Hundreds of Years Later, on the Periphery of the Etherium Realm:
A group of Masters of the River of Law stealthily inched closer.
"Where is the Etherium Realm? The Void Space here is full of chaotic energy,"
"It's the Source of Knowledge. It's acting as a natural barrier," Blase, the leader of the reconnaissance team, explained.
"They relocated the Source of Knowledge? How daring," an individual from the Donmarch Family quipped with a mocking smile.
"Don't underestimate them. If you had seen Maximus in the Virtual Trial Domain fighting Zar from the Devourer faction, you wouldn't even be standing straight. "
"What? Is he really that strong?"
Although Maximus carried the title of the strongest Primordial Candidate, many dismissed it as nothing more than a label—a prodigious name without the corresponding strength.
"He's as strong as a Master of the Ocean of Law," Blase said, recalling the awe-inspiring scene from over ten thousand years ago.
As for the moment Maximus unleashed an instantaneous burst of power that rivaled an Absolute, Blase still didn't dare to believe his own eyes.
Meanwhile, hearing his words, the group couldn't help but stiffen, raising their caution a notch.
"Don't worry too much; we're still far away. We're just scouting the way for the main force," Blase reminded, trying to calm their nerves.
What they didn't realize was that surrounding them, micro-surveillance bots—smaller than a particle of Origin Energy—floated invisibly.
After countless iterations, the Micro Surveillance Bots had reached the tier 11 semi-ultimate treasure.
It was so minuscule that even Masters of the Ocean of Law couldn't detect them.
Like dust scattered through the void, capturing every movement with crystal clarity.
In the Etherium Realm, watching the enemy's approach, Max and the others couldn't help clench their fist.
"Can I take this one? I haven't fought in ages!" Max asked eagerly.
Having reached the peak of what a Tier 10 could achieve, only Tier 11 Masters of the River of Law could provide him with a real challenge.
At such a high level, finding a genuine life-or-death fight was rare.
As for the Knowledge Simulation, it didn't satisfy the thrill-seeking Max or his hot-blooded siblings and nieces.
It lacked the adrenaline of true combat.
"It's not fair, Uncle! As part of the younger generation, it should be our turn first!" Martin pouted, crossing his arms.
"Don't argue with your uncle. Just stay here and watch,"
Not waiting for another word, Max leaped into action, heading toward the reconnaissance team for an ambush.
"Can your son handle a group of Masters of the River of Law?" Vratos asked worriedly.
Yet, as they turned to flee, a barrier of knowledge materialized, trapping them.
"You can't escape~," Max taunted, licking his lips with a predatory grin.
"Damn it! If we can't escape, we'll take your life with us!" they roared, desperation and hatred flashing in their eyes.
Cornered, they launched an all-out attack, disregarding their own lives.
As the fight continues.
Max fought like a whirlwind of destruction, taking down two more enemies.
However, their frenzied attacks began to wear him down.
Injuries marred his body as blood dripped from his wounds.
Sensing his growing disadvantage, the remaining attackers became even fiercer, pressing their assault.
"Kid, it's time to use me. Otherwise, you'll die," a voice growled within him—the Supreme Law of Wrath, stirring in concern.
"No! I can handle this!"
Determined to prove his strength, Max poured every ounce of skill and power he had cultivated throughout his life into the battle.
Though his body weakened and injuries piled up, his eyes burned with exhilaration. He lived for this—the razor's edge between life and death.
The Supreme Law of Wrath fell silent, observing the reckless determination of its host.
"What a kid,"
One by one, Max whittled down his opponents, his injuries worsening with every strike.
Finally, only Blase remained.
"Hehe... time to end this," Max murmured, summoning the last reserves of his strength.
With one final, all-out effort, Max struck Blase down.
Looking at the empty void, Max's adrenaline faded as he stumbled and collapsed, his body unable to endure any longer.
"You reckless kid..." Maximus appeared beside his son, his expression a mixture of exasperation and pride.
Pouring strands of causality into Max's wounds, he began to stabilize his injuries.
"Fortunately, it's not too serious,"
Turning his gaze to the void, he saw a faint bead of will stealthily escaping toward the opposing enemy.
"You can't escape," Maximus declared coldly.
With a firm grip, he crushed the bead of will, letting the void return to silence.