The Crazy Villain Regains His Sanity - Chapter 38

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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 38

The creature that appears a month later, known as Nuri, earns the designation “No. 8” because it is the eighth Level 8 Harmful Monster to emerge.
A Level 8 Harmful Monster.
It possesses enough destructive power to annihilate an entire nation.
A Level 8 Awakened One can inflict meaningful damage, and hunting it requires at minimum a hundred Level 6 or higher Hunters to support the effort.
…Honestly, from where I stand, I wonder if we really need that much firepower.

“That’s the baseline for hunting with minimal casualties, anyway.”

Of course, hunting is possible even without a Level 8.
The problem is that a third to half the city gets destroyed in the process.
The memory surfaced vividly.
Because of Nuri, hundreds of elite Hunters die and Seoul suffers catastrophic damage.
I’d been scheming to join a major Guild by any means necessary, and afterward I set my sights on the reconstruction period, but it came to nothing.
Despite countless openings, there was no place for me in the Guild.
That’s when I think I started to go wrong. My ability was simply insufficient, but I blamed the world instead.
It was the period when my life spiraled most terribly, when I made the most foolish decisions—the memory remained sharp as glass.
I moved into Cheong Wa Dae alongside Cheon Myeong-guk.

* * *

“When exactly will I have the chance to greet the President?”

A single word from Choi Jun-ho, and the meeting materialized.
Cheon Myeong-guk found himself hoping the meeting between the President and Choi Jun-ho would be delayed as long as possible.
The reason for his concern was simple.
There was a real possibility they would get along.
One was the President of a nation; the other was an Awakened One.
The Republic of Korea operates under a presidential system, and the President’s power is formidable indeed. Choi Jun-ho, the youngest Awakened One, is equally rare in his value. There are scarcely a handful of figures comparable to him.
Cheon Myeong-guk dreaded what kind of destructive synergy might emerge if those two found common cause.
Cheon Myeong-guk took a step back first.

“The President’s schedule is quite demanding, so the meeting may not materialize until quite late.”
“That’s fine.”

But there was no evading Choi Jun-ho’s directness.
In the end, Cheon Myeong-guk had no choice but to report Choi Jun-ho’s request directly to the President.
And.
The meeting was arranged for that very day.

* * *

I was fortunate.
Less than an hour after Cheon Myeong-guk filed his report, I found myself face to face with the President.
The current President of the Republic of Korea is Jeon Han-cheol, a man who rose through the ranks of three-term Seoul congressman, cabinet minister, and party chairman before reaching the presidency.
He is known as “the Buddha” for his perpetually smiling face, and his administration enjoys solid support through a style of governance that is steady and uncontroversial.
The President, now in his mid-sixties, bore the marks of accumulated stress—snow-white hair, deeply etched lines around his eyes—yet his features remained gentle and kind.
People like this typically harbored some secret agenda.

“I’m Jeon Han-cheol.”
“Choi Jun-ho. Please, treat me casually, Mr. President.”
“I’ll ease up on the formality gradually. I’ve been wanting to meet you for some time. You’re as striking in person as you are on screen.”
“And you make a far better impression than I expected, Mr. President.”
“People often tell me I look better in person than on camera.”
……

Well, he’s certainly proud of his appearance. His impression is good enough, at least. Pride in looks noted.
Separate from that, my conversation with the President unfolded in perfect harmony.
As for Cheon Myeong-guk, I wonder why he keeps looking at me with those anxious eyes. It’s starting to grate on me.
Could it be that the President is also among those who called me a half-measure? If so, the situation changes. I need to get my blacklist — or rather, my gossip list — soon.
Either way, I’ve decided to just observe.
And then there’s President Jeon Han-cheol.
What does this man make of me?
Before I could ask, the President’s eyes gleamed as he spoke first.

“Personally, I’ve been watching your movements with great interest, Choi Jun-ho. You have no idea how refreshing it was to see that press conference.”
“Isn’t the usual advice to show restraint?”
“I’m one of those who hears that advice too.”

The President burst out laughing.

