MIGHT AS WELL BE OP-Chapter 437: Lifesaver

As the aircraft neared the military base, Anthony and his team followed the usual procedure, preparing for their landing on a helipad-like mat.

With a soft hiss, the aircraft's hatch opened, and one by one, they stepped out onto solid ground.

Seraphim stretched her arms above her head, her posture relaxed as she took a deep breath.

"It's good to be back. Nothing like breathing in some fresh air"

The others walked alongside her, each with a calm, measured step, the weight of their recent mission still lingering but now slowly giving way to the familiar surroundings of the base.

"So, Anthony"

Kingsley asked, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he walked alongside the others,

"This was your first mission. What do you think of the military?"

Anthony paused for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he adjusted his stance, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other resting at his side.

"Hmmm… Absolutely interesting"

He replied, a slight smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

"From the moment I read the mission file, I knew. Starting at Private Rank would have been anticlimactic for someone like me"

Kingsley gave a small nod of understanding.

Dale, walking beside them, chuckled.

"True. I can't imagine someone with your abilities being stuck on a Private Rank mission. Anyone in that position would either go crazy or die from boredom"

"Oh, I just remembered"

Reynold said, his expression shifting slightly as the conversation sparked a thought.

"You still haven't told us what caused you to skyrocket from Private to Lieutenant"

Anthony gave a small, knowing shake of his head, his voice steady and calm as he replied.

"I can't really talk about it. Just know that I did something for the military, something... overwhelming. It was enough to make them make an exception for me"

He glanced over at the team, his gaze steady.

"When you climb higher in rank, maybe then you'll learn the details"

The weight of his words hung in the air, the mystery of it clear to all.

The Starborn Tournament was something he couldn't reveal, not to anyone that wasn't his subordinate.

It was a secret that carried ramifications far beyond just his own life.

Their discussion continued as the aircraft soared toward the floating island, a place exclusively reserved for Lieutenant Ranks.

"I'll be sleeping the entire day"

Seraphim announced, her tone playful but firm.

"So, please, none of you knock on my door"

Reynold flashed a grin, clearly in a better mood.

"At least, thanks to Anthony's light magic, we won't have to spend a single military point on potions this time. We don't even need to buy a single one"

"True"

Dale added, shaking his head with a smirk.

"That's a first. Usually, after any mission, we end up draining our points just to replenish the potions we used"

Reynold nodded, his smile widening.

"We're usually stocked up on all sorts, healing potions, mana potions, stamina potions, antidote potions. And not just a few. We've been buying in bulk every time. Those points never seem to last, do they?"

"Speak for yourselves"

Seraphim sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

"I still have to buy Spiritual Energy cores"

She glanced around at the others, already accustomed to the cores eating away at her points.

Turning to Kingsley with a sly smile, she added,

"Why don't you lend me some points? After all, you hardly ever buy anything. You seem to have infinite stamina, your body regenerates on its own, and you're resistant to poison"

Kingsley turned his head toward her, his expression neutral, and shook his head, not bothering to reply.

Seraphim raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to give in, but it was clear he wouldn't.

The only thing Kingsley ever spent his points on were specialized foods that weren't available on the standard menu.

He never wasted them, understanding the importance of keeping his resources in reserve, who knew when he might need them for something more urgent?

Seraphim let out a small, disappointed sigh.

She knew better than to push him further.

Kingsley's steadfastness was not to be swayed by such requests.

"From the difficulty of this mission, you'll earn enough points, so stop feeling down"

Anthony said, his voice steady and reassuring.

"That's true"

Seraphim replied, suddenly remembering that the mission's difficulty had drastically increased.

The higher the risk, the greater the reward, and that meant plenty of points.

"So, Anthony"

Dale chimed in with a sly grin, his gaze turning toward him.

"Looks like you'll be writing your first military report soon"

Dale knew that, having only just completed his compulsory military training a few days ago, Anthony had no experience with military reports, or even the paperwork that came with it.

"Paperwork…"

Kingsley muttered under his breath as he walked, the word carrying a tone of sheer hate.

"I have to write a report?"

Anthony asked, genuinely puzzled. He had no idea such a task was part of the process.

"Every mission, successful or not, requires a report to be submitted"

Reynold explained from the side, his tone casual.

"The report goes to the one who assigned you the mission. In your case, Colonel Vazeryth"

Anthony nodded, absorbing the information, but his thoughts were already drifting.

'It doesn't matter. Since the system sells everything, I could just buy the mission's report from the shop'

He thought with a quiet smile. Although he was no stranger to paperwork from his previous life work, that didn't mean he ever wanted to deal with it again.

As Anthony's thoughts lingered on the idea of simply purchasing the report, the system swiftly cut through his plans with an unexpected notification.

[Ding]

[The system reminds the Host that his clone has spent his entire system points for the month to heal Kingsley Concept-based injury]

Anthony's footsteps almost faltered as he read the message, his mind reeling in disbelief.

'Tskk.. Just my luck'

His mental groan was almost audible as he turned to his teammates, a sheepish smile spreading across his face.

"How about one of you help me write it?"

He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes, he was completely clueless about where to even begin with a military report, not even the heading or opening statement.

The smiles on his teammates faces disappeared almost immediately, replaced with a mix of awkwardness and mild panic.

"Anthony, there is something urgent I must attend to"

Reynold remarked, his voice strained.

Without another word, he shot into the sky, a streak of motion that left little trace, followed closely by Dale, who surged ahead in frantic pursuit.

"I need to secure the Spiritual Energy cores before they sell out. I'm not the only elf with an interest in them"

In the blink of an eye, Seraphim vanished, her form blurring into nothingness, leaving behind an air of unspoken urgency.

Kingsley remained silent, wiith a swift motion, he activated Zero Displacement, vanishing from sight in an instant, his departure the quietest of all.

Anthony watched as his teammates disappeared into the distance, each escaping the inevitable task with remarkable speed.

'Tsk... these traitors'

He thought, shaking his head with a resigned sigh.

Later, Anthony found himself sitting at his desk in his room, a blank sheet of paper and a pen before him.

His mind raced, but the words simply wouldn't come.

The silence of the room was deafening as he stared at the paper, unsure where to begin.

Just as he was about to activate Authority of Information, something moved in the corner of his vision.

His shadow stirred, and with a soft, almost imperceptible shift, Igris stepped out.

"My liege, I have experience in military matters. I can assist with this task"

Igris spoke in his customary low, respectful tone, giving a soft bow.

Anthony's face lit up with relief as he turned toward his shadowy ally. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"You're a lifesaver, Igris"

He said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

With a simple nod, Igris took the paper and pen from Anthony's hand then vanished back into the depths of Anthony's shadow.

Minutes passed in quietly as Anthony leaned back in his chair, allowing himself a moment of peace, knowing that the task was in capable hands.