MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1121: Smile Of Appreciation And Guilt

Hearing Anthony’s words, no one reacted, for they at least understood this much and remained silent, their composure fully intact despite the gravity of his pronouncements.

"Now, this is where the Calling or Beckoning comes into play," Anthony went on, "Upon achieving the Apexus Mana Rank, I sensed a call directed at me. Even as I speak with you, I can feel the Calling, faint yet persistent, like a whisper from afar that refuses to recede. Although I have not responded or acted upon it, my intuition suggests that answering this Calling will provide a pathway to the Upper Galaxies," Anthony disclosed without any reservation.

At Anthony’s declaration, everyone’s eyes narrowed, their thoughts racing with a speed surpassing any computer or artificial intelligence. They were already aware that traversing galaxies was feasible; after all, the Executioner had journeyed from an Upper Galaxy to their own lower one. However, they also understood that no known route existed from the lower Galaxies to the Upper Galaxies—no bridge, no gateway, no documented method.

Now, they were being informed that this Calling or Beckoning offered a means to the Upper Galaxies, and this Calling manifested at the Apexus Mana Rank. But... they were at the Apexus Mana Rank; it wasn't just them, but billions of life forms and various races at this very rank, countless beings who had attained the zenith of power within their respective worlds and planets, yet none had ever heard of this Calling or Beckoning.

Did the Calling or Beckoning necessitate something more?

They couldn't help but ponder this question.

"Personally, I believe the reason no one has ever heard of this Beckoning or possesses any record of it is perhaps because those who received it answered immediately, thus vanishing before they could relay the information, though this is merely a conjecture," Anthony elaborated, as if privy to their unspoken thoughts.

Collins and the others nodded in agreement, as his explanation seemed logical. Yet, the crucial question remained: what was the prerequisite for receiving a Calling? This inquiry was virtually etched onto their countenances, and Anthony perceived it clearly without the need for verbalization.

"I surmise that to receive a Calling, one must possess sufficient power to endure there, because ascending to the Upper Galaxies implies beginning anew from the very foundation. One would be no different from an F-ranker in that realm, and that’s without any support, as one would be thrust into the unknown without any information, guidance, or protection... unless, of course, whoever or whatever designates who receives a Calling actually provides assistance or details," Anthony articulated calmly, laying out his reasoning with deliberate lucidity.

A hush fell over everyone, their minds still actively processing the profound implications.

Mitchelle’s lips parted as she spoke, "As you mentioned earlier, Anthony, one would essentially be equivalent to an F-ranker upon arrival. This suggests survival chances are virtually nil. Therefore, the true criterion for the Beckoning isn't merely the capacity to survive, but the possession of the talent to at least flourish or persevere in that environment," her words were tranquil yet firm, resonating with practical experience and astute deduction.

Every individual in this chamber exceeded a thousand years of age. They were Supreme Monarchs, master strategists even in their slumber, beings who had navigated treacherous conflicts and betrayals. Despite Anthony's indirect approach, they recognized the underlying truth of his statement.

"So, we are not sufficiently talented, is that it?" Michael inquired, his arms crossed over his chest, his tone seemingly indifferent but carrying a subtle note of resignation.

"You could have been more direct," Collins remarked, shaking his head with a slight sigh, his gaze steady and composed.

Anthony offered a smile, offering no verbal response as he found himself unable to state the conclusion plainly, even though they had reached it independently.

"Then, who else do you believe will receive this Beckoning?" Mitchelle posed, her gaze fixed on him, a blend of curiosity and shrewd assessment in her eyes.

Anthony responded without hesitation, "Aaaninja, Lucian, Kingsley, Aura Nova, Evelyn," he listed, omitting his other subordinates. He mentioned Evelyn solely due to her connection with his grandmother, thus making her relevant to the current discussion.

"I comprehend. That aligns with expectations. After all, the individuals you've named are all exceptionally gifted, much like yourself. They each demonstrated prowess on a planetary scale even without undergoing the requisite transformative phases at the Apexus Mana Rank," Collins stated reflectively, his voice conveying quiet comprehension.

"So, when do you intend to answer this Calling?" Irene inquired, her voice calm yet laced with curiosity, her eyes alight with keen interest.

"I shall provide my answer once the Divinora Galaxy battle concludes, alongside Aura Nova and the others. This is a precaution, in case something unexpected awaits us on the other side. After all, obtaining the Calling doesn't guarantee a smooth passage to the Upper Galaxy; one could perish during the transit or be obliterated before even arriving," Anthony calmly elucidated, his reasoning sound and his approach prudent.

A chorus of nods echoed from everyone present, as they too had considered these possibilities. The journey to the Upper Galaxy, especially through the enigmatic phenomenon known as a Calling, was clearly not a simple one.

"One of the primary reasons for my visit is not merely to impart this information, but to assist you in receiving a Calling," Anthony announced further, his gaze sweeping over them with unwavering focus.

"Receive a Calling?" Michael inquired, his eyebrows arching slightly, a flicker of astonishment crossing his face.

"Indeed. The prerequisites for this Calling appear to be a level of talent sufficient for survival and prosperity in the new realm, at least until one's natural end. I can elevate your inherent talents to such a degree that the entity orchestrating the Calling will have no choice but to acknowledge your potential," Anthony explained without pause, his words imbued with a quiet confidence.

A profound silence descended as everyone absorbed his offer, none hastening to accept it immediately.

Years prior, Anthony had enhanced their talents and combat abilities through a miraculous fruit, propelling their progress to unprecedented heights and accelerating their development far beyond their prior expectations. This very advancement was the reason they had emerged from their seclusion so swiftly. And now, their descendant was proposing to further augment their talents, paving the way for their ascension.

There was no need to question Anthony's motivations; they already understood. They recognized his inability to abandon them, to allow their cultivation paths to stagnate when he possessed the power and means to intervene and help.

Had they been in Anthony's position, they would have acted similarly. They couldn't fathom leaving their cherished loved ones behind to ascend alone into the vast unknown, severing bonds that had shaped their very beings for centuries.

"Sigh... We, your parents and grandparents, are meant to be the ones safeguarding you. Yet, from a young age, it has been you who has looked after us," Mitchelle voiced, a complex smile gracing her lips, a blend of appreciation and guilt evident in her expression, her emotions laid bare despite her composed facade.

She was deeply grateful for Anthony's considerate gesture and diligent efforts, but simultaneously burdened by guilt. As a mother, she felt she should be the one providing such support, yet it was her son, a mere twenty-year-old, undertaking this role.

In response to Mitchelle's heartfelt words, Michael and Collins could only offer weary sighs and headshakes, while Irene remained wordless, finding no additional sentiments to express.