The Max Level Hero Has Returned!
chapter-377

[Starbreaker]

(A title bestowed on one who mimics a celestial explosion - Do you desire the power to shatter stars? If so, a regular saving plan is your answer.)

-1st unlock completed.

-Title equipped: Mana Affinity +50%

-Absorbs 10% of the user's maximum mana every 2 hours [continuous effect].

(The absorbed mana will not disappear even if the title is removed)

-Consumes a stack of metamorphosis by force for the 2nd unlock.

"Is this goddess joking with me right now?"

‘Even an unscrupulous merchant would not pull off this sort of trick.’

"There isn't a shred of business ethics here," Davey muttered, feeling frustrated as he let out a sigh.

His mana affinity operated differently from a standard magician's system. He utilized a full-body blood circle and created a heart circle when necessary, manipulating them as needed. This resulted in a significant difference in mana consumption and recovery compared to conventional methods.

Essentially, it was a system devised by four magical prodigies, highly dangerous yet offering substantial returns. In essence, this method minimally interfered with mana consumption. The periodically siphoned mana would quickly regenerate thanks to mana affinity, which facilitated mana regeneration.

"You don't seem pleased."

"One must have a reason to be pleased, don't you think?" Davey replied, feeling the need to vent his frustrations somewhere.

Catching his gaze, Perserque flinched and distanced herself. Then, with her usual relaxed expression, she said, "Davey, don't start acting out."

"Oh, you caught me."

‘Quick to notice. Well, I have no choice but to change targets now.’

In this world, there were precisely three individuals perfect for tormenting. And in that moment, he felt an urgent need to dispel this god-awful mood.

* * *

A sword engulfed in crimson flames unleashed a massive firestorm in an instant.

"Upon the command of God! The faithful lamb of the Shepherd shall answer!" the girl proclaimed resolutely.

With her fiery red bob, the girl's hair seemed to ignite. A radiant white light swirled around her, manifesting into multiple buff spells that heightened her strength.

Clang!

In a swift motion, the girl swung her sword, aiming to strike down the colossal phoenix—or rather, the giant fire chicken—that relentlessly attacked her. However, before her blade could slice through its wing, it was thwarted by a powerful blizzard.

Silence fell.

Clonnie, who consistently wore a gentle and benevolent smile, suddenly unleashed a fierce assault on Reina. Her narrowed eyes showed determination and focus, surprising Reina with Clonnie's astonishing strength.

Reina, with her extensive combat experience and memories, recognized that Clonnie possessed power, speed, and combat skills far beyond what her age should allow.

"Huff..." Gasping for breath, Clonnie retreated, wiping a bleeding cheek, and began to gather divine power.

"The power of a hero is not an empty boast," Reina remarked.

"That's my line. It's rather extraordinary for you to possess such power at your age," Clonnie replied.

Reina's strength was unparalleled on the continent; few could defeat her. In fact, she was Illyna de Pallan, a remarkably talented swordswoman with extensive experience from surviving battles for over a decade longer than the current Illyna present. Her mastery of the sword surpassed that of a Swordmaster and delved into the realm of swordplay.

However, the fact that she struggled to subdue her opponent despite multiple attempts highlighted the immense power wielded by Inquisitor Clonnie O'Priscille.

"Hmph!"

Seizing an opportune moment while Reina was lost in thought, Clonnie swiftly threw her sword. Caught off guard by the sudden abandonment of her weapon, Reina was momentarily taken aback and attempted to step back.

Boom!

A massive cross of light appeared, binding her in place.

"Whew... Finally caught you. Even if you're a warrior of light, I didn't expect you to disregard me to such an extent," Clonnie said, her voice resolute.

"That's really surprising," Reina replied, feeling unphased.

Clonnie approached her, the sound of her metallic armor echoing in the air. She then looked at Reina and asked, "What's so surprising?"

"How old are you?"

"...I'm 18 years old."

"Isn't it abnormal to have such strength at that age?"

"Such words from a young person like you sound like a demon’s whisper. I will never be captivated by evil."

"It's a joke, right? A teenager overpowering a Swordmaster. Even a monster wouldn't be able to do that."

Clonnie responded to these words with silence.

"So... that would be normal... But why does this world have so many monsters that defy common sense?"

"I don't understand what you're trying to say, but my power comes from my faith in God. Therefore..." Cutting her sentence short, Clonnie stretched out both of her hands. "As long as my faith in God remains unshakeable, I will never lose! You, the Warrior of Light, known for slaying dragons. Just as I have suppressed you now!"

A chilly smile crossed her face. "Repent! Repent! Repent! If you repent, God will embrace you again! We are here to purify the sins of you and those who shield and cover up all sins! Repentance is up to the individual!"

Shing!!

Clonnie took out a small dagger from her bosom and brandished it. She declared, "Now! It's time to repent."

At those words, Reina, who was still bound to the cross, sighed briefly. "Didn't you hear me? I can't communicate."

