Chapter 4

*Crash!* The department store is collapsing with a loud noise.

Yet, without losing her composure, the Ice Queen glided forward, using her abilities.

‘She’s emitting a visible chill from one hand. Even in this situation, she’s thinking of subduing me. Impressive.’

If she really wanted to kill me, she would’ve made an ice rapier by now.

I smirked.

As she gradually approached, I timed it perfectly and quickly stepped into her embrace.

*Bang!*

I “pulled out” a gun and aimed it at her forehead.

The Ice Queen’s upper body leaned back as the gun fired.

In an instant—so fast it could be called a blink—she created ice at her forehead to block the shot.

Not only that, but even as her balance shifted and she started to slip backward, she managed to regain her footing without falling.

‘Her instincts are insane. I thought she’d block it, so I went for it anyway.’

At any rate, she’ll definitely see me as an enemy now.

No matter what trials she faces, she’ll endure with the determination to capture me.

“You’re amazing.”

I widened my eyes in admiration and clapped softly.

The Ice Queen glared at me.

“An ability?”

Her gaze met mine.

By now, my eyes were probably glowing gold.

I nodded, affirming her question.

“Yes, a humble ability.”

“Humble?”

The Ice Queen looked at me with a disbelieving expression.

By the way, can you really keep this up?

The building is tilting in real-time.

*Creak…*

“…Tch!!”

As the collapse accelerated to an undeniable degree, she clicked her tongue and placed her hand on the rooftop floor.

*Crackle!!!*

Instantly, the department store began to freeze rapidly from her hand.

*Creak… Creak…*

The speed of the collapse noticeably slowed.

But it seemed maintaining the status quo was her limit. She kept her hand firmly on the ground and glared up at me.

‘Hmm. Even after touching her trauma, her eyes are still alive.’

Is she really the heroine?

I glanced at her, then quickly turned my head to look at the organization members.

“Shall we get going?”

“Yes. Understood.”

As if they had anticipated my words, the organization members were already prepared.

It was the same member who had quickly brought out the empty teacup and chair earlier.

‘I like them more and more.’

“What’s your name?”

“I’m 42, from Combat Unit 6.”

“Got it. We’ll talk more later…”

“Wait…!!”

Just as I was about to leave, the Ice Queen called out to me.

“Stay… right there!”

*Crack.*

Ice clung to the soles of my shoes.

But, perhaps because she was struggling to maintain the massive department store, I was able to break free relatively easily.

I approached her, kneeling on one knee to meet her gaze.

“Are you trying to capture me?”

“……”

Even in her exhaustion, a small spark of determination to catch me flickered in her eyes.

‘Why is she like this?’

I was puzzled. This isn’t her usual demeanor.

Sure, she’s diligent about catching villains, but she’s always prioritized civilians over everything else.

I thought she’d be more concerned about the civilians than capturing me…

Civilians?

I suddenly remembered the situation just before I pressed the detonation button.

A man with a bright voice and a nervous man.

And the mannequin the nervous man shouted about right before I pressed the switch…

Ah.

‘Does she think all the civilians are either fake or dead?’

I looked at the Ice Queen’s face again.

Her eyes, red and glaring at me threateningly.

Her tightly clenched teeth.

Her trembling shoulders.

‘…Yeah, that’s it.’

I quickly opened my mouth to correct her misunderstanding.

“The civilians… They’re still alive.”

“…How can I believe that?”

“I did gather mannequins resembling people for the fake-out, but as a precaution, I also took the civilians in the department store hostage and tied them up in various places.”

“……”

“I placed them as far away from the bombs as possible, so they’re likely safe.”

‘I’ll just say my piece without trying to convince her.’

Believing me is entirely up to the hero.

And even if you doubt me, you won’t be able to capture me.

You can’t abandon civilians who might still be alive.

The ice that had been creeping up to restrain me weakened slightly.

“Will you waste time trying to capture me while there are still civilians who might be alive?”

At my words, the ice that had been slowly climbing up finally fell away completely.

*Grind.* She bit down hard, her eyes filled with heat as she glared at me.

“You… I’ll definitely catch you.”

“I wish you the best of luck.”

I smiled faintly and stood up, turning my head slightly.

The organization’s helicopter had arrived unnoticed.

“Well then, goodbye!”

I gave a polite, foreign-gentleman-like bow as a farewell.

As I boarded the helicopter, it quickly flew away.

A few pursuers annoyingly clung to us, but only for a moment.

Thanks to the pilot’s excellent skills, we shook off all pursuit and headed toward the organization’s base.

“Phew…”

And so, my first act of terrorism came to an end.

***

“Good job, Maker.”

“It was nothing.”

I sat on the sofa, acting as if it were no big deal, and began boiling water for tea.

Astra looked at me, her proud expression turning into one of disbelief.

“…I did think your ability was more suited for non-combat situations.”

“‘Creation,’ you mean?”

The ability I’ve had since I was reborn into this world as a baby—Creation.

It wasn’t in the original story, and its difficulty level was high, so it took a long time to master.

“Yes, unlike other ability users, it’s not instant, and even in combat, I have to keep thinking outside the box.”

