The Max Level Hero Has Returned!
chapter-374

[Unlocking 1 Transcendent Weapon, 1 additional Transfiguration Stack, 200% increase in total Dimensional Keys]

[Achieved the title, Starbreaker.]

‘As for the Transcendent Weapon, I've always had a set one in mind. I'll pass this time.’

The scenario differed greatly from the days when Davey lacked a proper weapon. However, what truly captured his attention was something entirely different.

Metamorphosis by Force: 1 stack.

It took Davey quite some time to grasp the implications of this discovery. In his current state, achieving metamorphosis by force seemed almost impossible. His previous metamorphosis had been forcefully induced, and it wasn't a proper metamorphosis by force in the true sense. Therefore, the significance of this newfound ability to reincarnate was not lost on him. However, a question lingered: Did metamorphosis by force stack?

Metamorphosis by Force: 1 stack... Although there are no immediate changes in my body, it appears that the process is not simply a one-time transformation per stack. On the other hand, I can't determine the exact number of stacks required. Considering the current circumstances, I probably don't need too many processes of metamorphosis to regain all my power in the Abyss.’

Regardless of the potential of his physical body, the entity that had been supporting him had exerted considerable effort. The goddess was willing to go to great lengths to maintain her own existence. However, with her influence now weakened, Davey realized that he had a chance to confront her before it was too late. He narrowed his eyes at the World Tree, which observed his complex expression intently.

* * *

"Hmm... Hand it over, I'll take a look," the World Tree requested, extending a branch toward Davey, who handed over the Dimension Key that he had kept in the subspace.

Al, being aware that this was no ordinary item, examined it with curiosity.

"Hmm... The more I see, the more impressive it becomes," Al murmured as she immersed the key into a green sphere and levitated it in the air. She then swiftly diminished the radiance and returned the key to Davey, stating, "The core power of the key remains unchanged. It appears that it can be used again after a few hours."

"Thirty minutes... No, a few hours of cooldown time for just an hour's usage..."

Davey quickly checked the status window.

[Survival of the Second Star of Hope. Upon successful survival, add 1 metamorphosis by force stack. Grant additional reward.]

"Now you're blatantly bribing me with rewards."

At Davey’s grumbling, Al tutted. "Such a disrespectful fellow."

"This goddess! Do I look like the kind of person who would fall for such a small reward?!"

Bang!

Davey slammed his hand on the sturdy wooden table, letting out a frustrated shout before he sighed. "...Given the wide range of rewards."

"Tch."

'A proper metamorphosis by force without any risks...'

Although Davey was uncertain about the required number of stacks, his intuition told him that it wouldn't be too many.

"Master Davey, Master Davey," Rinne called out, grabbing the hem of his clothes with a slightly dissatisfied expression.

"What's the matter?"

"Master Davey, why did you transfer Rinne's youngest successor?" Rinne's face appeared emotionless but clearly reflected her dissatisfaction.

"Ah... That?" Davey suddenly remembered the twin golems he had entrusted to Evanov.

"Rinne had high expectations for the new successor. However, Master Davey's arbitrary decision is greatly disappointing."

"What is their main task?" Davey asked, tilting his head.

"Disrupting the scene...and gathering information."

"Well, keep an eye on them."

Rinne made a strange expression upon hearing Davey’s response, but she remained silent.

Evanov Ban was someone who closely resembled Eva van Hoenheim, Davey's alchemy teacher. It was hard to ignore the encounter with Evanov, who had been born 2,000 years after Hoenheim's death and was presumed to be his descendant.

Even if not immediately, it was clear that their paths would inevitably cross again. However, the real concern lay elsewhere.

Evanov Ban bore such a strong resemblance to Eva van Hoenheim that it wouldn't be inaccurate to call him a descendant. Many other elements aligned perfectly as well. But there was something off.

Reflecting on his conversation with Evanov, Davey sensed that something was amiss.

"...Rinne cannot fully comprehend Master Davey's thoughts. However, Rinne highly values Master Davey's decision."

Eventually, Rinne, suppressing her dissatisfaction, withdrew.

Davey turned to leave, heading back to his territory. He told Al, "I will return. Just to clarify, do not unleash the elves to hunt down the remnants of the vampires, disregarding the demons. It could escalate the situation."

Just as he was about to leave...

"Wait a moment." The World Tree, who had been quietly observing Davey, halted him.

"What is it?"

"It seems you have forgotten something," Al said calmly as she slowly rose from her slender form. "That thing about titles. Have you examined it closely?"

Her words left Davey puzzled.

"Titles?"

"Yes. If I understood correctly, that status window is essentially a collection of powers bestowed by the gods. There cannot be anything meaningless in it."

Titles, in a sense, were like boasting. However, Davey couldn't imagine there being a title that nobody could see. Without a word, he activated the status window, and soon he noticed a change in the title section of his status window.

Title: Starbreaker (+)

"A plus mark?"

* * *

A new symbol had appeared next to the title. Did it exist before? As Davey retraced his memory, he realized that it had indeed been there, but he hadn't paid much attention to it. A title that couldn't be boasted about to others was more than just a title. It indicated that it had an effect or a purpose.

[Starbreaker]

-Current efficacy is not manifested. Unlock when using 1 Metamorphosis by Force Stack.

"Are you using this as a currency?"

‘No, if it's metamorphosis by force, it's metamorphosis by force. What does it mean to use this as a currency again?’

