Chapter 3

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on January 24, 2025

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Right after Maker’s terror broadcast ended,

the operation analysis room was filled with a chilling atmosphere.

“Crazy bastard.”

In the midst of it, Ice Queen, who had been sitting silently, frowned and glared at the now-blank screen.

The guy who claimed to be committing terrorism was overly polite, set off bombs solely to threaten the building he was in, and maintained a relaxed attitude while constantly smiling.

‘He’s not in his right mind.’

The guy was insane.

Rather than anger toward the world, he seemed to be driven by amusement. The guy on the screen looked like a lunatic moving purely for such motives.

“Sigh…”

As if things weren’t busy enough…

Ice Queen couldn’t help but sigh at the appearance of yet another new villain.

“…What should we do?”

At someone’s voice, Ice Queen turned her gaze and looked at the people in front of her.

She was currently one of the few A-rank Heroes in the Korean Branch.

Since most of the A-rank and B-rank Heroes were either on business trips to other branches or stationed in districts other than B District, she essentially had to take on the role of leader for resolving this terror incident.

Seeing the rookie Heroes looking at her, Ice Queen let out a deep sigh and continued speaking.

“First, let’s head out. We can think about the plan afterward.”

At her words, the Heroes began mobilizing to the scene.

***

It didn’t take long for the group of Heroes to arrive near the B District Department Store.

“Um… is this going to be okay?”

“What do you mean?”

Ice Queen turned her head slightly at the voice of one Hero.

Then, she saw the uneasy expressions on the faces of the Heroes.

“Aside from Ice Queen, everyone here is C-rank, right…?”

Seeing their expressions, Ice Queen replied bluntly.

“We’ve exceeded the recommended rank and number of personnel, so it’s fine.”

“B-but that villain hasn’t even been ranked yet.”

Villain rank.

A newly established ranking system that replaced the previous one based on Hero ranks.

While Hero ranks are evaluated purely based on abilities and combat skills,

Villain ranks assess danger levels, including abilities and combat skills.

Even if a villain’s ability is weak, the higher the impact they cause, the higher their rank will be.

“You’re familiar with the response manual based on the Villain rank chart, right?”

“Y-yes.”

“C-rank Villains can be taken down one-on-one by you guys, and even B-ranks can be handled if there are multiple Heroes.”

In my case, I can generally handle up to A-rank or below.

Turning her gaze again, she requested a situation report from the police officer in front of her and began stretching.

‘If that guy is A+ rank or higher, I won’t be able to handle him…’

“As you know, our goal this time isn’t to defeat the Villain but to rescue the civilians. Plus, I’ll keep his attention on me, so don’t worry too much.”

On the way to the B District Department Store,

the Association members discussed how to handle this terror incident. And…

‘Rescue the civilians first.’

‘Is that really okay?’

‘There’s no guarantee the civilians will be safe even if we follow his demands, right?’

‘So we’re ignoring the Villain’s demand to wait until the time limit. But what if the Villain notices?’

‘We just need someone strong enough to keep his attention while we rescue the civilians.’

Someone strong enough to face the Villain one-on-one and represent the Heroes.

Ice Queen.

As an A-rank Hero, it wouldn’t be strange to send her as the representative.

Plus, controlling the variables of the “game” the Villain is playing would be easier this way.

‘While Ice Queen keeps his attention, the C-rank Heroes can quickly rescue the civilians. Got it?’

‘Yes!!’

Rather than negotiating with a Villain who could go off in any direction, it’s better to pretend to comply with their demands and then strike from behind.

This is definitely the right approach. It feels like the right approach…

‘Why does this feel so unsettling?’

Ice Queen felt strangely uneasy but shook her head and pushed the thought away.

-3 minutes before the Villain’s time limit, all Heroes are in position.

-C-rank Heroes are to stealthily head to the “15th Floor Restaurant Area” where the Villain showed the screen.

Following the voice of the Association employee over the comms, a C-rank Hero with a Stealth Ability cast their ability on about a dozen Heroes, excluding Ice Queen, and they stealthily entered the department store.

“…Phew.”

-A-rank Hero Ice Queen, head to the rooftop immediately and draw the target’s attention without provoking them.

After taking a deep breath, Ice Queen increased the output of her ability at the voice coming through the comms.

Crackle!!!

In an instant, an icy slope formed, connecting the ground to the rooftop.

