Max then sat cross-legged without a word.
The moment he began absorbing it, a brilliant red aura exploded around him. His body trembled slightly as the energy surged into him like a tidal wave. It didn't just flow into his body—it crashed, tore, rebuilt. Every cell screamed, expanded, evolved.
His Seeker Rank foundation rapidly climbed.
8th level… 9th level…10th level.
Then came the barrier between Seeker and Expert Rank.
And Max shattered it.
In one smooth, blazing breakthrough, Max's strength surged to the 1st level of Expert Rank—but it didn't stop.
His body, having been refined through countless battles and his Three Dimensional Body's unique structure, continued to absorb more energy.
2nd level.
3rd level.
4th level.
5th level.
Only after reaching the 6th level of Expert Rank did the crimson-gold orb finally dissolve completely.
The entire process left the hall silent. Aria's eyes had narrowed dangerously, and Elias looked like he was chewing gravel.
Nobody spoke.
