The Crazy Villain Regains His Sanity - Chapter 84

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Episode 84

The president’s expression grew grave as he read over the report.

“So what you’re saying is, there’s a high possibility of a Level 9 monster appearing?”
“Given its powerful ripple effect, we decided to call it the Two-Horned Beast.”
“Hmm?”
“It’s an affectionate nickname for Plus Plus. I thought the official designation Plus Plus might be more appropriate.”

Cheon Myung-guk chimed in. I’d suggested Two-Horned Beast was cuter, but the atmosphere made it clear that wasn’t going to fly.

“That might actually be better. The moment people hear Level 9, they’ll think the world is coming to an end.”

The world hadn’t ended, though.
Having lived through the future and returned, I knew the world still spun on just fine.
Only more people died, the monsters multiplied, and humanity endured with greater strain.
Now that I thought about it, the number of monsters I’d hunted back when I was a Blood Species probably exceeded what most major guilds had taken down. I’d been crazed, but in my own way, I was contributing to the world.

“It was wise not to announce this information in Japan. If you had, there would have been chaos beyond control.”

Technically, someone had rushed in to attack, and I’d lost track while beating them senseless, but I decided to credit that to intent.

“Other nations must be suspecting it already.”
“We’re raising the possibility ourselves now. That Plus-tier monsters represent a ‘new stage’—a different species that has achieved Force Utilization and Gift Awakening. But if Choi Jun-ho, an Awakened One, speaks with certainty, it carries different weight.”
“Is that so?”
“Everything you’ve said so far has been accurate. It’s as if you’d lived through the future and come back.”
……

The president truly isn’t just anyone. He knows I’ve seen the future.

“I’m joking. But if there’s a Gift for precognition, let me know. I’m curious about next week’s lottery numbers.”
“Shall I take a guess?”
“Please do.”

With the president’s joke, the atmosphere softened, and we were able to close out the discussion on a lighter note.
On the way home, I found myself lost in thought about the Two-Horned Beast.
I’d never directly faced one myself. They were so rare, and smart enough to flee when they sensed disadvantage. Which made them judged to be highly intelligent, and there were almost no successful hunts on record.
They were genuinely formidable—strong enough that when they opened their Gifts, they could shatter defensive Gifts. That’s why hunting teams became composed of fewer but more elite Awakened Ones.
There was still time, so the clever people in charge would figure out countermeasures on their own.
The car was rattling more and more as it went. I’d need to get a new one soon. Maybe I could find something decent among used cars? I wasn’t the type to put much thought into vehicles, so buying new seemed wasteful.
By then, I’d arrived at my parents’ house. They said they’d prepared a meal since I’d been away on a business trip.
My parents’ faces, which I hadn’t seen in quite some time, showed signs of well-being, and my heart eased.

“How have you been lately?”
“Doing very well.”
“That’s a relief. Let me know if there’s anything uncomfortable.”
“Don’t worry too much—your parents are still in one piece.”

We ate in a warm, harmonious atmosphere. This sense of ease was something I could only feel when I was with my parents. Talking with them, I became acutely aware that I had returned to the past with a sound mind. Had I been mad, I wouldn’t have been able to spend this time with them.
That alone made this moment precious. I never knew when I might slip into madness again.
That’s why I’d obtained the Ten Thousand Poison Immunity—though it was malfunctioning.
My mother, who had been talking about the well-maintained apartment complex and the residents’ association members she’d recently gotten to know, suddenly asked with some hesitation.

“I’m not sure. Do you need spending money?”

If I gave you about a hundred million won, you wouldn’t have to worry about spending it, would you?
At my words, my mother shook her head urgently.

“No, no, it’s fine. The money we settled in Cheongju is more than enough.”
“Please take it anyway.”
“This is why having good children is such a blessing.”

As she said this, she mentioned that she’d received some spending money from Yun-hee not long ago. That girl hadn’t even told me. For a moment there, I nearly became the ungrateful son.
But how could she have money to give our parents while following idols? She’d need to save up for when she gets married later.
While I was thinking this, I felt my parents watching my expression carefully.

“Is there something you wanted to ask?”
“Can I ask about something?”
“Of course you can.”
“Well, you know that young lady from the Shinseong Group?”
“You mean Team Leader Lee Se-hee.”
“Yes, Team Leader Lee. Do you two meet often?”
“Fairly often, yes.”

My mother’s face brightened considerably. What was the appealing part about that?

“Then you must get along well?”
“Not badly. I’d say we get along quite well, actually.”
“My goodness! Should I be hoping this turns into something more romantic?”

