MIGHT AS WELL BE OP-Chapter 322: Just another reality

Anthony wanted to refuse.

However, as he met Baldor’s unwavering gaze, he realized that the dwarf would not relent.

From the novels he had read about dwarves, he knew they were a race wholly devoted to smithing and craftsmanship, their very existence revolving around the forge.

He recalled a particular story in which an entire dwarf kingdom had declared war on a dragon empire, solely for the chance to examine a legendary weapon.

Though dwarves were generally a calm and peaceful people, the moment they set their sights on a metal that captivated them, they became utterly relentless, bordering on obsession.

Anthony sighed, knowing that the Dwarf King would not relent until he gave in.

With another resigned breath, the ring in his finger morphed into a sleek, unassuming stick.

Before he could even extend it toward Baldor, the dwarf snatched it away with a fervor that made it clear he could no longer restrain himself.

Baldor stood motionless, gripping the weapon as he mumbled in a strange, ancient tongue.

His face shifted through a spectrum of emotions, fascination, reverence, and sheer disbelief, as he meticulously examined the stick, his fingers tracing its surface with an almost sacred reverence.

Anthony remained silent, simply observing.

After all, the weapon was bound to him.

With nothing more than a thought, or the slightest exertion of his will, it would return to his grasp in an instant.

As minutes stretched into hours, Baldor finally tore his gaze away from the artifact and turned his attention back to Anthony.

"Where did you get this artifact?"

He demanded, his tone leaving no room for pleasantries.

There was no hesitation, no attempt to soften his words, only raw, unfiltered curiosity.

Yet Anthony remained silent.

Why should he answer?

From the sidelines, Mitchelle observed in quiet amusement, while Michael and the rest of the delegation remained oblivious to the ongoing exchange.

Despite hours of meticulous inspection, Baldor had uncovered little about the artifact.

It defied his expertise, eluding even his most advanced techniques.

Impossible.

He couldn’t decipher even half, no, not even a quarter, of its mysteries.

Seeing that Anthony had no intention of answering, Baldor chose not to press further.

That was Anthony’s secret.

Besides, even if he were told where such an artifact had been found, it wasn’t as if another would simply be lying in wait for him to claim.

Instead, he shifted his approach.

"How much for it?"

His voice carried neither hesitation nor expectation, just a simple proposition.

"Not for sale"

Anthony responded, his tone steady, resolute.

Baldor studied him in silence.

He didn’t bother listing riches or treasures, Anthony’s family already possessed wealth beyond measure.

Cultivation resources?

Useless.

Anthony had just secured an abundance of those mere hours ago.

Baldor’s gaze shifted from Anthony to Mitchelle.

"I propose an alliance with the human race lasting five hundred years"

He declared, his voice unwavering.

"During this time, all weapons, commodities, and goods will be sold to you at just ten percent of their original price. Furthermore, in times of crisis, we will aid you in pushing back other races. There are additional details to negotiate, but in exchange… you need only trade me the artifact"

He spoke without so much as a blink.

At his words, the atmosphere grew heavy.

Those who had previously paid no mind to the conversation now turned, their expressions shifting to shock and disbelief.

The terms were staggering.

Even if the dwarves had only offered to sell their goods at ten percent of their original price, they would suffer immense losses within a single year.

Yet, the Dwarf King had taken it even further, five hundred years.

The sheer magnitude of the offer sent gears turning in the minds of those present.

Their gazes shifted toward the unassuming stick in Baldor’s hands, the source of it all.

To the untrained eye, it appeared utterly ordinary.

But none dared to doubt the Dwarf King’s judgment.

If he was willing to offer such extravagant terms, then the artifact had to be something beyond comprehension.

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Even so, Mitchelle simply shook her head.

Tempting as the offer was, she would not have her son surrender his artifact, no matter how grand the alliance.

From the side, Michael’s voice broke the silence.

"Errhmmm. Monster baby, why don’t you just give it to the Dwarf King?"

Anthony offered no response.

He remained silent.

"A thousand years"

Baldor’s voice rang out once more, unwavering as he doubled the duration while keeping the terms unchanged.

This time, even Collins spoke.

"If you can part with it, just give him the artifact"

Anthony’s eyes met his grandfather’s.

There was no pressure, no coercion, only a suggestion.

His gaze then shifted to Baldor.

"If Father and Grandfather say so, then sure"

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He said with a smile.

The moment those words left his lips, Baldor vanished.

There was no hesitation, no further discussion, he had already thrown himself into his research, eager beyond measure.

No mana contract had been signed, no formal agreement sealed, yet none doubted the Dwarf King’s integrity.

After all, the Null family possessed more than enough power to ensure he kept his word.

At first glance, it might seem as though the dwarves were shouldering immense losses, but in truth, their potential gains far outweighed any sacrifices.

For a race devoted to smithing and craftsmanship, even the smallest breakthrough could propel their entire civilization forward.

After all, this so called artifact was a weapon personally crafted by ???.

Anthony simply shook his head as he watched Baldor disappear into the distance, already consumed by his research.

That weapon?

It was nothing more than something he had purchased from the system during his battle with Dreg.

If he ever needed another, he could acquire one at any time.

Anthony had never been one for selfless heroism. If he truly cared about saving humanity, he would have handed over the artifact the moment Baldor made his offer.

In fact, with his knowledge, he could have easily invented countless things to propel the human race forward.

But Anthony wasn’t interested in thankless tasks.

Sure, he could purchase the weapon from the system at any time, but that didn’t mean he would hand it over just because someone asked.

The only reason he had agreed was because Michael and Collins had spoken.

Still, this could be considered a significant contribution to humanity.

With that thought, Anthony turned on his heel and headed toward his room.

It had been a while since he last visited Dreamland, to save the Dragon Princess from the Demon Lord.

If he couldn’t get the girl in reality, he would win over the girl of his dreams in his dreams.

After all, a dream was just another reality.