Villain Hides His True Colors

“What’s this troubling feeling…”

I was drying myself and changing my pants after coming out of the bath.

But for some reason, I had been feeling very uncomfortable as if there was still a sticky feeling on my butt.

At least I had gotten a skill out of this.

The experience from earlier was very unpleasant, but nevertheless, I had gotten a B-Grade skill by combining two garbage skills, so it could be said that I had made a profit.

“Hm…should I continue?”

It was important to keep going when you were on a streak when it comes to gacha. Unfortunately, a lot of time was delayed because I had to wash the damn spider webs off.

I looked at the remaining goods.

– 1x Random Box (Medium).

– 1x Random Box (High).

Just one more good thing to come out would be great.

Wasn’t there a saying that when you’re enjoying something you would want to enjoy it even more? The human heart was very sly.

Until a moment ago, I was just happy that I had gotten a B-Grade skill, but I was getting greedy again now that I was about to open another box.

“Well, let’s go one more time!”

[ Used 1x Random Box (Medium). ]

The box spun in the air as it spewed out bright lights.

This was the third time I was seeing this sight today. Such moments were still nerve-wracking even though I was used to it.

Soon, in the place where the lights had disappeared, a cute puppy doll appeared.

“Hmm?”

A doll out of the blue…At a first glance, there was a feeling that it was a failure.

Suddenly, the puppy doll who had been still, turned to me and began barking like crazy.

“Growl! Bark, bark! Woof, woof! Woof! Woof, woof! Growl! Woof, woof…”

Annoying racket enough to make you frustrated. It repeated the same thing as if it was a broken doll.

As expected, it was another failure.

I frowned and checked the item information.

Classification: Toy

Grade: B

Description: Self-defense automatic doll made to protect the successor of a certain noble. It barks or attacks when it sees a villain or criminal. Inflicts additional damage to the fiercely hostile ‘evil’ tendency.

*In the case of criminals, information is transmitted by inquiring from the national database.

“…”

What looked like a trivial item was actually a B-Grade item. How the hell was this B-Grade?

And seeing that the doll was barking at me, it was obviously broken.

But contrary to what I thought was a failure, I really liked the option on the item.

“This was surprisingly good?”

Even if it was broken, I was setting up a career path to deal with the demons, so I couldn’t believe I had gotten such a perfect synthesis material.

Hehe, perfect. There was a slot left on my sword.

I threw the noisy barker into the Synthesis window, and then I added Red Velvet Curse.

[ Materials used in Synthesis have a Synergy effect. ] 

[ Options will be upgraded according to the item grade. ]

“Huh?”

A strange sentence had come to mind. Soon, along with a bright light, the new Red Velvet Curse with the updated option was displayed in front of me.

Classification: Sword 

Grade: A 

Description: A sharp sword that emits an eerie cry and is sharp enough to put even its owner in danger.

*Indestructible.

*The more blood it soaks up, the more demonic energy is emitted from the sword. (Effect: Sharpness increases).

* – Accelerates thinking and improves dexterity [3/3] (24 hours recharge cycle).

* – Nullify any attack once [1/1] (1 week recharge cycle).

* – Detects surrounding ‘villains’ and inflicts additional damage against targets with ‘evil’ tendencies. (Permanently increase the additional damage the more villains are killed) – New –

“Oooooh!”

I had no choice but to exclaim when I saw the option.

Frankly speaking, it was more than I had expected. No, it wasn’t enough to simply describe it as more than expected.

Wasn’t this option made specifically for me who will be a hero?

Additional damage against targets with ‘evil’ tendency, and it could grow the more villains are killed.

In addition, it had the function of detecting villains.

“Haha…it’s truly amazing! Really.”

It seemed there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Wasn’t the two trash skills earlier just a buildup for this moment?

The newly changed Red Velvet Curse was releasing a more sharp energy than before. 

Looking at the sword, I had a realization.

As expected, it was a good day!

Everything was going smoothly as if everything had been prepared for me.

I had a good feeling I was going to hit the jackpot today. Thus, I must end it properly when such momentum comes.

“Let’s continue.”

I put my hand on the last box, recalling the feeling I just had opening the previous box.

[ Used 1x Random Box (High). ]

Then…

The box that floated in the air began to spin and sprinkle a brilliant golden glow.

