Returning to the Shadow Void Land, Maximus began gathering his family.
"What's the matter, husband? Did something happen?" Iris asked, worried.
The others turned to him, also looking concerned.
"No, but something is about to happen."
He wasn't sure how much detail he needed to get with the True Path.
If it was too much, it was better to bring everyone together so they could look out for each other.
If worse came to worst, they could at least escape quickly.
"Something is about to happen? What do you mean?" Erica frowned.
"Literally. The Dark Beast might break out this time…"
Hearing that, everyone grew solemn.
Based on their calculations, the full eruption of the Dark Disaster was supposed to be millions, maybe tens of millions of years away.
So why was it happening now?
"It should be because of the secret technique Maximus told us about," Hazel guessed, remembering the trouble they'd had optimizing the micro-surveillance bot.
"Secret Technique? What Secret technique?"
"It's about the micro-surveillance bot…"
Telling them about the details of how their problem came about, the others soon understood where they were coming from.
Although they knew they were planning to optimize the micro-surveillance bot, they didn't expect they were facing a huge bottleneck.
"I see… You've been working hard."
Hearing how much effort went into researching the optimization plan for the micro-surveillance bot while they'd been relaxing made them feel guilty.
"Don't worry. After I activated the secret technique, I should have a solution ready."
Hearing his words, they managed to get a clue of what Maximus' secret ability was about.
The secret technique must be a power that could forcefully deduce something.
But in return, it would trigger a consequence that even Maximus couldn't fully predict.
"What do we need to do?"
Since danger was coming, they had to prepare.
Seeing how quickly they caught on, Maximus smiled and began giving instructions.
"First, call all the Void Outposts back. Have them stand by at the entrance to the Dark Void Domain."
"Next, notify all the Absolutes who aren't in seclusion. No need to disturb the rest."
He wasn't sure how dangerous the consequences of his plane ability could be, but it shouldn't be a matter of life and death for the Aeon Plane.
If it got to the point that even the Absolutes in seclusion needed to be summoned, it would no longer be a problem they could solve alone.
At that stage, they'd need to mobilize the Overlords and the Entities of Law.
After all, they were just Absolutes. Even if they were powerful, how much could they contribute to a battle even Maximus couldn't fully grasp?
"Finally, have all top forces in the Etherium Void Region prepare for war."
Soon, following Maximus's orders, his family began spreading word of the coming battle.
As the news began to spread, it sparked panic among the people, who had no idea what was coming.
"Is the Dark Disaster about to erupt?!"
"What happened to the Aeon Plane? I thought we still had a few million years!"
"How did the Shadowcrest family hear about the coming battle? Did they sense something in the Dark Void Domain?"
"What about the Overlords? Are they coming with us?!"
In their panic, people ignored orders, some already trying to flee toward the center of the Aeon Plane.
Seeing the crowd, Liam snorted coldly.
"Don't panic. This is just a drill. My father will forcibly open the path at the entrance to the Dark Beast domain to simulate the eruption of the Dark Disaster. There shouldn't be much danger in the process."
"What?! Lord Maximus is going to simulate the Dark Disaster?!"
"Insane! Is he not taking our lives seriously?!"
"How can you guarantee there won't be much danger? He's gambling with all of us!"
"Calm down. The Shadowcrest family assures you that everything will be safe. Furthermore, to ensure your lives, the Virtual Realm will be activated no matter the cost. As long as you're a little careful, you can preserve your origin intact."
As long as their minds were linked to the Virtual Realm before death, they could resurrect later, fully intact.
Of course, it wasn't that simple.
Once the simulated eruption began, the area would be flooded with chaotic energies, dark energy, laws, and all types of destructive forces.
Navigating through that mess, the cost to operate the Virtual Realm would skyrocket.
And in such a fast-paced battle, one second of hesitation, one failure to link to the Virtual Realm meant real death.
Still, hearing Liam's guarantee, the crowd gradually calmed down.
If their lives were covered by the Virtual Realm, then what was a little danger?
More Dark Beasts meant more income. More income meant faster growth.
They were used to walking on the edge of a knife. For them, this was just another day.
On the other hand, the Absolutes were getting nervous too.
Facing the coming eruption, they didn't know whether to curse or praise Maximus for his madness.
Curse him for inviting the storm of dark disaster, while hiding behind them.
Or praise him for serving a feast of battle like no other.
Truthfully, with the Void Outposts, they weren't too worried about the eruption of the dark disaster.
As long as no Tier 13 Dark Beast appeared, they could kill as many as they came.
Moreover, the rewards for purifying a Tier 12 Dark Beast were simply too good to ignore.
Some Absolutes who had been hanging at the peak were already ready to break through to the Overlord Realm.
In the past they were, except for the top Absolutes like Marcus, were all equal.
However, because they were the first to build the void outpost, they quickly reached 99% of the Absolute of law, leaving them behind.
Some who were at the peak of oceans of law had even advanced to the Absolute Realm, causing a stir before.
Using the special merits they earned, they could even exchange for Plane Origin from Maximus himself.
This battlefield really was a feast for power.
As long as they were brave enough to fight, their path forward would be like sailing with the wind and waves at their back.
"A simulated eruption of the Dark Disaster? Heh. I hope there are even more Dark Beasts…"
"We're not asking much, just give us a few thousand Tier 12 Dark Beast!"
"Haha! Let the storm hit harder, let it make us stronger!"