Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1388 Max's Conditions!

Right when Matthew was ready to express his support for Clan Head Raven's suggestion, Max interjected in a steady, leisurely manner, his voice slicing through the hall's thick tension with remarkable sharpness. "I have another condition," he stated, as if he were just tacking on a minor point to something already decided.

His words had barely landed when all eyes in the room snapped toward him, faces showing everything from shock to annoyance, as the entire conversation pivoted to the composed young man who stood there utterly at ease.

"What more do you desire, boy?" Clan Head Jeremy demanded, his brow furrowed deeply, his tolerance evidently fraying while he glared at Max with open annoyance.

"You're demanding way too much as just a plain mortal," Clan Head Raven remarked icily, her gaze brimming with contempt as she gazed down at him. In her view, a mortal presuming to dictate terms to the mighty clans of the Divine Realm was nothing short of outrageous.

Max merely lifted his shoulders in a shrug, keeping his face serene amid their antagonism. "What can I say?" he responded offhandedly. "I got dragged into this fight to begin with."

Matthew shifted his attention to Max, his voice holding firm and even amid the mounting strain. "What's your condition, Max?" he inquired.

Based on what he'd seen, Matthew knew Max was no fool, and the request he was about to make would surely corner the Dark Phoenix Clan and the Heavenly Kirin Clan in a tough spot.

A subtle smile crossed Max's lips as he began to speak, choosing his words with care and intent. "First off, I require a treasure to push me into the Rebirth Realm, plus another one to aid my cultivation there, letting me progress several times until I hit the top of that realm."

After a short break, he went on in a seemingly casual way. "Secondly, I want the core inheritance techniques from both your clans. Now that I've voiced it, I guess it's just two conditions after all. My error."

The air grew oppressively dense right away. Clan Head Raven's features contorted in rage, and she bellowed as soon as Max wrapped up. "How dare a mortal crave the inheritance techniques of our clans?" she thundered. "You're only a mortal who lucked into a shot at the Divine Realm, so act accordingly. Don't imagine that joining the Black Dragon Clan as a disciple elevates you to greatness."

"She's correct," Clan Head Jeremy declared somberly, his tone laced with bite as he eyed Max. "Your first condition might have had a slim chance of approval, but the second is absolutely impossible. For a mortal, you overestimate your worth too highly. We won't entertain that request."

Max arched a brow, his look turning to one of incredulity as he regarded the two leaders. "Are you for real?" he questioned evenly. "Your clans issued the challenge, saying if I fail, I seal the sword away permanently, but now you're refusing to honor even my terms in exchange."

His tone chilled further as he pressed on, eyes locked steadily. "Do you see me as a fool or something? You ought to realize by now that everything in this world demands a cost, and this is no exception. If you expect me to take on your challenge, meet my conditions. If not, drop it completely. I'd sooner leave than gamble my sword for zero gain."

Max had always followed the rule of fair trade. If anyone aimed to end his life, he'd strike back without a second thought. When foes wagered in combat, he'd match them, unwilling to be the sole loser with nothing to show, regardless of the odds.

"I stand with Max," Matthew stated, his smile blending kindness with subtle force. "In this challenge, you're pushing him to surrender a sword that could make him a genuine prodigy in the Divine Realm, yet you're balking at his conditions in return. As Max pointed out, nothing comes without cost here, so I suggest you two weigh this thoroughly before deciding on something you'll regret."

Upon catching Max's declaration and Matthew's firm backing, Clan Head Jeremy and Clan Head Raven both went quiet, their eyes locking briefly before drifting off. It was clear to those around that they were now whispering via voice transmission, sharing ideas too delicate for open discussion.

For these two clans, letting the Dragonheart Sword end up with a Black Dragon Clan disciple was a major threat. Currently, the three powers held a delicate equilibrium, each at similar might, fostering a wary peace.

Yet, should Max retain the Sword Sovereign's weapon and stay in the Black Dragon Clan for a mere millennium, they dreaded the equilibrium shattering. Soon enough, the Black Dragon Clan would surge ahead, claiming supremacy among the Dark Trinity Clans.

Once that happened, it wouldn't be long before the Black Dragon Clan overpowered their own clans, absorbing them into one dominant entity. That combined might could rival the Divine Four Clans and perhaps climb to the pinnacle of the entire Verdant Sky Realm.

Exactly due to this dire prospect, they were set on sealing the sword away for good, whatever the expense.

And with Max now refusing the challenge over his demands, they faced a truly dire bind.