My mother’s face gleamed with expectation. Why was she asking me this now?

“It’s already a good relationship.”
“What? Really?”
“Jun-ho, your mother is asking if you two are dating.”

My father, who’d been watching, finally spoke up. My mother gave his thigh a playful tap.

“Why do you have to be so direct about the young people’s romantic matters?”
“We’re not dating.”

So we’d been answering different questions all along.
At my words, my mother’s face twisted into shock and dismay.

“But you just said it was a good relationship, didn’t you?”
“I was talking about a business relationship. Lee Se-hee has exceptional business acumen. I’m benefiting from working with her.”
“Sigh!”

At my explanation, my mother shook her head, and my father patted her shoulder sympathetically.

“What was I even hoping for?”
“…So stop expecting anything from Jun-ho. What an ungrateful son.”
……

I hadn’t done anything, and yet I’d somehow become the ungrateful son.

* * *

I visited the Sungsung Guild to inform them about the Japanese Prime Minister’s request.
When I mentioned the increased Big Bang series inventory and the joint venture company, Lee Se-hee’s eyes gleamed for just a moment.

“That’s unfortunate. If I’d gone myself, I would’ve squeezed out much better terms. Ah, not that I’m blaming you, Jun-ho. They probably pulled these tricks because they didn’t want to deal with me directly.”

As she said this, licking her lips in satisfaction, I found myself thinking there was something unsettling about the sight.
I recalled what the vice minister had said. I was curious about what exactly warranted such a remark, but it was better not to ask.
I left the remaining negotiations to Lee Se-hee and moved on to the next topic.

“The government has requested our cooperation on Plus Plus stage monsters. They’re saying it would exert power equivalent to a Level 9 hazard? We’re still struggling to handle Plus stage monsters…….”

Lee Se-hee went on to reveal that the Sungsung Guild was also conducting its own research on the matter. Significant progress had been made in studying Plus stage monsters, and they planned to bid on the next Plus stage hunt themselves.
As far as I was concerned, it wasn’t really my problem.

“You’re confident?”
“Of course. We’ve researched thoroughly, and we won’t let our guard down. I think it’ll appear soon.”

Being called the nation’s finest guild, they must have solid countermeasures in place.
Might as well go watch how they hunt one.
When I said as much to Lee Se-hee, she accepted readily.
She’d gained reliable insurance, but I’d just be watching?
She said just having me observe made her feel secure. There must be something about it I didn’t quite grasp.
The conversation was flowing pleasantly until Lee Se-hee suddenly pouted and twisted the mood.

“Still, I’m a bit disappointed.”
“About what?”
“You only train Da-hyun.”
“Oh, that?”

Lee Se-hee had mentioned it a few times in passing. Each time, I’d let it slide past me without really engaging. It wasn’t that I meant to ignore her—I simply didn’t see the need to make a move.
Because.

“I don’t have a talent for teaching.”
“What? Why not?”
“I pushed her quite hard, but she couldn’t seem to break through to the next level. Da-hyun works diligently, but if the student hits a wall, the teacher bears the responsibility.”
“That’s strange. What I heard is different.”

Different? What do you mean different?
Lee Se-hee, who had been tilting her head repeatedly, finally spoke.

“I don’t mind—just find some time next and coach me too.”
“It’ll be grueling for you.”
“I know. If we’re going to face Plus stage monsters, we need to sharpen our senses.”
“I’m going to work you to the bone.”
“I like that sort of thing.”

Everyone around here would boost her morale, and here she was saying she enjoyed being pushed hard? I couldn’t tell if it was lip service or genuine.
Since Lee Se-hee was showing enthusiasm, I’d have to teach her.
But I’d been doubting my teaching ability because Jung Da-hyun hadn’t reached Level 7 yet.
Our standards were simply different, and the fact that my own growth had been driven decisively by Blood Consumption probably played a role too.
I’d need to push harder this time around.

“Count on it.”

* * *

After Choi Jun-ho left, Lee Se-hee began organizing the contents of their conversation.

“The Japanese Prime Minister’s request—Jun-ho settled the main point, but there’ll be more to extract, so we’ll dispatch a negotiation team…….”

Japan was a wealthy nation. Even if a broth had been thoroughly wrung out, you could always squeeze more from it. Even though the major points had been negotiated with Jun-ho, if you aimed at the edges, crumbs would still fall.
Beyond that, they needed to prepare for a new tier of monsters that would be designated as Plus Plus stage. There was also a plan to actively pursue Plus stage monster hunts.
Jun-ho’s offer to provide coaching had been a windfall.
And his willingness to observe the hunts as well.
It was the best insurance money could buy.
This way, piece by piece, step by step.
Building contact points was crucial work.

