MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

The silence was deafening as their minds processed the Mirror Dimension and the concept of Enlightenment.

Mitchelle, Michael, and Collins had faint smiles on their faces as they stared at the scene. After all, they too had the same reaction when they had first witnessed the Mirror Dimension, it had left them stunned, confused, and amazed.

But Anthony didn't have time for this. He had to leave here, to find his girlfriend.

"Anything else? League Of Supremes." Anthony stretched the name deliberately, as if expressing his displeasure for the name.

None of them replied. They had nothing else to ask. They had only invited Anthony here because of the Severed Crown of Echoes and the Demon Monarch he had encountered on another planet.

"There isn't, young one. But I have a proposal."

The First Supreme Monarch finally spoke.

Anthony's mind ignited, running through countless scenarios as he tried to guess what kind of proposal the First Supreme had in mind. He was curious, no, eager, to hear it.

"I'm all ears, Supreme." Anthony replied calmly, already thinking about potential benefits.

"Become my disciple."

The First Supreme's words echoed like thunder in everyone's ears.

They couldn't believe what they had just heard.

Disciple?

The man who had never taken a disciple was asking for one now. The man who stood above all of them. The strongest among the Supremes. The one who never bent his will for anyone.

Mitchelle, Michael, and Collins didn't react. They remained silent, waiting for Anthony's answer. He was their descendant, yes, but they would allow him to carve his own path forward in life, just like they did for themselves in their younger days.

Although, ironically, Michael would never allow anyone to teach his son the way of the sword.

Anthony paused. Even his Emperor Demeanor skill seemed to flicker for a moment as he was caught off guard. Of all the possibilities he had imagined, this wasn't one of them.

'Is it because of my Time affinity?'

Anthony thought. To him, he didn't need a teacher. His Primordial Bloodline gave him more than he needed. Besides, even if he needed someone to learn Time Magic from, wasn't Aaaninja the best choice?

That guy could go back in time as many years as he wanted, summon various time realities of himself, Anthony was sure even the First Supreme couldn't perform such feats.

"Does he possess Time affinity?"

The Fourth Supreme Monarch echoed suddenly.

None of them here were fools. They had lived for years, ages even. They knew that the First Supreme Monarch possessed the Time affinity.

Some of them had long suspected that he would never take in a disciple unless that person possessed both Time and Space affinity, or he found two people who wielded one of each.

But the First Supreme didn't reply. He simply fixed his gaze on Anthony, waiting for an answer. He wanted to believe he wouldn't be rejected, but people like Anthony were unpredictable.

"I refuse."

Two words, but they were louder than any nuclear detonation.

Someone had rejected a Supreme. Not just any Supreme, but the First. The Fucking First.

A being known as the Absolute Ruler of the Military. A being known as the Strongest Supreme.

Everyone was caught off guard. Even Anthony's parents hadn't expected that. They had assumed he would accept.

'Is this kid insane?'

Many of them couldn't help but think.

Externally, the First Supreme didn't react, or rather, if he did, no one could tell, since the haze covered his entire form as always.

"Why?"

The First Supreme asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

Anthony met his gaze. He didn't flinch. He replied calmly.

"I know someone who controls Time better than you could ever hope to match."

Hearing Anthony's words, every pair of eyes squinted. His words sounded arrogant, borderline offensive, but they didn't interrupt. This was the First Supreme's private conversation.

"Who?"

The First Supreme Monarch asked, not doubting the possibility that someone might be better than him. He knew he wasn't the greatest Time magician to ever exist. But he needed to know.

"Aaaninja Chronisynth Eternos"

Anthony intoned with a small smile which vanished the next second.

Even the Supreme Monarchs could sense the weight behind that name. Aaaninja… that wasn't a name you just threw around.

The First Supreme frowned. He had never heard the name before. But he knew ordinary people couldn't bear names of that magnitude without reason.

At the side, Mitchelle suddenly remembered the Celestial her son had battled in the final match during the Starborn Tournament. As for Michael and Collins, they simply didn't remember Aaaninja by name.

After a few seconds, the First Supreme spoke,

"My offer still stands, if you ever change your mind."

Anthony simply nodded and didn't speak further on the matter.

"If that is all, I would like to state my favor now."

Anthony said, his voice calm, but his tone hinted that he was eager to leave.

"I also have a proposal."

The Second Supreme Monarch spoke, stepping forward.

Anthony sighed. His blue eyes met the Second Supreme's blood-red gaze. He was certain the vampire wasn't going to ask him to be his disciple, especially not after he had just declined someone else's offer.

"I want a litre of your blood."

As soon as the words left the Second Supreme Monarch's lips, three killing intents instantly materialized into reality.

Sword Intent pulsed, drenching the space as air turned to blades capable of slashing through reality.

Lightning thundered from above, as if the heavens themselves were about to descend and unleash divine punishment.

Flames flickered, and searing heat bled into reality. The temperature rose by the thousands with every passing second.

"What is the meaning of this, Second Supreme? I do not mind ending you right here." Mitchelle spoke with a chilling voice.

Temperature skyrocketed once more as even space itself seemed to begin melting from the sheer intensity.

A hissing sound followed as Michael's blade slid against its sheath.

"It seems a Second Monarch might have to fall so soon." His voice laced with nothing but death.

But before anyone could act, a voice rose from below; Anthony's.

"I accept." His words seemed to freeze every killing intent in place.

"But on one condition," he continued, his tone unchanged.

All eyes turned to him as he spoke.

"What condition?"

The Second Supreme asked, his blood-red eyes glowing.

"Block an attack from me."

Anthony's voice came like a whisper, but it carried the weight of a mountain.