Did Clonnie sense something off in Reina’s tone?

In the moment Clonnie turned around with wide eyes, a voice came.

"Highly rated by Rinne!"

Bang!!

A dropkick from Rinne, whose weight exceeded 200kg, mercilessly struck Clonnie. Caught off guard by the unexpected attack, Clonnie rolled several times on the ground like a powerless golem before slowly lifting her head. A man's voice reached her ears, its tone surprisingly relaxed and colder than she had anticipated.

"What did she say?" the man questioned.

"Well... I was acting independently, and even the allied forces had no knowledge of my whereabouts. How did you know to come here?" Clonnie inquired.

"Have you forgotten who created your body?"

The detached tone neither teased nor mocked, and it belonged to the boy who appeared in Clonnie's fading vision. She reached out desperately toward him, her words slurred.

"Your... pro... mise..." she struggled to articulate.

However, her physical body could no longer withstand the damage, and she fell unconscious.

* * *

Initially, Davey was unaware of the situation as he approached for a conversation. The reality unfolded before him, leading to a somewhat amusing situation. Observing the peacefully fallen Clonnie, Reina walked toward Davey, seemingly unscathed.

"It's the 1st Class Inquisitor of the Heresy Tribunal, Clonnie O’Priscille. She came here with the purpose of conducting a heresy tribunal, as her title suggests. Coincidentally, I had a similar destination, but it seems she arrived here ahead of me. I can only imagine the state of the sanctuary now, and what little we managed to salvage..." Reina's words trailed off, her gaze carefully shifting to the side.

Two trembling siblings, unable to relax, were within sight.

"That's all. Reports came in from the knights who went in a different direction toward the territory. There was no sign of life left... Everything was razed to the ground."

In contrast, Davey lifted the unconscious Clonnie O’Priscille, setting aside his frustration regarding the title he had been given. Despite the weight of her heavy armor, the girl herself was so fragile that it did not pose a burden. Slowly carrying her to a large tree, he gently released her into the air and snapped his fingers.

Whoosh!!!

At that moment, the tree trunks near him swiftly extended, reaching out and firmly entwining around Clonnie.

[Wake]

Simultaneously, the woman, who had fainted due to the awakening magic Davey had employed, jolted heavily.

"Wake up."

Flash!!

Once the awakening magic was activated again, the previously fallen lady, Clonnie, slowly began to open her eyes. Davey had heard rumors that she was unreasonably strong and a madwoman who would not listen to reason.

However, he needed to extract the location of the accursed Heresy Tribunal from her. The Kingdom seemed determined to wage a holy war against the uncooperative Heresy Tribunal, and Davey knew that it would not be an easy task.

"Ugh..."

Soon after, Clonnie, who appeared to have a throbbing headache, shook her head violently and looked at Davey. Then, she opened her eyes wide, showing an expression of pure joy.

"Ah... Holy Saint, meeting you is a..."

"Enough. Just tell me the location of the Heresy Tribunal now."

At his words, her eyes widened. She had a rather cute look, but Davey was well aware that she was a lunatic who would happily burn people with that face.

"Why are you seeking the location of the Heretical Inquisition?"

"Why indeed. To crush them all."

In response, her eyes widened once again. "Crushing them... I cannot comprehend that from my perspective. But I am certain that there is a devil beguiling your noble self."

"Devil or nonsense, I don't care."

"Indeed." Clonnie seemed unconcerned about being entwined or about Davey's true nature. She continued, "Even if it offends you, it appears necessary to subdue you and liberate you from that wicked devil."

"Wicked devil? Speak with coherence, please."

"Your bones will emit a purer white light than anyone else's. They will be beautiful because the bones of the purified are the whitest." Restrained, Clonnie could only move her head. She leaned closer to Davey, shouting with a voice filled with madness. "Repent! Purify! Repent, noble Saint! Your pure, innocent bones are not meant to warp in the hands of the devil and turn black!"

"You shouldn't concern yourself with other people's bones."

If she would not listen to reason, there was nothing Davey could do. He had to extract the information forcefully.

"So, I'll extract the information myself."

"Ah! It's a trial! It's a trial! I am being tested! Oh, Goddess Freyja! Forgive my sins!" Clonnie seemed consumed by madness, shivering violently and crying out, her eyes bulging. "Come forth! I need your power!"

"Davey!!!"

And then it happened. Just as Davey was about to extract memories directly from Clonnie's mind, he glanced at her once more at the sound of Reina's desperate voice. At that moment, Davey quickly raised his head to the sky, which until a moment ago had felt completely empty.

What Davey saw there was a gigantic shadow, a bizarre mix of black and blue. It was a massive creature with four pairs of wings—a familiar entity to him.

‘Why the hell are you there?’

Shriek...... Boom!!!!

And then, before Davey could fully comprehend it and widen his eyes in shock, that grotesque shadow moved with astonishing speed, releasing a tremendous breath that incinerated everything in its path.