Edward stood on the Moon's surface, his golden aura fading as Dr. Manhattan's quantum signature stabilized and dispersed harmlessly into the cosmic backgroun . The device was silent now.
Jonthan apparently took his advice and created multiple avatars to explore the multiverse.he later found out he had 2 other counterparts in the vast multiverse, which surprised Edward as he knew there was only one of him. One was good , but the other was completely opposite.
Edward hoped that the one he released was the good one. He wanted to make sure before he did that.
But now, the real threat had just arrived.
The Anti-Monitor towered over him, easily fifty feet tall, his armor pulsing with antimatter energy that made the vacuum itself shudder. Those empty eye sockets burned with cold malevolence, studying Edward like an insect under glass.
"So," Edward said, keeping his tone light despite the situation. "You're the guy behind all this? Gotta say, using the Crime Syndicate as pawns? Pretty weak move for someone of your supposed power level."
The Anti-Monitor's voice rumbled through dimensions. "The Syndicate were tools. Disposable. Their purpose was to draw you out, anomaly. And here you are."
"Anomaly," Edward repeated, tilting his head. "That's the second time you've called me that. You gonna introduce yourself formally, or should I just call you 'Big Ugly'?"
"I am the Anti-Monitor. Firstborn of Perpetua. Destroyer of infinite universes. I have ended more realities than your primitive mind can comprehend."
"Right, right. Big scary resume. Very impressive," Edward replied, waving dismissively. "But you still haven't answered my question. Why go through all this trouble? If you wanted to meet me, you could've just knocked on my door. I'm listed."
The Anti-Monitor's eyes flared brighter. "You jest in the face of oblivion. Curious. But to answer your question, it was just a gamble. I wanted to use that explosion to tear a hole through reality and space, then weaken the source wall that binds Mother.
Tell me, anomaly—do you know what you are truly?"
"A guy who's had a really long day?" Edward offered. "Look, if this is going to turn into some villain monologue about destiny and cosmic balance, can we skip to the part where you tell me what you actually want?"
"What I want," the Anti-Monitor said, his tone shifting to something almost contemplative, "is to understand how you exist. You are not native to this multiverse. Your quantum signature is... wrong. Foreign. You should not exist here, unless HE brought you here."
Edward's expression didn't change, but internally his mind raced. The Anti-Monitor could sense his true nature—that he wasn't originally from this reality.
"And yet here I am," Edward said. "Existing. Possible. Standing on the moon, having a chat with a giant metal horror from beyond space-time. Funny how life works."
"My mother sensed your presence millennia ago," the Anti-Monitor continued. "An anomaly in the Source Wall's design. A piece that doesn't belong. She tasked me with observing you, learning your nature before we act."
"Observing," Edward said flatly. "So you've been stalking me? I don't ind if a cute goth chick does it, but not you! For how long has this been going on?"
"Long enough to know you are dangerous. Long enough to know you must be eliminated before Mother returns."
Edward's jaw tightened. "Perpetua. So she's still sealed but planning her comeback. And I'm apparently on her hit list. So much for laying low."
"You are an obstacle to her design," the Anti-Monitor confirmed. "The Presence placed you here as a defense mechanism. A living weapon against her will. But you are incomplete. Untested. Weak."
"Weak?" Edward raised an eyebrow. "I just stabilized a quantum god and prevented your little doomsday device from working. That's pretty good for a Tuesday."
"You used a fraction of your power. You fear revealing your true nature. Fear what you would become if you embraced it fully." The Anti-Monitor leaned forward slightly, his presence crushing. "That fear will destroy you."
Edward met his gaze steadily. "Or maybe I just don't go around flexing on everyone I meet. Some of us have self-control."
"Self-control?" The Anti-Monitor's laugh was like stars dying. "No. You are afraid. Afraid of becoming what you were meant to be. The Presence bound you to this reality, gave you purpose, but also gave you limitations. Attachments. Weaknesses."
"You mean my family," Edward said, his voice dropping to something colder. "My daughters. My wives. That's what you're calling weaknesses."
"They are chains," the Anti-Monitor stated. "They bind you to mortal concerns. They make you hesitate. They ensure you will never achieve your full potential. And when my mother breaks free, those chains will be your undoing."
Edward was silent for a moment. Then he smiled—not his usual cocky grin, but something sharper, more dangerous.
"You know what's funny?" Edward said quietly. "You've been watching me for thousands of years. You've seen what I can do. And you're still here talking instead of fighting. Which tells me something important."
"And what is that, anomaly?"
