Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1636 A Warning for Max!

"This is the remaining part of the Overlord Body Codex," Saint Reiner declared, extending his hand.

Max's gaze narrowed slightly at the offered item.

Without a second thought, he stepped forward and took it.

The instant his fingers brushed against the scroll, a familiar sensation surged through him, as if the piece he already held was recognizing its counterpart. These two halves seemed to call out to each other, merging into a singular entity that sent a subtle tremor down his spine.

Saint Reiner observed him with a quiet demeanor, his smile broadening almost imperceptibly.

"You have performed admirably to reach this stage," he commented. "The road ahead will only grow more arduous, yet I am confident you will traverse it farther than most."

A momentary silence hung in the air.

Then, Saint Reiner's gaze drifted, appearing to look far beyond the immediate surroundings.

"The Cosmic Ascension Conference," he continued in a measured tone. "That is where the true grand theater unfurls."

His eyes shifted back to Max, filled with a serene anticipation.

"I wish to witness your presence there."

These were the final words spoken.

The luminous golden aura enveloping Saint Reiner began to blaze brighter, his form slowly dissolving into countless shimmering particles that ascended into the atmosphere.

In mere moments, the apparition vanished completely.

The immense hall was once again plunged into profound silence.

Max stood alone at the pinnacle of the Combat Tower, the entirety of the Overlord Body Codex now clutched within his grasp.

"It seems Saint Reiner did not recognize me," Max mused, a slight frown creasing his brow as his gaze swept over the empty space where the figure had stood. "The soul fragments within the two Combat Towers are apparently disconnected, each existing with its own distinct consciousness."

The thought occupied his mind briefly, but before he could delve deeper, the environment around him shimmered and shifted once more.

In the blink of an eye, he found himself outside the tower.

Jonathan and Julie were already waiting near the entrance, their attention immediately locking onto him as he emerged.

"How did it conclude?" Jonathan inquired, his voice steady, though an undercurrent of curiosity was evident.

"It concluded favorably," Max responded with a nod. "I am indebted to both of you for facilitating this opportunity."

Jonathan and Julie acknowledged his thanks with subtle nods, yet a flicker of hesitation crossed their features. It was a fleeting expression, but Max, ever observant, caught it instantly.

He was about to inquire about their unease when Jonathan spoke.

"Let us depart from this location for the time being," he advised, his tone growing notably more serious. "It would be imprudent to linger here excessively."

Max offered no resistance, simply nodding and falling into step behind them.

The trio moved away from the vicinity of the Combat Tower, proceeding towards the guest quarters designated for the various assembled factions.

It was only after they had reached a more secluded section of the palace grounds that Jonathan addressed Max again.

"Max, you need to exercise caution regarding Ray," he stated, his expression now etched with genuine concern.

Max turned his head to look at him.

"Ray Willer?" he queried.

Jonathan affirmed with a slight nod.

"Indeed. Ray Willer, who secured fourth place in the initial trial. He hails from the Supreme Sword Faction, an organization with deeply entrenched connections to the Sword God Palace."

His voice lowered as he continued his warning.

"I have overheard him express a desire to teach you a lesson, but I suspect his motives extend beyond mere chastisement. I harbor a troubling premonition about him. From all accounts, he is not one to hold back. He is ruthless and harbors no qualms about employing any means necessary for personal gain, be it power, riches, or acclaim."

Jonathan paused briefly before adding, "And at this very moment, I believe his attention is fixed firmly upon you."

Max's eyes narrowed further as he absorbed this information.

He had anticipated animosity from certain quarters, particularly those aligned with the Sword God Palace, but this sounded like something far more sinister than simple resentment or bruised ego. This carried the weight of genuine danger.

The gravity in Jonathan's voice conveyed to Max that this was not merely about a potential confrontation.

It was about lethal intent.

A sudden understanding dawned in Max's mind as he recalled the subtle hesitation he had observed earlier from Jonathan and Julie.

So that was the underlying reason for their caution.

"I appreciate the warning," Max conveyed, his voice even as he offered a slight nod of acknowledgment.

Jonathan returned the nod.

"In that case, we shall not detain you any further," he concluded.

Max made no objection.

Shortly thereafter, Jonathan and Julie took their leave, ascending into the air and heading back towards their own quarters.

Max watched them depart for a moment before turning and making his way towards the mansion occupied by the members of the Black Dragon Clan.

He did not allow the gravity of the situation to consume his thoughts.

At least, not on the surface.

…

As Jonathan and Julie journeyed back, Julie found herself unable to suppress her burgeoning thoughts.

"Do you believe we should have inquired about it from him?" she voiced, a subtle tremor of doubt coloring her tone.

Jonathan exhaled slowly, a complex blend of emotions flickering across his face.

"I find myself uncertain," he confessed. "Max doesn't strike me as the sort of individual we should approach so readily with such a petition. He presents as direct, but I am hesitant to make it seem as though we intend to exploit his generosity."

He paused, gathering his thoughts before resuming.

"It would be prudent to observe him a while longer before broaching the subject. Based on my observations, he appears to have established ties with several preeminent powers, notably the War God Palace. Only factions of that caliber would possess access to something like the Poison Erosion Fruit, an item virtually vanished from the Divine Realm."

Julie's gaze flickered subtly as she absorbed his words.

Jonathan continued, his voice deepening with contemplation.

"Even the Celestial Forge Pavilion no longer stocks it. They have officially declared its extinction. Should there remain any possibility of acquiring it, the War God Palace would be the most likely repository."

His sight fixed on the path ahead, his expression resolute.

"Currently, our sole connection to them lies with Max. This is precisely why I advocate for patience. If we press the issue prematurely, it risks revealing our intentions as purely self-serving."

Julie lapsed into silence, his explanation resonating with her, her understanding solidifying.

For the present moment, all they could do was bide their time.