The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Chapter 1310

The response to the orchestra’s successful first performance was overwhelming.

Anyone who went online would see it all over the place.

Even those in the orchestra who normally didn’t care much for fame were celebrating and enjoying themselves.

To be precise, it wasn’t because they gained recognition. It was instead because they had created something fantastic, just as they’d hoped for.

Whether it was the engineers who built things, abstract expressionists, or even those of the Gourmet Research Society, creators had a mindset that was clearly different from that of the average person.

“I figured you’d be here.”

Davey’s eyes narrowed as he saw Si-Hyun approach. “Are you coming back from somewhere?”

He gave a crooked grin. “I just went outside for some fresh air. I was feeling a little restless.”

Davey didn't give a response.

“We’re planning to move ahead with the next performance as scheduled. Are you alright with that?”

“It’s what we originally planned. Nothing wrong with that,” Davey answered.

“I just hope I’m not burdening you with something unnecessary.”

“If you know that, then do better. Thanks to you, Super Ribbon’s happy.” Davey motioned toward Super Ribbon, who was chatting cheerfully with Professor Bachtobel and Juliana while holding a glass of juice instead of alcohol.

“Oh yeah,” Davey suddenly added. “You.”

“Yes?”

“If you ever make Super Ribbon sad, it’s not going to be fun.” Davey raised his glass with a crooked smile.

Si-Hyun glanced at him reluctantly, then nodded. “Don’t worry, that will never happen.”

After lightly clinking glasses, Davey silently watched him walk away.

Si-Hyun had originally planned to reveal one piece per performance. However, seeing everyone’s reactions, he boldly released more, then gradually unveiled the rest.

The first show happened in New York City. They did their second, third, and fourth performances across various parts of Europe.

The response to the second performance was just as explosive.

Moreover, as Super Ribbon’s performance improved in real time, those who performed with her also showed notable growth. Even the masters who were said to have reached the pinnacle of their respective areas expressed satisfaction with their own progress.

It became clear that all of the praise and hubbub about them wasn’t just hype. The growing number of people calling themselves Super Ribbon’s fans agreed.

Offers started pouring in from all kinds of industries, but Super Ribbon never once expressed any interest in attending such events. After all, what she wanted wasn’t fame. She just wanted to sing and play music.

Si-Hyun seemed to understand that, so he never pushed her to do any more.

They had formed a virtuous cycle where they gradually grew by complementing each other’s shortcomings.

In the midst of it all, one day, Mute called out to her first disciple, “Davey.”

“What is it?”

“That Si-Hyun kid has changed.”

“Changed?”

Mute nodded solemnly. “You can hear it in his playing. That fiery passion from before is gone, and now there’s something... off mixed in.”

She truly had a miraculous ear for music. Perfect pitch was said to be the greatest gift a musician could have, giving them the ability to recognize any note instantly. However, Mute possessed a talent beyond that. She could grasp the very essence of a performance or voice with just a single listening.

The music as a whole sounded no different than usual. Even someone with perfect pitch couldn’t detect a change in the identical tones of their performances, yet Mute had sensed that something fundamental about him had shifted.

Her eyes narrowed. “Davey. Handle it cleanly, if you can.”

“You make it sound like a hit job,” he remarked with a chuckle.

“If you decide he needs to die, then yeah, go ahead and kill him. I’m sure you wouldn't do it without a good reason.”

Davey smirked. “I was planning to watch how things played out first.”

“You knew?” She was surprised.

Davey shook his head. “Just had a weird sense of deja vu. He isn’t an Awakened, but for some reason he has mana inside him like he is.”

At first, Davey had assumed it was a sign of him awakening his own powers. Yet, with a little more thought, it became clear that the mana didn’t belong to him at all.

Davey was certain that some Awakened must’ve tampered with him. It was a serious offense for any Awakened to meddle with civilians, no matter the country. He wondered what had pushed someone to violate those international laws.

It was strange enough that someone had cast such a subtle mental control spell in the first place.

“Super Ribbon?”

“Yes?”

“Can I talk to you for a second?”

Just then, Si-Hyun called Super Ribbon over, and Mute lightly tapped Davey’s back. “Go deal with it, don’t waste time dragging this out. Overthinking everything is a bad habit—I’ve always told you that.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he responded before approaching the two.

‘Who knows what can happen in this world? Is being cautious really such a bad thing?’

Even with his current position and standing, Davey had done everything he could to pass the world down safely to his children.

Grumbling to himself, he lightly waved his hand, wrapping mana around his body. As his mana spread out, his form blurred into the surroundings and vanished.

There was no real reason for Si-Hyun to call Super Ribbon aside in their situation.

Striding through the back of the studio toward the garden, Si-Hyun turned to look at Super Ribbon.

“Super Ribbon.”

“Yes?” she responded.

“What are you planning to do after this tour ends?”

