Being a Villain is My True Calling

Baek Kang-ho’s abrupt arrival swiftly resolved the internal strife within the Association.

“I hope none of you harbor the naive assumption that leaving now will escape my notice.”

As Ice Queen’s focus dissipated, releasing the icy bindings on their feet, several heroes began surreptitiously retreating while eyeing Baek Kang-ho warily.
Addressing those heroes, Baek Kang-ho then turned his attention towards the team.

“…First, I should assess the situation. Very well, Ice Queen, you may enter and provide a report on the team’s behalf.”

“Ah, yes…”

After exchanging furtive glances, the Hound members followed Baek Kang-ho.

Kkiiiieek…
Inside Baek Kang-ho’s office.

“Would you prefer tea or coffee?”

Seated alone, Ice Queen politely declined Baek Kang-ho’s offer as he fiddled with a teacup.

“No need, Principal.”

“What’s this attitude now? I’m simply offering a beverage to soothe your throat.”

“…Very well.”

Ultimately, she could only acquiesce to Baek Kang-ho’s insistent hospitality.
After taking a sip from the proffered tea, a momentary silence ensued.

“So, what transpired this time?”

“It was nothing, really. Merely those insecure individuals venting their stress upon us, only to face the consequences of their actions.”

In response to Baek Kang-ho’s inquiry, Ice Queen provided a detailed account, from their arrival at the Association to the derisive comments and dismissive treatment directed at by the other heroes, including the specific individuals she recognized and their respective remarks.

“I see, so that’s what occurred.”

Listening intently, Baek Kang-ho nodded in understanding.

“Although the timing was rather unfortunate, we were the ones subject to their harassment.”

“And had I been any later, several heroes might have met an untimely demise.”

“……”

“Kkuhaat! Just kidding! Do you think I wouldn’t recognize when you’ve reached your limit after enduring their provocations for so long? How many years have I mentored you?”

“…You didn’t actually mentor me. We first met when I was still in elementary school.”

“Ah, let’s not dwell on such trivial details!”

Kkuhahaha!
After a brief bout of laughter, Baek Kang-ho adopted a more solemn expression, regarding her with a warm smile.

“Even so, I hope your outburst of rage doesn’t become the driving force behind your growth. Excessive anger could lead to a loss of control, as nearly occurred this time.”

“…Were you disappointed?”

“Enough of that. You’re an adult now, aren’t you? As long as you take responsibility for your actions, it’s fine.”

Baek Kang-ho brushed aside Ice Queen’s concerns with a nonchalant attitude.
Like a parent placing unwavering trust in their child, his casual demeanor exuded an almost blind faith.

‘He believes in me.’

While not explicitly reassuring or admonishing her, Baek Kang-ho’s actions demonstrated his profound trust in Ice Queen.
Moved by this realization, Ice Queen could only lower her head, feeling somewhat abashed.

“Separate from that, as your mentor, I would advise you not to hold back in the future.”

“…Understood.”

Such words alone were enough to satisfy her.

“Of course, I can’t help but worry that this unrestrained attitude might hinder your prospects of marriage…”

“…Principal!!”

“Just kidding! A mere jest!”

Observing Ice Queen’s flustered expression, Baek Kang-ho burst into hearty laughter once more.

After the lighthearted exchange, during which he soothed his throat with another sip of tea, Baek Kang-ho proceeded to inquire further.

“I’ve grasped the situation within the Association… So, would you care to provide an update on the investigation as well?”

“While the forensic analysis is pending, it appears this victim was likely involved in organ trafficking.”

“Organ trafficking, I see…Their conviction to eliminate evildoers remains unchanged, even in this murder.”

Ice Queen then summarized the data and opinions gathered by herself, Phantom Luna, and the rest of Hound at the crime scene.

“I understand. So you were unable to uncover any leads regarding the serial killer today as well?”

“Unfortunately…no.”

“That fiend is quite elusive. Either an exceptionally skilled individual or potentially a well-coordinated team.”

“My apologies, Principal. Our shortcomings are to blame…”

“Nonsense. While your team was hastily assembled, with the exception of you, an elemental ability user, the rest specialize in tracking, mobility, and investigation. If your team couldn’t apprehend them, others would likely face similar difficulties.”

Shaking his head, Baek Kang-ho comforted Ice Queen’s self-reproach by gently patting her head, as one would a child.

“However, I don’t wish to simply attribute our failure to the culprit’s superiority.”

“An opportunity will eventually arise.”

From a certain perspective, his stance could be seen as complacent.
While victims continued to emerge, the perpetrators were ultimately evildoers who had inflicted considerable harm upon others.

As an individual with his own convictions, allowing the killer to roam freely for a while longer seemed preferable to apprehending some nameless criminal, especially when his cherished disciple’s well-being took precedence.

“For now, let’s take a breather.”

