The Crazy Villain Regains His Sanity - Chapter 98

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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 98

“……”

Constantina stepped outside and fell into deep thought.
She had watched Argos for a long time, but this was the first time she’d heard him speak like that.
She had been active primarily in Europe for years. That’s why she didn’t know much about the Head Breaker issue that had recently emerged—just some new talent from East Asia, she’d assumed.

“While I’ve been focused on Europe, things have changed this much?”

The epithet she’d earned there: Witch Doctor.
An entirely new combat method utilizing Curses had shaken Europe to its core. Under her hand, Romania had been reduced to ashes.
Constantina still thought back to the moment she first awakened her Gift.
The government that coveted her ability, the Guilds. If they hadn’t sought to exploit her powers and harm her family, she wouldn’t be standing here now.
The memory still surfaced far too often.
Her house consumed by flames. Her parents burning to death. Her older sister and younger brother, paralyzed with fear.
Government officials laughing wickedly as they watched the spectacle unfold.
That was how Witch Doctor was born.
If that day had never happened, she would never have become a Villain.

“But such hypotheticals are pointless.”

Just as there’s no grave without an excuse, every Villain who had joined the League carried their own circumstances.
Some, like her, had been forced into villainy by the entanglements of their past; others had been garbage from birth.
As long as they stayed out of sight, she let them be. But if they committed atrocities in front of her, she struck without hesitation.
She was a member of the Twelve Zodiac under the League, yet more uncompromising in her opposition to evil than anyone else.
Though she embodied the blackness that devours all wickedness and darkness in the world, she believed that a line existed.
That’s why the Head Breaker had piqued her curiosity.
Just how evil could one be for Argos himself to refuse?
There probably weren’t even five people capable of drawing such a judgment.
In fact, Argos was never one to wear his emotions openly, even with those close to him.
As her curiosity grew, Constantina spotted Black Hound approaching from across the way and raised her hand.

“Heinz!”
“Constantina.”
“Perfect timing. So you were inside after all, not out?”
“I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

His calm voice surprised her.
She had to wonder if this was really the mad dog Heinz she knew—the one who couldn’t abandon his hunger for strength, restlessly wandering the world as if the globe itself had grown too small for him.
For the hardest person to find at headquarters to speak like that was certainly unexpected.

“Are you really the Black Hound I know? Your behavior’s completely different now.”
“People are creatures of adaptation. We change according to circumstance.”
“That’s strange.”

Did people really change as time passed?
He hardly resembled the figure who had seemed hostile to the entire world.
As she stared at him intently, Black Hound steered the conversation away.

“Did you see Argos?”
“Yeah. He’s given me a new assignment.”
“What kind of assignment?”
“He wants me to eliminate the Head Breaker.”
“…Head Breaker.”

Constantina’s eyes sparkled as Black Hound’s expression hardened grimly.

“By the way, Heinz has never actually crossed blades with Head Breaker, has he?”
“The fact that you’ve entrusted this to him suggests he’s resolved to eliminate the target completely. Head Breaker is formidable.”
“To that extent?”
“I cannot guarantee victory against him either.”
“That’s actually surprising.”

Constantina meant every word. Black Hound was courteous in his dealings with people, but merciless in his assessment of their abilities. He placed no one above himself, acknowledging only Argos as both equal and leader.
Black Hound couldn’t guarantee victory?
She’d heard such an assessment from fewer than five people in all her years—Hell Master included.
Head Breaker had only recently become a Superhuman, as far as she knew.
After Argos and now Black Hound.
If both offered the same evaluation, then Head Breaker was genuinely a dangerous Superhuman.

“I’ll need to prepare thoroughly, then.”
“Be careful yourself.”
“You know me—once someone steps into my domain, I’m confident.”
“I nearly died, so I understand. But not with Head Breaker.”
“What aspect of it?”

What made Head Breaker truly frightening was his boundless reserve—a depth that refused to be plumbed.
The simple weight of Black Hound’s grave warning made the danger visceral.

“Aren’t you disappointed? Head Breaker dies by my hand.”
“As long as the target is eliminated, it matters little who does it.”
“Head Breaker will die. He’ll watch himself consumed by the very form he despises most.”

It was a vow to herself—and a certainty.

…….

Black Hound nodded quietly.

* * *

Choi Jun-ho, as Lee Se-hee saw him, was a remarkable man.
How could someone like him even exist?
Yet she felt a quiet pride in herself. After nearly dying in their first meeting when she’d tried her tricks, she’d quickly adjusted her strategy and succeeded in drawing close to him.
Most people refused to acknowledge their own mistakes, choosing instead to turn away and avoid rather than accept reality as it was.
Adjusting her strategy quickly had been the best decision of her entire life.

‘I have to admit, I’m impressive.’

