The Max Level Hero Has Returned!

Chapter 974

The wind was howling.

A man with frosted hair gazed at a massive crystal before closing his eyes.

“I see. I didn’t think the ritual would proceed so easily, but this... this is certainly an unexpected discovery.”

The current Dragon Lord of Tionis carried the remnants of the Primordial Dragon within his heart.

That very concept—the Primordial Dragon’s bloodline—was one of the most crucial elements needed for the ritual.

For the man Loki, this was something difficult to fully grasp. However, ancient records documented a past project that had failed because the chosen dragon heart was not deemed worthy enough.

In theory, possessing the remnants of the Primordial Dragon would make success possible. Even then, it wasn’t a guarantee.

And yet, he had made a discovery.

Not simply the mere remnants of the Primordial Dragon, but a special girl—one whose heart carried an entirely pure Primordial Dragon bloodline.

“All three of you, go. Once my Demon God opens the door, retrieve the girl, preferably without harming her. I don’t particularly enjoy tormenting others, after all.”

At his command, massive concentrations of power began to stir and move.

“And as an extra precaution... you’ll be going as well.”

* * *

At the same time that Davey was mercilessly beating down the monarch—the founder of the Ouroboros Ritual rooted in Tionis—Evangeline soared through the sky, leaving the Dragon’s Nest behind and heading toward the Heins Territory.

She glanced down at Megalodria, who was carrying her.

“Meggy. Hey Meggy.”

[Do not call me that!]

“But Meggy is Meggy.”

[Tch... Do as you please.]

Although Megalodria had slowed down to make the ride less overwhelming for Evangeline, they would still arrive at Heins Territory in under thirty minutes.

“Why did Daddy send me ahead first?”

[Your contractor never does anything without a reason. Given the current situation, he must’ve determined that you are the one who needs protection the most.]

[Kahahaha! Don’t be scared, little human!]

Shandra Minea, dangling precariously while being carried by Megalodria’s claws, called out in a rather undignified manner. In its own way, it was being considerate of her.

Though it had once rampaged uncontrollably due to Urd’s encroachment, rendered unable to distinguish between friend and foe, it had started to change slowly after Davey purified the corruption.

“Okay. I’ll trust Meggy and Shandy.”

[You are still young. It is only natural to be protected when you are weak—there is no shame in that.]

“But Daddy is, too...”

[You’re wasting your time boarding that train of thought.]

Before Evangeline could finish, Megalodria responded.

[Your contractor may look young on the outside, but his soul is far older than he appears.]

Humans were never meant to live for such an extended time.

At one point, Megalodria had questioned how Davey O’Rowane could’ve become so powerful. It especially focused on the fact that he had survived for such a long time.

After having lived a lifespan that no human should be capable of, it seemed that something within him had gradually been unlocked, as if breaking free from his genetic constraints.

[Megalodria.]

[Hmm? I guess I’ll pick up the pace.]

Whooosh!

Recognizing Shandra Minea’s sudden shift to a serious tone, Megalodria instantly increased speed.

[Hold on tight, little human!!]

Chiiing... Boom!!

At that moment, a blue streak of light shot down above them from the sky.

It was a concentrated burst of ultra-high-pressure water. Despite being only water, the kind of pressure it possessed made even the deep sea seem like a joke.

Compacted into a beam with near-star-level density, it was no ordinary attack.

Boom!!

The water beam pierced through the windstorm barrier, tearing through Megalodria’s wing and devastating the surrounding area below, causing a massive quake.

Crackle!!

“Meggy!!”

[Damn it! That hurt like hell.]

Megalodria grimaced and quickly righted himself.

At the same time, another beam of pressurized water came hurtling toward them from out of nowhere.

[How pathetic!]

Megalordia gathered a breath attack and erased the oncoming water beam in an instant.

Boom!! Boom!!

At the same time, several deafening explosions erupted from the area where Shandra Minea was.

They had waltzed right into an ambush.

But judging by the sheer force behind the attack, there was no way it could be the work of any known entity on Tionis.

“Meggy! Are you okay?!”

[Did you really think this would be enough to take me down? Evangeline, listen up! The enemy is strong, and I cannot fight while worrying about protecting you!]

Megalodria’s eyes flashed as several of its feathers detached and wrapped around Evangeline protectively.

[We are not far from Heins Territory. With your speed, you will reach it quickly.]

“But what about you, Meggy?!”

[Go. Now!!]

Seeing the grave expression on his face, Evangeline clenched her teeth.

Davey had anticipated an attack, which was why he had sent them as her escort.

It should have been enough, considering how few beings would be capable of launching such an ambush against Rinne—who could undergo Sephirothization—and two mythical beast kings.

[The world is not always so convenient. That woman, Odin, is certainly not behind this. In that case, it must be...]

Megalodria narrowed its eyes as it stared into the empty void.

Then, as if the air itself was rippling like a reflection on water, a humanoid emerged from thin air.

