Previously on Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100...
Rose agreed to guide Max and Lucia to the dangerous Dragon Death Valley. As they journeyed through increasingly desolate and hazardous terrain, Rose explained the valley's history and its terrifying perils, including mutated beasts, oppressive draconic energy, lingering dragon remnants, and the core region's corrupting aura that transforms intruders into savage beasts. Despite the extreme dangers, Rose mentioned the great opportunities for those who dare to enter.
For many more hours, the trio ventured across the unforgiving terrain of Orion, with Rose taking the lead. The closer they got to their objective, the more hostile the landscape became. Jagged mountains ascended like broken swords plunged into the earth, and vast swathes of ground were stained a deep red, as if imbued with ancient, indelible blood.
Strange winds swept through the area, carrying a palpable pressure that made each breath a struggle. As they pressed onward, signs of life grew scarce. The few beasts that were sighted appeared as distant shadows, vanishing instantly upon sensing the valley ahead. Even the native monsters of Orion seemed reluctant to linger near such a place.
Eventually, Rose halted at the precipice of an immense cliff. "We have arrived," she stated softly. Max and Lucia moved to her side, their gazes fixed on the vista before them. For a fleeting instant, both were captivated.
Stretching out before them was the legendary Dragon Death Valley. It was more than just a valley; it was a world-altering gash, miles upon miles of fractured earth cascading into a colossal basin shrouded by black mountains and endless ridges. A crimson mist swirled in the lower altitudes, while fierce energy currents writhed in the sky like unseen tempests. The entire expanse resonated with an ancient aura of demise.
Yet, this was not what commanded their attention the most. Within the deepest core of the valley lay a corpse of such prodigious size that it rivaled a mountain range. A dragon. Even after countless eons, its remains dominated the heart of Dragon Death Valley. Most of its flesh had long since decayed, leaving behind colossal bones, bleached by time and conflict. Ribs arched skyward like immense towers, and its spine stretched across the valley floor like a monumental white ridge. The skull alone dwartfed numerous cities Max had witnessed, its jaws agape in a silent, eternal roar of defiance against the heavens.
Lucia involuntarily recoiled. "What… is that…" Her voice was a mere whisper. Rose's expression grew solemn. "That is the carcass of the ancient dragon that is said to have fallen here." Even from their distant vantage point, the remains exuded a terrifying presence, pressing down upon the surroundings like a slumbering deity—ancient, savage, and overwhelmingly powerful. The very air near the valley vibrated faintly under its influence, and every breeze emanating from the core carried undertones of draconic might.
Max felt a stirring within his blood, a primal urge to consume resurfacing, though he managed to suppress it for the moment. His instincts screamed that the being to whom this corpse once belonged existed on a plane far beyond ordinary comprehension.
"It has been dead for ages," Rose continued, "yet its lingering aura continues to shape this entire forbidden zone. The draconic corruption in the core region, the mutations of the beasts, the oppressive pressure within the valley—it all originates from those remains." She then turned her attention to Max and Lucia. "I can only escort you this far." Her tone was resolute, brooks no argument. "Beyond this point, each step becomes exponentially more perilous. Even I would be risking my life to venture deeper."
Lucia glanced at Rose in surprise. "You aren't coming with us?" Rose shook her head. "No. This place is beyond my capabilities. My duty was to bring you here, and nothing more." Her gaze then settled upon Max. "If you are determined to proceed, do not take anything lightly within. In Dragon Death Valley, arrogance proves deadlier than any claw or venom."
Max nodded slowly, his eyes still fixated on the colossal dragon corpse at the valley's heart. "I understand." Rose cast a final look toward the forbidden expanse before stepping back. "Then from this point onward," she said quietly, "your path is your own."
Rose retreated from the cliff's edge, signifying the end of her involvement in their journey. Below them, the winds of Dragon Death Valley wailed, carrying the weighty pressure of primordial draconic power. Max remained engrossed by the immense corpse at the valley's center for a few moments before turning to Lucia. "You should remain here with Rose," he stated calmly. "There is no need for you to accompany me inside."
Lucia's expression shifted instantly. "What?" she exclaimed, staring at him incredulously. "You expect me to wait here while you venture into that place alone?" Her voice was laced with both anger and concern. Max maintained his even tone. "This valley is significantly more perilous than any area we traversed to reach it. Rose already explained that the inner region is rife with unstable spatial anomalies, temporal distortions, and mutated creatures. The core is even more treacherous. If something were to happen to me inside, I might not be able to ensure your safety."
Lucia advanced, her brow furrowed with concern.
"And who will be there to shield you if you venture in alone?" she challenged. "Do you truly believe your strength absolves you of all danger?"
Max started to reply, but she continued before he could utter a word.
"No," she declared resolutely. "I absolutely forbid you from entering Dragon Death Valley by yourself."
Her gaze remained fixed upon him, brimming with unwavering determination.
"My journey here was not merely to witness you walk into a zone of death while I stood idly by."
Rose, observing from nearby, remained silent, a quiet spectator to their conversation.
Max exhaled slowly. Knowing Lucia quite well, he understood that changing her mind once it was made up would prove a formidable task.
He moved closer and placed a hand gently upon her shoulder.
"Lucia," he said, his voice softening, "please listen."
The sternness on her face eased slightly, yet she did not yield her stance.
"This isn't because I lack faith in you," Max explained. "It's because I am acutely aware of the peril this place harbors. If I go solo, I can maneuver with complete freedom, withdraw whenever the need arises, and employ tactics I'd prefer to keep hidden when concerned for others."
Lucia's eyes flickered, a hint of distress in her gaze. "And what if you don't return?"
A confident smile played on Max's lips.
"Then you ought to place more trust in me."
He then directed his gaze towards the colossal dragon carcass in the distance.
"I've weathered calamities that should have ended me long ago. You witnessed firsthand the protective measures I employed within the secret domain moments ago. Surely, you comprehend I possess numerous ways to safeguard myself."
He turned his attention back to her. "So, I ask you to trust me. I will be safe."
Lucia stood in silence for a prolonged period, torn between her logical assessment and her emotional turmoil.
Finally, she balled her fists, averting her eyes for a fleeting moment before meeting his gaze once more.
"I detest it when you speak like that," she admitted in a low voice.
Max let out a soft chuckle. "I know."
She then took a step back, though her reluctance was plainly evident.
"Very well," she conceded, moving towards Rose. "But if you aren't back soon, I'm entering after you, regardless of your protests."
Max offered a slight nod and a smile. "Haha, I wouldn't want you to do that."
Rose crossed her arms, casting a sideways glance at Lucia.
"Your affection for him is quite evident."
Lucia's cheeks flushed faintly, but she offered no verbal response.
Max once again faced the ominous valley below, the wind whipping at his attire as the ancient aura ascended in powerful surges.
Then, without another word, he strode forward, commencing his solitary descent into Dragon Death Valley.
