Ch.100Episode 21. Issue (1)

* @ *

BANG!

Paris slammed the table.

“What are we going to do? Those damn heroes are searching all over Gangwon Province for the underground laboratory! It’s obvious we’ll be discovered at this rate, so what’s the plan! All because of that idiot Moonlight…!”

There was one empty seat at the executive meeting that required six people. Cloud glanced at the vacant spot and sighed, turning his head away. The others also looked at the empty seat with disdain, clicking their tongues.

“Everything’s gone to hell because of that moron!”

“You’re no better than Moonlight, believing Yujin’s biased words when there’s no proof Moonlight said anything directly.”

Starlight, who had been quietly smoking and listening, spoke up. Paris’s brow furrowed deeply. Her face contorted even more visibly as she removed her glasses.

“If Moonlight didn’t say anything, how would Yujin know about the laboratory in Gangwon Province?”

“Anyone could make a provincial-level guess. Excluding special cities and metropolitan areas, there are only eight provinces. The fact that heroes are searching all of Gangwon Province rather than a specific area means they don’t know the exact location.”

“Then how did he know it was an ‘underground’ laboratory? He wouldn’t have specified ‘underground’ unless he saw it himself or heard it from someone.”

“Well…”

Starlight was momentarily speechless at Paris’s pressing question. That part was puzzling to him as well.

‘She’s right. If he specifically said “underground laboratory” instead of just “laboratory”… it means he knows information about our organization. Did Moonlight tell him? Really? But the Moonlight I know wouldn’t side with heroes…’

“Anyway, what’s important now isn’t whether Moonlight talked or not.”

‘He’s dodging the question.’

Cloud and Flow inwardly snickered at Starlight’s words. Soleta was yawning and scratching his crotch.

“Now that they’ve targeted a specific region and started searching, our only option is to build a new laboratory elsewhere.”

Starlight spoke calmly. But contrary to his tone, he was extremely anxious inside.

The plan had been to test the eX potion in Korea, confirm its effects, and then sell it to China.

Starting an all-out war to stop the heroes’ search would be an even worse move. Aside from other heroes, as long as the extraordinary S-class heroes stood in their way, they couldn’t face them without the eX potion.

At least not unless they successfully developed “Comfort” and spread poison throughout the city to control the heroes.

“Don’t talk so casually like it’s someone else’s problem, Starlight! Where in South Korea is there enough land to build a large-scale laboratory? Where else can we find rural land like Gangwon Province where few people live?!”

The other executives frowned at Paris’s hysteria, but her position within Evil Heaven was quite significant. Without her, all their plans would fall apart.

That’s why even the most temperamental executives were being compliant for now.

“If my laboratory disappears, we’ll lose all the drugs under development! Don’t you understand we’ll have no means to defeat S-class heroes?! Running an organization requires funds. To gather those funds, we need business. Do you think that’s possible without a laboratory?”

Her threat was almost intimidating.

In reality, she was in such a rage that she could barely control herself. She was even considering killing the executives in her mind.

But Paris’s intentions remained unfulfilled. Starlight had proposed a solution.

“I don’t want our plans to fail either.”

Starlight beckoned toward the darkness where light couldn’t reach. A figure emerged from behind and approached the executives’ table, placing a scroll down.

When he unrolled it, a map of South Korea appeared.

“Even if not Gangwon Province, there are places that are particularly difficult to find. Even in this cramped country.”

“Where?”

“Shinan County in South Jeolla Province.”

Starlight pointed to a corner of the map.

“Shinan County has over a thousand islands. We can choose a suitable one among them. We’ll share the cost and process of relocating the laboratory. In return, I’ll take a higher percentage when the business succeeds. No objections, right?”

“We’re the developers, so why do you get more?”

“Because we’re the ones meeting Chinese buyers to make the deal happen.”

What was needed to elevate the position of an organization full of unpredictable villains was capital.

Villains always follow money and move for money.

With Moonlight gone, Starlight had quickly begun to establish his position by getting involved in human trafficking and drugs.

However, as before, human trafficking was largely connected to Soleta and drugs to Flow.

That’s why before the executive meeting began, Starlight had already finished talking with these two. He had pushed that he was the right person for the job now that Moonlight was gone.

Soleta and Flow had naturally joined hands with him, as they had no reason to refuse if the ratio remained the same as what they had with Moonlight.

But even this arrangement dissatisfied Starlight.

He didn’t like the structure that required cooperation among executives.

‘But that’s a problem that can be solved when I take over.’

Hoping that the fools who were satisfied with their executive positions wouldn’t act up like Moonlight, he continued speaking.

“I believe tens of percent of the development capital comes from my side. Isn’t it right that I take a larger share? You probably don’t even have the capital to relocate the laboratory. Think you’ll be fine without my help?”

“…Fuck. 60-40. No more than that.”

“70-30.”

“You swindling bastard…”

Paris growled and glared, but Starlight just shrugged as if amused.

The other executives shook their heads, sensing that the conflict over percentages between the two would only deepen.

* * *

“That’s all for today.”

Thanks to the summer break, I had more time to oversee their training, and they were growing faster with each passing day.