* * * * * * * * * *

Dawn when everyone was asleep. Light from a monitor sparkled in a dim room.

And in front of such a monitor sat someone covered in a hood.

Clack–

Clack–

The sound of tapping a keyboard resonated in the room, followed by a line of words on the monitor.

[What’s the current progress of the plan?]

Shortly after, an answer came back.

[Don’t worry. Everything is going smoothly, President.]

[There can be no setbacks in the mission.]

[Of course. For this mission, I’ve mobilized my family’s funds to purchase the highest level of equipment. Other members are also fully familiar with how to use it.]

[All right. If you successfully carry out this mission, I’ll raise your grade according to your achievements.]

[Leave it to me, President. I’ll make sure the mission succeeds.]

[Oh, and please collect not only photos but also videos thoroughly. These days, videos are rather helpful in promotion.]

[I understand. I’ll keep that in mind as I proceed with the plan. I’ll get back to you soon.]

[‘Noah Samchon’ has left.]

(TN: Samchon means a middle-aged male fan.)

[‘Wishing For A Better Future With Noah’ has left.]

The chat window closed.

Then Elizabeth, who was looking at the screen, smiled insidiously.

Her long ears rose in high spirits.

“Hehe…good, good.”

She felt very depressed when she had found out that she would be spending a year apart from Noah.

But she had finally found a solution in her own way.

I’m glad I made a fan club.

She looked at the fan club she had started.

[A.R.K – Choi Noah’s Official Fan Club]

The proud name of the fan club that was decided through a fan contest.

In fact, in addition to ‘A.R.K,’ there were many great ideas such as ‘Noah YOLO’ and ‘No Underwear,’ but the decision had been made through the voting of the most popular name.

Anyway…it sounds better the more I see it.

Noah, the savior in the Bible and the hero Choi Noah who saves citizens.

She thought the imagery was simply perfect.

On top of that, the growth is going well too.

Noah’s popularity was spreading nationwide due to the recent disclosure of his test results.

The current number of fans had exceeded 30,000. It was an unrealistic number for someone who had just become a hero.

And among the members who had joined time, some will also be attending the Hero Training Institute.

Elizabeth had contacted them and made plans, so now there was a path to periodically receive updates on Noah.

A hero was a person who grew by receiving the public’s interest and love.

Individual strength was important, but the size of those who supported and cheered for them could be said to be the ‘real’ influence of a hero. 

I need to keep adding bait so that interest doesn’t die down.

Wouldn’t it be a small privilege of the fan club president to satisfy a little of her own selfishness in the process?

Elizabeth snickered to herself in the empty room.

“Hehe…I’m looking forward to the future.”

* * * * * * * * * *

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come?”

Elizabeth looked at me with a regretful look on her face. It was just seeing me off. I wasn’t going to leave the house forever. Her actions were very exaggerated.

“It won’t be necessary. Give me my bags.”

“Mhm…here you go.”

I grabbed the big suitcases from her. There were three suitcases, all with space expansion spells. What on earth did she pack that there was so much luggage? 

Anyway, these were practically meaningless to me, as I could go back and forth with the effect of if I wanted to.

“I hope you didn’t put anything weird in there.”

“…N-no. As you said, I only packed what you really needed.”

“Hmm…”

Somehow, her answer wasn’t very clear. If she has something up her sleeve, I’ll have to educate her properly later.

“Hmm?”

Elizabeth was wearing a badge that I had never seen before. There was a shape that looked like a ship, and in the middle were small letters etched.

[A.R.K]

What was the meaning of this?

I couldn’t help but notice since she usually didn’t wear such accessories.

“Noona, what’s that?”

“Haha, isn’t it pretty?” 

For some reason, she raised her chin and gave a proud look.

Was it an item?

I got a little closer and touched the badge. But no information came to mind.

It was trash.

“If you’re interested, should I give you one? I can get Noah a special one.”

“No, no need.”

I would have asked for it right away if it was an item, but a badge with no option meant nothing to me.

Choi Bokhui, who was standing beside Elizabeth, spoke.

“Take care and have a safe trip. And…Please don’t cause any trouble there.”

“Why would I cause trouble? I’ll be right back after being as quiet as always.”

“…Okay.”

