The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Novel

Chapter 539

Typically, when nations, especially those not on good terms, engaged in negotiations, they often convened in a neutral country to avoid problems arising from hosting negotiations on home turf.

In that sense, marching right up to the capital of the Boltis Kingdom, the front yard of the Boltis Royal Palace, for protest and negotiation was a tremendous loss for the Rowane Kingdom.

The Boltis Kingdom, aware of this fact, seemed determined not to miss their advantage. The atmosphere turned icy, almost on the verge of violence, as Baris cheekily piled on demands.

The prince of the Boltis Kingdom, who had been glaring at Baris, soon directed his hostile gaze at Davey. His eyes seemed to accuse him of insolence.

Hmph!

However, the moment he locked eyes with Davey, his face turned pale with fear.

Davey remained silent. While he had been given full authority to negotiate, it was Baris who was to speak. Essentially, Davey was just relaying messages over Baris' shoulder.

"What if we reject those proposals?" the king of the Boltis Kingdom asked coldly, maintaining dignity, clearly aware of who held the real power in the room.

"Reject? Our Rowane Kingdom couldn't even reject that 'gift' you sent us," Davey replied nonchalantly.

"Prince! Even if you are revered across the continent as a Saint, I can't overlook this any longer! On what evidence and with what grievance do you accuse our Boltis Kingdom like this?" the prince exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.

As Davey maintained his silence, the prince continued his tirade, "No matter how arrogantly powerful you think you are, justice hasn't perished yet!"

"Justice? Yes, justice is good," Davey agreed.

"Speak directly if you have something to say. Don't hide behind Crown Prince Baris. Didn't you think we'd realize you're representing the Rowane Kingdom in this meeting?" the king accused.

Davey smiled and casually placed a hand on Baris' shoulder, signaling him to stand. Baris rose, and Davey slowly took his seat and said, "Let's dispense with the needless chatter and speak directly, Your Majesty.

I tried to show restraint through Baris, but since you've summoned me, let's proceed as I originally intended. It's too late for regrets."

"We have no reason to be lectured by the Rowane Kingdom for things we haven't done. If you've come all this way just to say this, you may leave. We'll give you a few days to recover from your journey at least," the king declared confidently, believing they had no evidence.

"My foolishness was believing there were any innocent victims here," Davey retorted sharply.

"What did you say?" the prince demanded.

While the Boltis Kingdom and Davey harbored no amicable feelings, matters needed to be handled fairly. Thus, as soon as the negotiations began, Davey assessed the truthfulness of the prince and king's statements.

"Your Majesty and the prince both know about the Moonlight Honey," Davey revealed, his tone icy.

"..."

"You both have some acting talent, but you've chosen the wrong stage," Davey continued.

It's disgustingly all lies, Davey. They've crossed the line, even for royalty, Perserque whispered.

A simple lie detector. With Perserque's powers, it was possible. If not in one attempt, then two or three, peering into the depths of their souls. The insides of these men were shockingly consistent: utterly repugnant beings.

"Let me state the position of the Rowane Kingdom," Davey announced, slowly donning a ring that signified his acting authority on behalf of the Rowane Kingdom's king. Though it was Baris' role, the full authority was currently with Davey.

"The Rowane Kingdom hereby declares war on the Boltis Kingdom, effective immediately."

This was different from past conflicts orchestrated through alliances. While previously it was a mere threat to instill a sense of urgency in incompetent allies, this time, Davey intended to crush the foundation of this nation for centuries to come. They had thrown away their chance for redemption.

"What?!" the king and prince exclaimed in shock.

Prince Davey!!

"Unconditional surrender, nothing less. We demand Boltis Kingdom's wartime operation authority, military mobilization rights, mining rights, the final approval of nobility appointments, and other sovereign powers of the kingdom," Davey stated, his demands far exceeding anything Baris had previously mentioned.

In and of themselves, these elements would paralyze most of a nation's functions.

"Surrender everything."

It was no different from saying that he intended to throttle the Boltis Kingdom, which was barely surviving by mining and selling metals. Moreover, the final authority to appoint nobility would rob the king of his power, while military mobilization and command rights would trample the Boltis Kingdom's military force.

