Chapter 1050: Bitter Flavor
Bryan’s eyes narrowed as he heard Anthony’s words; Anthony had read him like a book, dissecting his thoughts with unsettling precision. Whether Anthony had actually read his mind, he didn’t know, and even if he had, Bryan couldn’t exactly do anything about it, nor did he have the means to resist such a thing.
But then, Anthony’s words made a question arise within his mind; how did the pill have this particular effect? How was it capable of ensuring Heinz was always a step behind, as though its function had been tailored with intent and certainty?
Although the question burned in his mind, persistent and intrusive, he decided not to ask. It was best not to ask too many questions and just accept, after all, he was practically looking at his freedom. And if by chance Anthony was scheming something all along, then he could only cross that bridge when he got there. He couldn’t exactly worry over unknown things and things he had no control over, especially not when the potential reward far outweighed the invisible risks.
After all, at the moment, there was nothing he had that Anthony wanted. If Anthony possessed such a pill, then surely, he possessed far greater riches and resources beyond his comprehension.
He inhaled heavily, then exhaled with a deep breath as he spoke, "Thank you, Anthony, I seriously don’t know what to say or do aside from saying thank you," he spoke as he gazed at Anthony, their eyes meeting, red meeting sky-blue, a silent exchange passing between them.
Anthony smiled and leaned forward, passing the pill to Bryan as he spoke, "What are friends for? No need to thank me, I had no use for the pill. If I had use for it, I wouldn’t have given it to you," his words were truthful and flat, devoid of any hidden implication.
Bryan nodded as he took the pill. He had already come to the conclusion that Anthony had no use for it. Holding the pill, Bryan admired it with awe-filled eyes; the pill seemed no different from an ordinary cultivation pill, unassuming in appearance, yet holding an effect that could alter fate itself. But he didn’t look at it for too long; he immediately transferred it to his space ring with a smile on his face, careful and deliberate.
"Just so you know," Anthony spoke again, "if anyone other than Heinz uses the pill, it won’t work. Don’t say I didn’t tell you on time," he added, his words more like a warning than advice, although his tone and expression remained unchanged, calm and indifferent.
Although the Human Domain didn’t exactly have any artifact to measure talent or determine which individuals could reach the Planetary level, it seemed that the Dragon Domain at least possessed one of such artifacts. After all, how else could they have measured Heinz’s and Bryan’s talents with such certainty?
All the Dragon Emperor needed to do was allow Heinz to use the pill and measure his talent right after, and that would be all, a simple confirmation of something that could shift the structure of power within the Domain.
Of course, needless to say, the talent pill Anthony had given to Lucian and the one he had given to Bryan weren’t on the same level. The one he had given to Lucian was far more outrageously powerful, and would grant Veronica talent almost on par with Anthony’s ten subordinates, and the pill also had a sweet flavor, tailored deliberately since it was a woman who would be consuming it.
And as for the one Bryan had just taken, it did exactly what Anthony said it did, and nothing more, nothing excessive. It was precise, controlled, and intentional. It also possessed a heavily bitter flavor; Heinz was a man, and certainly, he would be able to endure it without complaint.
Anthony couldn’t help but smile as he imagined Heinz’s expression whenever he swallowed the pill; surely Heinz would curse him, right? The thought alone was amusing enough to stir his mood.
Anthony wanted to burst into full laughter, but he restrained himself. It would look as though he was laughing at Bryan, and that was not the impression he wanted to give.
As Anthony was lost in his mischievous thoughts, Bryan rose from his seat. Seeing this, Anthony snapped out of his thoughts as he asked, "Going somewhere?"
Bryan nodded as he spoke, "Yes, I’m going to my father and my brother. This talent pill needs to be used immediately, the faster the better. Besides, if any issue arises, you are still here," he explained without hiding anything. There was urgency in his tone; he was simply in a haste to free himself from the invisible chains that bound him.
Anthony nodded and said nothing. He simply leaned back into the couch he was sitting on, completely unbothered by whatever Bryan intended to do next.
Bryan, who was about to leave, suddenly paused. He turned to Anthony and asked, "Do you want to come?"
Anthony paused for a moment as though genuinely considering it. After a brief moment, he shook his head; he didn’t want to meet Iserios or Heinz again. He would rather just wait here, away from the unfolding situation.
With that, Bryan simply waved his hand, and a portal tore open in space, the fabric of reality parting effortlessly before him. Without hesitation, he stepped through it. The portal led him straight to his father, created by a ring artifact given to him in case of emergencies, and this moment undoubtedly qualified as one.
Seeing Bryan emerge through the portal, Iserios was visibly confused. But before he could ask anything, Bryan immediately began explaining the situation to both of them, his words rapid yet clear, leaving them stunned as the weight of what he presented settled upon them.
Back in Bryan’s room, Anthony simply took out his phone and started texting the Storm brothers, Rider and Bringer, and also Tiara. Since he was done helping Bryan, it was about time they explored, something far more interesting than lingering in royal matters.
And with that, Anthony remained completely oblivious to whatever was happening within the Royal Dragon family, as he couldn’t be bothered with it. He rose from his chair and walked towards the window, gazing out of it. In the sky, he could see various Dragons flapping their massive wings, their presence dominating the vast expanse above.
Anthony simply watched them in silence, his expression calm and detached, as he waited for the two Titans and the Vampire to arrive.
’I wonder when the Angels will make a move,’ Anthony thought to himself as the Dragons’ wings reminded him of the Angels, simply because both creatures possessed wings, though vastly different in nature.
’Well, whatever,’ Anthony thought to himself, unbothered, as he turned away from the window, his attention returning to his phone.
____
Author’s Note: Happy new month to everyone. I want to apologize for March. I know you all bought privileged tiers with your hard-earned money, and I missed a lot of days because of my illness. I can only apologize yet again. And also, I would love to thank you all for the care, love, and support I got from you all regarding my illness. I appreciate it.
And lastly, as a greedy and shameless author, it’s custom I ask for super gifts. Shall we open the month with a big bang? Love y’all to the moon and back.