Being a Villain is My True Calling

The dark industrial park at night.
Among the factories that had ceased operations, there stood a single massive research facility with its lights on and machinery running.

This was one of Z-Biotech’s subsidiary research facilities.

“Haah…no! This isn’t it!!”

Bang!
The man in charge of this facility’s directorship slammed his desk forcefully in his private research room after attempting to manipulate something.

“If only I could recreate this, I’d be able to participate in the main project…! Instead of rotting away in this subordinate sector…!!”

Bangbang!!

“The ‘Senior Researcher’ had high expectations of me, so I need to quickly…quickly remake the results, or perhaps retrieve them again…”

As the man muttered to himself, a loud noise erupted from the ventilation duct.

Kung.

“Who’s there?!”

“Ayaya…”

Following the man’s outburst, a woman tumbled out of the duct.

“Oof, my back…!”

“Why are you so late?!”

Unfazed by her state, the man angrily berated her.

“My, why are you being like this? Anyone would think I’m your subordinate, not a business partner.”

Despite the man’s fury, the woman nonchalantly retorted.
Dismissing her coldly, the man extended his hand.

“Enough with the nonsense. You brought the item as promised, right? Hand it over.”

“Huh? I couldn’t get it.”

“What?”

The man’s face contorted at the woman’s words.

“You useless wench! What were you even doing at Eclipse?”

“…Tsk! What did you expect me to do? One of your people messed up and tried to start that helicopter, causing it to suddenly explode!”

I barely managed to escape, or I would’ve been burnt to a crisp!
The woman snapped, her expression exasperated.

“Geez! If I had known, I wouldn’t have just stood by while that idiot tried ‘practicing an escape’ by piloting the helicopter!”

She proceeded to scratch her head vigorously before letting out a deep sigh.
The man regarded her with an icy stare.

“Regardless. I’ll have another person assist you, so retrieve the target item.”

“What? Are you daft? After that incident, they’ll be on high alert for at least a few weeks!”

“Then what are we supposed to do?! Your instructions came directly from the ‘Senior Researcher’ overseeing the main project! Surely you’re not intending to take the money and renege on their request?”

“I’ll earn my keep! I’m just asking for preparation time!”

The two continued bickering.

“Tch, are you certain that villain Maker has the item?”

Jolt.
The woman’s offhanded remark seemed to strike a nerve.
The man suddenly gasped rapidly as his body began trembling uncontrollably.

“…I saw it with my own eyes. That vile Idugup who struck me from behind! I definitely witnessed footage of the villain Maker raiding his villa and procuring that item.”

His bloodshot eyes darted about as his quivering hands clutched his head, and he began screeching.

“Aaack!! If only it wasn’t for him! By now, I would’ve definitely been participating in the main project!! Aaaack!!!”

Kwajik. Jjanggeurang!!

“Just what is that item…?”

“…You don’t need to know. Just retrieve the item.”

The man who had been screeching moments ago now blankly rifled through research documents with hollow eyes.

“With that, I’ll become a researcher on the main project… And if I’m assigned to the main project…I’ll be able to explore a wider variety of research topics…?”

Kwaduk.
Gripping a shard of broken glass from the earlier commotion, the man clenched his fist tightly around it.

“Once this task is properly complete, I’ll be able to conduct any research I desire…Yes, that girl beside Maker…Hmm, she seemed intriguing…Perhaps she was a test subject from another facility? A multi-ability user…Worth researching.”

Heuhihit! Heuhihihihihihihihit–!!

“I want her! I want her! I want her! I want her!”

With a twisted smile, the man gripped the glass shard even tighter, spilling thick streams of blood onto the floor.

“…Lunatic.”

Appalled by his complete mental breakdown rendering any further conversation futile, the woman couldn’t help but grimace.

‘This is why I’m reluctant to take requests from these researchers.’

One moment they seem capable of civil discourse, but the slightest fixation turns them into raving madmen…
No matter how lucrative the job as a mercenary, their requests always brought immense stress.

In such situations, it’s best to make a hasty exit.

“…Anyway. I’ll take my leave, so please pass along my regards to your ‘esteemed customer’, whether that’s the Senior Researcher or some deranged lunatic.”

Just as the woman was about to depart after their brief exchange…

Kuuuuung–!!

“Kkyaak!”

A tremendous roar shook the research facility.

Ududududududu–!!

“Gaaazzzaaaaaaahh!!!!”

“Aaaaaaahhhh!!!”

“Graaaaaahhhh!!!”

“Ueeeaaaaaahhhh!!!”

Followed by unidentified agonizing screams.

‘The fuck is this situation…!’

Both the woman and the man stared at each other wide-eyed in bewilderment for a moment.

“Shiiiiit–!! Hand over everything you’ve got!!!”