Choi Bokhui sighed deeply.

Was it because she had been spending a lot of time with Elizabeth these days? This woman seemed to have a serious misunderstanding of me.

After the second round, how reliable have I been living until now?

It was really unfair.

“Heuk…Noah, before you go, give sister a farewell hug…”

“I’ll be back.”

Ignoring Elizabeth who was talking nonsense with her arms open, I used .

Then, with a bright light, the surrounding landscape changed in an instant.

***

[ Translator – Yasi ]

[ Proofreader – Karane ]

I could see the building of the Pyongyang branch that resembled a pyramid. And in front of it, there were the candidates who had passed the exam.

“Ah! Noah!”

At someone’s word, everyone turned their heads. Soon, they flocked to me with bright smiles.

“How have you been? As for me…”

“I told you to stop by my family, but you didn’t even call me once. I’m disappointed. Haha.”

“Noah. How do you like sister’s dress? Isn’t it pretty?”

They were frantically talking over one another. I pushed them aside.

Hmm?

There were some familiar-looking badges on their collars.

It looked exactly like the one Elizabeth had worn?

Although the colors were different, they clearly had the same shape and letters engraved.

[A.R.K]

What the hell was this?

Was it an accessory that was popular these days?

As I was deep in thought, Mousin and Saki approached me. The same badges were  attached to their collars, but the color was different from the others.

“Choi Noah! You’re finally here!”

“Hehe! Noah, I missed you! Welcome!”

Well, I suppose it was an ordinary badge with no abilities anyway. I didn’t have to worry about it.

After joining up with the successful candidates of the Pyongyang branch, I headed to the portal that would lead to the Hero Training Institute.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hero Training Institute.

It was a large-scale training facility in Goyang city of Gyeonggi-do where heroes who had passed the exam from all over the country gathered each year.

The number of those who had passed this time was around 400.

Considering that the average number of successful applicants in the past was close to 1,000, it was easy to guess how difficult the level of the hero exam was this time.

However, even for those who had passed such a difficult exam, the rankings were bound to be divisive again…

The young boy who had come first in a landslide and had set an unprecedented perfect score in the history of the hero exam.

Noah, as the representative this time, climbed onto the podium and read the pledge.

“As I have been appointed as a trainee at the Hero Training Institute, I will keep in mind that my duty is to develop my character and ability as a great hero…”

The beautiful voice of a young child spread through the training ground.

Reporters’ camera flashes exploding from all sides, and even broadcasting stations vehicles, which were rarely present for such an occasion, could be seen.

“…I solemnly swear to abide by the law, to be sincere in my efforts to uphold it, and to keep my honor and dignity as a trainee.”

After finishing the pledge, Noah went down the platform with light steps as the sword hanging from his waist shook.

And…There was a girl who was glaring at him. Her name was Shirahui.

At the age of 15, she had obtained the C-Rank hero license and was the nation’s ‘second best’ for the hero exam this time.

It should have been me up there…

She glared at Noah with a venomous look.

White sweatpants and sneakers. Was he not aware of how important this was?

Even if he didn’t want to dress up like her, shouldn’t he at least wear formal attire?

I can’t believe I lost to such a child…

If not for Noah, she would have been the youngest person to win the country’s top title this time.

If only…then my father might have attended…

She recalled her father who was likely busy somewhere.

Shin Cheonho. He was one of the only two S-Rank heroes in Korea.

Even her father, who was always busy with various schedules, might have visited if she had been first in the country.

While she was thinking about this and that, the appointment ceremony finally ended.

[The trainee appointment ceremony will now come to an end. You’ll be guided to your accommodation as soon as it’s ready, so you can act freely in the training ground until then.]

The trainees rushed to their families and friends to say goodbye.

Such a harmonious scene made Shirahui even more depressed.

Soon, she heard a loud voice from behind her back.

“Haha, you’re alone again today. But don’t be too disheartened. Loneliness is an important foundation for inner growth.”

With a frown, she looked back at the familiar voice.

And standing there was a man in his early 20s with vigorous eyes.

His name was Yeom Gangjun.

He was the child of the hero family, Daegu, and even though they were six years apart in age, they have known each other since young because of their family’s ties.

“Gangjun, aren’t you also alone?”

