The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Novel

The chains effectively sealed Davey's powers. However, they failed to acknowledge the presence of qi in his body. Well, it was a technique he would likely be unable to employ again.

Filthy and sturdy, that was Davey's initial impression. Even as he stepped on and trampled the giant's head, it managed to endure and withstand the pressure.

Of course, it had stopped moving, shocked by the assault. However, if Davey left it alone for a while, it would undoubtedly resume pestering him. Yes, they were indeed becoming quite bothersome.

Davey had unintentionally accelerated the timeline by ransacking and swiftly destroying their hideout, quicker than he had originally anticipated.

Contrary to the expected helpless appearance, Davey swiftly subdued one of the giants in the blink of an eye. As a result, the other giants, who were responsible for maintaining the power to seal him, immediately assumed a threatening stance, ready to attack at any moment.

In addition to their remarkable durability and strength, these giants possessed strange powers. This was unsurprising considering their connection to the Abyss through their creator. Due to this fact, Davey couldn't disregard their movements and attacks. When facing an unfamiliar opponent, one had to exercise extreme caution and care.

“Perhaps…I should take action myself.”

Observing the unconventional nature of Davey and his approaches, the bandaged demon cautiously advanced toward him, extracting a power that emitted an eerie light. Simultaneously, a peculiar and unsettling force permeated the surroundings. In response, the seven remaining giants in trench coats swiftly converged on Davey's location.

It was crucial for Davey to determine whether these individuals were operating within the physical or non-physical realm. Without hesitation, Davey employed sword manipulation, effortlessly shattering the restraining power. Seizing the Red Ribbon from the air, he swiftly thrust it into the heart of the nearest peculiar man.

As anticipated, the tip of his sword effortlessly pierced through the body of the individual.

He proceeded to slash the sword upward, severing the giant's shoulder. However, it appeared that this action had triggered a response.

The chains that bound Davey's powers remained in effect, rendering his mana heart, holy mana, and dark mana completely frozen.

Nevertheless, there was still a power within Davey's body that eluded their grasp—the power of 'qi.' Similar to mana, qi could be manipulated to enhance various aspects of the body, including strength and flexibility. Although its efficiency was slightly lower, Davey could still utilize it. However, it had the drawback of a slower recovery speed compared to the other forces within his body.

From the strange man's body, a surge of black energy surged forth and swiftly enveloped Red Ribbon's blade.

Red Ribbon's blade appeared firmly trapped, as if ensnared by an impenetrable and resilient force. It seemed to be part of their scheme to seal Red Ribbon using this mysterious power that Davey had yet to comprehend.

Without hesitation, Davey chose to leave Red Ribbon behind and swiftly drew out Blue Ribbon instead. Determined, he attempted to sever the black tentacles that had emerged from the entangling black energy, ensnaring Red Ribbon.

Well, Davey would have succeeded had it not been for those individuals who, appearing as if they had been anticipating this precise moment, suddenly launched a coordinated attack against him.

Despite managing to sever the intangible energy binding Red Ribbon with a swing of Blue Ribbon, this time tangible and physical tentacles emerged, ensnaring Blue Ribbon. Unlike living beings, Blue Ribbon and Red Ribbon were swords with egos, marking a significant distinction from others.

"Now that you've lost the swords you take such pride in, what else do you have to show us, huh?" the man provocatively taunted Davey.

In response, Davey retrieved the shamanic rattle, associated with the Tripitaka, from his pocket plane. Simultaneously, he unfurled a fan, employing it to deflect his assailant's fist. He tapped the shamanic rattle against the giant's body, while mysterious light talismans materialized from an unknown source, scattering throughout the area.

A resounding and fierce sound of rotation echoed through the vicinity as blazing red flames erupted from the ground, reducing one of Davey's assailants to ashes.

The talismans flickered with a brilliant radiance, swiftly darting through the air as Davey vigorously shook the shamanic rattle in his hands once more, following his successful deflection of the assailant's attack.

This time, blue electric currents materialized, enveloping the assailant who suffered the impact of the scorching heat and high-pressure currents. He collapsed on the spot, his body rigid and motionless.

However, their onslaught showed no signs of relenting. They were beings devoid of fear, driven solely by their relentless determination to attack Davey.

Ultimately, the bandaged man had to create an opportunity for himself to take action.

The moment the black chains, infused with an unknown energy, emerged and once again ensnared Davey's body, the assailant who had been attacking him halted and took a step back, observing him as if keeping him under control.

The man extended his arms, unleashing the peculiar power.

"Oh, this is astonishing.”

"Strictly speaking, these rascals aren't combatants. Some chimeras were specifically designed to uphold and create this barrier.”

Davey remained silent, absorbing the words of the bandaged demon.

"Grave! What's the outcome?"

