I Woke Up as the Villain

Jin-Hwan slowly scanned through the list again before saying, "If we can consistently keep these 10 people on the team, we can safely say that a new attack team has been formed in Korea."

As mentioned before, an attack team was distinctly different from a guild. If a guild's primary objective was profit, then an attack team was a non-profit organization that prioritized protecting the world in case of emergencies. As a result, attack teams received more praise and respect than guilds. In fact, such attack teams were usually formed without regard for status, nationality, or affiliations.

“Yes, on the premise that all members agree,” said Yu-Seong with a smirk.

The two reporters' eyes sparkled as they looked at him.

“So…you have the intention to form an attack team.”

“Well, there's no reason not to. Even though the members on here are still rookies…”

Yu-Seong was sure that the majority of them would soon become hunters representing the world.

The two reporters smiled, sharing similar thoughts as Yu-Seong himself.

"Even if it’s not certain, can we feature a provocative headline for this piece of news?” asked Jin-Young.

“That would be good for garnering attention,” said Yu-Seong with a slight nod.

“Thank you.”

They went on to have a brief meeting. The two reporters mostly had great opinions and suggestions for Yu-Seong, which would be good for his Star Factor’s development. Most importantly, they discussed the filming plan for the attack on the Rank 7 raid dungeon.

Despite Jin-Hwan and Jin-Young being experts in using specialized magic tech drones for filming dungeon raids, they would still face a shortage of staff for this upcoming shoot. After all, at least ten journalists with expertise in operating specialized magic tech drones would generally be required to film in a Rank 7 raid dungeon of that level. In this case, personnel allocation was necessary.

"To be honest, I don’t have much knowledge regarding that area. If you need more people, just hire them. After all, the attack team will have more frequent activities in the future,” Yu-Seong said.

"Wa-Wait a minute, sir. Are you saying that we can choose whoever we want?" asked Jin-Young in surprise.

Yu-Seong nodded. "The selection of experts should be left to those who are experts themselves. The boss can’t necessarily do or know everything well just because they hand out the salary, right? By the way, we can create business cards that designate you as team leaders…”

After hearing Yu-Seong’s words, both reporters’ smiles widened as they looked at each other.

They were recognized within the company, but their young age currently prevented their promotions to high-ranking positions. As a result, there were many aspects of the company's system that they found frustrating.

However, since having been hired by Yu-Seong, they had been able to execute their plans in various ways. For example, they had been quite satisfied with executing ideas through the NewTube videos especially since the content had been successful.

The only thing that they had found unsatisfactory was the lack of manpower. Just like they couldn't cover the heavens with one hand, there were limitations with just the two of them working. But now, they could supplement their team with other members, and even become team leaders themselves.

"Then, about the employment pay…" Jin-Hwan cautiously asked.

"Please pay 10% more than the industry's highest rate. That way, you guys will also be more comfortable in hiring others," said Yu-Seong.

"Is, is that okay?" Jin-Young asked.

Only when she saw Yu-Seong’s smile did she nod.

For a moment, they had forgotten that the person in front of them was a chaebol whose family owned the largest conglomerate in Korea, and that recently, they had been exerting the greatest influence within the company.

"I understand." Coming to a conclusion, Jin-Hwan announced, "I’ve decided to quit Min-Guk Newspaper."

"Isn't that where you are working full-time?” Yu-Seong asked in surprise as he looked at Jin-Hwan.

"Now, Yu-Seong Tube is my workplace," replied Jin-Hwan firmly with a determined look in his eyes.

He had made this choice partly because Yu-Seong’s earlier decisions had moved him. But of course, there was another even more important reason.

‘Choi Yu-Seong is a true giant.’

While Min-Guk Newspaper was a well-known broadcast company in Korea, its scale was different from that of the Comet Group. Jin-Hwan also believed that, even if he didn't consider the Comet Group, Yu-Seong himself was someone who could create something that far surpassed Min-Guk Newspaper.

It wasn't even a gamble.

‘This is the winning move.’

From now on, Jin-Hwan would go all-in with Yu-Seong. He had no doubts regarding this choice of his.

"I'll also resign from the Dae-Guk Newspaper," Jin-Young said shortly after.

"You too, Jin-Young?" asked Yu-Seong.

"You trust and support us in such a big way, so I don't want to be wishy-washy anymore. Even though I am sometimes called a trash reporter[1], I'm Kim Jin-Young, and I've never learned to waver, boss," Jin-Young said with a thump on her chest.

Jin-Hwan nodded with a proud look on his face.

"Thank you. I am grateful for your decision. Although I cannot say it is a reward, I would like to offer you a bonus equal to what you received at your previous company…"

Before Yu-Seong could finish speaking, Jin-Hwan interrupted him to say, “No, it’s okay. The revenue share from Yu-Seong Tube alone is more than my salary from the previous company. From now on, we will make our own income with our own hands.”

“I agree,” Jin-Young added.

Did he have a reason to stubbornly reject their proposition when they spoke to him so earnestly? Yu-Seong felt like he understood their feelings well, as he had also once been an office worker of a company.

Finally, Yu-Seong smiled happily and reached out his hand. “Well then, I look forward to working with you two, Team Leader Park and Kim.”

"I'll look forward to working with you for the rest of my life, boss."

"Don't worry, boss. Just leave it to us."

This was the moment when Yu-Seong had completely won over their hearts.