“Hahaha! Heroes are naturally lonely beings. I’m not ashamed of being alone at all.”

“Haa…”

She sighed as she looked at Yeom Gangjun who was unnecessarily energetic.

I don’t want to involve myself with this person any longer.

Gangjun had rescued another candidate in last year’s exam, thus causing him to fail. As a result, that had led him to passing the exam this year alongside her.

“It’s not right to sigh like that! A hero is someone who always has to give citizens a peace of mind. Now, follow me and smile like this. Hahaha!”

“Haaaa…”

Looking at Yeom Gangjun, who had become impassioned by himself again, she sighed again.

Then, at that moment, she noticed a boy at the end of her gaze. The perfect scorer and someone who had taken her place today.

Was his name Choi Noah?

Noah, who had finished his interviews with the reporters, was walking around the training ground alone. She also saw a portable game console in his hands.

H-he came all the way here to play games?

She had been defeated by such a crazy fellow? It was really hard to understand.

A person must show the appropriate behavior if they have taken the ‘top’ position.

After looking at Noah for a while, she walked towards him with a determined look.

* * * * * * * * * *

“Please tell us how you feel about being the country’s number one…”

“I’m from MK Daily! Since the last terrorist incident, this time again…”

After the pledge was completed, reporters who had waited flocked to me.

At first I thought I would just ignore it, but then they threw a bait that I couldn’t ignore.

[ Reputation has increased. ] 

[ Reputation has increased. ]

.

.

.

Haha, gaining reputation without even doing anything?

The reputation number, which had been stagnant for a while, began to increase. I tried my best to answer the reporters’ questions as soon as I saw that.

I couldn’t believe it was such easy work. From now on, I thought it would be best to accept these interview requests as much as possible.

After the interviews, I was finally able to regain my freedom as I took out my game console.

Fortunately, several fairly good games had been released around this time, so there will be no shortage of fun for a while.

It was fun to play these classic games.

Suddenly, I heard someone’s voice.

“Can I talk to you for a second?”

“Hmm?”

When I turned my head, I saw a girl who looked to be about 15 to 16 years old standing with a stiff posture.

“My name is Shirahui.”

“Oh, okay.”

“…I said I’m Shirahui.”

What did she want from me?

“I got it, so you can go somewhere else. I don’t like to be disturbed when I’m playing games.”

I continued my game after a moderate wave of my hand at her. Then, she shouted at me with a flushed voice.

“You really don’t know me? Or are you pretending not to know? I’ve been in a lot of commercials. Don’t you have a TV at home?”

“I don’t really watch TV.”

“Then, don’t you know the S-Rank hero, Lightning Sword? My father’s name is Shin Cheonho. You really don’t know?”

(TN: Lightning Sword is a reference to a legendary sword in murim.)

“Hmm?”

I finally looked up. Hearing the name Lightning Sword reminded me of one very old memory.

[Villain…You…Why are you wasting away your power?]

There was an old man who could shoot off fairly itchy electricity. A real old man who nagged even when his waist was cut in half.

“Ah!”

“Haha! Do you recognize me now?”

“I know who you are!”

When I thought of the old man, I naturally knew who this girl was.

The S-Rank hero who was called Lightning Calamity.

(TN: Lightning Calamity is a reference to a mythical land with nonstop thunderstorms in murim.)

It was a girl who came after me, saying that she would avenge her father, but was ultimately split in half and died.

This girl was here?

I was somehow delighted by the sudden connection of the past. My hands had felt quite good when I had cut this girl at the time.

“Now that you understand the picture, let’s talk for a second…”

As she was talking, I heard another person’s voice nearby.

“Choi Noah! It’s really nice to meet you like this! I’m your fan! Can I shake your hand?”

When I looked back, a man in his late 20s was looking at me with a bright smile.

“…”

“Wh-what! Can’t you see we’re talking?”

Shirahui, who was standing next to me, became annoyed, but the man kindly smiled and continued his words.

“Haha, oh my. I was so happy to see you… Let me introduce myself first. My name is Myeong Yugeon and I’m from Incheon.”

The man reached out his hand to me with a look of pure goodwill.

And at that moment,

[ You’ve encountered a Villain. ]

[ activated. ]

Red Velvet Curse, which was worn around my waist, began to vibrate.