The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Novel

Chapter 447

Was it "Too much is bad for you" or "the more, the merrier"? Which would Davey choose? After pondering over this matter, Davey entered a state of metamorphosis.

To be honest, this was the very first time that Perserque had seen Davey appear so defenseless. His body was inherently strong and powerful. However, if a strong and powerful being were to attack him right now, there was a high chance that his metamorphosis would fail. That was why she needed to take action.

Clap!!!

Perserque clapped her hands together and retrieved the item she had received from Davey earlier. Despite her indescribable and breathtaking beauty, she wore an expressionless face that now curled into a smile.

"Fufufufu. Come to me. You have no idea how long I have waited for you," Perserque mumbled to herself, rubbing her cheeks against the staff as if possessed.

Rinne glanced at Perserque with a strange expression. "Rinne evaluates Miss Per's behavior poorly."

"Cough. Each individual has their own preferences." Perserque coughed a couple of times in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. Then, she slowly closed her eyes and held the staff with both hands.

Vwoong...

At the same time, small amounts of demonic energy began to flow out of her body, gradually forming a small barrier. The size didn't matter; what mattered was the efficiency and the effects.

"Grow, quickly!"

Energy continued to flow from the tip of the Transcendence's Demise, creating a black curtain that surrounded Davey and the magic circle beneath him. Then, Perserque plunged the staff into the ground and knelt silently in front of it.

"Miss Per?"

"Davey will stay in that state for a long time. We have to ensure that no one will harm him."

"Rinne values protection highly!" Rinne exclaimed as she retrieved several small cubes from her pockets.

Clack! Clang!!!

Then, the small cubes changed their shape in an instant and turned into two gigantic golems.

[Taking over command in the name of the Elder Brain. Eliminate all threats in the vicinity.]

[Puma has received the orders.]

[Sniper has received the orders.]

The golems didn't possess sophisticated artificial intelligence like Rinne's, but after countless iterations of their algorithm, they had become more agile and quicker in their movements.

The Decepticon Fleet consisted of combat golems specializing in both offense and defense. Sniper was equipped with an overwhelmingly heavy mana photon gun designed for long-range shooting. On the other hand, Puma wielded two hard and sturdy swords, designed for close-range disruption of enemy lines.

They had undergone several upgrades since their creation, and their quality and combat prowess had grown significantly. They were now capable of fighting on par with Sword Masters.

A Sword Master-ranked golem might sound ridiculous to those from the Alchemy Schools, but for Perserque, it was nothing extraordinary. The golems that had been developed under Rinne's supervision had long surpassed the standards of this continent. Now that beings like them had been created, they could no longer be called mere golems.

"Begin scouting the surroundings. Equip the light particle gun. Rinne highly values its firepower.”

Although Rinne didn't often use this weapon due to its inefficiency, she manifested it and hefted the massive light particle gun, a weapon known for its formidable firepower, onto her shoulders. She aimed it at the surroundings, resembling a child showing off their cuteness—a sight that made Perserque chuckle.

"We're still uncertain about the repercussions of what just occurred. I just hope that everything will turn out fine," Perserque added with a hint of concern.

***

Profound changes were sweeping across the continent, yet humans remained largely unaware of their nature. Deep within the continent's recesses, countless highly dangerous evil beasts had been lurking and nesting for an extended period.

In the Pandora Region, located in the northernmost part of the central continent, the knights of the Last Wisp known as the 'Alpha Reinforcements' were confronting an entity that had long slumbered in extreme cold, similar to Shandra Minea's presence. It wasn't only Shandra Minea who lay dormant in the depths of the Pandora Region; several immensely powerful Beast Kings were also believed to rest there.

Or, at least, that's how it used to be. Recent changes had disrupted the status quo, not just in Pandora but in other regions as well. These formidable beings had sensed the colossal surge unleashed by Davey, rippling throughout the entire continent, and it was anything but a favorable development.

"Damn it! Stop them!"

Cold sweat dripped down the backs of the men, who were wearing uniforms that resembled a dopo[1], that tried to block the advance of a gigantic monster.