“But Da-hyun, Jun-ho, and you’re all saying different things. And your uncle too.”

Lee Se-hee recalled how Baek Gun-seo had praised Jung Da-hyun effusively not long ago.
He’d called it an astonishing leap forward.
Baek Gun-seo, who regarded Jung Da-hyun almost like a disciple, wouldn’t speak carelessly.
Yet seeing his reaction differ so sharply from Choi Jun-ho’s suggested something was off.
Whose account was accurate?
The next day, during a Plus-stage monster hunt briefing, the chance to ask Baek Gun-seo arose.

“Regardless of Choi Jun-ho’s style, he demonstrated teaching ability. He has a natural talent for instruction.”
“But Jun-ho said the opposite. He claimed he has no talent for teaching at all.”
“Nonsense! How’d he raise Da-hyun to Level 7 if he had no talent?”
“What? Da-hyun reached Level 7?”

This was news to her.
At Lee Se-hee’s shocked expression, Baek Gun-seo’s face flashed with regret.

“Ah, I didn’t mention it before because I didn’t want you to be distressed. Yes, Da-hyun advanced to Level 7. Given the timing, she must have just reached it, but her spiritual foundation is remarkably stable. All of that owes to Choi Jun-ho’s guidance.”
“…I had no idea he possessed that teaching talent.”
“There’s no one else quite so versatile. What’s even more amusing is that Da-hyun herself still thinks she’s Level 6.”
“Why would that be?”

If it were her, she’d have spread the news far and wide, bragging to anyone who’d listen.
Modesty in hiding one’s strength had merit, but for someone like her, exposure meant advantage.

“She’s self-disciplined by nature, and Choi Jun-ho likely chose not to tell her.”

Yet that same Choi Jun-ho believed Jung Da-hyun was still Level 6.
There were several loose threads, but the achievement itself was remarkable.
Though her desk work consumed more hours than training, Lee Se-hee too bore the title of genius—gifted since childhood.
Having been Jung Da-hyun’s rival since they were young, she had no intention of simply watching her pull ahead.

“Time to catch up.”

Lee Se-hee clenched her fist, resolve hardening in her eyes.

* * *

Jung Da-hyun believed she’d made recent progress. She felt herself growing noticeably stronger, but the problem was that her opponent was Choi Jun-ho.
During instructional sparring, she’d devolve into a helpless dummy, unable to mount any real resistance. Even when she squeezed out everything she had, all she managed was brief defense before taking a beating like a sack of flour.
Yesterday’s encounter proved no different. Today there was a mission, so he’d gone easy on her, yet she’d found herself sprawled on the ground the entire time, unable to do anything.

“Still so far to go.”

By her own assessment, she was brimming with shortcomings. The path ahead stretched long and distant. When would she reach Level 7? The genius talent she’d once been praised for now felt woefully inadequate.
But she couldn’t afford to wallow in self-doubt forever.
Jung Da-hyun refocused on her mission.
Today marked a planned raid on a villain organization that had been trafficking in human lives for years.

“Let’s go.”

The Villain Specialist Team slipped out of Seoul and arrived at a warehouse in Bucheon.
Within the capital region and close to Incheon, this location had reportedly become a haven for villains’ activities.

“All sniper positions neutralized.”
“Sentries eliminated.”

As reports came in from all directions, Jung Da-hyun nodded. The warehouse, as if caught between the discovery of fallen comrades and alarm, erupted into chaos.
Strike while the enemy is in disarray.
Jung Da-hyun tightened her grip on the sword hilt. The familiar cold touch steadied her mind.
She had changed in so many ways, she realized.
Once, she would have wanted to end situations with minimal casualties. That desire hadn’t changed. But now she understood that to minimize damage, she had to handle villains ruthlessly.
The more villains she eliminated, the safer her allies would be.
She would never have thought such a thing before. But since meeting Choi Jun-ho, her understanding of “justice” had transformed.
This path was right. One villain erased meant a thousand citizens could go about their lives in safety.
The alias of Rakshasa Woman still felt strange on her tongue, yet it aligned perfectly with her sense of justice.

“I’ll lead the way. Everyone follow me.”

Jung Da-hyun took point while the reserve team cut off the escape route.
Upon entering the warehouse, she swung her blade in great arcs. Crescent-shaped Force Blades erupted outward, severing the villains’ legs beneath them.
Blood began to flood across the factory floor.

