Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100

Max's holowatch beeped, pulling him from his thoughts. A message from Callie. [We are leaving.] He glanced at it briefly before stepping out of his room. The moment he did— All eyes turned to him. And the reaction was instant. Every single member of the Black Lotus guild in the hall froze— Their expressions shifting from mild surprise to outright shock. Because standing before them was not the usual masked figure in dark robes. But Max. Max Morgan. Wearing a sharp black suit, his face fully visible, his striking pink eyes gleaming under the dim lighting of the mansion. No mask. No robe. No attempt to hide his identity. Klaus's frown deepened. The leader of the Black Lotus guild took a step forward, arms crossed as he eyed Max critically. "What are you doing?" His voice was firm, but also questioning. A warning. Max met his gaze without hesitation. "I will join the banquet as Max Morgan, not as a member of the Black Lotus guild." His voice was calm, unwavering. A choice had been made. A statement had been declared. And Klaus did not like it. His frown deepened further, his sharp gaze narrowing as he processed Max's words. This was too bold. Too reckless. Too dangerous. "Why?" Klaus finally asked. Max simply shrugged. "Because I can." Silence stretched between them. Klaus's eyes searched his, as if trying to find a hint of doubt, a crack in his confidence. But there was none. Max wasn't afraid. And that was what troubled him the most. Klaus exhaled sharply. "Still, you're better off with us." Max smirked slightly but shook his head. "Don't worry." His voice lowered slightly, carrying a weight of assurance. "I won't do anything stupid." But Klaus wasn't convinced. Not at all. Max shrugged, his expression calm, almost casual. "I promised Envoy Lukas that I would be here in the West," he said simply. "And Crown Prince Aelric as well. That's why I can't go as a member of the Black Lotus guild." He could feel the tension in the air. Carl and Callie sighed hearing Max. While Nick just watched silently, waiting to see how Klaus would respond. But before Klaus could say anything— Max continued, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Besides, I'm very sure you guys have my back if anything unforeseen happens." He flashed a small grin. "So everything will be fine." Then, without waiting for a response— He turned and walked away. Max's footsteps faded as he left the mansion. Not a single member of the Black Lotus guild stopped him. Not because they didn't want to— But because Klaus didn't give the order. He simply stood there, arms crossed, watching Max's figure disappear into the night. A deep frown creased his face. Silence stretched for several moments before Callie finally spoke. "Will he be fine?" Her voice held a trace of concern, her sharp eyes lingering on the entrance. Klaus exhaled. Slowly, he shook his head. "I don't know." His answer was honest. Because truth be told— Even he couldn't predict what would happen next. But there was one thing he did know. Max was walking into a storm. And whether he came out unscathed or shattered— Was up to him. With a final glance at the entrance, Klaus turned toward the others. "Let's go as well." Without another word— At the same time Klaus led the Black Lotus guild toward the Grand Chamber, Max also walked in the same direction. But unlike them— He was alone. He didn't know the exact way to the banquet hall— But he didn't need to. All the guests were heading in the same direction, their luxurious robes flowing as they chatted amongst themselves, laughing, whispering, discussing politics, alliances, and rivalries. Max simply followed them in silence. Or rather— He tried to. Because his presence alone shattered the silence. The moment people saw him, the air around him shifted. Gasps. Whispers. Shock-filled stares. The first few guests turned their heads—then more—and soon, nearly half the crowd was looking at him in disbelief. Some even stopped in their tracks, blinking as if their eyes were playing tricks on them. "Wait… am I seeing things, or is that—?" "No, you're not seeing things. That's Max Morgan." "Impossible! Wasn't he stabbed by Aurelia, the leader of the Phoenix Order guild? I heard she pierced his heart!" "Yeah, and I also heard the Monarch's people finished him off after that. There was even a report saying he was assassinated!" "Then explain why he's walking right there—calm as ever!" More guests turned to look, some subtly, others openly staring. Some even paused mid-step, struggling to comprehend the reality before them. Max could feel their gazes boring into him. Disbelief. Awe. Curiosity. Some expressions carried hints of fear—as if seeing a ghost. Others held excitement, like they were watching the return of a legend. And some— Were simply trying to figure out how the hell he was still alive. Max, however— Didn't react to any of them. His expression remained neutral, his pace steady. He ignored the whispers, the murmurs, the sideways glances. Because in the end—none of it mattered. As Max approached the entrance of the Grand Chamber, the golden doors stood tall and imposing, shimmering under the palace's grand chandeliers. Two figures stood at the entrance, welcoming every guest with warm smiles. Crown Prince Aelric and Princess Aveline. Their regal presence radiated authority, and yet, they remained humble, personally greeting every noble, warrior, and esteemed guest that entered. Crown Prince Aelric was in the middle of welcoming a group of nobles when his eyes landed on Max. And the moment he did— His expression froze. His breath hitched. For a split second, he forgot what he was saying. Because in his mind—Max Morgan wasn't supposed to be here. Not after what happened four months ago. Not after he was stabbed by Aurelia Phoenix and then reportedly assassinated. But now—here he was. Walking toward the entrance like it was nothing. Aelric blinked, quickly regaining his composure. Then, with a wide grin, he stepped forward, leaving the nobles behind. "Max, you came!" Aelric greeted, his voice carrying a mixture of relief and excitement. Max met his gaze, grinning slightly. "Of course, I would come." His tone was casual, confident—as if the rumors of his death had never existed. "After all, I made a promise to you, didn't I?" Max added with a smirk. "So I had to come at all costs." Aelric chuckled. "Good. I was hoping you would." Without wasting another second, he extended his hand. Max gripped it firmly, and they shook hands in greeting— A gesture of mutual respect between two powerful geniuses. Then, Aelric clapped Max on the back, his smile widening. "Let's go. I'll show you around." Without another word, Aelric turned on his heels, leading Max into the Grand Chamber without hesitation. Ignoring the nobles. Ignoring the other guests. Ignoring everything else— Because at this moment, Max Morgan was the center of his attention. Princess Aveline, however, was less amused. As she watched her brother walk off without a second glance, she narrowed her eyes. Her hands clenched at her sides. Her smile twitched slightly. Then, with a deep exhale, she turned back toward the entrance— And continued welcoming guests. But in her heart, she was already planning revenge for Aelric leaving her alone.