The Crazy Villain Regains His Sanity - Chapter 13

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 13

“Wow… wow! This is really…….”

Lee Se-hee, who had taken it from me as though plucking my heart itself, let out a continuous stream of exclamations at the sight of it.
For the director of the entire Seongsong Guild to marvel like that—honestly, I’m not entirely sure what to make of it.
I can process Monster Hearts thanks to a Villain known as Heartworker. A craftsman by trade, Heartworker possessed exceptional Processing skills and used them to amass astronomical sums of money.
But his mistake was supplying those refined goods to Villain organizations. Since Monster Hearts of Level 5 and above are registered under state control, when multiple Villains using stolen goods committed crimes, Heartworker’s identity surfaced.
Pursued relentlessly, Heartworker taught me his techniques and asked for my protection. I remember how, right up until his death, he boasted that his skills were the finest in the world.
At any rate, judging by Lee Se-hee’s reaction, my own abilities seem to be of considerable use.

“Phew! I’ve examined it well. This is truly remarkable work. You want to sell it to me, yes?”
“Seongsong Hospital’s express fees.”
“No! That’s out of the question! This is just a side benefit. For a treasure of this caliber, proper compensation must be paid. Baseless greed invites calamity.”
“If you insist.”
“However, to my eyes it’s clearly extraordinary, but an exact valuation is difficult. I’ll contact you once I’ve completed a proper assessment. Will that work?”
“I don’t mind.”

The compensation Lee Se-hee offered was merely supplementary income to me. Unsatisfied with my response, she knitted her brows together.

“Transactions shouldn’t be conducted that way. There are so many con artists in this world. If you’re not careful, you could get completely… ah, no, never mind.”

She trailed off mid-sentence and glanced briefly at my hands.
Did she imagine I’d smash the skull of whoever tried to scam me?
Perhaps I would have done so when I was mad, but now that my mind is sound, I don’t.
Hmm.
To be honest, I’ve never even considered being scammed. Never experienced it either. Does that bother me much? I still don’t know.
Regardless of my thoughts, Lee Se-hee’s pragmatic approach allowed us to conclude our agreement.

“And there’s one more thing I want to ask of you.”
“What’s that?”
“Don’t tell Jeong Da-hyun that I came here.”
“…I had no intention of mentioning it from the start. It’s only natural that we keep our client information confidential, especially when they bring profit to our company. But.”

Lee Se-hee’s eyes toward me grew sharp and keen.

“Taking such care of Jeong Da-hyun makes me a little jealous, actually. My head nearly exploded.”
“But it didn’t.”
“Which is why I’m still breathing here.”
“I don’t do business with just anyone. I only deal with people I can trust.”
“That’s quite a compliment.”

Her expression softened as though her earlier words had been nothing at all. Her ears seemed a little flushed. Then, catching sight of the clock on the wall, she asked for my understanding.

“I’m sorry, but I have another appointment coming up.”
“I’ll repay the debt of this sudden visit some other time.”
“Of course. I’ll contact you soon.”

I nodded and left Seongsong Group Headquarters while Lee Se-hee saw me off.
It had been a satisfying transaction.

* * *

After confirming that Choi Jun-ho had left, Lee Se-hee gazed at the object in her palm.
The Processed Heart Crystal, as it was called, was itself a work of art.

“I’m grateful for the treasure, but I need to figure out where it came from.”

Lee Se-hee contacted the Seongsong Guild Subsidiary Research Institute. A short while later, a stout man in his early fifties arrived at the office.

“Welcome, Director.”
“Yes, Team Leader. What brings this on?”
“There’s something I’d like you to examine.”

The Director’s face registered shock the moment he laid eyes on what Lee Se-hee presented.

“This is… where on earth did you obtain this?”
“The source is confidential. How much do you think this is worth?”
“Remarkable. That such processing is even possible—it’s extraordinary. To completely suppress a heart’s power requires overwhelming quantity, masterful control, and precision. The processing method itself is entirely novel.”
“As I thought.”

Lee Se-hee nodded, having already anticipated this. Choi Jun-ho—truly an enigmatic figure.

“Please determine precisely which monster this heart belonged to.”