The title of being “close friends” with the youngest Superhuman, plus the massive success of the Big Bang series.
Shinsong Group had earned astronomical sums, and her own position had become incomparably solid compared to before.
Lee Se-hee still remembered it clearly.
How So Ye, a Plus Stage monster, trembled with fear in Choi Jun-ho’s presence.
Superhumans were said to have transcended human limits, but Choi Jun-ho seemed to operate on an entirely different level.
So she was inwardly certain that the League’s Three Calamities couldn’t compare to him.
Yet even such a Superhuman did not walk this world alone.

‘It’s all because of Da-hyun.’

Lee Se-hee believed that had Jung Da-hyun not strongly encouraged him to become a Government Hunter when they first met, Choi Jun-ho would have become a Villain.
His understanding of the world contained such a profound disconnect.
Even now, most people chose to turn away from and reject what differed from themselves rather than truly understand and accept it.
Choi Jun-ho’s existence was alien to this world.
It happened often enough—misunderstanding piling upon misunderstanding until someone became a Villain.
A Villain with Choi Jun-ho’s power—the very thought was chilling.
…it was terrifying even to imagine.

‘I had a role in this too.’

Lee Se-hee had actively helped from the sidelines to prevent Choi Jun-ho from becoming a Villain.
The result emerged in the bizarre form of idol-world worldbuilding and internet broadcasting, but at least the possibility of Choi Jun-ho turning into a Villain had diminished dramatically.
She considered it one of her greatest achievements.
She should have spread word of it and received recognition.
Sometimes she even thought she’d saved the world.
Well, it benefited her too, after all.
Lee Se-hee found it difficult to imagine a life without Choi Jun-ho anymore.
He occupied such a large portion of her life.
That was why, when she heard about his trip to Japan, she reacted far more intensely than she herself would have expected.

“It’s dangerous.”

Why had she accepted that proposal in the first place?
Even if it came from the President, this was far from good.
The man in question wore an expression that suggested he understood nothing of the situation.
She exhaled silently and began explaining.

“Since you’ve already accepted, I won’t try to stop you, but the intentions behind it won’t be good. You see, when a Superhuman travels to a foreign country, it requires tremendous resolve.”

If it were simply a goodwill exchange, that would be fine. Diplomatic missions could accommodate that level of cooperation easily enough.
But a joint operation meant multiple heads and tangled interests from multiple factions—the kind of situation where the worst outcome was far more likely than the best.
Before international relations had settled into this stable period, inviting Superhumans from other nations and arranging their deaths had been disturbingly common.
Humanity had to unite against the threat of Monsters, yet even while suffering under that threat, no faction would tolerate another growing stronger.
Even now, in this seemingly stable period, if you asked whether it was one hundred percent safe, the answer would still be no.

“That so?”

No matter how urgently she spoke, the man in question answered with a serene expression.
But that was so typical of Choi Jun-ho.
Truthfully, even Lee Se-hee couldn’t imagine a scenario where Choi Jun-ho would be endangered on such a mission.

“The percentage of Superhumans who die participating in foreign operations is overwhelmingly high.”
“Convenient for getting rid of them, then.”
“Exactly. A large number of Superhumans in a neighboring country ultimately means that neighbor’s military strength is formidable. No one’s happy to see their neighbor grow stronger.”

No matter how she thought about it, the proposal had far more disadvantages than benefits.
But it wasn’t as if Cheongwadae had deceived Choi Jun-ho into accepting it.
They’d promised to share profits, and the President’s manner had been respectful.
In fact, he’d been remarkably considerate.
Still, safety was something that couldn’t be emphasized enough, no matter how many times.

“Of course, Cheongwadae wouldn’t have suggested it without knowing these risks. They proceeded based on their confidence in your abilities, combined with their desire for the profits Japan has agreed to provide.”
“Can’t say their trust particularly delights me.”
“Is that so? What I’m referring to is Japan’s intentions. Given how long they’ve suffered because of the League, it would benefit them if they could handle the problem using your strength…….”
“And it would be even better if I died in the process, is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes. It’s a cruel world.”

That wasn’t going to happen, though.
If anything, if anyone tried to play games, they should brace themselves for their skull meeting Choi Jun-ho’s hand.
But surely there’s internal opposition in Japan?
She’d never heard they were in such dire straits.
The thought struck her as strange, and then she caught herself.
She realized her nagging had been excessive. While Choi Jun-ho was patient with complaints from acquaintances, no one actually enjoyed being lectured at.

“Still, on the fundamental level, I think the same way Cheongwadae does.”
“Which is?”
“No matter what they try, I don’t think Jun-ho will budge an inch.”
“Well said.”

Choi Jun-ho’s lips curled upward. Confidence and conviction wove together within that smile, radiating a dazzling aura.
Lee Se-hee found that sight breathtaking. She couldn’t bear to look directly at it and turned her head away.
For some reason, her cheeks burned with heat.

“Yes…….”