“I tried to meet with you several times because of it, but Cheon Director here kept discouraging me, saying I was too busy. So it took quite a while.”
……

So Cheon Myeong-guk was the one blocking it all along.
Could Cheon Myeong-guk actually be the first name on my gossip list instead of a blacklist?
Talking with him, I can see it now. If those around him didn’t cover for him, the President would stir up all manner of controversy and gossip. His way of speaking was quite direct.

“Thank you for thinking well of me.”
“Of course I should think well of you. After all, you turned down persistent overtures from various quarters and chose the nation. As the head of the executive, I can only be grateful. Though.”

The President’s eyes, which had been smiling kindly, opened slightly.

“I imagine you’re under some pressure regarding results.”
“You mean the half-measure comment?”
“Not just that. Since you represent the nation as an Awakened One, pressure can come from multiple directions in various forms.”

The President smiled kindly again.
He paid compliments with honeyed words, but he was clearly a fox who spoke his mind while looking out for himself.
Well, more of a raccoon than a fox.

“I’m not the type to feel pressure easily.”
“Truly exceptional. I like that composure.”
“There will be an opportunity to demonstrate my skills before long.”

Acting on hearsay and gossip is tantamount to admitting one is sensitive to rumors.

“Impressive. I look forward to seeing your accomplishments.”
“Feel free to expect much.”

The distance between the President and me was precisely calibrated.
Until now, the people I’ve dealt with fell into two categories.
Either they accommodated everything and maintained relations, or they rejoiced while crying out in anguish.
The President, by contrast, maintained an appropriate distance and said everything he wanted to say with that smooth, easygoing manner.
He carried considerable weight despite not being an Awakened One.
It seemed that kind of worldliness was essential to being President.

“Once the year draws to a close, foreign dignitaries will be visiting. Various Awakened Ones tend to come along, and there can be quite a bit of political maneuvering involved.”
“How should we handle it?”
“Oh! Can you do whatever I want? Even if I ask you to break their spirit?”
“The other side could suffer significant injuries in that case.”

The President laughed at my response, seeming pleased.

“I like that. The previous one always insisted on keeping things amicable. We’re also a strong nation of Awakened Ones—we’re not falling behind anyone. Why do we always have to show restraint? Diplomacy, no matter how well you dress it up, comes down to power. When both sides think differently and clash, it’s the stronger one whose words carry weight. I’ll put all my trust in you and make my move.”
“Yes.”
“Mr. President.”
“I don’t know. I’ve decided to trust only what Awakened Ones say.”
……

The deepening of Cheon Myeong-guk’s wrinkles was rather amusing to watch. His expression had seemed off, but now I understood it was the President’s doing.
After so long hearing only from someone who kept telling me to exercise restraint, it was refreshing to see someone pushing me forward like this.
The more I spoke, the more Cheon Myeong-guk’s complexion drained to an ashen gray.
To any observer, I must have looked like I was trying to overturn things beyond repair.
By the time our conversation wound down, it was already past six in the evening.

“Come now, shall we continue this discussion over dinner?”

As we moved, it was mostly the President who spoke.
He explained the state of foreign Awakened Ones and global affairs—in essence, nations worldwide were reeling from the League’s impact, and there was nowhere quite like South Korea where the government and Guilds maintained such careful balance and stability.

“Balance and stability are crucial. When government power grows excessive, it becomes oppression; when a major Guild swells too large, it begins to privatize state authority. Either extreme yields poor results.”

He said that the League’s entry point had been precisely such a watershed moment.
Radical ideology spreads easily to its surroundings. The League’s vision appears attractive at first glance, but ultimately, endless struggle would condemn everyone to unhappy lives, he added.

“This is all thanks to Choi Jun-ho, who responded proactively. And,”

I glanced back at Cheon Myeong-guk trailing behind, then tilted my body slightly toward the President.

“I suspect it was Choi Jun-ho who wielded Berserker to annihilate the League’s remaining forces.”

For a President, his intelligence was impressive. Perhaps Cheon Myeong-guk had reported it, or maybe he was merely probing.
There was no reason to hide it, so I nodded readily.

“I’ll submit a detailed report soon.”
“During the election campaign, I’ve bought buy-one-get-one-free items at convenience stores before, but this is the first time I’ve seen an Awakened One who’s a half-measure.”

