Chapter 3
Chapter 3
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: Villain and the Bank
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"Isn't my first villainous act something to look forward to? Naturally, I'll rob the Black Lotus Bank, the biggest bank in S City!"
"Master, may I ask you something?"
"Permission granted! My genius mind shall answer any question!"
I tilted my chin up, striking the most dignified pose.
Resolving my subordinate's curiosity is the duty of a boss, after all!
"Why choose a bank of all things?"
Hmm, what a basic question. Everlin still has a long way to go to become a top-tier villain!
"Isn't it obvious? Bank robbery is villain basics! The perfect debut stage for any villain!"
Of course, I hadn't thought too deeply about it, but movies and comics always did it that way...
"But Master, modern banks hold mostly digital assets, not cash, and their security systems are incredibly advanced. Even if we manage to steal something, they'll track us down in no time..."
"You fail to grasp my intent entirely! Money is the heart of modern society! Stealing it is the most effective way to showcase my evil! Imagine the people trembling in fear, shouting, 'That wicked villain stole our money!'"
"We have deposits in the Black Lotus Bank too, though..."
"Anyway! All great villains started with bank heists! 'Your money or your lives—choose!' I'll declare as I make my entrance!"
I'm following the villain textbook here—why keep objecting?
"Then do you have a better plan? If you're questioning my strategy, you better have an alternative!"
"Well... the real center of modern finance is the stock exchange. Disrupting electronic stock trading would cause far greater chaos. It seems a worthier target for your grand villainy."
"Silence! That doesn't fit my villainous aesthetic! I'm going to make a flashy entrance and captivate everyone!"
I crossed my arms and turned my head away.
"Paralyzing the stock market would shake the global economy. Countless companies and individuals would go bankrupt, and retail investors would plunge into despair..."
Wait, that actually sounds pretty good?
"Hmm... So if I seize the stock market, the whole world kneels at my feet!"
Oh, now that's a villainous plan!
But... hold on.
"...What are stocks again?"
"......"
I heard Everlin sigh.
"No, I mean! It's not that I don't know— I was just confirming! Actually, I was testing if you know properly!"
Stay calm! A great villain never panics!
"Master, how about I prepare some basic financial education for you?"
"What? Study? Me?"
"Villains need expertise these days too. Like economics for world conquest..."
That sounds plausible enough.
"Fine! I graciously permit it! But we must rob the bank! It's the perfect first debut for a villain!"
"Understood, Master. Shall we review the bank raid plan once more?"
"Yes! Now you're talking sense! Listen up! To my perfect plan...!"
I drew on the whiteboard. Terrified citizens and my magnificent self!
"First, storm in and demand bundles of cash! Basics!"
"Master, that's just a plain old bank robbery."
"Quiet! My plan doesn't end there!"
I ignored Everlin and kept drawing, hastily adding bills fluttering in the air.
"Once I have the cash... I scatter it in the streets! Sharing the greedy rich's money with the poor citizens! Everyone becomes my accomplice! Kakaka! How evil is that? The culprits aren't just me—they're everyone who picks up the money, the whole city!"
Perfect! What could be better?
"...Master, that's just standard Robin Hood stuff."
"What? Nonsense! I'm going to be an evil villain!"
I panicked briefly, but a better idea struck. I quickly revised the drawing.
"How about this? Burn it all to ashes...! It's not the money—it's the message! My evil will hit even harder!"
"Feels like a scene I've seen somewhere."
"Urgh... Then send a warning letter and steal the entire vault!"
"Planning to become Phantom Thief Grimoire?"
"N-No, take the bank staff and customers hostage, dress them like me! The cops won't know who's the real culprit! Genius strategy revealing my brilliance!"
I pinned my last hope on it. But...
"That's from the movie 'Inside Man'..."
"Eek!"
I dropped the pen.
Kuh... They've stolen all my ideas from my past life!
"That's blatant plagiarism! They must've peeked into my mind... R-Right?"
All my energy drained away. I slumped into the chair.
True villains need creativity... I thought I had brilliant plans...
"You're on another level from them, Master. No need to stick to classic methods."
"But..."
"What is a villain? Someone trapped by convention? Or one who sows chaos in their own way?"
Her words jolted me awake.
Right! I'm a perfect villain from birth— I should just follow my whims!
"Don't be so anxious. Just do what feels right, Master. No one can imitate your uniqueness."
