The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Chapter 1123

The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Chapter 1123

Chapter 1123
The Daughter of Heaven, leading the Great Empire of Ming held a meeting with the Emperor of the Contas Empire in secret.
Seated across from each other at the massive table the Emperor had prepared, the two leaders silently exchanged stares as if locked in a tactical skirmish.
With rumors of the Daughter of Heaven’s survival spreading through their lands, the war between the Ming and Contas Empires had temporarily cooled. Still, the two nations remained officially at war. With their rulers already glaring at each other face-to-face, it was clear that peace wouldn’t come easily.
“
Tch.
I can’t believe I have to discuss state matters with a brat,” the Contas Emperor muttered in annoyance.
The provocation made the Daughter of Heaven's brow twitch, but she didn’t give a strong reaction. “You already gave your word before. Surely the great Emperor of a proud empire hasn’t forgotten his past agreement?”
“That only holds as long as we aren’t in a conflict,” the Emperor replied flatly before laying out his demand without hesitation. “An armistice? Fine, but the Empire has already identified every last one of those responsible for killing our nobles, our citizens, and those who had attempted to assassinate you. I won’t say it twice. Hand. Them. Over.”
His cold declaration turned the atmosphere heavy as a Master-level oppressive force filled the room.
For a mere child like the Daughter of Heaven to endure his presence was no small feat.
“
Tch.
”
Thud!!!
Seated at the head of the table, observing quietly, Davey waved a hand and swept away the emperor’s oppressive aura.
“Prince Davey, weren’t you supposed to be neutral? I don’t appreciate you aiding the Ming in this negotiation.”
“What are you talking about?” Davey gave a shrug. “The one I just helped was you, Your Majesty.”
Confusion crossed his face, and Davey simply gave his head a slight tilt to answer.
“
Hmph!
Perhaps I was a bit excessive.”
‘Typical.’
Even given the circumstances, the Emperor couldn’t admit fault. Truth be told, the Daughter of Heaven had looked about ready to pass out under the weight of that pressure.
“To think you’d so casually block my aura like it was just a breeze...”
“Keep in mind that she’s still recovering. If someone dies in the middle of peace talks that I’m moderating, I’ll have a real headache on my hands.”
Bzzzt. Bzzzt!!
At that moment, Davey’s communication crystal sent signals. He could tell someone was urgently contacting him, but he ignored it. It wasn’t the time.
Expression cold, he casually pulled a bag of popcorn from out of his Pocket Plane and began munching.
A soft glow illuminated only the table and the two rulers. The negotiations continued.
The Daughter of Heaven stated she’d hand over those responsible only after a proper investigation, and in accordance with due legal process.
The Contas Emperor instead demanded their immediate extradition, lest the war continue.
He argued, “You once said that it’d be nice if we could all get along. I put diplomatic trust in those words, and this is what I get? Your refusal?”
“That’s—”
“You couldn’t even manage your own underlings, and nearly died because of it. If not for your own luck and Prince Davey’s intervention, you'd have died like a dog on the street.”
The Emperor wasn’t simply playing political hardball. From the start, he’d been testing her grit with his oppressive aura and biting accusations.
She gave a response. “Trust me.”
“Talk is cheap. Right now, Ming is the least trustworthy nation on the western continent.
Tsk, tsk
.” He crossed one leg over the other, looking down at her with arrogance.
“I had once pinned my hopes on the ambition and boldness you showed, but in the end it didn't even matter. Ever since we signed that treaty, you’ve been nothing more than a puppet swayed by your country’s scheming ministers.”
“That’s—!” She flinched, nearly rising in a rage, but sat back down.
The Emperor continued, undeterred. “The war continues, unless you hand those bastards over right now.”
She didn't have a response.
“If not, my warriors will trample Ming beneath their boots.”
Looking into his cold, sharp gaze, the Daughter of Heaven said, “This incident has too many similarities with others across the continent. Yet, Your Majesty refuses to even consider that. Are you saying you can’t believe me?”
She took a short breath.
He shot back, “How exactly am I supposed to trust you? Based on what?”
“It’s understandable that you’d have doubts. Without outside help, I can't even return to the palace, and if I do go back, I’ll just be pushed around by the ministers again until I’m unable to make proper decisions. I’m just a kid in my early teens with no courage and no authority.”
Davey never thought she would be the bold type in negotiations. She was once a timid girl who blindly obeyed everything her mother, the Empress Dowager, said. Yet sitting at the negotiating table, she seemed completely different from the scaredy cat she used to be.
“But still...” She reached into her robes and drew a black dagger.
“What’s that?”
“A keepsake, given to me by Jang-Goong, my loyal retainer.” With zero hesitation, she unsheathed the dagger and, in a clumsy reverse grip, stabbed downward at her own hand.
Shing. Thud!!
The Emperor’s eyes widened. The blade had pierced just between her fingers and sank into the table.
The sharpness of the dagger was no joke. Even with her body’s strength, she could’ve lost her finger.
