Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1426 Meeting Lucia Again!

Grand Elder Waller maintained his steady stride while leading the surviving disciples onward, and shortly after, they reached the base of yet another immense dome that soared upward into the heavens, resembling a gigantic bastion.

The edifice dwarfed the earlier structure in magnitude, its arched exterior glowing softly with stacked defensive arrays that wavered like sheer undulations. Its sheer vastness alone prompted a number of disciples to instinctively stiffen their postures, as if the dome's enormity served as a quiet signal that the trials inside would prove far more rigorous than the opening ordeal.

Upon stepping inside, Max's vision quickly scanned the expanse. The interior formed a spacious round chamber, encircled by levels of raised ledges around the central ring. Positioned on those ledges were the elders of the Thirty Six Halls from the Black Dragon Palace, each radiating a firm and commanding presence.

Their faces remained serene, but their stares cut like edges, scrutinizing each entering disciple as if appraising their value in one swift look.

Besides the elders, a few youthful silhouettes lingered close to the forefront, their stances brimming with assurance that distinguished them from the others. Their garments were more refined, their demeanors steadier, and the energy enveloping them held a profound quality that Max couldn't entirely detect.

Regardless of his close inspection, their cultivation bases stayed hazy to his perception, as if shrouded by some unseen barrier.

Yet, among that group, one visage instantly drew his focus.

Lucia Grimes positioned herself calmly off to the side, her form graceful and poised.

'They must be the prodigies from the Seven Families,' Max reasoned to himself.

This insight failed to startle him. Given the trial's significance, it stood to reason that the elite youths from the prominent clans would attend to watch or maybe join in some way. Their attendance heightened the mood even more, transforming the already grave assessment into an event that seemed nearly ritualistic.

Before long, the disciples under Grand Elder Waller's lead had completely entered the dome and assembled in the middle. The area overhead shimmered subtly, and massive displays started to light up sequentially, suspending and drifting in the air.

These formed a ring around the fighting ground, their panels glowing with radiance as though set to project views from the assessment.

Right at the dome's heart, a solitary route stretched ahead.

It shone with gold.

The route sparkled as if crafted from liquid gold cooled into a perfect plane. Its luster wasn't overwhelming, but it exuded a compelling force that captured every onlooker's attention. It ran straight onward, vanishing into a haze of warped atmosphere at the distant edge, like a gateway to a separate dimension.

Max's eyes intensified as he concentrated on it.

Unlike the weighty, timeless force that had poured from the dragon skull, the energy emanating from this golden route differed in essence. It lacked a choking suppression. Rather, it came across as intense, blazing, and turbulent, akin to a slumbering eruption held back under a fragile layer of rock.

Even from afar, he sensed warmth grazing his awareness. It started mild, like being beside a hearth with its fire not fully kindled, yet under that mildness lurked a horrifying power poised to burst forth.

'This force ties to fire,' Max evaluated in his thoughts while squinting.

His frame, infused with dragon heritage and a strong bond to fire, responded on instinct. The power in his channels surged, not with craving this round, but with familiarity. This wasn't the timeless rule of draconic power. This felt more refined and ruinous.

The second trial went by the name Path to Eternal Flames.

Max kept his stare locked on the golden route ahead as the idea took root in his mind.

'Is that the Path to Eternal Flames?'

The golden plane appeared nearly vital, subtle waves of warmth warping the air over it. Without even treading it, he perceived that this route would challenge beyond mere bodily stamina. It would probe mastery, tolerance, and maybe even one's link to fire.

As quietness filled the dome, and as the scrutiny of elders and prodigies alike turned to the disciples who had endured the first trial, Max sensed the atmosphere grow denser with strain.

The real test was just starting.

"The details of the second trial will be outlined by your hall elders."

Grand Elder Waller's words resounded through the expansive dome with even command. He provided no extra details, nor did he cast another look at the disciples.

His role for this stage had concluded. Without further speech, he pivoted and headed to the raised ledges where the Thirty Six Halls elders assembled, his shape slowly blending into the cluster of superior figures.

The disciples stayed in place for a short while before motion stirred among them. Clusters formed naturally, with each disciple moving to their hall's elder. The single unit from the first trial now split into distinct bands, the air heavy with unease and eagerness.

Max advanced smoothly to Lady Virelila, his footfalls firm and relaxed. His face had regained its typical calm, though his eyes stayed alert, subtly registering the responses of those nearby. Certain disciples appeared anxious, their looks darting to the golden route in the dome's core. Others showed resolve, as if assuring themselves of readiness for the coming trials.

Right as Max arrived at Lady Virelila, a known figure neared with swift and assured strides.

"So, how did the first trial go? Did you find it tough?"

Lucia's tone brimmed with clear energy as she inserted herself between Max and the hall elder, her gaze sparkling with interest. No pause marked her words, no stiff formality even with elders close by. She acted utterly comfortable in this setting, as if she fit here alongside the elite ranks.

Max shot her a quick look before replying.

"It was fine."

His answer stayed even and precise. No bragging colored it, nor any pretended humility. For him, the first trial had merely been itself.

He then inquired, his focus tightening a bit, "What brings you here?"

Lucia crossed her arms gently, a slight grin tugging at her mouth.

"I'm here to watch the second and final trial," she stated, her eyes shining with eagerness. "Some records are definitely getting shattered today."

Her voice conveyed assurance over guesswork. It seemed she held knowledge hidden from the rest.

Max's eyes narrowed at her statement.

"Records will be broken?" he echoed deliberately. "Which disciple here possesses the strength to shatter records in the second and third trials?"