Previously on Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100...
After Michael is possessed by a vicious, unknown energy that far exceeds the malice of standard infernal power, Max uses his Three Dimensional Body to analyze the corruption. To save his ally, Max utilizes his black flames to meticulously extract the parasitic essence while Victor uses a specialized sealing jar to contain the volatile substance. Although the extraction is successful, the sheer potency of the corruption leads Max to realize the extreme danger ahead. Fearing for the safety of his companions, Max insists that the group retreat into Life Space Rings, leaving only himself and Lucien to face the source of the evil.
Victor was the first to give a nod of understanding. He recognized that at their current level, staying would hinder rather than help. Seraphina, Daniel, Arthur, and the various squad leaders followed his lead, maintaining calm expressions despite the anxiety bubbling within. Even the four sovereigns of the Four God Nation consented without a second thought. They all understood that this was no longer a trial for the masses, but a clash demanding only the peak of strength and willpower.
No one raised an objection or insisted on coming along. They were well aware that proceeding further would only endanger their lives and potentially interfere with Max's maneuvers at a decisive turning point.
Once their agreement was clear, Max moved efficiently. He activated the Life Space Rings one by one, safely storing everyone inside. The grand hall grew quiet and empty until only Max and Lucien stood before the colossal, sealed entrance.
"I can detect six distinct life signatures past this gate," Lucien remarked gravely. His senses pierced through the ancient seal as he turned his gaze toward Max.
Max nodded, his face reflecting deep thought rather than shock. "That is precisely why I moved the others into the Life Space Rings. Six entities represent too many unpredictable variables. If we assume four of them are the Four Divine Beasts, who are the other two? Furthermore, there is no certainty that the Four Divine Beasts are benevolent. Legend has proven many times that great power and righteousness do not always share the same path."
A brief silence hung in the air before Max glanced at Lucien, his eyes flickering with a long-held curiosity. "Before we enter, there is a question I have pondered for quite some time."
Lucien met his gaze with a faint, knowing smile. "What would that be?"
"Why are you unaffected by the curse of the Tower of Truth?" Max inquired bluntly. Upon their first meeting, Max had suspected Lucien might hold an authority comparable to his own. He had later dismissed that theory; Lucien possessed no command over the tower, an oversight Max would have detected instantly as its true master.
Lucien let out a soft chuckle. "I struck a bargain with the tower. I pledged to stay within the Elf Kingdom as its guardian while preserving the general peace of the Lost Continent. In return, the tower granted me immunity from its curse."
Max’s eyes narrowed, intrigued by the revelation. "That is a peculiar trade. What exactly do you gain from such an arrangement?"
Lucien’s smile grew nostalgic. "After I had traveled across every corner of Acaris, the Lost Continent was the final frontier. I simply desired to witness it with my own eyes and grasp the nature of this land. The pact gave me the freedom to do so. It truly was that straightforward."
He paused for a second before adding, "There was a secondary condition. Part of our contract involved protecting the soul imprisoned within the tower. That burden became mine as well."
Max nodded slowly as the pieces fell into place. The Tower of Truth was more than a mere building; it was an entity possessed of its own consciousness and ancient memory.
Lucien then focused his attention back on Max, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. "I also have a query for you, and I expect the truth."
"Go ahead," Max replied casually, though his frame tensed slightly.
"How is that artificial soul within your body faring?" Lucien asked. "Are you experiencing any side effects?"
Max hesitated, gathering his thoughts before answering. "The artificial soul is stable. It is the reason I am still breathing, and I am grateful for that. However, there are consequences. My emotions are magnified to an extreme degree. Anger becomes a violent storm, and sadness pulls me into an abyss far deeper than normal. Every feeling I have is intensified a thousandfold."
He went on with a composed voice, "It was overwhelming at first. Over time, I learned to keep it in check through constant mental discipline and absolute control. I force myself to remain stoic at all times. I imagine this is a burden I must carry for the rest of my days."
Lucien shook his head slowly. "Not forever. Your sister mentioned that once you transcend the Divine Rank, your entire being—including your soul—will undergo a total reconstruction. At that stage, you will be made whole again."
Max exhaled a soft sigh, a flicker of exhaustion visible in his eyes. "I truly hope she is right."
With the conversation concluded, both men turned back to the sealed gate, where the six life forces waited in the shadows.
Clearing his mind, Max steadied his breath and hardened his resolve. "Let us begin," he whispered.
He stepped forward, pressing his palm against the ancient surface. The moment he made contact, a freezing, oppressive energy surged into him, as if a force on the other side was testing his spirit. Max did not flinch. Channeling his strength, he shoved against the heavy doors.
The massive structure groaned and trembled before finally yielding. A low, resonant rumble filled the hall as the gate swung open—a heavy, labored movement as if it hadn't moved in eons. As the crack widened, a wave of suffocating, dark energy spilled out, crashing against Max and Lucien like a heavy tide.
Past the threshold was a massive inner sanctum drowned in a crimson mist. The very atmosphere felt corrupted, heavy with a foul presence that clawed at their senses.
Dim pulses of light flickered in the gloom, illuminating twisted shapes and primordial formations carved into the walls. The floor was a mess of cracks and uneven stone, laced with glowing red veins of energy that throbbed like living pulses.
Lucien’s eyes sharpened as he moved in beside Max. The six life signatures he had detected were now palpable, each emitting a crushing pressure. Some felt regal and ancient, while others radiated a freezing malice that made one's skin crawl.
Max advanced without a hint of fear, his gaze piercing the haze as he stepped fully into the room. Behind them, the doors began to swing shut on their own, locking them within the core of the defiled temple. As the final sound of grinding stone ceased, a haunting silence descended upon the chamber.
Whatever was waiting for them was no longer a mystery. The battle they had been moving toward had finally arrived.
