The Max Level Hero Has Returned!

Upon the arrival of the faculty in Heins Territory, Davey warmly welcomed them with a sumptuous meal and exceptional hospitality. It was crucial for them to relax and feel at ease on their first day.

Following this, Davey elucidated the ideals and vision of the Heins Territory's Academy, seeking their agreement. After all, the academy would not function smoothly if any of the professors were dissatisfied with the system.

Ultimately, while the talent of the students held significance, Davey placed paramount importance on the professors' abilities. During his time in the Hall of Heroes, his singing terrorized all the heroes present, creating a serenade akin to hell. However, with the guidance of his music teacher, Muse, he had become a decent minstrel. This exemplified the competence of Muse as an instructor and illustrated the vital role professors played.

Davey didn't disregard the talents of his faculty, but it wasn't sufficient for this institution. Consequently, he had them sign a contract that would remain in effect for a considerable duration, requiring them to never disclose what they learned within the academy to the outside world. However, this was not an immediate concern, at least until their individual abilities improved.

Now, Davey once again revealed his true nature to the others, leading him to realize an important point. He seemed to understand why the astute Crown Prince Sullivan had promptly dispatched his leading imperial knights to him. Nevertheless, there was a strong possibility that they would come to resent him.

"Keuaaaaaaaaaaack!" A burly man with a robust build rolled on the ground, his screams obliterating any semblance of dignity as his hefty bastard sword soared through the air.

"This is quite serious..." Davey remarked, observing the scene with a calm demeanor.

The onlookers in the lecture hall stared in disbelief at the sight of a Sword Master-level individual helplessly tumbling to the ground.

Davey shifted his gaze to the fallen knight, who struggled to rise, while toying with a wooden shortsword in his hands. After a brief moment, he discarded it and instead picked up a branch hanging from a weapon stand.

"Let's start with the junior course."

"Kghk, kghhhk... P-Please wait," the knight managed to utter.

"What do you mean, wait? You're not the only one in need of improvement," Davey responded calmly, snapping his fingers in the knight's direction.

[Highness Heal]

Without delay, a potent healing magic was applied to the knight's body. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open as the intense pain he had been experiencing dissipated. Overwhelmed by an immense surge of holy mana, his body underwent a forceful and rapid recovery.

Davey observed the disoriented knight and offered a cold smile. "Well then, let's start anew. There's only one thing I can do for you."

That one thing was to help them recognize whom they were pitted against—an adversary infinitely stronger than themselves. As Davey spoke, the expressions of the knights in the hall turned grim. With their discerning eyes, they realized that Davey's power extended far beyond that of a mere saint. The rumors surrounding him were not exaggerated in the slightest.

Only a short time had passed since the previous incident. While his wild display had been kept secret, it meant that there were still many who remained unaware of who Davey truly was.

Now, Davey taunted the knights before him by playfully swinging the branch in his hand.

"...I won't bear responsibility for the outcome! Don't regret this!!!" one of the knights exclaimed, clearly taking offense to Davey's behavior.

With sword energy surging, he charged forward and launched an attack against Davey.

Swiish!!! Slap!!!

To everyone's surprise, an unexpected and unfamiliar sound emanated from the slender branch as another knight was sent flying through the air.

"The sword is a knight's life. However, ultimately, a sword is merely a tool wielded by the knight," Davey declared, emphasizing that weapons alone were ineffective when there existed an overwhelming difference in abilities between knights.

"Well, I hadn't anticipated this outcome. But don't worry, I'll grant you some hands-on experience," Davey remarked with a smile, causing the knights to pale in response.

Observing the situation from a distance, Archbishop Alice murmured, "Oh... As expected, it won't be easy for these knights. After all, they rely on their physical bodies." The high-ranking priests accompanying her all nodded sympathetically.

"Yes, indeed..."

