the blink of an eye, it had already left the Blue Planet behind, vanishing into the depths of the vast cosmos.