"Damn it! What in the world is happening here?"

The Last Wisp stationed in the western continent found themselves in a nightmarish situation. One of the Evil Beast Kings that had long slumbered in the Heichass Great Forest, located just south of the central region of the western continent, had suddenly, as if possessed, gone on a rampage.

This monstrous creature, a gigantic being with four heads, capable of single-handedly dominating and laying waste to an entire region, had earned the moniker [Gigadra] from those who had witnessed its terrifying might.

In fact, Gigadra was so formidable that tales and legends of its power had inadvertently spread beyond the boundaries of the Heichass Forest. There were even parents who would use Gigadra's stories to scare their crying children, warning them that Gigadra would appear and swallow them whole if they didn't stop crying.

Of course, to most people, these were nothing more than frightening tales. After all, no one had ever truly seen Gigadra in all its glory. However, for those who secretly guarded the demon's nest, Gigadra was a very real and monstrous presence. And now, this creature, which had remained dormant for an extended period, had begun to stir, seemingly possessed by some unseen force.

The power of the Last Wisp's 'Alpha Reinforcement' was woefully inadequate to halt Gigadra. All they could do was attempt to divert the monster or monitor its movements. Consequently, the knight order was in a state of emergency.

"If that monster gets loose, everything will be lost. So, stop him!"

Could they block him with a Sword Master? It was sheer nonsense. Use the Great Sage's magic? An impossibility. Seek the aid of Reina, the warrior who had led the victorious battle against the demons? An impractical dream. They all knew that it was impossible to halt this berserk four-headed dragon.

"Damn it! He's approaching!"

Perhaps it was the knights who had obstructed its path that had irked the four-headed dragon, Gigadra, as it turned to gaze at them. Witnessing this, the knights hastily abandoned their posts and scrambled to evade the approaching menace.

Shwaaaa!!!

The area they had hastily evacuated from became frozen in an instant. It was as though an immense and overwhelming breath had swept through, leaving behind a colossal iceberg on the ground. Those who were too slow to evade or couldn't react in time found themselves permanently trapped within the frozen prison.

As for those who survived this calamity, they were left dispirited, with nothing to do but pray and hope that this berserk monster would cease its rampage and return to its slumber.

However, Gigadra, the four-headed dragon, showed no signs of stopping. He continued on his path, heading straight for the nearby small kingdom, just a short distance from the forest. To be precise, he was making a beeline for the great forest located in the bow country, the Hyeon Empire.

Crack, crack...! Crack!!!

At that moment, onlookers watched in helpless horror as Gigadra's tough and unyielding back skin was torn asunder. Their eyes widened as they witnessed something bursting forth from his back.

"Th... Look at that!"

It was a colossal pair of wings. Gigadra, who had been thought to only walk on his four legs, had now unfurled his wings. This could only mean one catastrophic thing.

"Notify the order! We need everyone's support! We must stop that monster!"

"But, Commander!"

"Never forget our mission! If that creature escapes, the entire continent will be doomed! Why do you think we're here? We've safeguarded this place for hundreds of years, and we will continue to do so!"

Despite the pleas, Gigadra quickly adapted to his newfound wings, effortlessly flapping them and taking flight. A tremendous gust of wind swept through the area, causing chaos. In the end, the knight order didn't even have a chance to halt Gigadra's advance.

"The direction Gigadra is heading..."

"He's going that way."

The Forest of Trials, the most sacred forest in the Hyeon Empire, was a mysterious woodland protected by a guardian deity.

"We felt a massive surge of power wash over us a while ago. Do you think he has something to do with it?"

"So, you sensed it as well?"

"Yes, all our members at Sword Master level or above felt it too."

"I have no idea what transpired over there... Let's move. We need to gather all our forces. If that monster is heading for the Forest of Trials, it might be an opportunity for us. We might be able to overwhelm him before he can escape that vast forest."

Perhaps they could even succeed in killing him.

"Failure is not an option."

Failure equated to death. However, what they remained unaware of was that someone within that forest had enchanted and placed Gigadra under a trance.

