The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Chapter 1000

"Davey, do you have any idea how bad it is for a young girl to drink that stuff and then stay up all night? It’ll ruin your skin!"

Illyna rebuked the two girls as she stepped into the research lab, then turned to Davey.

"Aeonitia and Tiara are both in their prime—how could you let this happen?"

"It's fine. I've taken care of it, ensuring they won’t get a single wrinkle for life."

Eternal youth.

Well, maybe not completely, but by infusing them with an intense spirit blessing, he could at least ensure their appearance wouldn’t change.

It was a blessing only Davey had access to, courtesy of his close ties with the Spirit World.

"Still, that stimulant is a bit much," Illyna muttered.

In return for being stimulated, the body paid a price.

"Then that won’t do. I’ll make a new one myself—something that’s actually good for the body."

That way, he could push them even harder without worry.

"Can’t you just make them work at a reasonable pace?"

Her voice carried a hint of cuteness.

Davey smiled.

And gave the only answer he ever felt appropriate.

"Nope."

Aeonitia was a prodigy.

By the time she turned twenty, he knew she’d have become a researcher renowned across the world.

If there was one great thing Queen Lynesse had left behind, it was her.

"Oh! You’re here!"

Tiara came running up to him, her red hair fluttering.

Panting slightly, she handed him a thick stack of papers.

"Perfect timing! Could you give us some feedback?"

"Let’s see..."

Davey skimmed through the documents.

It was the rough draft of a research paper outlining how to neutralize and recycle nuclear waste.

The researchers had developed a neutralizing agent using materials from the Yurgian continent, which did not exist on Earth and vice versa.

By combining these elements, they had ultimately discovered one process which had a strong purification effect.

And they had decided to use it as a catalyst.

“So, what about it?”

"Well, the catalyst itself isn’t very effective when at room temperature. But if we place it in a sealed chamber with a 1:2.8 ratio, create a vacuum state, and introduce nitrogen at one-hour intervals, it reacts on a chemical level, altering the atomic structure of the radioactive elements,” Tiara explained.

Essentially, the reaction neutralized radiation, rendering it harmless to humans.

"Earth’s research equipment is amazing. Magic has similar applications, but everything here was done through pure science—no mana involved. It’s really impressive."

Davey nodded.

"That’s incredible. I didn’t think you’d develop it this quickly."

"Well... It’s not so much that we developed it—it’s more of an application of past principles,” Tiara said while grinning. "You were the one who taught us, remember? Back when we built Airship Asgard.”

When they had imported specialized materials from Yurgian and used them to create the nuclear power source fueling the ship, he had passed down a wealth of knowledge to Technical Advisor Edison and Tiara.

Come to think of it, that approach wasn’t all that different from how things were progressing in their current research.

Of course, if one were to dig into the details, everything would be technically different—but in the end, there were definitely some similarities.

His gaze then wandered and landed on a group of unfamiliar people.

"Who are they?"

"Oh, those people? They’re from Japan."

"Japan? Why"

Davey frowned.

He knew that Korea had a technology partnership with Japan, but he had heard from Hyun-Ah that the agreement had expired.

The Japanese officials silently surveyed the research facility, making a few calls before quietly withdrawing.

"For now, these calculations here and here are a bit off. It won’t be an issue yet, but if the errors accumulate, we don’t know what kind of variables could arise. Try revising it."

"Hmm... You’re right. Alright, this is actually kind of fun. I’ll discuss it with the professors here."

"Good."

After that, Davey headed straight for the Blue House, seeking a meeting with the Korean President to finalize the official contract.

"Stop right there! This is a restri—Hmph?!"

The moment the guard recognized him, his eyes widened in shock.

"Would you mind informing the president that I’m here to discuss the contract?"

To them, it was unbelievable for a foreign dignitary to just walk into the Blue House unannounced.

However, despite their surprise, the process moved along quickly, with an urgent message being sent inside without hesitation.

Soon enough, someone came rushing out, panting.

"Huff. Huff. Welcome, Prince Davey. I’m the Chief Secretary."

"Nice to meet you. May I ask when the president would be available?"

"His schedule is completely packed, but as it happens, the president is currently in a meeting with a Japanese diplomat regarding a matter related to you."

"Is that so? From Japan?”

That reminded him of the Japanese representatives he had seen at the research facility during his visit earlier.

From what he knew of the current president, he wasn’t the type to share a piece of profitable pie with others.

Following the nervous Chief Secretary, he entered the meeting room inside the Blue House.

As soon as he stepped inside, the two people within welcomed him warmly.