“I am the sovereign of Ming; the leader of my people; the mother of my nation. I may be small and powerless now, but I swear I will become the greatest sovereign in Ming’s history.”
Her expression hardened. “Your Majesty, I offer you the wrist of such a future ruler as collateral.”
“Hey. Daughter of Heaven.”
“Is that enough to guarantee my word?”
The Emperor stared at her for a moment, then let out a short, sharp breath. “
Haaah.
”
She didn't say anything in response.
“
Hahahahahaha!!
”
It was an absurd demand. Honestly, it was closer to a desperate plea or childish outburst than it was formal diplomacy. Yet that very answer was perhaps exactly what the Emperor had wanted to hear all along.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t be laughing like he was.
“Incredible? Just a few days ago, you were a timid little thing. Now look at you, full of fire.” As the Emperor stopped laughing, he wiped a hand across his face. “Fine. I assume you have a concrete plan in mind, then, Daughter of Heaven?”
She inhaled quietly and flicked her eyes toward Davey for just a moment, as if asking him how she had done.
“Looks like you just scored a solid blow, Your Majesty,” Davey said with a grin.
“
Hah.
I suppose this is the price I pay for becoming fond of a little brat like her...” The Emperor chuckled again. “Very well. I’ll give you time, but before that, I’d at the very least like to hear this so-called ‘plan’ of yours.”
* * *
When the Emperor and the Daughter of Heaven paused their negotiation to exchange some personal conversation, Davey finally picked up the communication crystal that had been screaming for attention.
“Who in the world is blowing up my crystal with missed calls like this...”
As he narrowed his eyes, he gently fed mana into the small crystal barely larger than his palm. A list of missed call notifications quickly appeared above it.
[First Wife.]
[First Wife.]
[First Wife.]
[First Wife.]
[First Wife.]
[First Wife.]
[First Wife.]
...
[Third Wife.]
A chill ran down his spine before he began to tremble. Something was definitely wrong.
Without delay, he activated the communication crystal and connected to Perserque.
- Finally, you idiot.
“What happened?”
- So, it looks like you decided to run off to the western continent without saying a word to Eva. Feel better now?
“
Huh?
”
‘Isn’t Evangeline supposed to be mad at me? Not me at her?’
Perserque said she had reconciled with Evangeline, yet that girl had started either bolting at the sight of Davey or answering him with barely any effort.
Just as he was wondering what was going on, Perserque sighed deeply.
- That child was showing her affection in her own way... Not that it’s your fault, though. I suppose it is what it is.
“Right... So what was so urgent you kept calling?”
- Eva ran away.
That one sentence made Davey stagger. “What...?”
- She ran away. Or rather, more accurately, she left home.
The difference between those two words hit him like a brick.
“What in the world are you talking about? A runaway is a runaway. What do you mean, ‘left home’?”
- She said she’s going to Earth, to live independently.
“What?! That little rascal went to Earth?! Who let her go?! Who?!”
- It’s funny how things pan out sometimes,
eh?
The explanation Perserque gave was enough to make him laugh in disbelief.
Apparently, Super Ribbon had taken the gem Davey gave her and used the accumulated power to figure out how to maintain her form.
Then, wanting to experience the school life on Earth that she’d always dreamed of, she’d studied in secret and, with Illyna’s help, went there through a dimensional gate.
Illyna had been worried about Super Ribbon, but let her go after being tricked into believing that Davey had already given his permission. The real kicker was that Evangeline had suddenly followed her through the rift.
Her reasoning was that she wasn’t a child anymore, and since her father didn’t care about her anyway, she figured she might as well leave.
Illyna had only noticed what happened after they were already gone.
After Perserque ended the call, Davey stood there, deep in thought.
“Davey? What are you doing?” It was the Daughter of Heaven, stepping outside after a short break in the talks. “
Phew
, that was rough
.
I thought I was going to pass out! Even among rulers, the Emperor is on another level.”
“Did it go well?”
“I bought some time!” Her bright, proud smile made him think she still had a long way to go until she became a stone-faced ruler.
“Daughter of Heaven, you don’t need my help anymore, right?”
“Well...”
“You just asked me to help in an official capacity, remember?”
“That’s true. I’ll never forget the help you’ve given me.”
“Then it’s time I step away.”
He had brought her so far, providing her a seat at the table with the Emperor. From then on, it was up to her.
No matter how he approached the matter, he knew there was a high risk of things getting messy. That was why he had to think carefully about how deeply to involve himself.
Hearing his words, the Daughter of Heaven gave him a look full of quiet frustration. There was also a subtle look of regret in her eyes. “Are you really leaving?”
“As you know, this is as far as I can help you in an official capacity. If I actually take sides, it'll just cause trouble later.”
She pouted in response. “Davey, you're surprisingly heartless.”
“Should I just cancel everything right now?”
“No! No!” She waved her hands frantically. “J-Just wait a bit! I'll go think of something to say that will make you stay!”
