The Crazy Villain Regains His Sanity

“Yoo Sung-soo.”

The president had a complicated look on his face. Was there a reason to deal with a corrupt politician so cautiously?

The corruption allegations handed over by the Awakened Minister regarding Yoo Sung-soo were primarily threefold.

Promoting smuggling, raising illegal funds, and colluding with villains.

There are more detailed classifications, but those three were the corruptions that occurred through trade with Japan, and what truly mattered was their impact on Japan.

Money generated through smuggling was being funneled to the Japanese branch of the League. From the Japanese point of view, a politician from another country was funding the League, and from the Korean point of view, the mayor of Busan was connected to the League.

“They’ll just say it’s a political attack.”

Yoo Sung-soo was a leading opposition presidential candidate. To capture such a presidential candidate with Japanese intelligence?

The president, foreseeing a tiresome dispute looming ahead, shifted his attention elsewhere.

“For now, we can’t rely solely on Japanese sources for this matter. It’s a part that requires cross-verification. Moreover, there’s a need to scrutinize the sources of information as well.”

“And we need to see how many others are involved.”

In simple terms, it was a hit list.

“…There’s that too. If we don’t, everyone will end up dead. Selecting carefully is crucial. Will you take direct action?”

That was the obvious choice.

“Considering the sincerity shown by Japan, I think it’s best for me to step in.”

It was a kind of customer care service. Moreover, Yoo Sung-soo, seen once in Busan, was almost certainly connected. If it weren’t for him, Jagalchi wouldn’t have grown that big.

No matter how large the villain organization in the city became, there were limits. They could never reveal themselves in broad daylight. So, although it was unsettling, it was clear that Yoo Sung-soo was behind it.

Right now, Jagalchi was involved in drugs and human trafficking. As a politician, Yoo Sung-soo was connected to villains and all kinds of crimes. Wasn’t that what they called a kingpin?

I was thinking it’s best to take them down and find evidence, but the president’s thoughts could be different.

“I’ll let you know once the cross-verification is completed.”

“I’ll wait with anticipation.”

“……”

The President lowered his head with a tired expression.

Ah, it’s not that killing people was enjoyable, it’s dealing with villains that’s fun.

He didn’t believe me, right?

***

While conducting information cross-validation under the President’s orders, Cheon Myeong-guk feels limited in assisting the President and managing Choi Jun-ho.

This aligned with the President’s interest in establishing a new government agency to regain control from the large guilds. Cheon Myeong-guk visited the National Security Agency to find the most promising candidate.

“Why have you suddenly come to see me? Hyung-nim.”

Jung Ju-ho greeted him with a puzzled expression, confused by Cheon Myeong-guk’s unexpected visit.

“I’ve come to make a formal proposal. Director of the National Security Agency.”

“Um, have I done something wrong?”

“Of course not.”

“Well, let’s talk about it over coffee first.”

“……”

Jung Ju-ho brewed two cups of coffee, and the two of them took some time to organize their thoughts while sipping coffee.

As two people who occasionally drank together, this moment felt extremely awkward. Especially with Cheon Myeong-guk’s polite attitude, Jeong Ju-ho felt intense unease.

What’s going on here?

“So, what is the proposal you mentioned?”

“It’s not my proposal, it’s the President’s proposal.”

“The President?”

As soon as the President was mentioned, Jung Ju-ho straightened his posture.

“The President highly appreciates the remarkable achievements you’ve made by leading the three agencies and cleaning up the villains this time.”

“Leading? It’s just a matter of coordinating with people I know. The National Security Agency did well, as did the Foreign Cooperation Agency and the Monster Defense Frontline Agency.”

“The President is well aware of Director Jung Ju-ho’s humility and his love for the country.”

“…”

The words were long.

Jung Ju-ho felt a hint of insincerity in the verbose praise.

If he didn’t handle this well, it could all collapse in an instant.

Naturally, his eyes on Cheon Myeong-guk became more scrutinizing.

“So, what’s the proposal you’re making?”