At first glance, it appeared to be just an ordinary mage, but its expression was deathly cold.

[Constellation.]

Megalodria clenched its teeth.

According to the constellation Leo, Odin had subdued three of the constellations.

While the Zodiac constellations were certainly known for their madness, they all still acted with their own distinct purpose and sense of existence.

Most of them had scattered, but three had been encroached while guarding the very source of the stars—the Zodiac itself.

And now, standing before Megalodria, was undoubtedly the constellation Aquarius.

[Not the best match-up for me.]

Megalodria’s eyes gleamed solemnly.

[Apologies, but just because you’ve reached a demigod level doesn’t mean you can walk all over me like easy prey.]

In response to its will, the air around them twisted, forming into razor-sharp storm winds.

[Since you’ve descended into a human vessel, your power must have clear limitations.]

Even so, the sheer force radiating from it was enough to raise some questions.

Boom!!

Finally, the storm winds and high-pressure water blades clashed, triggering a violent explosion.

* * *

“Haa... Haa!!”

Panting heavily, Evangeline sprinted through the dense forest, orbited by the crimson-black feathers Megalodria had given her, shielding her from harm.

Technically, she was barely even two years old. By all human standards, she should’ve only just begun crawling and learning to stand.

However, she wasn’t human, and so her body had developed far beyond her true age. Despite still being incredibly young by ancient dragon standards, her appearance was that of a human child who’d developed individuality and awakened consciousness.

Considering those circumstances, she was overwhelmed by fear, confusion, and sorrow in the situation.

Rattle!

“Haa! Haa—Kyaa!!”

Chains came whipping toward her. The protective feathers around her deflected the attack, but the force still managed to throw her off-balance.

She hit the ground hard but quickly bounced back onto her feet.

Then she saw the dozens of monsters surrounding her.

“Monsters...”

They weren’t ordinary monsters, either.

Unlike the usual ones restricted in a predatory hierarchy that thrived on instinct, these ones moved with unnerving coordination, like a well-trained military force. They also wielded weapons that seemed far too strange for simple beasts to be carrying.

A chilling sense of familiarity crept up her spine.

Then it clicked.

“The monsters that attacked the territory!”

They were just like the ones she had first seen in the forest where she had met Hildesnova, the Executor of the Third Legion of the Inquisition Tribunal.

“I can see something, too...”

Her pupils momentarily slit, turning sharp and vertical.

She then saw small, glowing orbs within the monsters’ bodies. She didn’t know what they were exactly, but they were clearly responsible for controlling the creatures.

Chiiiing!

Without hesitation, she summoned her weapon—divine dragon sword Twilight, its blade as black as darkness.

She had once been helpless against these creatures. But after surpassing the limiting Master barrier, they were no longer a real threat to her.

“This time, I won’t be a burden.”

The monsters charged at her in a frenzied rush.

* * *

Explosions echoed all around.

Evangeline could see Megalodria and Shandra Minea engaged in battle in the distance, while she also felt the presence of Rinne who had moved ahead to scout the area.

Evangeline swung Twilight—the precious gift her father had given her that amplified her power to its fullest. Each strike unleashed a black-crimson blade energy, cutting down the monsters in her path.

She was young, but her rate of growth was nothing like that of a human.

‘Something’s wrong... Something’s off...’

She had no way of knowing their exact objective, but with the monsters attacking her while keeping Megalodria and the others occupied, it was clear that the attack was no mere coincidence.

She knew it wasn’t some random raid by bandits.

The fact that they were able to hold off the mythical beast kings and Rinne meant that the enemy was anything but weak.

Still, she couldn’t understand where they had come from and why they were after her.

‘They’re not trying to kill me...’

They were attempting to subdue her with sheer numbers.

Her father had taught her that when enemies used these kinds of tactics, it almost always meant one thing—they needed her alive.

Some unique monsters like goblins were known to kidnap people. But for powerful monsters like ogres—creatures that normally tore their prey apart on sight—to be doing the same made no sense.

Then again, if they were being controlled, their instincts no longer mattered.

Regardless of how she thought about it, only one answer came to mind.

‘They want to kidnap me... and use me to make Daddy suffer.’

Even though she was more mature than most children her age, she was still just a child at heart. And so, the whole situation was more than enough to infuriate and provoke her emotions.

Sling...

She reversed her grip, lifting Twilight to chest level.

As the blade angled diagonally downward, a black-crimson Aura Blade began to flow from within.

The monsters were merely the bait.

That meant someone had to be controlling them.

Yet, no matter how hard she focused, she couldn’t sense anyone else nearby.

It was a strategic assault—Megalodria, Shandra Minea, and Rinne were all preoccupied with powerful enemies, ones far beyond her ability to handle or assist them with.

However, they were all opponents that she could pass by if she wanted to. Thinking as such, she wondered if perhaps she wasn’t their primary target.

Or...

‘No. They’re stalling for time.’

As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she crouched low.