"We've successfully captured him. No matter how monstrous he may be, as long as he belongs to this world, he won't be able to escape.”

Upon hearing the demon's declaration, Davey attempted to break free from the chains as he had done before. However, this time, the chains only constricted tighter, refusing to yield.

"So, it's come to an end," someone commented.

"Don't approach him recklessly. He once closed an entire rift with his bare hands alone. I can't guarantee your safety if you foolishly attempt to get near him.”

The chains binding Davey's body tightened, exerting immense pressure as his assailants unleashed a surge of purple energy. It felt as though they aimed to squeeze every last ounce of life from him.

In the midst of this intense situation, Davey, maintaining his typically impassive expression, suddenly voiced a thought that had crossed his mind, "So, what's your plan once this is over?"

The demon responded with a calm and relaxed demeanor, chuckling softly as he admitted, "Well, not much, really. To be honest, me and my companions are quite drained from restraining you like this." He snickered, under the impression that Davey had ceased resisting.

Quietly, Davey shook his wrist to glance at his watch. The hour hand had reached the desired time, although the minute hand still had a significant way to go. After checking the time, Davey deftly flicked the watch back into his sleeve.

Observing Davey's continued silence, Grave, the bandaged demon, turned to the other demon, Grand Duke Astaroth, and urged, "Let's proceed swiftly. Time is running out."

"I understand," Astaroth replied. "Even if the Demon Lord is resurrected, he won't pose much of a threat."

"However," Grave continued, "the requirement for me to be present in the ceremonial hall still stands. Although I detest it, we have no choice but to bring this individual along."

"He's powerless to cause any trouble, right? Do as you wish," Astaroth calmly responded, appearing to have let go of the apprehension and caution he had displayed earlier.

***

Compared to what Davey had witnessed thus far, the ceremonial hall exuded a distinct atmosphere and ambiance.

Upon Davey's entrance, the gazes of everyone in the hall shifted to a state of terror. However, upon noticing the presence of the black chains restraining him, a collective sigh of relief escaped them.

Davey's eyes fell upon Demon Belial, who stood silently cradling his greatsword on one side of the hall. On the other side, he spotted Milpieu, the pink-haired vampire, distributing some sort of magic stone.

At the moment Astaroth appeared, a girl dressed in alluring attire, whom Davey presumed to be a succubus, approached him with a measured pace. She spoke softly, "Father, you're here?"

"Yes, Liline. We have completed the preparations.”

"That human over there..."

"Yes, indeed. He is the most dangerous individual among humans. Fortunately, we have successfully captured him," replied Astaroth, acknowledging the succubus's observation.

Liline Orlouge, her face framed by hair that shimmered like stars, cast a peculiar look at Davey. She chuckled softly. "He doesn't appear as evil as the Grand Duke described him."

"Liline Orlouge, never forget that humans are creatures driven by hatred. They are the wicked beings who have displaced our kind from our rightful position in this world.”

"But..."

"Never forget, Liline. If you dare to show sympathy for these human bastards, I will not hesitate to discipline you, even if it means forcefully restraining you. Please, do not betray the memory of your late father, Bertrand, and Ishavi.”

Liline, the succubus, nodded in acknowledgment. "Indeed, just as Father said."

The ceremonial hall presented a truly bizarre sight. Resting upon a glowing, colossal magic circle created from blood was the lifeless form of a small girl with silver hair. It was evident that the body lacked a soul, rendering it essentially a lifeless corpse.

Despite its crude construction, the body possessed a delicate beauty, with horns larger than any other demon's. There was no mistaking it—this was Perserque. Some of those present must have seen Perserque's appearance before...

"Behold! This is our Demon Lord, an unparalleled being from 3,000 years past, possessing the power to resurrect our entire race. She is so incredibly mighty that none can rival her in the future!" exclaimed Grand Duke Astaroth, his voice brimming with jubilation as the moment of their Demon Lord's revival drew near. "What are you waiting for?! Commence the ritual at once! Grave, the Demon Lord's soul?!"

At those words, Grave turned his head slightly, directing his gaze toward Davey.

"Hey, Perserque."

—…

"What have you been doing during my absence?" Davey inquired, his voice directed towards Perserque. He could observe her trembling shoulders from where she resided in his pocket.

Perseque remained silent, offering no response to Davey's question.

"Well, it doesn't really matter," Davey calmly replied, seemingly devoid of any intention to resist.

"And the sacrifice?" he inquired further, seeking information on that particular matter.

"The final sacrifice's hatred is still potent. I have kept him until now," Milpieu responded tersely, while a group of robed humans emerged from a self-opening door. Among them was someone familiar to Davey.

"Oh? It seems he has grown tired of coal mining these days, huh?" Davey remarked, recognizing him as none other than Carlus O'Rowane, the Second Prince of the Rowane Kingdom who had put him in a coma. Following the destruction of the Bariatta Ducal Family, they were both branded as notorious criminals and sent to the Haoji Coal Mines for labor.

