The Crazy Villain Regains His Sanity - Chapter 59

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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 59

“Yu Seong-su.”

The president’s expression was complicated. There was no reason to make this difficult—a politician with corruption charges should be a straightforward matter to handle.
The Minister of Awakening’s briefing on Yu Seong-su’s corruption fell into three major categories.
Smuggling facilitation, illegal fund-raising, collusion with Villains.
There were finer classifications within these, but those three categories all stemmed from corruption related to trade with Japan, and the problem was that they were actually influencing Japan.
Funds generated through smuggling were flowing to the League’s Japan branch. From Japan’s perspective, a politician from another nation was funding the League. From South Korea’s perspective, the mayor of Busan had visible ties to the League.

“They’ll make a huge political fuss about this.”

Yu Seong-su was a leading opposition candidate for president. Arrest a frontrunner like that based on Japanese intelligence?
Certain it would drag them into an exhausting political war, the president grimaced and looked at the man across from him.

“For now, we can’t act on Japanese materials alone. We need cross-verification on this. And we need to sanitize the information source as well.”
“We should also confirm how deeply his associates are entangled.”

In simple terms: a culling list.

“…That’s true. If we’re not careful, we’ll end up dead ourselves. Selection is crucial work. You’re planning to handle this personally, yes?”

An obvious answer.

“Considering the good faith Japan has shown, I think it’s appropriate for me to take the lead.”

A kind of customer service gesture. And Yu Seong-su, once seen in Busan, was ninety-nine percent certainly involved. If it weren’t him, Jagalchi could never have grown to that size.
A Villain organization in the city had its limits, no matter how large. It could never expose itself to daylight. So while it was circumstantial evidence, it was certain he was behind it.
Jagalchi was already dealing in drugs and human trafficking. Yu Seong-su, as a politician, had connections to every crime the Villains committed. What do they call that—a complete sweep?
I think I just crush them and find the evidence, but the president might see it differently.

“Once the cross-verification is complete, I’ll inform you.”
“I’ll wait with eager anticipation.”
…….

The president shook his head with a weary expression.
Ah, it wasn’t that killing people was enjoyable—it was eliminating Villains that brought satisfaction.
Like anyone would believe that.

* * *

While conducting information cross-verification on the president’s orders, Cheon Myeong-guk felt he was reaching his limits managing both his duties as the president’s aide and overseeing Choi Jun-ho. This aligned with the president’s intent to establish a new bureau and reclaim government authority from the large Guilds. Cheon Myeong-guk visited the National Guard Bureau seeking the most promising candidate.

“Hmm, have I done something wrong?”
“That couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“Then let’s start with some tea while we talk.”
…….

There’s something to this.

“So what exactly is this proposal you mentioned?”
“It’s not my proposal. It’s the President’s.”
“The President?”

At the mention of the President, Jung Ju-ho straightened his posture.

“The President holds your accomplishments in very high regard—your decisive leadership across the three bureaus in this Villain eradication campaign has been exemplary.”
“The coordination wasn’t really leadership on my part. It was simply that I knew the people involved, so aligning our interests went smoothly. The National Guard Bureau performed well, External Cooperation Management performed well, Monster Defense Front performed well—each did their part.”
“The President is well aware of your humility, Director Jung. And of your love for the nation.”
“…….”

He was laying it on thick.
Jung Ju-ho caught the stench of something rotten wafting through all this elaborate praise.
One wrong move and he’d be hooked—badly.
His eyes narrowed as he watched Cheon Myeong-guk.

“So what is this proposal, exactly?”
“We’re planning to establish a new Bureau above the three current ones. The President would like you to take that position.”
“One clarification: does this new Bureau work operations in conjunction with Choi Jun-ho?”
“Of course, depending on the operation, there will be times when you work alongside Choi Jun-ho, the Superhuman…….”

He was dancing around it.
Jung Ju-ho, having caught the scent, pressed relentlessly.

“Actually, let me rephrase. At this new Bureau, you’d run into Choi Jun-ho pretty regularly, wouldn’t you? For the record, anything more than three times a week is a lot.”
“I… can’t say that won’t happen.”
“Then I’ll have to decline. I’m not interested.”