“We’re planning to establish a new department that oversees the three agencies. I hope Director Jung Ju-ho will consider taking that position.”

“I’ll confirm one thing first. Is this department going to work in conjunction with Choi Jun-ho for operations?”

“Of course, depending on the operation, it may involve working with Transcendent Choi Jun-ho…”

Where was he steering the conversation?

Jung Ju-ho, who had caught the tail, stubbornly pursued it.

“No, I asked the wrong question. If I go to that department, I’ll encounter Choi Jun-ho a lot, won’t I? For reference, if it’s more than three times a week, that would be a lot.”

“I can’t say it won’t be that much.”

“Then I’ll decline. I won’t do it.”

Having discerned the true nature of the insincerity, Jung Ju-ho immediately refused. Cracks appeared in Cheon Myeong-guk’s expression, who had failed to catch his prey in one go.

“The position of the head of this department is at the commissioner level. It’s an honorable position, and you’re declining?”

“Yes.”

“I’d like to know the reason.”

“First of all, I don’t like the increased responsibility.”

“What?”

Jung Ju-ho began to make excuses blatantly.

“Being the head means becoming a general over the three agencies, right? Naturally, the responsibilities increase as well. The work that needs to be done will also increase. I am satisfied with my current position. I’m not seeking personal advancement, but rather a believer in serving a higher cause.”

“Hmm.”

“And if you look around, there are many people who can do better than me. How about Yeom Ki-chul from the Foreign Cooperation Agency? Director Yeom leads the Foreign Cooperation Agency smoothly and has good relationships with several guilds. He’s a good worker and a good family man. With no strings holding him back, he could drive a strong campaign in line with government policy. I strongly recommend Yeom Ki-chul.”

After saying that, Jung Ju-ho fixed his gaze on his coffee cup and only sipped his coffee.

It was a gesture that he would not listen to any more of the conversation.

“……”

Cheon Myeong-guk, who had been watching him, furrowed his brow.

He noticed.

Indeed, he was a cunning raccoon leading the National Security Agency. As soon as he realized the trap, he built such a solid wall.

Naturally, it was Cheon Myeong-guk who recommended Jung Ju-ho for the new head office.

While the recommendation was based on personal connections, it’s not particularly out of the ordinary. Jung Ju-ho has led the National Security Agency effectively and was the only one capable of smoothly coordinating between the Foreign Cooperation Agency and the Monster Defense Frontline Agency.

Above all, when it came to handling Choi Jun-ho, Jung Ju-ho was a “Special One.”

The only person who could rescue himself from this dire situation.

‘Come to think of it, it’s because of him!’

When he thought about it, this was all Jung Ju-ho’s fault.

Handing Choi Jun-ho over without letting him know the other’s true nature.

As a result, his healthy body turned into a miserable one in an instant.

The problem was that Jung Ju-ho could see through Cheon Myeong-guk’s intentions.

‘You think I’m going to fall for that bait? I’ve found peace, and I’m not going to walk to hell.’

After Choi Jun-ho was handed over to Cheon Myeong-guk, Jung Ju-ho experienced a miracle.

His receding hairline began to reverse, and his hair thickened.

For a man who had been slowing down his hair-loss progress with pills and treatments, this was a miracle.

‘I need to pull Jung Ju-ho in and share the burden.’

‘He’s a nationally recognized Transcendent. Let the higher-ups deal with him. I’m just here to suck the honey.’

“……”

Their fierce battle to pass Choi Jun-ho onto someone else continued.

***

While the government was busy with diplomatic missions, the Sacred Group began to release news about the new processing method in earnest.

They named the newly created monster core through the new processing method “Big Bang” and expressed their ambition to make a significant impact not only in South Korea but also in the global market.

The media also started to cover this news extensively.

<Sacred Group did it! Development of a new monster core processing method!>

<New Type Monster Core! Increasing Power with Efficiency!

<Will the ‘Big Bang’ cause a new paradigm shift, just like its name suggests?>

<Why is the world paying attention to the processing method developed by Sacred Group? The ‘Big Bang’ series is unveiled, shaking up the world order!>

The reaction was explosive. The media couldn’t contain their excitement at the prospect of at least 1.5 times, and in some cases, more than 3 times the efficiency that this processing method could provide.

