Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100-Chapter 785: Standing Up for Max

Omar glanced at Julio, his eyes narrowing briefly as though considering whether the man before him was worthy of even that chance. After a long moment, he waved a dismissive hand, lips curling into a sneer. "Fine. Do it quickly. Don’t embarrass the Thunder Monarch Hall."

Julio nearly shivered with relief and excitement, turning back toward Max, lightning swirling ever more violently around his arms. He planted his feet in a solid stance, jaw tight, eyes blazing with determination. He was no longer simply battling a stranger; he was fighting for his future, for his dreams of stepping into the inner circle of power.

But all Max did was tilt his head slightly, a cool, dismissive light in his eyes, as if he were staring not at an opponent, but at a child throwing a tantrum.

"Julio, Omar, Josh, what is the meaning of this?!" Gayle barked, his voice ringing out sharp and clear. His fists were clenched at his sides, knuckles pale. His normally calm face was drawn tight, eyes flashing like cold steel as he stared across the room at Josh, Julio, and Omar.

Around them, the murmurs of other warriors and geniuses hushed instantly, a heavy silence descending over the third floor of the restaurant like a suffocating blanket.

He shot a quick, troubled glance at Max, who remained seated, seemingly unfazed, as if watching a mild spectacle rather than a dangerous confrontation.

Julio didn’t even look at Gayle, his entire focus locked on Max, lightning continuing to dance in crackling bursts around his fists. Omar’s eyes were dark and venomous, fixed on Max as though nothing else existed. But it was Josh who answered, his expression cold, voice dripping with restrained aggression.

"Gayle, this is a matter between Thunder Monarch Hall and this kid," Josh said, his tone calm but the underlying threat unmistakable. "I will owe you if Absolute Sword Palace doesn’t interfere in this matter." His eyes narrowed, gauging Gayle’s reaction. He was well aware of the Absolute Sword Palace’s formidable reputation, and there was caution in his voice even as he tried to assert dominance.

Gayle’s lips tightened into a hard line. "Josh, I brought Max here. He is a guest of the Absolute Sword Palace." His voice grew colder, his aura slowly intensifying, blade-like energy starting to leak from his body in fine, sharp wisps. "So, it would be good to put away whatever your force is planning to do here." He drew himself up to his full height, his eyes locked on Josh, refusing to back down.

Josh’s face darkened at that, a scowl twisting his features. His brows drew low over his eyes, and for a moment, his aura flared so violently that the wooden beams of the restaurant ceiling above creaked under the pressure. But then he exhaled sharply, his sneer curling the corners of his mouth as he spat out his words like poison.

"I would have backed down if someone in the Legend Rank were here," Josh said, his voice now icy, disdain dripping from every syllable. "But you, Gayle? You are not qualified."

"You!" Gayle choked out, his face going pale. He hadn’t expect Josh to ignore him when he was representing the Absolute Sword Palace.

But across the table, Max merely leaned back slightly, his white hair falling around his face as he cast a glance first at Gayle, then at Josh, then back at Julio. His eyes were half-lidded, a faint smile touching his lips, as though he were simply amused by a game of children fighting over toys.

Josh took a step closer, aura crackling, lightning lancing out around his body like living serpents. "Step aside, Gayle," he said, voice dropping lower, dangerous. "Unless you’re ready to die for this little Master Rank brat."

For a long moment, no one moved. The air between them felt as thick as water, ready to explode into violence at the slightest spark. Gayle’s jaw worked, but before he could speak, Max finally rose slowly from his seat, brushing imaginary dust from his robes as he met Josh’s glare.

Despite the crackling killing intent from Julio and the oppressive silence choking the room, his expression was calm, too calm one would say.

"Brother Gayle, I am grateful that you want to help me, but as he said, this is a matter between me and Thunder Monarch Hall. I don’t want the Absolute Sword Palace to get affected because of me. So, I would appreciate it if you don’t interfere." His eyes held Gayle’s, steady and sincere. It was not bravado—it was simply the truth. He meant every word. freewēbnoveℓ.com

Gayle opened his mouth as though to protest, his fists clenching at his sides, jaw flexing with frustration. "Brother Max..." he began, his voice rough with conflicting emotions. He wanted to help Max, to stand beside him as he would any friend, but... he also knew the consequences of clashing with Thunder Monarch Hall here and now, especially when tensions were already strung so tight they might snap at any second. In the end, his shoulders slumped slightly, and he let out a long breath. "Alright."

"Hahaha, what noble words!" Scott suddenly burst out from the side, his laughter sharp and cold as a knife. His eyes gleamed mockingly as he lounged in his chair, his aura humming like a barely restrained blade. "It’s your death, and you still want to act so noble."

"Brother Scott, don’t worry," Julio said with a dark grin, stepping forward, lightning sparking and crackling around his arms, illuminating the veins of purple flickering through his skin. "I’ll make him beg for mercy soon." He moved closer, his killing intent sharp enough that several bystanders unconsciously shifted back in their seats, chairs scraping on the wooden floor. "As Brother Josh asked—how do you want to die?"

Max tilted his head slightly, his expression unchanged, his gaze cool as it rested on Julio’s lightning-clad figure. "You want to kill me?" he asked lightly, as though asking whether Julio planned to share a meal rather than take his life.

Julio sneered, sparks dancing from his fingertips as a low, electric hum filled the air. "I don’t want to—but since you’ve offended Young Master Omar, then I can only kill you." His figure blurred suddenly, the flicker of purple lightning coiling around him, ready to strike.