The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Novel

Chapter 528

"Lure them out?"

Upon Davey's statement, the intrigued Great Emperor casually settled into a nearby chair and inquired, "Since your departure, I've surveyed the area. They've vanished, as if it were planned. Yet, you claim you can draw them out. How do you intend to do it?"

"They're said to be the descendants of the Deathlord. From what I know, there are things they simply cannot resist." Davey twirled the brooch in his hand and then extended it to the Great Emperor.

"What is this?"

"A brooch, the Cradle of Life."

"The Cradle of Life?"

"It's a brooch imbued with the essence of the power of the Deathlord, Rho Aias. It bears her symbol."

Upon hearing this, Illyna looked at Davey with astonishment. "Davey... could it be...?"Thɪs chapter is updated by N(o)vᴇl(ꜰ)ire.nᴇt

"Yes."

Legends' heroes could manifest items or memories associated with them by sacrificing some of their power. The Cradle of Life was no exception. While this brooch was one of her most cherished possessions, it also served as one of her dark magic conduits.

Of course, the genuine brooch might be in the possession of the Illuminati descendants. Therefore, they might perceive what Davey possessed as a forgery and dismiss it as bait. But if they recognized this item, they would surely take action. Its authenticity didn't matter. As long as it had a connection to Rho Aias, that was Davey's method for tracking them.

It was unrealistic to believe that they were the true heirs of the Deathlord. The Deathlord, Rho Aias, had always pursued the same goal since her lifetime: to save as many people as possible. Yet these individuals were misusing her name to manipulate the world, a grave distortion. If they were regarded as successors inheriting her power, there might be some truth to it. However, their achievements fell far short of those of the real Deathlord.

Illyna quickly realized that the item Davey had brought was anything but ordinary. But Contas, the Great Emperor, unaware of Davey's hidden truth, naturally became lost in thought.

"Deathlord..."

At the mention of the term "Deathlord," the Great Emperor's eyes narrowed. "Weren't you the one who claimed to have killed the Deathlord before?"

"Kill the Deathlord? You seem to be under a misconception."

"A misconception?"

"The real Deathlord is not something a human can kill."

Davey's words weighed heavily on the Great Emperor's expression.

"Even if it's you?"

Davey remained silent. It wasn't just about numbers; it was a matter of magnitude. Whether it was the King of the Dead Deian or his subordinate Cleroropan, none of them were remotely deserving of the title of Deathlord.

"You need the Great Emperor's assistance."

"You expect me, with just a word, to mobilize the Contas Empire? Very well, I'll consider it, but only if you grant me two requests."

"Two? Very well. As long as they are reasonable, go on."

"Firstly, my daughter and..."

"Are you joking with me right now?"

The playfulness in Davey's voice vanished. A chilling atmosphere pervaded, causing Illyna to fall silent, and Rinne, with a stern expression, switched her gaze between Davey and the Great Emperor, poised to summon her weapon.

"Let me ask in return. Prince, why are you so averse to a marriage of convenience?"

"What did you say?"

"I merely wish not to miss an opportunity to draw closer to the continent's mightiest. She possesses good character, upright principles, and her appearance is not an issue. Having vast power and influential allies is also advantageous."

Rising from his seat, the Great Emperor reached into thin air, and a dark-skinned man materialized, carefully handing him a scimitar.

With precision, the Great Emperor locked eyes with Davey as he slowly unsheathed the sword.

In an instant, crimson blood sprayed across the room. The man was none other than one of the Illuminati's henchmen, the sole survivor they had apprehended. He had overheard their conversation and attempted to make a run for it. However, once his usefulness had run its course, Davey couldn't simply let him escape. They could release him, taking the risk that he might disseminate sensitive information, but there was no compelling reason to do so.

"For nobility, especially high-ranking royalty, maintaining multiple marriages is both a duty and a privilege—a means of safeguarding their nation."

"..."

"Did you believe they genuinely harbored love for all those women?"

There were various motivations. Some married to ensure the continuation of their lineage, while others genuinely loved multiple partners. Alternatively, it could be driven by political considerations or serve as a form of protection.

"Prince, do you fully grasp the ramifications of what you're proposing to me?"

Davey's request seemed simple on the surface, but it carried nuanced interpretations when examined closely. Establishing a military alliance, even with the Heins territory prospering, would be challenging without offering something substantial in return—especially considering Davey's alliances with both the Pallan and Lyndis empires.

"What's the most efficient justification for an alliance?"

Marriage. The answer was straightforward.

"So, are you now suggesting marrying off the 9-year-old princess to me?"

