Chapter 87

EP.87 Strategy Discussion

It's been quite a while since I started playing the villain in this world.

Now, according to the original story, a more serious plot is unfolding.

Stronger individuals with greater abilities are appearing, villain organizations are gradually forming, and the Yu Seong Corporation is swallowing up South Korea—Phase 2, which will be filled with even more chaos, is approaching.

And I,

I was worrying about something else entirely.

"It seems like Stardust is starting to suspect me."

In the Ego Stream meeting room,

as everyone looked at me, I said in a serious tone.

It's a major issue. My current life's purpose is to become a villain and create adversity for Stardust to help her grow, but if she doesn't see me as a villain, what's the point?

No, I can't understand why she smiled at me so trustingly, despite the fact that I've caused several terrorist attacks and mercilessly killed other villains. What's going on here?

When I vented my frustration, Seun, who was listening in front, said in disbelief,

"No way. Big brother, did you really think you would be seen as a villain after all that?"

"What did I do?"

In response to my question, Chae Se-hee, who was sitting opposite Seun, spoke up.

"...Well, first of all, your terrorist attacks have no fatalities, right? In situations where fatalities are inevitable, you manage to prevent them. People don't think you intended it that way. Actually, the reason I accepted the proposal to recruit you was because of that."

"That's not all."

Soo-bin, who was sitting next to her, chimed in.

"You even contacted Stardust directly from the airplane. What kind of villain would tell a hero to save someone, saying they believe in them?"

Even Ha-yul, who had been quiet, joined in.

"...And, this time, you even hijacked the giant robot in the middle. In fact, you saved people who were about to die. You didn't harm anyone. And you've interfered with other villains' terrorist activities more than once."

Finally, Seun summarized,

"To be honest, it would be strange if no one noticed. If I were in Stardust's position, I would have felt something was off."

Hmm.

When you put it all together like this, it does seem suspicious.

However, for Stardust to suspect me of this?

That's absurd. She is the embodiment of living justice.

It's ridiculous to think she would suspect me, a cruel terrorist...

'Did this pay off my debt?'

Ah.

...Right, that incident.

The time I took a knife for her.

The words Shin Haru said about a debt, which she remembered.

"......"

Is that why she's less hostile towards me?

No, what's the point. Villains can also risk their lives to save heroes sometimes. It's a famous cliché in hero stories. Of course, I've never seen such a scene in real life...

I quietly pondered in my mind.

What if Stardust found out that I'm not doing all this because I'm crazy, but actually for her and the world?

...Of course. Would she fight me with all her might when we battle? The awakening of power usually happens in crisis situations. If she knows it's not a crisis, how can she fight with all her might? She'll end up being lazy!

Suddenly, a bad future popped into my head. A future where I take care of the villains, and Stardust, doing nothing, becomes lazy and eventually beats up heroes.

That can't happen. The future depends on Stardust. If she doesn't grow, the world will end.

...And I don't think she has guessed that my terrorist activities are for her and the world. If she knew that, she would have some kind of precognitive ability, right? Of course, Haru has a similar extrasensory perception, but... Anyway, I think she's just a bit suspicious, not seriously.

"Big brother, but isn't that not something to worry about too much?"

"Right. Instead, isn't it good that the association isn't pursuing you with clenched teeth?"

To their calm words, I shook my head.

It's not something to worry about too much, but it's not something to ignore either. I need to prepare some insurance. For example... right.

No matter what I do, if there's someone who constantly reminds Shin Haru that Ego Stick is a cruel villain, it might work.

Indeed, that's the answer.

Soon, the de facto mastermind of South Korea, an A-class hero known as Icicle, and also Stardust's best friend.

I need to meet Seol-a as soon as possible.

That seems to be the answer.

***

"Haa... Stardust. Is that really the reason?"

"Yes."

The chairman sighed, looking at Stardust in front of him.

"No... Did the president really launch a nuclear missile that would kill everyone? Of course, he must have just launched the missile to destroy the robot. Why did you stop it? Didn't I tell you that the GOAB isn't that powerful?"

"......"

The chairman pressed his empty head, starting to groan.

"Stardust. No, Shin Haru. I almost went bald because of you... Do you know how much trouble I went through to defend you? I almost lost my head. Fortunately, public opinion turned against the president... I never thought I'd end up slandering the president..."

"...I'm sorry."

"No, no. To be honest, I didn't like that guy because he always stepped on our association. And why did he launch the missile without consulting us? He must have wanted to show something, but he failed miserably. The robot eventually exploded on its own."

"......"

"And now, they say you're expected to be promoted to S-class soon, so I'll congratulate you in advance. Your popularity has skyrocketed lately, thanks to my efforts, so just stay low for now. Public attention isn't always a good thing. Go somewhere quiet and rest."

"Yes, I understand."

"Right... Huh. The phone is ringing. What is it... Damn. Kim, didn't I tell you to block calls from the Blue House!!!"

"Chairman, they keep changing their numbers, so there's no answer! It's better to just turn it off!"

"Haa... Shin Haru, see? I'm living a hard life."

"Yes, Chairman. Can I go now?"

"...Sure."

With the chairman's weak words, she left the office.

As she walked down the hallway, she unconsciously clenched her fist.

Zing.

And, as she felt when the association measured her, indeed,

her power had grown to the point where it could be felt. Enough to be discussed for an S-class promotion.

...And, unintentionally, her popularity had also increased.

All of this, when you think about it, is thanks to Ego Stick.

"......"

She had saved him this time.

Moved by the thought that he might die, she acted without thinking.

A reckless action without considering the consequences.

If the truth were known, she would have been buried.

Saving a villain by force? She could have been sent to a detention center. It was that absurd for a hero.

However, if you ask her if she regrets it,

She probably wouldn't be able to answer.

The moment she thought of Ego Stick, the events of that day overlapped in her mind.

After stopping the missile, she lost her strength and fell from the sky.

And, the arms that enveloped her mid-fall.

His smirking face as he saved her.

And his innocent curiosity when he asked why she stopped the missile.

...And, his very surprised expression when she answered, as if he hadn't expected it at all.

"Haru!"

"Huh?"

While she was lost in thought, she was suddenly startled by Seol-a, who appeared from the side.

"Are you done talking with the chairman? I've been waiting for you."

"Ah... Really? Sorry. Let's go together."

"Sure. By the way, did you hear something good?"

"Huh? Why?"

"I saw you smiling a little just now."

"......Me?"

She paused at his words.

...Was I smiling?

Why did I smile without realizing it?

As Shin Haru started to ponder,

Seol-a, seeing her like this, quietly and coldly smiled.

Of course, she quickly erased that expression and spoke to Haru in a bright voice.

"Sure. Haru, from the current atmosphere, it seems like you can take a break for a while. How about coming to my house in Busan for a visit?"

"Huh?"

"Come to Busan and enjoy a vacation. The chairman did tell you to take a break, right?"

"Huh? He did, but..."

"Then it's settled! Right?"

"Huh? Huh..."

In the midst of Shin Haru's stammering, it was decided that she would visit Seol-a's house in Busan for a while.

***

"Kids, I'm going to Busan for a bit."

"Huh?"

Seun and Se-hee, who were puzzled, looked at her.

Sorry, I'll be back quickly.

I have someone to charm.