Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100

A few paces behind, Margo followed in silence, his expression dark and brooding. His once-arrogant posture was gone, shoulders slightly slumped, eyes lowered as he trailed after his own team like a shadow.

The events of the battle replayed in his mind in merciless clarity—the sight of Max cutting down Ascendants, the golden swords cleaving through monsters that even seasoned veterans feared to challenge.

Margo clenched his fists, swallowing the bitter taste of his own wounded pride. He had seen enough to understand one unshakable truth: Max was in a realm entirely beyond his reach.

’Going against him would only bring me ruin,’ Margo thought, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he forced himself to remain silent, to fade into the background. He kept his eyes lowered, hoping that staying invisible was the wisest path for now.

Just at that moment, as the sun spilled molten gold across the white-stoned streets and the tired voices of warriors filled the air, a figure emerged before them with a quiet authority that immediately stilled the small group.

He was a middle-aged man whose long black robe rippled gently in the breeze, embroidered with delicate silver threads depicting ancient runes and coiling beasts.

His hair was touched with streaks of dignified gray, swept back from a stern yet kind face lined by wisdom and age. His gaze, sharp as a blade yet filled with an unfathomable depth, fell upon Max with unmistakable focus. It was Elder Liam, First Elder of the Hunter Association, a name that carried weight like a mountain in the Middle Domain.

”I am an elder of the Hunter Association. You may all call me Elder Liam,” he said, his voice calm and resonant, carrying effortlessly over the low hum of conversation all around them. Though spoken gently, every syllable radiated a quiet power that made even seasoned warriors stand a little straighter.

Then Elder Liam shifted his gaze fully onto Max, a faint but genuine smile brushing his lips. ”I would like a word with Max alone.”

Hearing this, Arlen and the others exchanged glances, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and understanding. It wasn’t every day a figure of Elder Liam’s status singled out someone for a private conversation.

Arlen clapped Max lightly on the shoulder, grinning despite his fatigue. ”See you inside the Hunter Association, Max.” With that, he and the others gave respectful bows to Elder Liam and drifted away into the milling crowd, their chatter quickly swallowed by the town’s noise.

Alice lingered a moment longer, her phoenix-red hair catching the sunlight as she gave Max a soft, lingering look. ”I’ll wait for you in the Hunter Association tower,” she said, her voice low and warm, before turning and gliding back toward her own team, where Margo and the others were waiting in silence.

Max watched them go, then turned his attention back to Elder Liam, inclining his head in polite respect. ”Elder Liam, what can I do for you?” he asked, his tone humble.

Elder Liam studied him for a long moment, a glimmer of admiration sparking in his eyes. ”You are good,” he said finally, his lips twitching into a small smile again. ”In all my years, I have never seen a genius as monstrous as you.”

Max gave a small, wry laugh, scratching at the back of his white-haired head. ”I believe Elder isn’t here just to praise me.”

”Indeed, I am not here for that.” Elder Liam’s smile faded, replaced by a grave solemnity that made the surrounding air feel heavier somehow, like the moment before a storm. ”The President of the Hunter Association would like to meet you.”

Max blinked, his expression shifting from polite curiosity to startled surprise. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully, though a part of him had expected this outcome all along.

The sheer scale of the feats he’d displayed on the battlefield—the slaughter of Ascendants—was bound to draw the attention of the Middle Domain’s highest powers. Still, hearing it confirmed sent a subtle ripple of unease and excitement down his spine.

”The President of the Hunter Association?” he repeated slowly, absorbing the full weight of those words. His gaze dropped briefly as he considered the implications.

The Hunter Association wasn’t just another faction vying for power in the Middle Domain. It was one of the rare neutral forces that stood on equal footing with the Seven Overlord Forces and even the mighty Four God Nation.

Unlike other factions driven by politics, territory, or bloodlines, the Hunter Association existed for a singular purpose: to protect the Middle Domain by managing dungeons, hunting monsters, and eradicating threats like the Nulls and Ascendants.

Their neutrality and unwavering dedication to the balance of the realm had earned them a respect that transcended national borders and sect rivalries.

”I wonder what the President would like to meet me for?” Max mused, his eyes flicking toward Elder Liam, curiosity simmering beneath the calm surface of his voice.

At Max’s question, Elder Liam let out a quiet chuckle, the lines around his eyes deepening as he folded his arms across his chest. ”How would I know what goes through the President’s mind?” he said, shaking his head as though the very thought was amusing. ”But one thing is certain: he seems... very interested in you.” There was a subtle emphasis in his tone—a weight suggesting that ”interested” meant far more than casual curiosity.

Max fell silent for a moment, his gaze turning inward. A quiet, calculating light shimmered in his golden eyes as he considered the invitation.

The President of the Hunter Association was no ordinary figure; he was one of the Middle Domain’s pillars of power, a man whose influence stretched across the entire region and who commanded respect even from the Seven Overlord Forces and the mighty Four God Nation.

To be acknowledged by such a man wasn’t merely an honor—it was a rare opportunity, a door opening to endless benefits and protections. Connections like that could shield Max from enemies, grant him access to precious resources, and help him navigate the perilous web of alliances and rivalries that defined life in the Middle Domain.

He exhaled slowly, his decision firming like steel in his chest. ’Acquaintance with the President of the Hunter Association can only bring me advantages. Besides, I’ve already exposed enough strength that I can’t remain hidden forever.’

”Lead the way,” Max said finally, his voice low but resolute, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Elder Liam’s own lips curved upward into a pleased grin. ”Good. Follow me, then.”