Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1640 End of the Second Trial!

As Max's reflection was obliterated within the battlefield, the very fabric of space around him warped. The slender division that had bisected his adversary dissolved into nothingness, and the shattered fragments of the copied entity disintegrated into luminous particles, scattering into the air before complete dissipation.

A soft resonance permeated the arena as the trial's formation acknowledged the event.

Max remained stationary, his sword still held downward, his potent aura already receding to its restrained state. His countenance betrayed no hint of exhilaration or relief, as if the preceding event had merely been a routine maneuver.

Moments later, a cascade of light descended from above, enveloping him.

The battlefield dissolved into a blur.

In the ensuing instant, Max's form vanished from the arena.

Resurfacing in the courtyard of the Violet Star Palace, a ripple of energy emanated from one of the portals as Max emerged. His reappearance immediately drew focus, with numerous disciples and elders, having just witnessed his engagement, instinctively directing their attention towards him.

For a fleeting duration, the plaza's clamor subsided.

Some regarded him with reverence, others with bewilderment, and a select few could not mask the residual astonishment in their gazes. The memory of that singular, devastating strike remained vividly imprinted on their minds, stubbornly resisting any attempt at logical dismissal.

Max, however, remained unaffected by the collective attention.

He proceeded forward with unhurried composure, his expression unaltered, as if the myriad gazes fixed upon him held no consequence.

High above, Elder Cael observed his return with a placid gaze before refocusing on the ongoing trials.

"The subsequent group may proceed," his voice, steady and commanding, reverberated throughout the entire expanse.

At his directive, the formation encircling the plaza flickered once more.

The portals, which had dimmed subsequent to the prior group's passage, reignited, their surfaces shimmering with energy as a new roster of names was announced. Disciples who had been in anticipation stepped forward sequentially, their expressions oscillating between resolute determination and palpable tension as they approached the gateways.

Some advanced with resolute strides, their eyes alight with conviction subsequent to witnessing the preceding bouts. Others exhibited momentary hesitation, evidently unsettled by the trial's formidable nature, yet compelled themselves onward under the discerning watch of the elders.

Upon their entry, their figures vanished through the portals, and almost instantaneously, new visuals materialized upon the colossal screens suspended in the heavens.

An additional wave of contests commenced.

Two indistinguishable figures once again engaged in combat within each illuminated arena, their martial techniques colliding as effervescent sparks of energy erupted across the displays. The percussive sounds of their clashes, though somewhat muffled by the formation, still conveyed a palpable intensity perceptible to all observers.

The cycle persisted.

Batch after batch of participants entered the Heavenly Reflection Arena, each confronting the identical, unyielding trial. Certain individuals managed to maintain their position, while others were swiftly overcome, and a scant few demonstrated indications of transcending their limitations under the immense pressure.

Yet, despite the multitude of unfolding confrontations, a subtle transformation had permeated the assembled crowd.

Periodically, gazes would recurrently drift back towards Max.

The recollection of his singular, decisive blow remained indelibly inscribed in their consciousness, establishing an unarticulated benchmark against which all subsequent performances were now evaluated.

And irrespective of the ferocity displayed in the ongoing battles on the screens, none had yet attained that same zenith of tranquil, overwhelming ascendancy.

Time elapsed as the final contingents of disciples entered the Heavenly Reflection Arena, and one by one, the contests showcased across the immense screens gradually drew to a close.

Some emerged triumphant after protracted and draining engagements, whilst others were compelled to withdraw from the trial, their visages pallid and their dispositions reluctant, having been utterly subdued by their own reflections.

As the last participant exited the portal, the formation overhead the plaza slowly faded.

The enormous displays flickered momentarily, then dissolved into innumerable streams of light that dissipated into the sky, leaving a profound silence that settled heavily upon the entire courtyard.

All eyes gravitated upward.

A formidable aura descended anew as Elder Cael advanced, his figure materializing high above the assembly. His gaze swept across the gathered disciples, pausing briefly before he addressed them.

