Seeing Iris, the most beautiful and one of the strongest women in the Aeon plane, boldly hold Maximus's hand, they were shocked.
Although they knew the Immortal Palace Sect and the Shadowcrest family had a close connection, they didn't expect such a relationship to be involved.
Thinking of the silent acknowledgment of the Sterling family and Elfalhn family toward Maximus, along with Malgron's frankness and joviality, the top leaders of the families and sects became solemn.
They had thought they would have an easy discussion, easily obtaining Maximus's cooperation without much cost.
However, seeing his influence, they knew things wouldn't be so simple.
Seeing the leaders become more serious, Maximus couldn't help but smile inwardly.
It seemed he would get more from this deal than he initially thought.
"I'm sure you know my name, but please let me reintroduce myself. I'm Maximus Shadowcrest, one of the primordial candidates, the master of the river of knowledge, and the owner of this Tower."
Following Maximus's example, the others began to introduce themselves one by one.
From each of the top sects—the Ashura Sect, Immortal Palace Sect, Eternal Sect, Divine Sect, Mercenary Alliance, Primordial Beast Alliance, Celestial God Alliance, Alchemy Alliance, and Mechanical Alliance.
From each of the top families—the Sterling, Montgomery, Elfalhn, Midgar, Fritz, Eldvar, Farnyr, Aurelian, Althara, Nexus, Donmarch, and Eonfrir families.
"Since the introductions are done, let's cut to the chase. How much do you want for exclusive use of the Tower of Knowledge?" Noimir, the supreme leader of the Eternal Sect, muttered lazily.
The others also nodded, waiting for Maximus's answer.
Monopolizing the Tower of Knowledge was their primary goal.
Beyond the overwhelming features of the Tower of Knowledge, they were more eager to suppress it.
They didn't want other powers and factions to rise because of an uncontrollable factor like the Tower of Knowledge.
"Are you still asleep? Exclusive use? Why don't you just put a collar on my friend and drag him like a dog?" Malgron clicked his tongue.
"Why not? It's not like we wouldn't pay. With our combined resources and people, I'm sure Mr. Maximus could earn more," Lucas, the head of the Montgomery family, reasoned.
"That's right, we could even triple the amount we would pay to ensure that it's exclusive to us," Aurilous, the Emperor of the Aurelian Empire—the largest empire spanning trillions of dimensions—agreed.
"How about it, little friend? You can name the price," Yumar, the leader of the Alchemy Alliance, finalized.
Although not as wealthy as the Sterling family, who could generate resources from nothing, the Alchemy Alliance was still one of the richest.
Seeing he was outnumbered, Malgron stayed silent, giving Maximus a look that he still had his backing.
The Sterling and Elfalhn families also remain seated, simply nodding at Maximus.
Especially Iris, who sat beside him, silently playing with his hand as if nothing else mattered.
Thankful for their support, Maximus smiled.
"I'm afraid I can't agree to your offer. No matter the amount, I can't allow my Tower of Knowledge to be monopolized."
What a joke—if he only allowed these forces to use his Tower of Knowledge, why bother creating it?
He hadn't created this tower for mere money but to nurture loyal followers and strengthen the overall power of the Aeon plane.
"What? You disagree?" They frowned, exerting imperceptible pressure on him.
Even with Maximus's status and influence with some of the top forces in the Dimensional Alliance, it wasn't enough.
Having faced a Tier 13 dark creature while only at the Tier 11 realm, how could he be scared of someone at the same rank?
Although he died, Malgron could proudly say he survived for a moment before the inevitable.
"You're still as mouthy as ever, little Malgron." Luck still smiled, though anger was erupting in his heart.
If he wasn't wary of Malgron's master, he would have wanted to give this arrogant bastard a beating.
The master of the Absolute of Chaos, the strongest before the Overlords—even if Luck had the backing of Master Elvian, he didn't dare cause trouble.
While Luck was having an internal battle with Malgron, Pandora from the Space and Time Bureau slowly walked toward Iris.
Seeing her beloved's hand intertwined with another's, Pandora's eyes went cold.
"Who is this man, Iris?"
"Huh? My friend~" Iris muttered with a blush.
"Just a friend? Then, take away that hand. You belong only to me." Pandora jumped, dangling from Iris's neck.
"You, Maximus Shadowcrest, should stay away from my beloved, or I will kill you."
Looking at the emotionless little girl dangling from Iris, Maximus couldn't help but twitch his mouth.
"I'm sorry, but I can't leave Iris~," Maximus said firmly, holding Iris's hand tightly.
"Then die."
"Pandora, that's enough." Iris stopped her, taking Pandora onto her lap.
"Since my beloved says so," Pandora said obediently, still watching Maximus warily.
"These immature kids," Regulus sighed, looking at the two.
"Anyway, I'm sorry for the intrusion, but we would like to join your discussion."
"Don't worry; everyone is welcome," Maximus smiled.
Although he had conflicts with the Interdimensional Council, it was only with the Master of the Ocean of Soul.
Not minding Maximus's lack of formalities, Regulus found his seat, looking like an observer.
As the atmosphere calmed down, with the leaders restraining themselves, Maximus restarted their discussion.
"I hope you now know the capabilities of the Tower of Knowledge—"
"Enough of that. Just tell us what you want," Aurilous muttered impatiently.
Staying with the three Little Overlords, he wanted to get out of this place as soon as possible.
Especially Regulus, who was eyeing him intently.
As the Emperor with the largest territory and population even among the tops sects, the Interdimensional Council had long wanted him to submit to their rule.
But how could he, who was treading the path of an Emperor, kneel?
He would rather die and see everything destroyed than tarnish the dignity and pride of his people bearing on his shoulder.
"Then I won't mince my words. I want ten sets of Ultimate Treasures from all the 161,803 laws—from Tier 1 to Tier 11—from each and every one of the forces here. Or, if that's too hard, a single Tier 12 Ultimate Treasure will be enough..."