Hearing the crucial question, silence rang through the crowd.
They would rather have the monitoring probes recommissioned than not have a stable supply of strands of causality.
Although after the dimensional competition, they should have been able to contact the outside world, it was still unstable.
Even origin energy or origin coins were limited, much less strands of causality converted from them.
Even if all organizations united and every individual in the Aeon Plane worked together, it would not be as effective as Maximus providing a stable supply.
In this kind of war and disaster, a stable energy supply was half the step to winning.
"Don't worry; the Order of Maxim will set up a dedicated shop in the stronghold. Besides the uninterrupted supply of origin energy and strands of causality, we will also provide various unique products."
"We know, it's not free!" one of them shouted, causing laughter to erupt in the crowd.
Excited by the news, they even dared to joke with Maximus.
Seeing such a scene, Maximus was speechless.
Did he look like a money grubber?
He was merely doing it in exchange for mutual interest!
"What I mean is that the store will only accept Dark Void Beast bodies, ultimate treasures, and ultimate materials in exchange," Maximus added.
Nodding in understanding, they were not too surprised.
In the Dark Void Domain, the only valuable thing was Dark Beasts.
As for creations and by-products, it was better to buy them outside.
Satisfied, the trillions of talents dispersed with smiles.
Maximus also delayed their departure to build a dedicated shop.
As for managing it, it would be handled by members of the Order of Maxim who wanted to stay in the stronghold.
On their trip back to the Etherium Realm, they only brought over a few billion members.
Most wanted to stay in the stronghold, while others returned to their home dimensions, planning to bring them into the Etherium Realm.
Meanwhile, seeing Maximus' actions, the Absolutes staying in seclusion fell into thought.
Should they also set up a dedicated shop?
Most of them had founded organizations, and seeing the prosperity of the Dark Void Domain, they couldn't help but want a piece of the pie.
"I wonder if this place will be open to the public?"
Thinking of such a question, they went toward Lennox.
"Yes, according to Overlord Ascelon, the Dark Void Domain will be open after the Dimensional Competition."
"This is an opportunity!"
Getting the confirmation they wanted, they began dividing the stronghold, setting up headquarters for their organizations.
Without the pressure of the Dark Beasts, the stronghold fell into unprecedented chaos.
Fights happened everywhere as each force tried to recruit others, divide pieces of land, mark their territory, and make a name for themselves.
Even the lone Absolutes who had no affiliation began to be affected, falling into the same quagmire of chaos.
Being dragged into it despite doing nothing, they felt helpless.
Fortunately, Reed quickly set up a loose alliance, sheltering those who didn't want to take part in the chaos.
While each part of the stronghold was being divided, the former residence of the Shadowcrest family was rebuilt into the headquarters of the Order of Maxim.
Despite the chaos, no one dared to set their sights on their territory, giving it to them by default.
Although Maximus was about to leave the stronghold, the energy they and the stronghold would need—both now and in the future—would still be supplied by him.
Irritating the supplier would only cost them more in the long run.
Furthermore, even without such a binding interest, the Order of Maxim seemed to be watched over by mountain gods.
From Marcus, the strongest Absolute, to Reed, the second strongest, to Zar, who could one-shot a Primal Dark Beast, and all the top sects and families from the Dimensional Alliance—
Even if they had the guts of a leopard, they wouldn't dare to touch the beard of this tiger baring its fangs.
Untouched by the division of interests, it stood like a mountain watching over the land.
Soon, a few years later, the Skjǫldrún stronghold was evenly divided.
From the top organizations of the Dimensional Alliance and the Devourer Faction to the loose alliance formed by lone Absolutes like the one created by Reed, everyone had taken their share.
The trillions of talents remaining in the stronghold were also greedily divided, solicited with threats and interest.
Seeing the stronghold stabilize, Maximus heaved a sigh of relief.
"We can finally leave!"
Maximus had waited for the stronghold to stabilize, delaying their departure for a few years.
Leaving it in chaos and disorder would not be conducive to his farming of ultimate materials.
With everything settled, Maximus took his family and billions of members of the Order of Maxim and departed.
"We wish the Shadowcrest family a safe journey!" the talents in the stronghold wished sincerely.
Traveling through the void, passing through the barrier of the Dark Void Domain, they returned to the main void of the Aeon Plane.
Arriving at the Dark Domain Outpost, Maximus and his family went on a little shopping trip to buy souvenirs.
Maximus also searched for and bought ultimate and chaotic materials, sweeping out the stronghold.
After a bit of rest, they proceeded on their journey, passing through multiple void portal stations on their way to the Devourer Faction territory.
Arriving at the Dimensional Alliance, a security force from the Interdimensional Council quickly stopped them in their tracks.
"Please . We will guide you to the Dimensional Plane Arena!" the leader said, not taking no for an answer.
Although the two factions had come to a truce, allowing these untamed Devourers into the sacred land of the Dimensional Alliance was still dangerous.
Wanting to cut the problem in the bud, they would "respectfully" escort them to the venue.
"We don't need your guidance," Maximus said with a frown.
Being treated like a criminal, his expression couldn't help but turn cold.
"This is the order of Overlord Ascelon. Please allow us to escort you."
"I said we don't need it…"