A loud crash echoed as the Boltis King stood abruptly, flinging something at Davey. But the object, swiftly flying toward him, was intercepted by Baris, who had reached out first.

"War? Does the prince not realize how irresponsible and thoughtless his statement is?" the King thundered.

"I don't understand war? How could I not..." Davey began.

"No, you don't understand. Article 3 of the International Alliance's provisions. Any state belonging to the Alliance is prohibited from any foreign military action, except for civil wars!" the King interrupted, grinding his teeth with a murderous glare.

This meant that the moment the Rowane Kingdom, also a member of the Alliance, declared war on the Boltis Kingdom, it was tantamount to declaring war on all nations, specifically all members of the International Alliance.

"Indeed," Davey acknowledged.

The King stood arrogantly, hands behind his back. "You have no idea about the current international atmosphere. Most nations adhere to the Alliance's provisions, prohibiting war. However, diplomatic friction and decades of treaty side effects have left many anticipating a war."

Indeed, Davey repeated.

"So, do you believe your small country could survive an onslaught from numerous nations, including the three empires, once they deem you absent? Your capital would fall in less than a week," said the King with his eyes flashing with hatred and a twisted joy.

"Ha... Hahahaha!

Something good happened?

Since you killed my son, our Boltis Kingdom has been in an untenable position with the Rowane Kingdom. You've handed us this opportunity on a platter; how can I not be pleased?"

The King didn't stop there; he escalated. "With your statement, your country will be reduced to ashes, Prince Davey! Do you think, even with your strength, you can withstand the bombardment of a nation? Ha! That's precisely the proof of your arrogance."ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ N(o)vᴇl(ꜰ)ire.nᴇt

Facing the now-cooling anger of the king, Davey slowly stood up, reaching into the pocket plane and drawing forth his staff.

Oh Ohh. That beautiful staff! Davey! Give it to me! I will do it! said Perserque.

I dont want your hands to get dirty by getting involved in this.

Perserque withdrew in response.

The staff taken out of the Pocket Plane was the Transcendence's Demise, a treasure from Daveys magical mentor, Odin.

"Are you resorting to force since words fail?" the King accused.

"Let me correct a misunderstanding," Davey replied, causing the King to flinch. "Calling it arrogance is incorrect. It's not arrogance to simply state the obvious."

As Davey lightly tapped the end of the Transcendence's Demise on the floor, mana stirred actively in conjunction with the staff, and text appeared on the activated status screen.

- Equipping the title, Starbreaker.

Suddenly, a young page burst in, exclaiming, "Your Majesty, there's trouble!!!"

"What is it, Chief Page? What's the fuss about?" the King questioned, surprised.

"Outside the royal palace, there are bizarrely huge golems!" the page reported breathlessly.

"Go... Golems?" the King gasped.

The Elder Brain, Rinne, and the seven members of the Decepticon Fleet had begun their move.

"Did you think you held my life in your hands by having me come here? Sorry, but you're mistaken. It's in my hands on your neck, not yours on mine."

The golems, unknown to those unaware of their power, were essentially surrounding them. They could turn the palace into a sea of fire with just one command.

"Escort His Majesty!"

Protect His Majesty from the rioters!!!" the guards shouted.

As the guards drew their swords toward Davey and Baris, a stout old knight entered, scattering his intimidating presence. The atmosphere, already tense enough to erupt in violence, was shattered by the guards' entrance.

It was a heavy aura of combativeness. The Duke of Hashan, known as the Sword of the Boltis Kingdom and one of the Swordmasters representing the nation's strength, stood before them. Although only at the threshold of mastery, crossing that boundary was indeed a significant feat. To most, such an overwhelming presence would be suffocating, but having seen far worse, it was nothing more than a meaningless intimidation to Davey.

"The discussion isn't over yet; may we continue? Your Majesty mentioned that any indiscriminate military activity would lead to a declaration of war by all nations in the International Alliance, right?"

"But, perhaps you're unaware of the exception clause? Baris," Davey called out, prompting Baris to look at him nervously. He continued, "Recite the third clause of the International Pact without missing a single detail."