The Director’s eyes sought more information, but seeing the composure in Lee Se-hee’s gaze, he swallowed his curiosity and bowed his head.
He recalled the lethal thorns that lay hidden beneath such exquisite beauty.

“Understood.”
“Then I’ll leave this in your capable hands.”

Lee Se-hee prepared for her next appointment.
Today was the recruitment day for new Hunters who would shoulder the future of the Seongsong Guild.

* * *

Choi Yun-hee, who had passed the practical exam at first place overall, felt as though the moment were a dream.
The Seongsong Guild.
She had set her sights on this place from the very beginning of her Hunter training. She’d had confidence in her abilities, but had tasted defeat at the final stretch.
She could have lowered her sights, but each time she thought of her brother lying idle back home, she held firm. She feared that if she compromised, she’d end up just like him.
Ironically, it was through her brother’s help—the very person she’d sworn not to emulate—that she’d reached this position, but she found she didn’t care.
All that remained was the final interview.
Upon arriving at the interview venue, Choi Yun-hee was startled to see Lee Se-hee sitting there with such composure.
The praise for her beauty—the goddess of elegance, the jewel of Seongsong Group, the flower of the business world—was endless, yet even these accolades paled before her distinction as an Awakener.
While Choi Yun-hee had chosen Jeong Da-hyun as a realistic role model, she held Lee Se-hee as an object of admiration. Her heart raced as she took her seat.

“Welcome. I’m glad you’ve come to the Seongsong Guild.”
“Th-thank you so much.”
“Have I made you nervous? Don’t be so tense. We’re family now. Though it’s called a final interview, it’s really just an introduction between those who’ll be working together from now on.”
“Yes, but that’s easier said than done.”
“Then let’s take it step by step and become closer. First, let me explain the Seongsong Guild system to you.”

New Hunters at the Seongsong Guild receive 300 million won annually in their first year, along with vouchers valid at all Seongsong Group companies. They also receive incentives based on their contributions to Monster hunting, plus priority access to Weapons and Equipment produced by the Seongsong Guild.
This is precisely why the most prominent Awakeners in South Korea rank the Seongsong Guild as their first choice.
There’s a reason the saying goes that if even one family member joins the Seongsong Guild, the whole family can live comfortably for life.
As Lee Se-hee explained methodically, she caught sight of Choi Yun-hee’s scores and her expression shifted to one of surprise.

“In the thirty-seventh public recruitment exam, you ranked first across all practical exam categories—only the second person ever to achieve that. With these results, I have even higher expectations for your future. I’ll have to live up to that myself.”
“Oh, no, that’s not—”

Choi Yun-hee waved her hands away, embarrassed. Lee Se-hee smiled at the genuine modesty.

“You should take pride in yourself. Only the best talent comes to the Seongsong Guild.”
“Yes! Honestly, I’m incredibly proud!”

The Seongsong Guild, with its strict hundred-member cap.
Thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—apply to fill a handful of openings at this place where South Korea’s greatest talents converge.
Choi Yun-hee was that supreme talent, passing first in the brutal competition.

“You’ve made remarkable progress in just a year. Do you have any secrets?”
“I wouldn’t call it a secret, exactly. My brother gave me guidance.”
“Your brother must be exceptional.”

Lee Se-hee’s voice lingered oddly as she said it.

“Yes. He’s a civil servant, but I think he’s remarkable.”
“You’re lucky to have such a good brother.”
“To be honest, he’s as much of a pest at home as they come—but he really is exceptional, I think.”
“You two get along well. I’m jealous.”

With that, Lee Se-hee moved on to explain the role Yun-hee would play going forward.
Guild hunts operated on a minimum four-person team structure, with each member handling their assigned role in combat against monsters. Choi Yun-hee possessed an exceptional Distance Sense and a striking Evasion Ability—skills that would let her deliver heavy damage to her prey.

“I think trying longer weapons might suit you well. That’s fine, isn’t it?”
“I have no objections.”
“Good. Then let’s find the optimal combination for you, and lastly—there’s something I’d like to ask.”
“Yes.”

