MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 1343: Permanent Closure

Anthony didn’t ask anything in relation to either The Lover Of Death’s transcendence or his supposed death.

"Can I ask you about the Unknown Regions?" He asked, steering the discussion in that direction.

The Lover Of Death stayed silent for a moment, then answered, "the Unknown Regions is the most dangerous place I’ve ever been in my life. Even a random ant bite could poison an Eternal Apex to death; that is how extreme it is," he explained calmly, "but obviously, the ant would need to possess biting force to tear through an Eternal Apex’s skin, which isn’t possible, but it doesn’t change the fact that a random ant possesses the ability to kill an Eternal Apex," he explained.

Anthony said nothing; he simply listened attentively.

"And it was where I got the idea from for the memories of those who visit my Inheritance realms vanishing," he added with a smile on his face as he reminisced about the good old days.

Anthony arched an eyebrow as he asked, "does one lose their memory of the Unknown Regions whenever they leave it?"

That sounded contradictory to much of the information he had on many levels.

The Lover Of Death shook his head, "no, it simply doesn’t allow one to talk about what they witnessed there, nor give out any true information, only talking about the rewards and the likes," he explained calmly, "so I simply took it a notch higher by making people forget entirely."

Anthony nodded as he understood what The Lover Of Death meant. And since the man had Transcended, whatever restrictive force was acting upon him was probably erased the moment he stepped into the Above.

Although many had died in the Unknown Regions, Anthony guessed that The Lover Of Death had probably survived the Unknown Regions through the Death Rejection Curse.

And as though reading Anthony’s mind, the man explained, "and as for the Death Rejection ability, as I’m sure you will ask about it, I was born cursed," he stated, "not cursed by some mysterious enemy or by anything of the sort, but just how babies are born filled with life, or are born dead, I myself was born cursed, and that curse is the Death Rejection." He paused for a moment, then continued, "I simply call it an ability simply because only perspective matters."

A smile appeared on his face as he continued, "but make no mistake, none of my achievements till this day relied on the Death Rejection Curse. I achieved every strength, victory, reward, and everything to my name through sheer talent and power, nothing more." He stated as he leaned back into his seat, "I had told myself that the day I use my Death Rejection ability is the day I will seal myself away forever, and thankfully, that day never came, as even the Unknown Regions couldn’t make me use the ability," he stated in pure pride and conviction.

Anthony sat in silence for a moment, then shook his head as he spoke, "while everyone is entitled to their beliefs, thoughts, and opinions, I’m of the opinion that you are a fool," he stated as he shook his head.

The Lover Of Death’s expression shifted for a moment into one of confusion, not angry or vexed that Anthony had called him a fool. The Human wasn’t even the first to do so.

"I’m of the opinion that everyone should take advantage of whatever talent, ability, and power they are born with," Anthony began to explain, "what you said is like saying you wouldn’t use your natural talent since it grants you an advantage over those who aren’t as talented as you," he stated without a change in expression.

At Anthony’s words, The Lover Of Death couldn’t help but frown, but after a moment of silence, he shook his head, not convinced. If people were so easily convinced, then the Universe would be a better and more peaceful place, no?

"I guess that is why it’s called your opinion," The Lover Of Death stated as he shook his head with a smile.

"I guess so," Anthony mused aloud as he mirrored The Lover Of Death’s smile.

"Did you later find any information on Leon Georgi?" He asked, as Leon Georgi was the Reader Of Mysteries’ Master.

The Lover Of Death shook his head as he spoke, "even after spending most of the time since getting to the Eternal Apex, I never found that man. My best guess is that he is no longer within the Ecliptica Galaxy. He may be at another Upper Galaxy, or might be hidden in a separate Dimension. The possibilities are endless, but it remains a guess regardless," he stated.

Anthony nodded, as that particular man seemed to be the most mysterious person he had ever heard of till date.

"Anything else you need to know?" The Lover Of Death asked as their conversation drew to an end.

Personally, he would love to keep talking; he was enjoying his discussion with this Human. During his time in the Ecliptica Galaxy, he couldn’t remember when last he sat down and had a good conversation like this since he got to the Eternal Apex.

"Nothing else," Anthony replied as he had satisfied his curiosity, and unless The Lover Of Death could talk about Death Herself, there was nothing more to talk about.

But as he was about to stand, Silent Annihilator rose from Anthony’s shadow, his eyes falling on The Lover Of Death as he asked.

"How did I die?" His tone was calm as he simply wanted to know. Although the information did nothing for him, he still wanted to know.

The Lover Of Death shook his head as he replied, "I don’t know. I merely found you at the Unknown Regions and simply took your corpse and preserved it," he stated simply.

The Silent Annihilator stayed silent for a moment, gazing at the Oni, then nodded and vanished. As Silent Annihilator left, Anthony rose to his feet as he spoke.

"It was nice having a conversation with you, Lover Of Death," his tone calm.

"The feeling is mutual," The Lover Of Death replied as he stood, "I hope what follows lifts your boredom a bit," he added.

Anthony arched an eyebrow as he wondered what The Lover Of Death meant. He couldn’t even understand how this guy jumped to the conclusion that he was bored; he was far from that. But he didn’t argue and simply snapped his fingers as the couch vanished.

The Lover Of Death smiled as his body seemed to turn into motes of light that dissipated into the air. Anthony walked towards the water portal. He paused for a moment, then turned his head and gazed at the vault one more time, then stepped through the portal.

He appeared at the same passageway where he had answered the five riddles from earlier.

"Congratulations, Null Anthony, on claiming all rewards," the voice came again, "the Sleeping Hollow shall begin its permanent closure."

As the voice spoke, the entire space began to shake as space began to compress and decompress with frightening speed. Throughout the Underground Tomb, geniuses from various Territories, Organizations, and Families and at various domains at the moment, began to vanish from various domains.

Anthony didn’t resist; he simply closed his eyes and allowed himself to be teleported. He felt the ground under his feet yet again. He opened his eyes, and the moment he did, he was outside once more.