“Go ahead, then, but like I said, the official help ends here. So if it's going to be personal, you'd better offer something worthwhile in return.”
“
Hmph!
Just wait! I’ll consult the Emperor and be right back!”
Watching her run off, he let out a dry chuckle.
He had heard their official discussions, but not any of their private talks. Davey closed his eyes, unsure what kind of personal exchange had taken place for them to suddenly become so close.
He then kickstarted a connection he hadn’t made in a very long time.
Whum, whum, whummm!!!
A stigmata formed on his wrist. Unlike the stigmata of Goddess Freyja, this one had been entrusted to Davey by Neltarid.
It was the God of Earth, left only with its side of harmony, its destructive side having long since disappeared.
Davey began to connect with its consciousness. He knew that holding a long conversation wouldn’t be easy.
At the same time, he felt his consciousness drift upward.
Once he came back to his senses, he found himself alone in a massive cosmic space, similar to the space he first saw when meeting Goddess Freyja.
‘So. When is this guy going to show up?’
Neltarid, a god who originated from a living being and referred to Davey as Freyja, had yet to reveal itself.
Then again, meeting a god so easily was absurd to begin with.
“Guess I’ll wait.” Eventually, Davey lay flat on his back, hands forming a lattice to support his head as he waited.
As he scratched his neck in the silent, empty space, the voice of a transcendental being suddenly rang out, backed by an immense concentration of power.
[Freyja, the reason I called you is because there has been a major shift in Earth’s atmospheric flow—]
However, the voice cut off quickly. Nevertheless, Davey didn’t even bother to adjust his posture as he calmly replied, “It’s been a while. Got anything for me?”
It was his way of saying things nicely. After all, he couldn’t exactly demand this and that from a transcendental deity.
[Such an irreverent follower.]
“What’s with the attitude? You totally ignored me when it came to sharing Goddess Freyja’s authority, dumping all the annoying stuff on me. You’re such a great and mighty god.”
‘Handle your own mess.’
Davey leisurely got to his feet. “Recently, the mana currents on Earth have been getting more turbulent.”
It wasn’t exactly unusual, yet every time it happened, the atmosphere on Earth would turn uneasy as if a massive earthquake or tsunami had struck.
Davey smiled gently as he delivered his request, “Please make sure Evangeline doesn’t get caught up in it. If she does, I can't make any promises regarding how I’ll react.”
* * *
Hyun-Ah, considered the young CEO of the Sacred Group, was troubled by Super Ribbon’s arrival.
She was an incredibly kind and thoughtful girl. Even though Super Ribbon was technically a sword, there was nothing strange about seeing her as a person.
Of course, as a sword, she only looked human on the outside. Everything else about her was inhuman. Still, to Hyun-Ah, Super Ribbon was a dear niece.
That same dear niece had suddenly come to her asking to attend school.
Apparently, the girl had picked up bits and pieces of knowledge here and there and had even studied for the high school equivalency exam. Still, she wasn’t sure if Super Ribbon truly understood that it had been a meaningless effort—the truth was, the girl didn’t even have Korean citizenship.
Of course, it was something that could easily be resolved with just a little nudge of the current administration in the right direction.
Davey, her older brother known as the Saint of Tionis, always caused massive financial market chaos every time he made an appearance on Earth.
It all started with the nuclear waste disposal research, with things having only gotten more complicated from there.
Whether it was Korea or any other country, there were plenty of people willing to take advantage of any possible opportunity to get closer to him.
That was especially the case for universities which already had all kinds of special admissions processes to accept exceptional students.
“A special track, perhaps. Maybe something under international students could work.”
For one, Super Ribbon was surprisingly knowledgeable. She had always been diligently studying the knowledge of Tionis, after all. She more than met the intellectual qualifications for admission.
Still, if they wanted to handle everything cleanly and prevent any future issues, she wondered which university would be the best.
“So, where would be a good fit?” When Hyun-Ah asked the question in a serious tone, the older folks around her all started thinking at once.
“If we’re going big, let’s go for Harvard. They have a special admissions process that should work.”
“Cambridge or Oxford wouldn’t be bad, either.”
“What are you all talking about? You need to keep her in Korea! You’re the one looking after her, so how will you manage to do that if she goes abroad?”
“Does Korea even have any universities that are up to par?”
“
Woooow.
I'm hearing that from you, a Korea University graduate?”
“I attended because it’s our family’s alma mater. Honestly, even if Korea University’s got some name recognition, can it really compare to a world-class university?”
There they were, supposed to be discussing the company’s future in a meeting, yet all they were debating was which university a teenage girl should attend. Anyone watching would be completely dumbfounded.
The one leading that absurd meeting, Hyun-Ah, had also begun to worry about another one of her nieces aside from Super Ribbon.
‘If that octopus finds out, he’s definitely going to raise hell... Better not drag her into anything weird, and just keep her safe at home.’
No matter how many years had passed, there was no way she could forget what kind of protective and explosive personality her older brother had.

Chapter 1123