Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1358 Grim Gladiator
Previously on Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100...
Upon catching Jaden's skepticism, Lucia just gave her a serene smile filled with unspoken assurance, her face serene like the result was already set in her thoughts.
"I get your worries," she replied softly, "yet I realize Max hasn't tapped into his full power at all. The displays he's put out until now are merely the outer layer, since his genuine might is the kind that would stun even you should he decide to unleash it. He knows precisely what's right for him, and that's precisely why he's battled with alternative approaches rather than laying bare his fundamental power."
Her eyes stayed locked on Max while she went on, her voice firm and certain. "The Grim Gladiator, at highest, holds power near the first stage of the Rebirth Realm, and against Max, handling a fighter at that stage amounts to little more than an easy chore."
Jaden released a long breath and dipped her head, since she couldn't determine if Lucia's assurance stemmed from unwavering belief or from a profound grasp of Max's actual abilities.
Ultimately, she opted to rely on Lucia's assessment, convinced that some aspect of Max escaped her complete understanding still. With that choice settled, Jaden wagered on Max's victory, mirroring Lucia, her uncertainties persisting but no longer potent enough to restrain her.
A few minutes passed before the rush of folks heading to the wagering areas eased and halted, and gradually, the onlookers made their way back to their spots, once more packing the Divine Colosseum with eager suspense.
The air thickened with tension as talks faded away, supplanted by a waiting hush that weighed thickly over everything.
"Ladies and gentlemen, grip your seats firmly, for the clash between Max and the Grim Gladiator is on the verge of starting," the announcer boomed out, his words resounding mightily as he gestured at Max positioned steadily in the arena. "In one corner, behold Max Morgan, a rising legend, a prodigy who's toppled numerous foes with just a handful of strikes. In the other, stands the Grim Gladiator, hailed as the mightiest fighter ever to grace the Divine Colosseum."
As his announcement boomed, a silhouette gradually appeared from the far side of the arena, pulling all gazes his way. The Grim Gladiator strode ahead in complete armor, a suit of gleaming golden panels that shielded him head to foot and mirrored the sun's rays dazzlingly.
His blade's edge scraped across the floor as he moved, creating a harsh clanging noise that reverberated threateningly with every stride. His mere existence bore down on the arena like an unseen burden, and soon enough, he halted right in front of Max, confronting him directly as the Divine Colosseum collectively paused, sensing a showdown like no other was set to erupt.
"For those unaware," the announcer continued, his tone carrying through the Divine Colosseum, "the Grim Gladiator hails from the mortal worlds too, much like every contender who battles here. This guideline keeps all fights balanced and just." Following a pause that seemed intentionally weighty, he lifted his arm and proclaimed, "The fight commences now."
With those words, the showdown kicked off for real, but neither Max nor the Grim Gladiator stirred. They faced off in utter immobility, their stares fixed as though the arena's time had dragged to a crawl. Max scrutinized the form ahead of him intently, subtly extending his senses to measure the Grim Gladiator's authentic power, and the reading hit him clear in a flash.
The energy cloaking the Grim Gladiator had surpassed Divine Rank limits and now exuded the clear force of a higher domain. From that vibe alone, Max recognized the Grim Gladiator outmatched everyone he'd tangled with in the Divine Colosseum up to now.
'The vibe radiating from him reminds me of Mark's power during his complete shift,' Max mused steadily as he kept evaluating his rival. 'I'm unsure exactly how that maps to the Divine Realm's cultivation levels, but one fact stands out. This Grim Gladiator can't possibly beat me.' His face stayed neutral, hiding all inner musings, even with the Grim Gladiator's heavy energy spreading out over the arena.
Throughout the Divine Colosseum, a number of strong figures reached that insight at almost the identical moment, and astonishment spread among those attuned to such details. "Holy hell, the Grim Gladiator's power has hit the third stage of the Rebirth Realm," Jaden muttered under her breath, her eyes bulging as she glanced at Lucia.
"I never imagined the Heron Family would sink to such lows," Lucia answered with a heavy scowl, her look turning grim as she eyed the arena. "Deploying a third stage Rebirth Realm fighter against a mortal goes way past their typical tactics."
"Do you believe Max can still pull it off?" Jaden inquired in a hushed tone, her forehead creased as uncertainty seeped into her words.
"We'll find out," Lucia responded with a gentle exhale. She too struggled to accept that Max could triumph over a third stage Rebirth Realm opponent, regardless of how formidable his prior showings had been.
In another section of the colosseum, Lord Arckin and his aide also furrowed their brows while watching the developing scene. "They've ramped up the challenge this round," the aide murmured lowly. "Usually, the last foe would be just a first stage Rebirth Realm fighter, yet they threw in a third stage one. That's overkill."
Lord Arckin let out a icy snort as he observed the Grim Gladiator. "They're utterly frantic. Max turning down their offer must've hit them hard. They aim for him to fall here and stay locked in the Divine Colosseum for good."
"And suppose Max does lose?" the aide questioned, worry clear in his voice.
"No cause for concern," Lord Arckin shot back assuredly. "Given the turmoil Max has stirred up, the Grims Family has commanded us to secure him no matter what. My influence here has even grown. If push comes to shove, we'll snatch Max straight from Malissa's hold."