I Woke Up as the Villain

For the past two months, Yu-Seong has been quite busy. He hadn't exactly been training or entangled in any incidents, but strangely enough, he had a lot to do.

'First of all, I managed to monopolize Vision Technology stocks....'

It was possible because he had made an offer that no other company could refuse and absorbed all the stocks they had quietly placed.

'Even the stubborn ones who wouldn't sell eventually came around when the price increased by about five times.' 

As a result, an astonishing amount of one billion dollars was invested in the venture. Additionally, Yu-Seong contributed an additional 500 million dollars to expedite the company's development. In the blink of an eye, a total of 1.5 billion dollars was spent.

However, considering Yu-Seong's net worth exceeded 10 billion dollars, it didn't pose much of a strain.

'It's still a bargain, after all. If I didn't have the stocks handed over by Chairman Takaku, it would have cost twice as much.' 

More importantly, this investment had the potential to return not just tenfold, but even a hundredfold in size. Since it was a guaranteed return rather than mere consumption, there was no reason to hold back.

Naturally, amidst all these developments, Yu-Seong had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Ellis, a brilliant American scientist who would soon become a developer of the Artificial Awakening Stone. The results, in fact, were quite promising.

'When I gave her a hint about the Artificial Awakening Stones from the original novel during our meeting, she seemed to grasp the concept quickly...' 

The money he had invested appeared to have the potential for a quicker and larger return than he had initially anticipated. Moreover, having earned Ellis' favor, he no longer had to worry about her being lured away by another company.

And while these events unfolded, Yu-Seong held firm in his confidence about one thing.

‘I'll be rolling in money in no time.’

He might even surpass his father, Woo-Jae, to become known as the richest man in Korea.

'Though I'm not sure how much hidden money he has...' 

However, with this much, wouldn't he still be rolling in the dough without having to inherit the Comet Group?

‘But then… I reached this point thanks to the backing of the Comet in the first place.'

Regardless, he went on to invest 8 billion dollars into the growth and recruitment of his Hidden Team.

'In the end, I have only about 500 million dollars left.' 

It was a bold move, but he believed it was a necessary one.

'The Demon King Worshipers are a global crime organization and also an Isolated Unit organization[1].' 

To confront this formidable enemy, Yu-Seong's side needed to strengthen their forces. It wasn't just a matter of recruiting a small number of elites, but rather, gathering a large group of individuals with some talent. Additionally, recruiting and supporting such individuals came with considerable costs.

‘As they are risking their lives fighting the Demon King Worshipers, I should at least provide them with a living allowance.’

He decided to allocate 8 billion dollars to support equipment, personnel recruitment, and operating expenses all at once.

‘The total amount reaches 30 billion dollars.’

Significantly, out of the total amount, 12 billion dollars was generously supported by Woo-Jae. Yu-Seong had sought his assistance in the eradication of the Demon King Worshipers, and Woo-Jae, fueled by his grudge against Eveheim, had agreed to support him.

'He probably saw it as beneficial in various ways. After all, the roots of Eveheim lead back to the Rothschild...' 

Woo-Jae harbored the life goal of using the Comet name to surpass the Rothschild and Rockefeller families.

Among the world's most renowned families, the Rothschilds had undeniable connections with the Demon King Worshipers, particularly with Eveheim. If Yu-Seong succeeded in dismantling the Demon King Worshipers, it would undoubtedly have a profound impact, reaching the roots of the Rothschild family.

'Well, whatever other matters are there, it's for Father to figure out.' 

Woo-Jae and Yu-Seong’s interests coincided in many ways, going beyond their familial relationship. Furthermore, Helen provided an additional 10 billion dollars in aid.

'I knew Helen was wealthy, but she indeed gave a significant amount in support.' 

Not only that, but she also introduced her personal acquaintances to the Hidden Team.

As a result, thanks to Helen's influence, the team led by Jenny experienced an exponential expansion, growing to more than a hundred times its original size since Yu-Seong first became aware of it.

'At this point, it's impossible to keep it a secret.' 

As a result, even though Woo-Jae became aware of the existence of the Hidden Team, he appeared indifferent toward it. Yu-Seong, being chosen as the next chairman of Comet, already held significant personal power, which made Woo-Jae's lack of concern understandable.

Moreover, Baek Cheol, the former captain of the guards who had once protected Ji-Ho, was enlisted as a crucial member to support Jenny on the Hidden Team. This opportunity arose when Baek Cheol, deeply moved by Ji-Ho's complete recovery in health and strength, felt compelled to repay his kindness by pledging his loyalty to Yu-Seong.

'He's extremely dependable.' 

Perhaps it was because Jenny and Baek Cheol both had some experience leading an organization. Coupled with the large amount of money invested, the newly reformed Hidden Team accomplished quite a lot over the past two months.

'Collecting information on the activities of the Demon King Worshipers, carrying out interference operations, and so forth.' 

Indeed, the results were significant. It was now certain that substantial hitches had occurred in Eveheim's plans.

'Not that everything could be stopped...'

In that situation, Yu-Seong managed to uncover another major pattern of the Demon King Worshipers.

'All operations are only taking place in the major cities of each country where the Tower of Heaven exists.' 

The only exception to this was Seoul, South Korea. It seemed likely due to their awareness of Yu-Seong's existence.

'Or they could be waiting for an opportunity.' 

Either way, it became clear that Eveheim was scheming something.

Therefore, Yu-Seong had focused on real-world work for one month of the past two months. As for the remaining one month, he had devoted it to the Tower of Heaven.