Lee Se-hee, who had been smooth and assured throughout the interview, now hesitated.
What kind of difficult question was she about to ask?

“Say you encounter a Villain while walking down the street. How would you handle it?”
“While the Seongsong Guild primarily deals with monsters, I don’t think it’s right to simply walk past a Villain. I would first contact the Villain Suppression Unit. Then, if my skills allow, I would subdue them.”
“How much force would that be?”
“Just enough to disarm them and render them unable to resist.”

It was such a textbook answer that it came across as dull.
She knew it was a boring response, but Lee Se-hee’s reaction was dramatic.

“…Thank goodness.”
“Pardon? Thank goodness for what?”
“You’re normal, Yun-hee. I’m truly grateful.”
“Why? Why would you say that?”

Why would someone being normal be something to be grateful for?
Choi Yun-hee couldn’t quite grasp what Lee Se-hee meant.

* * *

With Lee Se-hee’s cooperation secured, Oh Jong-yeop’s younger brother was smoothly admitted to the hospital. He kept insisting he was grateful and wanted to repay the debt, but I told him to just live his own life and didn’t maintain contact after that.
I decided to let my connection with him end there. His brother’s hospital bills were settled, and with Big Ten nowhere near being drawn into villainy, he’d be free to live his life.
Meanwhile, Yun-hee’s parents were overjoyed to hear she’d passed. Their happiness came through the speakerphone, and it lifted my mood as well.
This was the first tangible result of what I’d been determined to do since returning to the past—making my parents and Yun-hee happy.
I asked my parents multiple times if there was anything they needed, but they said no. Still, I resolved to visit the Family Home when I had the chance. Everything seemed to be falling into place.
But it was too early to let my guard down. My true goal was only just beginning.
This fragile happiness shatters the moment I lose my mind. I have to stay vigilant, never knowing when impulse might swallow me whole.
I grip my sanity with everything I have, removing obstacles that could disturb my peace before they ever threaten it. That’s the best I can do right now.
It’s been harder than I expected.
I’m grateful my family is happy, and I’ve been fulfilling my role in the Villain Suppression Unit with dedication.
I’d alternate between paperwork some days and patrol duty on others.
When Jeong Da-hyun came back from outside, her expression was bright—the latest quarterly crime statistics had just been released.

“It dropped sharply.”
“That’s thanks to your hard work.”
“I’m sorry. I’m the only one receiving a commendation.”

Not long ago, the Villain Suppression Unit was recognized for its role in lowering the crime rate and awarded commendations.
I was not among those who received one.
For the record, I’ve arrested more villains than anyone else in the unit.

“I’m fine with it. No real regrets.”
“Still…”
“Actually, I’m pleased to have achieved a personal goal.”

The reason I didn’t receive a commendation was the arrest of Wang Ju-yeol, which had drawn a reprimand, and the mounting Excessive Force cases that would soon reach fifty.
Somehow the media knew—every time I brought in a villain, articles about Excessive Force appeared.
I missed out on the award because of public opinion, but the results satisfied me.

“Not a single one dead.”

Three months since becoming a civil servant hunter.
I’ve arrested over two hundred villains without killing a single one.
I’ve kept the promise Jeong Da-hyun made me.

“You did well.”
“You’ve changed too, Da-hyun.”
“I lacked resolve back then. Looking back, I gave up a lot when I left Seongsong Guild, but I couldn’t let go of those things once I came here. I thought what mattered was getting promoted, not arresting villains. But watching you, I came to understand where I should be headed and what the greatest advantage of being a civil servant truly is.”
“That’s a good change.”
“Does it look good to you too?”
“What people pursue in the end differs for each person. If your goal as a public official is to apprehend numerous villains, then swift judgment and decisive action are absolutely necessary.”

Jeong Da-hyun didn’t leave the Seongsong Guild as a civil servant for power or glory.

“One more thing would complete it.”
“What’s that?”
“The resolve to abandon captives or villains’ lives when circumstances demand it.”
“…That’s difficult.”
“That moment of choice will come someday.”

In my memory, Jeong Da-hyun remains an afterimage—someone willing to lay down her life for justice.
The Jeong Da-hyun I see in this life is still righteous. But where her previous self was colorless, this one has learned to act with some skill.
That’s why her growth held such promise.
…Sometimes I wonder if more people like this would make me seem a bit more normal.

