Villain Hides His True Colors

Chapter 20

Vera, whose appearance was similar to that of a hyena, was a crossbreed between a gnoll found in the otherworld and a human.

As a result, she had developed various characteristics similar to female hyenas and was born with a cursed body that was neither man nor woman.

So she hated her body.

Not only did she hate the look of disgust people showed when they looked at her, she was also afraid of the genetic defects that might develop one day.

She even thought it would be nice to end it all when she saw other children teasing her deep voice.

But she never gave up on her life. No, to be exact, she couldnt give up.

Because the three friends beside her didnt wish for such a thing to happen.

Haha, Vera. Im full, so you can eat this.

There was the reliable Chow who was as brave as an orc.

Vera. When you hold a sword, its better to relax your hand a little more.

The trustworthy Gomin who was as quiet as a troll.

Why are you so late? You have longer legs than me. Hurry up and follow me! Do I have to pick you up like this every time?

And even the feisty as a goblin, Andes, who was warmer than anyone else.

As such, she loved her friends.

Thanks to them, she was able to endure the harsh martial arts training and overcome the fear of death each night.

She thought that this kind of life wasnt so bad when she was with her friends. One day, when she was struggling day by day.

Chow, the oldest of the group, said.

We have to run away from here.

Whats up with you all of a sudden, Chow?

If we stay hereWere all going to die.

The information from Chows mouth shocked them. The rumor was that the research project will soon be suspended and theyll all be discarded.

They had no options. So they decided to run away.

Late at night, along with the sound of sirens, searchlights were lit.

And Vera, who was crossing a field, had the lights on her.

HakHak

Vera! Run faster!

Hey, you idiot! Hurry up and run!

She did her best, but she couldnt keep up with the speed of her friends.

Since her feet were naturally bent like high heels, she was bound to be slow.

The distance between her and her friends gradually widened. Her friends were already putting their feet on the fence.

She gasped and called out to her friends.

H-hold onLet me join you

Stop right there! You monsters!

Behind her, laboratory workers could be seen right on their trail. A distance close enough for them to reach Vera if they held out their arms.

I got you!

Kyaak! L-let go of me! Let go!

Like that, she was caught by the laboratory workers. Seeing that, Chow jumped off the fence.

This wont do. Looks like Ill have to go.

W-wait a minute, Chow!

Gomin, please take good care of our younger siblings.

Chow charged at the laboratory workers.

Because of that, Vera was able to escape safely and cross the fence, but Chow eventually failed to return to them.

From then on, the friends were no longer the same.

Gomin swung the sword like crazy. Andes began to create something with his ingenuity.

And with their newly gained strength, they began their revenge toward the world.

They kidnapped officials who had forgotten about the past while living peaceful lives, and then tortured them horribly before killing them.

Men and women of all ages were brutally murdered if they looked at them with disgust.

Then at some point, other people who also hated the world began to gather next to them one by one.

The power they had grew stronger and stronger, and as it happened, their time for revenge drew closer and closer.

Then finally, the long awaited opportunity for revenge came.

Based on information they had obtained from someone, they planned their revenge against the Namgung clan.

Everyone wont regret it, right?

Its fine by meIf I can take revenge for Chow.

Keukue, why are you asking us that? We cant live long anyway.

There were many elements necessary for their plan to succeed, but if there was something that could be said to be the most important, then it would be the barrier.

They needed a way to stall for time and broadcast Namgung Taesus confession to the world.

In order to install such a strong barrier, they had used their own lives as collateral to cast it.

And 12 hours after triggering the barrier, they were destined to die regardless of the success of the plan.

YeahEverything is for Chow.

Right. For Chow.

Okay, lets have fun! Keuhaha!

They bumped fists one last time and began their revenge.

The barrier was triggered after confirming that Namgung Taesu was inside the hotel.

Gomin went straight to the top floor where he was located, while Vera and Andes took control of the hotel.

The operation went smoothly. The most important thing was to overpower Namgung Taesu.

And fortunately, he hadnt brought many bodyguards today. If it was only this much, Gomin could deal with it alone.

It was as if heaven was on their side.

So, all that remained was to find the Heavenly Body at this venue. With that as the final piece, they would be able to complete their revenge.

It was definitely supposed to be like that 

The bleeding Vera held onto her fading consciousness and moved.

Shik

She could hear the sound of a sword being lifted somewhere.

Turning her head, she saw the boy slowly approaching her.

You shouldnt let your guard down until the experience comes in.

There was a shadow over the boys face. She looked at the figure and thought.

