The Crazy Villain Regains His Sanity - Chapter 70

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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 70

“Haah!”

Lee Se-hee, who had just been introduced to an image specialist for Choi Jun-ho, felt as though she’d emerged from a pitched battle.
Was this really the right call?
But the more they talked, the more it seemed like the correct choice.
It was nothing but one shock after another, though.
She’d known the minds at Shinseong Group were exceptional, but today she’d glimpsed a side of them she hadn’t seen before.

Knock-knock.

“Come in.”

Lee Se-hee had been draped across her chair without a moment to catch her breath before the knock roused her. Baek Gun-seo was entering the office.

“Uncle.”
“Don’t get up. You look exhausted.”
“I should still observe proper courtesy.”
“That’s my niece.”

Rising from her seat, Lee Se-hee brewed Baek Gun-seo’s favorite Pu-erh tea. Moments later, as she handed him the cup, she took a sip from her own. If she’d felt burdened before, she felt somewhat better now.

“I met someone rather unusual earlier.”
“An image specialist. I’m planning to introduce them to Jun-ho.”
“Ah, managing your public image, then. I suppose it was overdue.”

This was partly why Awakened Ones chose to join Guilds. They managed the images of their top Hunters rigorously through image specialists, but government-affiliated Hunters lacked that infrastructure.

“I should have done it sooner, but finding the right specialist wasn’t easy.”
“The right people make all the difference. Still, you’re helping Choi Jun-ho quite a bit, aren’t you?”
“Getting closer opens doors. The Big Bang Series itself was something we achieved by building a relationship with Jun-ho.”

The Big Bang Series sales were hailed as Shinseong Group’s greatest success in its history.
To such a degree that all of Lee Se-hee’s achievements combined couldn’t match the Big Bang Series alone.
This was despite the fact that she’d already delivered several major successes and had no rivals among the next-generation owner candidates.
Internal consensus at the Group already favored her over Lee Se-chan, the eldest son.
The Big Bang Series, built on overwhelming technology and performance, had seized ninety-five percent market share in the Korean market despite selling technology licenses. Even that remaining five percent was only ceded due to Big Bang Series supply shortages.
When you added the flood of international orders pouring in, Shinseong Group was evaluated as fundamentally transformed by the Big Bang Series—before and after.
With the Awakened One Gallery also praised as a success, Lee Se-hee’s standing within Shinseong Group had risen beyond that of a Vice Chairman.

“Given the group gains so enormously from it, an executive position wouldn’t be excessive. Well done. Still, the currents swirling around Choi Jun-ho lately seem ominous—you’ll need to move quickly.”
“I’m sensing it too. Even if Jun-ho’s methods were excessive, the scale of this public backlash feels artificial to me.”
“You see it that way?”
“Yes. It feels unnatural. He’s done similar things before, clearly.”
“But Choi Jun-ho’s actions were exposed on live broadcast. The victims were people of considerable social standing. This time, even they felt threatened.”
“I think the same thing. And I believe there’s also a faction trying to separate Jun-ho from the government.”
“You suspect the League.”
“The League’s ideology spreads like fungus, and they have their sights on Jun-ho. Their interests align.”

When finding a culprit, one must first identify who stands to gain the most.
If Choi Jun-ho disappeared, the League would profit most.
In that respect, Choi Jun-ho was the easiest prey.
Making a move against him wouldn’t be difficult.
His reckless methods and unpolished rhetoric, his indiscriminate disregard for whom he offended—these bred easy resentment.
Baek Gun-seo, turning it over in his mind, nodded in agreement.

“I do feel unsettled about it. If we slip even slightly, he could turn into a Villain. So it’s crucial to ease that anxiety.”
“I’ll help make sure that doesn’t happen.”

But it wasn’t simple. Public opinion could flip as easily as turning over a palm—it was a fragile thing to manage.
Watching Lee Se-hee’s determined expression, Baek Gun-seo dropped a remark.

“There is one certain way, though.”
“What is it?”
“A very simple one.”
“So tell me already.”
“Should I even say this?”