The warmth wouldn’t fade.

* * *

The day to leave for Japan finally arrived.
My destination was Fukuoka. According to the Japanese government, there’s an estimated League branch office there, and it’s come to be regarded as the likely rendezvous point.

“Be careful out there.”
“Is that an order to kill as few enemies as possible, sir?”
“Of course not. I’m telling you to watch yourself.”
“Understood.”

There was something odd about the way he phrased it.
I accepted his words—though his gaze seemed to evade mine—and boarded the government’s private jet bound for Fukuoka.
After the short flight, the man who came to greet me was in his late thirties, with a sharp jawline and piercing eyes that left a striking impression.
He offered his respects with precise, controlled movements.

“Thank you for the long journey, Superhuman. I am Park Young-hoo, and I will have the honor of serving you.”
“The pleasure is mine.”

He revealed that, as a member of the Awakener Security Bureau, he’d been gathering intelligence while staying at the embassy in Japan. He was fluent in English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese.
By Level standards, he was barely scraping Level 5. Given that his raw combat ability didn’t stand out, his real strengths must lie elsewhere.

“I shall escort you from here on.”
“Let’s go.”

I followed Park Young-hoo to the lodgings. After unpacking in the luxurious quarters and settling onto the sofa, Park Young-hoo approached and delivered his briefing.

“The current situation in Japan is entering a phase of stabilization. We’ve recently succeeded in arresting around a hundred Villains affiliated with the League, and we’re hoping to use this opportunity to root out their operations entirely.”
“But the League sent two Superhumans in response?”
“Yes. Since numerical pressure alone would be formidable with a Twelve Zodiac member involved, we anticipate this will be no simple matter.”
“Which member of the Twelve Zodiac is coming?”
“There are currently three candidates being considered, but the most likely is the Witch Doctor.”
“The Witch Doctor?”

It was a name I’d never heard before.
Park Young-hoo began his explanation.

“A Villain who once plunged Eastern Europe into terror. Rather than direct combat, he employs Gifts rooted in Curses, and when certain conditions align, he becomes more terrifying than a Tier-10 Superhuman. It’s said his Curses can kill even Awakened Ones.”
“Curses, you say…….”

With Man Dok Bul Chim and Complete Recovery at my disposal, it doesn’t seem like a significant concern.
But Gifts aren’t omnipotent either. Some degree of caution would be wise.

“You must be especially careful. There was a Superhuman who faced the Witch Doctor and went mad, taking his own life.”

That’s worth taking seriously. Though I doubt going insane would cause my bloodline to suddenly surface.
Since I’ve returned to the past, I’ve harbored one lingering doubt: whether that thing lies dormant beneath the surface or has truly ceased to exist.

“And there’s one more thing you should be cautious about.”
“What is it?”
“The Japanese Superhumans joining us for this operation are Immovable Heart Tsuyoshi and the Guardian Deity—Gunji, whom locals call the Guardian God. Of those two, Gunji opposed bringing you in.”

There were plenty of people who disliked me.
I didn’t particularly mind.
…Still, it was worth knowing the reason.

“What’s the reason?”
“That there’s no need to seek foreign assistance for something they can handle themselves.”
“Just that?”
“Yes, it’s a matter of pride.”
“That’s understandable.”

Japan’s power hadn’t been broken so badly yet.
It was natural for them to think they could resolve things on their own, and when outsiders got involved, resentment followed—there was no helping that.
But what could be done? The decision came from above.
If they had grievances, they could settle them among themselves.
If they wanted me gone, they’d hand over every promised concession.
Their internal affairs were their business—I didn’t need to concern myself with them.
The next day, I set out for Fukuoka City Hall with Park Young-hoo.
When I entered the conference room, most of the eyes turned toward me were distinctly unfriendly.
The only one approaching with a smile was Tsuyoshi, whom I’d seen at the World Superhuman Day event.

“Thank you for coming! Jun-ho!”
“It’s good to see you.”

We exchanged pleasantries as we shook hands.
Immovable Heart was still a Gift worth coveting. I wanted Synchronization, wanted Immovable Heart—greed showed no signs of diminishing.

“We’re grateful for your assistance with this operation.”
“I’ll do everything I can to help.”

Before Tsuyoshi returned to his seat and the meeting began, my gaze met Gunji’s.
Just as I’d heard, her eyes held considerable hostility.
I’d have to handle internal matters before dealing with the League operatives, it seemed.
The trouble erupted not long after the meeting started.
Gunji stood and said something while looking at me.
Park Young-hoo, who was interpreting, hesitated before speaking to me awkwardly.

“Gunji says she wants to know what your Gift is for the operation to proceed.”
“Why should I?”

I spoke to Park Young-hoo.

“Tell her I have no intention of sharing.”
“…Yes.”

When Park Young-hoo relayed my words without softening, Gunji’s expression turned cold.

—————
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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