***

A typhoon churned into existence wherever Gigadra passed. His colossal presence had already drawn significant attention upon entering the vast forest, saturated with the power of spirits. Even those who had previously regarded Gigadra as nothing more than a legend and a frightening tale had now confirmed his existence.

All of them stood frozen in fear, trembling at the sight of the four-headed dragon soaring through the sky. Their fear was entirely justified. The violent and savage monster described in their myths and legends had become a horrifying reality!

However, the reason they hesitated to approach was not solely due to their fear but also because his very presence instilled panic and terror in them.

Boom!!!

—Roaaaaaaaaar!!!

Gigadra roared loudly, declaring his presence in the forest.

He instinctively surveyed the vast area before him, then began to move forward. No one could stand in Gigadra's way as he plowed through the dense forest, effortlessly tearing down trees obstructing his path. The forest lay in eerie silence, as all its animals and beasts had fled in fear.

—Graaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Gigadra roared loudly as he continued on his path of destruction.

Ping… Boom!!!

.

A resounding boom echoed as smoke billowed from one of Gigadra's heads, resembling the detonation of a powerful bomb. Ping! Boom!!! Boom!!! Boom!!! Several bullets flew from the forest, piercing Gigadra's colossal body in rapid succession. Even the four-headed dragon, known for its overwhelming majesty, faltered under the relentless assault.

Shiiiiing… Clang!

A black golem emerged from the depths of the forest, thrusting its sword into various vital points on Gigadra's body. Every living being had its vulnerabilities.

Screams and roars erupted from Gigadra's colossal maw as the onslaught continued. However, these sounds were not of pain but of irritation.

Swoosh… Bang!!!

After a brief moment, the dissipating smoke revealed an undamaged head. Gigadra opened his mouth and unleashed a frigid breath that froze everything within its range. It was a shocking display of violence, as he released an extremely cold energy. In fact, each of Gigadra's heads possessed different powers. His first head wielded blazing heat, the second extreme coldness, the third the ability to create storms and typhoons, and the fourth could generate and discharge lightning bolts.

Baaaaaaaang!!!

As the extreme cold energy, capable of freezing the world, escaped from one of his mouths, another head released an overwhelming and scorching heat wave that reduced the forest to ashes.

—Graaaaaaaaaaa!!!

It was an overwhelming display of power. Rinne, who watched everything from afar, couldn't help but mutter with a blank expression after witnessing this terrifying spectacle, "Detecting large amounts of energy. Judging the existence to be stronger than Shandra Minea's clone. Rinne has underestimated the situation."

The situation was dire. Shandra Minea's clone was considered the Pandora Region's Evil Beast King, nearly reaching a disaster-class level. But the being before them far exceeded that.

Excluding Davey, the only individuals present were Rinne and Perserque. Perserque maintained the barrier, leaving Rinne as the only one capable of confronting Gigadra. The problem was that, no matter how many times she ran simulations, Rinne couldn't foresee any chances of winning against this formidable foe.

Rinne silently materialized a crowbar in one hand and an ultra-high heat lightsaber in the other as she stared at the four-headed dragon. Then, she declared, "Rinne will defend. Rinne vows not to allow that being to take another step forward."

There were things she could and couldn't do, but in this moment, Rinne had to act, regardless of her limitations.

***

Baaaaaaaang!!! Bang!!!

On the fourth day of Davey's metamorphosis, a deafening roar echoed from the other side of the forest. Perserque, who had been vigilantly watching over Davey's condition, furrowed her brow at the sound.

She wasn't sure what Rinne was facing out there, but as she maintained consciousness in case of emergencies, one thing was certain. The explosions and roars reverberating through the forest and the overwhelming presence she sensed from afar indicated the presence of a highly unusual and formidable foe.

Bang!

Her questions and doubts were dispelled when she witnessed a charred figure flying from the depths of the forest.

"Rinne!"

Perserque could see that Rinne's once-white dress was now charred black, and the bandages she had wrapped around her feet were burnt. Rinne appeared severely injured, with hardly a spot on her body untouched.