“Me? Hmm. I haven’t really thought about it, but I’m thinking of focusing on my studies again like before. I love music, but I also enjoy learning new things.” Super Ribbon gave a light laugh.

He nodded. “Yeah. In the end, your own choice matters more than talent.”

He clapped his hands, sounding a bit regretful. “Hey, how about staying with me a little longer?”

“Sorry? That’s a bit...” she trailed off, uncomfortable.

“No, really. You’ve got talent, and you could make history. I’ll help you.”

“No... It’s alright. I’m still just a student.” Super Ribbon stepped back, rejecting the offer.

Si-Hyun’s demeanor abruptly shifted. “Think carefully before you reject me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you let your talent blossom...”

“Please stop... I really don’t like this.” Super Ribbon shook her head firmly.

“Hmm. You’ll get sponsorships, and everyone will admire you! There won’t be a single person in the world who won’t know your name,” he insisted, stepping closer to her.

“Stop it! What’s wrong with you?!”

Facing Super Ribbon’s firm rejection, Si-Hyun’s eyes narrowed. “You’re really not going to?”

“Yes. This isn’t what you told me at the beginning... You said you wouldn’t do this.”

“Phew. I suppose you’re right.” He looked at her straight in the eyes as he said, “Well then, Super Ribbon. Can you look at me for just a second?”

When his eyes began to glow red, she instinctively stepped back in caution.

“Super Ribbon, what's wrong? It’s okay. Just for a second.”

She shook her head and replied firmly, “Is that mana? Did you become an Awakened?”

He responded, “Well... it’s something good for your body. I was going to teach you a lot—”

“This is a psychic interference skill, isn’t it? I’m disappointed...” She looked heartbroken, seemingly shocked that someone who had once been so devoted to music had abruptly changed in such a way.

“I’m really disappointed,” she said with a shake of her head.

“It’s not working...?” He tilted his head, puzzled, and chuckled. “Well, there’s no helping it now.”

At the same time, he pulled a small blade from inside his clothes. Without hesitation, he thrust it at Super Ribbon.

Crack!!

However, the blade never reached her. Davey had instantly stepped in front of her, grabbing the blade with his bare hand.

Si-Hyun clicked his tongue and tried to yank it free, but it, of course, didn’t budge. Seeing the blade stay still no matter how much he pulled, he took a step back. Then another. “Hey, Saint of Tionis.”

“Say what’s on your mind,” Davey coldly told him.

“Are you an idiot for missing your chance? She... she can become perfect,” Si-Hyun insisted.

“And?”

“Let me handle her. I’ll make her the greatest—”

“She’s not yours to handle,” Davey said calmly, then crushed the blade in his hand and flung it aside. “I’m not sure what made you suddenly look down on people this much. I told you, didn’t I?”

Si-Hyun froze instantly, immediately realizing what he was talking about.

“Don’t make Super Ribbon sad.” Davey snapped his fingers, and Si-Hyun’s eyelids drooped like someone falling asleep.

“Did you really think I was that easy to fuck with?” Davey looked down at him as he slumped to the ground. “Wait right where you are, little mouse. I’ll be with you shortly.”

In his vision, he could now see a faint thread trailing from Si-Hyun, leading off to somewhere else.

* * *

Boom!!

“What the hell?! How did he figure it out?” Brady Frederick slammed his hand down on the table, cold sweat dripping from his forehead.

The power he gained after becoming an Awakened was mental domination, and it worked on a single target. Having only recently acquired it, however, he couldn’t control it precisely. Controlling multiple people was impossible as well, so he chose to subjugate the one person who could benefit his career the most.

Up to that point, things had gone smoothly. Yet, when he watched Super Ribbon practice while resonating with Si-Hyun’s gaze under his control, he’d realized something.

Super Ribbon could bring him far greater prestige than Si-Hyun ever could. He understood music to be an innate talent. He had plans to make his name known throughout the world through using that kind of talent.

So, even if it meant he had to let go of his grip on Si-Hyun, he wanted to claim Super Ribbon for himself. He didn’t need anyone else. As long as he had Super Ribbon by his side, his future would be golden.

His plan was simple. Call Super Ribbon aside, get her interested, and make sure that if she continued working, she’d be tied down with his patronage and the backing of the Frederick Foundation.

Of course, the Saint of Tionis wouldn’t take kindly to it if he found out. Still, if it was Super Ribbon’s own decision, he truly believed there’d be nothing the man could do about it.

There were, however, problems.

His offer gave some undeniably massive promises, like unlimited support and making her the world’s greatest musician. Not a single word of it was a lie. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Most people would never be able to refuse that kind of golden opportunity. Yet, Super Ribbon clearly had no intention of staying in the industry after the tour ended.

That wouldn’t do. So, Brady made a reckless decision. He attempted to use Si-Hyun’s body to force mental domination on Super Ribbon. As long as he controlled her mind, he could keep her close and manipulate her, whether she wanted to or not.