Ive always been late, but now Ill be the first to die.

So she felt relieved.

Because she wasnt the last again. And her friends would be able to live longer than her.

Although she couldnt watch the end to their revenge, she believed that her friends would do well on their own.

Ill go on first and wait with Chow

There was a faint smile on her face. But at that moment,

Veraaaa!

She heard Andes voice in her ears.

A-Andes?

Why was Andes here? 

He had definitely said he would go up first and clean up the hotel

Did he come down again for her?

Whiiiiir!!

Along with the harsh sound of an engine, Andes rushed at the boy.

A photon blade that had easily cut down the people here a while ago was produced.

Just as how he had jokingly said it was fun to dismember people, it was a destructive weapon that could split everything it touches.

At the sudden intrusion of Andes, the boy stepped back with a surprised look.

Andes began to push fiercely. Even avoiding the attacks seemed to be too much for the boy.

The thick walls were cut like tofu, and deep marks were engraved all over the venue.

After some time passed, the boy who was frantically running away suddenly stopped moving.

Hmm?

After observing Andes, the boy grinned and laughed.

What? Its a miscellaneous mob that cant even use mana. I was scared for no reason.

Suddenly, the boys body turned into a red fog and disappeared. Then, the fog began to dig between Andes steel suit.

Kueeuak! Keuh! Keu-keuk!

Andes painful screams were heard. And soon, the suit was released, revealing Andes.

Short height like a child and ugly green skin full of wrinkles.

The boy appeared in front of Andes again. He held Andes of a similar size with one hand and lifted him up.

Let go of me! Let go of me you bastard!

It wasnt a modified sound made by a machine, but a whiny voice like an elementary school student.

Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!

TukTuk

Andes hit and scratched the boy hard with his short limbs. But just like a young child playing a joke, there seemed to be no damage to him.

He could see the boys expression. He was smiling brightly.

At that moment, he knew what he was thinking. Squeezing out his remaining energy, he shouted.

N-noP-please

Swish!

Andes voice disappeared. And,

Thud!

His head rolled in front of Vera. Soon, she could see his visibly angry face in his last moment.

Andes

And then there was a shadow above her. The boy with blood on his face slowly lifted his sword.

When she saw it, rather than thinking of her own death, she recalled her friend who was in danger. And, the thought that once they died, the barrier would disappear crossed her mind.

Gominplease

Vera prayed that her voice would reach him.

And so, the blade of a sword fell over her.

* * * * * * * * * *

[ Level has risen. ]

[ Level has risen. ]

[ Level has risen. ]

[ Youve reached level 22. ]

[ Gained a Fragment of Growth. ]

[ Synthesis function unlocked. ]

[ Gained Level 20 Skill Selection. ]

Im finally over level 20.

I smiled as I looked at the messages in front of me. I didnt gain a Skill Selection for reaching level 15, but I was able to get one by reaching level 20 in just a few days.

What was more important than anything else was that I could use Synthesis from now on. In other words, useless skills and items could be recycled.

Great.

The moment I was reveling in the new function, a deafening cheer came from somewhere. 

Waaaaa!!!

W-were alive! Were alive!

With the death of the terrorists, those lying on the floor stood up and shouted.

They went wild as they ran onto the stage where I was standing.

Thank you! Thank you so much! 

Ill never forget this grace. Thank you so much

Choi Noah! Choi Noah! Choi Noah!

I felt like I was a rock star being cheered like this while naked.

Come to think of it, it was similar to how people would go wild for heroes.

At this moment, for the first time in the second round, I realized that I was in a hero-like situation.

What do they usually say in these kinds of situations?

After fumbling through my memory for a while, I was able to remember what those guys used to say often.

I approached one of the corpses and held up their decapitated head with both hands. As blood dripped down, I spoke.

Everyone! You can stop worrying now! Ive cleaned up all the dangerous villains!

W-waaaah.

Hmm? Whats this? Was it just my feeling that their voices somehow sounded less enthusiastic than before?

It was a little far from what I had expected, but it wasnt that important, so I decided to move on.

I had to head up and catch the other terrorists now.

And I would likely be using my skills again soon, so I thought it would be easier to just keep my clothes off and head up.

I packed my clothes that had fallen on the floor into my inventory and headed to the stairway.

Immediately, someones voice came from behind my back.

Wait! Where are you going now?

When I turned my head, I saw Eugene looking at me. Why was he pretending to be close all of a sudden? I gave him an indifferent answer.

There are still terrorists left.