Perserque's expression stiffened as Rinne crashed into the barrier she was maintaining and fell lifelessly to the ground. She had confirmed the presence of an intruder, but her predicament left her unable to move. Any action on her part would dispel the barrier, leaving Davey defenseless. So, Perserque remained on her knees, shouting anxiously but unable to check on Rinne's condition.

"Rinne! Answer me! Are you alright?" Perserque screamed, urgency permeating her voice.

However, Rinne didn't even twitch on the ground. Her condition, whether alive or dead, remained unknown.

Was Rinne an ordinary entity? The answer was no. Rinne was an ancient biological golem with the living and growing God of Machinery in place of her heart. From the outset, she was formidable enough to combat Sword Master-level beings, if not surpass them. Now, she had grown even stronger, easily defeating Sword Master-level foes.

And yet, someone like Rinne had been beaten to the point of being unresponsive. This indicated that their opponent was no ordinary entity.

Flap... Flap... Boom!

Doubts and questions about the adversary filled Perserque's mind until a colossal, golden-scaled monster appeared in the sky from the direction Rinne had come. The creature boasted six heads, tough scales, wings, and powerful limbs, leaving Perserque wondering if it was a mythical creature from legends. There was no doubt that this monster was responsible for Rinne's dire state.

The monster examined the motionless Rinne with curiosity. Two of its heads were directly connected to its body, while the other four appeared to share a single neck, branching into two.

Perserque nervously swallowed as she felt the creature's terrifying aura. She believed she could confront this being successfully if she lifted the barrier, but her limited experience made it difficult to gauge the arduousness of the process. The possibility of victory existed, but it came at a steep cost. Her dilemma was whether to save Rinne or leave Davey defenseless. Perserque gritted her teeth and began to pray desperately.

‘Please, please Rinne. Wake up, please.’

Vwooooooooong…

Not long after, a tremendous surge of mana began to coalesce around Gigadra, the enigmatic creature fixated on Perserque, Davey, and the protective barrier. Perserque harbored confidence in the barrier's ability to withstand its power. However, she couldn't afford to let it continue, risking Rinne's safety as she could potentially be caught in the impending Breath attack.

In that brief span of time, Perserque's mind wrestled with a flood of concerns, yet she found herself lacking both answers and the determination to make a choice. If only she had fully mastered her Abyss' Authority. If she had unlocked all her powers as the Demon Lord, she wouldn't have felt this overwhelming shame and helplessness, unable to shield those dear to her. All Perserque could do was suppress her anger, her hands clenching into fists.

The gathering light particles in front of Gigadra took on a countenance reminiscent of a countdown, and Perserque realized that the monster had already reached a decision, targeting the barrier to ensure that Rinne would be caught in the impending attack.

Protect Davey, who remained in metamorphosis, or safeguard Rinne, grievously wounded? These thoughts flashed through her mind in a state of panic.

The six heads continued to emanate Breaths of varying attributes, coalescing into a massive Breath that steadily expanded.

"Please... Please wake up, Davey!"

The best course of action would be for Davey, in the midst of his metamorphosis, to awaken. However, the probability of his awakening at this very moment was low. He had remained silent and motionless for four days.

Desperate and tearful, Perserque reached out toward Rinne, fully aware that Rinne was within the range of the impending catastrophic Breath. But then...

"Megalodria, show him who's on top."

A familiar voice resonated as a colossal entity shot into the sky at an astonishing speed, delivering a powerful kick to Gigadra's suspended body. The impact triggered a thunderous shockwave that sent Gigadra hurtling hundreds of meters away, its massive form embedding itself deeply into the ground.

[Bow down, you insignificant beast. I am the true King of Mythical Beasts, the true storm.]

Perserque, rendered rigid by the awe-inspiring and majestic voice, sensed movement beside her. The radiant egg-shaped object that had remained silent for days began to fracture.

Baaaaaaang!!!

Simultaneously, an immensely powerful storm began to coalesce around Davey's form as the radiant egg disintegrated, unveiling his figure.

1. A gentleman’s long and wide-sleeved outer coat. ????