Jung Ju-ho, having sniffed out the trap’s nature, refused on the spot. Cracks appeared in Cheon Myeong-guk’s expression—the fish had slipped away on the first cast.

“The position of Bureau Chief is vice-ministerial rank. It’s a promotion. Yet you’re refusing it?”
“Yes.”
“I’d like to know why.”
“First, I simply don’t like the idea of increased responsibility.”
“Pardon?”

Jung Ju-ho began laying out his sophistry without hesitation.

“If I become Bureau Chief, that means heading something above three bureaus. Naturally, my responsibilities expand, and the work piles up. I’m satisfied with my current position. I’m not ambitious—I’m a conservative. And frankly, looking around, there are plenty of people more suited to it than me. What about Yeom Ki-chul from External Cooperation Management? He’s running that bureau without difficulty, maintains solid relations with various Guilds, and has his personal and professional life both in order. Since he has less to protect, he could apply strong, consistent pressure aligned with government policy. I’d like to strongly recommend Yeom Ki-chul for this role.”

Having said his piece, Jung Ju-ho fixed his gaze on his coffee cup and sipped in silence.
It was a clear gesture: he was done listening.

“…….”

Cheon Myeong-guk, watching this display, furrowed his brow.
He’d caught on.
Typical of the cunning fox who led the National Guard Bureau. The moment he smelled the trap, he’d sealed himself off completely.
Naturally, it was Cheon Myeong-guk who had first recommended Jung Ju-ho for the newly established Bureau.
The recommendation was based on personal connections, but nothing unusual about that. Jung Ju-ho was the only one capable of running the National Guard Bureau well while simultaneously facilitating smooth cooperation between External Cooperation Management and Monster Defense Front.
There was no talent of his caliber, no one else who could fill such a role.
Most importantly, Jung Ju-ho was the Special One—the only one who could handle Choi Jun-ho.
The only person who could save him from drowning in blood.

‘Come to think of it, it’s all because of you!’

When you think about it, this is all Jung Ju-ho’s fault.
Handing Choi Jun-ho over to him without even knowing what he really was.
Because of that, a perfectly healthy body had turned into something wasting away in an instant.
The problem was that Jung Ju-ho saw right through Cheon Myeong-guk’s true intentions as well.

‘You think I’d fall for that bait? I found peace somehow—I’m not walking into hell.’

After Choi Jun-ho’s supervision transferred to Cheon Myeong-guk, Jung Ju-ho experienced a miracle.
His hair loss slowed, and his remaining hair began to thicken.
For someone like Jung Ju-ho who had spent years slowing the process with medication and treatments, there could be no greater miracle.

‘I need to drag Jung Ju-ho in and share the burden.’
‘He’s a state-recognized Superhuman, after all. Let the higher-ups work it out among themselves. I’m just going to kick back here.’
……

The two men engaged in a fierce psychological battle to pass Choi Jun-ho off to each other.

* * *

Around the time the government was keeping busy with its delegation schedule, Sungsung Group began feeding news to the media about their new Monster Heart processing method.
They christened the processed Monster Hearts created by their new method “Big Bang” and announced their ambition to leave a major mark not only on the Korean market but on the global stage as well.
The media began reporting on this development extensively.

<Sungsung Group Did It! New Monster Heart Processing Method Developed!>
<New-Type Monster Heart! Enhanced Power Through Superior Efficiency!>
<Will “Big Bang” Live Up to Its Name and Trigger a New Paradigm Shift?>
<Why Is the World Watching Sungsung Group’s Processing Method? The World-Shaking “Big Bang Series” Unveiled in Full!>

The reaction was explosive. The media could barely contain its excitement at reports that the new method could achieve efficiency levels of at least 1.5 times higher, and in some cases more than three times greater.
Monster Hearts were a new energy source—for Hunters, they were powerful weapons and armor, as well as materials for crafting various supernatural items.
Higher efficiency meant greater weapon power, sturdier armor, and safer, faster Hunting. It was revolutionary.
Calling it a revolution in the industry would hardly be an exaggeration.
Sungsung Group revealed that Choi Jun-ho had played a significant role in this development.
Once rumors spread that Choi Jun-ho—who carried nicknames like Head Breaker, Youngest Superhuman, Nuri Slayer, and Walking Human Seawater—would personally take the stage at the Big Bang Series showcase, the public excitement reached a fever pitch.

