The Max Level Hero Has Returned!
Chapter 1033

Chapter 1033

The massive rift was unlike the one that had opened before in the United States.

It was an ordinary rift, the kind that was commonly known and understood. It had no special powers or unique conditions.

Except for that its sheer size was enormous.

That was what left everyone in shock.

If a typical rift could hold hundreds of monsters, the one just opened could easily contain thousands—perhaps even tens of thousands.

The Awakened individuals and officials across Earth had no choice but to enter a state of extreme alert.

More than three of these massive rifts had appeared in major capitals alone.

For now, they weren’t causing immediate problems, but if left unchecked, they could well lead to large-scale disasters. Worse, there was a high chance of their humiliating history repeating itself—monsters completely taking over cities.

Bang!!

“We need a plan!” one man yelled in a boardroom.

“Before that, we need to figure out why these rifts suddenly appeared in the first place.”

“Exactly. Nothing like this has ever happened before—this is clearly an unprecedented event.”

The International Awakened Federation, a coalition formed by all of the countries around the world, had temporarily set aside political power struggles to cooperate in their response to the crisis.

Of course, there were always those looking to take advantage of the situation for their own interests. However, compared to past disputes, such conflicts had started to seem almost trivial.

That was how severe and unparalleled the multinational crisis had become.

“How does this compare to the special rift that appeared in the United States?”

“It’s not as dangerous as that one, but its scale is beyond imagination, and we suspect there are still many unknown factors at play.”

Rifts had appeared multiple times before, and in most cases, Awakened individuals had been able to handle them.

Even nations without strong forces of their own had found ways to manage by bringing in Awakened individuals from other countries back then.

But cooperation wasn’t an option, in this case.

“I understand Russia conducted the first investigation. What were your findings?”

All eyes turned to the Russian representative. After a moment of silence, he responded.

“We didn’t find anything particularly unusual. We only explored the entrance, but the only monsters we encountered were low-level ones. That’s all. But we do suspect there could be something more dangerous further inside.”

Russia had been one of the first nations to mobilize, sending out one of the largest investigative teams. Given their national strength, it was to be expected.

Still, not everyone believed their report so easily—it seemed Russia was hiding something.

Even so, they als knew it wasn’t the time to press them on it.

“Seriously... Where the hell are these damn monsters even coming from?” someone muttered, turning the room silent.

Everyone felt the same way.

Monster cores had greatly contributed to Earth’s civilization advancement, but an uncontrollable resource was always a dangerous one.

Then, as if in a trance, someone spoke to break the silence, “But what if... these monsters are coming from somewhere else?”

“What...?”

“For example... what if they’re from Tionis?”

The room erupted in murmurs.

It was a thought everyone had considered, but never dared to say out loud.

“Tionis? Are you suggesting that the Saint of Tionis is sending monsters from his world to ours?”

“I-I’m just saying it’s a possibility...”

Given that most nations had friendly relations with Tionis, such statements had to be made with extreme caution.

Especially given their unfortunate situation.

“We can’t keep cowering under the Saint of Tionis forever.”

“Vice Minister Yoshiki,” one member nodded in acknowledgment.

Japan had been quick to secure a seat as a permanent member of the International Awakened Federation when it was first established. Among Japan’s representatives was none other than Vice Minister Yoshiki—the head of the Yoshiki Group.

“We need to analyze this coldly. Very coldly. This situation just doesn’t make sense on a theoretical level. How could so many monsters just appear out of nowhere?”

Vice Minister Yoshiki directed his question at the representatives from various nations, then fell silent.

‘Damn it. Shit! No matter how this plays out, there’s nothing to gain, only losses.’

As the head of the Yoshiki Group and the father of Kasato Yoshiki, Vice Minister Yoshiki couldn’t help but feel bitter.

He knew resentment and hostility were powerful motivators, but their opponent was far too dangerous.

Unlike Kasato, he had factored Davey into his calculations before the man’s arrival, knowing that Davey was Kouna’s legal guardian.

That was why he had accepted Yoshiki and Kouna’s marriage, even at the cost of acquiring her grandfather’s company—an unnecessary investment and a financial loss.

If Davey was Kouna’s custodian, then sooner or later, he figured the Yoshiki Group would be able to benefit from his influence.

