The Max Level Hero Has Returned!

Chapter 904

Duke Sharen closed his eyes in deep thought.

The assassins he sent to eliminate Tadia hadn’t reported back. This could only mean one thing—failure. Despite their reputation of being the best of the best, they weren’t able to overcome the Saint of the Continent, Davey, who was currently at Heins Academy.

“If killing her isn’t possible… then the only choice is to ruin him socially.”

Davey’s strength was nothing short of astonishing, a level almost beyond comprehension.

“What a shame… If only we could bring him over to our side…”

Unfortunately, Davey was not like most humans—despite his strength, he was extremely stubborn and even went out of his way to treat commoners fairly. In other words, he valued capability over status.

While this appeared admirable at first glance, for the nobles it was a direct challenge to the hierarchical system that ruled the world. From a certain perspective, his actions could even be seen as rebellion.

The Rowane Kingdom understood this, yet they couldn’t rein him in. The reason was simple: His influence had grown far beyond even that of the King of Rowane.

Despite this disparity, neither King Krianes nor Crown Prince Baris O'Rowane had any intention of restraining him. Even most of the nobility were similar to him in their views. The Duke actually wondered what they’d done or gone through to become the way they were.

“No flower blooms for more than ten days. The higher the wall, the more likely it is to crumble at the slightest crack.”

The Duke sipped his wine.

Compared to Davey, the Duke’s power was insignificant. However, his decision to publicly announce the corruption scandal under the guise of transparency had created plenty of opportunities to exploit his enemy.

“An academy needs students to survive. If there are no students, the academy cannot exist.” He looked back towards his room’s entrance for a servant. “Is anybody there by the door?”

His trusted aide approached, and the Duke handed them a sealed letter.

“Spread this. Discreetly.”

“What is it, Your Grace?”

“It’s a document ‘exposing’ that Heins Academy is all name and no substance. Once this spreads and its reputation tanks, fewer foolish nobles and royals will enroll as students.”

“But Your Grace, Heins Academy accepts commoner students too.”

“Commoners go where their bread is buttered. If rumors spread of the academy being cursed or worthless, they’ll follow suit and shun it.”

“Understood, sir.”

As his aide left, the Duke closed his eyes again with a smirk. So far, the world had seemed to revolve around Davey, as if he were some protagonist straight out of a fantastic and high-quality novel.

In fact, many kingdoms supported Heins Academy by offering more benefits compared to other academies simply because Davey had helped them in the past.

However, where there was light, there was also darkness. There were countless individuals across the continent for whom his mere existence was an obstacle.

“Well then, let’s see what you can do when the students stop enrolling, Prince Davey.”

The Duke aimed to reduce the academy’s enrollment by spreading false rumors to tarnish its reputation. He was confident it would work, causing the number of students to decrease until ultimately making the academy close.

And above all, it’d be the beginning of plenty of stains on his impeccable reputation.

* * *

The faces of the exhausted cadets made for quite the sight.

It was understandable. After enduring a grueling battle to defeat the monstrous cyclops, they found themselves faced with yet another challenge. At this rate, they couldn’t possibly imagine what they would be made to do next.

“Oh, before we continue…”

Davey raised his hand.

Whummm!!

A massive magic circle suddenly appeared beneath the feet of all the cadets.

[I command thee.]

[I summon thee.]

[8th Level Holy Magic.]

[High Recovery.]

Despite the transition from a prayer to a direct command, the holy power still seamlessly responded and activated the magic. After all, Davey had converted his divine power into holy power, eliminating the need to ask Goddess Freyja for her blessing to cast such spells.

"Um… Headmaster."

It was Dukai, the Student Council President, hesitantly raising his hand to speak up.

"What is it, cadet Dukai?"

"Everyone is completely exhausted. I believe continuing the practical exercises any further would do more harm than good."

The desperate look in everyone’s eyes clearly conveyed their hope that there would be no more practical lessons—they seemed to be silently praying that Dukai would put even more emphasis on the fact that they were exhausted.

Davey, however, responded with indifference.