"By the way, it's common knowledge that the Saint, Prince Davey, is an exceptionally remarkable individual. But how can someone be so talented at such a young age?" one of the priests pondered aloud. "I've never heard of a Saint skilled in swordsmanship."

A hush fell over the group upon hearing the comment.

"Ahem. I must say, I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, there are rumors circulating in our mage tower about Prince Davey. It's quite well-known among the F Class students of Shakuntala."

The F Class students of Shakuntala were notorious for their failures and troublemaking tendencies. Despite Davey's brief stint as their instructor, he had transformed them into formidable individuals. This fact had become widely known among the mages.

"In truth, I assumed that the prince employed a different method. I mean, no matter how I observe him, I can't sense even a trace of mana in his body," the mage continued.

Alice nodded in agreement. "The same goes for his holy mana. It's as if he possesses mana that is not only ordinary but even less than ordinary."

Davey glanced at the onlookers who observed the distressed knights. He then disrupted the knights' equilibrium by releasing his sword energy and launching it directly toward the group.

"Do you think you have the luxury to dawdle like that?" Davey questioned, causing Alice's demeanor to stiffen.

"Holy magic might not involve circles, but it relies entirely on the overall amount of holy mana within a person's body and their proficiency in manipulating it, Archbishop Alice."

Silence enveloped the area as Alice gazed at Davey, her expression unreadable.

"Why are you staring at me like that? Right now, I am your superior, Archbishop Alice," Davey proclaimed with a grin, effectively sealing their fate. "Just wait a little longer. Once the knights have adapted, the priests will be next."

Upon hearing those words, Alice and the high-ranking priests turned pale, fully aware of the impending trials awaiting them.

***

The rumors spread like wildfire. Numerous academies had been established with the aim of admitting students "regardless of their class." However, this was unprecedented. Typically, academies only disregarded the distinction between members of the nobility and the royal family, but none of them accepted commoners.

Was it because they looked down on commoners? Yes, many academies were guilty of such prejudice. However, there were practical reasons behind their reluctance to admit lower-class individuals. Financially supporting and subsidizing the expensive tuition for commoners, who often struggled to make ends meet, was a significant burden for most institutions.

Indeed, there were places willing to provide education to talented commoners. However, given the current state of the continent, it was challenging to offer opportunities to all individuals who desired to learn, regardless of their talents.

Hence, it was only natural that all eyes turned to Heins Territory. Moreover, the founder of the academy was no ordinary person. The reputation and influence of Davey O'Rowane, the only Saint and an incredibly influential figure on the continent, carried immense weight.

Rumors abounded regarding Davey's extraordinary powers that defied common sense. Anyone who had heard these rumors would already be aware of his exceptional abilities.

In fact, the nations on the eastern side of the continent, who sought to destabilize the Rowane Kingdom, were less concerned about King Krianes O'Rowane, known as the Tiger, or the Sword of the Kingdom, Marquis Peiltris. Their primary focus was the individual known as Prince Davey.

"Kathryn! Kathryn! Have you heard the news?!" A young girl burst into the room, her vibrant turquoise hair trailing behind her.

She was so excited that her ears perked up cutely above her hair.

"Oh my, Your Imperial Highness. Regardless of my familiarity with you, I am still in a position that requires me to prevent a member of the imperial family from running about like that."

"Ah, I know! But more importantly, have you heard the news?!"

The girl, Aeria El Lyndis, continued with her enthusiastic outbursts. Grand Duchess Kathryn Carabella, despite the girl's excitement, maintained a nonchalant expression. She wondered what had stirred the usually calm imperial princess into such a frenzy.

As always, it was a struggle for Grand Duchess Kathryn Carabella to resist the temptation of kidnapping the adorable girl with her radiant turquoise hair and keeping her close. However, both the emperor and the crown prince of the Lyndis Empire, the strongest powerhouses in the east, would not tolerate such actions, even if she were a girl.

"Very well, Your Imperial Highness. What news do you wish to share?"

