Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1280 Last Bastion

"Excellent work. Take a short rest, and then we shall proceed to wipe out the remaining demon dens." Max's voice, though composed, carried a weight of authority that echoed across the field, reaching every unit member and squad commander.

His declaration served as the definitive seal on their recent triumph. Upon hearing his command, the talented cultivators allowed their rigid frames to relax and lowered their weapons. Across the scarred earth, they began to sit, their frantic breathing slowly returning to a steady rhythm.

The heavy fatigue they had pushed aside during the heat of combat finally surged over them, yet the pride of their success kept their spirits high.

This became their daily existence for the following month.

Guided by Max, the seven units swept through the territory like an irresistible gale. Every demonic nest they uncovered was marked for total annihilation.

Max charted their path with clinical precision, navigating from one stronghold to the next without a moment's delay. As they reached each demon lair, they struck with synchronized power, raining down devastation upon the creatures dwelling within.

Their strikes burst forth with irresistible elemental Qi, shattering any potential defense before the demons could organize. They tore through subterranean nests, purged blighted forests where monsters lurked in the dark, and raided vast cavern networks housing massive demonic swarms.

No quarter was given.

Inside these strongholds, the demons attempted various tactics to survive. Some launched suicidal charges, hoping to drown the humans in a sea of bodies. Others retreated into the deepest corners of their dens, praying to remain hidden.

A few even attempted to mask their auras and feign death to trick the invaders. However, every ruse was futile. Max's sharp perception caught every flicker of movement in the lairs, and his squad leaders carried out their duties perfectly. Not a single demon could evade their blades for long.

On several occasions during the month, demonic legions tried to cut them off before they reached their next target. These forces arrived with thunderous roars and intimidating lines, intent on encircling and crushing the human group. They soon discovered, however, that their resistance was pointless.

The seven squads met these armies in head-on collisions, and the results never varied. The demonic ranks were slaughtered, their remains littering the earth while the humans stood victorious with minimal drain on their stamina. Whether facing small detachments or massive hordes, nothing could stop the momentum of Max’s forces.

The relentless extermination of the demons forged the squad members into sharper tools of war. Their strikes grew more precise, their coordination turned seamless, and their personal mastery over their elements advanced at a staggering rate.

Even the squad leaders witnessed their own power skyrocketing as they gained vital experience from fighting formidable foes and receiving daily training sessions under Max’s direct supervision. Max watched their growth with a quiet eye, intervening only to offer guidance or to showcase a more refined technique.

His presence as their commander dictated the tempo of this month-long crusade, instilling a certainty in them that every encounter would result in glory.

The days blurred into a repetitive cycle of tracking, slaying, recovering, and advancing. The path behind them was transformed into a graveyard of shattered lairs and demonic corpses. A region once crawling with dark forces was systematically reclaimed by humanity through the tireless efforts of Max and his seven squads.

Thus, with Max’s instructions still fresh in their minds, the geniuses took their rest. They shut their eyes and steadied their breath while the wind over the battlefield swept away the lingering scent of gore. Their bodies mended slowly, and their spirits gathered the resolve needed for the next strike. Not one person doubted Max’s orders, recognizing this as the only path to a total cleansing of the land.

A full month had passed in this grueling rhythm, and the end was not yet in sight.

Standing atop a high ridge that looked out over the ravaged terrain, Max wore a grave expression as the young elites assembled before him. A breeze tugged at his clothes, carrying the faint traces of smoke and blood from the month's many skirmishes.

He scanned the faces looking up at him—faces that had been hardened by constant war with demons, yet still showed a flicker of anxiety regarding the future.

"From this point forward, you will encounter the true elite of the demon race," Max declared, his voice heavy with gravity. "They are significantly more powerful than anything you have faced so far. Many reside at the peak of the Divine Rank, possessing strength that far outstrips your own."

His warning hit the group like a freezing gust, chilling the confidence they had built from their earlier successes. The geniuses grew grim as they listened, realizing that the upcoming conflicts would bear no resemblance to their previous battles.

Max went on, "But do not lose heart. I will be taking a direct role in these battles from now on. You won't have to worry about facing opponents who vastly outmatch your capabilities. However, be warned that the demons ahead are different from the ones you've slain. Their intellect, battle instincts, and raw destructive power are on another level. Steel yourselves."

He looked over them once more, making sure his words had taken root. This was no longer a simple clearing operation. They had entered the final phase, where the danger would be absolute.

Once the gravity of the situation sank in, Max gave a slight nod and signaled Victor to summon the seven squad leaders. Victor complied immediately, descending the hill and returning shortly with Seraphina, Michael, Daniel, Arthur, Chris, and Christine.

They gathered in a semi-circle around him, aware that this was the final council before they struck at the heart of the enemy.

"This is the final stronghold of the demon race within Nullaria," Max informed them, his tone darkening. "Balthazar and the other high-ranking demon lords will be present. I am certain they have sensed us coming and are prepared for our arrival. This is the deciding battle."

His eyes narrowed, and the squad leaders felt the tension rise as they absorbed the weight of his words. They had anticipated this moment, but hearing it confirmed by Max stripped away any remaining hope for an easy victory.

Victor moved forward a step. "What is our plan of attack?" he inquired firmly. He looked at Max with unwavering confidence, knowing that only Max possessed the vision to lead them through such a peril.

Max’s answer was calm but carried the force of a decree. "I will lead the charge," he stated. "I shall be the primary offensive force. You seven will follow directly behind me as the second wave, with your squads forming the rear. I will personally deal with Balthazar and the other high-ranked leaders. Your task is to eliminate the remaining demon elites. This formation gives us the best chance to shatter their lines before they can react."

The seven leaders agreed without a second thought. They were well aware that none of them were a match for Balthazar or the demon lords. Max was the only one with the power to challenge enemies of that tier.

Their duty was to ensure the safety of the human forces behind them. Together, they would form a spearhead with Max at the tip—a formation designed for both absolute offense and defense.

The air grew still as the immense pressure of the looming conflict settled over them. Everyone understood that this was more than just a fight; it was a collision that would decide the fate of their people and the very future of the war.