Chapter 73

EP.73 One Week

When carrying out a task, interpreting the characters is extremely important.

Having read the original manga dozens of times, I know the personalities of the characters very well, and I actively utilize this knowledge.

For example, in the case of Se-eun, her intense desire for revenge against the Han Eun Group was so strong that I was able to effectively recruit her. I manipulated Ha-yul by using the fact that she values her younger brother the most.

The same applies to Stardust. Honestly, I have done many things that could make her suspicious of me. I've caused terrorist attacks and asked her to save me, or even taken knife wounds in her place...

If I had done that to someone like Icicle, or Seol-a, there's a high chance she would have immediately discovered my true identity.

...Or not. Seol-a might already have a good idea of who I am... Anyway, I'll approach her later. The important point is this.

Stardust embodies justice itself and does not compromise with evil. For example, when I was killing other villains in the early days, the public secretly liked me. However, she would have hated me, seeing me as a murderer who kills people at will. In this way, she has a firm and unwavering sense of justice.

So, no matter what I do, she probably won't care. Of course, she did show some suspicion of my intentions last time, but I think it was just a fleeting curiosity. Now, I feel like she doesn't pay much attention to me. She might have forgotten about Egosick. But I hope she at least remembers me personally. It's sad to be forgotten...

In any case, the conclusion is that I have a good understanding of the people in this world. I base all my actions on this understanding. Whether recruiting allies or confronting enemies, knowing their personalities allows me to predict how they will act in almost any situation.

And through this method, I am now recruiting a new ally.

"....."

Choi Se-hee.

After becoming aware of her powers in childhood, she grew up under the strict instructions of her parents to never become a hero and to never reveal her powers.

Despite suppressing her powers throughout her life, it was impossible to keep them suppressed.

Like an overcharged battery, the stress of not being able to release 100,000 volts began to build up.

The more she suppressed, the more her destructive instincts began to surface. She started to feel the urge to electrocute things like street trees, and due to living a long time under such restraint, she began to lose control.

Living with daily stress, her personality also began to become sharper.

To those who don't know her, she might seem like a delinquent. In reality, it's just frustration from the suppressed desire to use her powers.

Living like this, she managed to release a little bit of the built-up electricity in places where no one could see her after becoming an adult.

The first time she used her powers freely and without guilt was probably when she met me. She must have felt an incredible sense of liberation. It must have felt refreshing.

Actually, it was just a few times she shot out some electric spears, which is a bit embarrassing to call using her powers to the fullest.

But if it was the first time in decades that she had freely used her powers, it's a different story.

Once you taste it, it's hard to let go.

I know that with me, she can experience even greater pleasure.

Having tasted the sweet freedom, can she really refuse my offer?

"Hehehehehe....."

"Brother, why are you laughing so creepily?"

Looking at Se-eun, who was staring at me with a strange look, I thought to myself.

Wait, Se-eun. Brother will introduce you to a close sister.

***

"Point, please. Yes, wait a moment."

A café in Seoul.

Choi Se-hee, who was working part-time at the café, couldn't concentrate on her work today.

Actually, it started three days ago.

'Would you like to join in a terrorist act?'

"Crazy guy."

When she muttered this without realizing it, the part-time worker next to her flinched, but she didn't care.

Does he think I'm a terrorist? You see all kinds of things in life.

She laughed it off, but...

Since that day, she has been acting a bit strange.

The sense of liberation when she electrocuted that guy.

At the time, she didn't realize it, but she was definitely... enjoying it.

The refreshing and exhilarating feeling of using her powers freely and openly in front of others.

Even using her powers a little on one person felt good, so how much better would it feel to use them to the limit in front of hundreds of people?

"...Damn. Am I really crazy?"

She frowned without realizing it.

Nonsense. Does he think I'll become a terrorist? How can I trust that crazy guy in the first place!

'No, I will never become a terrorist, no matter what.'

***

That night.

After finishing her shift, she went home and searched for information about Egosick.

'Just to see what kind of guy he is...'

While rationalizing it to herself, she found out about Egosick through the internet.

