MIGHT AS WELL BE OP - Chapter 677

Chapter 677: Pride

Anthony didn’t move to start eating immediately; instead, he waited for the family to begin before lifting his own cutlery.

“So… Anthony, mind telling us about yourself?” Amara asked, her gaze lifting from her plate to settle firmly on him.

Anthony could feel the curiosity in her golden eyes, a subtle intensity that made it difficult to look away. For a moment, his mind went blank, as if everything he might have said had evaporated.

Of course, things came to mind, he could declare himself a “genius, billionaire, best boyfriend, philanthropist,” but saying such words before Vega’s mother and father would be nothing short of foolish.

Besides, everyone at this table already embodied those very qualities. Compared to them, boasting about such things would only make him appear insignificant.

At the side, Klaus remained silent, his sharp eyes fixed on his plate. To anyone else, it might seem as though he had nothing to say. But Anthony could sense the truth: if not for Amara’s presence, Klaus would likely have hung him from the estate gates just for daring to court his daughter.

“Well, there isn’t much to say about me,” Anthony began, deciding to tread carefully. “I’m just a regular boy who happened to fall for your daughter at first sight.” He tried to sound as humble as possible, even though humility had never been his natural state.

In fact, he couldn’t even remember the last time he had been humble. Since his reincarnation, had he ever once spoken with such modesty? The thought almost made him laugh at himself.

Amara’s smile never faltered as her cutlery moved with graceful ease. “A normal boy, huh?” she murmured, her voice carrying a faintly amused note.

Anthony pressed on, unwilling to let the silence swallow him. “Well, in terms of talent, I can at least say I was fortunate enough to be considered as a potential disciple by Klaus himself.”

At those words, Klaus’s hand stilled mid-motion. He clicked his tongue inwardly as he felt both his wife’s and his daughter’s eyes turn to him in unison.

“You didn’t tell me you’ve met our daughter’s boyfriend before. Why didn’t you mention anything?” Amara asked smoothly, her voice calm yet pointed. She seemed less interested in the disciple part and more focused on his omission.

Klaus shook his head, clarifying in a steady tone, “We met at Omni Peak Academy over four years ago. I was teaching there briefly, and he was among the so-called Golden Generation. But back then, he was just a fifteen-year-old kid.”

Both Amara and Vega raised their brows at him, their expressions mirroring one another.

“You never told me you taught at the Omni Peak Academy,” Vega said, her tone carrying a mix of curiosity and mild reproach.

“I only went because you had left with Veronica, and your mother was away as well,” Klaus replied calmly. “I thought I might as well see the famed Golden Generation. But in the end, they turned out to be… average.”

“Then I suppose Anthony wasn’t average, was he?” Amara countered lightly, her smile lingering. “After all, you offered to take him as a disciple, something you’ve never done for anyone else.”

Anthony listened in silence, recalling that he had once asked Klaus why someone as powerful as him would ever bother teaching at Omni Peak Academy. Klaus had told him he owed a favor to the Principal, who had once assisted him with an artifact.

‘It seems that was just a lie,’ Anthony thought to himself, though he kept the realization buried within, showing nothing outwardly.

Amara’s eyes returned to him, sharp yet warm. “Since your name is Null, I assume you’re from the Null family, son of the Sword Saint and the Elemental Witch of Destruction.”

“Indeed, I am,” Anthony replied calmly, his expression composed.

“Your father used to challenge Klaus constantly,” Amara said with a light laugh, recalling the memory. “But I suppose once he became a father, he had less time for reckless sparring.”

Anthony did not bother asking who usually won those duels. Deep down, he already knew the answer. Klaus could most likely crush his father with a single glance.

“He never told me about that,” Anthony admitted softly.

“Well, don’t tell him I told you,” Amara replied with a smile. “No need to stir up old memories.”

Klaus finally spoke again, his eyes narrowing slightly as they landed on Anthony. “So, where exactly did you meet my daughter?”

Anthony’s lips curved as he answered, “We were stationed at the same military base. We met at a cafe, both of us buying cake at the same time.” His voice carried warmth as he recalled the memory of that first encounter.

‘Tsk… I knew letting her join the military was a bad idea,’ Klaus thought inwardly. ‘Barely a year gone, and she’s already dating. Of all the numerous places in the military base, they just happen to meet at the same cafe? I should probably have a word with those clowns who call themselves Supreme Monarchs.’ None of these thoughts reached his face, however, as he merely gave a faint nod.

“But from what I recall, Vega should be at a Private or Corporate rank in the military,” Amara interjected. Her gaze lingered on Anthony’s uniform. “And judging from yours, you’re a Major. How did your paths even cross?”

Anthony exhaled quietly before explaining. He recounted the fall of Military Base Alpha-6, how chaos had forced the survivors to relocate to Base Alpha-9, and how he and Vega had crossed paths during that time. He clarified that he had not been a Major then, but had been promoted afterward due to his feats and achievements during the war.

At his explanation, neither Amara nor Klaus reacted with visible surprise. The fall of an entire military base was, to them, just another incident, tragic perhaps, but hardly uncommon in the vast, war-torn galaxy.

Klaus’s gaze shifted away from Anthony and back toward his daughter. His sharp features softened as he asked, “So, daughter, how is the military treating you? I can see your mana rank has risen, and your battle experience has improved significantly.”

“What can I say? I’m a genius, after all,” Vega replied with playful pride. From there, she launched into an animated recounting of her battles, her fight against Judith and her encounters with the Forsaken Cult.

Klaus listened intently, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Though he had been present from the shadows during all of her battles, ready at any moment to annihilate the entire Demon race should a single drop of her blood be spilled, he could not help but feel a surge of pride at her progress.

After all, the universe was vast and perilous. He could not shield her forever. But seeing her grow stronger, watching her survive and thrive, it stirred a pride deeper than any words could capture.