"You're scared," Edward said simply. "You came here to test me, to see if I'm a real threat. Because despite all your power, despite your mother's plans, you don't actually know if you can beat me. Otherwise you would've just attacked."
The Anti-Monitor's eyes blazed hotter. "I fear nothing."
"Then why are we still talking?" Edward challenged. "Why not just end me right now? Save yourself the trouble?"
The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken threats.
"Because," the Anti-Monitor finally said, "Mother wanted to offer you a choice."
That surprised Edward. "A choice?"
"Join us," the Anti-Monitor said. "When my mother returns, she will reshape this multiverse. Everything will be remade according to her vision. You could have a place in that new order. Power without limitation. Freedom from the Presence's chains. All you must do is kneel when the time comes."
Edward stared at him for a long moment. Then he laughed—genuinely laughed, the sound echoing across the lunar wasteland.
"Oh man," Edward said, wiping his eyes. "You actually thought that would work? You really don't know humans at all, do you?"
"You refuse."
"Of course I fucking refuse," Edward replied. "You're offering me nothing. I already have power. I already have freedom. And I definitely already have purpose. What I don't have is any interest in watching your mommy issues destroy everything I've spent millennia protecting."
The Anti-Monitor's form seemed to expand, antimatter energy crackling around him. "Then you have chosen annihilation."
"No," Edward said, his own aura beginning to flare—gold and silver light pushing back against the antimatter. "I've chosen to do what I was put here to do. Which is stopping assholes like you from breaking my world."
"Your world?" The Anti-Monitor's voice dripped with contempt. "You are not even from this reality. These people are not your kind. Why die for them?"
Edward's smile turned genuine. "Because they're mine. Not in the sense of owning them—in the sense that I chose them. I chose to stay. I chose to protect them. And I'll choose to beat you into paste if you don't back off."
"Bold words for one so fragile."
"Want to test that theory?" Edward asked, cracking his knuckles. "Because I've got time. And after the day I've had, punching a cosmic horror sounds therapeutic."
****
The Anti-Monitor raised one massive hand, antimatter particles coalescing into a sphere of pure annihilation. "Very well, anomaly. Show me what the Presence sees in you."
He released the blast.
Edward's blue eyes flashed a strange pattern appeared on his eyes like a wheel as the red veins popped up. He wanted to start off slowly, analyzing the weaknesses and containing the damage.
The antimatter sphere struck him dead-on. Reality screamed. The lunar surface around him vaporized instantly. Anti-Monitor looked with a strange curiosity. "Fascinating specimen. I can see why he is regarded as a multiversal being. But this can't be all he has."
When the light and explosion cleared, Edward stood unharmed, his hand raised slightly. The antimatter particles swirled around his palm.
"Interesting," Edward said, his voice carrying genuine interest. "So this is Antimatter manipulation. It's rather crude, but effective."
He threw the sphere back at him.
The Anti-Monitor caught it effortlessly , absorbing it with a smirk. "You can copy my power. Amusing. But can you match it? How long can your human body last?"
Edward grinned. " Long enough to kick your ass."
They both moved at the same time.
The Moon exploded beneath them as they collided. Two sets of Fists met with the force of collapsing stars. Each blow sent shockwaves rippling through space itself. The area glitched like like poorly made game.
Edward matched him strike for strike. He analyzed and replicated the Anti-Monitor's techniques in real-time. Although it took strength and endurance, but for now, he could maintain it.
Size alteration? Edward grew to match his opponent's scale. Energy absorption? Edward drew in cosmic radiation to fuel himself. Reality warping? Edward bent space around them to contain the damage from reach the Earth.
They crashed through satellites. Tore through floating asteroids. Their battle painted the void in flashes of gold and sickly green light.
Meanwhile, people of Earth-1 were freaking out. They didn't know who the 2 beings were, but one was human. Superman flew up and used his vision and reported to Justice League. They decided to go themselves and stop them from destroying their planet.
But Batman disagreed, saying they should protect the people of Earth by staying here, rather then venture into space to meddle in cosmic level battles. Green Lantern still chose to go and check, as he had a duty. But minutes later, he was knocked out by a shockwave from the battle that was thousands of mipes away, and plummeted to Earth.
Meanwhile, Edward punched the Anti-Monitor with the force of a neutron star, sending him crashing through Mars. (RIP)
The planet exploded into countless fragments, which were erased before they could become asteroids. Anti-Monitor vanished and teleported behind Edward, smashing him through Saturn.
An even bigger explosion took place as the planet got atmozied in half. Edward coughed up some blood and stood up . He wiped blood from his lips and smirked. His plan was working.
