The Crazy Villain Regains His Sanity - Chapter 60

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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 60

Choi Jun-ho spoke with perfect composure, unmoved by the startled gazes of everyone in the hall.

“With the introduction of the Big Bang Series, the Shot Series has become faster and more powerful as well.”

He then explained the improvements to the Shot Series as he gestured toward the remaining mannequin.
After that, he displayed numerical efficiency data for weapons and armor equipped with the Big Bang Series before concluding the showcase.

“That concludes the presentation of the Big Bang Series.”

The showcase ended with an intense lingering impression, and Choi Jun-ho fielded questions from the press.
He explained why Monster Hearts could deliver such efficiency, the principle behind it, and predictions for future developments.
Though there was some exaggeration woven in, it was the kind of change that thrilled you just to hear about.

“…Incredible.”

As Choi Jun-ho walked out after the question period, the journalists erupted in exclamation.
The arrival of the Big Bang Series, its efficiency pushed to the extreme.
Though the showcase was brief, it was more than enough to send a massive shockwave through the stagnant equipment market.
And throughout the showcase, the comment reactions were beyond explosive.

-This is insane, insane. Is what I’m seeing right now actually real?
-Head Breaker just did some head breaking. ㄷㄷㄷ
-RIP mannequin, even watching made my neck shrivel up.
-Why do I keep seeing blood fractions? I can even smell the blood lol
-Big Bang Series, if the specs are as stated, a massive transformation is coming.
-The Villains are done for. Even acquiring that thing won’t be easy, but how the hell are hunting teams supposed to compete going forward lol
-But wouldn’t it be a huge problem if a Villain acquired it?
-Seongsong Group supposedly engraves a serial number on them.
-You know what’s really scary? I keep saying it’s radical, radical, and now I’m getting used to Choi Jun-ho’s actions. Why is he flying someone’s head off and I’m watching it with a smile.
-Seongsong Group is about to blow up huge. Choi Jun-ho has equity too, but exactly how much is he making?!
-And meanwhile Choi Jun-ho says he’s paying all his taxes lol
-Perfect Head Breaker!
-It’s scarier that he doesn’t want money, honestly.
-Hehehehe, I’d love to have one in a camper van…!

* * *

“You did wonderfully. Watching it made me want to buy one myself!”
“Is it really that impressive?”

Maybe I’m the strange one. I can use this or not use it—either way doesn’t matter to me. Since the result is always the same anyway, I think I’ve become numb to it.
Everything I did in the showcase was just lip service.
Even though the improved Monster Heart appeared, no dramatic change actually occurred.
Of course, Villains have been acting a bit more cautiously than before.
But the Processing Method itself requires enough craftsmen to back it up, and it needs accumulated capital and know-how.
The world, however, didn’t change dramatically.

“Of course! This product can overturn the global market landscape! It’ll generate astronomical revenues.”
“True enough.”
“What’s really remarkable is that it isn’t limited to just one field. The Monster Heart is a new energy source, and it’s environmentally friendly too. When all of this becomes more efficient, the world’s entire level rises.”
“But if that happens, wouldn’t the Villains become stronger too?”
“They would if they got their hands on finished products. But it won’t be easy.”

A wicked smile curved Lee Se-hee’s lips.
The Processing Method is advancing on two tracks. One is the Big Bang Series, a technology accumulated and produced by the Seongsong Group. Though the development time was short, I provided the completed form from the start, Heart Walker added the details, and then the Shinseong Guild research laboratory pulled out all the stops to create it.
The actual development took roughly three months, but internally the lab estimated it would take a minimum of two years—and as long as three or more—for other facilities to catch up to a comparable level.
Naturally, during that time the lab would roll out an even more advanced Version 2.
Lee Se-hee’s strategy was to maximize the Big Bang Series’ market share while other competitors were still analyzing it, tying them down through licensing.
Moreover, each Big Bang Series product has a unique serial number etched into it, which makes it possible to identify whoever leaked it.
Of course, the party responsible for the leak would have to pay an astronomical sum in damages.
And if they refused?
The license would go to rival nations and rival organizations instead. Even if one’s own livelihood remains untouched, it still stings when your neighbor grows rich. Lee Se-hee had built in multiple safeguards, ways to bind the other party down.
She had a truly exceptional talent for making money, too.

“Impressive.”
“Not at all. It’s thanks to you sharing the technology with me, Choi Jun-ho. This level of knowledge is already accumulated elsewhere anyway.”
“I’m just going with you on this.”
“I’ve heard that from several people, but hearing it from you—it hits different, somehow. Mm, I like it. I really do. I want to hear more. I think I could get addicted.”
“I don’t say it lightly.”
“That’s what makes it special.”

Lee Se-hee smiled at me.
Money must be something she genuinely enjoys. Come to think of it, even I—someone usually indifferent to finances—can sense there’s plenty to be made. What must it be like for someone as market-sensitive as Lee Se-hee?

“There’s an after-party still on. It must be inconvenient for you, Choi Jun-ho?”
“Lately there are too many people wanting to meet with me anyway.”
“I’ll handle things here. You should head home.”
“Is that alright?”
“Of course. Who would object if you say it’s inconvenient?”