The monster core was a new energy source that could be used to create powerful weapons, armor, and other multifunctional items for Hunters.

If its efficiency increased, it meant that weapons became more powerful and armor became sturdier. It implied that hunting could be done more safely and quickly than it was now.

It was indeed a groundbreaking result, to say the least.

According to the Sacred Group, Choi Jun-ho played a significant role in this development.

As rumors spread that Choi Jun-ho, who had nicknames like Head Breaker, the Youngest Transcendent, Nuri Slayer, and Walking Human Cider, would personally appear at the Big Bang Series Showcase, the excitement began to build.

[Why was there such a fuss over this invention?]

[It’s not an exaggeration to call it a revolution. It’s like when smartphones were introduced—a real shock. The world’s geopolitics could change.]

[Increased efficiency of the monster core → More powerful weapons → More monster hunting → Citizens’ safety guaranteed → Recovering lost territory becomes possible → Can accommodate more refugees → Return to the peaceful days of the past.]

[Are the Sacred Group and Choi Jun-ho gods? This is a world-shaking invention! I’m going to buy it right away!]

[The hunting duration may be shorter, but it allows you to save stamina, so it’s better.]

[But why are they trying to sell this as a license?]

[Because the world isn’t united like before, and the Sacred Group can’t supply it to the entire world alone. Replicas will be available at some point, so they’d rather charge a license fee than leave it unattended. Still, they’ll have a monopoly position, right? Knowing the processing method doesn’t mean they can extract the same efficiency as the Sacred Group.]

[Is the Sacred Group’s decisive decision going to bring a peaceful world like before?]

[That’s still uncertain. We don’t know what kind of creatures have lived in the land where monsters have been for decades. What if hunters go too deep and run into a level 8 monster? Of course, it’s a great invention.]

[Wow, they’ve done it. Hunting will be safer now.]

[Not telling me this… I’m disappointed…!]

***

Amid the explosive reactions, I was preparing for the showcase.

There’s no particular reason for me to take charge of the showcase.

Lee Se-hee wanted to firmly establish the image of the Big Bang Series as a symbol of the Transcendent.

I, too, couldn’t refuse it because if the sales of the Big Bang series were high, I would get a lot, and I would receive a treasure-class dagger as a showcase fee.

I dressed in my favorite charcoal gray suit, tied a tie, and put on shoes. Usually, people dressed comfortably for a showcase, but Lee Se-hee recommended that I wore a suit.

“Because Jun-ho-ssi is young, you need to give a more mature impression. Being fresh and youthful isn’t always a good thing.”

Lee Se-hee smiled satisfactorily when she saw my attire. She also adjusted the angle of my tie, saying that angles were important. I could smell the fresh scent of her perfume. It’s a good scent.

But dressing up like this made me feel like a clown.

Whether I liked my outfit or not, Lee Se-hee told me about the reaction to the Big Bang series.

“The response is explosive. Now you just need to do well, Jun-ho-ssi.”

“But if I mess up, things could go really wrong.”

“Oh, that won’t happen. The product’s performance is solid. Just go and explain it freely. Then everyone will be excited to buy a license. And we’ll become rich.”

“I don’t mind being rich.”

“Yes, money is a good thing.”

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

“Do well and come back.”

“Sure.”

Today, the showcase was taking place at the Sacred Department Store Convention Center. It’s one of the most prominent venues in Seoul, not only for group events but also for various large-scale events.

Before entering the convention center, I spotted Heartworker, who attended the event.

“Heartworker.”

“Oh, it’s been a while.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your mother.”

“No, it’s fine. At least she got proper treatment, albeit a bit late.”

Despite life-sustaining treatment, Heartworker’s mother had recently passed away.

Still, it’s fortunate that her final moments were peaceful.

Now, all that remained was for him to get his act together.

Even if his work attitude wasn’t great, as long as he had the skills, complaints could be overlooked.