Just like how South Korea had gained significant advancements in handling nuclear-related issues, Japan—through the Yoshiki Group—could obtain the chance to secure something massive.

If that happened, the Yoshiki Group would become an untouchable corporate giant, beyond the reach of even the Japanese government.

It was practically a winning lottery ticket.

And yet, his idiot son had caused a scandal.

He had insulted Davey’s sworn sister and sexually harassed Kouna, who was still a minor.

Of course, his son denied everything, claiming that it was all a setup and that ‘the damned Davey O’Rowane’ picked a fight and made him go bald.

But the vice minister wasn’t an idiot. He had used his subordinates to investigate, and the findings were absolutely outrageous.

‘Hah. This is driving me insane... If I handle this poorly, we’re finished.’

There had already been multiple precedents.

While Davey O’Rowane may have appeared generous and benevolent on the surface, anyone who attacked him was met with ruthless and absolute destruction.

It had already happened twice, in South Korea.

At the rate things were going, not only his son, but potentially the entire Yoshiki Group could be wiped out.

The best course of action would’ve been to admit his failure to raise his son properly and attempt to reconcile with Prince Davey.

But even that option had become out of reach—his son had caused yet another incident in the meantime.

That meant there was no longer room for negotiation. Only hostility remained.

As such, Kouna held little value for him as a bargaining chip.

The only option was to find a way to diminish Prince Davey’s influence and create a means to keep him in check.

Fortunately, an opportunity had immediately presented itself.

Right after Davey had made his move, those ridiculous rifts started appearing all over the world.

They were something he could make use of, for sure.

The more people he could sway to his side, the fewer options Davey would have to retaliate against the Yoshiki Group. That was why he had spoken up at that moment.

Most of the representatives were suspicious of Davey, just like him, though none had willingly outright dismissed the idea.

And to make matters worse, the Saint of Tionis was sworn siblings with Shin Hyun-Ah—the heir to South Korea’s Sacred Group.

That was in direct competition with the foundation of the Yoshiki Group, which had been boosting its reputation by fueling anti-Korean sentiment.

‘Damn it. I was trying to bring him over to our side.’

“Prince Davey happens to be on Earth right now. Why don’t we summon him and have him verify the situation himself?”

“I’m not getting involved. Right now, South Korea’s priority is still handling the rift in Busan. Besides, I trust in Prince Davey’s character.”

“Politics shouldn’t be influenced by personal opinions, don’t you know that?”

“Then go ahead and make him your enemy. I don’t care who’s right or wrong—if he can help us resolve this crisis safely, that’s all that matters to me,” the South Korean President said firmly.

‘Damn that Chosenjin...! Those Koreans are never useful!’

He cursed inwardly, and continued to look for allies among the other representatives.

However, contrary to his expectations, the others chimed in with approval for the South Korean President’s stance.

“I agree. Accusing him without evidence will only drive a wedge between us. And what if this rift turns out to be beyond our control? What can we possibly do then, if he is no longer there to help?”

“But there’s no guarantee that he’ll even help us,” Vice Minister Yoshiki insisted.

He had to keep pushing! He had to!

At that moment, the sudden sound of the door opening redirected everyone's attention.

Two men strolled into the room at a leisurely pace.

They were none other than the head of the Sacred Group alongside the Saint of Tionis.

“P-Prince Davey?! How are you here?!”

Vice Minister Yoshiki was caught completely off guard. He hadn’t even prepared himself for a confrontation yet, and his sudden arrival threw everything into disarray.

“There’s something I need to announce to everyone here first.”

Unlike the leader of the Sacred Group, who took a seat, Davey walked straight to the podium. The American representative presiding over the meeting looked puzzled.

“There wasn’t any prior discussion about this interruption...”

“I intend to explain the current situation. Surely, you can spare a moment for that?”

The American representative nodded, thinking to himself that it was the entire reason they had gathered there in the first place. He knew that if he didn’t let Davey speak, things would only become more complicated. As such, he quickly stepped aside and gave the podium to Davey.

“I’m sure you’re all struggling to make sense of this crisis.”

“What on earth is going on in the world? These rifts appeared out of nowhere.”

“Do you know something about them?”

While they cautiously asked questions, Davey paused, deep in thought.

Vice Minister Yoshiki seized that moment, making sure he spoke before most of the others.

