MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 555: Gossip Buddies

The guards, maids, and butlers within the Null estate could be seen moving gently around the vast property. Although no family members were currently present, the Null estate remained heavily guarded.

After all, the Null estate held a vast amount of resources even while being empty, the techniques, arts, and skill books stored here were immense in value.

This wasn’t the first time the estate had been devoid of its main occupants. Sometimes, Michael and Mitchelle wouldn’t return for decades, as though their perception of time differed vastly from everyone else’s.

At this moment, everyone within the Null estate heard the sound barrier shatter in the distance. Their heads snapped in that direction, eyes narrowing as they saw something streaking through the sky at immense speed.

A car.

They didn’t know who was within the car. It could be the Patriarch, or even the Grand Patriarch, but it didn’t matter. Until their identities were verified, anyone approaching the Null estate could be considered an enemy.

In an instant, auras peaked and flared violently, bleeding into the night sky as though trying to warn whoever was approaching. Their combined aura paused Anthony’s car mid-air, halting it effortlessly like it was nothing more than a feather suspended in the wind.

Within the car, Anthony and Vega watched from above.

”Are you sure you live here? These guards look ready to kill us at any moment,” Vega spoke, her brows raised slightly. Anthony had shielded the entire car from disintegrating under the immense pressure.

Vega wasn’t surprised by the gigantic castle in front of her. She and her father also lived in a castle of their own. Besides, she already knew Anthony was rich, the way he had paid over eleven top-tier mana crystals without flinching made that very clear.

Beep.

”Counterattack maneuver engaging,” the AI’s mechanical tone announced as the system prepared to unleash a barrage of defense mechanisms.

But Anthony’s calm voice followed immediately.

”Disengage.”

Beep.

”Affirmative.” the AI responded.

”Let me handle this,” Anthony said as he stood up. His figure phased through the car roof, appearing above the estate, floating gently in the air.

”Did you all miss me?” Anthony’s voice echoed like thunder, resonating in every ear across the estate. They looked up and saw him suspended above, his presence undeniable.

They remembered when Anthony had left for the military over a year ago. They remembered the farewells, the tears, and the pride.

”Young Master!” their collective voice echoed as their auras instantly vanished, melting away as though they had never been there.

With the tension gone, the car descended slowly, landing gracefully on the grass below. Vega stepped out with elegant ease.

”Welcome back, Young Master,” some of the maids and guards rushed forward, smiles lighting up their faces as they greeted Anthony.

Anthony took a moment to speak with them. After all, he had grown up with these people. They were the ones he had shared jokes and stories with before his awakening, when he was just a curious child roaming the estate for ten years.

After a brief reunion, Anthony turned to introduce Vega.

”This is my girlfriend, Vega,” Anthony said.

Though he and Vega hadn’t placed any official label on their relationship, they weren’t children. They were adults who understood their bond without needing to say too much.

”Nice to meet you all,” Vega greeted warmly, her voice carrying a soft elegance.

”Beautiful,” some of them murmured in awe as they greeted her.

With that, Anthony and Vega stepped into the house.

”It seems the Young Master will be marrying soon,” one of the maids whispered excitedly.

”We’ll be seeing little Young Masters running around before long,” another added with a grin.

”I should start saving for a dress for their wedding,” a maid intoned dreamily.

”You’re a maid. What makes you think you’ll be doing anything but serving drinks that day?” a nearby butler asked from the side.

”Hmph. The Young Master and I are gossip buddies. You wouldn’t understand,” the maid replied with a confident snort.

”The Young Master is gossip buddies with everyone,” the butler interjected dryly.

Vega and Anthony overheard the conversation but said nothing. They only smiled.

”So, this is your house,” Vega said as she looked around, taking in the sheer opulence of the estate. She knew wealth like this wasn’t obtained from mere quarks or a few top mana crystals.

”Indeed. I grew up with my mom for ten years before my father returned from wherever he was,” Anthony replied calmly.

They walked through the halls, and Anthony showed her his room.

”It seems your family is rich. Looks like I’ll be emptying your pockets,” Vega said with a smirk.

Anthony chuckled. He knew she was only joking, she was far too wealthy herself to care about his fortune.

After seeing several parts of the estate, Vega asked, ”Can I see some baby pictures?”

”You want to tease me with them, right?” Anthony asked with a knowing smile.

”I just want to see your cute little face when you were a baby,” Vega replied with an innocent grin.

”I’m not cute. I’m only handsome,” Anthony said playfully.

”All babies are cute, not handsome,” Vega corrected with a light smirk.

”How about skipping the baby pictures, why don’t I just give you a baby instead?” Anthony asked with a sly smile.

”You’re getting more shameless with every minute,” Vega replied as she shook her head, laughing softly.

”Well, my mom’s the only one with that kind of stuff. If I had baby pictures of myself, I would’ve hidden them on another planet,” Anthony said with a sigh.

They continued their tour of the entire castle, their conversation flowing easily, full of anecdotes and laughter. Time slipped by unnoticed.

Eventually, checking the time and realizing it was already 6 a.m., they decided it was time to return to the military base, their date had stretched across twelve uninterrupted hours.

Stepping outside, Anthony bid farewell to everyone. They got into the car, which lifted gently into the sky.

Another beam shot out, space shattered like fragile glass, and a portal opened. The car glided through it, and the portal sealed shut behind them.

The car reappeared within military airspace. However, Anthony had already informed Warlord Raelith of his return to avoid being shot down from the sky just after his first date.

With that, the car sped toward the floating island where the corporal ranked soldiers resided. With a smooth descent, it landed softly. Anthony stepped out and, as usual, opened the door for Vee.

”Let me escort you to your room,” Anthony offered with a smile.

Just as Vega was about to nod in agreement, she suddenly remembered how disorganized her room was. Clothes had been thrown everywhere as she searched for the perfect outfit earlier.

”No need, maybe next time. After all, this was a twelve hour long date, you need the rest,” Vega replied with a calm smile.

”I guess this is goodbye, Bae,” Anthony said, his voice gentle.

Then he leaned in slowly, eyes closed as he tilted forward. Vega didn’t pull away. Her eyes fluttered shut just as Anthony’s lips met hers.

Time seemed to slow. The world hushed. Warmth bloomed between them as their lips lingered, soft, unhurried. In that silent moment, everything else faded. Only the two of them remained.

Then, Anthony pulled away gently. A smile on his face, he looked into her striking purple eyes.

”Goodbye, Vee.”

Vega smiled sweetly. She wasn’t a shy woman, but she replied in a playful tone, ”Next time, cutie Ant.” With that, she turned and walked calmly toward her room.

A smile remained on her face, her heart thundering in her chest like a war drum.

At the side, other soldiers stood in stunned silence. Their goddess had just kissed a man. But what could they do? Challenge him? From his uniform, he was a freaking Major ranked soldier.

Anthony watched as Vega walked back to her room, a proud smile on his lips, his blood pumping with happiness.

’Is this love?’ Anthony thought to himself as he stepped back into the car and sped away, heading toward his own island.