Despite the taunting comments, Carlus remained silent, his eyes vacant and seemingly unconscious. He obediently followed the orders of the vampires, standing motionless in the designated sacrifice spot, unaware of his impending death.

Davey, however, held no concern for Carlus's fate. Witnessing him become a sacrifice and suffer until his demise was already a profoundly satisfying revenge.

"Do you know that if the resurrection of the Demon Lord fails, this entire area will be obliterated?" Davey inquired.

Astaroth snorted, "You insolent fool, have you forgotten the predicament you are in? That relaxed expression on your face will soon vanish."

"How can you revive the Demon Lord without her soul? Furthermore, does the Demon Lord's soul even still exist?" Davey challenged Astaroth, turning his attention to Grave, whose body was consumed by bandages.

Grave appeared as though he had been consumed by the Abyss.

To the other demons, Grave was viewed as someone who had made a pact with the Abyss. However, in Davey's eyes, Grave resembled a being devoured by the lurking darkness of the Abyss.

With slow and deliberate movements, Grave approached Davey, eventually kneeling before him, bowing his head. His voice quivered. "Ah... Aaaah... My lord... My queen... My mother… Your body is prepared."

However, it was not Davey who reacted to those words.

The stigmata on Davey's body reacted as Perserque soared into the air. Tearfully, she locked her gaze with him and said…

—Davey… Forgive me…

Upon hearing Davey's nonchalant response, tears continued to trickle down Perserque's cheeks, perhaps due to a sense of guilt. Grave, the demon, had lost his original essence, consumed by the Abyss, becoming a part of it. It was through this connection that he was able to locate Perserque. The realization struck a chord within her, causing her tears to flow.

—You have shown me a lot of things in this world, allowing me to experience the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows.

“Who said I did those things for you?”

—I know that's what you're going to say. However, I will never forget the moments I've spent with you. That's why I believe this is the best way to protect you. This, for me, is more than enough.

Tears continued to well up in Perserque’s eyes as she showed Davey a bright smile. Then, she slowly approached him and kissed him on his forehead.

—Looking at you like this makes my heart ache. You know, I'm telling you this, but actually, it’s not like I don’t have feelings for you.

After that, she slowly flew up.

Once Perserque died, the Abyss would lose her and would be unable to interfere in this world. At the same time, the demons would also lose their powers. The flow of fate where Davey had to fight the Demon Lord had not been changed. Just one more sacrifice, and it would be the perfect scenario.

Davey nodded silently at Perserque's words. After realizing that Davey had already given up on her, Perserque slowly descended onto the body lying inside the magic circle. Then, a bright light enveloped the sacrifices, and the ritual for resurrection properly began.

Just as Davey had deceived Perserque to save her, it seemed like she had also deceived him to save him from this trap. Wasn't that very touching?

The ritual continued in silence, accompanied by an intense glare of light. However, it was taking quite a long time, and everyone was watching the situation nervously.

Ten silent minutes had passed since the ritual began. At that moment, a grin settled on Davey's face as he flicked his wrist and checked the time on his watch.

Perserque had made quite a number of mistakes here. It was because she usually did not take Davey's words seriously and chose not to ponder over them.

Grave, eroded by the Abyss, was not a demon but a creature of the Abyss. It seemed like he was very grateful to Davey for doing him some charity work, didn't it? After all, everything would be for naught the moment Perserque became the Demon Lord.

Not long after, the scheduled time arrived. A loud and brisk music erupted, resonating through the otherwise silent ceremonial hall. The source of the music? A dainty bracelet adorned with a small mana stone. The bracelet was an artifact designed to emit a loud sound when someone wearing a similar bracelet approached.

All their gazes turned to Davey as they watched him wave a watch, which they hadn't noticed him take out earlier, and say, "The goods have arrived. We can start now, Belial."

Silence hung in the air as Belial, who had been silent throughout the exchange, nodded. He then drew his greatsword and swiftly severed the neck of the vampire standing next to him, a precise strike that left no room for a scream. The high-ranking vampire collapsed, his once-immortal power shattered by Belial's devastating attack.

Simultaneously, the chains that had bound Davey were released, as if they had never been there to begin with. Everyone believed that Davey had remained still and quiet because he was powerless to resist. Little did they know that Davey had been biding his time. And it was also because...

"This is what you call acting, you bastards. Well done on initiating the ritual. No matter what I tried, there was no way I could have started it."

Essentially, a demon's tradition could only be performed by demons. This was something Davey had been powerless to change. He gripped the chains and gave a light tug, twisting the mana within them and shattering the once-strong and unyielding chains into fragments as if they were delicate glass.

“W-What?!”