The rowdy crowd immediately turned silent. Was it because they thought their nightmare wasnt over yet?

***

[ Translator Yasi ]

[ Proofreader Karane ]

Eugene looked at me with a stiff expression.

Dont tell me youre going to deal with them alone?

Yes.

Th-thats reckless! Were still young children who need to be protected by adults. Why are you trying to overdo it? Understand the situation!

He suddenly got mad at me. And as if agreeing with him, some older people below began to dissuade me.

Th-thats right, Noah. Do you really need to overdo it?

Th-thats right! Why dont you just stay here and protect us? Why do you want to take risks?

Now I understood, in the end, they wanted me to protect them because they were worried about themselves.

I became annoyed for the first time in a long time. My expression hardened without me even realizing it.

Its something I naturally have to do.

Only then could I get the reward.

In that sense, the people around me lowered their heads and the atmosphere became solemn. Eugene, who stood in front of me, looked at me in shock.

I left them alone and went down the stage.

Then, Eugene belatedly began to chase after me.

W-wait! Th-then, Ill come too. Im capable of protecting myself.

What was up with this? I should have killed him earlier. He was now thinking of sticking to me and stealing my experience.

I firmly told him.

I dont need it. On the contrary, its annoying, so dont ever follow me.

B-butI 

Eugene was about to say something, but soon stopped. Then after a moment, he began to unbutton his top shirt as if he had decided something.

The white nape of his neck was revealed. And around it was an old-fashioned pendant with a wolf motif engraved on a red background.

He took off the pendant and handed it over to me. I glanced at the pendant he had given me.

Whats this?

Its a precious artifact left by my mother. Itll be able to save your life at least once.

Why was he giving this to me? But since he was giving it to me, I decided not to refuse.

Classification: Accessories 

Grade: A 

Description: Proof of successor to the Crohart Empire. 

*Significantly increase physical strength and mana recovery. 

* Accelerates thinking and improves dexterity [5/5] (12 hours cooldown).

* Nullify any attack once [1/1] (3 days cooldown).

Ooh

What he had handed over was an A-Grade item. My eyes became glued to the dazzling options attached to it.

Up till this point I hadnt liked him. Ill have to add him to my friend list in my heart from now on.

Thank you, Ill cherish it.

Im not giving it to you! Im just lending it to you!

Hmm Really?

Its no use even if you give me that sad look. So, youmust! You have an obligation to come back alive and return it to me.

Well, okay.

And once you come back, I want to ask you one thing.

What is it?

Y-you dont need to know now! AfterIll tell you.

I hung the pendant he had handed to me around my neck. I still didnt like his tone, but I could fully forgive him because he was a precious friend who had given me an A-Grade item.

B-butHow come youve been dressed like that since earlier?!

Eugene blushed while looking at my body.

That gaze somehow felt suspicious.

Was hea pervert?

I see. Everything matched when I thought about it.

It seemed this brat was a pervert. And Im sorry to say this, but I dont make friends with such people.

There was no exception to this rule, even if I was given an A-Grade item.

I deleted him from my heart.

With him erased, I headed out of the venue.

* * * * * * * * * *

The senior counterterrorism investigator hadnt been able to take her eyes off the tablet for a while. Other investigators were also looking at the screen from behind her.

D-does this make sense? 

Who the hell is this kid?

Investigators were clamoring around her and talking. Listening to their conversations, she recalled the boy she had just seen.

This fellow

A young child who appeared to be only an elementary school student had subdued the villains who appeared to be at least C-Rank or higher.

And two villains at that.

But it wasnt his overwhelming strength that truly shocked her.

It was the boys nature.

He had cut off the heads of the villains with a demeanor like that of a young child tearing off the wings of an insect.

Having raised a daughter, she was well aware. Children of that age could already understand the concepts of killing and death.

SoWhy did he kill them without hesitation?

She had experienced many horrific crime scenes, but somehow, she felt like she was going to be nauseous at this moment.

Somethings wrong with this.

According to criminal psychology, there were cases where guilt disappeared momentarily when your life was threatened.

Nevertheless, the boy was too calm.

She thought perhaps the boy didnt even realize that a great evil was being born in him.

Ifif thats really the case, what should I do?

While Kim Taehi was thinking about the child, he suddenly moved.

Where is he going in this situation?

She looked at the screen nervously. He wasnt going to attack the citizens, was he?

Then, as if answering her question, the child spoke.

There are still terrorists left.

What does it matter if there are still terrorists left? No way, was he going to solve the case himself?

No! Thats reckless!

