I Woke Up as the Villain

"Olivia, even if you make that expression, I still won’t give him up, because unlike the speculations of Jackson and Talia, the person I want is not Kim Do-Jin," said Eveheim.

"I know, so give him to me. Choi Yu-Seong."

"Don't be stubborn."

"Godfather, you are the one who shouldn’t be stubborn."

"Are you going to continue acting like this? Remember, I am your Godfather."

"...You're abusing your power shamelessly."

"Hehe… Isn't that what it's for?" Eveheim let out a casual laugh and turned his gaze back to the video.

In reality, even though they were having a relaxed conversation about who they had chosen, the probability of Yu-Seong's attack team joining forces with the Demon King Worshipers was extremely low.

‘With his background, and also considering their past behavior until now…’

There was a high probability that they wouldn't fit in with the Demon King Worshipers. In other words, the emotions of the six Hexagram Masters and Eveheim himself, who had said they were interested, were honestly just keeping their guards up.

‘The sense of danger that those in the attack team may one day threaten us…’

Perhaps, it was interesting.

Many people thought that the Demon King Worshipers organization had appeared suddenly after the appearance of dungeons. However, the reality was quite different. Most of them had lived in different worlds, existing as darkness for a long time before being united under the name of Demon King Worshipers. Lycanthrope King Jackson and Vampire Queen Talia were representative figures of these existences.

The reasons for these individuals coming together under the name Demon King Worshipers were quite diverse. For example, Jackson's family had mostly been killed by humans when he was young. Therefore, he despised humans in general, but he also knew that, even with his powerful strength as the Lycanthrope King, he could not win against an infinite number of humans. Jackson's desire to punish Earth through the arrival of the Demon King could be seen as a fairly simple reason in a way.

‘But it's certain.’

This was the case with all the Hexagram Masters gathered here. Someone sought revenge, someone else had a vile, baseless hatred for humans, and still others stood here for the revival of their own clans.

These individuals, who harbored such long-standing evil intentions, felt a sense of danger from the newly-formed attack team, which, to put it mildly, had only just begun to spread its wings.

There was a strange feeling that the newly formed attack team might hinder their goals. That was why they were considering crushing the team underfoot while they were still immature.

‘If we fail to recruit them…’

If they couldn’t get it, then it might be better to trample the bud before it grew. In fact, it was not impossible if they made up their mind.

Even if South Korea ranked in the top 10 player nations in terms of armed strength, it would struggle to withstand the simultaneous attack of all seven individuals gathered here.

The problem was in the aftermath. The Hexagram Masters and Godfather were all gathered in the narrow country of South Korea, and it would take considerable time to resolve the situation if an incident were to occur.

No matter how strong their power was, South Korea was still a decent country. They were not confident in escaping without being caught after quickly finishing everything.

First, Japan, China, and Russia would intervene, and if it took more time, Europe and the United States would also join in the effort to exterminate the Demon King Worshipers. In the midst of all this, there was only one place that would suffer damage.

'South Korea.' 

Excluding Korea, what happened to someone else's land wouldn't be a big deal in the eyes of other countries. From a global perspective, eliminating all the ringleaders of the worst terrorists—the Demon King Worshipers who could summon the Demon King someday—would be considered a much greater benefit.

'Nevertheless, the excitement...' 

In fact, the excitement was inevitable. Starting with Eveheim, all six Hexagram Masters of the Demon King Worshipers were greedy.

Amid that strange, oppressive atmosphere, Eveheim, who had silently turned off the TV with a remote, looked around the room. He asked, "You don't really plan on causing any trouble, do you?"

"...Of course not," replied Jackson as he tried showing an awkward smile. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

Unless Eveheim personally led them, they wouldn't do something they had been told not to do. In fact, they were not a ragtag bunch of misfits.

"Let's all be patient for a while. Soon, an opportunity will come to us as well..."

At Eveheim's words, which sounded like a prophecy, the six Hexagram Masters smiled and nodded.

***

After the Swamp Emperor raid ended, Yu-Seong had thought he would become extremely busy. In fact, there were plenty of things that would make him busy. With the rampage of interviews and TV appearances, there would not have been enough time to handle them all.

However, Yu-Seong had chosen to avoid contact with all media.

‘The Star Factor has already reached its peak.’

With the success of the Swamp Emperor raid, Yu-Seong's fame had reached the top tier of the world. While his practical combat ability might still lag behind S-rankers, his name value did not fall behind. Thanks to this, Yu-Seong's leveling up speed had already far surpassed the level of Titanic Growth.

‘If I decide to raise my level from now on, I could achieve the S-rank within this year.’

However, he decided against it. He was keenly aware that the matured growth he would experience after leveling up would be far more potent than simply increasing his rank.

Of course, that didn't mean that Star Factor had become meaningless.

『Special Skill: Star Factor B.

The more people pay attention to the holder, the faster his growth level accelerates.

In a short amount of time, the interest towards skill holders has drastically increased to the point of absurdity, and a rank adjustment effect has occurred.

Hidden Piece is opened.

D-rank perks – Increases focus of attention when exposed to video media such as cameras.

C-rank perks – The more flamboyant the fight, the less mana is consumed.

B-rank perks – When in a situation where many people are cheering, your maximum mana (or Chakra) increases

Current acceleration rate +300%

Additional privileges are opened by achieving new interest figures. Experience points required for growth -15%

Special) ‘Prestige Show Off’ effect is being used. If the target's fame is lower than the user's, it can randomly trigger a curse.

The current fame of player Choi Yu-Seong: 1300.

』

As he looked at the special perks that had been added due to his increase in rank, Yu-Seong felt such joy that his heart warmed up.

‘In such a situation where attention is pouring in, I can almost consider my mana to be infinite.’

