Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1312 A Plan

"Try not to be too concerned," Jim remarked, a thin smile playing on his lips as he picked up on the palpable stress in the air. "Even if that blood has manifested a consciousness, it won't provide any real assistance to the crownbearer. It remains tethered by the crown and restricted by its own flawed essence."

"I truly hope you're right," Max murmured. At this stage, every possible preparation had been finalized. The crown was held fast, the truth had come to light, and the ultimate destination was set. The only tasks left were to exit the secret domain, deliver the crown and the soul remnants back to Mark, and then terminate his existence permanently. Once that was accomplished, Max could at last achieve his ascension without any lingering attachments or unfinished business holding him to this world.

It sounded like a simple process when put into words, yet Max understood better than anyone that simplicity didn't equate to ease. Nevertheless, he repeated the thought to himself like an anchor. It is a straightforward plan. Mark just needs to die.

With his resolve set, Max shifted his focus toward Lucien, his eyes narrowing. "Lucien," he began slowly, "are you definitely a native of this world?"

Lucien was visibly startled by the abrupt inquiry. He stared at Max, his expression a blend of shock and bewilderment. "I am," he replied after a short silence. "What would make you ask such a thing so suddenly?"

"Because you are an anomaly," Max answered bluntly, his voice remaining neutral rather than hostile. "Your Cultivation progress defies all logic. With almost no effort, you reached the summit of the Divine Rank as if the world itself was forcing you upward. To me, it feels like a trick played by destiny. Such growth makes me question if your origin is truly here or if you belong somewhere else."

He moved a step closer, his stare unwavering. "Don't take offense. I am simply unwilling to gamble with unnecessary risks now. If your origin isn't of this world, and you were the one to land the killing blow on Mark, then our entire struggle would be for nothing. You understand that as well as I do."

Lucien’s face gradually became grave. The lightheartedness he usually wore disappeared, replaced by a quiet intensity. "I recognize your concern," he stated firmly. "But there is no need to question my roots. I am a child of this world. I was born here and have spent my entire life here. This world is my only home, and I possess no ties to any other realm."

Max observed him intensely for a long moment before giving a nod. "I hope that is the case."

His suspicion wasn't without merit. Lucien’s very being contradicted logic in numerous ways. To wield Divine Rank power at an age where one shouldn't even have begun to develop their Dantian was preposterous by any known metric. If Lucien didn't hail from the Divine Realm, then what exactly was he? Yet, despite the nagging doubts, Max decided to trust his instincts for the time being.

After all, the ultimate confrontation loomed ahead, and there would be no place for second-guessing once the fighting started.

"Very well, we are departing from this secret domain," Max declared finally, turning to stride out of the hall.

With the crown now completely suppressed by his fifth-level concept of space, not a single wisp of malevolent Qi escaped into the air. The heavy, suffocating pressure that had gripped the Celestial Beast Temple vanished entirely, making the exit path feel eerily peaceful compared to the terrors they had previously endured. Max led the group forward without hesitation, and it wasn't long before they stepped out of the temple and back into the clearing before the entrance.

As soon as Freya saw Max emerge, holding a spherical barrier containing the crimson crown and the blade, she realized their mission inside the temple was a success. Her eyes immediately darted to the spectral figures and the youth trailing behind him, her face reflecting her confusion.

"Are those…?" Freya trailed off, struggling to comprehend the sight before her.

Max didn't leave her wondering. "These are the Four Divine Beasts," he explained calmly. "Think of them as echoes rather than their complete selves. And this is Jim. He is the one who battled Mark in the ancient past and sealed him when he couldn't be killed."

He went on in a flat, steady voice. "They will be joining us for the final strike against Mark."

Freya inhaled deeply and gave a slow nod as she processed the news. "Do you have a strategy for the fight?" she inquired.

"I do," Max answered, pausing to address the entire group gathered outside the temple. His voice resonated through the clearing. "Everyone, move into the Life Space Rings. From this moment on, we are marching toward our final battle with Mark. If we succeed, this world will be liberated. If we fall, I will ensure my own survival so that all of you can continue to exist."

The Elders and the young geniuses traded quick glances before nodding with solemn expressions. Not one person argued or raised an objection. Everyone grasped the weight of the moment. This was the turning point, and any doubt would lead to ruin. One after another, they stepped into the Life Space Rings in silence.

Once they were gone, Max turned his attention to the remaining group. Every person here would play a direct role in the coming war.

"Only Lucien and I will show ourselves to Mark initially," Max instructed while looking at them. "We will lure him out and attempt to wound him as much as possible. Once he is spent, Big Sis, you will unleash your most powerful ambush. Following that, the Four Divine Beasts and Jim will attack in unison."

His eyes grew sharp as he concluded. "The finishing strike must be dealt by someone native to this world—and that is Lucien. That blow will end Mark once and for all."

It was a simple plan, born of necessity rather than arrogance. There was no room for complexity or hesitation. This was the most surgical strategy Max could create, and now, with the pieces in place, only fate would decide if it would work.