The Crazy Villain Regains His Sanity - Chapter 31

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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 31

“Ah!”

Everything had gone exactly as she hadn’t expected. She’d never imagined his attachment to his own country ran this deep.
Occasionally, headhunting targets harbored genuine pride in their homeland. The company kept separate manuals for bringing in such candidates too.
According to the files on Choi Junho, he’d never shown any such inclination. That oversight had cost her dearly.
Unwilling to let him slip away, Anna Christine called out to him in Korean.

“Wait, just one moment, please!”

This too was calculated.
She’d weaponized her halting Korean after learning how men found it charming, endearing even. Her secret trump card.
A beautiful woman showing interest in local culture, eager to learn? It was guaranteed to win favor. And she was the most beautiful among the beauties.
But what came back was unmistakable indifference. He didn’t even glance over his shoulder.
A complete failure.

“…….”

Watching Choi Junho recede into the distance, she bit down hard on her lower lip.

* * *

It was clearly a honey trap.
Korean words had drifted up from behind a moment too late, and they were clumsy at that.
I’d known conversation would be exhausting work — translating her stumbling words in real time — so I’d feigned deafness instead.
Now that I understood what a Level 8 was worth, temptations from all sides were inevitable. But they were merely tools to be used; my objective had never wavered from the beginning.
I approached Jung Juho.
His face held both relief and something more complicated as he looked at me.

“So you’re truly a Level 8 now. Congratulations. Your rank has gone higher than mine. Should I start using formal speech with you?”

His distaste was written plainly across his features. I found his frankness refreshing.
The way he didn’t fear me, the way he laid his feelings bare, occasionally tearing at his hair in frustration — there was something genuine in that I preferred.

“It was only possible because you looked after me so well all this time. And once you’ve been my director, you’re my director forever. Please, stay comfortable with me.”
“Then I won’t hold back. But this isn’t the end — it’s the beginning. You have your demands, and I’ll advocate for you, but it won’t be easy.”

In reality, Awakeners exhausted by tedious negotiations often settled for compromise.
Restrictions existed on going abroad, and negotiating with other parties meant starting the whole difficult process from scratch.
But I was different.
Knowing the other side held a disadvantageous position, they would ultimately give me what I wanted. I could wait forever to obtain it. Time was my ally.
I would impress upon the government the limits of their authority, then extract what I desired.

“Even after gaining an independent status, I intend to remain with the National Guard Agency.”
“Having you there will be invaluable strength.”

But why was he speaking through clenched teeth? Had he bitten his tongue in the intensity of emotion?
In any case, we were partners who could benefit each other. I couldn’t fathom why Jung Juho carried such obvious stress through it all. But this was my best option.
Jung Juho glanced toward the approaching Sacred Guild representatives and Jung Dahyeon before speaking.

“While I meet with the government officials, go greet them. Take your time. The more impatient they grow, the better for us.”
“Understood.”

As I drew near, Lee Sehee stepped forward with a smile. Looking back on Anna Christine from just moments before, I realized that calculating smile had been far more natural than I’d initially thought.

“Congratulations, Junho. You’re a Level 8 now—everyone knows your name.”
“Thanks. I had a lot of help.”
“Oh, this much? That’s nothing. The important thing is we’ve made it clear that the Sacred Guild and you are closely connected. That’s good for us.”

I liked Lee Sehee’s way of negotiating—always looking ahead, never pushing too hard.
The Sacred Guild’s research capacity was impressive too, making whatever we needed.
And with Potions that could mend broken bones like nothing happened, I’d have to place another order next time.

“May I introduce myself? I’m Baek Gunso of the Sacred Guild. I watched the Assessment closely. Impressive work.”

Baek Gunso stepped forward, the man who’d been watching me quietly until then. He was known as a loyal pillar of the Sacred Guild, his reputation built on solid skill honed over decades. In my past life, our paths never crossed, but he’d maintained his name through the Sacred Group’s sword for years.
Cautious, quick to calculate, honorable—but beneath that lay a boldness willing to discard an image built over decades if profit demanded it.
And he was famous for standing against Lee Sehee when she took control of the Sacred Guild.

“Congratulations on reaching Level 8.”
“Thank you.”
“The Sacred Guild’s doors are always open. I’d even be willing to yield my position if you needed it. What do you say?”

He spoke lightly, but the offer was genuine. It was a style I didn’t usually favor, but seeing Lee Sehee’s uneasy gaze, I let it pass without incident.

