MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Anthony could be seen seated in a room within his mother's castle. He was busy browsing through the vast library of books she had gathered over the years.

Anthony knew from the very onset that the Second Supreme Monarch would attack him. He understood clearly that people at that level carried sky-high pride.

How could an Ecliptic-ranked human injure a Supreme Monarch and go scot-free?

But he knew that Supremes were beings of their own caliber. Although he could use Absolute Stasis to halt time and escape into his Mirror Dimension, he still needed his thoughts to activate the ability.

And Supreme Monarchs could move faster than he could think, even with his Thought Acceleration skill.

But with his parents and grandfather there, he had every confidence that he could return safely. Besides, even if he died, his Infinite Regeneration could literally bring him back, even from nothing but scattered particles.

He also knew that his parents wouldn't take him being attacked lightly. He had been waiting for hours already, confident that they would be fighting the Second Supreme Monarch who had dared to lay hands on him.

As he moved through various books in the library, a portal suddenly manifested beside him, and through it, his mother stepped through. Upon seeing her son, her cold expression instantly vanished, replaced by a warm smile.

Behind her, Collins and her husband, Michael, stepped out of the portal as it closed behind them.

"Are you alright?"

Mitchelle asked as she pulled Anthony into a warm and tight hug.

"I'm fine, Mom. Didn't you ask me this after you saved me? And even before you left?"

Anthony replied with a smile as he pulled away gently.

"How is my baby monster doing? It's been years!"

Michael said cheerfully as he ruffled Anthony's hair.

"Dad, I'm grown. I'm almost twenty now. I can't be called 'baby monster' anymore. Besides, it's only been a little over a year since we last saw each other, not years."

Anthony replied with a calm smile.

"You did good, grandchild."

Collins said as he patted Anthony's shoulder. He wasn't much of a speaker, but Anthony could feel the love the man had for him regardless.

"Thanks, Grampa,"

Anthony said sincerely.

"But who could've imagined that my son would be able to injure a Supreme Monarch? Hahahaha!"

Michael laughed heartily as he suddenly remembered the Second Supreme losing an entire arm.

"Hmph. He's not your son. He's my son."

Mitchelle said with a proud snort as she pulled Anthony closer into her arms.

"Why don't you show us how you were able to injure a Supreme?"

Michael asked eagerly, his eyes gleaming. He genuinely wanted to know since none of them had felt or seen anything during the event.

"It's basically a time-stopping ability. But it doesn't just freeze time, it freezes reality itself. That's why you didn't see or feel anything."

Anthony explained with a calm tone.

"Hmmm... But I didn't feel any mana or any sort of energy before or even after it happened."

Mitchelle said, confused. Collins nodded his head in agreement.

"It doesn't use any form of energy, Mom."

Anthony stated simply.

At this point, Anthony's parents were already numb to the various abilities that kept springing up from their son every single time. It was as though he broke every rule known to magic and battle.

"But that was just freezing time. The katana on your waist wouldn't even be able to scratch the skin of a Supreme Monarch, let alone slice off an entire arm."

Michael said as his gaze shifted toward the katana resting on Anthony's waist.

Anthony raised his hand, and blue divine flames appeared above his open palm.

He started explaining how the flames belonged to Romulus, whom he had summoned to fight alongside him during the Starborn Tournament against the Spirit King. But now, he could use the flames independently, without Romulus.

The family moved to a sitting area and spent time together, talking about various things. Anthony shared details about his training and experiences in the military. Mitchelle, in turn, boasted about having a daughter-in-law soon.

As for Michael? He was already asking for a mini baby monster, claiming that since he hadn't gotten the chance to train Anthony, he would make sure to train his grandchild.

Anthony had to remind him that, as humans, they awakened into specific classes. It wasn't as simple as just doing whatever they wanted, like other races could. If his grandchild awakened as a mage, then Michael would be helpless to train them in swordsmanship.

But Michael simply boasted that he knew his genes well, and that his grandchild would definitely be a swordsman.

The hours passed, and eventually, the next day arrived. Their family time was warm and filled with joy. The only one missing from the equation was the Saintess of the World.

By morning, Collins and Michael informed Anthony that they had to leave in order to prepare things at their respective military bases before the meeting with the First Supreme Monarch that afternoon.

Mitchelle also explained that she too would have to leave, and that she might not be returning anytime soon, as they were preparing to counterattack the demons.

She informed Anthony about the fall of a Supreme Monarch. But Anthony already knew about it. He had guessed the moment he saw only eight Supreme Monarchs instead of nine.

Anthony had deduced that the missing Supreme was likely the one stationed at Military Base Alpha-6, whom he hadn't seen since the base fell entirely.

He informed Mitchelle of the favor he wanted from the military, which was simply to remain in a team with his current teammates, including Clement and Spectre, since they were strong enough, while also adding his girlfriend to the team.

This basically meant that whatever rank he was promoted to, the entire team would be promoted alongside him, functioning as a complete and cohesive unit.

"Since you'll be leaving this afternoon and won't return anytime soon, why don't I spar with Raelith before you go? You could officiate the katanamanship duel."

Anthony said as he suddenly remembered the scheduled spar. He didn't want to do it later when he could be spending time with his girlfriend.

"That's true. I forgot about that. Since there are a few hours remaining before midday, the spar can happen now, and I'll be able to watch."

Mitchelle nodded in agreement and decided to call Warlord Raelith.