Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100

"The mana pool in the empire is artificial," Lyra began calmly, her eyes focused on the horizon as the void shuttle flew. "It’s created from mana stones collected from dungeons and various parts of the world. Since people can’t absorb mana directly from those stones, they’re processed—broken down into a more refined form like liquid essence, which becomes the base of the pool. After that, the pool is infused with multiple layers of profound rune formations that regulate, compress, and refine the mana, making it absorbable for people." She paused briefly before continuing, "If you manage to win the mana pool in the Bluewind Region, the pool itself will be relocated to the empire. But even then, the raw pool can’t be used immediately. It’ll need to be modified—transformed into a mini version of our existing mana pools, complete with the proper rune formations and structural adjustments to make it suitable for absorption."

"I see," Max nodded, absorbing every detail she shared. It all made perfect sense. For any normal people, the raw mana of a natural pool would be too wild, too chaotic to absorb without serious consequences.

That was why the empire had developed such complex systems. But deep down, Max knew he wasn’t like the others. Thanks to his black flames and their devouring ability, he didn’t need those rune formations or processed liquid mana. He could absorb the raw, wild mana of the pool directly and safely.

That little secret, however, he chose not to reveal to Lyra just yet. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her—after all, she had gone out of her way to bring him this opportunity—but some cards were best kept hidden until the right moment.

If he did win the competition and secure the mana pool for the empire, then maybe he would tell her the truth. Until then, he would do what he always did—quietly prepare, and let his actions speak for him when the time came.

Some time later, the void shuttle slowed as it hovered above a vast forest covered in a gentle layer of morning mist. The dense canopy stretched far into the distance, but soon, the shuttle descended near a valley nestled between low hills.

With a soft hum, it landed on a flattened area just outside the tree line. As the door opened, Max and Lyra stepped out into the fresh, earthy scent of the wild.

A short distance away, two groups of people were already gathered—both emanating powerful auras that made the air itself feel heavier. Elder Drew stood between them, his presence steady like an ancient mountain.