The President laughed broadly.
But why, of all people, was I a half-measure paired with that madman Berserker? The feeling was odd. He was insane and I was normal. I wanted to correct him but let it pass silently.
Dinner was a traditional Korean spread.
Neat and refined, with a subtle, deep flavor that suited my tastes perfectly.
The star dish was the miso stew. Excellent. The President must eat this every day.
I demolished the first bowl like closing a clamshell and was already on my second when I caught the President’s surprised gaze.

“Is something the matter?”
“I’m just impressed by how enthusiastically you’re eating. Looking at you, I’d have imagined you’d be quite skilled at cutting steak.”
“Miso stew is actually my favorite.”
“My wife made this.”

The pride in his voice caught me off guard. You’re telling me he’s been eating this not just during his time at Cheong Wa Dae, but throughout his marriage?

“So you’ve continued to have this the whole time you’ve been married?”
“Well, yes, of course.”
“I envy you.”
“What? Haha! I never expected to hear that. Was it really that much?”
“…I nearly called her mother.”
“Hahahaha!”

The President burst into full-throated laughter. I’d never thought I’d actually envy a president.
I found myself wondering what it would taste like if the First Lady made miso hot pot with Aurochs.

“Ah, Aurochs! I’ll prepare that for you next time.”
“You’re truly blessed, Mr. President.”
“I really should let my wife hear this.”

The President called for the First Lady, and the two of them exchanged pleasantries.
When he lavished praise on the soybean paste stew, her eyes lit up and she dove into conversation with me about cooking.
Her knowledge of cuisine was surprisingly deep, and she was particularly interested in how to draw flavors from Monster ingredients.
Wasn’t I also a specialist in Survival Cooking? The First Lady and I got along far better than I’d expected.
She seemed pleased that I looked so squeamish I couldn’t watch blood, even though I was an Awakened One. She had an uncanny knack for sensing that I was determined to reform and live decently. So this is what they mean by wisdom earned through years.
But Cheon Myeong-guk’s eyes beside her held something less charitable.

“You must come again next time. I’ll make you an Aurochs soybean paste hot pot—it’s delicious.”
“I’ll be sure to visit.”

As we finished the meal and were leaving Cheong Wa Dae, she said she wanted to adopt me as her youngest son and asked me to feel at ease around her.
When it comes to Aurochs soybean paste hot pot, I can’t leave out Jeong Da-hyeon either. I’ll have to bring her along next time.

* * *

It had been a productive day.
Cheon Myeong-guk’s complexion looked haggard as he saw me off.

“I’d appreciate it if you took what the President said today only as a general reference.”
“Of course, that’s my intention.”
“Thank you.”

He looked at me with earnest eyes, and that seemed to be all he needed to say.

“Still, I couldn’t help noticing that what the President said differs quite a bit from what the Director said.”
“…There are some things that require refinement, and some that take each department’s position into account. I’d appreciate your understanding.”
“I understand.”

He’s capable, so he’ll make good judgments and act accordingly.
But having spoken with the President, I could tell he sympathized with me emotionally.
Of course, only as long as I pull my weight as an Awakened One.
That meant proving I wasn’t a half-measure by capturing Nuri, the Level 8 Monster.

“I’ll be waiting for the list.”
“…Haha.”

Taking Cheon Myeong-guk’s laughter as an affirmation, I headed home.
Yun Hee was still fused with the sofa in a state of perfect unity.

“You’re back? That event was wild.”
“Did you see the article?”
“Yeah, your sister just keeps getting prettier every day.”
“You should stop loafing around and spruce yourself up a little.”
“I’m not a celebrity, I’m a Hunter.”

She weaponizes whatever works in her favor with remarkable efficiency.
She pretended to answer carelessly, but her eyes darted about, constantly gauging my mood.
She knew about the half-measure issue too.

“Were you worried because of the Monster hunting matter?”

Yun Hee jumped up from the sofa, startled.

“What? How did you know that?”
“Director Cheon told me.”
“No way—how could he say something like that to your face? That’s such a sensitive topic, depending on the person!”
“I’m not sensitive about it.”
“Still!”