There was only one thing to do—break through their encirclement before and reach Heins Territory as fast as possible to beat their waiting time.

[Demonic Sword.]

[Heavenly Twin Collision]

Her sword flashed.

The next moment, her body shot forward like a spear, piercing straight through the swarm of monsters.

- Kiaaa!!!

- Kaaa!!!

Instead of staying to fight, she forced her way through. There was no way monsters like ogres could stop her once she made up her mind.

As she made her way through, the monsters hesitated and scrambled around with confusion, their movements erratic as if they had lost control of the situation.

Evangeline sensed something strange, but she wasn’t about to waste time questioning it.

At this speed, she could reach Heins Territory in thirty minutes. She knew there were no villages along the way, so there would be no collateral damage.

She had already calculated everything—

Rustle!!!

Suddenly, golden chains shot out from nowhere, instantly wrapping around her.

“Kyaaa!!”

[Flare!!]

Suspended in midair, she immediately channeled her magic to burn through them.

But the chains ignored the scorching flames, only tightening around her with even greater force.

‘So they really were just stalling for time.’

And then—

Pat... pat...

As the figure restraining her finally stepped into view, Evangeline’s widened in shock.

“What? Y-You?!”

Standing before her was—

"Kyuu?"

A massive, white rabbit with muscles that looked like they were about to explode.

It was Killer Rabbit.

[Behold, my grand entrance! Oh my, sister! What’s with this situation?]

Its deep, oddly sultry voice was almost painful to hear.

“Killer... Killer Rabbit, listen.”

Evangeline whispered with a pale face.

[Hmm... I sensed brother Davey’s presence and came over, but this is turning out to be quite interesting.]

As it spoke, Killer Rabbit reached out to tear apart the golden chains restraining her.

But then—

Rustle!!

The chains suddenly multiplied into dozens of strands, instantly abandoning Evangeline to thoroughly bind Killer Rabbit instead.

[Tch... What the heck is this?]

It struggled with irritation, but no matter how much it moved, the chains only tightened, rattling ominously.

And then, the humanoid figure apparently responsible for the chains’ assault appeared.

Its skin was brown, its presence commanding.

“Resistance is futile. You won’t be able to break free.”

[It’s a little tougher than expected, eh?]

“I am a demigod. Such things cannot be broken by physical force.”

[I’m not really into bondage, you know?]

“Quit fooling around. I don’t know who you are, but even in my weakened state, these chains are unbreakable.”

The figure gave a slow, confident smirk.

“This is our first meeting, ancient dragon girl.”

“Who are you?”

The figure let out a quiet chuckle before it responded with a twisted voice.

[Constellation Scorpio.]

Its body began to slowly crumble.

[My vessel is already deteriorating, but I suppose that doesn’t matter. Listen well, little girl—I have no intention of harming you. Just come with me quietly. There is someone who wants to see you.]

“Who?”

[You’ll find out soon enough. That pitiful fire lizard, lost without a purpose, will be here soon too.]

“So you were...”

[It’s already in motion. The black dragon who wields the wind is being occupied by Aquarius, and the one with three pairs of wings is being contained by Pisces. No one is coming to save you.]

‘Constellations...’

The ones she had heard about were supposed to be different.

These ones had abandoned their original forms, moving as if they were one living entity.

After tightening the restraints around the struggling Killer Rabbit, it walked toward Evangeline and extended its hand.

Still kneeling, she slowly lifted her gaze to meet its eyes.

She then watched Killer Rabbit emerge from right behind its back.

Despite still being wrapped in the golden chains, it had somehow gotten within striking range.

Creaaak... Creeeak!

The chains groaned under tremendous pressure, causing Scorpio to whip his head around with shock.

Boom!!

The chains snapped, unleashing a shockwave of tensile pressure.

At the same time, Killer Rabbit’s enormous, snow-white fist came crashing down on the spot Scorpio had just been standing in.

[W-What?!]

The golden chains were supposed to completely restrict any and all movement.

But Killer Rabbit had simply ripped them apart with brute force.

Its tiny red eyes gleamed with a chilling light.

[Hey there. Scorpion buddy.]

Killer Rabbit said in a cheesy voice while dragging the remnants of the broken chains.

[I never skip a single day of training. And when you push muscles beyond their limits, they surpass their own constraints.]

[This is madness...]

Scorpio muttered in disbelief.

Killer Rabbit simply clenched its fist, veins bulging across its massive forearm.

The very air around it distorted.

[You... What the hell are you?]

Killer Rabbit’s sudden arrival had completely shattered their plans.

* * *

"Oh, brother!! Do you sense something?!”

- Buooo...

A deep, eerie resonance rippled through the air.

"The presence of prime-grade muscles? You heard about it from the Mermaid So-Ya? I don't know what that means, but... I understand! It must be one of our own! We must go there at once!!"

In a still forest where monster corpses lay strewn about, the constellation Taurus and Great Orc Chief Tsu exchanged excited glances before striding purposefully toward the other side of the woods.