“But if you prepare well, acts of terrorism like today’s are possible dozens of times over.”

Terrorism, not combat.

Unlike combat, where split-second decisions are crucial, terrorism allows for thorough preparation.

For example, mass-producing bombs or creating mannequins that resemble people and detonating them.

“True, that’s a fair point. It’s not just suited for combat; it’s a powerful ability in its own right.”

“So, are you done with your business now?”

“Yes, now that the report is done, I’m on vacation until the next call.”

At her signal to leave, I took a final sip of tea and stood up.

“Think about the mission reward later. Or should I just give you money now?”

When I shook my head, Astra nodded as if she had expected it.

‘I already have enough money.’

Thanks to using my knowledge of the original story to invest in the stock market, I’ll never have to worry about money for the rest of my life.

I bid farewell to Astra and left her office.

***

After entering my room and finishing my shower, I plopped down on the sofa in my robe.

“Phew, I’m tired.”

Though I was a bit drowsy after the shower, I was curious about the public’s reaction, so I picked up my smartphone and checked the news.

[Shock! Large-scale terrorism at B District department store!]

[Who is the new villain ‘Maker’?]

[Zero casualties. Ice Queen sets an unprecedented record.]

Even hours after the terrorism ended, new articles were still popping up.

‘It changes every time I refresh.’

It seems like I’ve made a decent start as a villain.

-As expected of A-rank hero Ice Queen. Another problem solved today! (Likes: 36 / Dislikes: 4) [1]

-Stopping a collapsing department store single-handedly is seriously chilling ㄷㄷ (Likes: 23 / Dislikes: 3) [2]

-But doesn’t Maker look handsome under that mask? My heart’s racing.. (Likes: 13 / Dislikes: 47) [24]

‘The mainstream media seems to have covered it well. The comments are… a bit disappointing, though. I want to see the raw reactions of the civilians.’

In that case, it’s best to check internet communities.

There was something strange at the end, but I brushed it off and entered a community site.

(Top Comment)[WTF are the heroes even doing?]

[Ice Queen’s exhausted panting is kinda hot. Upvote.]

[But what’s up with Maker?]

‘Ah, this is the internet.’

For a moment, I felt like I had returned to a familiar hometown.

I clicked on the top post.

[WTF are the heroes even doing?]

===

Can’t even catch a terrorist villain.

Tried to save civilians and ended up being idiots, causing the building to collapse.

Meanwhile, the civilians were safely resting in a corner, and the heroes just hurt themselvesㅋㅋ

What are these idiots even doing?

===

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋIf they had just done what the villain said~

-Just sneaking in when they could’ve been released if they just waitedㅋㅋㅋㅋ

ㄴ If they had just stayed put, they’d have at least gotten half of itㅋㅋㅋ

ㄴ At this point, it’s like the heroes caused the terrorism.

-K-heroesㅋㅋ

-But Ice Queen did her bestㅋㅋ She single-handedly stopped the department store from collapsingㅋㅋ

ㄴ Ice candy fanboy arrestedㅋㅋ

ㄴ Ice candy herself. Arrested while breathing at homeㅋㅋㅋ

-Fact) While the heroes were messing around, the civilians were just chilling.

ㄴ True.

ㄴ Just a bunch of idiots.

“Public opinion is worse than I thought.”

There’s always been a trend of bashing heroes, but…

Since they couldn’t catch me and their mistakes were broadcast live, it seems like those who dislike heroes or just stir up trouble for fun have gathered.

‘But it’s not really my problem.’

Hoping the heroes handle it well, I clicked on a post with my name.

[But what’s up with Maker?]

===

What’s this Eclipse? Isn’t that the organization that gets beaten by B-rank heroes??

Since he’s a new villain, there’s no info on him;

Any leaks or anything?

===

-Why are you even curious?

ㄴ (OP) He’s just handsome.

ㄴ Gay gay~

-He’s definitely part of Eclipse. He mentioned it during the terrorism.

ㄴ (OP) But aren’t they weak? Last time I saw, they were getting beaten by B-rank heroes.

ㄴ ? Nah, what you saw was probably just the organization members and their squad leaders. The executives are monsters.

ㄴ Just look at Sword Demon and Black Wolf. This guy’s just playing it safe compared to themㅋㅋ

ㄴ (OP) Really? Why didn’t I know thatㅠ

ㄴ Probably because no executives have carried out full-scale terrorism before. He’s the first.

-Is he really an ability user?

ㄴ When Ice Queen charged at him, he instantly created a gun in his hand. He’s definitely an ability user.

ㄴ So, is he a summoner?

ㄴ Idiot. His name’s Maker, so his ability is probably creating things.

ㄴ Damn, that’s OP. There’s an ability like that?

ㄴ Dunno? Everyone’s abilities are different, how should I know?

ㄴ ?

-They’re probably digging into his personal info, but since nothing’s come out yet, it’s best to just give up.

ㄴ (OP) ㅠ

..The OP’s intentions seem a bit off, but seeing the comments burn like this is satisfying.

I tossed my smartphone aside and relaxed my entire body.

Contact with the heroes.

And a dazzling debut that left an impression on everyone.

“……”

I’d say it was a success.

---