MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 807: Akira

Charles Evander observed the entire conversation between Anthony and Aura with a mixture of curiosity and mild amusement. He could scarcely believe how effortlessly these two had hit it off, their interaction smooth and natural, devoid of any hint of awkwardness or hesitation.

’Is it because they share the same eye color?’ he wondered to himself with a faintly joking smirk. Shaking his head, he began walking toward them, intrigued by the dynamic unfolding before him.

”Okay, okay, Anthony, you’ve introduced yourself. We can’t have you stealing her away from us with that handsome face of yours,” Charles said as he stepped forward, his voice laced with teasing tone.

Anthony’s gaze shifted to Charles, and he responded with a small smile and a subtle shake of his head, understanding the implication behind Charles’ words. After all, people were accustomed to chasing power, status, or influence.

It was very common for powerhouses to leave their home planet and join another organization for reasons that were purely strategic and personal. What if Aura later joins Anthony’s Blue Planet because they had genuinely fallen for one another?

Anthony’s eyes briefly shifted toward Vega and Kingsley, who were standing a little behind him, silently observing the interaction. Recognizing his gaze, Vega and Kingsley stepped forward to join him, their movements deliberate and composed.

”This is Sky Kingsley,” Anthony introduced, his tone calm and measured. Kingsley’s golden eyes scanned Charles, then Aura, and finally rested on another figure standing quietly behind Aura, one who had not spoken up until now. ”Nice to meet the three of you,” he said, nodding politely, his expression impassive, as always.

Without hesitation, Anthony gestured toward Vega, a soft smile gracing his lips. ”This is Vega, my girlfriend, the only one whose heartbeat I ever care for,” he said confidently, pride and affection subtly lacing his words.

Vega stepped forward with serene composure, her smile gentle and inviting. ”Nice to meet you all,” she said, her voice carrying a quiet charm. Aura’s brilliant blue eyes met Vega’s purple gaze, and for a moment, an unspoken camaraderie passed between them, both offering subtle smiles.

Vega was far from the insecure type. She would not flinch or grow jealous simply because her boyfriend was speaking to another woman, nor would she allow herself to lose composure over an innocent handshake or discussion about someone else. To her, such interactions were natural, unremarkable. Her mind was not closed to the possibility of friendship between Anthony and Aura, should Aura wish it.

However, Vega did not intend to pass up the opportunity to tease Anthony a little. She could already picture it: his face turning slightly red, his words faltering under her light, playful mockery. The thought alone brought a faint, amused sparkle to her eyes.

”Your team seems to be filled with special individuals,” Aura remarked, her gaze moving thoughtfully between Anthony, Vega, and Kingsley. ”I wonder how a single planet could produce three of you within one era,” she added, her tone a mixture of admiration and wonder.

For a brief moment, Vega and Kingsley exchanged puzzled glances. They quickly abandoned the thought, recognizing that it was not worth dwelling on.

Charles cleared his throat, punctuating the moment with a light cough. ”Cough... this is Bills. He is the final member of our younger generation,” he introduced. Bills offered nothing but a slight nod in response, his expression stoic and unreadable. Anthony regarded him for a moment, curiosity flickering briefly in his eyes, before turning his attention elsewhere. He had not noticed Bills during the Starborn Tournament.

With the introductions concluded, the two groups, three from Charles’ side and three from Anthony’s, began walking into the building. They moved with unhurried steps, their conversation flowing easily. Aura cradled Akira in her arms, watching the cat with quiet affection. She marveled silently at how such a delicacy could have come into Anthony’s possession, despite her own extensive efforts to provide treats of impossible quality.

”I heard the delegates from your world wiped out the Eclipsians when they came for your rewards. How accurate is that?” Charles asked, his voice calm yet probing, glancing at Anthony as he walked beside him.

Vega and Kingsley remained silent, aware that they had no knowledge of the matter. Even if they had known, the question was clearly directed at Anthony.

”Hooo... where did you hear that rumor?” Anthony inquired casually, his tone light, unconcerned by the weight of the question.

”Honestly... I don’t know its origin. I just heard it from my father,” Charles replied flatly, unconsciously testing Anthony’s reaction.

Anthony’s expression remained unchanged. ”The rumors are indeed true,” he confirmed. ”They came for the reward and were consumed by their own greed, assuming we would be easy prey.”

Charles arched an eyebrow, absorbing the statement. ”Aren’t you afraid of retaliation against your planet?” he asked, his words lingering in the air.

Neither Anthony, Vega, nor Kingsley altered their expressions in response. Vega remained composed, unfazed by the notion of facing a top-tier race. Kingsley, ever unbothered, seemed lost in thought, his movements graceful and measured as he floated alongside the group rather than walking.

”Retaliation, huh?” Anthony mused aloud, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. ”I wouldn’t mind wiping out a galaxy’s top race. After all, I’ve never done it before,” he said, his tone calm and confident, neither raised nor lowered in volume, as if discussing the weather rather than a potentially catastrophic act of war.

Charles stared at Anthony, unsure whether to interpret his words as arrogance or reckless audacity. ”Well... I suppose I’ll be sure to watch the clash if it ever comes to that,” he said finally, his voice tinged with reluctant admiration. He wasn’t entirely certain what to say in response to such boldness.

Although Charles knew of his own considerable power, he recognized the limitations imposed upon him. Challenging the Eclipsian race directly was beyond him, though theoretically possible if he summoned the Spirit King, a power that cost him half his lifespan each time.

’It seems he still believes himself the protagonist,’ Charles mused silently, his thoughts drifting back to the intense discussion he had shared with Anthony during their battle at the Starborn Tournament during the final moments. The memory brought a faint smile to his lips, tinged with the recognition of the young man’s audacity, skill, and singular confidence.