"I said I’d give you a reward. When did I ever say I’d make you suffer more?"

Dukai flinched, clearly taken aback.

"Just now… He said ‘suffer,’ right?”

"Did I hear it wrong?”

A low murmur rippled through the group before Davey cleared his throat dramatically.

‘Hmph. These sharp-eared youngsters.’

"Just follow me," Davey said coolly as he began descending the staircase nearby.

Dukai sighed with reluctance. "Let’s go."

Recognizing that resistance was futile, the cadets followed in silence, sporting frightened or extremely tense expressions and nervously glancing around. Davey simply ignored their concerns and continued descending into the depths. Eventually, they arrived in a massive corridor with a towering ceiling that stretched dozens of meters high.

"My goodness… What is this place?"

The cadets marveled at the vast natural stone chamber that had colossal pillars, ones far thicker than several people grouped together.

"Where are we…?"

"In terms of depth, we’re about ten floors underground," Davey replied nonchalantly. "Originally, I had no intention of creating something this deep, but I needed a large space. This is the result I went with."

The labyrinth spanned about three to five underground floors, but even further beneath laid an unimaginably vast space.

"Don’t worry—there’s nothing dangerous here. I keep my promises."

"You’re pretty exceptional for someone who keeps their promises, considering you tried to lock us up for three to seven days after promising safety.” Dukai retorted sarcastically.

Davey chuckled, amused by the jab. "Fair point. I apologize for that."

"Apologizing doesn’t make it right. Otherwise, why would the world need militia or armies?"

"Oh boy, you sure are talkative. I hope you won’t regret it. Now, come along."

Without waiting to hear any further complaints, Davey led them to a particular area. Before them stood a massive door, easily dozens of meters tall.

"Beyond this door lies the gift I’ve prepared for you."

"Let me guess—I bet there’s some kind of dragon inside. As much as I don’t like the terrifying rabbits, a dragon would be…” Dukai trailed off.

"What were those rabbits, anyway?" another cadet interjected. "I didn’t have the chance to ask before, but—"

"They were ancient beasts trained to assist with your lessons. They’re one of the few that can communicate, which is why they’re working with me.”

The mention of ancient beasts caused the cadets to turn pale.

"My goodness… are ancient beasts really that scary?"

"I never want to see them again… Now, just looking at muscles gives me flashbacks."

Some cadets were visibly trembling, while others sniffled, on the verge of crying. Apparently, the Killer Rabbits had left a deeper trauma than he had expected.

Davey, unfazed by their chattering critiques, gently pushed open the massive stone door. It moved effortlessly, as though it were made of paper.

And beyond the door…

The cadets widened their eyes in disbelief.

"Good heavens…"

"What in the…?”

Beyond the door laid an unimaginably beautiful world, one that defied belief. An endless expanse of green fields stretched out, illuminated by a vast galaxy and countless stars that shone in the night sky. Meteors—or perhaps shooting stars—fell continuously, painting the heavens. It was hard to fathom that such an idyllic and expansive place could exist underground.

The field was covered with a vibrant array of flowers, shining so brightly it was almost impossible to believe it was nighttime above.

Whuuum!!

Suddenly, streams of light gathered in front of Davey, soon forming a grand path in front of him.

"Headmaster… What is this place?"

"Congratulations. For the first time in human history—well, maybe not the first time, but certainly the first for this academy—you’ve set foot in the Spirit World."

Those who were in the process in the school of learning spirit magic were utterly stunned. Even those unfamiliar with its significance made expressions of disbelief.

"T-The Spirit… Spirit World…"

“Ah! Vice President Limiel!”

“She collapsed! Quick, get a stretcher!”

“Kyaaa!”

At that moment, shimmering blue particles of light began to gather around her. The sparkling motes descended gently upon her.

[The human seems hurt. Let’s help her.]

[Okay.]

The spirits chattered amongst themselves as they worked their magic. When their light merged into Limiel, she slowly opened her eyes.

“Am I… Am I witnessing a miracle right now?”

