MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

The moment Anthony entered his divine realm, he felt an overwhelming sense of calm.

His sanctuary, always a place of tranquility, stretched out before him like a vast expanse of serenity, the skies above swirled with celestial hues, and the land was a tranquil canvas.

This was his domain, a place where he could think, reflect, and, in this instance, meet with those closest to him.

He barely had to walk before he felt their presences, his subordinates, his loyal companions.

They were already there, scattered across his realm, each of their unique energies resonating through the space.

As if sensing his arrival, they moved toward him, converging in a powerful and harmonious display.

In moments, they were before him, their forms solidifying with familiar energy.

The first to speak was Vivian, her voice carrying a warmth that was always present when she addressed him.

"Anthony"

She exclaimed, her tone a mixture of surprise and joy.

"It's been too long. We haven't seen you since we graduated. How have you been?"

The others, one by one, approached, each of them offering similar greetings, their voices filled with relief and excitement.

Evelyn, Donna, Spectre, Mike, Ross, Arnold, Clement, Marcus, and Litt all gathered around him, their eyes shining with anticipation, awaiting the news he had to share.

Anthony smiled, the familiarity of their energy bringing a sense of comfort.

He could sense their strength, their growth. His subordinates had always been talented, but now, they were unmistakably stronger.

He could feel it, each of them had reached the Grandmaster rank.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"It's good to see all of you"

Anthony began, his voice steady, but tinged with a sense of nostalgia.

"I've been... dealing with a few things. It's been a busy time. But there's something important I need to share with you all"

The group grew silent, their eyes fixed on him, their expressions curious.

"What is it?"

Spectre asked, his tone serious, clearly sensing the weight in Anthony's voice.

Anthony took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking again.

"There's something called the Galaxy Competition. It's a gathering of the strongest beings from multiple worlds, from beyond our galaxy. It's not just a competition, it's a test of strength, skill, and will. And, well, I'll be participating in it, representing our planet"

The revelation hung in the air, and a silence followed.

It was clear none of them had anticipated such a thing.

There was a mix of shock, disbelief, and curiosity.

"Wait"

Mike spoke first, his voice low, clearly processing the information.

"You're telling us that there are other worlds? And that you're going to be part of this... competition against beings from those worlds?"

"Other worlds?"

Ross echoed, disbelief written all over his face.

"How is that even possible? I didn't know, how did you even find out about this?"

"I didn't know either"

Anthony admitted.

"I found out recently. The Galaxy Competition is a contest where the strongest from each world gather. It's more than just a fight, it's a test of everything you are, your strength, your mind, your resilience. And I'll be part of it"

Donna raised an eyebrow.

"How could you even compete with beings from other worlds? Aren't they going to be far stronger than you?"

"They are"

Anthony replied, his tone grim but resolute.

"But that's not the point. This is something I must do. And while I may be able to fight against beings from this world, those from other worlds... it's going to take everything I have to even stand a chance"

They all stood in silence for a moment, processing what Anthony had shared.

Each of them could feel the gravity of his words, the sheer scale of what he was about to face.

"How long do you have?"

Evelyn asked softly, her voice reflecting the concern she felt for him.

"I have one year"

Anthony said quietly.

"One year before the competition begins"

The weight of those words sank in.

A single year.

They all knew how fast time could pass, and the thought of preparing for something so monumental in such a short time was daunting.

"You have one year to prepare for something like that?"

Arnold said, his voice filled with awe and disbelief.

"How are you going to get ready in that time? We're talking about beings from other worlds"

"I'll train"

Anthony said simply.

"And I'll push myself beyond every limit. But I need to focus, and I need to do this alone"

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The group exchanged glances, each of them understanding the intensity of what Anthony was saying.

They were his subordinates, his closest allies, but this was something he had to face by himself.

The competition, the test, it was his battle alone.

"You're really going to go through with it, huh?"

Marcus asked, his tone serious, as he sized Anthony up.

"I have no choice"

Anthony replied, his voice unwavering.

"This is something I must do for myself, for all of us, for the world itself. But you all have your own paths to walk. I'm not asking for anyone to come with me. This is my challenge"

Litt spoke up then, his voice steady but tinged with a quiet pride.

"We understand, Anthony. You've always faced your battles alone, but we're still here for you. We'll be waiting for you when you return"

Anthony nodded, a silent acknowledgment of their unwavering support.

"Thank you"

He said, his voice sincere.

"But I need to focus. I need to train harder than I ever have before. I won't let this opportunity slip through my fingers"

There was another moment of silence as they all absorbed what he was saying.

Finally, Vivian spoke again, her voice calm but filled with a quiet understanding.

"Then, I guess this is goodbye, for now"

She said, her words laced with a bittersweet tone.

"We'll be here when you're ready to return"

Anthony looked at them all, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"I'll see you when it's over. Keep growing, keep pushing yourselves. You all have your own paths to walk, and I'll be waiting for the day we can all meet again as equals"

He took a deep breath, then turned toward the horizon of his divine realm.

"Goodbye, for now. I have one year, and I'm going to make it count"

With that, Anthony turned, walking away from his subordinates.

He had his purpose.

He had his training to begin.

And with a final glance back, he disappeared into the vast expanse of his divine realm, his mind already focused on the challenges ahead.

As the rest of his subordinates stood there, they felt a mix of pride and concern.

They understood now, this was his journey, and they would respect it.

But they would also be waiting for him, supporting him from the sidelines, as he prepared for the greatest battle of his life