-What kind of invention is this, anyway? Everyone’s going crazy.
-Calling it a revolution wouldn’t be an overstatement. It’s the kind of shock we felt when smartphones appeared. The entire global situation could actually change.
-Monster Heart efficiency increases → weapons become way more powerful → more Monsters can be hunted → citizen safety is guaranteed → lost territory can be reclaimed → more refugees can be taken in → we could return to the peaceful times of the past(?)
-Are Sungsung Group and Choi Jun-ho gods? This is an invention that will shake the world! Buying it right now!
-The hunting duration will be shorter, but we’ll also conserve stamina, so it’s even better.
-But why are they turning this into a licensing deal?
-The world isn’t unified like it used to be, so Sungsung Group can’t supply the whole globe on their own. Eventually knockoffs will appear anyway, so instead of letting it go, they’re collecting licensing fees. They’ll still keep a monopolistic position though. Even if someone knows the processing method, they won’t be able to extract the same efficiency as Sungsung Group does.
-Sungsung Group’s magnanimous decision. So we’re finally getting a peaceful world like before?
-Still unknown. We don’t know what creatures have nested in lands the Monsters have inhabited for decades. What if an 8-level Hazard suddenly appears after we’ve pushed deep? It’s definitely an excellent invention, though.
-Wow, they really pulled it off. So Hunting’s going to be safer now too?
-And they didn’t even tell me……how disappointing……!

* * *

Amid the explosive reaction, I was preparing for the showcase.
There was nothing particularly special about why I ended up overseeing it.
Lee Se-hee wanted to cement the Big Bang Series in people’s minds as something associated with Superhuman imagery.
I couldn’t refuse because sales of the Big Bang Series would benefit me, and I was offered a Treasure-grade Short Sword as compensation for the showcase.
I dressed in my usual charcoal-gray suit with a necktie and polished shoes. While most showcases call for casual attire, Lee Se-hee had recommended formal wear.

“Since you’re young, it’s important to project a more mature impression. Youth and freshness aren’t always the ideal.”

Lee Se-hee smiled with satisfaction at my appearance, even adjusting the angle of my necktie—she said angles mattered. I caught the scent of her perfume, something fresh and elegant. A fitting fragrance.
Getting dressed up like this, I feel like a performing clown.
Regardless, once she seemed satisfied with my appearance, Lee Se-hee told me about the Big Bang Series’ reception.

“The response has been explosive. Now we just need Jun-ho to do his part well.”
“If this goes wrong, there won’t be anything left.”
“Come on, that won’t happen. The product’s performance is solid. Just go and explain it freely, and everyone will fall for it and want to buy the license. Then we’ll be rich.”
“Rich. I don’t hate that.”
“Yes, money is a good thing.”

Looking at Lee Se-hee’s face, she seemed quite excited.

“Do well out there.”
“Yeah.”

Today’s showcase was being held at the Sungsung Department Store Convention Center. It was one of Seoul’s most prestigious venues, hosting not only company events but all manner of major exhibitions.
Before entering the convention center, I spotted Heartwalker among the attendees.

“Heartwalker.”
“Oh, it’s been a while.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your mother.”
“No, it’s all right. At least she received proper treatment, even if it was late.”

Though she’d been on life support, Heartwalker’s mother had passed away not long ago.
Still, it was fortunate that her final days were peaceful.
Now it was up to him to pull himself together.
Even if his attitude at work wasn’t the best, as long as he had the skill, any complaints could be suppressed.
I could only hope he’d make the right choice.
After exchanging greetings, I was guided by a staff member onto the stage, where I could see the distinguished guests and reporters in attendance.
I looked in a mirror and practiced the confident smile I’d prepared. Fortunately, it didn’t look forced.

