As Amari and Mike traversed the spatial passage, Maxen had already dealt with the enemy and ascended to level 989.
He still had some cleanup work to do.
The Suture Abyss had to be purified somehow; otherwise, it would remain a future threat.
Moreover, the harsh environment and characteristics of the Suture Abyss were unsuitable for human corps to station there.
As for how to purify the Suture Abyss, that was another issue.
Maxen personally preferred physical methods.
After parting ways with Maxen, the group passed through the spatial passage, unable to return directly to Earth but instead entering another Abyssal Plane.
Professor Gregory, Amari, and Joseph were among the last to leave.
The people ahead needed to set up a life support system to help Professor Gregory survive in the harsh environment of the Abyssal Plane.
At level 60, Professor Gregory shouldn't have been on the front lines.