Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1349 Invitation from Heron Family

Upon entering the underground zone on this occasion, Max distinctly noticed the shift in how fellow ascenders regarded him, for the previous offhand looks had transformed into stares brimming with admiration and reverence, treating him no longer as just another novice but as a figure towering far beyond their reach.

Simultaneously, he detected hints of envy and bottled-up resentment woven into some of those gazes, sentiments harbored by certain people struggling to come to terms with the abrupt divide that had emerged between Max and themselves.

Max ignored it all without a second thought and pressed on steadily, his face remaining impassive as he made his way directly to his quarters.

Right when Max approached his room's entrance, he spotted a figure already lingering there, positioned silently as though anticipating his arrival for quite a while. The individual sported a sharply fitted suit and shaded glasses, his demeanor excessively polished and opulent for the subterranean lodgings, which instantly set him apart in Max's perception.

"What can I do for you?" Max inquired courteously, his voice even as he examined the stranger before him.

"Might we discuss matters privately?" the man requested in an equally courteous tone, holding out a card to Max. Max took it and peered at it briefly, only to tense up a bit upon feeling the subtle but undeniable presence of the Black Dragon Chaotic Bloodline radiating from the card. He lifted his eyes to the man with a touch of astonishment before giving a nod.

"Come inside," Max invited, swinging the door open and guiding the man within. The room was plain and sparse, featuring scarcely more than a lone bed, so following a short hesitation, they both settled onto it, positioned opposite one another in a strangely relaxed setup.

"Are you familiar with the Seven Main Families of the Black Dragon Palace?" the man questioned, his tone inquisitive but measured.

"I've caught wind of some tales about them," Max answered, nodding deliberately.

"That simplifies matters then," the man remarked with a grin. "I'm a representative from the Heron Family. The Heron Family ranks among the seven key clans of the Black Dragon Palace, and this Divine Colosseum falls under their control as well."

He halted for a second before proceeding. "I'm here to extend an invitation for you to join the Heron Family."

Max let out an internal sigh the instant those words reached him, since the complication he'd wished to sidestep had shown up regardless. He was already bound by a pact with the Grims Family, mainly via Instructor Virelia, a member of that clan herself, and taking up this proposal would equate to outright opposing them.

Besides, Instructor Virelia had poured substantial resources into him during their time in Obsidian Dragon City, and he couldn't fathom betraying her faith. Through their brief encounters, Max had formed a solid impression that she was a person whose commitments deserved unwavering loyalty, come what may.

Noticing Max lost in thought, the representative kept talking, seemingly steering his considerations along a particular path.

"The Divine Colosseum serves as a mere instrument for the Heron Family to scout prodigies from the mortal domains," he clarified steadily. "Why else would we run such an establishment? Do you suppose it's solely for amusement? No, its real aim is to sift through exceptional individuals like yourself from myriad mortal realms and integrate them into the Heron Family."

"I'm afraid I must turn down your proposal," Max stated courteously, his voice firm and composed as he met the agent's eyes directly, showing no trace of doubt.

"What?" The agent dropped his poise right away and rose to his feet, his action quick and sudden, with incredulity spreading over his features.

"I won't be aligning with the Heron Family," Max repeated, his manner steady. "Truthfully, I intend to affiliate with no organization at present."

"Are you joking?" the agent burst out, fixing Max with a stare like he'd just absorbed utter nonsense. "You're turning down a spot in one of the Seven Main Families of the Black Dragon Palace, the clan that dominates the whole Verdant Sky Realm?" His pitch climbed without him realizing, failing to mask the astonishment and outrage building inside.

Max merely affirmed with a nod. "I plan to join no faction, so you may go now."

The agent's face gradually altered, the shock giving way to overt scorn as his look at Max grew icy and belittling. "You mortals really have no clue about the opportunity laid before you," he uttered with a derisive smirk. "Daring to spurn the Heron Family guarantees your path in the Divine Realm won't be smooth sailing."

"Is that meant as a warning?" Max queried, his brow furrowing a little while his gaze sharpened.

"A warning?" the agent jeered in ridicule. "A worthless mortal like you doesn't merit a threat from me or the Heron Family. Get that through your head?" He shook his head while striding to the exit, his stance dripping with scorn. "Keep this in mind: Spurning the Heron Family's invitation could turn out to be the gravest mistake of your entire existence."

With that parting remark, the agent pulled the door open and departed, shutting it after him and leaving Max solitary in the hushed chamber. Max lingered there briefly before emitting a quiet laugh, shaking his head at the bizarre humor in the whole interaction.

"Man, his demeanor flipped completely the second I said no," Max grumbled to himself, a subtle grin playing on his mouth. Only instants earlier, the agent had acted civil and deferential, but the refusal hit, and suddenly Max seemed like a mere bug not worth a glance.

This only reinforced Max's relief at declining the Heron Family. With his arrangement alongside Instructor Virelia, he resolved to uphold it through thick and thin.