“Prince Davey. I am Vice Minister Yoshiki, the representative from Japan and a permanent member of the International Awakened Federation.”

“Go ahead, Vice Minister Yoshiki.”

“First, I must ask—can you answer our questions honestly, without deception?”

Davey chuckled.

For someone still in his late teens, he showed no sign of intimidation—despite being in a room filled with the world’s most powerful figures.

Considering his strength and influence, it was only natural.

But to Yoshiki, it only indicated brash youth and inexperience.

“Of course. I will speak the truth—I swear in the name of Goddess Freyja.”

The room erupted in murmurs.

“Not the God Neltarid?”

“Strictly speaking, that’s still Goddess Freyja. I received my stigmata from her, after all. As her shepherd, I have a duty to spread her grace.”

While he wasn’t being entirely sincere, he wasn’t lying either.

Yoshiki fell silent for a moment before speaking, “Then I’ll trust your word and start the questioning—there are rumors that this entire crisis was orchestrated by you.”

“That I caused it?” Davey tilted his head slightly.

The eyes of the leader of the Sacred Group widened with outrage.

But before he could protest, Yoshiki headed him off with a sneer. “Answer truthfully. Did you create this catastrophe just to destroy my son?”

“To destroy his son?”

The murmuring in the room intensified.

“I’ve heard that you are the legal guardian of my son’s fiancée, Lady Kouna.”

“That’s correct,” Davey confirmed

“Recently, some unfortunate incident with Lady Kouna led to a conflict between you and my son. So, I must ask—did you take the entire world hostage just to ruin my son’s life?”

Yoshiki knew how brazen the accusation was.

But he had no choice. If things didn’t go his way, the Yoshiki Group would crumble in an instant.

Even if he was to be branded a traitor to his country, he had to create an opening. And if things went south, there was always the option of fleeing overseas.

“Well, I suppose that’s one way to look at it.”

His calm response made the entire room murmur even more.

He had just admitted the unthinkable.

“What did you say?!” A representative from France jumped to their feet, clearly alarmed.

Yoshiki, on the other hand, felt a rush of triumph.

‘So I was right! If Davey really is holding the world hostage just to threaten Kasato, then his ridiculous act won’t work any longer—’

Just as things were about to devolve into complete chaos, Davey cut everyone off.

“But let me explain first,” he said, smirking while meeting Vice Minister Yoshiki’s eyes. “That’s right—I did it to ruin your son. However, your reasoning is a little off.”

There was something terrifying about the way Davey smiled.

“Explaining everything in detail is a hassle, so I’ll be blunt. She’s a minor, and the child I’m looking after as her legal guardian. And yet, in front of her legal guardian, your son sexually harassed her simply because they were engaged. Do you expect me to just let that slide? Not a chance.”

Yoshiki barked back in fury, “But that doesn’t justify taking the entire world hostage—”

“That is where you’re wrong.” Davey casually dropped into a nearby chair, crossing his legs.

His arrogant smirk made the air around them grow noticeably colder.

“Let me ask you something—ever since the Malicious Spirits were slain, monster rifts on Earth have significantly decreased in frequency and severity. Everyone here is aware of that, no?”

Nods and murmurs of agreement spread throughout the room.

“And why is that? Just because the Malicious Spirits died?”

That was the widely accepted theory.

The truth was something else entirely.

“False. If the fall of the Malicious Spirits was really enough to weaken those monsters, then they should’ve already been wiped out by now. Yet, they’re still coming. Why? The reason’s simple. They’re no longer acting under the Malicious Spirits—they’re moving on their own now, trying to take over Earth.”

His statement stirred the room even more.

“So I stopped them, seeing that people were dying in massive numbers with the destruction caused by the Malicious Spirits overwhelming.”

As Davey continued his explanation, fear crept over Vice Minister Yoshiki, desperately wishing for Davey to stop speaking any further.

“Rifts are created because the unstable flow of mana on Earth is connected to something. But do you really think that instability will stay weak and low-tier forever?”

Not a chance.

“The rifts appearing now are the ones I have been holding back, all this time, to stop them from forming on Earth. To put it simply, I’ve been protecting the recovery of your civilization all along.”

“T-Then...”

