MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

The halls of Floor 0, now bustling with activity, thrummed with an undercurrent of tension.

The weight of the impending mission bore down on every adventurer present.

From the weakest Rank 3 to the formidable Rank 1s, all prepared with a sense of urgency befitting their circumstances.

The summons by the Rank 0s had sent shockwaves through the community, igniting a rare unity in purpose and action.

The grand chambers dedicated to healing had become a hub of activity.

Rows of injured adventurers awaited their turn to experience the healing touch of an Emperor ranked healer, whose reputation preceded her.

The room was suffused with a soft golden glow, the result of her light magic, which danced across the walls in a rhythmic, almost hypnotic fashion.

One by one, adventurers stepped forward, their injuries, both fresh and lingering, laid bare.

The healer, clad in resplendent robes that seemed to shimmer with the essence of light itself, extended her hands over each patient.

Her magic manifested as radiant streams of energy that enveloped the afflicted areas, erasing scars and mending wounds with an efficiency that bordered on miraculous.

As the healed adventurers exited, a cacophony of murmurs filled the air:

"The powers of an Emperor healer are truly unmatched"

Said one Rank 3 adventurer, his voice tinged with awe.

"To think even my hidden injuries, ones I carried for years, have vanished in moments"

Another, a Rank 2, marveled aloud.

"I expected nothing less, but to receive such care for free... It feels almost surreal"

A Rank 1 nodded in agreement.

"This isn't just healing, its akin to rebirth. My stamina is restored, my mana flows like a roaring river, and I feel ready to take on an army single handedly"

The healer offered no words of acknowledgment, her focus not even on them as she healed them without a single effort.

She moved with the calm precision of someone who had transcended mortal limitations, her every gesture imbued with purpose.

Meanwhile, in an adjacent chamber, adventurers busied themselves preparing potions and other supplies.

Alchemists worked tirelessly, mixing ingredients with practiced ease, their workstations cluttered with vials of iridescent liquids.

The pungent scent of herbs and reagents filled the air, mingling with the metallic tang of concentrated mana.

"Make sure you have enough stamina potions"

One Rank 3 advised another.

"This mission isn't about surviving a single fight, it's about endurance"

"What you said is indeed true"

"And healing potions"

Chimed in a Rank 2.

"Even with the healers aid in this mission, we can't rely solely on their magic alone during the battle"

"Don't forget mana potions"

Added a third.

"The cult's fodder may be weak, but their numbers will bleed us dry if we're not careful"

"Better double check your life savings means"

Another said as they moved hurriedly.

The urgency in their voices was apparent.

For many, this mission represented not just a test of their abilities but a chance to ascend beyond their current limitations.

Although death loomed as a possibility, they were prepared to stake their lives on this opportunity for ascension.

In a quieter corner of the chamber, Anthony stood apart from the commotion, his presence calm and assured.

Unlike the others, he carried no potions, nor did he partake in the frenzy of preparation.

His system always ensured that he was perpetually ready, equipped for any scenario that might arise.

Daelen and Mira approached him, their expressions a mixture of exasperation and determination.

"You're unbelievable, you know that?"

Daelen began, crossing his arms.

"While the rest of us are scrambling to prepare, you're just standing here like it's any other day"

Anthony turned his gaze toward Daelen, his expression unreadable.

"I don't need to prepare"

He replied evenly.

"I'm always ready"

Mira scoffed, placing her hands on her hips.

"That arrogance of yours is going to get you killed one day"

"It hasn't yet"

Anthony said with a faint smirk.

Daelen sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Look, we didn't come here to argue. We need to talk to you about the mission"

Anthony raised an eyebrow, waiting for Daelen to continue.

"This mission is different"

Daelen said, his tone serious.

"The numbers alone make it a nightmare, and you know the cult isn't going to make it easy for us. Mira and I... we want you to join us this time"

Anthony's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"Join you? I've always worked alone. You know that"

"We know"

Mira said, her voice softer now.

"But this isn't about pride or proving anything. It's about survival. If we stick together, we increase our chances of making it through"

Daelen nodded.

"You're strong, Lorian. Stronger than most of us. If we're with you, we might actually stand a chance"

Anthony was silent for a moment, his gaze distant as he considered their words.

He had always prided himself on his independence, on his ability to handle any situation alone.

Since this was a free for all kind of mission, he might as well ensure the two friends he made with his fake identity doesn't die.

Finally, he spoke.

"This is my last mission"

He said quietly.

"After this, I'm done"

"Then let us fight alongside you, just this once"

Mira said earnestly.

"If it's your last mission, let's make it one to remember"

Anthony studied their faces, seeing the determination in their eyes.

With a slight nod, he relented.

"Fine. We'll move together. But don't slow me down"

Mira grinned, her relief evident.

"You won't regret this"

Daelen clapped Anthony on the shoulder.

"You've got yourself a team, Lorian"

As the adventurers continued their preparations, the halls of Floor 0 buzzed with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

The mission loomed ever closer, its shadow casting a pall over even the bravest among them.

But in their determination, there was also hope, a belief that, together, they could achieve the impossible.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

For Anthony, Daelen, and Mira, the decision to unite was a turning point.

And as the countdown to the mission ticked ever closer, they steeled themselves for the battle ahead, knowing that failure was not an option.