Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1309 Max's Question

Victor signaled his understanding with a nod first. He recognized that their presence would be more of a hindrance than a help at this point. Seraphina, Daniel, Arthur, and the rest of the squad leaders followed his lead, maintaining calm expressions despite the anxiety gnawing at them. Even the four sovereigns of the Four God Nation consented without a second thought. They realized this was no longer a trial for the masses, but a clash that demanded only the most powerful and steadfast individuals.

No one protested. Not a single person insisted on staying by his side. They were well aware that advancing further would only jeopardize their lives and potentially interfere with Max's movements during a vital moment.

Observing their consensus, Max acted immediately. He triggered the Life Space Rings one by one, safely tucking them away. The great hall grew empty until only Max and Lucien stood before the massive, sealed entrance.

"I detect six distinct life signatures past this door," Lucien remarked gravely, his senses piercing through the ancient seal as he turned to Max.

Max nodded, his face reflecting deep thought rather than shock. "That is precisely why I withdrew everyone into the Life Space Rings. Dealing with six life forms introduces too many unpredictable factors. If we assume four of them are the Four Divine Beasts, who are the other two? More importantly, we cannot assume the Four Divine Beasts are benevolent. History proves that power and righteousness are not always synonymous."

A brief silence hung in the air before Max shifted his gaze toward Lucien, his eyes filled with a lingering curiosity. "Before we enter, there is a question I have wanted to ask for a long time."

Lucien met his eyes and offered a faint smile. "What would that be?"

"Why are you immune to the curse of the Tower of Truth?" Max inquired bluntly. Upon their first meeting, Max suspected Lucien might hold an authority similar to his own. He later dismissed that theory; Lucien possessed no dominion over the tower, as Max would have sensed it immediately as its true master.

Lucien let out a soft chuckle. "I struck a bargain with the tower. I pledged to stay within the Elf Kingdom to protect it and uphold the general peace of the Lost Continent. In exchange, the tower granted me an exemption from its curse."

Max’s eyes narrowed, intrigued by the revelation. "That is quite a strange trade. What do you actually gain from such an arrangement?"

Lucien’s smile grew nostalgic. "After I had traveled across all of Acaris, the Lost Continent was the final frontier I had yet to explore. At the time, I simply wished to witness it and understand the nature of this land. The deal provided me the freedom to do so. It was truly that simple."

He paused for a second before adding, "There was a second condition. Part of our pact involved guarding the soul imprisoned within the tower. That burden also became mine to carry."

Max nodded slowly as the pieces fell into place. The Tower of Truth was more than a mere building; it was an entity with its own consciousness and ancient memories.

Lucien then focused on Max, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. "I have a question for you as well, and I require a candid response."

"Go ahead," Max replied casually, though his body tensed slightly.

"How is the artificial soul within you faring?" Lucien asked. "Are you suffering from any side effects?"

Max didn't respond right away. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before answering. "The artificial soul has stabilized. It is the only reason I am alive, and I am grateful for that. However, there are consequences. My emotions are magnified beyond normal bounds. Anger becomes an all-consuming fire. Sadness plunges me deeper than it should. Every feeling I have is intensified a thousandfold."

He went on calmly, "It was overwhelming at first. Over time, I learned to suppress the surge by maintaining absolute composure and iron self-control. I focus on remaining detached at all times. I expect this is a burden I must carry for the rest of my days."

Lucien shook his head slowly. "Not forever. Your sister mentioned that once you transcend the Divine Rank, your entire physical form and soul will undergo a total reconstruction. At that stage, you will be made whole again."

Max exhaled a soft sigh, a flicker of exhaustion appearing in his eyes. "I truly hope she is right."

With those final words, both men turned back to the sealed gate, where the six life forces waited in the shadows.

Clearing his mind, Max steadied his breath and hardened his heart. "Let us proceed," he whispered.

He stepped forward, pressing his palm against the ancient stone. The instant his skin made contact, a frigid, suffocating sensation rushed into his body, as if an entity on the other side was testing his resolve. Max did not flinch. He put his weight into his arm and shoved.

The door groaned before eventually yielding. A heavy, resonant vibration thundered through the hall as the massive structure swung open, its movement sluggish as if it had been dormant for eons. As the passage opened, a tide of dark, choking energy spilled out, washing over Max and Lucien like a heavy, invisible wave.

Past the entrance lay a colossal inner sanctum drowned in a scarlet mist. The very atmosphere felt corrupted, saturated with a wicked presence that bit at their senses.

Dim pulses of light flickered in the gloom, illuminating twisted shapes and ancient arrays carved into the stone walls. The floor was jagged and cracked, interlaced with veins of crimson Qi that throbbed like the pulse of a living creature.

Lucien’s eyes sharpened as he moved in beside Max. The six presences he had detected were now vivid, each emitting a crushing pressure. Some felt regal and ancient, while others radiated a freezing malice that made one's skin crawl.

Max marched forward without a hint of doubt, his eyes sharp as he fully entered the chamber. The doors behind them began to shut automatically, locking them inside the core of the defiled temple. As the final sound of grinding stone ceased, the room was swallowed by a haunting silence.

Whatever was waiting for them was no longer a mystery. The battle they had prepared for had finally arrived.