Having almost infinite mana, which was the equivalent of infinite Chakra for Yu-Seong, was of great significance.

‘If my body can withstand it, I can even maintain the Wind Thunder Dragon God Art infinitely.’

The Wind Thunder Dragon God Art had great power, but it had the drawbacks of physical strain and excessive mana consumption. However, the second drawback could practically be resolved by Star Factor alone.

‘If I use the Wind Thunder Dragon God Art to the limit that my body can handle right now…’

In fact, when Star Factor's effect was not activated at all, the mana capacity was lacking, and the limit was about two minutes. Even with the power borrowed from ancient relics, two minutes was all it could effectively last.

Fortunately, the Wind Thunder Dragon God Art was such a flashy skill that it activated the C-rank perks shortly after being launched. As a result, the actual time that the Wind Thunder Dragon God Art could be maintained was five minutes. In addition to that, what if the B-rank special perks were also applied here?

‘It would depend on the level of interest, but a maximum of 10 minutes could be possible.’

If Yu-Seong could maintain the Wind Thunder Dragon God Art for that long, even an S-rank hunter wouldn't stand a chance against him unless they were at the top ranker level. It might sound arrogant, but Yu-Seong was confident in his abilities.

‘I am strong enough.’

Now, Yu-Seong no longer needed to tremble in fear at the sight of any enemy like before. He was content with his growth, and he was seeking a path for further advancement.

Just then, Yu-Seong received an unexpected call from someone. He muttered, "Choi Min-Seok?"

When he answered the phone, he could hear a slightly quavering voice on the other end of the line.

- Yu, Yu-Seong? Is that you?

“What’s going on?”

A quick look at bit.ly/3iBfjkV will leave you more fulfilled.

- Uh… Well... I think it's important news, so...

Having already been beaten badly by Yu-Seong once before, Min-Seok had become like a frightened animal and was unable to even think about attacking him again.

"Do you need to meet me in person?"

- No, no need to!

Yu-Seong couldn't help but chuckle at Min-Seok's surprised reaction. He then asked, "Then, what is it?"

- Um… In-Young noo-nim contacted me and said she wants to meet me with the third hyung-nim.

Yu-Seong's eyes glittered.

'Choi In-Young has started to move.' 

Based on what he had observed so far, In-Young had been exercising as much patience as possible in this uncontrollable situation.

'But now, she must be thinking of getting rid of me by any means necessary. Even if she has to face Mi-Na noo-nim.’ 

Amidst all this, she was making a very characteristic decision by choosing to use family members instead of external forces.

'She's still scared to think of having to deal with Father.' 

She was trying to gather all of Yu-Seong’s remaining siblings to restrict him. In fact, the reason why she had called Choi Min-Seok must have been because of that very choice.

"It's good news. Thanks."

- Uh, ok. Yeah.

A smile unconsciously crept onto Yu-Seong's face after he hung up on Min-Seok, who had responded with bewilderment.

'Choi Min-Seok.'

The animal that was filled with fear now seemed completely subservient to Yu-Seong. It was clear that he had chosen Yu-Seong over In-Young, whom he feared so much.

‘Not bad.’

In-Young was gathering the strength of the siblings.

‘Direct confrontation is dangerous for now.’

No matter how much he had grown recently, Yu-Seong still needed more time to be ready for that kind of battle.

‘If Kim Do-Jin helps me, the situation could be different, but…’

This time, Yu-Seong couldn't rely on Do-Jin, but not because he assumed that Do-Jin would dislike being involved.

‘No, he would rather jump in with joy.’

It would be a situation where Do-Jin could delve into the heart of the Comet Group's power structure. Do-Jin would even be happy to imagine the day when his sword would reach Woo-Jae's heart.

Being aware of this fact, Yu-Seong knew it would be foolish to drag Do-Jin into it.

‘At least for the family dispute, I shouldn't ask for Do-Jin's help.’

The same went for Meghan and Bernard. Although they might also step forward to help Yu-Seong, it would be very unpleasant for Woo-Jae.

‘Collaborating on external business and having Cheon-Ji Group interfere in our family's internal strife are two completely different things.’

In other words, Yu-Seong might have to fight against all of the other siblings under In-Young's command with his current strength.

‘Except for Choi Min-Seok, maybe... And the youngest one, she wouldn’t come forward.’

The youngest member of the Comet Group had recently started high school. She had awakened at just five years old, already reaching A-rank at such a young age.

In fact, she was widely considered a genius. However, she was indifferent to the world and had no particular interest in household affairs.

Her hobbies were just eating tteokbokki[1] with school friends, chatting in cafes, and singing loudly in karaoke rooms.

Eventually, Yu-Seong would have to confront the remaining four siblings, excluding the deceased Choi Byung-Chan, who had already stepped back, along with Choi Ji-Ho and Choi Mi-Na, who were stationed at In-Young's main base.

As previously mentioned, it wouldn't be easy to handle them with the power he currently had. So, what would be the best way to disappoint and anger In-Young at this point?

‘Something that can also buy me some time.’

After simply thinking about his concern, Yu-Seong smirked slyly.

‘I can just visit the Tower of Heaven.’

If In-Young and his other siblings were plotting, but Yu-Seong and his acquaintances were not present, the situation would be thoroughly futile for In-Young.

‘Really, I'm glad that the Tower of Heaven appeared early.’

Yu-Seong was certain that he no longer needed to stay in B-rank by the time he finished his adventure in the Tower of Heaven.

‘A-rank.’

Finally, the area of ability in this world, known as the realm of power, was right in front of him.

1. Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made of cylindrical rice cakes stir-fried with spicy gochujang sauce and various ingredients such as fish cakes, and vegetables. ☜