He was more impressive than she thought.

She only knew him from occasional news reports when he caused terrorist attacks while she was working at the store, but he was quite famous.

Currently, the most influential villain in South Korea, the only villain with a fan club, more popular than most heroes...

The moment she searched online, countless articles and posts appeared.

"....He was this impressive?"

Why did such a guy approach her?

And how did he know she had powers?

With these questions in mind, she continued reading about him.

Through this, she realized:

He is wealthy, has excellent hacking skills... and.

None of the terrorist attacks he has caused have resulted in any deaths.

'...Then, maybe it's not so bad?'

Her eyes began to waver.

In fact, since that day, the more she used her powers freely, the more she couldn't control herself.

Her whole body itched with the urge to release electricity.

Even when still, sparks would fly from her body.

"Damn..."

She sighed deeply.

'Think about it. Haven't you been in great pain, unable to reveal your powers? With me... you won't have to hide your instincts...'

His words echoed in her mind.

Yes, she doesn't know how he knew, but she is struggling. She can't keep suppressing herself forever.

He is definitely still a guy she can't trust, but still.

When he comes next time, she can at least listen to what he has to say.

What kind of terrorist act he wants her to do, what conditions he will offer.

She will listen and think about it.

It's becoming harder to suppress this impulse.

"It's been about three days... and he said he would come soon."

He might come again tomorrow.

That's all she thought.

***

The next day.

He didn't come.

"......"

The inner impulse was getting stronger.

She just wanted to release electricity somewhere.

It would be nice to go up a mountain and release her powers, but it doesn't really relieve stress if no one is watching.

There is a certain pleasure in showing her powers in front of everyone.

After hiding her powers for too long, her destructive and exhibitionist urges have grown, and she unknowingly started walking the path of a villain.

'Tomorrow, he'll come tomorrow.'

The next day.

He still didn't come.

She started to think something was wrong.

The impulse that began that day had grown to the point where she couldn't control it anymore.

Now, just being in a crowded place made her body itch with the urge to release electricity.

Thinking about the damage she could cause to the surroundings made her feel a thrill.

'...This can't go on.'

Egosick. He definitely said he would come soon.

When did 'soon' become five days? Why isn't he coming?

...Could he have just given up because she strongly refused him the first time?

Yes. From what she found out, Egosick is a really impressive guy.

Just looking at the bridge terrorist attack, she couldn't even imagine how much money he has.

...Could he have just moved on to other villains? There must be many people hiding their powers. Maybe he thought it would be easier to find someone else.

...Was it a mistake to electrocute him the first time? No, she felt wronged. If someone suddenly approaches you in a dark alley, anyone would do the same.

".....Sigh."

Now, she doesn't have any other thoughts.

She will do as he says, as long as it doesn't harm anyone... If it can relieve this frustration. It seems right to follow his words.

Due to excessive destructive impulses and stress, her mind was gradually losing its normal thinking and couldn't continue to think clearly.

The next day.

At the café.

"Se-hee, are you sick? You seem to have no energy today."

"......"

".....Oh, then, f-fighting!"

The next day.

At night.

As she quietly walked home, a man appeared in front of her.

"Hello, Se-hee. Have you thought about my proposal?"

"...I'll do it."

"Excuse me?"

"I said, I'll do it. Whatever it is, terrorism or anything."

***

...No. I confidently said I could manipulate her in a week, but I didn't expect her to fall so easily.

Looking at Choi Se-hee, with her orange hair, staring at me with a desperate expression, I was puzzled.

Why is she like this after just a week?

Our Mango Team members could hold out for two or three months.

Anyway, when an opportunity comes, you have to seize it.

"Whatever has changed in your mind... that's fine. Let's go together."

Saying this, I extended my hand to her.

She took my hand without hesitation.

I really succeeded in recruiting a new villain (in training) in just a week.

With this, we can probably carry out the terrorist act sooner than expected.

I'll see Stardust sooner than I thought.

Two months? Two months is nothing.

***

'...Really, he's not dead, right?'

"Haru... what are you thinking again...?"