“You’re the only one who talks to me like this. I’m really grateful.”
“If you’re truly grateful, there’s a way to return the favor.”
“What would that be?”
“My younger sister recently joined the Seongsong Guild.”
“Oh! Yun-hee! I heard about that.”
“You knew?”
“Yes! I even have her contact. My typing’s slow, so we haven’t chatted much, but she seemed like a genuinely kind person. She must be busy adjusting these days.”

It was true—Yun-hee’s face had looked drawn lately.

“Since you’re a senior at the Seongsong Guild, I’d like to ask if you could offer her some advice when you have time.”
“Of course. I left midway through, but there’s probably plenty I can help with. I’ll do it! When would be good?”
“Come to our home. I’ll prepare a meal for you.”
“That sounds wonderful. Can I look forward to the menu?”
“How about beef and a Doenjang Jeongol?”
“Doenjang Jeongol! You cook well too, don’t you!”

Jeong Da-hyun’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. She clearly didn’t think I was incapable of it.
She has discerning eyes.
Appearances aside, this is a body that’s survived on survival cooking for over twenty years.

“You can think of it as the most special Doenjang Jeongol in the world.”
“I’m really looking forward to it.”

To live up to her expectations, to preserve my pride as a miso soup enthusiast, I’d need to give it my best effort for once in a long while.
Come to think of it, Yun-hee said she won’t even look at miso soup because of me.
If Da-hyun says she likes it, she’ll eat it, right?
When patrol ended and I returned to the National Guard Bureau, the office inside was bustling.

“Today’s the day the new Hunter arrives. I hear they’re exceptionally talented? Their Level is still low, but apparently they have a special Gift.”
“Talented, then.”
“Yes, I’m curious what kind of person they are.”

Most Awakers called talented end up slipping away to guilds, so each one was inevitably precious.
In that sense, the National Guard Bureau had just landed quite the catch this time.
The moment I saw the identity of the newcomer surrounded by people, I doubted my own eyes. The guy caught sight of me, grinned widely, and approached with a raised hand.

“Hey, friend. We meet again?”
“Oh Jong-yeop.”
“I came to the National Guard Bureau to see our friend.”

At Oh Jong-yeop’s brazen nonsense, the seniors watching let out gasps of admiration.

“You came because of Jun-ho?”
“What wonderful friendship you two have!”
“Isn’t this the true friendship of our age?”

Under the barrage of praise from those around him, Oh Jong-yeop’s shoulders rose higher than the sky itself.
But how the hell did this guy end up here?
His sister’s hospital bills were settled, but I’d figured someone this money-hungry would aim for a decent enough guild and call it a day.
I thought our connection would end there, but our threads seemed far more tangled than I’d assumed.
In the meantime, he kept grinning as he approached me, and now that his worries had vanished, he displayed the kind of cocky swagger I could only remember from my past life.

“Anyway, our friend here is Rank 9, but I’m Rank 7 now, you know? Just so you’re aware. Ahem!”
“…….”

When I stared at him, he quietly turned his head away.
Was he seriously asking me to treat him with respect because he’s Rank 7 now?

“Um, Jong-yeop.”
“Yes! Administrator! I’m Oh Jong-yeop, newly arrived!”

Jeong Da-hyun, who’d been listening quietly, interjected.

“Here at the National Guard Bureau, aside from team leaders, most positions operate on fairly horizontal terms.”
“Pardon? Is that how it works?”
“If you really want to be treated according to rank, the two of you could have a match to settle it by skill. But since these tend to become pride contests, people often get hurt. There was even a fatal accident once, so it’s been discouraged since then.”

Having said that much, Jeong Da-hyun looked at Oh Jong-yeop and spoke carefully.

“Wouldn’t it be dangerous if your opponent were Jun-ho?”
“Administrator, just one question.”
“Yes.”

Oh Jong-yeop swallowed hard and asked.

“Do I look like I’m trying to commit suicide right now?”
“…….”

Jeong Da-hyun answered in silence.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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