Yun Hee shrieked, her voice sharp with frustration. Cheon Myeong-guk had been careful enough in his explanation, but pointing that out would only sharpen her anger, so he’d decided to let himself be the whipping post.
Still, he hadn’t expected Yun Hee to worry about him like this. It was oddly touching.

“Your feelings aren’t hurt, are they?”
“I’m not so thin-skinned.”
“Thank goodness.”

Relieved, Yun Hee collapsed into the sofa.
His younger sister—who’d always seemed so small—had grown up and was getting angry on his behalf at people who spoke ill of him. The thought that he’d returned to this life and was living it right filled him with quiet satisfaction.

“I can insult myself just fine—but when other people do it, you have no idea how much that gets under my skin.”

Ah, so that was it.

* * *

Another day at the National Defense Organization unfolded like any other.
Which meant, without fail, that something had blown up.
An emergency meeting erupted, and the affiliated Hunters scattered into controlled chaos.
I watched the spectacle unfold, and after the meeting ended, I entered the director’s office at Jeong Ju-ho’s summons.

“The Executioner’s made a move.”
“Ah, the Level 7 Villain.”

The Villain who’d tried to join the League—I remembered him now. I’d forgotten about him since he’d never made much of an impression afterward.
In my previous life, either, I had no real memory of him.
Had he even existed when I decimated the League’s Korean branch?

“Is there a problem, sir?”
“He operated alone before, but now he’s gathering forces. I’m not sure what he’s after.”

According to Jeong Ju-ho, the Executioner was originally a lone Villain.
The Executioner was a madman rivaling the Berserker—a serial killer who murdered whomever he pleased on a whim.
Where the Berserker had killed Villains and Hunters more than civilians, the Executioner simply did as he wished.

“He’s throwing a tantrum because the League wouldn’t take him. The trouble is he operates mostly in the provinces, so mobilizing our full strength there isn’t straightforward.”

The Executioner primarily hunted in Chungcheong Province and North Jeolla Province.
Working with local Villain organizations, he’d been stoking discord—and as his operations grew, military anti-Villain teams were annihilated and entire regions laid waste.

“He’s moving north now. Our intelligence suggests his target is Cheonan. He’ll probably strike tomorrow.”
“Cheonan.”

Of all places—that’s right next to Cheongju. My parents lived there. They hadn’t moved to Seoul yet.
Even if the National Defense Organization mobilized, stopping a Level 7 Villain would require sending several elite teams. The decision-making process would never be fast enough.
Then I’d have to handle it myself.
Jeong Ju-ho probably knew my parents lived in Cheongju and had dangled this bait hoping I’d take it. Cunning as always.

“Even if a decision’s made tomorrow and a team dispatched, there’s a high probability the Executioner will strike first, sir.”
“Exactly. That’s why we’re considering sending some forces ahead.”

But the risk of piecemeal defeat was clear, and his expression darkened.
There were two options. The first was to concentrate nearby forces in Cheonan—but that left other bases vulnerable to being stripped bare if he changed course.
The second was to temporarily abandon posts and consolidate all forces for a unified defense. But surrendering the advantage of established positions would only increase casualties.
I sat in thought for a moment, then remembered a certain naturalist camping in Gongju.

“I’ll stop the Executioner’s northward advance.”
“You’re going yourself?”
“I’m planning to move tomorrow. But there’s someone else who can act sooner.”

Instead of answering, I pulled out my smartphone and showed it to him. Then I sent Berserker a message.

Me—What are you up to?
Berserker—Huh?
Berserker—You’re texting first? Must have something for me to do.
Berserker—I’m right now
Berserker—[photo attached][photo attached][photo attached]
Berserker—consuming Mixed Poison. Electrifying. Heh heh…!
Berserker—Soon Universal Poison Immunity will be mine. When that time comes.
Berserker—Almost said something insane there. Scratch that.
Berserker—But what do you need me to do?
Berserker—Answer me.
Me—I heard the Executioner is heading north. Stop the Executioner from coming up. I’m going tomorrow.
Berserker—Got it. I’ll contact you soon.

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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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