Ch.7070. The Truth of the Switch Revealed by Irua

Ji Se-hwa steps between me and the fallen Kang Yerin.

Ji Se-hwa’s ability level has risen quite a bit. Level 12. She even managed to wound Eridanus.

Her specs themselves aren’t that threatening, but what concerns me is what information she might have brought back from the past.

I probably treated them with goodwill, not noticing their regression.

Judging by Kang Yerin’s level increase, they must have repeated over a thousand times.

“Did you enjoy the past?”

At my question, Ji Se-hwa made a pained expression. She trembled.

“So you know everything… Please. Just give me one chance. I didn’t know you were fighting so hard. Now that we know what we’re fighting against…”

“Enough.”

I raised my hand to silence her.

“Don’t misunderstand. Whatever relationship we had there, whether that version of me forgave you or not, it has nothing to do with me.”

I declared.

“I am not Jung Ui-seok. I am Gerogius.”

Ji Se-hwa began to cry. Despite having so much time, it seems she hasn’t trained her mental fortitude.

How pathetic.

No matter how strong these two have become, I have no intention of using them as my subordinates.

The reason is simple.

Every time I see their faces, my insides twist.

“…Please, at least spare Yerin. She has nothing to do with what happened to Somi.”

Ji Se-hwa bowed her head and mumbled. Her crying mixed with hiccups made it hard to understand, but I got the gist of it.

They’re high-risk variables, but looking at their condition, I should have enough time to modify my plans.

There’s no need to hastily eliminate options.

I turned to Lena.

“Lena. Just keep the Cloaker alive.”

Lena sighed with a displeased expression.

“Ui-seok, don’t you think you’re treating me like a convenient first aid kit?”

“You are convenient.”

“Well. I should attach a handle to myself then.”

Lena grumbled as she treated Kang Yerin’s fallen body with her command.

Then Eridanus went to where he had fallen and picked up the spoils.

A Switch with pure white silk fluttering around it.

It’s the ‘Milky Way Switch.’

I threw it to Ji Se-hwa. She caught it in surprise.

“Eh, why?”

“Kang Yerin defeated Eridanus, didn’t she? Give it to her when she wakes up. Of course, I’ll be coming to take it back soon.”

“…Understood.”

Numerous airships began arriving around us. The Villain Alliance’s transport ships.

Simultaneously, villains who had escaped from underground came to the surface. Upon seeing Lena and me, they immediately lined up and knelt on one knee.

“Welcome to the Villain Alliance, gentlemen. I am Lord Gerogius.”

The villains responded vigorously. Lena had instilled good discipline. Those who refused had already been executed.

“From now on, you work under the Villain Alliance. I’ll let you fight as much as you want. All I require is one thing: perfect obedience and loyalty. As proof, each of you will present your most precious possession. Have it ready.”

The villains responded. I left them to Kang Wan who had come looking for them.

“The world’s most notorious villains have gathered. Kang Wan, some are stronger than you. Organize the troops efficiently.”

“Understood.”

“I will receive tribute from all S-rank and above villains in the alliance.”

“Tribute? I’ll prepare it.”

“That includes you, Kang Wan.”

“Ah… yes.”

Kang Wan scratched his forehead and pulled something from his pocket.

“…It’s a charm my daughter made for me.”

“It must be your most precious thing. You know what happens if you lie.”

“It’s genuine.”

I accepted the crumpled paper charm. I felt my pride rise a little.

Unexpectedly sentimental, aren’t you.

I picked up the unconscious Lu-a. Her body emanated a faint orange quantum light. She was light.

“Let’s return, Lena.”

“It’s been a long day. I’m tired. Escort me.”

Lena made an exaggerated yawning gesture. I boarded the airship and extended my hand to her. Lena lightly took my hand and stepped onto the airship in her high heels.

The aircraft ascended. I looked down at the plant.

Ji Se-hwa, holding Kang Yerin, kept staring at me endlessly.

***

“…Ah.”

Lu-a finally opened her eyes. She slowly turned her gaze toward me and looked ready to cry. I stroked her head.

“Good job, Lu-a.”

“…Geo.”

Lu-a’s voice lacked strength as she lay in the bed. Only the two of us were in the hideout’s infirmary.

“I’m alive, huh.”

“You used Quantum. Any issues with your body?”

“That’s single-use, isn’t it? You should have used it on yourself…”

“Since you saved me, it’s the same as using it on me.”

“Thank you…”

“I should be thanking you.”

“…Hold my hand.”

I gently covered her hand with both of mine. She seemed to like the warmth, her face quickly relaxing into a smile.

“Did we beat Eridanus?”

“Yes. We gained subordinates and my Pride is full. No losses on our side.”

“That’s good.”

“Lu-a, but I need to scold you for your actions this time.”

“Huh…?”

I hardened my expression slightly.

“If a similar situation arises, never do that again. Your life should be your highest priority.”

Lu-a looked troubled.

“Do you understand?”

“…No.”

“That’s an order.”

“I can’t. I’ll make the same choice again.”

“Why won’t you listen?”

“Would you say the same thing to your other subordinates? If in that situation, you could sacrifice the life of some random villain you barely know to survive?”

“…No? I’d just save myself.”