Baek Gun-seo, grinning impishly as he wore down Lee Se-hee’s patience, let the words drop.

“Marriage.”
“…What?”
“Marriage, I said.”
…….

Lee Se-hee felt her mind go numb.

“In this country, married people tend to be treated as adults. The public’s anxiety comes from the fact that Choi Jun-ho is alone—if something goes wrong, he could turn at any moment. But marriage changes the story. It becomes an expression of willingness to establish a home and take root in society. Or if I’m being blunt about it, you could say it’s like putting on shackles?”
“W-well, that’s certainly….”

It was something she hadn’t considered at all.

“And if that person were you, it would be even better.”
…….
“Think about it for a moment. It wouldn’t be bad for you, for Choi Jun-ho, or for the Group.”

She couldn’t fathom what her uncle was saying.
Heat flooded through her as Lee Se-hee cried out.

“I have no interest in marriage. How old do you think I am?”
“Just consider it. Just think about it.”
“No!”
“But thoughts change, don’t they? Give it some real consideration. If you drag your feet, another woman might step in and fill that role. I should be going now.”

Baek Gun-seo rose from his seat without letting his smile fade, then left the room.

“What is he even—ow, hot!”

Lost in thought, Lee Se-hee had been sipping her tea when she startled and set the cup down hastily. As she reached for tissue to wipe up the spill, she caught her reflection in the mirror and quickly turned away.
Whether from the shock of his words or the heat of the tea, her face had flushed completely red.

* * *

When Choi Jun-ho arrived home, Choi Yun-hee was waiting with side dishes laid out and the meal prepared. Scanning the table, he saw nothing she’d specially made. She knew his cursed luck with cooking well enough. Just as well.

“Our hero’s home early?”
“What’s with the hero talk?”
“You subdued the chaos in Busan—that makes you a hero. Without you, could it have been suppressed so smoothly? Impressive, really. Should I kiss your backside?”
“Is there something you want?”
“No—can’t I just do something nice for you? I just wanted to be good to you. So please, accept it graciously.”

Something felt off.
Though puzzled, Choi Yun-hee had already prepared the meal and poured water for him.
Unable to discern her true aim, he watched and waited quietly—and she finally came clean.

“No, I just thought you might be upset by something weird on the TV. Are you okay?”

Had something else come out that I didn’t know about?
Curious, I switched on the TV with the remote, and the news channel was just showing the scene of me killing the Busan city councilman.
Watching him turn into a handful of flesh scraps caught in the blade storm, I thought it was cleaner than Mine. Nuri’s Blade Storm combined with Slash had an extended range, which I quite liked.
Lately I’d been thinking about acquiring a Gift like Cleanse for complete erasure. Then there’d be no trace left when I disposed of a Villain.
If a corpse is found, it’s murder. If it vanishes entirely, it’s a missing person.

[As the Superhuman’s brutal methods sparked civilian anxiety, reports noted the lack of adequate means to control them…….]

After the reporter finished, the anchor invited a veteran Hunter for a discussion, and he began hurling various criticisms — that I was muddying the waters of the Hunter world, that I was crueler than any Villain, and more.
I glanced sideways at the screen and saw Yun-hee was restless.

“What’s wrong?”
“…Aren’t you bothered?”
“What reaction am I supposed to have?”
“Huh?”

For a moment I wondered if I’d done something wrong. Could it really be about that? It’s just accurate reporting, isn’t it?
Yun-hee had a doubtful expression written all over her face.

“Are you seriously not bothered at all?”
“Yeah. It’s the truth, so. I don’t really care to be understood about it, either.”
“…Remarkable in a different way, truly.”

If it’s remarkable, it’s remarkable—why the disapproving click of her tongue?
Then her expression shifted to something tinged with worry again.

“But promise me you won’t become a Villain, okay?”
“How could I?”
“I’m saying this because I’m worried, you stubborn fool.”
“I have no intention of it, so you don’t need to worry.”