"Ah! Welcome, Prince Davey!"

"Pleasure to meet you. I am Sato Wakizaka, representing Japan."

"A pleasure, Mr. Wakizaka."

"Ohh. You seem quite knowledgeable about different cultures, Prince Davey."

With a chuckle, he extended his arm and shook hands.

Davey heard that Japan had recently gone through a political shift. It hadn’t been too long ago that Japan, China, and Korea had been going through endless disputes. Now, at least on the surface, they seemed to be avoiding open conflicts.

"I hope I’m not interrupting your discussions."

"Not at all," the president said. “In fact, we were just about to ask for your input."

Davey took a seat and listened.

Japan, for some reason, had caught wind of the radiation neutralization research. Now, using the Korea-Japan technology agreement as leverage, they were proposing a joint research project.

"As you know, Japan possesses some of the most brilliant researchers in the world. If we collaborate, I’m confident that we can develop something even more groundbreaking than what is currently in progress."

He made sure to highlight Japan’s technological prowess.

"Of course, I’m aware that recent trade disputes between our nations placed an unfortunate wet blanket over our relations. But now, with a new administration in power, we believe it’s time to mend ties between Japan and Korea."

Davey nodded.

"So those Japanese individuals I saw at the research facility earlier, were they part of your delegation?"

"Excuse me? That shouldn’t be the case. We haven’t—"

He widened his eyes slightly.

For a brief second, he looked like he had realized something. But in the next moment, he made an expressionless face, returning to his usual composed demeanor.

"Well, regardless, since Korea is the one in official trade negotiations, any research-related matters should be handled exclusively between Korea and its partners. I’m only here to simply finalize our trade agreement.”

"Oh... In that case, perhaps we could discuss trade opportunities between your kingdom and Japan as well?"

"I’ll think about it. It doesn’t really matter to me whether it’s Korea or Japan—but this side already agreed to pay a price for the deal.”

Sato made a disappointed face.

The long-standing tensions between Korea and Japan weren't of particular interest to him.

"Mr. President, I still hope you’ll consider my proposal. It would greatly benefit the relationship between our two nations."

"We’ll review it thoroughly before giving a response.”

Once the meeting came to an end, Sato Wakizaka stood, offering a light chuckle.

"Well then, I shall take my leave for now."

Once he was gone, Davey placed a document on the table.

They both signed the document afterward.

"After reviewing the terms, I believe this deal will bring significant progress for both Korea and Tionis. Oh, and... regarding the official press conference..."

"How about you keep me out of your public relations political nonsense, and we finish here so I can finally leave?”

"Hmm... Then at least a photo?"

"Alright."

Politics really was a hassle.

Davey posed for a few photos, shaking hands with the president while the cameras flashed. Then, he handed him a copy of the contract while keeping his own.

"Thank you. With this, we can finally eliminate one of nuclear energy’s biggest risks."

"Other nations won’t sit still once they discover what we’ve accomplished."

"Of course. They’ll scramble to insert themselves into the deal."

The two fastest to react were Japan and the United States.

For Japan, they had suffered nuclear disasters from earthquakes and monster attacks a long time before.

With monsters still appearing periodically, nuclear power plants were basically ticking time bombs. The neutralization technology was their best insurance policy.

"They won’t let this opportunity slip away," the president muttered.

"I can see that.”

But that was Korea’s problem, not his. As long as his deal went smoothly, that was all that mattered.

The corrupt politician, Congressman Park, had already been silenced thoroughly. Once he hit rock bottom, Davey was planning to introduce him to a deeper layer of hell.

"By the way, you mentioned seeing Japanese officials at the research facility earlier?"

"Yes. I heard they were there for a site inspection related to the technology agreement."

"Hmm... Strange. We haven’t initiated any discussions with Japan yet regarding that matter.”

The president then closed his eyes.

"That means someone else, who has opposing views with the current government, is moving independently.”

"Someone with opposing views?”

"Yes. The current administration wants to improve relations through diplomacy, but the previous administration was constantly at odds with Korea."

"I see. Diverging political views—makes sense. When relations between nations deteriorate, extreme voices tend to grow louder."

"The problem is that when the administration changed, the internal divisions became more pronounced. Sigh... Whether it’s Korea or Japan, when a lot of people gather there are bound to be a wide range of opinions.”

Every country had their own radical factions.

Even when Davey had lived on Earth as a Korean, he remembered how Korean and Japanese netizens used to constantly bash each other online.

But as Hyun-Ah had told him after coming back from a trip to Japan, not all Japanese people were like that.