“Enough of the gawking. Follow me. This isn’t the heart of the Spirit World, just an area connected to its outskirts. While it’s fine for now, we can’t stay here for long, so let’s get moving."

The students, still awestruck by their surroundings, began to walk further inside behind him, enjoying the surreal beauty of the place.

Led by the spirits, they eventually arrived at a massive clearing. Hundreds, if not thousands, of spirits had gathered around Davey, chattering excitedly.

[Human! He’s here!]

[The human who saved the Spirit World!]

[The one who freed our fallen kin!]

“You all seem to be doing well.”

The spirits erupted in joyful giggles at his words.

"How about the Spirit Kings?" Davey asked.

[The Spirit Kings haven’t arrived yet! But we’re here!]

"So, you’re telling me they broke their promise? Do they have a death wish?"

[They’ll be here soon! Spirit King Ellaim said she’s already on the way!]

As soon as the spirits said this, streams of water began to converge from all directions, swirling and focusing into a single point. The surroundings were already dreamy, but the way the water gathered was more than enough to mystify the students even more.

[Greetings, I am—]

“Cut the theatrics, Slaimmy. We’re short on time.”

[Don’t call me Slaimmy!]

Puffing her chest up with clear annoyance, she took shape and immediately began scolding Davey.

"It’s doable, right?"

[Yes, and plenty of lower spirits are eager to assist you.]

Ellaim stepped toward Davey and addressed the students.

[This is the edge of the Spirit World, a place connected to middle earth. Wow, there are sure a lot of you. Congratulations, humans, on stepping into this sacred space.]

The students’ eyes sparkled. Meeting a Spirit King and stepping into the Spirit World was an experience they might never have again. However, the real surprise was still yet to come.

“This is the gift I’ve prepared for you,” Davey began. “Every student who successfully completed the practical exercises will receive a spirit’s blessing—each of you will be matched with a spirit who will bestow their power upon you.”

The elementalists shot to their feet in shock.

“Is that… Is that really true?!”

“Yes,” Davey confirmed. “And this does not apply to just you all, but for any future cadets of Heins Academy who complete the practical exercises as well. That’s why this space was created—to facilitate this arrangement with the spirits.”

Though the cost of such a deal hadn’t been cheap, he knew it was well worth it. The prospect of receiving the blessing of a spirit left the elementalist cadets excited. The other students, however, didn’t know its significance and made puzzled expressions.

“What’s so special about a spirit’s blessing?” Dukai asked.

Limiel practically shouted in reply.

“It’s amazing! Incredible! It’s an opportunity that an elementalist might never come across in their entire lifetime! To think it could be done so simply and casually like this… It’s unheard of!”

Davey, watching the excitement unfold, calmly sat on a nearby rock. He accepted a bouquet of flowers the spirits brought over and smiled warmly.

“That’s why it’s a gift. Experiences like this don’t come often. You’re all incredibly lucky.”

‘You all are truly fortunate, indeed. What’s happening here is something no other academy could ever offer.’

And there was one more thing.

“The blessings granted here in the Spirit World are not the same as those given by a spirit summoned through traditional means. I hope you keep that in mind.”

“Oh my, I’m going to die of happiness!”

“Ah! The Vice President fainted again!”

Not just for elementalists, but even for ordinary humans, receiving a blessing directly from a spirit in the Spirit World went beyond superstition—it caused real, tangible changes within the recipient. The students who recognized that were still struggling to believe what was happening.

Meanwhile, in another part of the continent.

The trusted aide of Duke Sharen began spreading documents through various merchant networks. The content was, of course, about the ‘problems’ of Heins Academy.

It included ‘evidence’ that Heins Academy was an empty shell—a place of no real value, where students gained nothing of worth.

ChubbyCheeks & FriedNook's Thoughts

Editorb’s Thoughts

I went to a research boarding school for my last two years of high school in the US, and I can confirm that it was pretty much like what these students are going through. Gif related is my face when the clearly impossible claims and assurances of idyllic perfection turned out to be pure lies.