As long as the world doesn’t treat me as a Villain, I’ll never become one.
I played the Villain plenty in my past life. Hurting my family was enough of that. My parents enjoy their hobbies comfortably now, and Yun-hee is fully developing her talents.
Besides, this life felt quite satisfying as it was.
After demanding reassurance from me multiple times, Yun-hee seemed satisfied and relaxed, fidgeting slightly.

“This much ought to be fine, wouldn’t you say.”
“You switched modes awfully fast.”
“Be grateful I was worried enough to check. It’s chaotic around here as it is. Hard to keep up an act.”

…Well then.
With her worry set aside, Yun-hee told me people were saying various things—that I was a White Villain, a Dark Hero, and more.
White Villain, Dark Hero. Not bad epithets, really. But if White Villain means a good Villain, I’d never heard of one. There’s no such thing as a good Villain.
The conversation shifted to moving. We’d settled on moving soon, and preparations were underway.
We were planning to move into the same apartment complex as our parents. Yun-hee had agreed to handle the interior design.
Just as all the talk was wrapping up, I received a message from Lee Se-hee.

[Remember the expert I mentioned last time? We set up an appointment—could you let me know what time works for you?]

I sent back a reply right away.

* * *

To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations about handing things over to an expert.
Maintaining the status quo would be fortunate enough.
Since the people dying by my hand were people, I figured the worsening public opinion was only natural.
When Lee Se-hee called this person an expert, I imagined someone in their forties with the gravitas of the years—a man or woman of some presence.
But the moment I stepped into the room, what greeted me was a woman of less than 160 centimeters with eyes shining so brightly they were almost unsettling.
Early thirties, maybe? A small face, pale skin, and with glasses to boot—she looked even younger than she probably was.
This was the expert?

“Hello! I’m Jin Se-jung, a Visual Art Director! Meeting you in person, Choi Jun-ho, you really are handsome. How does your skin have such a glow? Do you use something special? Usually when you see actors or idols up close, the illusion falls apart, but with you it’s completely different!”
“…….”
“Oh! I should take more time to talk this through, but I got a little carried away, didn’t I? Come on, this isn’t my office, but please, make yourself comfortable.”
“…Yes.”

I followed Jin Se-jung’s guidance and sat down. Then, watching steam rise from a teacup, I found myself staring blankly at Jin Se-jung as she chattered on without pause.
It felt like being under some sort of spell.
Anyway, she’s supposed to be a specialist managing my image, but a Visual Art Director? Someone who works with idols? Why did someone from that field suddenly show up?
I tried to meet Lee Se-hee’s eyes to get answers, but she lowered her head and avoided my gaze.
Something was unfolding strangely.

“Let me introduce myself once more. I’m Jin Se-jung, Visual Art Director.”
“I’m Choi Jun-ho. Thank you for helping me.”
“No, no—I’m doing this because I want to. If anything, I should be thanking you for hiring me!”

At least I could tell that Jin Se-jung meant no harm.
But would this person actually be useful to me?
Lee Se-hee, why won’t you answer and keep dodging my eyes?
…Well, she says she’s an expert, so I should hear her out.

“The public opinion surrounding me right now is not favorable.”
“Yes, it’s split right down the middle. And the negative side is gaining more momentum.”
“I have no intention of showing mercy in my actions because of that.”
“Consistency is what matters. I think that’s what makes you appealing.”
“In this situation, I want to guide public opinion in a better direction. Is there a way?”

Truth be told, I wasn’t hopeful as I spoke. I was asking for improvements without making any concessions myself.
What would the expert say?
After a moment of thought, Jin Se-jung responded.

“First of all, not everyone can like you. You agree with that, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then it’s simple. The first thing to do is draw the people who are enthusiastic about you into the realm of true fans. And using them as a core, we expand the numbers from there.”
“How exactly?”
“The good news is that the people creating negative public opinion about you are only at the level of ‘concern.’ Depending on the issue, these people can easily swing to support you instead. And what I think will turn them around is your narrative—your worldview, so to speak.”
“Worldview?”

I’d never heard the term before.

