MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 779: Satisfaction

“So, do you mind telling us how you both first met?” Irene asked, her voice calm and composed, carrying that natural gentleness which always seemed to put others at ease. A kind smile adorned her lips as her gaze shifted toward Vega.

Anthony raised an eyebrow slightly at his grandmother’s question. He had already told them the full story of how he and Vega first met, so hearing Irene ask the same question again was somewhat amusing. He understood, however, that there was a reason behind it.

Irene, noticing her grandson’s inquisitive look, simply ignored it with practiced grace. Her attention remained fully fixed on Vega, her expression soft but her intent clear. She wanted to hear the story again, this time not from Anthony, but from Vega herself. She wanted to understand Vega’s perception, her emotions, and perhaps learn the details that Anthony might have unconsciously or consciously left out.

Vega, understanding the unspoken request, began to speak with her characteristic composure. She narrated the story from her own point of view, describing how their paths had intertwined. Her words mirrored Anthony’s earlier explanation, yet the tone, the subtle emotions, and the delicate way she conveyed the tale gave it an entirely new life. The family listened intently, charmed not only by the story but by the soothing cadence of Vega’s voice.

When she finished, Michael, who had been resting one hand casually on the hilt of the sword hanging from his waist as usual, spoke up. “How is your father these days?” he asked, his deep voice steady and calm. He didn’t have many personal questions to ask, so he decided to inquire about Klaus instead.

“Well, my father is fine,” Vega replied gently, her tone courteous yet warm. “I’ve actually heard about you from him.”

“Oh?” Michael’s eyes gleamed with mild curiosity. “And what exactly did you hear?” he asked, a hint of interest coloring his voice.

Vega smiled, her lips curling slightly as she spoke. “He said that you are the only swordsman he approves of within the entire Blue Planet.”

At those words, Michael’s face broke into a pleased smile. Normally, he might have burst out into laughter or made a teasing pridful remark, but he restrained himself, this was Vega’s first visit, after all, and he intended to remain composed. Still, he couldn’t deny the pride that stirred within him. He had half-expected Klaus to have told Vega about how he, Michael, had lost to him repeatedly in their sparring matches. But apparently, Klaus had left out that particular detail.

Of course, Klaus had mentioned Michael to Vega before, but only in passing. Those conversations had occurred long before Vega ever met Anthony. They were part of the moments she shared with her father, quiet, meaningful talks where Klaus spoke of the people he respected, the battles he fought, and the lessons he learned. For Vega, those were treasured father-daughter memories.

“It seems I might have to visit your father soon,” Michael said after a brief pause, his tone carrying a faint hint of excitement. “It’s been far too long since we last met.” In truth, he didn’t believe he could best Klaus even now, but he wouldn’t mind testing the full extent of his current strength against that overpowering man once more.

Vega chuckled softly, the sound like the faint ringing of chimes. “Although he wouldn’t say it out loud, I’m certain he would enjoy your company,” she replied, her eyes glimmering with amusement. Her words drew laughter from everyone around the room, for they all understood Klaus’s personality well.

“It seems even Klaus and Amara’s extraordinary talents have been fully passed on to you,” Collins began, his deep voice carrying a note of admiration. “At the young age of twenty, you already possess a physique comparable to that of a newly ascended Planetary Being, while also reaching the Level Five Transcendent Mana Rank.” As he spoke, he stroked his white beard slowly, a calm smile forming on his face.

His words weren’t flattery, they were truth. Collins was genuinely impressed. Even Anthony, their prodigious grandson, was at Level Nine Transcendent Mana Rank. While rank alone meant little in Anthony’s case, seeing someone so close to his level of talent and potential was rare. Vega’s accomplishments spoke volumes about her innate gifts and her relentless dedication.

Although the family didn’t yet know the exact measure of Vega’s combat power, the fact that her cultivation level was only four minor ranks below Anthony’s was more than enough to astonish them. That in itself was an achievement more than worthy of recognition.

Vega, for her part, wasn’t surprised that they had already gauged her mana rank and physical prowess. It would have been strange if beings of their caliber hadn’t sensed it. She hadn’t bothered to conceal her energy or mana rank, though she hadn’t deliberately released it either. Anyone even remotely close to her level of strength could easily discern how powerful she truly was.

“Thank you,” Vega said humbly, inclining her head slightly. “Indeed, I inherited my parents’ talents. They often remind me that even they hadn’t reached this level when they were my age.” Her voice carried no arrogance, just quiet acknowledgment. There was no reason to deny the truth or to act overly modest when faced with facts.

“But,” she continued with a faint sigh, glancing briefly toward Anthony, “even with that, I’m still nowhere near your son, Ant. He’s the truly talented one. We’re age mates, and yet the gap between us feels vast.”

Her words, sincere and lightly teasing, drew soft laughter from everyone in the room. None of them needed to comment; they all knew just how true Vega’s words were. Anthony’s talent was an anomaly, something beyond the realm of logic or comparison.

“So,” Mitchelle began with a warm smile, “would you mind telling us a little more about yourself? Although Anthony has already said a great deal about you, I’d love to hear it directly from you.”

At that, Vega paused thoughtfully, her gaze lowering slightly as she considered how to answer. Then she smiled and began to speak. “Well,” she said, “despite my background, I’m rather simple at heart. I love three things.”

She raised a finger as she continued, “The first, of course, is your son.” Her words instantly earned another round of laughter, lightening the atmosphere even further.

“The second,” she went on, “is exploring the galaxy, visiting new worlds, discovering their histories, their people, their cultures. I find beauty in seeing how life thrives in countless forms across the stars.”

“The third,” she said softly after a brief pause, “is children. I just love them, their joy, their innocence, their laughter, their purity. It’s why I often visit orphanages whenever I can. I don’t know if Ant has mentioned that to you.”

Michael smiled warmly at that, his calm demeanor unchanging. “He has indeed told us about your fondness for children,” he said. “And I must say, that’s truly admirable.”

Vega’s purple eyes turned toward Anthony, who sat beside her. Their gazes met, and a smile passed between them, a wordless exchange filled with affection and understanding.

“So, ‘Ant,’ huh?” Mitchelle said suddenly, her tone playful and her intent unmistakable. “That’s the second time you’ve used that name.”

Vega chuckled lightly, completely unbothered. “Yes,” she said with a smile, “I call him ‘Ant,’ and he calls me ‘Vee.’ It’s something we’ve done since our very first date.”

Her honesty and openness made everyone smile. The conversation that followed flowed with ease, filled with laughter and warmth. Vega interacted with each member of the family as if she had known them for years, her grace and sincerity blending seamlessly into the family’s natural rhythm.

Anthony, meanwhile, sat quietly beside her, saying little but smiling often. Watching his family interact with the woman he loved filled him with a deep, content satisfaction. Even the normally stoic Collins found himself speaking more than usual, joining in the laughter and lighthearted exchanges.

And though no one said it aloud, a shared thought lingered among them all, perhaps the long-awaited future generation of their bloodline was not so far away after all.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE: One last super gift before the month ends? Don’t forget the golden tickets. Thanks for reading.