"Who are these Nine Masters of the Ocean of Law you speak of?"
Sensing all the Oceans of Law known to the Dimensional Alliance, the Absolute of Righteousness couldn't identify anyone missing.
"I-it's our secret force," Yumar replied, a hint of embarrassment coloring his tone.
"Secret force?"
Manipulating the barrier that concealed their Oceans of Law, the Absolute of Righteousness finally perceived the nine that Maximus had defeated.
An Ocean of Law without a master was easy to spot—it appeared spiritless and static, like a force that had lost its purpose.
Confirming the situation, the Absolute of Righteousness turned a cold gaze toward the Etherium Realm.
No matter who was right or wrong, the loss of such vital lives was grievous.
Just as he prepared to personally interrogate Maximus, a small figure intercepted him.
"Pandora? What are you doing here?"
"I could ask the same," Pandora replied, rolling her eyes.
"Why is a neutral force interfering in this war?"
"I merely intended to interrogate Maximus and determine if he is truly a traitor to the Dimensional Alliance."
"Enough, this war was instigated by these top sects and families. Killing them was nothing more than self-defense."
"Self-defense?" The Absolute's voice grew colder.
"How could killing nine Masters of the Ocean of Law be self-defense? That's mutilation—murder!"
"If he had the ability to kill, surely he had the ability to protect himself without taking lives!"
"Heh, is that what you think?" Pandora scoffed.
"If Maximus hadn't killed those nine, there would be over 60 Masters of the Ocean of Law here right now!"
Hearing this, the Absolute of Righteousness was speechless.
Glancing at the 50 Masters of the Ocean of Law aggressively attacking the Etherium Realm, he imagined Maximus's situation.
Furthermore, as he recalled, Maximus was only at the Tier 10 realm.
Even though he was the Supreme Primordial Candidate, it was doubtful if he could even survive such overwhelming odds.
Sighing, the Absolute of Righteousness scanned the battlefield, his gaze cold as he shifted between the enemy alliance and the Etherium Realm.
On the other hand, the representatives of the Immortal Palace Sect, the Mechanical Sect, the Eternal Sect, and the Sterling family still seemed stunned.
Seeing their doubts, Maximus merely shook his head with a faint smile.
With little else to do, Maximus focused on healing his core of origin, preparing for the inevitable battle.
As the years passed, the Barrier of Knowledge began to weaken.
Maximus could only generate about 400 million strands of causality per day.
With the barrier of knowledge requiring billions of strands to withstand the continuous bombardment, it visibly thinned with each passing year.
After a century, the atmosphere in the Etherium Realm began to shift.
The lower-tiered citizens, ignorant of the impending danger, continued their peaceful lives.
But the Tier 9 Apex Sovereigns, Tier 10 Dimensional Emperors, and Tier 11 Masters of the River of Law were in a state of panic.
Sensing the approaching war, they felt as if their days were numbered.
Many considered fleeing, hoping to return once the conflict had passed.
Yet, their loyalty to the Etherium Realm and the Order of Maximus kept them rooted.
Even in death, they wished to protect their home.
For those born in the Etherium Realm, living in the land for billions of epochs, abandoning it was the same as death.
The powerhouse from the Order of Maxim, coming out of the misery of the forbidden path, didn't want to leave their Pioneer of Knowledge behind.
As the time for the inevitable war approached, their bodies trembled with fear, yet their eyes glimmered with hope, searching for even the faintest light.
Meanwhile, in the outpost, Maximus noticed a movement in the core of will. Read exclusive content at mvl
"The Divine Will is about to advance!"
From the tier 9 Amalgamation of Will to the tier 10 Divine Will.
Maximus had long deduced the way to advance to the Tier 11 Primordial Will.
The most primal will—a will to survive, thrive, and evolve.
Its power, when it reached its full potential, was even comparable to the absolutes of law.
Feeling strands of this will flowing through his core of origin, rapidly repairing its cracks, Maximus' eyes widened.
"It seems I have another trump card for this upcoming battle."
Looking outside, the confidence in Maximus' eyes grew brighter.