“It’s something commonly used for idols—an element that allows fans to become immersed. I’m going to use your worldview to persuade both your support group and the people who are concerned, drawing them into your camp.”
“Explain in more detail, please.”
“Among the negative opinions, there are many people who initially supported your actions. These are people who worry you might be crossing lines you can’t uncross, and so they believe you should exercise restraint. They’re against you in principle, but their affection for you runs deep underneath.”

The worldview, she explained, was a tool to make such people understand and support me.

“The public doesn’t know much about you, so we provide information to help them understand. We can add some creative elements here. For instance, people who think negatively sometimes can’t understand your hostility toward Villains, right? That’s usually the main issue. Since you’ve never actually suffered at the hands of a Villain.”

Since I couldn’t talk about when I was Bloodborne, this was probably inevitable.
I nodded in acknowledgment.

“But what if they understood?”
“If they understood?”

Jin Se-jung smiled slightly.

“They’d all become your supporters. For instance, in this worldview, one day you awaken to a past life. In your past life, you were a Villain who stained the world with blood. Seeing the people who died because of you, the crimes committed by other Villains around you—you make a vow. ‘I will erase Villains to atone for the sins of my past self.’ Wouldn’t that help people understand your hostility?”

…The Gift wouldn’t let me peek into my past life or anything like that, would it?
A chill ran down my spine for a moment.
But people actually believe this kind of thing?

“I don’t think they will.”
“Whether it’s plausible doesn’t really matter. It’s simply a narrative framework to help people understand you as an Awakened One. Think of it as providing something to believe in for those who want to believe. With just that, they can support your actions.”

Support can come from this?
What a strange world, I thought.
I hope this isn’t a scam.
Since Lee Se-hee was watching quietly, I decided to trust it.

“We’ll weave in your daily life alongside this.”
“Will that help?”
“Of course! It makes a huge difference!”

Jin Se-jung’s voice rose with excitement.

“In places like America, young Awakened Ones try to communicate with the public. They’ve actually succeeded in building a very approachable image. Even young children start training from an early age, saying they want to become Hunters.”
“I haven’t seen that kind of thing in Korea.”
“Right. The reason Korea hasn’t attempted this is because Awakened Ones are fundamentally shrouded in mystery, and most are older. But you’re the world’s youngest Awakened One! That means you can draw attention not just from aspiring Hunters but from the general public. Not just Korea—the whole world! And people will show interest because they want to be like you. That number of supporters will become your strength.”

My daily life isn’t any different from anyone else’s.
Oh, does she mean I should expose the fact that my routine involves killing Villains? That would probably only stir up more controversy.
I organized what Jin Se-jung had been saying.

“So we’re clarifying misunderstandings about me and providing a starting point for understanding. And we’re building up supporters through my daily life, which the public is curious about—is that correct?”
“Yes, exactly. And you don’t need to worry about the narrative framework part. All the idols I’ve worked with received high praise for their worldview.”

She mentioned several idols, but honestly, I had no interest.
I thought I could confirm it by asking Yun-hee.

“This much will definitely secure support from about half of public opinion. But that’s not enough, is it? We’ll draw in new supporters and build up a solid base.”
“Is that possible?”
“Yes! It’s because you have truly excellent conditions. Would you stand up for a moment?”

I rose obediently. Jin Se-jung then circled around me, scrutinizing me with sharp eyes, nodding repeatedly.

“This might be a bit rude, but I need to confirm something. May I ask?”
“Go ahead.”
“You’re the strongest among Hunters, so your body must be well-trained, right?”
“Obviously.”

I maintain the perfect form for ending lives.
But Jin Se-jung smiled contentedly at my answer.

“Your proportions are flawless, and your posture is excellent. Your appearance doesn’t fall short of most actors or idols. And that dangerous aura that only you possess becomes a charm point. I can already see the direction I need to take.”
“What do you mean?”
“Charm. I’m thinking of leveraging your dangerous appeal through styling to make fans fall for you.”
“Styling?”
“Yes. By interweaving your charm and narrative framework, we’ll build a female fanbase. A Dark Hero with dangerous appeal! His own struggles and backstory that others don’t know about. Wow! Even I’d fall for that. Fans captivated by your charm will enthusiastically promote the positive aspects. Fortunately, you have a very, very excellent appearance and proportions.”
……

I’d never heard anyone say I was ugly, but Jin Se-jung’s manner was considerably burdensome.

