After Zar, Paragon stepped forward before Maximus.
"It's time we formally met. I'm Paragon Donmarch."
"Hmm? Are you related to the Overlord Ascelon Donmarch?"
"Not exactly." Paragon shook his head, unwilling to elaborate further.
"I see. So, what do you need from me?"
"Just curious about your strength."
Although Paragon had lost earlier, to him, the battle had been a mere performance—a show to satisfy the crowd.
He acknowledged Zar's strength but was confident that in a life-and-death battle, he would still emerge victorious.
His interest wasn't in Zar. The man standing before him—Maximus—was far more intriguing.
In their earlier battle, he had seen Maximus holding back significantly.
"Curious about my strength, huh?"
Meeting Paragon's inquisitive gaze, Maximus could tell the man was already analyzing countless ways to defeat him.
Having fought Paragon using the Knowledge Simulation, Maximus was well aware of how dangerous this monster was.
Given sufficient time, information, and simulations, Paragon could defeat any enemy.
Once, Maximus had simulated a battle with Paragon, providing him with all possible information and unlimited time.
To Maximus' shock, he lost miserably.
Moreover, the defeat was indescribable.
He hadn't even seen Paragon during the simulation—he had simply died without knowing how or why.
"I'll see you in the Dimensional Competition. I hope you grow stronger. Don't disappoint me."
Having seen enough, Paragon left as suddenly as he had appeared.
Shaking his head at the inexplicable arrogance of these supremely talented individuals, Maximus turned back to his family.
As they chattered about the trial, they quickly made their way back to the Etherium Realm.
It might have miraculous applications in the Primordial Realm.
After sorting through their plans and discussing their goals for the coming million years, they divided, each with their pursuit.
Most of his children and grandchildren returned to their respective sects to report.
Although the Shadowcrest family had abundant resources, they were reluctant to leave their sects.
For thousands of years, they had lived and grown within those sects, forming countless friendships and alliances and even managing factions of their own.
Furthermore, cooperating with the sects would benefit the family, especially the Order of Maxim, established by their father.
Lux returned to managing his business in the Virtual Realm, with plans to expand it into the real world.
Although the wealth he generated was a fraction of what his father could create, he found joy in conducting business—it was his calling.
Moreover, procuring the materials needed by his father, the Etherium Realm, and the Order of Maxim would become far more manageable with a flourishing business.
Liam, on the other hand, resumed his role in managing the Etherium Realm.
Due to the merging of various dimensions, the Etherium Realm had descended into chaos.
Although order still existed, processes had become slow and disorganized.
Determined to restore efficiency, Liam dove into his work alongside his sons and nieces.
Meanwhile, Maximus and his wives teleported to the Source of Knowledge.
Accompanying them were several masters of the River of Law from the Order of Maxim.
"Do we really need to move the Source of Knowledge now?" Vratos, the acting leader of the Order of Maxim, asked hesitantly.
Moving the Source of Knowledge was no trivial matter—it was a massive endeavor.
Typically, one would only move their Source of Path once it reached the Ocean level when their control and power were sufficient to handle such an undertaking.
"It has to be done. The coming million years will be a race. Who knows if someone tried to sabotage us?"
"Furthermore, having the Source of Knowledge near the Etherium Realm is better. That way, the Order of Maxim will become more concentrated and efficient."
Hearing his explanation, the others nodded in agreement.
Indeed, keeping the Source of their Path far away would not only be inconvenient but potentially dangerous.
"Let's get to work!"