Chapter 569: Rewards
"Congratulations, Max, for ascending to the eighth floor," Jason said, walking up to him with a broad smile, his tone sincere and admiring. "You’ve achieved something that many—if not all—geniuses in the Black Dragon Palace only dream of. Some spend their entire lives trying and never make it beyond the fifth or sixth. And yet, you... you made it to the eighth floor."
Max gave a simple nod, his expression calm as always. "I was lucky," he said modestly, though everyone around them knew there was nothing lucky about what he’d accomplished.
Jason smiled at Max’s humility but didn’t press further, his eyes flickering with curiosity toward his younger sister, Lucia, who stood a few paces away. He was eager to see how she would react, especially after all that had transpired between her and Max.
Lucia stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "Max," she said, her voice calm but holding a faint edge of steel. "I lost this time... but remember, there will come a day when I will defeat you. Fair and square."
Her tone carried no bitterness, only fierce resolve, and Max could see clearly that while she had accepted her loss today, it was only a temporary pause in her relentless pursuit of strength.
Max gave her a warm smile, his eyes steady. "I know," he said confidently. "But for that, you’ll have to wait until I ascend to the Divine Realm."
Lucia’s eyes narrowed slightly at the challenge, but she nodded, acknowledging his words without another remark. Then, without looking back, she turned and walked away with a purposeful stride.
Jason chuckled. "Well then, Max," he said, his gaze fond and proud, "I’ll be more than happy to welcome you in the Divine Realm. You’d love it there. It’s a magical place—far more vast and vibrant than this mortal realm. You belong there."
Max returned the sentiment with a silent nod.