Some unidentified gang of thieves had begun raiding the research facility.

Near the rear mountain of one of Z-Biotech’s subsidiary research facilities.
All the Eclipse members participating in this mission had been waiting here.

“It’s been ages since a Purge Day!!”

“Whoever claims it first gets to keep it, you know?”

“Don’t touch anything, I’ve got my eye on a particular specimen tonight?”

Anticipation evident in their bright smiles as they polished their weapons, the members seemed quite excited – a rare sight.
After observing their elated state for a moment…

Tok Tok-

…someone tugged at my sleeve, prompting me to turn.

“Oppa.”

“Yes, Pollia? What is it?”

The one tugging my sleeve was none other than Pollia.
Wearing a furred hoodie, she regarded me with a perplexed expression.

“What’s a Purge Day?”

Ah, the members had been eagerly mentioning ‘Purge Day’, prompting her curiosity.

“Purge Day. Literally translated, it means ‘Day of Purge’.”

Purge Day is a system implemented when Eclipse enacts retaliation.
To explain it simply, it permits all manner of crimes.

Whether pillaging, murder, or explosive terrorism –
On this day of indulgence exclusive to Eclipse’s intended targets, members who normally follow orders can freely release their stress without any repercussions.

“During Purge Day, anything an individual acquires is theirs to use and enjoy as they please.”

Money, research materials, or even people.
They could pillage, plunder, and revel as desired.

“Ooh…”

“Do you understand now?”

“Yeah. But why do this?”

“It lets the members vent their stress, I suppose.”

While Eclipse strives to recruit predominantly sane and obedient villains, their inherent villainous nature remains unchanged.

Despite providing training, meals, vitality enhancers, and rewarding successful missions, stress was inevitable.

‘Of course, all members possess sufficient restraint to suppress their urges, but failing to provide an occasional outlet would inevitably lead to an eruption.’

Hence, this system of partial indulgence during missions was adopted.
A two-pronged approach – relieving member stress while enacting retribution against those who provoked Eclipse.

“As long as you don’t attack or harm your comrades, you’re free to do as you please.”

“I see…Have you ever participated in this before, Oppa?”

“I was merely aware of it. This will be my first actual experience.”

I had only learned about it incidentally when Astra previously briefed me about the executives and organization. I had never personally participated before.

“Seeing their excited state, I’m quite curious about what it will feel like.”

“Me too.”

As I was conversing and stretching with Pollia, the Instructor approached us furtively.

“M,Maker…”

“What is it, Instructor?”

“W,Well, it’s, it’s about time to, to get started…”

“Ah, time has flown indeed. Very well, let’s begin our preparations.”

Jpak Jpak!
Ji, Jibju-ung…!!
Together with the Instructor, I gathered the members’ attention.

“Haah, haah, haah, it’s finally time to depart.”

“I can’t wait to start pillaging!”

“I’d be satisfied with just obtaining some unpublished research data. I could fetch a tidy sum selling it on the Villain Market.”

The members seemed quite excited.
However, perhaps maintaining a semblance of composure, they promptly fell silent and focused their attention on me.

With all eyes upon me in the ensuing stillness, I spoke up.

“I won’t prolong this with excessive remarks.”

Assuming a formal posture.

“I trust you have all completed your preparations.”

Slowly shifting my gaze, I made deliberate eye contact with each member.

“You are likely more familiar with the protocols than I, a mere first-year executive.”

Projecting at a measured volume ensuring none would mishear, I declared:

“Do not betray the organization. That is the sole requirement. Understood?”

“”Yes!!””

During Purge Day, any action is permissible.
Except the singular prohibitive act of betraying the organization.

With a sly smile, I turned towards the Instructor.

“Now, let us truly commence.”

“”Waaaaaahh!!!””

As I extended my arm, the Instructor, perceiving my intent, raised her hand above mine.

“Wh,What, knowledge, do you, desire…?”

Hmm…
Last time we infiltrated a facility, I used a plasma bazooka, didn’t I?
Then this time, I’ll go for a higher-tier option…

“Plasma Buster, 40 seconds please.”

Jjirit.
Simultaneous with my request, knowledge flooded my mind like a tidal wave.
Fearing I might forget it, I promptly activated my ability.

Uuuung–!!

Emanating from my fingertips, mana dissipated as the manifestation gradually took form.

Too hefty to wield single-handedly, I additionally constructed a supporting base for the Plasma Buster, adjusting the angle.

Chulkuk.
In an instant, the ammunition was loaded into the fully assembled Plasma Buster.

Excellent.

“Let’s go-o-o-o!!!!”

Kiiiiing-

And the moment I pulled the trigger…

Kuguguguggung–!!

…the members unanimously charged towards the research facility.