He was slowly dragging the Anti-Monitor away from the solar system before he could batshit crazy on him. He knew the stakes very well. He had to beat this guy without revealing his trump cards.
But the Anti-Monitor was ancient. Experienced.
And Edward was holding back as he couldn't risk unleashing his full power this close to inhabited worlds.
"You fight well, but I can see what you are trying to do." the Anti-Monitor admitted, his fist striking Edward's jaw, sending him back towards Earth.
"You restrain yourself. Afraid of collateral damage. Afraid of what your power might do to the fragile mortals you claim to protect. How childish."
Edward spat blood that froze instantly in the void. "Well, Someone has to give a damn about them."
"And that," the Anti-Monitor said, driving his knee towards Edward's gut, which he blocked easily. "is why you will always lose, hero."
The blow launched Edward backward. He tried to recover, but the Anti-Monitor was already there, both hands clasped together like a hammer. His hand lit up ominously in purple anti-matter glow.
Anti-Monitor grinned. "Either you take this strike, or your little planet does. Let's see how you choose."
Edward gritted his teeth and cast a few defensive spells in an instant, then further augmented his body as the strike connected.
BooM!
Edward was hurled like a human sized shooting star, plummeting towards Earth. But even as he fell, he cast a few spells to slow the impact. He didn't want to win if it meant Earth would be sacrificed.
He hit Earth-1's atmosphere like a meteor. Friction burned away his outer energy. The impact crater in Metropolis was still more than three blocks wide.
Citizens screamed, fleeing in panic. Dust and debris choked the air. Sirens blared, , buildings started crumbling.
Edward climbed out of the crater. His battle armor made by his son was cracked, blood running from his mouth. His form flickered, struggling to maintain cohesion
'This is out of hand. I need to get this guy out of here. Just one clash can vaporize the damn planet! Looks like I have to change tactics and reveal some of my cards.'
A voice rang in his head.
Karna: [This is bad Edward. You need to use our strength to defeat heam. I am willing to help.]
Edward spoke in his mind. 'How? Vasavi Shakti can't be used indefinitely, and regular attack don't work on him.'
Gilgamesh scoffed. [I hate to say it, but that mongrel is strong. Only EA can match his attacks, but that's not a solution.]
Edward shook his head . 'Wow, very helpful man. '
Gilgamesh sowled. [ You have become more disrespectful.]
Another voice answered, filled with youthful energy. Foreigner: [ Yo! Does that mean I get to go out and fight? I've been itching for some action.]
Edward refused. 'Definitely not you. You are my ultimate weapon for the final boss. If I reveal you now, it would be foolish.]
The sky darkened as the Anti-Monitor descended, each step down creating visible pressure waves. "Spacing out in the middle of the fight? This is disappointing. Where are your other forms? You have other avatars to use , right?"
Edward sighed. &Yeah, regular stuff won't cut it. Maybe Alucard... But not sure his concept to bestow mortality would work on this guy.'
Alucard chuckled. [Let me try then]
Before Edward could respond, Anti-Monitor lost his patience. " You dare ignore me! Let me clear the distractions first then." His hand glowed as anti matter energy was affecting reality.
"Get back everyone!" Edward shouted to the gathering crowd. "Someone evacuate these people! I can't protect everyone if we fight."
This world's Justice League arrived—their Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash. Heroes Edward had never met, but who saw someone defending their planet.
"Who is that guy?" their Flash asked.
"He looks human, so probably the good guy?" Diana remarked.
"Does it matter?" their Superman replied, already flying forward. "He needs help!"
"No!" Edward barked. "Secure the civilians! Don't interfere! You can't take him Clark."
But this world's Superman didn't listen. He charged at the Anti-Monitor, fist drawn back.
The backhand was casual. Almost lazy. Superman crumpled mid-flight, his body smashing through a building. Unconscious before he even stopped moving.
"Kal!" their Wonder Woman screamed.
Batman was already trying to clear out the area. He didn't have any information to develop contingencies.
Anti-Monitor didn't wait and struck. Edward gritted his teeth. He raised his hands, golden light flaring as he channeled Solomon's wisdom.
Complex magical formulas wrote themselves in the air, layering into a barrier strong enough to hold back even nuclear missiles.
"Seal of the Seven Rings—"
The Anti-Monitor's fist punched through the barrier in a couple strikes. The magical barrier shattered. Feedback slammed into Edward, driving him to his knees. But it gave enough time for the others to clear out the area. People didn't know who he was, but they realized he is the one standing between them and annihilation.