When someone from the French side muttered in disbelief, Davey smiled calmly and put the final nail in the coffin. “In conclusion, I blocked them on my own initiative. Even so, I’ll now erase the rest of the rifts for free. I didn’t share this information to brag or anything—just figured you folks should know what’s really going on here. As long as you don’t start mistaking kindness for entitlement, Tionis will keep protecting you—practically for free—until you’re strong enough to stand on your own.”

He then paused for a brief moment before continuing, “However, that nasty son of yours is an exception.”

The vice minister’s face darkened the moment the politeness in his words disappeared and was replaced by the kind of arrogant remarks that a tyrant would say.

He knew there would be terrible ramifications if it got out to the public in Japan. The entire country might face destruction over an incident where his son sexually assaulted a minor in front of her legal guardian, and even dared to put up a fight—things for the Yoshiki Group would not only go south, but plunge straight to the deepest reaches of hell.

It was a childish, petty, and downright one-sided method of diplomacy, but there wasn’t a single person who could criticize it.

They had been under the impression that Tionis as a whole was protecting Earth, but in reality, it was just one man—Davey O’Rowane—choosing to go out of his way to help them.

The man who’d protected them for free was now simply choosing not to. There was no moral ground to stand on and complain.

But Vice Minister Yoshiki couldn’t give up. If things continued down that path, it would lead to nothing but ruin for him.

“I-If this hadn’t been kept a secret all this time, we could’ve at least prepared for it!”

His desperate outburst made Davey tilt his head slightly.

“And why would I do that?”

“W-What?”

“Do you think I’m a joke? That I’ll help you and just laugh it off when you insult me?”

“T-That’s not what I—”

“The original plan was to give a warning in advance and keep protecting Earth until it could stand on its own. But your son ruined that.”

“This... this is completely one-sided!” he screamed, practically on the verge of panic.

Davey casually tossed a mana stone forward, and a recording immediately began to play.

- Go apologize to Kouna right now and back off from everything. I don’t know about your bald head, but I’ll at least let you go.

- Ridiculous!! Damn it! I had heard you were close with some primitive Chosenjin bitch—no wonder you’re absolutely filthy! I don’t need your damn help for anything!!

A video of Kasato Yoshiki, completely panicked and shouting in a frenzy, appeared clearly before them in high definition.

If he’d just stayed a bit more calm and rational, he would’ve never said such words. But under extreme pressure—and after even his own father refused to help him—he had fully snapped.

Watching the footage, the vice minister’s face turned ghostly pale, his breathing becoming rough under the overwhelming, one-sided pressure.

At that point, he had no choice. No matter how humiliating it might be, he had to bow down and find a way to end right then and there. If the public found out about it, even if things somehow worked out diplomatically, he would still be personally ruined.

But of course, Davey had no intention of letting things go that easily.

“Oh, right. This whole conversation is being live-streamed on my channel. That okay with you? I mean, it’s the kind of information that should be shared equally with the whole world anyway. Oh, and one more thing: my channel is streaming to a Japanese provider as well. Congratulations. You’re now holding the key to saving the world.”

The only issue was that the other side of that coin meant total destruction.

“W-What exactly do you expect me to do?”

“No idea. Either way, I have no intention of protecting you. Oh, and don’t get me wrong—I don’t have any feelings toward Japan as a country. I’m dealing with you and your people specifically.”

There was nowhere for Vice Minister Yoshiki to run. At this rate, the enraged citizens would have him dragged out and exiled.

Actually, in such a situation, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were stoned to death before he could even be sentenced.

The real problem was that the situation had been broadcast to the entire world. Now that the truth about the rifts and monsters had come to light, no leader would risk endangering their entire population just to protect a handful of individuals.

A horrifying end awaited them—an end where dying might actually be preferable.

“Even if I absolutely can, I don’t like swinging my power recklessly. At least, not until I feel like it’s the right thing to do.”

It depended on the situation.

“But choosing not to protect someone I can’t stand—there’s nothing wrong with that, is there? You should consider yourself lucky. Even in Tionis, molesting a minor is the kind of crime that’ll get your skull smashed in with the lawbook—unless it’s a very rare exception.”

The young man before them was unimaginably cruel.

Even if it meant giving up everything, the vice minister realized that he should’ve bowed to him from the start.

The vice minister’s mind went blank.

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