The Ether Chip served as the processor for the Ether Device.
To extract Plane Origin, it needed to absorb Chaos Energy and purify it.
Such a feat required not only immense power but terrifying levels of computational ability.
To make that possible, Maximus had embedded tiny, self-circulating Absolute of Knowledge into the chip.
This was the most difficult part.
Embedding a self-circulating law into a microchip was harder than helping a powerhouse break through to the Absolute Realm.
Even a tiny error, and the Ether Chip would collapse.
During these 300,000 years, even after countless iterations, the best prototype Maximus created could only last a few minutes before collapsing.
Fortunately, only his time and Plane Origin were being wasted. The Chaos Particle Metal could still be recycled after each collapse.
If it hadn't been the case, Maximus would've been heartbroken to lose such a precious material.
Suddenly, just as he was about to continue refining the prototype, he felt a tug through his connection with Scarlet.
"Scarlet is about to advance?"
Dropping everything, Maximus immediately left the Time-Space Lab and teleported outside the Abyss.
"You're here, Maximus…" Nyx said coldly, watching his arrival.
Initially, he had been in deep seclusion, but Scarlet's ongoing advancement suddenly began drawing too much essence of the Abyss.
Watching her devour it like a bottomless void, Nyx nearly exploded in rage.
How is this an advancement? This is outright digging his foundation.
Seeing Maximus finally arrive, Nyx demanded an explanation.
"I'll compensate you for the loss," Maximus said quickly, fearing Nyx might interrupt Scarlet's advancement.
Although they had agreed by contract that Scarlet could use the Abyss to break through to the Absolute Realm, it didn't indicate that she could do so in exchange for destroying the Abyss.
"Hmph! At least you understand. Tell me, how much are you going to pay for this damage?" Nyx snapped, furious at being used like a fool.
"I'll give you one billion units of Plane Origin. How's that?"
A billion units of plane origin were equivalent to a million years' worth of his share, but Nyx wasn't impressed.
The Abyss was his foundation, built and nurtured over trillions of epochs.
How could a mere billion units of plane origin cover that kind of damage?
"How about this," Maximus offered, "I'll give you one billion units of Plane Origin every hundred thousand years, in addition to the usual I pay. Of course, this deal lasts only until you advance to the Overlord Realm."
"Huh? You… you're serious?" Nyx blinked, caught off guard.
This was ten times what he usually received.
Even if it was temporary, lasting only until his breakthrough, it was more than enough.
"After all, my wife is digging into the foundation of the Abyss. Offering proper compensation is the least I can do."
It hurt to give up billions of Plane Origin, but compared to Scarlet's advancement, it was nothing.
Without a Seed of Origin, the only way to support her breakthrough was through raw resources and sheer force. Maximus would pay the price, no matter how steep.
Furthermore, it shouldn't take long for Nyx to advance to the Overlord Realm.
A few million years should be enough, which, if calculated, wouldn't even cost 100 billion units of Plane Origin.
"That's fine. Since you're willing to pay, I'll give this Child of the Abyss a final push," Nyx said.
With such a massive compensation on the table, his anger quickly faded.
With billions of units of Plane Origin, what foundation couldn't be rebuilt?
Though the Abyss would suffer heavy losses, it was mostly in quantity.
And while it would take time to recover, the sheer volume of plane origin he was given could improve the quality of the Abyss.
It might even elevate the Abyss to new heights, raising Nyx's own chances of breaking through to the Overlord Realm.
Fired up by the possibilities, Nyx began assisting Scarlet without hesitation, not considering the loss of the Abyss.
Maybe, seeing how hard he worked, Maximus might increase his compensation.
With Nyx's full support, Scarlet's condensation of the Absolute of Law accelerated.
In just a few thousand years, Scarlet's Absolute of Abyss fully formed, making her advance to the Absolute Realm.
Opening her eyes, Scarlet felt an unprecedented surge of power, as if the entire world rested in her hands.
With just a glance, she could feel the structure of the Abyss resonating with her power.
"It seems… I've advanced," she whispered, not realizing how much time had passed.
Suddenly, memories once buried in her mind became clearer, revealing new insights about the Universe Plane.
Turning her gaze outward, Scarlet spotted her husband.
"Maximus!" Scarlet muttered, teleporting outside as he lunged into his arms.
"I missed you too," Maximus replied, holding her tightly.
Feeling her warmth, Maximus smiled.
"It took you long enough. I thought it'd still be a few hundred thousand years before your breakthrough."
"How could that be? Your wife still has some talent," Scarlet said proudly.
At last, she had caught up to Maximus and the others.
From now on, they could walk side by side, striving together toward even greater power.
"Indeed, your talent is among the best. This stage was never a real obstacle for you," Maximus praised.
"Haha, you're quite insightful. By the way, my memories from the—"
"Let's talk about it later," Maximus interrupted, placing a finger gently on her lips and nodding toward Nyx.
"Oh~ Lord Nyx, thank you for your help," Scarlet said, bowing sincerely.
"It doesn't matter. Your husband already paid his price," Nyx replied coolly.
"Still, without the care of the Abyss, I wouldn't have made it this far. I'm truly grateful."
Although life in the Abyss was a brutal survival of the fittest, it had shaped Scarlet into who she was today.
It hadn't just strengthened her power, it had tempered her mind and will.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Maximus took Scarlet's hand, ready to leave.
"Here's a billion units of Plane Origin. I'll give it to you in advance," he said, handing it to Nyx.
"Good," Nyx replied, smiling.
Receiving the advance payment, he couldn't help but feel satisfied.
"It's only right," Maximus added. "Before I go, take my advice: visit the Tower of Knowledge. There might be something there that could help you."