"The second trial has now concluded."

His voice resonated with absolute clarity, imbued with an undeniable authority that quelled even the most subdued murmurs.

"What you have undergone was a confrontation with yourselves. Some among you have persevered. Some have faltered. A select few… have shattered their perceived limitations."

A subtle ellipsis followed his pronouncement.

Then, with a simple gesture of his hand, the firmament above the square once again trembled.

A colossal screen materialized anew.

This time, it did not feature the depiction of battles.

It showcased rankings.

Names began to materialize, one after another, in a radiant glow, arrayed from top to bottom. Each position shimmered with a faint brilliance, signifying its standing.

Adjacent to each name, a specific detail materialized.

The duration it took to vanquish their own reflection.

The instant the list solidified, the entire plaza seemed to fall into a hushed silence.

Gracing the very top—

Max Morgan.

And beside his name—

5 seconds.

A wave of astonishment surged through the crowd instantaneously.

"Five seconds…?"

"That's hardly enough time to exchange a single blow…"

"How can this possibly be…?"

Voices erupted, disbelief palpable in every inflection as gazes repeatedly fixated on that number, as if attempting to ascertain it wasn't a mere phantom. And it wasn't. They had witnessed firsthand how Max had obliterated his own reflection with a solitary sword strike.

Consequently, they were mildly astonished but not entirely taken aback.

Beneath his name, the second-place ranking emerged.

The name blazed brightly, yet the corresponding number told a drastically different tale.

Jonathan - 3 minutes and 42 seconds.

And further down, the third position—

Ray Willer - 5 minutes and 18 seconds.

The disparity was so immense it felt almost surreal.

Even those who had achieved commendable results in the trial found their expressions stiffening as they contemplated the difference. What had demanded several minutes of arduous effort from them had been condensed into mere moments for Max.

From high above, Elder Cael observed the reactions with a composed demeanor before speaking again.

"The rankings signify not solely victory, but also efficiency, mastery, and the capacity to transcend one's limitations."

His gaze shifted subtly, pausing briefly on Max's form below.

"A difference measured in seconds can represent a gulf in comprehension that is not easily bridged."

Within the distant pavilion, one of the elders from the Celestial Forge Pavilion let out a slow breath, his voice tinged with utter disbelief.

"Five seconds… he concluded it almost instantaneously."

Another elder shook his head, his eyes still riveted to the display. "No. It wasn't merely speed. It was absolute dominance. The instant he initiated action, the outcome was irrevocably sealed."

Back in the square, the hushed discussions intensified.

Certain disciples clenched their fists, reluctant to accept the stark contrast. Others simply gazed, their expressions vacant as they grappled with processing the spectacle before them.

Meanwhile, Max remained placidly amidst them.

His gaze flickered briefly toward the rankings, yet his expression remained unaltered. It was as though the result held no personal significance whatsoever.

However, for every other individual present, that solitary number beside his name had already become indelibly imprinted upon their minds.

Max's eyes scanned the rankings, his attention alighting on Ray Willer, who held a murderous intent towards him and was now ranked third, and Julie, who secured the fourth position.

A subtle glint flashed through Max's eyes as he registered the displayed times next to their names.

"Merely a few seconds separating them," he murmured quietly, his voice low and contemplative.

Though the interval between their performances was minimal, it sufficed to dictate the final rankings. In a trial of this nature, even the smallest variance denoted a clear distinction in control and execution.

Just as Max was about to divert his gaze, a voice sliced through the air from behind him.

"Max, is that your name?"

The tone was smooth, yet it exuded an undeniable arrogance, as though the speaker already perceived themselves as superior to all present.

Max turned around.

A tall figure was advancing toward him.

The man's presence was commanding, his bearing erect and unyielding as he strode forward with deliberate steps. His eyes were fixed upon Max, betraying no attempt to conceal the animosity they held.

Max recognized him at once.

Ray Willer.