Surely she wasn’t actually thinking I’d smash someone’s head in over an objection.
She couldn’t really believe that.
The rumors about me keep getting stranger. I don’t go around killing just anyone.
Would that make me a Villain rather than a state-certified Superhuman?
And I don’t just smash heads either. Plenty of people have died from damage elsewhere.

“Then I won’t refuse.”

In any case, since she offered to send me off, I didn’t decline.
Having left things in Lee Se-hee’s hands, I headed straight home.
Hmm, dressed up like this and driving a compact car. Now that I’m earning money, I should probably get a new one.
I’ll have dinner with Yun-hee at home.

* * *

After Choi Jun-ho left, Lee Young-tan approached from where he’d been observing from a distance.

“Still, it would have been better to have the Superhuman Choi Jun-ho stay for the after-party.”
“I know.”

Even though the Seongsong Group had developed it, Choi Jun-ho was the real star of today’s after-party.
How could she not understand that?
He’d executed the showcase brilliantly today.
Lee Se-hee’s decision to put Choi Jun-ho front and center was entirely deliberate.
This venture would bring the Seongsong Group astronomical profits. The more money flows in, the more hands reach out with their palms open. But with Choi Jun-ho present, a significant portion of that could be prevented.
No fool wants their head smashed in.
Word was that the opposition party had been harsh in their criticism of Choi Jun-ho, but apparently the Busan mayor stood behind him.
A state-certified Superhuman can operate openly; criticism is all one can really level.
The Red Snake Kim Young-hwan had faced considerable censure as well.
But Choi Jun-ho was different in character. His methods might be ruthless, but everyone who died by his hand had reason to die. He doesn’t accumulate wealth from it, nor does he show interest in power or profit.
This Big Bang Series collaboration was itself a new market venture born of partnership.
The world doesn’t yet realize that as long as you don’t commit crime, as long as you don’t cross him, Choi Jun-ho is quite safe to deal with.
Of course, there are always those who insist on dipping their finger in to taste whether it’s shit or soy paste.

“If you have complaints, save them for when you can talk to Choi Jun-ho directly.”

Lee Se-hee wasn’t without her own reservations, but Choi Jun-ho’s wellbeing took priority.

“We can’t treat Choi Jun-ho as something we can bend to our will. From our perspective, the best outcome would be his attendance at the after-party, but from his perspective, avoiding needless hangers-on is far preferable. By recognizing that and showing consideration, we earn his trust.”
“Your judgment is sound, Team Lead.”

Lee Se-hee turned to Lee Young-tan as she spoke.

“It’s good that you prioritize the guild’s position, but when it comes to matters involving Choi Jun-ho, think from his perspective instead. That’s what builds his trust in us, and that trust becomes the guild’s greatest asset.”
“I’ll remember that. My apologies.”
“No need to apologize—you’ve worked hard at multiple sites today. Enjoy the after-party at your leisure. As for those who come sniffing around, I’ll handle them.”

A cold mask settled over Lee Se-hee’s face.

* * *

“What? Why are you home so early?”

Choi Yun-hee, sprawled on the couch at home, welcomed my early arrival with cheer. When I mentioned I’d skipped the after-party to eat at home, she erupted in protest.

“You fool! You should’ve asked me to come! And you’re here eating plain home-cooked meals when there’s delicious food waiting for you out there!”
“Home cooking is better. It’s safe, and it tastes good.”

She spoke dismissively, but that was hardly fair. Since our parents moved to Seoul, Mother had been preparing side dishes every week to stock our fridge.
From a variety of banchan to the occasional special dishes—it was a feast that rivaled any restaurant spread. And yet she dared dismiss it.
Lee Young-hee’s daughter clearly didn’t understand the value of home cooking.
I’d never hear the end of it if I said that aloud, so I quietly relayed her comment to Mother instead. She’d have to answer for that remark.
Choi Yun-hee seemed to realize she wasn’t being genuine and quickly moved on, mentioning the Big Bang Series, which was the talk of the town.

“The Big Bang Series is seriously incredible.”
“You already knew about it beforehand, didn’t you?”
“I’d heard rumors, sure. People were saying something major was coming. But seeing the actual product? It exceeded every expectation. Since the guild’s distributing it to its members first, it’s going to be a massive hit. I have to brag about it to my friends.”
“So you do have friends, then.”

Choi Yun-hee’s expression turned bewildered.

“What, you thought I didn’t?”
“…Why would I assume you have no friends?”
“You’re saying you do have friends?”
…….

Her tone made it clear she assumed otherwise, and that stung my pride.
But couldn’t people be friends despite an age gap? Jung Ju-ho, Cheon Myeong-guk… and even Berserker in a broader sense… no, I had some dignity left—I couldn’t call a madman a friend.

“Look, you’re pretending to have friends now.”
“…Ugh.”
“Anyway, I never expected the Shot Series to pack that kind of punch. If they improve its power further, it could be devastating not just against Villains but against monsters too.”
“Against high-level Hazard monsters, it’s not particularly effective. Ordinary weapons would serve better.”
“I see.”

