Ten Lucky Draws: I Became OP

Chapter 653: An Episode of Existential Painting

Hearing Ash’s words, Eliya wasted no time in leaving.

Normally, she wouldn’t stray far from Eve’s side, but something about being around Ash made her uneasy.

Sure, she knew she had a bit of a thing for him, but how was she supposed to express that?

She had spent her entire existence doing nothing but guarding, never once stepping outside that role.

She’d spent cycles protecting Adam and Eve, waiting for their return, and then two more cycles in the Prime Expanse defending against nonexistence itself.

Feelings just weren’t her area of expertise.

And knowing how much Eve had spoken about Ash, there was no way she should have been able to walk away so easily.

Eve watched Eliya fly off, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks as she realized she was now standing alone in front of Ash and his group. She cleared her throat slightly before asking, her voice carrying a hint of concern.

"Will Eliya really be okay on her own?"

Elysia smiled softly, her golden eyes warm and reassuring.

"She’ll be fine," she said gently. "She’s stronger than she looks. And right now, she probably needs a moment to process everything."

Hearing the softer voice, Eve felt a bit of the tension leave her shoulders. She nodded, then looked back at Ash and the others.

"Is it possible to send my company back into the Prime Expanse safely?" she asked.

Nia let out a small chuckle, crossing her arms as she glanced at the group of survivors behind the broken gate.

"Well, if you truly care about them, that should be the last place to send them," she said as the Prime Expanse itself was on an inevitable chopping block.

Eve frowned, clearly confused.

"Why? That’s the only place Nonexistence can’t reach."

Nia shook her head and gestured toward Ash, who was leisurely painting on the floating canvas.

She knew exactly what it meant when he picked up a brush—everything was aligning just the way he wanted.

It was only a matter of time now.

"You see this?" she said. "Yeah, all that other crap is about to disappear."

Before Eve could respond, Nia waved her hand.

HUMM!

A shimmering rift opened in the air beside them, revealing a glimpse of Pantheos — the familiar, vibrant realm with its glowing universes and serene beauty.

"Since you’re basically part of the family now."

Nia went on, "it’s only right that you learn about our home. Go ahead and bring your group inside. Just know, if they step outside the Meta Court Pantheon, their fate is their own responsibility."

Eve lingered at the edge of the rift, taking a moment to absorb the weight of Nia’s words and the strangeness of the situation.

After a brief pause, she turned to her companions, gave a decisive nod, and gestured for them to step through the portal.

One by one, the surviving members of her company walked into the shimmering rift.

Their expressions a mix of exhaustion, relief, and wariness as they crossed into Pantheos. Eve waited until the last of them had passed before she herself stepped forward.

She walked up to Ash’s throne and, after a moment of hesitation, made a small spot for herself on the armrest, sitting close enough that her leg brushed against his.

She looked at the canvas in front of him, her voice shy but curious.

"So... what are you painting?"

Ash smiled, dipping his brush into the invisible palette as he continued working on the canvas with slow, deliberate strokes.

"My love, you should learn not to be so impatient," he said, his tone warm and teasing. "Spoilers are no fun."

Eve tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes catching the light.

"Spoilers?" she asked, clearly confused by the word.

Before she could say anything else, Elysia snapped her fingers with a soft smile.

Snap!

In an instant, a swirling portal of black and crimson energy tore open beside them.

From within it stepped Don, the Host of Existential Crises. He adjusted his tie with a theatrical flourish, his sharp eyes quickly scanning the surroundings.

He took in the scene, the air thick with tension over the chaotic battlefield strewn with horrors.

"Ah, once again on the outskirts of Pantheos," he remarked with his usual flair. "This is becoming more frequent."

His gaze locked onto the throne and the figure who had summoned him. A grin spread across Don’s face as he sank into an exaggerated, sweeping bow.

"Oh, Boss!" he said with a flourish, arms thrown wide.

"Is it showtime again already? You know I’m always ready to step into the spotlight."

Ash nodded, a small smile on his face as he looked at the flamboyant host.

"How have you been doing recently?" he asked casually. "Have you been working while in Pantheos?"

It had been quite some time since he’d last checked in on Don, and he was well aware that ever since the calendar dates had started being tracked in Pantheos, new episodes of Existential Crises had been rolling out.

Don, adjusting his tie with an exaggerated sigh, couldn’t hide the glint of excitement in his eyes.

"Oh, you have no idea," he said with a grin. "Pantheos is in a Lucky Era right now, and I’ve been recording more episodes than I have in ages. The ratings have been absolutely soaring!"

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.

"The most watched episodes are always the ones featuring you and the others. You all appear so mysterious and powerful — the viewers can’t get enough of it."

Ash smiled, clearly pleased by the feedback.

"Good," he said. "That’s good to hear."

He then gestured toward the floating canvas in front of him.

"This episode will be more personal," he continued. "I’m going to give a lesson on Existential Painting... and if anyone can grasp it, they may be able to understand something far greater."

Don’s eyes lit up with immediate interest, rubbing his hands together as he looked at the canvas.

"Ohoho... now this sounds like it will be a masterpiece," he said. "I’m ready whenever you are Boss!"