Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1654 Ray's Announcement!

Seven-colored lightning blazed fiercely around Max's form as he traversed the air with incredible velocity. He left behind streaks of brilliant light in his wake, while the already formidable pressure emanating from the tower intensified exponentially with each progressing level.

Before long—

Max finally reached the vicinity of the Eighth Layer.

The ambiance at this height was drastically dissimilar to anything encountered below.

The oppressive force radiating from the ancient structure had attained an absurd magnitude, so colossal that even the very ground underfoot felt immeasurably heavy. The pervasive pressure enveloping the surroundings was akin to an unseen mountain inexorably descending from the heavens, rendering it a struggle for ordinary participants merely to draw breath.

In stark contrast to the lower strata, the assembly of contenders here had dwindled significantly.

Nevertheless, the geniuses who remained were all formidable individuals, capable of standing head and shoulders above countless others.

Every single person who had succeeded in ascending this far possessed strength that defied conventional limits.

And directly ahead—

A colossal platform extended outward from the edifice of the ancient tower.

Fierce combats were raging across the entirety of the expanse.

Boom!

Piercing sword energies and potent spiritual techniques clashed incessantly, unleashing terrifying shockwaves that erupted outward across the combat zone. Multiple top-tier geniuses engaged in brutal duels, fiercely striving to repel all rivals from the immense cavern situated behind them.

The cavern itself pulsed with astonishing spiritual undulations.

Dense currents of power continuously seeped from its interior, causing even the adjacent atmosphere to shimmer and distort subtly.

The instant Max detected those emanations, his gaze sharpened slightly.

Even he could readily ascertain that the treasure concealed within that cavern was likely far superior to anything discovered on the lower levels.

Then—

The moment Max set foot upon the platform—

The entire scene underwent an instant metamorphosis.

Several participants immediately took notice of his arrival.

One by one, their countenances contorted dramatically.

"That aura..."

"Seven-colored lightning?"

"Max Morgan!"

The battlefield, previously a maelstrom of chaos, noticeably decelerated as innumerable gazes pivoted towards the newcomer standing composedly near the platform's edge.

Jonathan Myres was the first to register the change.

At that precise instant, he had just repelled another prodigy with a forceful spear thrust when he abruptly glimpsed Max's appearance from the periphery of the engagement.

Then—

A broad grin instantly bloomed across Jonathan's features.

"So you've made it this far as well?" he inquired, emitting a light chuckle.

Rather than irritation or animosity, sheer exhilaration was palpably evident in his eyes. He craved a confrontation with Max, and no better arena existed for them to unleash their full might.

Not far removed, Julie also became aware of Max's arrival.

Her exquisite eyes widened minutely, followed by the gradual emergence of a subtle smile upon her lips.

"He has arrived," she stated placidly, gently tucking a stray lock of hair away from her face, which had been disturbed by the tempestuous winds perpetually sweeping the battlefield.

Her gaze briefly swept over towards the cave situated behind them before returning once more to Max.

Unlike the other contenders present, neither Jonathan nor Julie appeared the least bit perturbed by Max's appearance.

On the contrary—

They seemed genuinely thrilled.

After all, individuals capable of reaching the eighth stratum already harbored an unshakeable confidence in their own formidable abilities. For them, stronger adversaries did not represent dread.

They signified an exhilarating challenge.

And challenge invariably amplified the intensity of the competition.

However—

Ray Willer's reaction was diametrically opposed.

The instant his eyes fell upon Max—

A terrifying, lethal intent blazed through them.

The surrounding atmosphere around his person visibly chilled.

Diverging from Jonathan and Julie, Ray offered no smile whatsoever.

He merely fixed his silent gaze upon Max, while dark, tempestuous emotions churned deep within his stare.

"So you've finally arrived..." Ray vocalized softly, his frigid gaze locking directly onto Max from across the tumultuous combat zone.

The killing intent veiled within his tone was so potent that several observers in close proximity instinctively drew back the moment they registered those ominous words.

The violent clashes that had consumed the platform mere moments prior gradually began to subside as an increasing number of combatants perceived the rapidly shifting atmospheric tension.

Max calmly met Ray's stare, betraying not the faintest hint of fear on his visage.

Seven-colored lightning emanated subtly around his body, yet his expression remained utterly composed, as if the palpable hostility directed towards him had no effect whatsoever.

For a fleeting instant—

The two combatants simply exchanged silent, intense gazes across the sprawling battlefield.

Even though a quiet understanding passed between them, the onlookers could distinctly perceive the invisible pressure violently clashing in the air between the two formidable figures facing each other.

The moment became intensely charged with tension.

Jonathan Myres narrowed his eyes slightly, observing the unfolding scene with evident fascination.

Julie’s expression also grew increasingly grave.

Even the other elite geniuses present on the platform unconsciously ceased their own clashes, their entire focus shifting towards Max and Ray.

After all, it was common knowledge among everyone gathered that animosity simmered between the two. The fact that Ray Willer intended to teach Max a lesson was no secret, and in truth, nearly every one of the top ten geniuses here was aware of this intention.

Ray Willer had openly declared this very fact when Max secured the first rank in the initial trial.

And now—

That animosity had finally erupted, laid bare for all to witness.

Ray slowly lifted his head, a subtle smile gradually gracing his features.

However, unlike Jonathan’s relaxed smirk, Ray’s smile was tinged with a frigid danger that sent an involuntary shiver of unease through those nearby.

His gaze remained locked onto Max, never wavering.

Then, without warning—

Ray took a decisive step forward.

Boom!

A ferocious aura instantly burst forth from his body, and a terrifying sword intent exploded outwards, engulfing the entire platform.

Several participants in the vicinity immediately frowned, sensing the horrifying sharpness emanating from his aura.

It felt as though unseen blades had suddenly permeated the very fabric of the air.

Ray slowly surveyed everyone present before speaking in a cold tone.

"Everyone…"

His voice resonated clearly across the entire platform, despite its lack of sheer volume.

"Stay where you are."

The nearby participants exchanged perturbed glances upon hearing his command.

Ray continued with an air of calm authority,

"This cave…"

His attention returned sharply to Max.

"…I have no desire for it, but I do wish to battle Max."

The instant these words were uttered, the expressions of numerous participants shifted noticeably.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow slightly.

Julie narrowed her eyes, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Ray slowly raised the sword in his grasp and pointed it directly at Max.

"So none of you interfere," he stated coldly. "This confrontation is solely between us."

The surrounding atmosphere grew palpably heavier than before.

One participant scowled deeply, directing his gaze towards Ray.

"You expect us to cease our own battles simply because you command it?"

Another genius scoffed derisively.

"Who do you imagine yourself to be, dictating terms to everyone here?"