Choi Yun-hee’s eyes sparkled as she fired questions at me. I answered them thoroughly, hopeful she’d put the knowledge to good use. Mother’s reckoning would arrive soon enough, after all.
By the time I finished eating and cleared the dishes, Choi Yun-hee’s smartphone rang. That was faster than expected.

“Hello? Mom? What? When did I ever do that? No! How could you even think that of your daughter? I didn’t, I’m telling you! What? My brother did? Oh, okay. I really didn’t. Why do you always believe oppa over me? I’m a symbol of trust at the guild, you know? And coming home late after drinking—that’s just part of working life, isn’t it? Yes? And of course I’m trying to watch dramas in moderation. I didn’t! Ugh, why did you even take a picture of that? No, no, I’ll make more of an effort. Yes, yes. Okay. You take care of yourself too, Mom.”

The moment Choi Yun-hee hung up, her eyes turned murderous as she fixed me with a glare.
That informant worked fast.

“You miserable rat! Why’d you snitch to Mom?”
“…….”

I watched the enraged wild boar charge toward me, then quietly shut the door.
A moment later, the sound of impact echoed through the space.

* * *

I stopped by the Awakened Security Office to check whether the Busan investigation had wrapped up. They told me it would take time since they needed to investigate not just the mayor himself but his associates as well.
Knowing that information gathering was no simple matter, I was prepared to accept this and leave, but Cheon Myeong-guk seemed to have something on his mind.

“I saw the Big Bang Series. Congratulations.”
“Ah, thank you.”

Cheon Myeong-guk offered his congratulations. I waited quietly for what he’d say next.

“I thought it best to address this directly, so please forgive me for any inconvenience, but I wanted to touch on what you mentioned last time about taxes.”
“Yes, taxes.”
“You said you had no intention of pursuing tax reduction…….”
“I’ll take whatever legitimate deductions are available. I’m simply avoiding aggressive tax avoidance.”
“Ah, I see.”

Did my meaning not come across clearly?
I recalled the conversation I’d had with the Seongsong Group’s tax director and elaborated.

“There are many types of tax reduction strategies, and among them there are quite a few where the line between legal and illegal is ambiguous. As they say, it depends on how you look at it. A tax director naturally wants to maximize deductions, but doing so puts you at risk of temptation.”
“…….”
“It’s a mechanism that can trip you up if you’re not careful, right? The director told me that there are certain things a tax department might overlook in normal circumstances, but if someone scrutinizes them closely, they could become problematic. So I decided not to push that far with tax reduction.”
“I understand what you’re saying. On that point, I have no defense.”
“There’s nothing for you to apologize for. Just interpret it as my decision to pay more taxes than necessary.”
“Ha, yes.”

An awkward smile crossed Cheon Myeong-guk’s face. It seemed he was more concerned about this than I was.
My thinking about taxes was straightforward.

I earn a lot, so more than half goes away.
This country isn’t poor.
There are plenty of people embezzling tax money.
I’ll have to find them later and smash their heads in.
That was the extent of it.

“Very soon, I may need to ask for your help with something involving Director Jung Ju-ho.”
“Is there a problem?”
“Not exactly. It’s actually a good thing, but the director can be quite stubborn about it.”

So that old man’s acting strange again, has he developed a stubborn streak? If it’s a good thing, there’s no reason not to lend a hand.

“If it’s something good, I should step in too. Just let me know what you need.”
“Thank you.”

Only then did the worry fade from Cheon Myeong-guk’s face, replaced by a genuine smile.
But why does that smile look vaguely sinister?

* * *

First batch sold out. Second batch sold out. Third batch on overwhelming backorder.
Since the initial release of the Big Bang Series, the products had achieved a complete sell-through record.
It was accurate to say we couldn’t sell more simply because we had nothing left in stock.
The first batch of five hundred units and the second batch of one thousand had all sold; the third batch of two thousand units was being taken entirely as pre-orders and showed signs of complete sell-out.
Customer satisfaction was exceptional. From Monster Heart Stage 4 through Stage 7, the efficiency improvements shown by each tier were anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times greater than existing products.
The Seongsong Group had named the series according to Monster Heart Stage, and the most popular batch by volume was Series 4, which bore the higher number.
But the first to sell out completely was the rare Series 7.
While Monster Heart output mattered, the factor of ‘Compatibility’ played an equally critical role here.
Seongsong Group’s dominance continued, having perfected this aspect as well.
The revenue generated this way had surpassed a trillion won.
It seemed, in that moment, as though everything was proceeding smoothly.

-Choi Jun-ho.
“Tell me.”
-Kim Jong-hyeon the artisan… he’s disappeared with a backup file containing the Processing Method.
“…….”

So he’d finally done it.
In a sense, his mother—who had served as a hostage—must be dead as well; given that he’d always been prone to excess and chasing women, it wasn’t surprising.
One way or another, Heart Walker was still born a Villain.

-We’ll dispatch a pursuit team, so…….
“Wait.”

I brought Heart Walker here. So the responsibility, the cleanup—all of it falls to me.

“Send me his file. I’ll finish this myself.”

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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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