Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1284 A Choice Before Max

"Max, I believe that devouring spirit detected the essence of the True Origin Devil Blood, the demon kings, the corrupted crownbearer, and the four divine beasts' bloodlines. To a devouring spirit, these are nothing but delectable treats," Blob’s voice resonated within Max’s consciousness from the void. "It was drawn to this realm specifically because of them. Their collective energy exceeded what a mortal world should contain, acting as a beacon that summoned the devouring spirit to feast."

Max considered Blob’s explanation and found it logical. A catastrophic entity like a devouring spirit wouldn't manifest in a mortal plane without a significant catalyst. Clearly, this world held several treasures that had piqued its hunger.

"What is the point of telling me this?" Max finally inquired. His face remained composed, though his tone was laced with heavy skepticism.

Demons were far from altruistic. They wouldn't divulge ancient mysteries just to educate a human. By sharing this information, they were undoubtedly seeking a favor. Given his experience with their kind, Max expected their true motives to be neither simple nor benign.

Crossing his arms, Balthazar moved forward to respond. "The crown has been lost, and our mission is to recover it. I happen to think humans possess a unique talent for finding things that are meant to stay hidden." He spoke with a peculiar blend of arrogance and certainty, as if he were declaring an obvious fact rather than negotiating with the realm's premier human genius.

Max’s brows twitched upward. "You intend to locate that corrupted crown? To what end?" he questioned. "Back when the corruption was only beginning, you couldn't even pull the True Origin Devil Blood from it. What makes you think you'll succeed now, after the blood has completely assimilated into the crownbearer’s body and transformed him into a different entity?"

Though his voice was calm, it vibrated with doubt. The demons themselves had confessed that the crown was beyond saving once the taint took hold. How could they achieve success now, after centuries of the blood and Mark's existence being fused together?

Balthazar’s smile was more haughty than confident. "We have our methods," he answered vaguely, dismissing the technicalities as if they were irrelevant. "The only thing that matters right now is whether you are prepared to find the crown or not."

Max gave a casual, dismissive shrug. "You demons have become quite delusional," he remarked. "If you think sharing these secrets will turn me into your servant, you have truly lost your minds."

A cold sharpness entered his voice, and he narrowed his eyes to gauge their response. The demon kings shifted into more aggressive stances, visibly irritated by his refusal to cooperate with their demands.

The first demon king stepped out, his ancient aura pressing down on the surroundings like a heavy weight. "You will either cooperate, human boy, or you will perish here. We are offering you a chance at survival. Seize it." His tone was level, but the underlying threat was palpable. Around them, the other demons grew tense, waiting for Max to make his move.

Max stared back at the demon king without a hint of fear. A slow sneer crept across his lips, followed by a low, menacing chuckle.

"Do you honestly believe I'm afraid of you?" he asked with an air of absolute conviction. "Why do you think I set foot here? Why do you think I let the seven squads follow me this far?" His eyes grew dark with a sudden surge of killing intent. "I came here to slaughter every single one of you. My goal is to wipe the demon race off the face of this world."

"Human boy, I overheard your talk with Mark in the Lower Domain," the first demon king stated, his voice steady but filled with an undeniable authority. His ancient gaze pinned Max with an uncomfortable intensity. "We know from that conversation that you have already located the corrupted crown. Tell us where it is." The demand sliced through the atmosphere, causing a ripple of unease among the lesser demons and making the air around Max feel suffocating.

Before Max could reply, the demon king added, "If we manage to extract the True Origin Devil Blood from the crown, the corruption might be entirely reversed. The transformation the crownbearer underwent could be undone. He might return to being the world's protector instead of its bane. This is our proposal. Deliver the crown to us, and we will try to restore him."

Max’s brow furrowed instantly, and he fell into a deep silence as he weighed the words. A small part of his heart reacted to the prospect. If Mark could truly be saved, the world’s most dangerous threat could be neutralized without a bloodbath. Furthermore, the soul of the man who once served as the world's shield might actually return.

Despite everything, Max took no joy in the idea of killing a fallen hero, especially one lost to a force that neither mortals nor gods could easily withstand. The thought of bringing Mark back to his former self felt heavy, a pressure in his chest that caused him to waver for the first time.

However, suspicion quickly followed. The idea of extracting the True Origin Devil Blood sounded like a fantasy. The demons had already admitted to failing when the corruption was in its infancy.

By now, the blood was part of Mark’s very soul and biology. Attempting to remove it would be more difficult than tearing a soul from a body. Even if it were possible, could the demons be trusted? Their intentions were never honorable; their history was a tapestry of lies and manipulation.

Gaining the crown would give them immense power, and saving Mark might just be a convenient excuse for their real agenda.

Max’s thoughts whirled through the potential outcomes. If the extraction worked, Mark could be himself again, ending the conflict peacefully. But if it was a ruse or a failure, the demon kings would possess the corrupted crown, leading to a catastrophe.

Their own power combined with the crown’s malice could create a monster even worse than Mark. He couldn't afford a single mistake.

He took a slow breath, feeling the massive weight of the decision. The deal was alluring not for the power it offered, but for the chance at redemption.

Given the choice between fighting a mindless, full-power Mark or restoring the man he used to be, the latter was clearly the superior path. It would provide a conclusion to a centuries-old tragedy and lift the world's darkest shadow without destroying the hero who once died for it.

But was such a miracle actually achievable?

Max’s scowl deepened. The battlefield was hushed as he remained suspended in mid-air, torn by a choice that would determine the fate of millions.