As Davey silently touched the plus mark for a long time, a semi-transparent window began to appear in front of him.

[Disciple of the Mad Heroes of the Roaring]

[Indomitable Will]

[Welfare Assaulter]

[Scammer]

[Dream Builder]

[Savior]

[Crazy Experimentalist]

… …

When had he accumulated so many titles? There were an astonishing number of titles stacked up. Naturally, when Davey noticed something new, he couldn't help but want to check it. But just as he was about to examine the first title...

"Your Highness!" Amy, who had spotted Davey from a distance, hurriedly ran toward him.

"Amy?"

"Your... Your Highness... Haah... Haah..." She was panting heavily, struggling to calm herself down due to her usual lack of stamina.

Woong!!

As Davey cast a simple recovery spell on her, Amy suddenly perked up, her eyes widening.

"It's a big deal! You have to see it for yourself!"

At Amy’s exclamation, Davey noticed an irritating phrase in the list of titles he was checking. He furrowed his brow in annoyance and decisively closed the status window.

[The Innocent Virgin]

-Increased chance of being favored by the opposite sex by 50%.

-Emission of aura that escalates heated atmospheres. Increases success rate of wooing by 1%.

‘Is this damned title pitying me now?’

* * *

"Hmm, this is the first time we're having a conversation," the voice said from the darkness.

A streak of light pierced through, revealing a figure in a black robe holding a holy Bible in one hand. It was a young girl, her bright smile contrasting with the seriousness of her attire. She began to speak.

"Although it was difficult to arrange this meeting, I'm glad to finally meet you. I am Clonnie O'Priscille, the 1st Class Inquisitor of the Heresy Tribunal."

Her formal greeting, typical of the holy country, created a strange juxtaposition.

"Firstly, I want to apologize for summoning you to this uncomfortable place. Normally, the protocol would be to immediately execute anyone involved in heretical and anti-godly actions. However, I wanted to have a conversation with you."

The girl maintained her bright smile, radiating infinite mercy.

"Please don't look so stern. Despite being a 1st Class Inquisitor, I prefer to guide heretics toward repentance rather than resorting to violence."

No response was given, but her smile remained unwavering.

"It's hard to believe, isn't it? I understand. Even I find it ridiculous at times. The blood-soaked Heresy Tribunal may appear terrifying to you. But I hope that, one day, this place will transform for the better."

She gathered her hands together with a bright smile.

"Recently, God has given an order to the leader of the Heresy Tribunal: [Slay the demons and vampires. Destroy those who defy God] and [When their blood is sprinkled on the ground, the true blessing of God will come].”

"The Leader couldn't hold back his tears when he received the order. For us, believers who worship God, receiving such an order is nothing short of a miracle," she exclaimed, her laughter echoing through the room as she spun around with her arms outstretched. "I've never personally received a divine order, but the word of Goddess Freyja is absolute. Therefore, the Leader's order is also absolute."

"Many people accuse us of being fanatics who burn and kill anyone we dislike. But that's a misconception. We differentiate between the truly guilty and offer them a chance to repent. The Goddess of Mercy shows mercy to those who acknowledge and repent their sins." With a bright smile, she slowly rose from her seat.

"Oh, it seems our time for conversation is coming to an end. It was delightful talking to you. Remember, I hope you find forgiveness. If you repent, your sins will be washed away, and the Goddess of Mercy will embrace you once more, even if you have strayed from the path."

Her pupils momentarily contracted as she maintained her bright smile. "That is, if you are innocent."

Swoosh…

She turned around, her oversized cloak trailing behind her, and issued a command. "Commence the purification."

"Ugh..."

"Ughhh!!!"

Simultaneously, screams reverberated throughout the area as numerous knights of the Heresy Tribunal, positioned behind Clonnie O’Priscille, hurled bright red torches. The tangled flames erupted, filling the air with the sound of agony.

However, Clonnie O’Priscille, the one who had ordered the purification, slowly turned her body, knelt down, and began to pray. "God has spoken. Demons and vampires are creatures that defy God. Those who aid them also defy God and must undergo purification. No being can escape this absolute law."

A surge of white holy power overflowed from her surroundings. With a bright smile, she gazed upon the raging red inferno, her expression filled with joy. Trembling, she spread her hands wide, causing some helmetless knights to flinch at the sight, but none dared to utter a word.

"Ah ha... Ah ha... Ahahahahahaha!!! God is calling you! Your sins!! He shall incinerate your sins! And from the ashes, pure and untainted white shall emerge, free of any transgressions." Her monologue continued amidst the harrowing screams.

‘Yes, the essence of purity, bone powder. Do you know why bone powder is white? It is because it is sinless and pure. Dear citizens of the Colldom region in the Kingdom of Furas, if you repent for the sin of being deceived by the devil's guise, assuming the form of a young girl, God will embrace you.’ She prayed fervently.

One knight cautiously approached and tentatively spoke up. "1st Class Inquisitor."

"What is it? I am in the midst of an important prayer."

"Well... Are you sure you're alright? In the event that Prince Davey, the Saint, intervenes..."

Upon hearing his words, Clonnie's eyes widened. "Yes! I am waiting for him!"

She screamed with a face twisted by madness. "What sins does he possess! He is a holy being! If he has sins, they must be burned and purified! It must be done! Even if he wields great power, everyone is equal in the eyes of God and faith."