Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100

After arriving in the underground area this time, Max could clearly feel the change in the way the other ascenders looked at him, because the casual glances from before had turned into gazes filled with awe and respect, as though they were no longer looking at a fellow newcomer but at someone far above their level.

At the same time, he could also sense traces of jealousy and suppressed hatred mixed within those looks, emotions that clung to a few individuals who found it difficult to accept the gap that had suddenly opened between them and him.

Max paid none of it any attention and continued walking calmly, his expression unchanged as he headed straight toward his room.

Just as Max reached the door to his room, he noticed that someone was already waiting there, standing quietly as if he had been expecting him for some time. The man wore a neatly tailored suit and dark sunglasses, his appearance far too refined and extravagant for the underground quarters, which immediately made him stand out in Max’s eyes.

”What can I do for you?” Max asked politely, his tone calm as he studied the man in front of him.

”May we have a private talk?” the man asked in the same polite manner as he extended a card toward Max. Max accepted it and glanced down, only to stiffen slightly as he sensed the faint yet unmistakable aura of the Black Dragon Chaotic Bloodline emanating from the card. He looked back up at the man with mild surprise before nodding.

”Come in,” Max said as he opened the door and led the man into the room. The space was simple and bare, containing little more than a single bed, so after a brief pause, both of them ended up sitting on it, facing each other in an oddly casual setting.

”Have you heard of the Seven Main Families of the Black Dragon Palace?” the man asked, his voice curious yet controlled.

”I have heard some rumors about them,” Max replied as he nodded slowly.

”Then that makes things easier,” the man said with a smile. ”I am an agent of the Heron Family. The Heron Family is one of the seven major families of the Black Dragon Palace, and this Divine Colosseum is also under the ownership of the Heron Family.”

He paused briefly before continuing. ”I am here to invite you to become a member of the Heron Family.”

Max sighed inwardly the moment he heard those words, because the very thing he had hoped to avoid had arrived anyway. He already had an agreement with the Grims Family, primarily through Instructor Virelia, who herself was a member of that family, and accepting this invitation would mean directly going against them.

Moreover, Instructor Virelia had invested heavily in him back in Obsidian Dragon City, and he could not bring himself to betray that trust. From his limited interactions with her, Max had developed a clear sense that she was someone worth honoring a promise to, no matter the circumstances.

Seeing Max fall into contemplation, the agent continued speaking as if to guide his thoughts in a certain direction.

”The Divine Colosseum is merely a tool used by the Heron Family to recruit geniuses from the mortal realms,” he explained calmly. ”Otherwise, why do you think we operate such a place in the first place? Do you believe it exists purely for entertainment? Its true purpose is to filter out outstanding talents like you from countless mortal worlds and bring them into the Heron Family.”

”I am sorry, but I have to decline your offer,” Max said politely, his voice calm and steady as he looked straight at the agent without the slightest hesitation.

”What?” The agent lost his composure instantly and stood up, his movement sharp and abrupt as disbelief flashed across his face.

”I will not be joining the Heron Family,” Max said again, his tone unchanged. ”In fact, I have no plans to join any force right now.”

”Are you kidding me?” the agent exclaimed, staring at Max as if he had just heard something absurd. ”You are refusing to become a member of one of the Seven Main Families of the Black Dragon Palace, the family that controls the entire Verdant Sky Realm?” His voice rose unconsciously, unable to hide the shock and indignation swelling within him.

Max simply nodded. ”I have no plans to join any force, so you can leave now.”

The agent’s expression slowly shifted, the disbelief fading and being replaced by clear disdain as his gaze toward Max turned cold and dismissive. ”You mortals truly do not understand what you are being offered,” he said with a sneer. ”To have the audacity to refuse the Heron Family means your future in the Divine Realm will not be a pleasant one.”

”Is that a threat?” Max asked, frowning slightly as his eyes narrowed.

”A threat?” the agent scoffed mockingly. ”You pathetic mortal do not need me or the Heron Family to threaten you. You are not even worth that, understand?” He shook his head as he walked toward the door, his posture filled with contempt. ”Just remember this. Rejecting the offer made by the Heron Family may very well be the most regrettable decision you will ever make in your life.”

With those final words, the agent opened the door and left, closing it behind him and leaving Max alone in the quiet room. Max stood there for a moment before letting out a low chuckle, shaking his head as he found the entire exchange oddly amusing.

”Damn, his attitude really took a sharp turn the moment I rejected him,” Max muttered to himself, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Just moments ago, the agent had been polite and respectful, yet the instant the offer was refused, he looked at Max as though he were nothing more than an insect beneath his notice.

This made Max even more fortunate that he rejected the Heron Family. Since he had a deal with Instructor Virelia he would stick to it to the very end.