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Translator: Vine
Chapter Title: A Villain's Worries
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It's been quite some time since I started playing the villain in this world.
Now, even by the original story's standards, the plot is starting to get serious.
This means we're entering Phase 2, a time that will be filled with even more chaos—the emergence of those with stronger abilities, villain organizations gradually forming factions, and the Hyesung Group's attempt to swallow South Korea whole.
And me?
I was pushing all of that aside, worrying about something else entirely.
"I think Stardus suspects me."
In the Egostream conference room.
With everyone's eyes on me, I spoke in a grave tone.
This is a serious problem. My entire purpose in life right now is to become a villain myself, to create hardships for Stardus so she can grow. But what am I supposed to do if she doesn't even see me as a villain in the first place?
No, I just can't understand why she'd smile at me so unguardedly when I've orchestrated multiple terrorist attacks and ruthlessly killed other villains. What in the world is going on?
As I voiced my grievances, Seo-eun, who was listening from the front, spoke with a look of disbelief.
"Seriously, Oppa? After everything you've done, you actually thought you'd be seen as a villain?"
"What did I do?"
At my words, Choi Se-hee, who was sitting across from Seo-eun, spoke up.
"...Well, for starters, your terrorist attacks have zero casualties, right? When people should have died but didn't, don't you think everyone would assume you planned it that way? In fact, that's why I accepted your recruitment offer."
"And that's not all."
Subin, who was sitting beside them, chimed in.
"You even contacted Stardus directly on the plane back then. What kind of villain tells a hero to save the day, saying they believe in them?"
Then even Ha-yul, who had been quiet, opened her mouth.
"...Plus, when you hijacked that giant robot. If you think about it, you were actually saving people who were about to die. You didn't even hurt anyone with it. And it's not like it's the first or second time you've interfered with another villain's terrorism."
Finally, Seo-eun summed it all up.
"Honestly, at this point, it would be weirder if she *didn't* notice. If you were in Stardus's shoes, Oppa, wouldn't you feel like something was off?"
Hmm.
Looking at it all laid out like this, I do seem incredibly suspicious.
But, Stardus suspecting me over things like this?
Impossible. She's the living incarnation of justice itself.
The idea that she would doubt me, a ruthless terrorist, just because of that is ridiculous...
'With this, we're even, right?'
Ah.
...Right, there was that incident.
The time I took a knife for her.
The one where Shin Ha-ru even remembered me calling it a debt.
"...."
Is that why she's less hostile toward me?
No, what's the big deal? Sometimes in life, a villain might risk their life to save a hero. It happens. It's probably a famous trope in hero stories. Though, I've never actually seen a scene like that in my life...
I quietly did the math in my head.
What would happen if Stardus found out that I'm not playing the villain because I'm crazy, but because it's all for her and the world?
…It's obvious. Would she be able to fight me with all her heart? The awakening of one's true abilities happens through growth in a crisis. If she knows it's not really a crisis in the first place, how seriously would she fight? She'd just end up becoming complacent!
A terrible future suddenly flashed through my mind. One where I defeat all the villains for her, and Stardus, doing nothing, grows lazy and quits being a hero altogether.
That can't happen. The future rests in Stardus's hands. If she doesn't grow, the world will be destroyed. End of story.
...And I doubt she's guessed the full reason for my terrorism—that it's for her and the world. If she knew that, would she have precognition or something? Of course, Ha-ru does have a similar extrasensory perception... Anyway. She's probably just a little suspicious, nothing too serious.
"Oppa. But is it really something to be that worried about?"
"That's right. If anything, it means the Association isn't hell-bent on tracking you down, so isn't that a good thing?"
I shook my head at their carefree words.
It might not be cause for extreme worry, but it's not something I can ignore without any countermeasures either. I need to prepare some insurance. For example... yes.
No matter what I do, wouldn't it work if there was someone by Shin Ha-ru's side, constantly reminding her that Egostic is a ruthless villain?
Yes, that's the answer.
The person who is soon to be the de facto shadow ruler of South Korea, who operates under the alias of the A-rank hero Icicle, and who is also Stardus's best friend.
I need to meet Lee Seol-ah as soon as possible.
That seems to be the solution.
***
"Haaah... Stardus. Is that really the reason?"