She unconsciously shouted even though it couldnt have been heard over the screen.

No matter how talented a hero was, all it took was a bullet from a blind spot to die.

Damn! Hes still young and drunk on his own strength!

She had seen it countless times. Those who wielded power without any experience because they had awakened a powerful ability.

And their demise was always miserable. She thought the boy fit the profile.

But soon, she felt like she was hit on the head with a hammer when the boys next words were heard.

Its something I naturally have to do.

Something he naturally had to do. Right.

If someone was dying next to you, it was natural to save them. That was human instinct and the driving force behind humanitys advancement.

It was the content that appeared in the first chapter of hero studies.

She had seen it countless times while preparing for the hero exam, but she had never thought about it on the field.

However, a young child who wouldnt have even read the introduction to heroism was telling such a fact so naturally.

ThisWhy did I doubt this child?

Guilt flooded in. 

Even though she had been in the field for so many years, it seemed that she still didnt have a good eye for people. She let out a sigh and lowered her head.

At that moment, the deputy shouted.

Ch-chief Kim! The barrier is disappearing!

What?

Kim Taehi quickly turned her head.

And, as the deputy had said, the barrier surrounding the hotel was blurring little by little.

She jumped up and ran in front of the barrier. Looking closely, she could see that the thickness was significantly thinner than before.

So she activated her ability and struck it. Then, a clear crack appeared on the robust barrier.

If its this much

Kim Taehi began hitting the barrier at a high speed. Soon,

Crack!

The barrier that was blocking them shattered and disappeared. Seeing that, she shouted loudly. 

Were revising the plan! Those who havent awakened their abilities are to wait here and support. The rest of you follow me closely!

Kim Taehi quickly rushed into the hotel. Ten investigators also followed after her.

She ran straight to the venue where the boy was.

Please dont do something reckless

This wasnt the time for a child to step up. It was something left up to the adults. Everyone had their own role.

I cant let a young child bear the responsibility alone.

Boom!

The door to the venue opened like it was going to break.

Then, she saw the citizens standing in a solemn atmosphere with their heads down.

She abruptly shouted.

The kid! Where did the kid go?

Everyone avoided her gaze and failed to give a proper answer. As such, it was a beautiful child with silver blue hair who approached her.

He has already gone upstairs. 

Fuck!!

At the same time as she said that, she kicked the door of the venue again and ran out. And in her mind, she desperately prayed for the childs safety.

Wait a little bitIll be there to save you soon.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ah! This!

What had dropped from the terrorist I had just killed was an old hwando.

(TN: Hwando is a traditional military sword mainly used during the Joseon era.)

The attacks were strangely sharp for something without mana, so I had thought there must have been a reason for it.

I couldnt believe such a rare item had dropped from a miscellaneous mob.

Classification: Sword

Grade: E (Damaged, C)

Description: Hwando grown in the hands of goblins. (Its permanently damaged)

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

*This effect was lost due to being damaged. 

*This effect was lost due to being damaged.

It was a sword with a very good option. I preferred such intuitive weapons over ones with minor effects.

HmmI like it, but the durability wasnt that great.

The sword itself was a wonderfully well-made hwando. However, I didnt know if it was because it was an old weapon, but there was serious damage here and there.

I thought it was likely to break after a few uses. My only choice was to use it as a trump card.

Buta perfect opportunity had just come.

I took an item out of my inventory.

Classification: Clothing

Grade: D 

Description: Tough and sturdy socks. 

*Cant get wet.

*Cant rip. 

*Cant be soiled.

It was finally time for this thing to shine.

If I were to transfer the effect of cant rip from these socks to the weapon, a similar option will be attached.

Sure enough, there were no bad items in this world.

I activated the new Synthesis menu. And then I put in and .

[ There are up to 5 available option slots for . ] 

[ Please select the options you want. ]

There are five slots for this?

This sword seemed to be a much better treasure than I had thought.

However, I didnt have enough items to fill this treasure right now. So it would be a waste to just put in a few items and waste the precious slots.

As soon as I was agonizing over it, a brilliant idea came to mind.

Ah! Why didnt I think of that?

I took off the pendant hanging around my neck. I couldnt believe I had forgotten about this bad boy. I placed the pendant into the Synthesis window.

[ Do you wish to Synthesize these items? ] 

[ The original materials cannot be reverted once synthesized. ]

Synthesize.

I pressed the synthesis button without hesitation.

Then, along with a dazzling light, a new item revealed itself.

Heuheugood.

AndSeeing it, I couldnt hold back my laughter.