***

Bernard, who had recently returned from the Tower of Heaven, was taking a break. He was sipping his favorite whiskey at a bar in Los Angeles, USA, when he received a call.

Seeing Bernard tilt his head in surprise, Meghan, who was drinking next to him, asked, “What’s going on?”

"It’s Choi Yu-Seong. I wonder why he's calling me?"

“You guys are friends, so why wouldn’t he call you?” Meghan replied.

"I usually message him. Let me take this call for a moment," Bernard said with a wry smile before answering the phone in fluent Korean.

“Hey, it’s me.”

- Bernard, is this a good time to talk?

"Unusually courteous of you. Do you have something important to ask me?"

The call had just started, but Bernard already found himself to be in a good mood. Perhaps it was due to the alcohol he had already consumed, but chatting with Yu-Seong was always enjoyable. Even meaningless small talk felt fun.

Bernard had a lot of connections and many people who liked him, but Meghan never used the term ‘friend’ for any of them. Bernard never had a clue as to why until now.

'I've never had so much fun with them.’

On the other hand, Yu-Seong's voice alone made him happy. For Bernard, it was the feeling of finally realizing that this was what it meant to have a friend.

- It's a very important request. Can you come to Korea if you have time?

"To Korea? My goodness, friend. That's quite a request."

- Is it a difficult one?

"No, it's definitely possible. I can take a private plane and arrive tomorrow night, your time. Just wait."

Bernard got ready to leave the bar once he paid the bill with his card. This was because he thought there must be a reason for Yu-Seong to call him so suddenly.

- It's not that urgent. I just need you to return within this week. I'll let you know some details beforehand, and you can make your decision and depart.

"Whatever it is, it's okay for me. It shouldn't be a problem."

Shrugging his shoulders, Bernard smiled wryly and grabbed his coat from the bar's coat hanger.

- That's not something to be said so lightly. A new Rank 7 raid dungeon has appeared in Korea.

"Oh, I heard about that. Didn't it appear in Busan?" asked Bernard.

- That's right. I plan to conquer it with the lead attack team.

"So you plan to form an attack team,” said Bernard as he quickly understood Yu-Seong's intention. Then, he suddenly remembered something and expressed his doubts. "If it’s a Rank 7 dungeon... There must be restrictions on entry. Can I even go?"

Search bit.ly/3iBfjkV for the original.

- With the authority I have, I can authorize entries for at least two people. And if I ask my father, I could probably add two or three more.

"Confident as always, the ace of the Comet Group," said Bernard.

- I'm not joking. I want to invite you and Meghan to the team. By the way, among the members, only Meghan is an S-rank.

"Don't they recommend at least three S-ranks for the first clear of a Rank 7 dungeon?"

- Yes.

However, Yu-Seong was saying that he planned to bring only one S-rank player. Meghan had pretty good skills, but this was still a very dangerous task. That was also why the rewards were considerable if they succeeded.

Bernard easily understood the situation. His eyes twinkled while he licked his lips. The taste of sweet and rich whiskey suddenly rose deep in his throat.

"That sounds like fun. If I only I had the ability, then I’d be the one asking you."

- Does that mean you are in?

"I'm okay with it. And Meghan is..." Bernard turned to look at Meghan, who wouldn’t have missed the conversation they just had as an S-rank hunter.

"That sounds interesting. Please let me participate too," Meghan said.

With Meghan's agreement, Bernard nodded with a broad smile. He said, "I'm okay too, but is it really okay? If the name 'Cheon-Ji' is included in this Comet Group's plan, your father might not be happy."

- That's why he'll actually be pleased, since I'm the leader of the attack team.

"Oh, well... I think I understand your father’s intention," said Bernard.

A child of the Cheon-Ji Group participating in an attack team under the Comet Group's name would lead to useless rumors and articles based on that fact alone.

"Rather, I might be the one who gets scolded by my grandfather."

Even though he was saying that, Bernard didn't seem to care much about it. In fact, he wouldn’t have agreed right away without even thinking about that in the first place.

'If it's in the format of an attack team, then it’s easy to justify.' 

As the attack team was a non-profit organization, Yu-Seong's choice of the term 'attack team' made sense to Bernard. An attack team was a win-win strategy for both parties.

"As expected of a smart guy. Anyway, I'm going to hang up so I can head out immediately."

- Thanks.

After ending the call, Bernard looked at Meghan. Their eyes seemed to be burning with a similar passion, perhaps due to the teacher-student relationship between them. In fact, they were excited for the upcoming raid.

"As soon as we get to Korea, we need to enter the local dungeon for adaptation training. We should do that as soon as we get over the jet lag," said Meghan.

"I suppose so," replied Bernard.

"But I'm not sure if I can protect you if a Rank 7 raid monster appears."

"That's also obvious."

In fact, that was why their relationship was so favorable for Bernard. Ever since he first met Meghan, he had hoped to fight alongside her someday. And now, that day had finally come.

"Are you having fun?"

What else could he say?

"Too much."

After giving a casual answer, Bernard suddenly thought of something.

‘Kim Do-Jin... Will he participate too?’

Despite his unpleasant personality, Do-Jin's skills were undeniably good. Bernard knew that the upcoming raid was sure to be an exciting one in many ways.

1. "기레기" is a Korean slang term used to insult reporters, typically those who are seen as unprofessional or unethical. It can be translated as "jerk journalist," or "trash reporter." ☜