"Some were betrothed in marriage even before their birth."

Davey's silence prompted a deep sigh from Illyna. As royalty herself, she clearly understood the gravity of the Great Emperor's words.

Fortunately, due to their positions in the hierarchy, both Illyna and Princess Aeria of Lyndis were shielded from becoming political pawns, even if they were among the most accessible targets. They were fortunate in that regard. However, it seemed that the Contas Empire's royal family was in a less comfortable position.

"Remember, Prince, while I may currently be intrigued and inclined to favor you, at my core, I am the Emperor of this Empire, and I act for its future. All my actions must have a rationale and justification. Without it, one merely becomes a despot."

“…”

"And if she's a child who will inevitably have to enter into a strategic marriage, embedding her with a highly desirable groom might be her father's last-ditch effort. Once she departs, she will become a foreigner within the household.”

It was a bitter tradition, but it was also a harsh reality.

"Do you think I hold such power? The world isn't forgiving, Prince."

"It's just a simple pretext."

"Intriguing. It's remarkable how you can dismiss it so casually."

It seemed the two were more alike than different. Standing against the world with individual strength was not easy, even for an emperor.

"Let's change the topic. I have no intention of harming the princess by entering into a vague relationship. I haven't even married the woman I love yet, let alone entertained the thought of getting engaged to another."

Davey's words caused Perserque's face to flush red. He had no intention of taking on another wife beyond Perserque, even if it was a mere formality.

"Then, offer something of equal value."

"I'll be a patron for the Contas Empire. That should..."

"Interesting."

"Does it give you a justification?"

A cold smile touched the Great Emperor's lips.

This emperor was a cunning negotiator. He fully understood the art of bargaining, always aiming for the highest price. From the beginning, the goal was patronage. If the emperor could secure his daughter's safety by associating her with Davey, her well-being would be more or less assured.

"Very well. It's a deal. Any gossip mongers will be dealt with, and the Contas Empire will provide additional support."

Being a king was certainly a challenging role. But could his current actions truly be considered those of anyone other than a king? Davey wondered whether he too was nothing more than a powerful force attempting to exert control over the continent.

"Alright. What's the second request?"

In response to Davey's inquiry, the emperor pointed the tip of his sword at him. "I challenge you to a Magra, a tradition of the Contas Empire."

Magra – the traditional duel of the Contas Empire. Commonly known as a one-on-one showdown.

* * *

The Magra challenge… Originally, "Magra" referred to a duel where participants risked their lives for opposing objectives. However, due to its brutality, which drew criticism from two empires, the Contas Empire currently prohibits fatal outcomes during a Magra.

"As long as no one loses their life, it's acceptable."

"That's reassuring to hear."

What had he done wrong, after all? He was not just an individual; he was a leader of a group. If that leader consistently made sacrifices solely for personal relationships or gains, it would undermine the unity of the group. This could spell disaster for the Great Emperor, who had firmly held onto royal power.

Davey's irritation stemmed from the emperor's words: that Davey acted as if he were a king without being one, seizing rights and neglecting duties, an idea he abhorred. Ironically, Davey was indeed doing just that.

Life was often described as challenging. If there were 99% madmen and 1% sane individuals, it was a scholarly consensus that the 1% sane would eventually succumb to madness. Humans were social creatures, and Davey had chosen to blend in with society. Changing the system? That was the task of revolutionaries, not him.

"Davey, I'm okay."

"Why waste words?"

When Davey suddenly pinched Perserque's cheek, she shrieked. "Eeek!"

"Step back. This Magra will also serve as a justification for the Great Emperor."

What a cunning emperor. When Davey had heard that he ascended to the throne at a young age, he knew the emperor was not ordinary, but he had not expected him to recklessly risk even his own life.

"Though I'm the eldest, I'm not lethargic. I'll let you make the first move."

"As you wish." Davey released his grip lightly.

The Great Emperor of Contas excelled in various martial arts, but his true prowess lay in hand-to-hand combat. Davey decided to meet him on equal terms.

As Davey prepared himself, the emperor, wearing the gauntlets Davey had provided, inquired, "Prince, I've heard you're strong, but weren't you considered a saint? It might be better if you wore some protective gear on your hands."

Davey merely flicked his fingers. "I'll allow you the first three moves."

In an instant, a powerful gust stirred, and dust filled the air. The astonishing speed of the event surprised everyone, including the 268 knights, including Illyna. The gauntlet the emperor wore was the one Davey had given him as part of a playful bet. It was a flawed piece and held no real value.

"Your defense is quite fascinating."