"Prince Davey has established an academy! And commoners are allowed to attend and learn there! He created the academy with the intention of providing everyone an equal opportunity!"

Kathryn's gaze momentarily averted from the princess upon hearing those words. 'Ah, that story.'

In truth, it was not entirely accurate. Davey had built the academy so that children, including Myuu, could attend and receive an education. However, that was something Aeria should not be aware of, and Kathryn was not at liberty to divulge.

"Well... that person... He may be a bit eccentric and have a volatile temper, but he lives a life based on common sense, you know?"

Common sense? Which man would dare to challenge the strongest powerhouse and the Emperor of the mightiest empire as Davey had? To Kathryn, Davey was a person who lived a life that defied common sense.

However, she couldn't deny the fact that she also acknowledged him. Despite being born a noble and a prince, Davey ensured that his people had access to the most basic and essential necessities, and he would protect them at all costs.

He also possessed a strong sense of right and wrong. If someone did wrong, they had to be punished. If they did good, they would be rewarded. Kathryn held a high opinion of Davey's character in that regard, except for one thing.

"Your Imperial Highness, may I be honest with you?" Kathryn asked.

"Yes?" Aeria replied.

"What is it that you like about Prince Davey?"

Aeria's face turned bright red at the question. "W-Well... What do you mean?"

"Ah, forget it. It's true that he is the most eligible bachelor on the continent. He is sought after for political marriages, and maidens from noble and royal families alike drool over him. But has that guy ever sent you a letter, Your Imperial Highness?"

Aeria blushed even deeper. "A letter? What... What nonsense are you talking about?! I don't think I'm worthy of receiving a letter from the prince..."

Kathryn let out a frustrated sigh.

Thanks to Emperor Deorte's efforts, there had been talk of an engagement ceremony between Aeria and Davey. However, Davey had completely overturned the emperor's plans. He had suggested starting over as friends first, which may have sounded good, but it was nothing but empty words.

"I'll be honest with you, Your Imperial Highness. Do you know what my husband heard when he visited Heins Territory to settle some trading matters?"

Aeria's expression grew solemn as she heard Kathryn's words. She frowned, as if she were a child hearing something she didn't want to hear. "I-I don't want to hear!"

"There is already a woman by Prince Davey's side."

"I-I don't want to listen!"

Aeria must have already heard the rumors. After all, unless Davey was celibate or already had someone in his heart, it was impossible for him not to be moved by Aeria's presence.

"So, I wondered if it would be acceptable to use the excuse of polygamy to place our Imperial Highness by his side."

Aeria fell silent.

"However, that guy's thoughts are innocent and pure, unlike his appearance. Indulging in debauchery is not part of his vocabulary," Kathryn said calmly before asking, "Do you have confidence in yourself? I've heard that he already plans to marry an incredibly beautiful lady with silver hair, you know?"

Kathryn was well aware that provoking the girl in front of her was unwise. Aeria belonged to the Nine Tails Race. She could say no, but her instincts told her that she would die if she didn't receive Prince Davey's love. It was the harsh fate of their race. But what could they do? It was the reality they faced.

"It's not too late, Your Highness. You can still clarify your thoughts and feelings... If we're too late, your own nature will suffocate and crush you until you die. That's how horribly selfish the Nine Tails Race can be."

"I don't want to!"

Kathryn looked at Aeria in surprise as she heard the determination in her voice.

"I am willing to do anything to seize any opportunity... I wanted to take the long road and wait for the prince, but..."

Kathryn asked, "For example?"

Aeria's eyes widened as she pondered deeply. Tears started to well up in her eyes. "W-What... What should I do? I don't know how to seduce a man."

In the end, Aeria wept alone. She had been suffering from her illness for a long time, so she was unaware of the basics of the art of seduction.

‘Goddess Freyja!’ Kathryn smiled when she saw the princess’ flushed face.

“Then, Your Highness… How about we do this first?”

An insidious smile hung at the corners of Grand Duchess Kathryn’s lips.