There were plenty of them who viewed Korea positively.

After all, people were individuals, not one big group.

“I see.”

"Do you happen to have any thoughts on this matter?" the president asked.

"Just to be clear—I’m not taking sides. Frankly, I don’t care if Japanese ultranationalists and corrupt Korean politicians conspire together to steal technology or whatever. It’s not my concern."

"..."

"That’s something Korea and Japan need to figure out for themselves."

"Yes, you’re right.”

All he was doing was offering cooperation on the development of technology. Whatever happened after that was Earth’s problem.

The real reason he had let Aeonitia and Tiara collaborate wasn’t even for Earth’s sake; it was to address the green smoke issue in Tionis.

"Well, then, let’s discuss the next issue. So, about the food that Korea will be supplying...”

The president’s expression brightened. It was only natural, as Korea stood to gain massively from the trade. Selling domestic agricultural and livestock products in bulk would bring in tremendous revenue.

Boosting farming, fisheries, and livestock industries meant expanding markets—which, in turn, helped bolster public support.

"Yes, let’s finalize the terms. As per the contract, we’ll review the supply volume in five years to make adjustments."

"Yes, understood. I’ll escort you o—”

"I appreciate the offer, but it’s unnecessary. I used the front gate for formalities, but there’s no need to leave the same way."

The president nodded.

Then—

"Ah, before you go! U.S. President Drumper has been requesting a meeting with you."

Davey raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Would you be interested in setting up a summit conference?"

“Hm. I haven’t really thought about meeting him.”

He then contemplated for a moment before nodding.

"If you’d like, I can arrange your meeting with President Drumper."

"Oh, no need. I’ll just fly over to the U.S. myself."

The president let out a wry chuckle.

"Will you be giving the same technology to the U.S.?"

"And why are you asking that?"

"Well... from our perspective, the more we monopolize the technology, the better."

"You’re not even trying to hide your intentions," Davey smirked.

The president laughed openly.

"Of course not. After all, I am the President of Korea."

After finalizing the smaller details, he immediately manifested a large-scale magic and warped away.

Davey still had his suspicions about the Japanese observers at the research lab, but if they had any sense, he figured they wouldn’t act too recklessly.

He instantly crossed through the vast space between continents.

The Pacific Ocean was enormous, but as long as he remembered the coordinates, he could jump anywhere on Earth with absolute safety.

Of course, he didn’t head straight to the U.S. just yet.

He stopped by the research facility first, seeing Illyna looking bored to death.

"Davey... Let’s go on a date."

"Wanna go to the U.S.?"

"Huh? Really?”

"Yeah. It’s been a while since we’ve had a proper date."

Her face lit up as she eagerly linked arms with him.

"Oh, right. Hyun-Ah called."

"Hm? What does that squid want?"

"Don’t call your adorable little sister a squid, hmph!"

"A squid is a squid. What’s the problem?"

That was what real sibling relationships looked like.

"She asked if I could throw the ceremonial first pitch at an upcoming baseball game."

"First pitch?"

"Yeah. I just have to throw the ball. That’s it."

"She really went out of her way to ask you that? So, are you gonna do it?"

"I said I’d think about it... But to be honest, baseball looks kind of fun."

"Then do it. Just don’t kill the catcher."

She was a master-class superhuman. No—Illyna had already surpassed the master-class long ago.

She had even gone beyond the level of a Sword Saint.

If she so pleased, she could rip apart Earth’s strongest Awakened individuals with her bare hands.

Honestly, it was ridiculous how much she had improved just from learning the Continuum-Attacking Blade

"If you mess up, you’ll pierce the ball straight through the catcher's glove and the hand inside.”

"That won’t happen."

Davey then activated warp magic once more.

Zoom!!

The moment they emerged from the warp, they were high in the sky. Below them stretched a foreign cityscape, completely different from Korea’s aesthetic.

"Wow... The buildings here are insanely tall!"

Illyna marveled as they descended gently onto the streets.

But as soon as they stepped forward, they encountered a man wearing a black mask holding a terrified blonde woman hostage.

"Don’t move!! If you make a single move, this bitch dies!!”

His voice shook with fear.

Davey and Illyna instantly turned toward the commotion.

He quickly assessed the situation.

"Oh. I’ve seen this before in movies. A hostage situation, right?"

"Not just in movies—you’ve seen this happen in real life plenty of times."

"But this is the part where the hero shows up. Then someone shouts ‘Assemble’ and...”

He was immediately proved right in his assumptions.