MIGHT AS WELL BE OP-Chapter 421: Severed Crown Of Echoes

After all, he was their captain.

"We are here for the same thing the demons seek"

Anthony said, his voice steady and his expression unreadable.

His hand rested casually at his side.

The being's eyes glimmered, and his voice murmured, reverberating softly through the vast hall.

"You are also here for the Severed Crown of Echoes"

Anthony didn't bother to inquire about the Severed Crown of Echoes.

The answer could easily be accessed through his system later, whenever he chose to delve into it.

Besides, it didn't really matter what it was.

The simple fact that the demons were after it meant it was either dangerous or immensely powerful.

"No need to be so tense"

The man said, his gaze scanning the taut group before him.

"Fighting isn't permitted on this floor, unless I allow it"

Despite his words, the tension in the group did not dissipate.

Their muscles remained coiled, ready for action, like a group of predators lying in wait.

Seeing that his words had no effect, the man's smile only deepened, and he continued, unperturbed.

"Suit yourselves, then"

The smile lingered on his lips as he spoke again.

"Do you have any questions? You seem to have quite a few"

At this, Anthony turned to the group, his eyes silently asking if anyone had something to say.

They all shook their heads in response, offering no questions.

Anthony turned to face the man, his tone steady as he asked.

"What questions did the demons ask, and what answers did you give them?"

The question hung in the air for a few moments, but the man simply shook his head, his smile evident.

"I can't tell you that. You'll have to ask your own questions, child"

Anthony's eyes narrowed slightly.

He understood the importance of gathering as much information as possible, especially when it came to the demons.

"Who are you? And where did you come from?"

Anthony's voice cut through the air, steady and unwavering.

The man's smile lingered as he responded nonchalantly.

"I go by many names. Some call me The Eternal, The One, The Keeper, The Executioner. As for where I'm from, I hail from a distant higher galaxy. This realm is but a fragment of one of my planets"

The words spilled from him effortlessly, yet offered little real information.

Anthony's mind raced as he processed the response.

'Such overpowered names. It's like the author has a tendency to introduce these godlike figures as easily as they throw in cabbages'

But then his thoughts shifted to the latter part of the man's words.

'A higher galaxy? Are galaxies divided into levels? What are the classifications?'

The questions churned in Anthony's mind, each more pressing than the last.

Just as Anthony opened his mouth to speak again, the being interrupted.

"I know what you're about to ask"

He said, his tone calm and knowing.

"You're too weak to comprehend the answers. There's nothing you can do with that information for now. But rest assured, when you grow strong enough, the answers will come to you naturally. You won't have to seek them"

Anthony's words caught in his throat.

He had wanted to press further, to learn more about this distant higher galaxy and the beings who hailed from it, but he knew the time was not yet right.

"How did you come to this galaxy? To this planet?"

Anthony asked, his curiosity piqued once more.

The being responded with unhurried patience.

"The realm moves of its own accord. I do not control where or when it appears. It may linger for a week in one galaxy, then vanish. Or it might stay for a year on a planet before it disappears. Its mechanisms are beyond my command"

Just as Anthony prepared to ask another question, the man casually waved his hand.

"That will be the final question"

He said, his tone shifting as if weary of the exchange.

"Nothing you ask will serve you. Besides, once you depart with the Severed Crown of Echoes, the realm will collapse and vanish"

The words hung in the air, signaling the end of the discussion.

"Now, obtaining the Severed Crown of Echoes is simple"

The man began, his voice calm yet commanding.

"All you must do is answer three riddles and explain how you arrived at your answers. I'm sure after the trials from the first floor to here, a challenge of the mind will be a welcome change"

Anthony's eyes narrowed, his thoughts focused.

'Riddles? Well, at least it's better than having to fight him'

Anthony thought, his mind racing.

He knew that if they fought this man, it would end in death.

There was no doubt about that.

Despite the man's calm demeanor, every instinct in Anthony screamed that this was far from a straightforward challenge.

"What happens if we fail a riddle or can't answer it?"

Anthony asked cautiously, his gaze steady on the man.

"Simple"

The being replied with a smile.

"Nothing. You are simply ejected from the realm. No harm done"

The demon's voice cut in from the side.

"Your lowly kind aren't exactly known for your intellect. I suppose you'll be ejected soon enough"

Anthony didn't even glance at the demon or acknowledge the taunt.

There was no need.

Demons were a cunning race, but cunning did not necessarily equate to intelligence.

'Even if the demons fail and are ejected, they will only wait for us outside the realm'

Anthony thought.

He wasn't concerned.

The demons would never leave empty-handed.

As soon as they stepped out of the realm, they would be met with an attack, he was certain of it.

But Anthony wasn't bothered by that.

"Let's answer this question and leave"

Anthony concluded with a confident smile.

With the Authority of Information and his system, he knew he could easily cheat his way through any riddle.

But deep down, he doubted he would even need to rely on them.

After all, his Divine Intelligence wasn't for show.