“I will now unveil the Big Bang Series, which will open up a new world.”

I hadn’t said that this new world would be a good one.

* * *

“Choi Jun-ho is like an onion, seriously. You keep peeling and finding something new every time.”

The reporters at today’s event whispered among themselves.
The Big Bang Series that Sungsung Group had released consolidated existing concepts into one cohesive whole.
It was similar to how multiple functions converged to create the smartphone.
The reporters marveled at the fact that Choi Jun-ho had created the framework for this processing method and even provided a roadmap for it.

“You don’t think they’re just trying to hype up Choi Jun-ho?”

Someone raised a conspiracy theory, but it was immediately rebutted.

“Come on, would they really split the license shares if that were all?”
“That’s far too much money to just give away.”
“The research institute director has actually met with Choi Jun-ho several times.”
“Even Director Lee Myeong-hak from the Monster Defense Front Bureau sang his praises. Though he did mention your neck could be on the line if things go wrong……”
“That’s pretty impressive, no doubt.”

While the reporters were murmuring, Choi Jun-ho arrived at the showcase venue.
Several reporters gasped at the sight of his neat appearance.

“Wow! He’s handsome.”
“That face but he’s called Head Breaker? Is that really the same person?”
“He’s got a fan club and everything. He has tons of female fans.”
“Don’t write articles that make him seem easy. You could actually get killed.”
“That reporter, O Chang-mun? He’s still in the hospital, they say.”
“At least he got discharged. His bones aren’t even healing properly.”

In the meantime, preparations were complete, and the showcase had begun.

“Today is a day I’ve been looking forward to quite eagerly.”

Behind Choi Jun-ho, a Monster Heart appeared on the screen.
Since the Big Bang was a phenomenon called the cosmic explosion, the birth of the universe, the product name embodied the aspiration that a new world would be born starting today.
This series was a model released by the Shinseong Guild, and through licensing agreements, it would spread across the world.
Choi Jun-ho began his explanation of the Big Bang in an even voice.

“We occasionally get to experience how the world changes when something revolutionary makes its appearance.”

Paper, writing, the wheel — these things passed through history until reaching smartphones, and now the Big Bang Series had emerged.
To anyone unaware, he looked like a young IT entrepreneur who’d achieved success without being a state-approved Superhuman.

“What you’ll see today might not be easy to feel viscerally. But one thing is certain: after today, our lives will become a little safer.”

Before Choi Jun-ho now hung a short sword — the Shot Series that Sungsung Group took pride in. Being capable of emitting Force, it had gained popularity as a self-defense item.
However, since it was an emission-type weapon, its power wasn’t particularly strong, and it had the drawback of only functioning a limited number of times.

“The shortcoming of the Shot Series was that it couldn’t pierce heavy armor. From what I’ve heard in previous showcases, the presentations were quite verbose, you know. Verbose explanations are a sign the other party is committing fraud.”

Laughter rippled through the room at the quip.

“So the Shot Series had a reputation for being inefficient when facing heavily armored Villains or Monsters.”

Choi Jun-ho attached the Big Bang Series to the Shot Series.

“But once the Big Bang Series is engaged, it delivers power on an entirely different level.”

As Choi Jun-ho swung the blade with the speed of lightning, a crescent-shaped burst of Force erupted from the sword’s tip, cleaving the heavy armor-clad mannequin standing ten meters ahead clean in half.

……!

The journalists watching all wore expressions of shock.
The Shot Series was such a popular product that whenever it received a new update, a showcase was held, so everyone present knew better than anyone that such power should never have emerged.

“The output has increased, so we’ve captured two birds with one stone — both emission speed and destructive power. Of course, there are even better methods available.”

He swung the short sword once more. The crescent-shaped Force discharged reduced the head of the mannequin standing beside the one just bisected into dust.
Why did it look like blood spray was gushing from the mannequin’s head?

“That’s how we blow the head clean off. With the Big Bang equipped, the Shot Series can reduce a head to powder, allowing for a clean elimination. I highly recommend this to our female Hunters.”
…….

But unable to voice such a thought, the journalists could only offer awkward smiles.

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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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