The Max Level Hero Has Returned!

- Kehehehe!!

- Kik-kik!!

Piercing screams echoed through the forest as the green skinned goblins frantically began to scatter every which way, overwhelmed by instinctive fear. Yet, the black mist spread through the woods faster than they could flee, eventually engulfing all of them.

When the mist finally dissipated, all that remained were the lifeless bodies of the goblins. Each had been taken down with precision, suffering clean strikes to their vital points—no matter how skilled one might be, it was nearly unthinkable. For anyone to eliminate such a large number of creatures, across such a wide area, and with that level of precision and speed, was practically impossible by normal standards.

It wasn’t like obliterating an army with area magic; the attack specifically targeted only the goblins, leaving everything else untouched.

These goblins were only reinforcements. Goblin colonies ranged from ten members to groups numbering in the hundreds. Compared to the main force, their numbers were relatively small.

“Master Davey, based on Rinne’s combat analysis, Rinne evaluates that Evangeline’s current combat power is beyond what any goblin can handle.”

Indeed, being an Expert and a 5th Circle mage, combined with her unique, overwhelming weapons—Red Ribbon, Blue Ribbon, and the Transcendence’s Demise—made her almost invincible.

“It won’t be easy for Evangeline to protect others while wiping out every threat, as long as she freezes at the mere presence of malice. That is something that goes beyond mere strength.”

“If she were to witness others dying right in front of her, it would leave her with a traumatic memory that could haunt her for the rest of her life. For someone whose mind hasn’t fully matured, experiencing something like that would be…”

“Rinne evaluates the mental fortitude of an ancient dragon as far superior to that of ordinary life forms.”

“That would only be true if she were fully aware of her identity as one.”

The debate went on, their arguments swirling in the air.

To put it simply, Aina believed in maintaining an appropriate level of challenge, and Rinne argued that Evangeline’s tomboyish personality and innate strength could surpass Red Ribbon and Blue Ribbon’s strength easily, though ultimately agreeing with Aina.

“My point is this,” Aina said firmly. “There will be other opportunities. Forcing her to endure such a challenging trial now isn’t the right approach to raising her.”

“Master Davey, Rinne evaluates that you must prioritize bringing Evangeline back safely,” she urged, her eyes fixed on him.

“Just a little longer…,” he murmured, his voice trailing off. Rinne tilted her head in mild confusion but didn’t press further.

He kept his gaze locked on Evangeline, who stood at a distance. She gripped Red Ribbon tightly in her hands, her expression a mix of emotions as she looked around her surroundings.

For her, this was her first experience facing true malice.

It was her first time facing malice and her first encounter of taking down real monsters.

Her first taste of protecting others, and the satisfaction it brought.

Her face had all sorts of expressions plastered on.

Evangeline’s personality was like a blank canvas. Depending on how she was painted, her values and morals would change dramatically. Davey didn’t want her to become lost in idealism, but he didn’t want her to become an object realist either.

At Heins Territory, she had learned the fortitude to pursue ideals. Now, it was time for her to learn to see the realities of the world as well. More than anything, though, he couldn’t ignore the possibility that when Evangeline finally came to terms with her true nature, someone might need to be there for her.

Beep…

"Hmm, I guess the mana waves don’t reach here. Nothing we can do about that, Aina."

"Understood.”

"Go ahead and deliver my message for me. Let them know I’ll give her a month and see how she does.”

Aina nodded in response.

"Once she's done running around as much as she wants and comes back, it won't be too late for me to scold her."

* * *

"They're coming!!"

"Pull, you slugs!! Are you planning to let Malcolm die?!"

"If anything, I’d love it if they just charged right into us! Hmph!!”

At the command, the mercenaries moved swiftly, pulling the rope taut. The charging giant horned boar stumbled and fell with a heavy thud. At the same time, a flash of black shimmered in the bushes.

Whoosh!!

"Haah!!"

Slash!! Swoosh!!

A single strike of blade energy shot forward. Dozens more followed soon after in rapid succession, raining down on the horned boar.

The colossal boar, measuring nearly five meters in length and four meters in height, went down in an instant due to the blade energy penetrating through its thick skin, collapsing lifelessly to the ground.

"We got it!!"

"Damn, how fast was that thing?! I almost died!"

"Haha! There's no one faster than me, not even in bed!"

"Shut it, Valt!"

As the mercenaries backed away from the boar, the workers of the caravan wasted no time in dismantling the horned boar’s carcass for its valuable meat.

"Wow... I didn’t think our group would manage to bring down a horned boar this large."

"It worked out well. The mercenaries have been really exhausted due to the seemingly ceaseless monster attacks, and we needed more meat to boost morale."

The head scholar and the caravan leader, hands clasped behind their backs, turned their attention to a young girl skipping around, watching the dismantling process with fascination.

"That young lady is truly impressive."

