MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 1209: A Hero

“So, the real reason I called you here is actually to say thank you. After all, without you, I would have become a slave and then died a few years later,” The Will spoke as he bowed his head, for he was indeed grateful.

Anthony sat there, stunned. He had, of course, thought that far ahead when it came to the Demon King and the fake God’s plan. He had already foreseen them using the Core of the Acarnis Galaxy in an attempt to ascend beyond their limits.

Anthony couldn’t help but smile faintly. He had always told himself that he hadn’t reincarnated to play the role of some Hero or some justice-obsessed goody-two-shoes who would fight the Demon King and wipe out the Demons simply for the sake of the Human race.

But ironically… he had ended up doing exactly that.

He had killed the Demon King and wiped out most of his forces.

‘So… ??? reincarnated me into a Galaxy destined for destruction,’ Anthony mused to himself.

Meaning that without him, Aaaninja, Aura Nova, Lucian, and everyone else would have been wiped out before they could even blink. Everything would have crumbled into nothingness, leaving behind only silence where countless lives had once existed.

“No need to bow to me,” Anthony spoke with a shake of his head. “If you truly know me, then you would know I didn’t save the Galaxy for some grand reason or greater purpose, and you would also know that I’m an extremely selfish person. If I had been going to lose that fight, I would have taken the people I love and fled.” His tone remained calm as he spoke. “You can simply say that the Galaxy ended up being saved because I was looking forward to a good battle, one which I ultimately got.” His words were completely truthful, without even the slightest trace of false modesty.

“It doesn’t matter what your reason was. The fact remains that you held those two at bay,” The Will spoke as he straightened his back, his expression carrying nothing but sincerity.

Anthony didn’t respond. He simply shook his head with a calm smile, seeing no point in arguing over something that had already happened.

‘But if I wasn’t around, wouldn’t Klaus or Amara have made a move to stop the Demon King and the fake God?’ Anthony asked himself inwardly.

But as he thought about it further, he understood that he was being naive. To Klaus and Amara, the Acarnis Galaxy was no different from the countless other Galaxies scattered throughout existence. The fall of one Galaxy was no different from watching a random stranger die.

Anthony didn’t think they were morally flawed or anything of the sort. He wasn’t that foolish. He simply understood that such was their worldview. After all, even he, Anthony, had personally killed millions of people without batting an eye. How, then, could he judge Klaus and Amara for doing essentially nothing?

‘I wonder if this guy knows anything about the Upper Galaxies. Should I use his gratitude to gain something?’ Anthony thought to himself, momentarily tempted by the idea. After all, he was about to step into a completely unknown stage of his life, where every advantage could prove invaluable.

Anthony sighed inwardly and shook his head ever so slightly. Taking advantage of people simply wasn’t his style. Although it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so, he abandoned the idea almost as quickly as it had appeared. He would survive somehow once he arrived there. He always had.

“But of course, I don’t plan to give you only words of thanks after receiving such help,” The Will spoke, almost as though he had read Anthony’s thoughts.

Anthony sat stunned for a brief moment before smiling as he shook his head at the irony of what had just happened.

“What do you have in mind?” Anthony asked.

The Will smiled before speaking. “On my authority, I will exempt you, your friends, your parents, and your subordinates from the second test.”

His words left Anthony completely speechless.

Just from passing the Test of Existence alone, Anthony could already understand just how outrageous these trials truly were, even though he hadn’t personally experienced the second one. Furthermore, simply passing the Test of Existence didn’t guarantee someone would succeed in the next trial.

To Anthony, this was huge… Insanely huge.

“I originally planned on offering only you this exemption, but I felt that wouldn’t be enough,” The Will spoke once again as he met Anthony’s eyes.

Anthony smiled before speaking. “I truly thank you for this opportunity.” His tone remained calm. “However, I can’t make decisions for people who aren’t here, as everyone is their own person. So after they complete the Test of Existence, you don’t have to meet them personally. You can simply ask them whether they wish to undergo the second test or ascend directly.” Anthony continued, “And please make sure to explain that this is a gift from you to us for saving the Galaxy. Otherwise, they might think your question is simply another test, and they might choose to go through the second trial because of a misunderstanding.” Anthony carefully explained his reasoning.

The Will smiled before speaking. “Well… now that you mention it, I can actually see that happening.” He laughed softly as he realized that people would likely overanalyze such a seemingly simple situation.

Which wasn’t really their fault, this was their Ascension, anyone would naturally tread carefully when every decision could determine their future.

Anthony nodded his head and said nothing else.

“So, what about you? Are you taking the test?” The Will asked as he met Anthony’s gaze once more.

Anthony smiled before replying, “I will… not.” His tone remained completely flat.

What kind of lazy person would knowingly throw themselves into even more hard work? As long as there was nothing additional to gain, Anthony saw absolutely no reason to waste his time and effort on another trial that offered him nothing of real value.

Although he suspected that Vega, being the troublemaker she had always been, might very well accept the second test purely for the sake of adventure or because it sounded like an exciting event. It was certainly something she would do without the slightest hesitation.

As for everyone else, Anthony didn’t concern himself with their choices. It was their decision to make.

“I have one more thing for you. It isn’t exactly a reward, but it is something,” The Will spoke, unsurprised by Anthony’s answer, as he knew Anthony’s personality remarkably well.

Anthony remained silent and simply listened.

“I know you don’t plan on using the wooden talisman the Spirit King gave you, which is honestly a wise decision, as old people are indeed far too scheming,” The Will continued speaking. “However, I would advise you to use it, if you trust my words enough, that is.”

Anthony remained silent for a brief moment before nodding without saying a word, immediately deciding that he would use it. If The Will said so, then he would trust that judgment. After all, he could already guess that The Will was familiar with the owner of the wooden talisman, which was only natural considering they had once ascended from this very Galaxy.

“Thank you for the advice,” Anthony spoke sincerely.

The Will nodded before rising to his feet as he spoke. “I’ve kept you here for quite some time now because of my own selfish reasons, and since I’m finished with everything I wanted to say, I have no reason to keep you here any longer.”

Anthony also rose to his feet with a faint smile. “It was a pleasant encounter, I suppose.” His words were entirely genuine.

The Will waved his hand, and a portal tore open before them as he spoke. “Once you step through this portal, you will immediately begin the true Ascension and arrive in the Upper Galaxies. So know that the moment you next open your eyes, you will already be there. There will be no more tests, no more stops, and nothing else standing in your way,” he explained.

Anthony walked toward the portal. He stopped for a brief moment before turning toward The Will and speaking one last time.

“Thank you for your help… and for your time.” His voice carried unmistakable sincerity.

With that, Anthony stepped through the portal without another glance behind him, finally beginning his journey toward the Upper Galaxies in earnest, leaving the Acarnis Galaxy, and everything it had given him, behind.