“Aaaaaah!”
“No! My legs!”
“P-please… mercy……”

One villain, contradicting his pleas, drew a gun from his pocket. Jung Da-hyun’s blade found his throat, and blood spattered across her face.

“Resist and I will kill you!”

Her cry unleashed a cacophony of screams.

Rat-a-tat-tat-tat!

Some villains fired back, but the marksman fell under Jung Da-hyun’s relentless assault. Following their captain’s example, the Villain Specialist Team hunters showed the villains no mercy.
The eighty-odd villains in the warehouse were cut to half their number in moments.
The remaining villains refused to surrender even then. When casualties reached this level and they still held their ground, it was always one of two things: either they had backing, or they couldn’t abandon something too precious to lose.
The eerie laughter that echoed through the warehouse made clear which it was.

“Tsk, tsk. That’s enough.”

An elderly man, standing about 165 centimeters tall, stepped into view.
Deputy Captain Eom Gyeong-yeong recognized the newcomer’s face and cried out.

“Captain! It’s Ha Gwang-il!”
“Ha Gwang-il?”

Jung Da-hyun’s mind dredged up a name she had nearly forgotten—the old alias of a villain from the past.
Ha Gwang-il, the Blood Reaper.
Twenty years ago, he had crossed over from China and earned his notoriety. Legend had it that Baek Gun-seo, the rising superhuman of that era, had severed his right arm and driven him back across the border.
He was a villain who had ravaged South Korea with petty cruelty: massacring hunting teams when bored, murdering entire families because civilians displeased him, hunting down promising Awakened Ones and slaughtering them. His crime of draining a newborn for blood had thrown the entire nation into mourning rage.
Beyond that lay a litany of bizarre atrocities. Even Baek Gun-seo still lamented letting Ha Gwang-il slip away.
Twenty years later, Ha Gwang-il reappeared—and his right arm was intact.
Despite his slight build, his eyes blazed with murderous intent.

“So you’re Baek Gun-seo’s student? If I take you, I can demand his arm in exchange. Perhaps that will ease an old grudge.”

Ha Gwang-il had known her identity from the start.
With him this close, there was no escape. She would have to face him herself.
Jung Da-hyun steadied her breathing and called out to the Villain Specialist Team.

“I’ll hold him here. Everyone retreat.”
“C-Captain?”
“That’s an order!”
“…We’ll request reinforcements. Please hold just a little longer.”

Deputy Captain Eom Gyeong-yeong led the team out of the warehouse while Jung Da-hyun positioned herself at the entrance, a barrier between Ha Gwang-il and escape. She would stand against him, whatever came.
Sword in hand, she pursued the Blood Reaper into every corner.
A notorious Level 7 villain who had earned his infamous name for the past twenty years. Even if he wasn’t an Awakened One, his skill should have reached its apex.
…Yet why did instinct tell her something was off?

“Kah-kah-kah-kah!”

Ha Gwang-il rushed forward with a grotesque laugh. The moment their blades met, Force tangled around them and a violent explosion erupted.
Jung Da-hyun stepped back, dispersing the shockwave with ease, and realized something.
He wasn’t that strong.
To be precise, he was manageable.

Sparks scattered as they exchanged roughly a dozen blade strikes in a flash.

Jung Da-hyun not only parried all of Ha Gwang-il’s attacks but delivered sharp counterstrikes of her own.
It wasn’t difficult at all. Choi Jun-ho was far stronger, faster, more bizarre and terrifying.
There were even openings to counterattack. Could this be a trap? Perhaps. But if he were truly the Blood Reaper, he would never expose such gaps.

“Not bad for a brat.”

Ha Gwang-il lunged forward with a sinister laugh, but she blocked every strike.
Could it be that the opening wasn’t intentional after all?
When Jung Da-hyun seized the gap and swung her blade, Ha Gwang-il’s shoulder guard flew off.
The sword of a villain who once rang with fearsome renown…reduced to this?
What had happened? Had Ha Gwang-il been so gravely injured that his level had dropped?
Sword raised, Jung Da-hyun spoke.

“Why are you impersonating the Blood Reaper?”
“What—what are you saying, you bitch!”
“Don’t lie. The Blood Reaper is a Level 7 villain. You couldn’t be this weak.”

What was this scheme? Was the real Blood Reaper moving somewhere else?
If so, her retreated teammates were in danger.

“I need to finish this impostor and get back…”

Ha Gwang-il’s face twisted into a grotesque mask of humiliation at being so openly dismissed.

“You wench!”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————