"Indeed. She looks to be no older than in her mid-teens, yet she can already unleash blade energy along with the Barrier of Force…”

The technique “Barrier of Force” was a skill that spread Aura Blade across the body to act as a defensive shield. Blade Energy Release, on the other hand, was the short-range projection of an Aura Blade—considered a degraded version of what only a Swordmaster could fully utilize.

"The Barrier of Force can only be used by Advanced Experts or higher, correct?”

Experts could use different skills and techniques, depending on their level. Once someone reached High Expert, their refined mana control allowed them to utilize techniques like the Barrier of Force.

"Her talent is astonishing. Even Princess Illyna de Pallan, hailed as the Sword Princess, was only an Intermediate Expert at her age.”

Illyna only became a High and Supreme Expert after turning sixteen. However, Evangeline, who was wielding her sword as if it were an extension of her body and winning the admiration of the mercenaries, was at most fourteen—fifteen, if being generous.

Of course, there was the possibility that she just looked young for her age. But even if that were the case, the speed of her progress was astounding even when compared to the greatest prodigies in the continent's history.

"Did you say she’s an independent mercenary, with no formal affiliation?"

"Yes, that’s what her file indicated."

"She looks more like a noble or royalty at first glance... but a mercenary?"

"If possible, I’d like to recruit her. Having someone of her skill as a permanent escort for our caravan would prove invaluable."

"Why don’t you give it a shot?"

While discussions about her continued, Evangeline was shoulder-riding on a towering mercenary over two meters tall, cheering excitedly.

"Let’s gooo! The Expert knight is on the move!"

"Let’s go!!"

Evangeline waved her small, pale hands in the air, laughing and chatting with the mercenaries, who couldn’t help but smile at her. She had initially been dismissed as useless—a mere kid who seemed like she was born yesterday.

But as they came to witness her extraordinary skill along with her pure, untainted cheerfulness, they found themselves endeared. Even the rough, suspicious mercenaries softened, smiling like doting fathers watching their beloved daughter.

"Ahahah, you’ve really grown on me! I’d love to have you join our mercenary group someday."

"I’m going to become a hero!"

Evangeline shouted while puffing out her chest proudly, clutching a chunk of the horned boar’s meat.

"Hahaha! A hero, huh? That sounds perfect!"

"Wait, when you say hero, do you mean like Reina, the Hero of Light?"

"Have you seen the Hero of Light yourself?"

"You bet your ass I have! Back during a large-scale monster takedown, I saw her leading a group of mercenaries. Her dazzling figure and her unimaginable strength—she was practically on the level of the Saint of the Continent!”

"Yeah, right. You’re exaggerating! You shouldn’t compare her to him; heroes are still just people, after all! The strongest will always be the Saint of the Continent, that monster in human skin! This is why the Magdala Mercenary group is… tsk!”

"A monster? Are you telling me you’ve seen the Saint of the Continent yourself?"

"Absolutely!”

The mercenaries weren’t all part of the same group. Some were independent, while others belonged to various mercenary groups, large and small. Naturally, there were rivalries and bad blood between certain groups.

However, Evangeline—a source of undeniable charm and cuteness—had completely shifted the atmosphere. Her presence created an unexpectedly harmonious and cheerful mood among former enemies.

"You just haven’t seen the Hero of Light Reina in action. Soaring high into the sky, then descending like a flash of lightning to spear through monsters and wipe them out in an instant—she’s the strongest on the continent, as far as I’m concerned!"

“Yeah, right! That’s not enough to be the strongest! I was part of the Demon War a long time ago. The power the Saint of the Continent displayed was beyond human comprehension!"

“Geez, you say everyone is beyond human comprehension. Monsters are stronger than humans, you fool!”

“Hey—what did you just say?!”

As their arguments grew livelier, Evangeline tilted her head in confusion.

"A monster? Mister, who is the Saint of the Continent?"

Her innocent question brought the heated debate to a sudden halt as all eyes turned to her.

"You don’t know who the Saint of the Continent is?! Really?"

"Wow, I thought you were just naïve, but this is on a whole other level..."

"Where on earth were you hiding, to not know about the Saint of the Continent? In the woods or something?”

All attention shifted to Evangeline, who simply tilted her head again, expression as puzzled as ever.

"Hmm… fine, I’ll tell you. The Saint of the Continent is none other than Prince Davey O’Rowane of the Rowane Kingdom. He’s not even in his twenties yet, but he’s undeniably the strongest person on the continent."

"Hey, hold on! What about Lady Reina, the Hero of Light? And don’t forget, the Hero of Light is accompanied by Transcendent Shell, Lethal, and even the Heavenly Dancer!”

“Pfft! Compare someone in the same league, at least! And if you haven’t seen the Saint of the Continent’s martial prowess firsthand, you can’t even begin to argue!"

"Well, you haven’t witnessed the Hero of Light’s strength either!"

Even the young scholars from the expedition couldn’t resist joining the lively debate.

"The Saint of the Continent—ah, I’ve heard of him. He’s not only the greatest doctor, but also a formidable mage."

"And the Hero of Light’s Sonic Break is nothing short of extraordinary. Plus, she’s breathtakingly beautiful."

