Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 - Chapter 1271

Chapter 1271: A Little Game
“And if not for the Heavenly Lord Secret Domain,” Max continued, “your strength wouldn’t be what it is right now. That domain pushed you ahead by centuries. Without it, you would still be climbing slowly like everyone else.”

He paused and let the crackling fire fill the silence.

“So no… you aren’t weak. Not even close. You’re among the strongest Divine Rank geniuses this world has produced in ages. But strength doesn’t replace experience. And experience is what Balthazar has in abundance.”

He leaned back slightly, eyes softening.

“That’s why I brought you all here. Not just to kill demons. Not just to sharpen your blades. You’re here to learn how to think in battle. How to survive when plans crumble. How to react when your enemy tricks you. How to adapt when the situation shifts suddenly.”

His voice lowered, becoming more grounded.

“Facing Balthazar right now would be like facing someone who has seen everything. Every trick. Every trap. Every strategy. And has counters for all of them.”

Another moment of quiet passed between them.

“But someday,” Max said slowly, “I believe every one of you can surpass him.”

Seraphina looked into the flames, her eyes steady. Arthur clenched his fists with renewed resolve. Victor exhaled deeply, nodding once as if accepting something he already understood.

The fire crackled again.

And Max smiled faintly.

“Experience is earned in the field. That’s why we’re here. And that’s why I’ll keep pushing you. Until there’s nothing in this world—or any world—you can’t face.”

The leaders sat there silently, each absorbing his words in their own way. The firelight flickered across their determined faces.

And somewhere beyond the camp, hidden in the cursed winds of Nullaria, the demons stirred.

Unaware that their hunters were growing stronger by the day.

And preparing for the one enemy none of them could afford to underestimate.

“Go and rest for a bit. From tomorrow onwards things will progress at a much faster rate,” Max said to the seven squad leaders. His tone carried a quiet certainty that left no room for argument.

The squad leaders exchanged glances, each of them sensing that something heavier than usual lay behind his words, before they returned to their camps. They settled down for the night just like the other geniuses scattered throughout the campgrounds, unaware of what the next day would bring.

Only Max chose to remain by the campfire. He stayed seated before the slow, steady flames, his eyes fixed on the silent dance of the fire. The glow flickered across his expression, revealing nothing yet hinting at thoughts far deeper than the flames reflected.

—-

When morning arrived, everyone woke with the familiar expectation of heading back out to clear demon lairs. They prepared themselves as they always did, adjusting armor, checking weapons, and gathering supplies.

Strangely, Max did not call for immediate action. Instead he instructed everyone to gather beside the camp, which immediately pulled their attention away from their usual routine.

People began whispering among themselves as curiosity spread through the crowd. Max rarely changed plans without reason, and the lack of urgency to engage demons left them wondering what he intended.

Max hovered calmly in the air as they assembled, waiting until the last group arrived. Once the gathered crowd quieted, he spoke with a steady voice that carried across the open field. “Do not concern yourselves with clearing demon lairs today. You only need to know that the fight will come to us instead.”

The moment he said this, everyone’s expressions shifted. They understood something significant was about to unfold, and the atmosphere became tense as they straightened their backs and focused their attention on him. The idea that demons would come to them instead of the other way around planted a seriousness in their hearts that completely erased the earlier confusion.

Max continued speaking as the wind brushed past him. “For now, we will try something different.” His eyes rested on the seven squad leaders. “Squad leaders, come up.” His voice was light but carried a certain weight that made them react instantly.

The seven squad leaders lifted themselves into the air, flying toward him until they came to a stop in a semicircle in front of him. The others down below watched with anticipation, wondering what Max planned to do with the strongest individuals under his command.

“Use everything you have,” Max said with a grin that revealed both confidence and intent. “If any one of you manages to touch me, even for a moment, you will earn a point. If you fail, the point goes to me.” His words rolled across the sky, and the squad leaders narrowed their eyes as they tried to understand whether he was being serious or simply provoking them.

Seraphina stepped forward slightly and asked, “Is that a challenge to us?” Her voice carried a hint of excitement wrapped beneath respect, since she could never fully predict what Max intended.

“A challenge?” Max let out a soft sneer as he looked at all of them. “No. None of you are strong enough for something like that. Think of this as an elder guiding the younger generation. Treat it as training rather than a challenge.”

His tone was calm yet sharp enough to pierce pride, and the squad leaders felt heat rush through their chests at his blunt evaluation. They understood what he meant, yet his words made them grit their teeth as they prepared themselves.

The air seemed to still around them as they readied their strength, and everyone on the ground sensed that something intense was about to begin.

The seven squad leaders exchanged looks, each expression darkening in its own way. Some twitched with annoyance, some with disbelief, some with an unspoken itch to strike back at the arrogance in Max’s voice.

Seraphina’s eyes narrowed, sharp as a blade. Victor let out a slow breath while his jaw tightened. Arthur cracked his knuckles once as if preparing himself mentally.

Daniel’s lips curved in a dry smile. Only he understood that even if all of them fight together, they would be no match for Max.

Christine rolled her shoulders as if loosening her muscles. Michael and Chris shared a look somewhere between irritation and reluctant excitement.

But none of them spoke. Not yet.