Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100

”I am Lilith Carol, head of the Carol Family.” At this moment, a dignified woman seated among the seven family leaders spoke, her gaze steady and unreadable as it settled on Max. Her voice was calm yet carried an authority that made the surrounding elders fall silent. ”Tell me, how would you feel if I asked you to hand over that sword to another disciple of the Black Dragon Palace?”

Max did not hesitate. His expression remained composed and his voice was clear as he answered. ”Honestly, I would come to hate the Black Dragon Palace for that decision. I was the one who subdued this sword, and the sword chose me. If it were taken from me and handed to someone else, it would mean that my efforts and the sword’s own will were both disregarded.”

Lilith Carol studied him for a moment, then asked again in a slightly different tone. ”And what if such an action were taken for the greater good of the Verdant Sky Realm?”

A faint sneer appeared at the corner of Max’s lips, though his tone remained controlled. ”Let us not jump to conclusions. If there exists another disciple besides me who can truly use this sword and be acknowledged by it, then I am willing to step aside and give it up without resistance. However, if I am ordered to surrender the sword to someone who has not been chosen by it, then I would believe the Black Dragon Palace has ulterior motives. Should that happen, my trust in the Black Dragon Palace and even the Black Dragon Clan would inevitably be shaken.”

The moment his words settled, a ripple of unrest spread through the hall. Murmurs rose as elders leaned toward one another, exchanging glances and whispering their opinions. Some frowned at his bluntness, others nodded quietly as if finding his reasoning difficult to refute. The air itself seemed heavier as the weight of his stance became clear to everyone present.

After this, the questioning continued. Other leaders among the seven major families stepped forward one after another, joined at times by leaders of the thirty six halls. Their questions ranged from probing his moral boundaries to testing his loyalty and gauging whether ambition or cruelty lay hidden beneath his calm exterior.

Some asked whether he would sacrifice himself for the Black Dragon Palace, while others sought to understand his principles when faced with power and temptation.

Throughout it all, Max remained steady. He answered each question directly and honestly, neither embellishing his words nor withholding his true thoughts. He spoke only what was necessary, revealing enough to show his character without offering anything that could be twisted against him.

By the time the questioning drew to a close, the hall had fallen into a contemplative silence, as many began to realize that the sword was not the only dangerous thing Max Morgan carried with him.

”I am Matthew Grimes.” At this moment, the head of the Grimes Family finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an authority that immediately stilled the faint murmurs in the grand hall. His gaze rested on Max with a mixture of interest and quiet appraisal. ”Tell me, how would you like to deal with the Dark Phoenix Clan and the Heavenly Kirin Clan?”

”This junior greets the head of the Grimes Family.” Max bowed deeply, his posture respectful and sincere. Anyone paying close attention could clearly see that this was the first time he had bowed since entering the hall, and that this bow was offered to Matthew Grimes alone. He straightened his back afterward and met Matthew’s gaze without hesitation.

”As for the question Lord Grimes has asked, I have a straightforward answer.” A faint smile appeared on his face. ”If they wish to fight me, then I will give them that fight. I will make it clear to them that the Black Dragon Palace is not a place where anyone can come, make demands, and walk away unscathed.”

”Oh?” Matthew Grimes raised an eyebrow slightly, his interest visibly piqued. ”You speak as if you are confident in victory.” At these words, the attention of the entire hall converged on Max. Even the elders who had remained indifferent earlier now focused intently on him.

Max did not flinch under their gazes. He smiled calmly and answered in an even tone. ”If the candidates they send are limited to the eighth level of the Rebirth Realm, then I have a ninety percent chance of defeating them.” His words were measured, leaving room for humility despite the boldness of the claim.

A sharp scoff echoed from one side of the hall. ”Arrogant.” The leader of the Twelfth Hall spoke with a frown. ”You are only at the eighth level of Divine Rank, yet you claim you can defeat opponents at the eighth level of the Rebirth Realm. Such words sound absurd, no matter how one looks at it.”

Max turned his gaze toward the speaker, his expression solemn rather than offended. ”This concerns the honor of the Black Dragon Palace,” he said firmly. ”I would never joke about such a matter. My combat strength has already been demonstrated in the Divine Colosseum, and that record is something any of you may verify. I would not stake the reputation of this palace on empty bravado.”

He paused briefly, then continued with a respectful tone. ”If I may make a single request of the esteemed elders present here, it is this. The candidates sent against me must be at or below the eighth level of the Rebirth Realm. That is all I ask.”

Silence fell across the hall after his words. The elders exchanged glances, some thoughtful, others sharp with calculation. The weight of the moment pressed down heavily, until Matthew Grimes finally spoke again.

”Your request is accepted,” he said, his voice steady and resolute. A faint smile curved his lips, carrying a hint of pride. ”Do the Dark Phoenix Clan and the Heavenly Kirin Clan truly believe they can push us around simply because they wish to? Then it is time we remind them who stands at the head of the Dark Trinity Clans.”

As his words echoed through the hall, a subtle shift in the atmosphere occurred. It was no longer merely a discussion about a sword or a single disciple, but the beginning of a declaration of dominance, with Max Morgan standing at its very center.