The caravan workers chimed in as well.

"Davey O’Rowane… huh?"

Evangeline tilted her head once more.

"Something wrong?"

Despite the heated debate, everyone—except those assigned to guard duty—turned their attention to her and smiled warmly. Her popularity had already reached incredible heights.

“D-Daddy!”

“Huh… huh?”

“Does that mean my dad is the Saint of the Continent?”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“My dad! My dad’s name is Davey O’Rowane!”

Evangeline began hopping up and down in excitement.

“Wow! My dad is the strongest in the world!”

“W-Wait a second, miss! Are you saying the Saint of the Continent is your father?”

“Yes!”

Her smile was so genuine that the mercenaries exchanged uneasy glances.

“Hey, isn’t the Saint of the Continent only in his twenties?”

“No, I think he’s only nineteen or something.”

“And yet his daughter is in her mid-teens?”

As the mercenaries fell into awkward silence, they began looking at Evangeline with pity-filled looks.

“Ah… Goddess Freya truly is impartial. She grants one such overwhelming cuteness and unparalleled martial skill, but… haa. But something’s wrong with her…”

“How tragic…”

Evangeline puffed her cheeks in frustration when she noticed the mercenaries muttering to themselves.

“I’m telling you! He really is my dad! Davey O’Rowane!”

“Miss, I’m sorry, but Prince Davey is only about nineteen. He’s too young to have a daughter your age.”

“Evangeline is still little!”

“Huh?”

“I’m only three years old!”

As Evangeline pouted, she maintained her puffed cheeks. The mercenaries looked even more sympathetic, though they silently agreed not to show it.

“Y-Yeah, you’re right! Miss, your dad is definitely the Saint of the Continent!”

“Absolutely! We’re honored to meet the daughter of the Saint of the Continent!”

“Hehe! My dad is amazing, isn’t he? I love him the most!”

Her radiant smile was so pure that the mercenaries turned their heads to discreetly wipe their tears.

“Ah… It’s so tragic… What could such an innocent child have done to deserve this fate…”

“Sob… Evangeline! Think of me as your dad from now on!”

“Huh? But I already have a dad. Why would you be my dad?”

“Ah… Fine! I’ll treat you like my own daughter! You won’t have to worry about anything!”

The mercenaries, convinced Evangeline must’ve suffered a terrible accident as a child, refused to believe that she was truly three years old—let alone that her father was the Davey O’Rowane. Even so, Evangeline thought they had fully accepted her words, unaware of their misgivings.

“Hehe, look! My dad even gave me this as a present!”

Evangeline held up a beautiful pendant hanging from her neck. The mercenaries again fought back tears at what they assumed was another tragic misunderstanding stemming from her mental issues.

“I swear, no matter what happens during this mission, I’ll protect her at all costs!”

“Hah! You’d just get in the way! We’ll handle it!”

The mercenaries, young scholars, and even caravan workers all started offering Evangeline their food and snacks.

“Miss, eat this! Stay strong! We’re rooting for you!”

“That’s right! If you’re ever in trouble, just call me. Even if I’m on the other side of the continent, I’ll come!”

“Wow! Really? I want to become a hero! My sister said she’d help me!”

“Of course! You can definitely do it, miss!”

Their misconceptions deepened, with many assuming her family had been slaughtered, leaving her in a traumatized, maddened state. Evangeline simply enjoyed their kind words and encouragement in blissful ignorance.

It was then that the scouts returned, bloodied and frantic.

“Monsters are approaching!! Damn it, prepare yourselves! There are five ogres! Plus seven trolls!”

“What… What did you just say?”

“And there’s some other strange being among them! A knight in black armor—it looked like he was controlling the monsters! Because of him, Var and Vic are dead!!”

Their desperate shouts froze the expressions of everyone present.

Boom!! Thud!!

As monsters emerged from all directions, Evangeline, who had been jumping around in joy, fell silent and turned her head.

Boom!!

From the forest, an ogre wielding an enormous club charged out as if it had been waiting for the perfect moment. It swung its weapon directly at a mercenary, standing near Evangeline, who was too shocked to react in time.

Just as the mercenary was about to be hit, Evangeline darted forward in an instant, raising her arm to block the attack with her forearm.

“Ah… Miss?!”

“I can do it! I can become a hero!”

She shouted confidently, and her sword began to radiate a faint blue energy that steadily grew more intense. It was as if it was on the verge of transforming into an Aura Blade, the mark of a Swordmaster.

But her sword never reached the ogre.

A sudden flash—something black streaked through the air and struck her sword, knocking it aside.

“Ahh! That hurts!”

Evangeline let out a cry as the impact sent her tumbling and skidding across the ground. Stabbing her sword into the dirt to steady herself, she slowly rose to her feet.

Then, she saw who had sent her flying.

A figure with glowing red eyes fixed its gaze on her, pointing its blade menacingly in her direction. It emanated a strange power, something distinct from mana.

[Target... detected...]

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