Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1619 Lady Virelia's Worry!

The night breeze drifted silently across the devastated grounds, carrying the faint scent of burned stone and residual spiritual energy. What remained of the battlefield was spread out before them: fractured star metal floors, faded formations etched with runes, and the heavy pressure left by three young prodigies who had poured their all into the clash.

Max, Lucia, and Isabella had already retreated to recuperate.

Only Lady Virelia remained, her keen gaze fixed upon the broken earth where Max had stood moments before.

"His combat instincts are exceptional," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "But will mere awareness be sufficient to confront the genuine behemoths gathered here?"

Her tone was steady, though a subtle thread of apprehension wove through her words.

The three-way battle she had orchestrated served a singular purpose.

It was never intended to gauge Max's brute force.

She was already aware that his cultivation base was insufficient to overpower peers solely through raw strength. Her objective was to observe his innate reactions, his capacity for adaptation, and the swiftness of his judgment when subjected to the immense pressure of multiple adversaries.

And the outcome had surpassed her expectations.

Max had held his own against both Lucia and Isabella simultaneously. He had identified openings invisible to others. He had narrowly sidestepped potentially lethal blows. He had repeatedly transformed the momentum of his opponents into his own advantage.

Such battle acumen could not be readily imparted.

It spoke of the experience accumulated from countless real combats.

Yet, Lady Virelia's expression remained unrelaxed.

This was because she perceived something that Max, perhaps, had not yet fully comprehended.

While Lucia and Isabella were undoubtedly talented, within the grand assembly of geniuses summoned for the Smelting Trial, they occupied a lower tier. They possessed enough strength to stand out in ordinary circumstances, but not enough to truly command the terrifying stage that would unfold on the morrow.

The true contenders were of a different caliber.

Those formidable individuals occupied the pinnacle of the Law Manifestation Realm. Their foundations were deeper, their bloodlines more potent, their resources more abundant, and they possessed years of harsh, unforgiving tempering. Many among them could subjugate lesser talents with a single, decisive move. Some likely wielded abilities so extraordinary that even venerated elders would take notice.

Against such adversaries, combat awareness alone might prove woefully inadequate.

Lady Virelia slowly shifted her gaze toward the distant heavens, where stars twinkled above the majestic Violet Star Palace.

"My sole hope is that the Smelting Trial is not solely determined by cultivation realms or sheer power," she stated softly. "If it places value on battle sense, decisive judgment, and swift adaptability... then he still stands a chance."

She understood that major trials frequently incorporated peculiar challenges.

Some assessed intellectual grasp. Others tested precise control. Certain trials rewarded bravery under duress. Still others plunged participants into chaotic arenas where primal instinct held greater sway than cultivated realm.

Should the events of the following day favor such an environment, Max possessed the potential to astound everyone.

If not, his path forward would become exceedingly perilous.

After lingering for a few more moments, Lady Virelia finally turned and began her walk back towards the grand manor.

Her steps were deliberate and heavy with contemplation.

As she entered her private chambers, the doors swung shut behind her with a gentle click.

The night deepened, blanketing the world in shadow.

And throughout the expansive guest quarters of the Violet Star Palace, innumerable geniuses lay in repose, each harboring the conviction that their ascent was preordained for the coming day.

Yet, somewhere within the vast expanse of the Violet Star Palace, concealed beneath the placid facade of this grand assembly, a sinister plot was already beginning to brew.

Far from the guest manor designated for the Black Dragon Clan, another opulent residence stood in quiet seclusion amidst the multitude scattered across the district. From the exterior, it presented an unremarkable appearance, indistinguishable from its neighbors. Graceful walls, softly illuminated crystal lanterns, and vigilant guards positioned discreetly at hidden posts. Nothing about its outward presentation hinted at the lurking danger within.

However, within one of its heavily sealed chambers, the atmosphere was palpably cold and malevolent.

The room was cast in dim illumination, with layers of protective formation barriers enveloping every wall, designed to obstruct sound, spiritual aura, and any external probing. At the chamber's epicenter rested a dark table, intricately engraved with runes of communication. Hovering directly above it was a holographic projection of a young woman, her ethereal form composed of shimmering streams of pale blue light.

She possessed undeniable beauty.

Yet, the loveliness of her features was utterly eclipsed by the sheer malevolence radiating from her eyes.

Standing before this spectral projection was a young man clad in luxurious robes, exquisitely embroidered with patterns of silver stars. His eyebrows were sharply defined, akin to blades, his features strikingly handsome, and his bearing exuded the unwavering confidence of one long accustomed to admiration.

The holographic woman initiated the conversation.

"Have the emissaries from the Black Dragon Clan made their arrival?"

Her tone was casual, yet an unmistakable undercurrent of impatience pulsed beneath the surface.

The young man clasped his hands behind his back and offered a faint, knowing smile.

"They arrived not long ago."

The woman's expression shifted with instantaneous speed.

"And Max?"

The instant her name was uttered, the pleasant facade she wore contorted into unadulterated hatred. Her gaze turned dark, and even across the projection, the sheer malice in her sentiments was palpable.

The young man, observing this, found it rather amusing.

"He is here as well."

"Good."

The woman's lips gradually curved into a wicked smirk, devoid of any warmth whatsoever.

"I don't care what methods you employ. I don't care if it happens during the trial, outside the arena, or if you use others."

Her voice grew progressively colder with each syllable.

"I desire Max's demise."

The young man's eyes minusculely narrowed.

This was not a trifling request. Eliminating a participant during an event hosted by the Violet Star Palace carried immense danger, particularly with so many factions observing. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure, awaiting further instructions.

The woman leaned forward slightly within the holographic display.

"In exchange, I will personally guarantee your ascension into the top one hundred of the Cosmic Ascension Conference."

A momentary silence descended upon the chamber.

Then, the young man let out a soft laugh.

The top one hundred.

That prestigious rank signified unparalleled glory. Innumerable prodigies from across various regions would willingly risk everything for such an opportunity. To secure it through a single arrangement was well worth almost any peril.

"Then it is settled."

He grinned as he spoke, his eyes alight with both confidence and avarice.

The woman's distorted expression softened into one of contentment.

"I anticipate hearing favorable news by tomorrow."

Her laughter echoed through the room, piercing and harsh, akin to glass grating against metal.

A moment later, the holographic image dissipated into fragments of light.

The room plunged back into darkness.

That woman was none other than Mira, the daughter of the Master of the Sword God Palace – the very same haughty princess whom Max had previously humiliated and delivered a harsh lesson within the secret realm of Orion.

The young man remained rooted in place, his eyes shimmering with shrewd calculation.

"To infiltrate the top one hundred of the Cosmic Ascension Conference..."

He chuckled and slowly balled his fist.

"And for that, I merely need to eliminate a prodigy from one of the most insignificant third-rate factions."

His smile gradually transformed into a vicious leer.

"What a remarkably generous proposition."

Beyond the confines of the mansion, the night remained tranquil.

Within its walls, a murder had already been ordained.