“See? Then why only tell me this?”

“Because you’re special. You’re my sentai member.”

“…Ugh.”

Lu-a blushed and averted her gaze.

“Still, I can’t. I won’t compromise on this.”

“I never taught you that.”

“Then you taught me wrong. It’s your karma, Geo.”

“Sigh. Fine, I’ll consider this as something I need to re-educate you on.”

There’s much to discuss with Lu-a.

I brought up the next matter.

“Lu-a, can you see the system window?”

Lu-a’s shoulders twitched slightly.

“I didn’t know the conditions for Pride either. The Apocalypse demerit opening this far is a side effect of multiple scenarios being unlocked and my level rising too quickly. How did you know the conditions?”

Lu-a nibbled her lips like a squirrel before finally answering.

“…I can’t see the window. But I can read the text.”

“Huh. I wondered if dark matter was subconsciously providing information since the Vengeance name setup, but you can actually read the text itself?”

“Yes. Skill levels, ranks, everything.”

“Even about yourself?”

Lu-a fell silent on that point.

I checked her again with the dragon’s eye.

“No! Don’t look here!!”

Lu-a desperately reached out to cover part of it.

—-

Dark Matter / Lee Lu-a

Occupation: Villain

Rank: T2

Abilities: Dark Matter Lv.10 ▒▒▒▒▒

Quantum Field Lv.1 ▒▒▒▒▒

Affiliation: Villain Organization Vengeance ▒▒▒▒▒

Evil Sentai Vengeance ▒▒▒▒▒

Alignment: Chaotic-Good ▒▒▒▒▒

Talent: Villain of Light (T15)▒▒▒▒▒▒

World’s Savior▒▒▒▒▒▒▒

???(???)▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒

Vengeance is her▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒.

Also, Jung Ui-seok▒▒▒▒deep▒lo▒▒▒▒her driving force▒▒▒

She has buried a d▒▒ dangerous secret in her heart and is filled with thoughts of dying.

—-

Her hands and fingertips covered the window, making the bottom part difficult to see.

“Alright. I won’t look.”

“Ugh. Why can’t I edit this! It’s so stupid.”

“Your Dark Matter level has increased, and you’ve developed a new ability, perhaps due to Quantum’s influence. Congratulations.”

“U-um… thanks.”

The last sentence had been bothering me for a while.

“Lu-a, what’s the secret you’re keeping?”

“A secret is called a secret because I won’t talk about it.”

“Even to me?”

“Even to you, Geo.”

“Is it related to your revenge?”

Lu-a shook her head.

“Speaking of which, shall we take care of that matter too? Lu-a, who is the target of your revenge?”

At my question, Lu-a’s expression turned serious. She reverted to that face I saw when we first met, the one that rejected others.

“…Heroes.”

“Which ones?”

“…The one who makes the Switches for them.”

“Switches?”

Lu-a bit her lower lip and shook her head.

“No. I’ll do it later. You’re busy, Geo. Let’s do it after we subjugate the Galaxy Empire.”

From Lu-a’s hint just now, I could guess why she had been postponing this conversation with me.

“Lu-a. Have you been putting this off because you were worried about my reaction since I’ve been using Switches as a hero?”

“Ah…”

Her expression showed I’d hit the mark.

Lu-a’s emotions are easy to read as they show immediately on her face.

“That doesn’t matter. I’ve never used manufactured Switches.”

“Huh? But you need a Switch to transform, don’t you?”

“That’s the Apocalypse Switch, my ability. I made it entirely with my own power when forming the sentai. Besides that, I’ve only used ones obtained from the Dark Kingdom.”

“…Really? What the heck, I’ve been stupidly…”

Tears welled up in Lu-a’s eyes. She’s sensitive. When I wiped them away with my finger, she started sniffling even more.

She really doesn’t suit being a villain.

“So, what did this Switch maker do to you?”

Lu-a slowly opened her mouth.

Still seemingly suffering from the trauma, her whole body trembling.

“…I escaped from that facility not long ago. One year before I met you, Geo.”

“Facility?”

“Switches contain unique abilities, right?”

“Yes. …Don’t tell me.”

Lu-a slowly nodded.

“…Switches are made by grinding up children with abilities.”

***

I immediately called Lena and explained the situation.

I didn’t want to waste even a second.

“Ha. What a disgusting story. Geo, are you telling me this because you want to see what I had for breakfast?”

“A fresh sunny-side up egg, two limp strips of bacon, and a mixed berry latte. Get ready to go.”

“Hmm. You remember.”

Lena chuckled as she tied up her hair. She dangled the long ponytail in front of me, swinging it playfully.

“What are you doing?”

“It’s a handle.”

“Put it away.”

SSS-rank villains were also ready for the raid.

It might be excessive force, but I’m deliberately going in strong.

I’m angry, so I plan to completely destroy them.

“Geo, are we going straight to that research facility?”

I shook my head at Lu-a’s question.

“Unfortunately, there’s somewhere we need to stop by first.”

“Where?”

“There’s a crazy woman who’ll shoot everything to pieces if we leave her alone.”

“What are you going to do?”

I answered matter-of-factly, as the answer was obvious.

“Make her my subordinate, of course.”