"Pathetic," the Anti-Monitor said. "You hold back to protect them. You limit yourself to preserve their fragile world. This is why you cannot win, anomaly. Your compassion is your weakness. I thought this would be much more interesting. What a letdown."
Edward struggled to stand. Blood dripped from his nose. He was holding back, couldn't atomize the planet, couldn't reveal his true power yet. Had to keep his trump cards hidden.
But he was running out of options.
The Anti-Monitor's eyes blazed. "Perhaps I should remove these distractions. Kill every soul on this wretched planet. Then we shall see if you prove a stronger challenge without your precious mortals to protect."
Antimatter gathered around him, building into a massive sphere. This wasn't a regular blast—this was extinction-level. The energy signature alone made reality crack.
"This attack will erase your solar system," the Anti-Monitor announced calmly. "And everything beyond it. Watch as your compassion kills them all."
He released it like Frieza nuking the saiyans.
Edward's eyes widened. No time to think. No time to plan. He grabbed the attack with both hands while using divine Reflection, then casting space magic to channel the destruction away. His body screamed in protest as antimatter burned through his defenses.
With the last of his strength, he ripped open a portal and hurled the blast twards
Apokolips.
His go-to dumping ground for overpowered attacks. Darkseid could handle it. Probably. His problem to deal with now.
Edward collapsed to one knee, gasping. His regular body was failing, cracks of light spreading across his body. He'd pushed it too far. If he allowed this to continue, his identity as an Endless would be revealed.
The Anti-Monitor laughed. "Running out of tricks, anomaly?"
Then, through the smoke and debris, a small voice rang out.
"Don't hurt him, you ugly guy!"
Edward's head snapped up.
A boy. Maybe eight years old. Wearing a Superman t-shirt. He stood at the edge of the crater, small fists clenched, trembling but defiant.
"What the hell are you doing kid! Run!" Edward shouted, his voice tense.
But the boy didn't move. He stood his ground facing Anti-Monitor, his eyes blazing with a child's absolute certainty of right and wrong.
"Go away!" the boy yelled, his voice cracking. "He's our hero!"
The Anti-Monitor looked down at the child. Something like amusement flickered in those empty eye sockets.
"How touching," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Then die with your hero."
Another antimatter beam formed in his hand. Aimed directly at the boy.
Edward sighed. No more options. 'Saber, I believe it's time' he muttered softly.
A magnetic voice filled with authority spoke calmly. Saber: [I was wondering when you would decide to call upon me. I am the best suited to face him after all.]
There was a cacophony of voices full of interest and excitement. Alucard's laughter was the loudest. [Let's see what Mr. I'm better than you has to offer.]
Edward and Saber ignored him.
The blast fired.
Time seemed to stop.
Edward muttered gently. [Equip: Saber]
The crowd screamed. This world's Justice League dove forward, knowing they'd never make it in time. Wonder Woman reached out, too far away. Flash ran, but even he couldn't cross the distance.
The boy squeezed his eyes shut. But he didn't run. Didn't even try to dodge. He just stood there, fists still clenched, refusing to back down even at the end.
The annihilation wave descended.
Everyone closed their eyes. This was it. The end of everything.
But the blast that should have destroyed the solar system never came.
The child hesitated, then opened his eyes. Edward was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, a brilliant golden light had appeared to stand between him and oblivion.
Not just light, something more. Something that made the air itself feel heavy with presence.
The antimatter touched the light and simply stopped existing. Dissolved like mist before the sun.
Anti-Monitor smirked. " Finally, something interesting."
The light began to grow. Slowly. Steadily. Expanding outward until it bathed the entire battlefield in a warm, golden radiance. A large silhouette was barely visible within it.
From within that light, a voice spoke. Deep. Magnetic. Carrying the weight of ten thousand years and the hope of countless billions.
"No world shall be beyond my rule; no enemy shall be beyond my wrath."
The words resonated through reality itself. Buildings stopped crumbling. Flames froze mid-flicker. Even the Anti-Monitor paused, his eyes fixed on the growing radiance.
The boy stared up at the light, wonder replacing his fear. The crowd fell silent. Even this world's Justice League stopped, transfixed.
The voice spoke again, gentler now but no less absolute. It echoed across the broken battlefield and into the hearts of every soul who heard it.
A massive hand clad in golden armor reached down from the light, and placed itself gently on the boy's head.
The child looked up, tears still on his face, but smiling now.
"Stand proudly, child of Earth. The Emperor protects you."
*****
Leave your reactions here !