Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1426 Meeting Lucia Again!
Previously on Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100...
Grand Elder Waller kept his stride steady while leading the surviving disciples onward, and before long, they reached yet another massive dome that towered skyward like an immense stronghold.
The building dwarfed the earlier one in size, its arched exterior glowing softly with overlapping defensive arrays that undulated like see-through ripples. Just its immense proportions caused a few disciples to instinctively stand taller, as if the dome's vastness served as a quiet warning that the challenges ahead would demand much more than the initial test.
Upon stepping inside, Max's vision quickly scanned the expansive interior. The area formed a huge round chamber, encircled by levels of raised stands around the central fighting ground. On those stands positioned elders from the Thirty Six Halls of the Black Dragon Palace, each radiating a firm and commanding presence.
Their faces stayed serene, but their stares cut like knives, scrutinizing every entering disciple as if judging their value in one swift look.
Besides the elders, a handful of youthful silhouettes lingered close to the forefront, holding themselves with an assurance that distinguished them from the others. Their garments appeared more luxurious, their demeanor steadier, and the energy enveloping them held a profundity that eluded Max's full grasp.
Regardless of how intently he examined them, their cultivation stages stayed hazy to his perception, as if shrouded by some unseen barrier.
Yet, within that group, one visage instantly drew his focus.
Lucia Grimes positioned herself gracefully off to the side, her stance refined and poised.
'They must be the prodigies from the Seven Families,' Max thought to himself quietly.
This insight didn't catch him off guard. For a test of such significance, it made perfect sense that the top talents from the prominent clans would show up to watch or maybe join in some way. Their attendance heightened the mood even more, transforming the already grave ordeal into an event that bordered on ritualistic.
In short order, the disciples under Grand Elder Waller's lead completely stepped into the dome and assembled in the middle. A subtle flicker danced overhead, and wide displays started to light up sequentially, suspending and drifting in the air.
These screens arranged themselves in a ring encircling the arena, their faces glowing with brightness as though set to project views from the upcoming trial.
Right in the dome's heart, one route stretched out ahead.
It shone with gold.
The route sparkled as if crafted from liquid metal cooled into a perfect layer. Its luster avoided overwhelming the eyes, but it projected an irresistible allure that captured everyone's attention. It ran straight onward, vanishing into a haze of warped atmosphere at the distant edge, suggesting entry to a wholly different world.
Max's stare intensified as he locked onto it.
Differing from the weighty, timeless force that poured from the dragon skull, the energy emanating from this golden route carried a distinct essence. It didn't crush with suffocating weight. Rather, it burned hot, intense, and turbulent, resembling a sleeping volcano held back just under a fragile shell of rock.
Even from afar, warmth grazed his awareness. It started mild, akin to lingering by a hearth with its fire not yet fully kindled, yet hidden underneath lay a fearsome power poised to burst forth.
'This force ties to fire,' Max judged in his thoughts while squinting.
His form, infused with dragon heritage and a profound link to fire, responded on instinct. The power coursing through his channels shifted, not driven by craving this time, but by familiarity. This wasn't the timeless rule of draconic power. This felt more refined and ruinous.
The second trial went by the name Path to Eternal Flames.
Max kept his eyes trained on the golden route in front of him as the idea took root in his mind.
'Could that be the Path to Eternal Flames?'
The golden layer almost pulsed with life, subtle waves of warmth warping the air over it. Without even treading upon it, he sensed this route would challenge beyond mere bodily stamina. It would probe mastery, endurance, and maybe even one's bond with fire.
As quietness filled the dome, with the stares of elders and prodigies turning toward the disciples who endured the first test, Max detected the atmosphere growing heavier with strain.
The real test was only starting.
"The details of the second trial will be shared by your hall elders."
Grand Elder Waller's words resounded through the enormous dome with steady command. He provided no extra details, nor did he give the disciples another look.
His role in this stage had concluded. Saying nothing more, he pivoted and headed to the raised stands where the Thirty Six Halls elders clustered, his shape slowly blending with the assembly of superiors.
The disciples stayed put for a short while before stirrings swept through the gathering. Clusters formed naturally, with each disciple moving to their hall's elder. The solid unit from the first test now broke into distinct groups, the air heavy with suspense and eagerness.
Max advanced steadily toward Lady Virelila, his footfalls even and relaxed. His face had settled back into its typical calm, though his sight stayed alert, subtly registering the responses of those nearby. Certain disciples appeared anxious, their eyes darting to the golden route in the dome's core. Others showed resolve, as if steeling themselves for the trials to come.
Right when Max got to Lady Virelila, a known figure neared with swift and assured strides.
"So, how did the first trial go? Did it give you trouble?"
Lucia's words brimmed with clear energy as she inserted herself between Max and the hall elder, her gaze sparkling with interest. Her voice lacked any pause, free of stiff formality even with elders close by. She looked utterly comfortable in this setting, as if she fit right in among the elite presences.
Max shot her a quick look before replying.
"It was fine."
His answer stayed even and precise. No bragging slipped in, nor any pretended humility. For him, the first trial had just been itself.
He then questioned, his look turning keener, "What brings you here?"
Lucia crossed her arms gently, a small grin tugging at her mouth's edge.
"I'm here to watch the second and final trial," she explained, her eyes shining with excitement. "Some records are definitely getting shattered today."
Her voice conveyed assurance over guesswork. It felt like she held knowledge hidden from the rest.
Max's eyes tightened at her statement.
"Records will be broken?" he echoed deliberately. "Which disciple among these is powerful enough to shatter records in the second and third trials?"