“Is there anything I want to ask for?”
“You frighten me when you put it that way. Anything but my head—I’m open to it. How about it?”
“The Sacred Guild is a good place. Good enough that I’d trust my sister to it.”
“Other large guilds boast impressive scale, but the Sacred Group—rooted in the Republic of Korea for over half a century—that’s the pillar holding this nation together. Your sister would be satisfied, and you would be too.”

Was it sincerity or mere posturing?
Why had such a man opposed Lee Sehee?
I wanted to pry into his true thoughts, but I held back—the atmosphere would turn awkward if I dug for trouble. If there was something hidden, I could deal with it quietly later.

“Let’s leave it at that for today. Think it over. If you’re interested, I can ask the chairman to set up a meeting between you and Sehee.”
“Uncle, really—right in front of her?”
“Where else would you find a groom like this? At times like these, it’s better to play along with your old uncle’s nonsense.”
“I keep telling you it’s not like that. See you next time, Junho.”
“Yeah.”

Lee Sehee and Baek Gunso left, leaving Jung Dahyeon alone. Her eyes held a lightness as she looked at me.

“Congratulations. I watched the Assessment closely.”
“What did you think?”
“It was fresh. And I realized just how far you’ve gone—that everything you usually show is a natural expression of that height. I learned a lot. Thank you.”
“Just keep doing well. Keep watching from beside me. I’ll be at the National Guard Agency.”
“That’s a relief. I thought you might be leaving far away.”
“The director is being good to me. Though there might be other risks?”

Jung Dahyeon let out a laugh at my words. Maybe because I’d decided to treat her casually, she seemed more at ease now.

“Crushing opponents like that—that seems like you. Subduing them without harm must have been really difficult?”
“…That was the hardest fight I’ve had so far.”

I wanted to crack open the skull of whoever designed this Assessment system. Really crack it open. I wanted to know what he was thinking.

“I understand. I’ve been experiencing that lately too when dealing with Villains.”
“How so?”
“I give one warning, then go straight to force. That way it’s effective and decisive.”

Apparently, the Public Official Hunters on the front lines had become more aggressive in apprehending Villains as a result.

“That’s a good trend.”
“It’s thanks to you, Junho. You showed us what really matters.”

Huh? I never said anything except that villains are bad.
She wanted to know what he meant by it, but Jung Dahyeon didn’t press further.

“Next time we meet, you won’t be my superior anymore.”
“Is that so?”
“All Level 8 Superhumans receive Grade 1 Public Official Hunter treatment. Rank-wise, even the Director isn’t your superior.”

So that’s what Jung Juho meant when he said my status had risen.
With annual salary increases and contract renewals, I’d eventually be treated as a minister-level official.

“So here’s the thing.”
“Mm?”
“Next time we meet, I’ll call you oppa.”
“Oppa?”
“Yes.”

It was an entirely unexpected form of address. The same one Yun Hee used, but it resonated differently.

“Well, I should get going. I’ll be rooting for your negotiations. Junho.”

Jung Dahyeon bowed slightly and left the room. Shortly after, I joined Jung Juho at the negotiation table with the government officials.

* * *

“I am Cheon Myeongguk, Director of the Awakener Security Office.”

The Director of the Awakener Security Office holds one of the three highest positions related to Awakeners in the Republic of Korea.
Cheon Myeongguk had served as Deputy Master of the Sain Guild, achieving countless hunting records in his younger days and conducting international cooperative hunts before becoming Policy Director of the National Guild Alliance. Three months ago, he was appointed Director of the Awakener Security Office.
He was the embodiment of soft charisma and had proven skillful at smoothing over conflicts of interest between the government and guilds, as well as managing foreign relations.
I knew the name. But not in a favorable way.
When I became a Bloodline, he was the one who orchestrated a grand compromise between government, guilds, and citizens—a compromise that unleashed the relentless pursuit that had haunted me ever since.
Even after stepping down as Director of the Awakener Security Office, he went on to distinguished work as an advisor to the National Guild Alliance, establishing the Villain tracking system.
All of it designed to catch me.
In my previous life, he ranked among the first people I wanted dead.
Of course, that was the Bloodline’s grudge.
Not mine. The Bloodline’s.