Effortlessly parrying the emperor's punch aimed at his vulnerable spot, Davey swiftly retreated, deflecting a relentless barrage of attacks. The emperor pursued him relentlessly, punches raining down like a tempest.

Davey kept up his defenses, parrying and evading, but as he remained on the defensive, the emperor's speed increased, and the surrounding gusts grew more powerful. Facing a master of hand-to-hand combat was no laughing matter.

"Ahhh!"

As the Renda sisters were swept away by the gusts, Fildyr rushed in quickly to rescue them. Illyna then stepped forward, planting her Caldeiras firmly on the ground to shield them from the gusts.

Perserque watched Davey in silence, while Rinne, sitting on the ground, playfully shouted into the wind.

"I'm loving this!" The emperor's eyes held a hint of madness. True to the empire's tradition of seeking formidable opponents, his desire for a powerful adversary was evident. "Show me more! Surely, this isn't your limit!"

With a powerful strike directed at Davey's chest, he sent him flying several meters away. The impact wasn't only felt by Davey but also resonated through the surroundings, upturning the ground and demonstrating the emperor's attack's sheer strength.

"We're just getting started!"

Then, in an instant, the emperor was behind Davey, launching another punch. Davey deflected the blow, but suddenly, the emperor's leg shot out toward him.

The foot that had been swiftly aimed stopped just inches from Davey's face.

"Hmm... It seems your knowledge of hand-to-hand combat is lacking."

"..."

"How about it? Should I teach you a trick or..."

"You still have a move left."

At Davey's statement, the smile faded from the emperor's face. "Very well!"

In a whirlwind of strikes, the emperor began to gain the upper hand. Illyna frowned as Davey continuously retreated, and Perserque sighed deeply.

"What in the world... Davey is being pushed back?"

"This is the first time I've seen him at a disadvantage."

"Indeed, the power of an emperor..."

The knights could hardly contain their surprise and excitement as it appeared that Davey was constantly on the defensive.

"The three moves are complete. It seems you lack experience in hand-to-hand combat."

Davey slowly shook off his hands before saying, "Now it's my turn."

"You didn’t need to allow me the first three moves if this was your best. A bit disappointing."

The emperor then assumed his stance. With graceful steps, Davey lunged at him.

And just as Davey reached an optimal distance, the emperor moved again. Their dance was reminiscent of their previous exchange. Instead of launching a counterattack, Davey parried or dodged each of the emperor's moves. However, this strategy left Davey vulnerable to the emperor's kicks.

Just like before, there was a brief moment when Davey was exposed, and a cold smile crossed the emperor's lips. The emperor then said, "Recklessly charging in is a trait of those with more strength than experience. Sorry, but you won't get a second chance."

The emperor's attack was precisely aimed at Davey's head. Normally, one would defend or dodge such an assault. Indeed, the emperor had anticipated Davey's reaction and planned his next move.

However, something peculiar reverberated from the emperor's mid-air leg before everything distorted. The emperor seemed utterly bewildered as to why his leg suddenly twisted and shattered. Davey had momentarily moved at a speed beyond the emperor's perception. After all, human eyes could be easily deceived. An opportunity presented itself.

The Great Emperor's eyes widened in horror as his leg bone grotesquely twisted. Simultaneously, Illyna let out a sigh and covered her face with one hand. Very slowly, Davey's fist struck the emperor's defense repeatedly.

[Fist Style]

At the same time, a sound inaudible to others rang out, causing the emperor's guard to momentarily waver. Sensing that something was amiss, the emperor attempted to retreat. However, Davey stomped on his foot, completely immobilizing him. One leg was suspended in the air, broken, while the other was pinned down by Davey. He shouldn't have abused their legs in such a manner.

With the emperor's defenses compromised, Davey advanced, delivering another series of slow, deliberate punches into him.

[Link Technique]

[Aggressive Dragon-Style Strike]

The blows weren't especially powerful. Yet, as the emperor was thrown back, a look of horror crossed his face.

"What... What?!"

The defense of the Great Emperor of Contas surpassed that of the Lyndis Emperor, Deorte. The latter was formidable in his own right but belonged to a different class.

As Davey drew back his fist, a tremendous aura erupted from him, causing the emperor's face to momentarily harden. What the emperor saw in that instant was pure terror. He felt the looming threat of death.

[Devil Ylgr’s Death Fist]

[Contraction]

[Asura’s Ultimate Godly Fist]

In an instant, a massive surge of mana blazed and coalesced in Davey's hand. The image of a colossal demon briefly manifested before vanishing, bringing all motion to a standstill simultaneously.