I could only hope he would make good choices.

After the greetings, I was guided by internal staff onto the stage, where I could see the guests and reporters who had attended the event.

I looked in the mirror and put on a reassuring smile that I had prepared. Fortunately, there was no one around to notice.

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

I didn’t say it was a better world though.

***

“Choi Jun-ho is like an onion. The more you peel, the more new things come out.”

The reporters who attended the event today were amazed.

The Big Bang Series released by the Sacred Group incorporated various existing concepts into one.

It was similar to the emergence of smartphones, where multiple functions came together.

The reporters were surprised that Choi Jun-ho had created this framework and even presented a roadmap.

“Are they trying to promote Choi Jun-ho?”

Someone suggested a conspiracy theory, but it was immediately refuted.

“Oh, are they going to give him a share of the licenses?”

“It’s too much money to just give away.”

“In fact, the director of the Sacred Group’s Research Institute has met with Choi Jun-ho several times.”

“Even Director Lee Myung-hak from the National Science Monster Research Institute praised it. But he says if he makes a mistake, his neck could be on the line…”

“Quite impressive.”

Amidst the murmurs of reporters, Choi Jun-ho arrived at the showcase venue.

Upon seeing his neat appearance, some reporters couldn’t help but admire.

“Wow! He’s handsome.”

“He’s known as the Head Breaker with that beauty? Is it the same person?”

“He even has a fan club, and a lot of female fans.”

“Don’t underestimate him just because he looks easygoing. He could be deadly for real.”

“By the way, I heard that reporter Oh Chang-mun is still in the hospital.”

“He’ll be lucky to get out of the hospital. His bones weren’t even properly set.”

Meanwhile, the preparations were completed, and the showcase began.

“Today is a day I’ve been waiting for quite a while.”

Behind Choi Jun-ho, the monster core was revealed on the screen.

As “Big Bang” signified a phenomenon of cosmic proportions, the product name carried the ambition that from today onward, the world would be reborn anew.

The Sacred Guild introduced this series and would spread worldwide through licensing agreements.

Choi Jun-ho began to explain about the Big Bang in a calm voice.

“From time to time, we have been able to experience how the world changes when innovative items come to light.”

Paper, letters, wheels, and more flashed by, until they reached smartphones and the Big Bang series appeared

To anyone who didn’t know, he looked like a successful young IT entrepreneur rather than a certified national Transcendent.

“What you’ll see today may not be easily perceptible, but one thing is certain. Our lives will become safer from today onwards.”

Suddenly, a dagger was in front of Choi Jun-ho. It had the Shot Series monster core, which the Sacred Group was known for. This item, capable of emitting Force, was highly regarded as a self-defense item.

However, since it was a onetime use item, its power was not that strong, and the drawback was that it couldn’t be used many times.

“The downside of the Shot Series is that it doesn’t penetrate heavy armor. From what I’ve seen of the showcase, it’s very wordy, and wordy explanations mean the opponent is trying to trick you.”

Laughter spread through the audience.

“So, the evaluation was that the Shot Series is not efficient when dealing with villains or monsters in heavy armor.”

Choi Jun-ho equipped the Big Bang Series on the dagger.

“But when the Big Bang Series is activated, it exerts a completely different level of power.”

As Choi Jun-ho swung the dagger like lightning, a crescent-shaped Force emanated from the tip of the dagger, splitting the mannequin standing 10 meters away and clad in heavy armor in half.

“……!”

The reporters who had been watching all wore astonished expressions.

The Shot Series was a popular product, and they knew better than anyone that it never exhibited such power.

“The power output has been increased, so it has both speed and power. Of course, there are better ways to do it.”

Once again, he swung the dagger. The Force that shot out in a crescent shape turned the head of the mannequin next to the one that was just split in half into dust.

Why did it seem like blood was spraying from the mannequin’s head?

“That’s how you decapitate them. A dagger with the Big Bang series can turn heads into dust cleanly. Highly recommended for female hunters.”

“……”

The reporters could only muster awkward smiles without being able to say anything.