“I am Choi Junho, Grade 9 Public Official Hunter, Special Team, Villain Task Force, National Guard Agency.”
“I know of you well. I’ve heard tales of Superhuman Choi Junho for quite some time.”
“It’s an honor.”
“I’ve long believed you to be a promising talent who would shoulder the future of the Republic of Korea. Though I confess I underestimated a Level 8 Superhuman. Ha!”

He offered flattery while raking me with a discerning eye.

“Director Jung has already briefed us, but I’d like to hear directly from Superhuman Choi Junho—would you be willing to affiliate with the government?”
“Yes, provided the treatment befits the position.”

I said that while I wanted a good relationship with the government as a National Guard Agency hunter, I was keeping multiple paths open.
Lee Sehee had coached me on this approach—it gave me the advantage.

“You certainly know how to say the things we fear most to hear. The government intends to show maximum sincerity. Since your inclination is positive, I believe we can find common ground. I have great expectations.”
“I share them.”

Once I gave my assent, Jung Juho spoke.

“Perhaps you could outline the benefits provided to Level 8 Superhumans?”
“Of course. First, a Superhuman receives Grade 1 Public Official Hunter treatment in the initial year, with annual salary advancement thereafter. In terms of actual government rank, it’s equivalent to minister-level standing, and······.”

Various tax benefits were mentioned—national guest status during foreign visits, participation in Awakener-related budget operations, priority access to government-issued equipment, and more.
There was no astronomical salary like the major guilds offered, nor their characteristic lavish bonuses, but if one wasn’t bound by greed, it was hardly an unfavorable arrangement.
In fact, Lee Sehee had predicted how the government would move, and most of her predictions had been correct.

“How do you feel about it?”
“I’m impressed.”
“Then······.”
“If you’ll accept just two conditions, I’ll take you up on your offer, Director.”
“Please, tell me what they are.”

Did I think I was almost home? Cheon Myeongguk’s expression brightened. Still, it was possible that something trivial for him felt difficult only to me.
I glanced at Jung Juho, who watched quietly from the side, then brought up something I’d wanted for a long time.

“I’d like to be granted Immunity Privilege and Non-Arrest Privilege.”
“Wait, hold on!”

Jung Juho cried out in surprise, but this was what I’d wanted from the beginning.
Cheon Myeongguk’s expression hardened as if I’d struck a nerve. I had no intention of dragging forward grievances from my past life, but seeing his face actually put me in a good mood. Refreshing.

“Take your time thinking it over. You can give me an answer whenever you’re ready, even if it’s not today.”
“······.”
“Or can you answer right now?”

In the end, Cheon Myeongguk shut his eyes tight.

“I need to consult with others. Please give me time.”
“I’ll wait.”

I’d merely stated what I’d wanted all along, yet I appeared to be tormenting him.
Not that I intended to torment him at all.
In any case, the ball was now in Cheon Myeongguk’s court.
I offered a bow and stood to leave, and Jung Juho followed behind me.

“What are you thinking? Non-Arrest Privilege? Immunity Privilege? Are you trying to destroy this country?”
“I thought it was necessary for me.”
“Why not ask for vested interests like Kim Young-hwan did? They already know all about you—do you really think they’ll agree to that?”
“If they truly need me, they’ll accept it.”
“···Now that I think about it, they’re in a tight spot right now. You calculated that too, didn’t you?”

I simply wanted it from the start. The Immunity Privilege looked good too, so I threw it in on the spot. This was the appeal—demanding on my own terms.
This is what negotiation means. I liked the fact that only I was making demands.

“You’re truly a devil. Director Cheon Myeongguk is a real operator, and you left him speechless just like that. His head’s probably splitting right now.”
“If he’s skilled, he’ll accept it.”
“He’ll move because he’s in a position where he needs you. But what are you planning to do with all of that?”
“Nothing in particular.”

Authority, once granted, always finds a use eventually.
Privileges, no matter how many you have, are never excessive.
I hadn’t said much, yet Jung Juho fell into deep thought.

“Junho, I’m begging you sincerely—if I ever do something you don’t like, please just tell me right there. Don’t act on it. Or if you don’t like the National Guard Agency, just say so. There’s a good place called the External Cooperation Management Bureau. The director there has a good personality too. Remember during that last operation when he trusted me with something important? He trusts people thoroughly, and he’s patient enough to endure even when his wife’s been nagging him for twenty years. He’s clung to his falling hair with such indomitable willpower for two decades now. If you decide, we can move whenever you want. You understand, right? Yes?”