However, Super Ribbon didn’t end up falling under his control, despite him putting forth full effort with his ability. That was when everything became a mess.

His power had worked on others. Yet, not only did it completely fail on her, she even noticed he was using psychic-type abilities.

At that point, he’d realized he needed to pull out fast. Still, he couldn’t just walk away without consequences, so he decided to destroy the relationship Si-Hyun and Super Ribbon had.

If he couldn’t have her, he’d break her. He put thought into how he could make Si-Hyun enrage the Saint of Tionis enough to make him lose control. In the end, he did something that he should’ve never done.

He planned to seriously injure Super Ribbon by stabbing her. Si-Hyun would be the attacker. Super Ribbon, the victim.

Either way, Brady, who only manipulated from afar, would be free of any suspicion! Si-Hyun would take the blame, and Super Ribbon would no longer be able to perform.

If she couldn’t stay by his side, then he could at least ensure she wouldn’t get in the way of his future. That was his logic.

However, the Saint of Tionis suddenly showed up and stopped it all. That wasn’t the only thing, either.

The way that man spoke didn’t feel like he was speaking to Si-Hyun—it seemed like the Saint knew that Brady was within Si-Hyun, and spoke to him directly.

Just to seal that dreadful feeling, the saint had said the following.

- I told you, didn’t I? Don’t make Super Ribbon sad.

After hearing that, Brady’s entire body broke out in goosebumps. He was convinced that those words weren’t for Si-Hyun, but for him.

Panicked, Brady immediately released Si-Hyun from his control and erased any traces of interference, then began to sweat profusely as he scrambled to think of a way out.

“Yeah, there’s no evidence! As long as I stay calm, I can deny everything and be fine.”

With that thought, he moved to open the window for some air. Shockingly, what he saw outside wasn’t the normal peaceful scenery.

It was a pure white humanoid rabbit. Small, round, and staring straight at him with bright red eyes.

“Heek?!” Startled, Brady jerked backward from the window.

However, the rabbit simply grabbed the window frame with one hand and yanked him by the collar with the other.

Before he could even scream, he was flying in the air.

“Aaaargh!!!” As the world spun around him, he screamed in fear.

Yet, the chaos didn’t last long.

After a few seconds, his body slammed hard against a solid floor.

“Guh! Cough! Cough! What the hell...?” Groaning, he slowly raised his head, and his face twisted in terror.

Standing before him were dozens of muscular white rabbit men standing on two legs. They then parted to make a pathway.

Through the opening, someone walked toward him. Their gait was calm and unhurried.

“I told you I’d see you soon,” the figure said with a cold smile.

Brady almost pissed himself. “Y-You... the Saint of Tionis? Why...?”

“I see, so you’re planning to deny everything. Let me go ahead and tell you something interesting.”

To dominate someone’s mind in real time, a link must exist between the controller and the target. There was no way a fresh Awakened like Brady could know such an advanced concept.

“When I found the thread attached to Si-Hyun’s body and traced it back... can you guess where it led?”

No response.

“You tried to stab my daughter. What do you think I should do about that?” Davey, with both hands casually in his pockets, stepped on Brady’s hand.

“Gaaahhh!!!”

A crushing pain surged through. The life of a musician—one’s hands—were destroyed in an instant. Tears and spit poured from his face as he stared at his mangled fingers. “Y-You think you’ll get away with this?! Even if it’s you, you can’t just crush inno—!”

“Looks like you’re operating under a pretty big misunderstanding. Let me clear it up.” Davey slowly crouched down, lowering his head until their eyes met. “You think you're innocent. But, even if you were... what do you think anyone on Earth can do to me?”

“People will—!”

“Their opinions don’t matter to me.”

Crack!!

Davey raised his foot again and crushed what remained of Brady’s hand into pulp.

“Guuuaaahhh!!”

“You want to know why I bother to follow the moral standards of Earth and Tionis?”

It was because Davey wanted to pass down a world worth living in. Not one ruled by fear, but a world where his children could live as part of society.

“If the world ever threatens my child? Well, then there’s no reason for me to hold back.”

The smart and wise ones from Earth and Tionis had figured that out, and so they never crossed the line.

However, fools who didn’t understand that truth only caused him trouble.

“P-Please... spare me...” Brady desperately begged.

“Don’t worry, I won’t kill you.” Sometimes, living was the crueler fate. A black gleam flickered at Davey’s fingertips.

Later, when Brady was found at the estate, he was shaking violently like a madman, clutching what little hair he had left.

His father, horrified at the sudden change in his son, tried everything to restore his sanity.

Yet Brady only repeated one thing, over and over. “Please... Please, he’s coming. I don’t want to die!!”

Like someone possessed, he mumbled the same thing endlessly. He was a lunatic. Nothing more, nothing less.

What no one knew was that the power inside Brady, the very power he’d Awakened, had vanished without a trace, as if it had never been there at all.