Chapter 220 - Ripple

Villain.

What is a villain?

Primarily found in creative works, a villain is an evil character who opposes the protagonist. In particular, main villains continue to oppose the protagonist until the end, posing a constant threat. As a bonus, they often appear as terrifying masterminds who make you wonder if the protagonist can actually win.

And when I think about it now, I could be considered a main villain. I mean, if I'm not the main villain after opposing Stardust until the end and even being acknowledged by her as her archenemy, then what am I?

So our group, the most influential villain alliance in the Republic of Korea, composed entirely of ability users...

"What is this?"

"It's cotton candy."

...We were making cotton candy.

Well, people need to enjoy sweet things once in a while.

In the garden in front of the mansion. The garden that our Death Knight completely renovated when he said he needed a hobby.

Choi Se-hee and Seo Ja-young had somehow acquired a cotton candy machine from somewhere.

And so, an unexpected cotton candy feast was unfolding in front of the garden.

"....This is quite fascinating."

The most interested was our centuries-old spirit.

Dressed in white traditional clothes with a hairpin, the sight of her eating cotton candy with sparkling eyes was quite incongruous.

Of course, I was also holding a cotton candy.

Pink cotton candy. When I tore off a piece and put it in my mouth, it melted softly.

...I think it's been a very long time since I've had this, probably since visiting an amusement park as a child.

"Hahaha! It's time for free cotton candy distribution! Everyone line up!"

As I listened to Death Knight enthusiastically making cotton candy behind the machine after learning how to use it,

I asked Seo Ja-young, who was tearing into a cotton candy the size of a house beside me.

"Where on earth did you find this?"

"Hmm? I saw it for sale online. So I just bought one."

Seo Ja-young replied while lying on the bench and putting another piece of cotton candy in her mouth.

With her eyes closed and a happy smile as she munched away, she seemed to really enjoy the cotton candy.

"Oppa. What are you doing there? Come over here."

Just then, someone grabbed my arm and pulled me.

I looked to see Han Seo-eun holding a sky-blue cotton candy.

"Try this flavor too. It's delicious."

She naturally tore off a piece of her cotton candy and put it in my mouth.

The cotton candy naturally melted and dispersed in my mouth.

"How is it?"

"It's good. Sweet."

To be honest, I couldn't taste any difference between the pink and blue ones. I was told one was strawberry flavor and this was blueberry... I wonder why?

Anyway, they were both sweet and delicious.

And so, this impromptu picnic unfolded in front of the mansion.

It started with a cotton candy machine, but everyone was outside with smiles blooming on their faces. It was nice to see.

While we were fully relaxing with blankets spread out,

Seo-eun, who had been busy taking pictures of people eating cotton candy, suddenly asked me.

"Oppa, I was thinking..."

"Yes?"

"What do you think about us trying social media?"

"Social media?"

When I asked what she meant, Seo-eun began to explain step by step.

To summarize, she suggested creating an official Ego-stream account to increase our visibility and post pictures of our terrorist activities or daily life. For example, posting pictures of moments like this with our faces hidden.

"...And if she sees us like this, hee. That woman..."

I couldn't hear the last part because it was too quiet, but I imagine it was something similar.

Anyway, as Seo-eun spoke with sparkling eyes, I fell into thought.

...Well. I wonder if there's any need for it. My recognition in Korea is already extremely high, and globally, my existence isn't really known outside of Japan. Plus, managing that would just take up time.

"I don't think it's necessary right now?"

"Hmm... okay."

Seo-eun seemed slightly disappointed, but I reassured her by saying I might reconsider if the situation changes.

...And, thinking about it more, it might not be a bad idea to run one after I retire from terrorism.

Anyway, as we continued chatting about various things, I was relaxing while drinking tea that Su-bin had brought.

....I wondered if it was okay to be eating cotton candy and relaxing like this in these chaotic times, but well. Sometimes you need to rest to work harder later. We'll have to go on another expedition to catch villains soon anyway.

As I was resting,

"Hmm...?"

I received a call from Lee Seol-ah.

***

"Oh, really? Hmm..."

[Yes. She mentioned having a solution, but I'm not sure what it is. Still, she didn't seem upset.]

"I see. Thank you..."

[Oh, and I also got permission from the PMC. I'd like to meet them soon. I think the plan is to give them some practical training?]

"Really? That's great."