Jung Juho occasionally overreacts. When I receive these privileges and resolve various cases, Jung Juho is the only person who can handle things most cleanly.

“I’ll stay with the National Guard Agency to the end. I’m counting on your continued guidance and support.”
“I hate this!”

Jung Juho wailed and rejoiced.

* * *

“He’s my brother, but he really is something else.”

Yun Hee congratulated me on reaching Level 8, but when she heard what I was asking for, she shook her head.

“Why not?”
“If you get all that, it’s basically a lawless zone. Who’s going to stop you?”
“You think I’d abuse it?”

It’s just for dealing with the villains I can see. Though admittedly, the villains I identify and the ones society officially designates might fall into somewhat different categories.

“Anyway, you’re amazing. Seriously amazing.”
“I’ll take it.”
“Then that’s good, right? I’m on your side anyway.”
“Has anyone been giving you trouble about it?”
“Mm, seems like it’s starting to happen.”

She’s been getting calls from unknown numbers lately.
Nothing like that comes my way. My smartphone only has my parents, Yun Hee, Jung Dahyeon, and Lee Sehee. Oh, and I registered that Berserker bastard recently too.
He’s the one calling me the most anyway.

“And your parents will probably get tired of the attention too. How about bringing them to Seoul?”
“I’d love that. But do you think Mom and Dad will come?”
“We’ll have to convince them.”

The first thing I thought of after reaching Level 8 was bringing my parents from the provinces to Seoul.
Yun Hee raised a practical concern.

“Money, though. You can’t live here without it.”
“I don’t have any.”
“Neither do I. But a loan should go through pretty easily, right? Want to push for the full amount?”
……

Silence hung between us. Money—something that hadn’t caused me any inconvenience in my past life—had suddenly become a new kind of problem. Should I hunt down a monster or two?
Or maybe……

“Should I ask Lee Sehee?”
“What is she, a bank?”

Yun Hee cried out with an exasperated expression.
But something tells me she’d lend it if I asked.

* * *

Four days later, Jung Juho escorted Cheon Myeongguk, who had come to visit the National Guard Agency, to a conference room and then called for Choi Junho.
Cheon Myeongguk began with the same troubled expression he’d worn the first day.

“To be frank, there’s been considerable debate. In particular, many officials expressed concerns upon reviewing Choi Junho’s record.”
“What specific concerns?”
“If I may speak plainly, there have been quite a number of Excessive Suppression incidents on your file.”
“Yes.”

Jung Juho inwardly agreed. The government was doing its job properly, at least.
What was chilling was that Choi Junho himself seemed to regard all those warnings for Excessive Suppression as medals earned through diligent villain-hunting.

“The government’s concern, naturally, is what happens if you’re granted Immunity Privilege and Non-Arrest Privilege……”

He trailed off, but the implication was crystal clear. The government had seen it right. The mere thought of what Choi Junho could do with Immunity Privilege and Non-Arrest Privilege sent chills down Jung Juho’s spine. If he himself were the director of Awakener Security, he would have resigned on the spot.
He’d struck at a nerve, but Choi Junho remained unruffled.

“Things have improved recently.”
“Sorry?”
“If you’ve looked into it, you’ll have noticed that cases of Excessive Suppression were frequent at first, but have dropped significantly in recent months.”

Jung Juho bit back a silent laugh at the audacity—citing an improvement over just the past month, after barely half a year as a Public Official Hunter. The sheer nerve of it.
Cheon Myeongguk shook his head.

“The sample size is too small. It’s difficult to claim a decline based on that.”
“And yet the villains have entered prison looking perfectly intact.”
“For reasons unknown, their insides were thoroughly wrecked.”

The villains Choi Junho had gotten his hands on entered prison devastated enough that they’d never commit another crime—except for one detail.
Their appearance remained untouched.
The concern was entirely justified.
Jung Juho thought Choi Junho had been cornered. Yet the man’s expression hadn’t shifted. There was something more coming.
What followed was remarkable.

“I haven’t been controlling my strength properly until now.”
“Controlling your… strength?”
“Yes. And having received many warnings, I’ve learned that as long as the arrested villain’s exterior looks fine, authorities don’t investigate too deeply. I’ll be more careful with appearances going forward. Give me a chance to prove it.”
“······.”

Jung Juho’s jaw dropped at the sheer brazenness of it.

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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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