Shall we have another round of tea?
As Baek Kang-ho prepared more tea, Ice Queen, sensing his divided attention, did not refuse.

Their conversation continued for a while longer.

“I should take my leave now.”

“Already? Stay a bit longer…”

“I need to regroup with my teammates and discuss our next steps, and the forensic results should be arriving soon as well.”

After an extended discussion, Ice Queen rose to depart.

‘Today, I witnessed a new side of the Principal.’

While she had always recognized his fatherly demeanor and occasional strictness, his intervention amid the harassment and subsequent reassurance had genuinely moved her.

‘Under normal circumstances, the Principal would have expressed concern before lashing out in anger.’

Perhaps his recent willingness to confront conflicts, rather than avoid them, accounted for his newfound display of trust over apprehension.

‘Has my own approach changed, or is it the Principal who has transformed…?’

Or perhaps they had both undergone changes.
Smiling wryly at the thought, Ice Queen prepared to leave when Baek Kang-ho addressed her by her given name.

“Ah, and Yun-hee.”

“Yes?”

Puzzled by his sudden use of her real name, Ice Queen turned inquisitively.

“That woman who had repeatedly provoked you, what was her name again?”

Flashing a faint smile, Baek Kang-ho’s eyes glinted with a peculiar intensity.

“……”

Ice Queen pondered for a moment.
‘This man hasn’t changed one bit, has he?’

“B-rank hero Spark. Sentenced to a six-month pay deduction, one-month activity suspension, and a two-week disciplinary period for instigating internal discord and collective violence.”

“What? But she was the one who attacked first!”

“There will be no objections. Your disciplinary period commences today, so reflect upon your misdeeds.”

Speaking in a curt, dismissive tone, the Association staff member finalized Spark’s punishment.
Dumbfounded after regaining consciousness, she could only helplessly accept the verdict, unable to offer any resistance.

“Damn it!”

Growl.
Having exited the Association premises, Spark clenched her jaw as she walked, her teeth grinding audibly.

Once a promising talent, how had she fallen so low?

‘Ice Queen…!’

It was all that wretched woman’s fault.
A fresh-faced rookie who had joined long after her, yet continuously surpassed Spark’s achievements.

Trembling in terror during terror attacks, even succumbing to trauma after failing to rescue a few measly civilians – yet that same woman had steadily grown strong enough to ultimately usurp Spark’s superior rank.

‘Damn her!’

While Spark resorted to all manner of underhanded tactics to elevate her rank, that ungrateful wretch had surpassed her through sheer talent alone.
The thief who had robbed Spark of her hard-earned recognition.
Now, relying solely on her seniority, she dared to challenge her superiors!

Ugh.
The scar on her neck, inflicted by Ice Queen, seemed to ache dully.

‘I’ll ensure you never rise again.’

Spark’s mind replayed Ice Queen’s chilling words from earlier.

“…Fucking bitch!!”

Storming into an alleyway, Spark recklessly unleashed her abilities.

Pazik. Pajijidik…!!

Electricity crackled around her, her body radiant with luminescent sparks.
However, both the intensity and duration were limited by her inadequate B-rank mana reserves.

Pijijijji…

As her abilities fizzled out, Spark gasped for breath, muttering curses under her breath.

“Haah…Bullshit.”

Her powers felt utterly lacking.
So lacking, in fact, that she questioned how she even maintained a B-rank heroic status.

‘Power. Damn power! Why am I so deficient compared to that woman!’

Despite sharing the same elemental ability category as Ice Queen, their respective abilities differed vastly.
The reason? Nothing extraordinary, really.

Simply put, Ice Queen’s freezing ability was far more potent, and she possessed greater mastery over its utilization.

This harsh reality gnawed at Spark’s psyche.

“Power…I need more power.”

As Spark’s body trembled, she muttered those words under her breath.
At that very moment:

[Do you…desire power?]

An unidentified voice echoed in her ears.

“Wh,Who’s there?!”

Startled, Spark glanced around frantically, but the alleyway appeared deserted, devoid of any other presence.

Once more, the enigmatic voice resounded.

[I asked…if you desire power.]

“Wh,What is this all of a sudden?!”

The voice carried an inexplicably viscous quality, yet Spark found herself unable to refuse its allure.

[If you…desire power…I shall grant it to you.]

Uuuuung-

“Ah…”

As the voice spoke, changes began to manifest within Spark.
Gradually, an expression of rapturous elation crept across her features.

“Hmhmm~ What splendid weather today.”

Early that morning, Maker admired the pleasant outdoor conditions, smiling radiantly.

“Truly ideal conditions for executing a terror attack.”

Time flowed inexorably for all.

For some, its pace might seem sluggish, while for others, it raced by.
Yet inevitably, time marched on, ushering in transformation and change.

[D-DAY]
Several weeks after Alpha’s prison escape.
The promised day of terror had finally arrived.

It was time for the fallen hero to make his return to the world.