“Let’s make use of that. I checked your official schedule and saw you have an event tomorrow. So I’d like to do some styling today—groom your eyebrows, change your hairstyle. Oh, dyeing your hair is fine, right? Well, that would take time, so we can think about it after tomorrow’s event.”
“It sounds like it’ll take a while…….”
“It won’t take long?”

If it’ll be quick, might as well try it.
But the next words changed my mind immediately.

“If we move quickly, we can wrap this up by end of business today.”

It’s still lunch hour, though.

“So you’re agreed? Shall we get started?”

If those hands grabbed me, I’d be at their mercy. I turned to Lee Se-hee for help, but all I found was a sinister smile playing at her lips.

“I can watch from the sidelines, can’t I?”
“Of course!”

Lee Se-hee, you too…?

* * *

Lee Do-yeon was a first-generation member of SuperPower, the fan club for the nine-member boy group Super One, and served as both a home master and a celebrated fan of the group.
Known as an idol expert and visual analysis specialist, she had come to the Shinseong Department Store event today specifically to see Super One.

“When are our boys arriving?”

Having waited since dawn with Super One’s schedule in hand and claimed the best spot in the front row, Lee Do-yeon smiled as she imagined the group she’d soon see.
The emotions she felt when the idol group she’d chased since their rookie days reached the top were beyond words.

“In this difficult age, our boys are all I have.”

In this apocalyptic era where Villains ran rampant both inside and outside society, Super One was Lee Do-yeon’s only refuge.

“I hope they arrive soon.”

Since Super One was currently a top-tier idol group, their schedule sometimes got tangled up, causing them to arrive late to events. On a cold winter day like this, waiting around was nothing short of a nightmare.
Lee Do-yeon watched the dignitaries appear one by one while waiting for Super One to arrive on time.
There were invited actors and girl groups. Each appearance drew cheers, though the response was more muted when prominent social figures took the stage.
Lee Do-yeon smiled to herself.

“Our boys will shine the brightest.”

There were male actors too, but they couldn’t hold a candle to Super One.
Our boys are the best!
Then the murmuring began, quickly transforming into roaring cheers.

Kyaaaaaah!
Big bro!

What? Is it Super One?
At the screams erupting from all around, Lee Do-yeon turned her head, expecting to see Super One, and caught sight of a man walking down the red carpet.
Not nine of them—just one. Yet that single presence filled the entire red carpet.

…

Lee Do-yeon was a devoted Super One fan. This wasn’t them—she should have looked away to reset her camera or adjust her position. But she couldn’t look away.
There was an inexplicable dangerous aura that existed between his neatly pomaded hair and handsome features.
What is this? Why does he look so good yet exude such danger? His body is incredible too. But what is this dangerous feeling? I need to know. Who is he?
Lee Do-yeon couldn’t tear her eyes from the black suit that clung to his toned, well-trained frame.
Since when was a suit this sexy? It was a line that no boy idol, no matter how lean and pretty, could ever pull off.
Suddenly, the beast concept that Super One had performed seemed like nothing more than playful puppy antics. Only now did she understand what a truly dangerous beast looked like.
Lee Do-yeon searched without lifting her gaze.

“Superhuman, Choi Jun-ho.”

So handsome, and yet he risks his life against those terrible monsters and villains for the sake of the country?
His dedication to the nation, his ruthlessness toward villains—it all struck her as impossibly magnificent.
When he could have chosen the comfortable path, he instead burned himself away for the cause of good. It was admirable. It was beautiful.
Super One entered moments later, but she barely noticed.
Her gaze remained fixed on Choi Jun-ho alone. In that brief window, her investigation was already complete, and she had already dealt with those leaving vicious comments on his articles.

“…I’m a fan of yours.”

That day, Super One lost his favorite. Choi Jun-ho gained a devoted fan.
The phenomenon was spreading simultaneously across the nation.

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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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