I couldn't help but be pleased with what followed. Yes, we need to nurture our PMC early. With Stardust's help, it will be a great foundation.

[Yes. We can set up a schedule later. I'll go down to see the kids... and naturally introduce Stardust too.]

"Right. We just need to set a date..."

After discussing more about the PMC and the Moon Light Church, I ended the call.

Yes, I should inform our PMC soon. I need to go see them.

That's what I decided.

***

*

[101 Reasons Why Egostic Loves Stardust]

*

*

*

For these reasons, Egostic liking Stardust is "common sense"

Stardust should stop rejecting the advances of Egostic, the S-class hero who has saved the Republic of Korea alone multiple times, and they should get together. Like if you agree LOLOL

=[Comments]=

[I clicked the title thinking "no way" but you actually wrote all 101 reasons, you crazy person LOLOL I'll give you props for dedication]

[Seeing this, it really does seem like Egostic likes Stardust LOL I clicked like]

ㄴ[Because... it's true!]

[Honestly, isn't it worse if Stardust doesn't accept Egostic? It would be a sin if they don't get together]

[...That makes sense.]

[The SSS-class hero Egostic is too much for Stardust to handle alone. It's "common sense" that he should get together with all of Ego-stream first, right?]

ㄴ[For real LOL The Ego-stream members probably won't give up either LOL]

ㄴ[Don't say such nonsense. I'm truly appalled.]

ㄴ[@Newday313 Wow... this person always takes Stardust's side... Are you perhaps Stardust?]

ㄴ[......]

ㄴ[Why would Stardust be in Egostic's fan cafe LOL Stop harassing normal members, Electric Mango Grill Team level behavior]

ㄴ[I'm not from Team Electra? I'm from Team Moonlight Mango]

ㄴ[Ego-stream=Electric Mango, Moonlight Mango, Purple Mango, Hacker Mango all together. Stardust=alone. Now who should get together?]

ㄴ[Why are you leaving out Ice Mango? That's the original...]

ㄴ[Ignoring the rising Japanese Mango?]

ㄴ[Why the hell are we having a debate about who should be Egostic's lover in a post about 101 reasons why Egostic likes Stardust LOL This is ridiculous!]

*

"..."

"Hey, Lee Se-geom. What are you doing?"

"Hmm?"

Yu-seong Group's PMC.

Main building.

PMC member No. 1 Lee Se-geom was intently looking at his smartphone when No. 2 Seo Chae-young, who had been talking behind him, called out.

"It's nothing. What's up?"

"Geez. About what Da-in told us today. That we can finally meet Stardust. We should think about how to greet Stardust when we meet her directly."

The auburn-haired woman spoke with a slight grumble but couldn't hide her excitement.

Due to Da-in's constant "Stardust is the best" brainwashing, she was full of anticipation at the thought of meeting someone she admired.

No. 3 and No. 4 felt the same way.

Of course, No. 1 was also looking forward to it. Isn't Stardust at the pinnacle of the Republic of Korea right now? He equally wanted to glimpse a fragment of her ability.

As they gathered to discuss,

The only disappointing thing was that Da-in had asked them not to mention her to Stardust if possible. It was unfortunate for those who wanted to introduce their mentor.

As their conversation continued to bloom,

He, Lee Se-geom with his white hair tied back, was quietly thinking about something else.

"..."

Their mentor Da-in who always said Stardust was the best.

Egostic who supposedly had 101 reasons for liking Stardust.

The familiar feeling he always got whenever he saw Egostic on TV.

Da-in's unusual avoidance of mentioning Egostic, the current No. 1 villain.

As Lee Se-geom's thoughts continued to connect,

He finally made a decision.

To share his suspicion with his colleagues.

"But why did Da-in tell us not to mention her to Stardust?"

"I wonder..."

"It really seems like she's hiding her true identity... but I can't figure out what it is..."

"It definitely feels like she must be either a hero or a villain."

As he listened to No. 2 and No. 3 exchanging thoughts,

No. 1 finally spoke up.

"...I think I know our mentor Da-in's identity."

"Huh?"

The other three blinked at Lee Se-geom's sudden statement.

And so, calmly,

He shared his thoughts with them.

"It's just my guess, but I think our mentor Da-in is probably..."

"...the A-class villain, Egostic."

"....What?"

And so,

Without Da-in's knowledge,

A small ripple was spreading through the PMC.