"Yes."
The Association President sighed, looking at Stardus who stood before him.
"I mean... surely the President wasn't going to fire something that would kill everyone, like a nuclear missile. He would have obviously fired something that would only take out the robot, so why did you block it? And didn't I tell you? That GOAB isn't that powerful of a missile."
"....."
The Association President pressed his fingers into his temples. He soon began to lament in front of her.
"Stardus. No, Shin Ha-ru. I nearly went bald because of you... Do you have any idea how many strings I had to pull to defend you? One wrong move and my neck would have been on the line. Thank goodness public opinion turned against the President... I never thought I'd see the day I'd be slandering the President himself..."
"...I'm sorry."
"No, no. To be honest, I couldn't stand the guy anyway, always trying to step on our Association at every turn. And why did he fire a missile on his own without consulting us? He must have wanted to show off this time, but he ended up with egg on his face. Besides, that robot ended up overloading and exploding on its own anyway."
"....."
"Also, it looks like you're expected to be promoted to S-rank soon, so congratulations in advance. Your popularity has been skyrocketing lately, whether it's thanks to my media play or something else, but let's just lay low for now. A lot of public attention isn't always a good thing. Go somewhere quiet and get some rest."
"Yes. Understood."
"Right... Aish. A call? What is it... Dammit. Manager Kim! Didn't I tell you to block the Blue House's number?!"
"Sir, they keep calling from different numbers! It's no use! It would be best to just turn off your phone!"
"Haaah... Shin Ha-ru, you see? This is the hard life I lead."
"Yes, Mr. President. May I be excused?"
"...Go ahead."
Leaving the President's weary words behind, she walked out of the office.
As she walked down the hallway, she unconsciously clenched her fist.
Zzzzing—.
And, just as she had felt during the Association's measurement, it was true.
Her power had grown to a palpable degree. Enough that her promotion to S-rank was now being discussed.
....On top of that, she had unintentionally become more popular.
And all of this, when she thought about it, was thanks to that bastard, Egostic.
"...."
This time, she had saved him.
The thought that he might die had made her body move on its own.
A reckless act, without a thought for the consequences.
If the truth were to get out, she would be ruined.
A hero who went out of her way to save a villain? It wouldn't be surprising if she were dragged off to a containment facility immediately. It was that unthinkable of an act for a hero.
But if someone were to ask if she regretted her actions.
She probably wouldn't be able to answer.
The moment she thought of Egostic, the events of that day replayed in her mind.
After stopping the missile, she had lost her strength and fallen from the sky.
And then, an arm that had caught her mid-fall.
The sight of him saving her as she fell, smiling at her with that smug look.
The sight of him asking her why she blocked the missile, showing pure curiosity as if he had no idea.
...And then, the sight of his utterly flustered expression when she answered, as if he hadn't expected it at all...
"Ha-ru!"
"Huh?"
As she was walking along, lost in thought, the sudden appearance of Seol-ah from the side made her let out a dazed sound.
"Are you done talking with the President? I've been waiting for you."
"Oh... you were? Sorry. Let's go together."
"Okay. By the way, did you hear some good news?"
"Hm? Why?"
"I saw you on my way here. You were smiling a little just now."
"....I was?"
Hearing that, she faltered slightly.
...Was I smiling?
Why was I smiling without even realizing it?
Just behind Shin Ha-ru, who had started to ponder this,
Lee Seol-ah.
She quietly watched Ha-ru's back with a faint, cold smile.
Of course, she quickly erased any trace of it and spoke to Ha-ru in a bright voice.
"So, Ha-ru. Seeing how things are going lately, I think you can afford to take a break. Want to come over to my place for the first time in a while?"
"Huh?"
"Come to Busan, enjoy a vacation for a change. Didn't the President tell you to take a break anyway?"
"Huh? Well, he did, but..."
"Then there's no problem! Right?"
"Huh? Uh..."
And just like that, while Shin Ha-ru was still stammering, it was decided that she would go visit Lee Seol-ah's home in Busan for a while.
***
"Hey, guys. I'm heading to Busan for a bit."
"What?"
The confused gazes of Seo-eun and Se-hee were fixed on me.
Sorry, I'll be back soon.
Someone I need to win over has appeared.