At this rate, they could develop two skills before the break ends.

But I had to leave for Jeju Island on a mission the day after tomorrow. Last night, I had prepared individual menus for each of them.

I didn’t know how long I’d need to stay in Jeju to resolve this request.

“Girls, gather around for a moment.”

I handed out papers with personalized menus to the girls as they trudged over. They looked puzzled at the contents.

“I’ve got a request, so I’ll be away for a while. I’ve written down training menus for you to follow. Check them and start tomorrow.”

If they can complete these menus, they’ll gain insights into the direction of their skills.

I hope they’ll have implemented their skills by the time I return.

“How long will you be away?”

It was Yoo Ari asking. She seemed disappointed that I wouldn’t be at the academy. The sadness in her expression and voice almost made me laugh.

How much do you like me?

“I’m not sure. I’ll come back as soon as I finish.”

“Finally, it’s time for Instructor Yujin to reveal his true value to the world! That’s great news!”

“…”

I wanted to retort to Jung Iyeon’s comment, but she seemed genuinely happy, so I couldn’t bring myself to say anything. Instead, I decided to ask something I needed to know.

“Oh, by the way, Iyeon.”

“Yes!”

Jung Iyeon answered cheerfully. She seemed quite pleased that I called her by name. She’s grinning.

“Just curious, where are you going for your trip?”

I figured I should at least know the region, though I wasn’t planning to follow her on her trip. I was reassured knowing that A-class Kang Sujin would be with her since it was a family trip.

Besides, Jung Iyeon was the only character who didn’t fall for Evil Heaven’s temptations until the author went crazy. I could be more relaxed with her compared to the others.

“Jeju Island!”

“Huh?”

Jeju Island? I thought she was going abroad.

Come to think of it, Jung Iyeon rarely went on overseas trips.

“Really?”

“Yes. Oh, if you want to come too, I can talk to my parents about it!”

I almost fell for her natural invitation. I chuckled and waved my hand lightly.

“It’s okay. It’s a family trip. I’m not tactless enough to intrude on that.”

“I see. That’s too bad.”

“If you’re disappointed, we can go together next time.”

“What?!”

She opened her mouth wide, as if my words sounded like I was suggesting a trip just the two of us. The others also showed bewildered expressions at my words.

Do they think I’m hitting on Jung Iyeon? Let me throw a curveball here.

“I think it would be fun if the whole special class went together.”

Since this year’s MT was canceled due to the academy assassination incident, it wouldn’t be bad to go on our own.

“Oh, all together…”

Unmistakable disappointment dripped from Jung Iyeon’s voice.

“Anyway, Iyeon, your trip starts tomorrow, right?”

“Yes, that’s right!”

“Have a good time.”

“I will! I’ll bring you souvenirs!”

I didn’t tell her not to. It was in her nature to bring souvenirs even if told not to.

As I looked around, I noticed Koo Yeonhwa fidgeting. She kept glancing at me, sending silent signals.

Hmm. She wore perfume as I suggested, but she’s getting anxious because I haven’t mentioned it? Cute.

“Make sure to follow the menus well even when I’m not watching. Good work today, and Ari, come to my room after you rest a bit.”

“Uh… yes, understood.”

At my words, an enigmatic emotion flickered in the eyes of the three girls excluding Yoo Ari. I pretended not to notice them looking back and forth between me and Ari.

“Alright, dismissed.”

Though they seemed to have a lot to say, they couldn’t bring themselves to ask directly and turned to walk toward the shower room.

Koo Yeonhwa also sighed and turned away. Her pouting lips suggested she was upset that I hadn’t given her attention.

I quickly closed the distance and put my nose near her neck.

Sniff, sniff.

“Eek!”

She yelped in surprise, touching her trapezius area where she felt my breath. The others heading to the shower room turned back to look at us.

I told them it was nothing and that I had something to say to Yeonhwa, so they should go ahead. They looked suspicious but continued walking.

“W-what are you doing…!”

Koo Yeonhwa approached me, lowering her voice. She looked up at me accusingly, but her cute face only made me want to tease her more.

“You wore it well like I said. I can smell the strawberry scent.”

“I-I didn’t wear it just because you told me to.”

“How was it? Did you think of me while putting it on?”

“N-no, I didn’t!”

Her face says otherwise.

Despite her denial, her blushing face and fidgeting fingers betrayed her emotions.

Honestly, teasing her like this was harmless. It’s Koo Yeonhwa’s fault for being so cute.

“Really?”

“I don’t know! And don’t suddenly smell me! I’m all s-sweaty right now…!”

I took another step toward the whining girl, and the faint strawberry scent tickled my nose again. The fragrance is really nice.

“Sweat? It smells good to me.”

“Stop saying things like that…!”

She hit me lightly while looking around. Fortunately, at this time in the evening, there was no one else in the training area.

“Keep wearing it from now on. So you’ll think of me.”

“Uuugh…”

I patted the head of Koo Yeonhwa as she hung her head in embarrassment.

I smiled, realizing once again that while helping solve problems is good for making a woman dependent on you, utilizing romantic feelings is the most efficient method.