At Davey's request, Baris took a breath and began reciting, "All nations part of the International Alliance strictly prohibit reckless and self-serving military actions, as well as petty skirmishes. If a member state declares war, it is tantamount to declaring war on all nations in the Alliance."

Baris's rendition mirrored what the Boltis King had said earlier. However, the subsequent statement introduced the exception.

"However, under the laws of war, any state that instigates warfare through excessive interference, scheming, or terrorism without a formal declaration of war will receive no support from the International Alliance."

As soon as Baris finished, Davey casually brushed off the sword pointed at his neck and stepped forward with a sly smile.

"King of Boltis," he began, causing the King to glare with wide eyes. "The evidence you so desire is right here."

He tossed an object onto the table, piquing curiosity and confusion in the King and the Prince. It was a sample of blood.

"What is this?" the King demanded.

"It's blood drawn from the woman pretending to be Lady Cecily, sourced from a member of your assassination squad."

What?

Davey's cold gaze swept over them as he continued, "What is it? Are you breeding bastards in your kingdom? Why would blood from the royal line of Boltis be found in a spy?"

Though he could present countless other pieces of evidence, Davey wanted to question the King directly.

"Did your hatred for me, stemming from your son's death, lead you to this?

"And for what reason did you then drive another child to a dead end?"

That child, unknowingly loyal to a father who had cast her aside, had sworn allegiance without knowing her true lineage.

"Is this some kind of joke? Just by looking at blood..."

The Boltis Kingdom embraced patriarchy. Davey knew that this could have led the Boltis Kingdom to use a female child as an assassin, easily replaceable without hesitation.

Davey interrupted him. "Is that so? Then, how about the confessions extracted under the Church's truth magic, which the International Alliance seems to take quite seriously?"

"That's impossible! That restraint, that..." the King choked on his words, hinting at a dark secret.

"That restraint? You mean the pathetic one you called a restraint? I've taken quite an interest in Boltis because of it," Davey remarked. The restraint was a relatively complicated dark magic, but it was not that important for Davey.

As Duke Hashan, unaware of the full situation, looked visibly shaken. He stuttered, YouYour Majesty. Whawhat is happening?

"This is all a setup!" the King exclaimed.

With a light tap of his staff, Transcendence's Demise, Davey vanished into thin air, only to reappear right in front of the King. He swiftly kicked the King to the ground and pointed the staff's end at his throat.

"Don't move. If you do, I can't guarantee the lives of everyone in this palace."

It wasn't that Davey couldn't, but he had made the choice to not to kill everyone.

As white light flickered like flames at the staff's tip, Davey addressed the King with newfound informality, "From now on, I'm going to speak to you informally, as one would to a demon who's forsaken humanity."

"You might surrender unconditionally, but the instigatorsboth you and that princewill die. If you resist, the entire kingdom will perish."

Ugh

"Now choose, King. Will you further humiliate yourself by sacrificing the lives of your people, or will you maintain some dignity and accept your fate?"

No shred of respect for royalty remained in Davey's tone.

The innocent children murdered for drug production through methods so heinous that even Satan would weep, and the King disturbing the fragile peace of the continentnone of these acts warranted mercy.

"Look, Prince Davey, let's not do this..." the King pleaded.

"I swear to God, I will settle this score," Davey vowed, his aura not just bluster but palpably oppressive.

"Prince Davey! Sheath your sword this instant..."

Duke Hashan, emitting a fierce aura, lunged at Davey only to be impaled by a sword and slammed against the wall. The sword came from one of the royal guards, but it wasn't the guard who wielded it. Instead, the sword levitated on its own, slicing through Duke Hashan with a self-generated aura blade.

"The sword, it rose on its own..."

Indeed, the sword that pierced Duke Hashan had ascended independently, manifesting an aura blade out of thin air.

"Yikes!"

"What is that?"

[Sword of the Mind]

[Telekinetic Blade Control]

Even a Swordmaster could not summon an aura blade from a sword no longer in hand, let alone levitate the weapon with mere will. This realization dawned, spreading terror among the onlookers.