Chapter 87 - Countermeasure Discussion

I've been playing the villain in this world for quite some time now.

According to the original story, we're entering a phase where the plot really starts to pick up.

The emergence of people with stronger abilities, villain organizations gradually forming power blocs, Yu-seong Corporation swallowing up the Republic of Korea—it means we're heading into Phase 2, which will be filled with increasing chaos.

And me?

Pushing all that aside, I was worried about something else entirely.

"I think Stardust is getting suspicious of me."

In the Ego-stream conference room.

With everyone's eyes on me, I spoke in a serious tone.

This is a critical issue. The whole purpose of my life right now is to become a villain and create adversity for Stardust so she can grow, but what if she doesn't even see me as a villain to begin with?

No, I just can't understand why she smiled at me with such a lack of caution toward someone who has committed multiple acts of terrorism and ruthlessly killed other villains. What's going on here?

As I voiced my grievances, Seo-eun, who was listening from across the table, responded with disbelief.

"Come on. Oppa, did you really think you'd be seen as a villain after behaving like that?"

"What did I do?"

At my question, Choi Se-hee, who was sitting opposite Seo-eun, spoke up.

"Well, first of all. Your terrorist attacks never resulted in any casualties, right? In situations where deaths should have been inevitable, there weren't any. Don't you think everyone would assume that was intentional? Actually, that's why I accepted your recruitment offer in the first place."

"That's not all," Lee Su-bin chimed in from beside me.

"You even contacted Stardust directly during that airplane incident. What kind of villain tells a hero they trust them and asks them to save people in that situation?"

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

"Plus, when you hijacked that giant robot recently. If you think about it, you actually saved people who were about to die. You didn't hurt anyone with it. And this isn't the first time you've interfered with other villains' terrorist attacks."

Finally, Seo-eun summarized it all.

"Honestly, at this point, it would be strange if she didn't notice. If you were in Stardust's position, wouldn't something feel off to you?"

Hmm.

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

But Stardust suspecting me because of these things?

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

For her to suspect me, a ruthless terrorist, based on just that would be ridiculous...

'This makes us even for that debt, right?'

Ah.

...Right, that incident.

When I took a knife for her.

When Shin Ha-ru even remembered my words about a debt.

"......"

Is that why she's less hostile toward me?

No, that can't be it. I mean, sometimes villains can risk their lives to save heroes too, right? That must be a famous cliché in superhero stories. Though I've never actually seen such a scene in my life...

I quietly did some mental calculations.

What if Stardust found out that my villainous acts weren't because I was crazy, but actually for her sake and the world's?

.....It's obvious. Would she be able to fight me with all her might? Originally, ability awakening happens when one grows through crisis situations. If she knows the situation isn't actually a crisis, how seriously would she fight? She'd end up becoming lazy!

Suddenly, a terrible future flashed in my mind. A horrific future where I take care of villains for her, and Stardust does nothing but play around, becomes lazy, and eventually quits being a hero.

That can't happen. The future rests in Stardust's hands. If she doesn't grow, the world will perish.

...And I don't think she's figured out that my terrorist activities are for her sake and the world's. If she knew that much, she'd need to have precognition or something. Well, Ha-ru does have something similar to enhanced perception... Anyway. She's probably just slightly suspicious, nothing serious.

"Oppa. But is that really something to worry about so much?" Seo-eun asked.

"That's right. Isn't it actually a good thing that the Association isn't desperately tracking you down?" Su-bin added.

To their carefree remarks, I shook my head.

While it might not be something to worry about excessively, it's not something to ignore either. I need to prepare some insurance. For example... yes.

No matter what I do, I need someone by Shin Ha-ru's side who will constantly remind her that Egostic is a ruthless villain.

That's the answer.

I need to meet Lee Seol-ah as soon as possible—the de facto shadow ruler of the Republic of Korea, who also operates as the A-class hero Icicle, and happens to be Stardust's best friend.

That seems to be the solution.

***

"Sigh... Stardust. So that really was your reason?"

"Yes."

The Director sighed as he looked at Stardust standing before him.

"Come on... Did you really think the President would launch something that would kill everyone, like a nuclear missile? Obviously, he would have just fired something to take down the robot. Why did you block it? Didn't I tell you? That GOAB isn't that powerful of a missile."

"....."

The Director pressed his empty head firmly. Then he began to lament in front of her.

"Stardust. No, Shin Ha-ru. I almost went bald because of you... Do you know how many risky moves I had to make to defend you? I nearly lost my head. Fortunately, public opinion turned against the President... I never thought I'd see the day when I'd have to slander the President..."

"...I'm sorry."

"No, no. Well, that guy has been stepping on our Association at every turn, so I didn't like him anyway. And why did he fire a missile without consulting us? I guess he wanted to show off something, but he ended up making a fool of himself. Anyway, that robot eventually malfunctioned and exploded on its own."

"....."

"And I hear you're expected to be promoted to S-class soon, so congratulations in advance. Your popularity has been soaring lately, maybe thanks to my PR efforts. For now, let's keep a low profile. Public attention isn't always good. Go somewhere quiet and rest."

"Yes. I understand."

"Good... Ugh. A phone call... Damn it. Kim Manager!!! Didn't I tell you to block calls from the Blue House?!"

"Director, they keep changing their numbers to contact you, so there's no solution! I think it's best if you just turn off your phone!"

"Sigh... Shin Ha-ru, see? This is how hard my life is."

"Yes, Director. May I go now?"

"...Sure."

Leaving behind the Director's weary words, she exited the office.

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

Zing

And just as she had felt during the Association's measurements, indeed.

Her power had grown noticeably. To the point where even a promotion to S-class was being discussed.

....On top of that, though unintended, she had also gained a lot of popularity.

All of this, when you think about it, was thanks to that guy Egostic.

"...."

She had saved him this time.

At the thought that he might die, her body moved without her even realizing it.

A reckless action with no thought for the consequences.

If the truth were to come out, she would have been ruined.

A hero who deliberately saved a villain? She could have been dragged to a detention center immediately. That's how unthinkable it is for a hero.

However, if someone were to ask her if she regretted her actions.

She would probably be unable to answer that question.

The moment she thought about Egostic, the events of that day overlapped in her mind.

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

And then, arms that caught and embraced her mid-fall.

The sight of him smiling smugly at her as he saved her from falling.

And the way he asked her with genuine curiosity why she had blocked the missile, showing no understanding at all.

...And the extremely surprised expression on his face when she answered, as if he hadn't expected it at all...

"Ha-ru!"

"Huh?"

As she was walking lost in thought, she was startled by Seol-ah who suddenly appeared from one side.

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

"Ah... You were? Sorry. Let's go together."

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

"Huh? Why?"

"I saw you smiling a little as I was coming."

"....I was?"

She paused slightly at those words.

...Was I smiling?

Why did I smile without even realizing it?

Slightly behind Shin Ha-ru who had started to ponder this,

Lee Seol-ah was quietly wearing a cold smile as she observed Ha-ru's behavior.

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

"So, Ha-ru. Looking at the current situation, I think you could take a break for a while. Want to come over to my place?"

"Huh?"

"Come to Busan for a vacation. Didn't the Director tell you to rest for a while anyway?"

"Well? He did say that..."

"Then there's no problem! Right?"

"Huh? Um...."

And so, while Shin Ha-ru was still flustered, it was decided that she would visit Seol-ah's home in Busan for a while.

***

"Everyone. I'm going to Busan for a bit."

"What?"

Seo-eun and Se-hee looked at me with puzzled expressions.

Sorry, I'll go and come back quickly.

I've got someone I need to persuade.