Thud.

With a flick of her finger, the slope turned back into stairs.

“……”

Ignoring the gazes directed at her, Ice Queen headed to the rooftop.

***

“It’s about time they showed up, right~”

I lazily swung my leg as if expressing boredom.

‘Surely the Heroes wouldn’t not show up after all this commotion on the news?’

For a moment, the worst-case scenario crossed my mind, but I quickly shook my head.

‘I caused this much chaos and even revealed that I’m an executive of Eclipse, so I must’ve been ranked at least B+.’

If that’s the case, at least a B or A-rank Hero should show up, and if I’m lucky, I might even get to meet “them.”

…They’ll come, right? I’m about to set off the bombs soon.

‘Should I reduce the number of bombs and give them another chance?.. Nah, that’d be lame.’

A Villain needs a worthy opponent.

That’s what makes them more appealing and stronger.

Committing terrorism without anyone to stop you just makes you an extra Villain unless you’re incredibly powerful.

‘Sigh… I blocked all communications and the internet, so I can’t even check the situation.’

I cut off all signals right after the broadcast ended, worried the hostages might reveal their situation, but now I wonder if I overdid it.

As I was lamenting for a moment…

“Are you Maker?”

A presence appeared with a crackling sound.

Seeing her, my eyes widened.

‘Light blue hair and eyes, a cold beauty.’

Dressed in a tight shirt, leather pants, and a fur-lined cape, she didn’t look much like a Hero.

No doubt about it.

That woman is definitely…

Hiding my trembling heart as a reader, I forced a relaxed smile and continued speaking.

“Well, well, an A-rank Hero coming in person? I’m at a loss for words.”

“…You know me?”

Of course, I do.

Her hair color is unique but also oddly iconic.

“A-rank Hero, Ice Queen.”

Real name: Seo Yun-hee.

One of the few A-rank Heroes in Korea.

‘And one of the heroines from the original story.’

Meeting her like this during my first act of terrorism, I must be lucky.

I grinned and lightly tapped the table.

“You must’ve had a tough time getting here. Why don’t you sit down and have some tea?”

With a snap of my fingers, an Organization Member, as if reading my mind, set up a chair and an empty teacup.

“……”

Without a word, she walked over, plopped down on the chair, crossed her arms, and crossed her legs.

I smiled at her and asked,

“Did you come alone, without anyone else?”

“…Most of the others are busy, so I came alone.”

“Hmm~”

Her blunt demeanor.

Even though she clearly didn’t like the frown on her face, she answered obediently, which was amusing.

“There are plenty of C-rank Heroes, right?”

“Heroes don’t create meaningless sacrifices.”

Meaning they’re no match for the Villain, so they’re excluded from the main force.

Though she phrased it diplomatically, it’s a pretty cold statement when you think about it.

‘Though it seems like a statement that applies to herself as well.’

“Besides, you’re an executive of ‘Eclipse,’ right?”

Ice Queen looked at me coldly.

Her clear, sky-like eyes and hair contrasted with her icy expression.

“I’ve seen plenty of Organization Members and squad leaders, but this is the first time I’ve seen an executive-level figure committing terrorism so blatantly.”

‘Really?’

Astra gave me permission without much fuss, so I thought it was a common thing.

I briefly thought about the other executives besides Astra.

‘…Hmm.’

“Well, they’re more about emotions than logic.”

They’re the type to act on their own whims, not the type to strategize like me.

I shrugged and continued,

“As you can see, I’m physically weak. That’s why I have no choice but to resort to terrorism like this.”

As I spoke, I sipped from the teacup.

Thanks to the cold air she was emitting, it had turned into something closer to iced tea, but it was surprisingly drinkable, so I went with it.

“Still, it’s a shame. It’s great that Ice Queen came as the representative, but it would’ve been even better if more Heroes had come.”

“……”

Actually, it doesn’t matter.

In fact, things have gone better than I hoped.

I stood up and slowly walked past her.

“Hmm~ What kind of game should we play..”

“Wait.”

As I walked, pretending to ponder, Ice Queen looked at me with her usual blunt expression.

“You need to keep your promise first. The promise to release them if the Heroes came. Did you forget?”

“Ah~ I did make that promise, didn’t I?”

I didn’t stop walking as I spoke.

“Promises are important. Of course, I should keep them.”

Clunk. Clunk.