Chapter 1066: Envious
Tiara, now feeling a profound sense of relief that she could finally speak without restraint, spoke with a firm and determined tone, "I accept," her voice completely devoid of any form of guilt, hesitation, or sympathy, as though the weight of the decision carried no emotional consequence for her whatsoever.
Everyone simply nodded at her words, as they had fully expected such a response; it would have been both surprising and deeply shocking if she had refused this seemingly flawless solution. After all, with the death of Drake, the Blood Queen would have no choice but to release her from the engagement, regardless of her pride or authority.
If Drake’s Bloodline Grade were merely reduced to the Noble Grade, then who knew what might happen? The Blood Queen might still remain stubborn, clinging to her decision and refusing to break the engagement.
Everyone present was merely securing their own interests, acting in accordance with the unspoken rules of their world, just as Bryan had agreed to help Heinz improve his talent while ensuring that Heinz’s own talent would not surpass his own.
"No problem then," Anthony replied calmly, his tone steady and indifferent, as though the matter had already been resolved long before it was even discussed.
A faint yet unmistakable smile formed on Tiara’s lips, one that carried both relief and anticipation; a solution was finally within her grasp, and soon she would attain her long-awaited freedom. Although she had no knowledge of when or how Anthony intended to eliminate Drake, such details no longer mattered to her. What truly mattered was that she now possessed a way out, a path that led directly to her liberation.
Anthony’s gaze shifted toward Rider as he spoke in a composed and measured tone, "I’ve helped Bryan resolve certain issues before you three arrived, then I assisted Bringer in breaking through a major mana rank along with several levels, and now I’m helping Tiara with her... situation. However, I haven’t given you anything or helped you in any way, and I don’t want you to feel excluded. So, make a request, and I will assist you, provided it isn’t too outrageous," Anthony stated.
His words left Rider, along with everyone else, momentarily stunned; they had not considered things from such a perspective. Although they were unaware of the exact assistance given to Bryan, it was evident that Rider was currently the only one who had not gained anything from Anthony’s overwhelming generosity.
Rider allowed a small smile to surface on his face before his expression gradually turned serious as he fell into deep contemplation. Since this was essentially an open cheque granted by Anthony, he needed to consider his request with utmost care. Based on the few words and demonstrations Anthony had displayed, it was undeniable that he possessed extraordinary power.
Rider’s mind began to race, exploring numerous possibilities, each more tempting than the last, as he considered what he could gain from this seemingly omnipotent individual.
No one spoke; the room remained completely silent as they allowed him the time to think. After several minutes of intense contemplation, a faint yet unmistakably sinister smile appeared on Rider’s face. His dark eyes locked onto Anthony as he finally broke the silence.
"I know there must be limits to what you can do... or perhaps there aren’t any limits at all, and you are simply too uninterested to exert yourself on anything too demanding. So, I will begin with a question," Rider stated, his voice calm yet probing as he maintained direct eye contact with Anthony.
"Ask away," Anthony replied, a hint of curiosity appearing in his expression as he awaited Rider’s inquiry.
Taking a slow, steady breath, Rider spoke, "Previously, you told Tiara that you could help her by reducing the grade of her Bloodline. Based on that logic... does it mean you can also increase the grade of a bloodline?" he asked, his tone careful, as though he were testing the boundaries of something unknown.
His words sent a ripple of shock throughout the entire room; no one had considered such a possibility before. It was an idea so absurd that it had never even crossed their minds. Their gazes immediately shifted toward Anthony, each of them waiting anxiously for his response. If Anthony truly possessed such an ability, then wouldn’t that make him one of the most powerful beings in existence? After all, they were speaking of the Ancestor Grade Bloodline, something that had never been seen or recorded before.
As that thought settled within their minds, another, even more unsettling realization began to form; if Anthony could accomplish such an impossible feat, then what was stopping him from applying it to himself? Enhancing his own human bloodline. They did not even know if human bloodline grades existed, but if they did... what if Anthony had already elevated his own Bloodline Grade to its absolute peak? Would that not explain why he appeared so overwhelmingly powerful despite being the same age as them?
Silence grew heavier within the control room as this dangerous and almost frightening idea took root in their thoughts, tightening its grip with each passing moment.
Then, without warning, the silence shattered completely as loud, unrestrained laughter echoed throughout the room.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" Anthony burst into laughter, clutching his stomach as he leaned back, eventually falling from his chair due to the sheer intensity of his amusement.
Everyone present was left confused and stunned, unable to comprehend what could possibly be so amusing at such a critical and serious moment.
After a few moments, Anthony slowly regained his composure and rose from the ground as his laughter gradually subsided. He returned to his seat, shaking his head lightly as he spoke, "I’m sorry... his question simply caught me off guard. I never expected Rider’s train of thought to go in that direction," he said, turning his gaze toward Rider. "You truly are the more perceptive one between you two."
After a brief pause, Anthony continued, "As for the answer to your question... yes, I can directly increase a bloodline’s grade," he stated plainly, offering no hesitation, concealment, or ambiguity in his response.
No one knew how to respond. Words seemed to fail them entirely. Speculating about such a possibility was one thing, but receiving undeniable confirmation was something else entirely. This single statement shattered their perception of reality once more, leaving them struggling to fully grasp its implications.
Their eyes instinctively turned toward Rider as they imagined the possibility of him receiving an Ancestor Grade Bloodline from Anthony. Their envy surged uncontrollably, burning brighter and more intensely than ever before. However, just as that emotion began to deepen, Anthony spoke once again.
"But I won’t be helping you achieve the Ancestor Grade," Anthony stated calmly, his tone firm and absolute, leaving no room for negotiation.
Rider, who had been basking in their envious gazes with a wide and satisfied smile, suddenly froze. The expression on his face vanished instantly, replaced by disbelief. One moment, he felt as though he held the entire world within his grasp, and the next, it felt as though it had all slipped through his fingers.
Tiara, Bringer, and Bryan glanced at him with faintly mocking expressions, their reactions laced with subtle amusement. If Rider had truly received such a bloodline, they would have been left far behind. In fact, being left behind would have been a gross understatement; the gap between them would have become so vast that it would be impossible to bridge.