'It would be great if we could discover some changes within.' 

Thanks to this, Yu-Seong managed to conquer up to the 50th floor of the tower. Although he learned nothing about Eveheim's plans in the process, there was a distinct turning point.

'From the 30th floor of the tower, we could directly encounter gods.' 

As a result, on the 30th floor, Yu-Seong had the opportunity to personally meet Loki, Cu Chulainn, and Scathi, who all revealed an astonishing secret to him.

‘The time for the gods to depart from this world is fast approaching.’

They said it was something akin to fate. When a world was approaching a certain end, the gods followed the flow of that world and returned to the stellar path. However, this didn't mean that all of Yu-Seong's ties with them were ending.

'They said, once the Transcendent Gate is completely constructed, we can meet again.’

Yu-Seong felt that he had come remarkably close to that distant realm, the world of stars where the gods resided. As a result, he did not feel profound regret about the separation.

'Besides, we're not parting immediately...'

In addition, there was one more thing Yu-Seong had done in the tower.

'I engraved the souls of Cu Chulainn and Scathi into Loki's avatar.' 

Of course, Loki had resisted fiercely before Yu-Seong managed to convince her. The reason had been the same as why he didn't necessarily summon Loki to Earth at the moment.

'This power could be a secret weapon in the fight against Eveheim.' 

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Indeed, the power passed down to Yu-Seong by the three transcendent beings was undoubtedly enormous. However, Eveheim already knew about all three of these powers. After all, he himself was a transcendent being, so there was no way he had no idea.

'I also know what Eveheim's ability is, but...' 

He had probably given up transcending and gained something new instead. Or rather, he was trying to obtain it. In case of emergency, Yu-Seong also needed to hide a secret weapon.

'If I reveal it even once to the world, Eveheim might notice it.' 

He might be being overly cautious, but considering who his opponent was, Yu-Seong had to prepare for the worst.

'Moreover, I shouldn't need to rely on the powers of other gods.' 

Thus, it was perfectly fine for him to save a secret weapon.

While pondering these various thoughts, Yu-Seong's eyes widened as he checked the newly delivered activity report of the Hidden Team.

'Wait, there’s been an unusually high number of incidents in London over the past week?’

England was the homeland of the Rothschild family he had previously mentioned. In other words, it could mean that Eveheim was moving directly.

'What should I do?' 

Yu-Seong fell into brief contemplation.

'It could be a trap.' 

From now on, even a small movement could trigger an irreversible major incident.

'It would be best if we could ascertain Eveheim's exact location...' 

Biting his lower lip, Yu-Seong moved his gaze toward the calendar.

'Kim Do-Jin and Bernard Yoo still have a week left before they leave the training room...' 

At that moment, it was a delicate period where relocating himself and leaving his seat unoccupied seemed risky. However, disregarding such a significant development, even if it might be a trap, was equally challenging.

'What if it's a ploy to set off a major event…?' 

After much thought, Yu-Seong got up from his seat. "Let's make a move."

In fact, if he was afraid of a trap and remained idle, he would never reach the end.

'I've known for a long time that I can't cover the sky with one hand.' 

That was why he had made many people his allies. Even if Eveheim were to cause an incident, there were plenty of people in Korea who could buy Yu-Seong some time.

'Above all... There's no need to overthink it.' 

Eveheim wasn't the only one who could hide or deceive his whereabouts.

Yu-Seong picked up the phone and started talking with Yu-Ri. "I need a disguise-type player who is good at acting. Yes. A trusted individual. How many days do you think it’ll take? Cost is not a problem. One day? Great."

Yu-Seong hung up the phone and let out a laugh.

'As expected, having a group of talented people and pouring a lot of money in saves time.' 

Finally, the preparations he had been making all this time were shining through.

'Let's play hide and seek, Eveheim.' 

Now, not only did he lack the intention to lose, but he was also confident that he would not lose.

***

As night fell over the city, Eveheim, sitting in a quiet and empty bar, filled his glass with sweet whiskey. His eyes shimmered with a purple light.

'By now, Choi Yu-Seong must have figured out my signature.' 

Truly, it was indeed his intention to drive incidents toward London, England, to beckon Yu-Seong. In addition, as expected, Yu-Seong would likely move to London without watching over this situation.

'That's the best scenario.' 

If Eveheim could create a disturbance in Seoul that would shake Yu-Seong to his core at that moment, it would be much easier to reach his desired conclusion.

'Even if a direct fight breaks out, it's always easier to deal with the unstable side...' 

However, Eveheim found it hard to be entirely sure that Yu-Seong would move himself.

"Upon closer examination, he seems to be pretty audacious if left alone."

The whole point of causing incidents all over the world through the Demon King Worshipers was to provoke Yu-Seong. However, without much disturbance, Yu-Seong had poured a significant amount of money into operating a large organization, which easily thwarted the incidents.

In this invisible war, Eveheim had come to realize that Yu-Seong was more cautious than expected. Therefore, while Eveheim could make predictions, it was hard to be certain.

'If I invade Seoul while Choi Yu-Seong is still there, the risk is too high.' 

Indeed, Seoul was Yu-Seong's backyard, so to speak. Not only was there Yu-Seong, whom Eveheim regarded as someone he needed to be vigilant against, but there were also far too many others capable of dealing with the Hexagram Master or the Twelve Dark Kings.

1. Isolated Unit organization refers to a structure where members operate independently, having limited knowledge of each other's roles, and following instructions from a single or very few superiors. ☜