Everlin might be right. Forcing it won't bring out my true self.
"Alright! It's decided! I'll commit villainy the Grimoire way! Screw what others think!"
"A wise judgment as always, Master."
A smile tugged at Everlin's lips.
"Great! Time to show my top-villain improv skills! Kakaka!"
I'm a brainy villain—something brilliant will hit me in the field!
"Now, time to check my villain toolkit!"
I pulled out the gothic backpack. The cute bunny keychain? Pure camouflage, of course!
"Behold my perfect arsenal!"
I listed them off as I unpacked.
"Smoke bombs, scarf, villain manifesto... Ah, didn't forget snacks!"
I proudly waved a chocolate bar. Villains need sugar too! Nutrition is key.
Should've packed one more bag of chips? Nah, three's plenty!
"All set now!"
"Master, what about a mask?"
"What? Mask? Why hide this face? Only cowards do that!"
Hide my cute... no, terrifying visage?!
"Hiding your identity is standard for villainy..."
"Absurd! This is my declaration to the world!"
Why commit crimes anonymously?
"Everyone must know my great first deed! Caught clear on CCTV, viral on SNS, front-page news! Only then can I say I've taken my first villain step!"
Everlin's eye twitched faintly. Clearly awed by my sharp mind!
"One moment, Master. Care to see this first?"
She handed me a tablet. The screen showed colorful cartoon characters.
"Just hero propaganda trash for brainwashing kids?"
Tools to indoctrinate the innocent! But I won't fall for it.
Heroes are modern fairy tales—true power always lies with villains!
"Many heroes and villains have their signature symbols. Masks are part of that. Plus, they add mystery and amplify public fear. People fear the unseen more. They'll imagine your true form and tremble even harder."
"Oh..."
It suddenly clicked.
My horns too... Right, villains thrive on visuals!
"I see! I need my own costume? Everlin, what mask suits my greatness?"
"Already prepared."
Everlin fetched a black mask from the drawer.
"...What is this?"
I stared in disbelief as I picked it up. So ordinary... no, pathetically basic bank-robber fare!
"What symbolism is this?! Stuff for knocking over corner stores! Is this the mask for my majesty?!"
"Hold on, Master. Look here."
Everlin unfolded it. Two holes pierced the top.
"Made specially for your horns. Black mask with proud horns rising above... Intimidating just thinking about it, right?"
"Still too tacky... I expected at least a crown-embellished mask or jeweled one!"
"Heroes symbolize hope with flashy outfits. Villains should differ, no?"
I took it and tried it on.
"Simple design, cold black, emotionless... Plus your symbolic horns. The pinnacle of terror."
"Hmm..."
I checked the mirror from all angles. The horns poking from the black mask created an eerie vibe. My red eyes gleamed through the slits.
"So... it emphasizes the horns?"
"Yes. Simplicity leaves a strong impression. Highlights your innate charisma."
Feels like a trick, but...
"Fine, it'll do!"
"Finally, Master. For emergencies, shouldn't I come along?"
"No! Absolutely not!"
I waved her off firmly.
"This I must do alone! True villains complete their first crime by their own power!"
"...Understood, Master. Good luck."
She bowed with a resigned sigh.
"Hmph! Worry not! Nothing's impossible for me! When I return a millionaire, I'll grant you a special bonus!"
"...Thank you, but please just come back safe."
"Ha, who do you think I am?!"
I puffed my chest and declared proudly. Gray light from my horns intensified.
"The ultimate villain with King's DNA! This crime's like twisting a kid's ankle—child's play!"
"Then I'll prepare your favorite chocolate cake and wait."
I slung the backpack over my shoulder. Its weight felt reassuring.
"All ready! My debut awaits! World, behold Grimoire!"
Finally... my first step as a true villain!
I flung open the front door. Dazzling sunlight poured in. Even the weather blesses my debut!
"Hmm, so this is the city's public transit. I'll make full use of it."
At the bus stop, I checked the schedule. Bus in 15 minutes. Perfect timing—lunch rush over by arrival.
Staff need to eat too.
No, not consideration! Pure strategy!
"Hit when they're drowsy post-lunch! Kakaka! Flawless!"
Onlookers at the stop gave me weird looks.
Ahem! Too loud? Not time to reveal yet!
I hastily played normal student. Mask safe in bag. Minus long silver hair, black dress, and forehead horn, I look like any schoolgirl!
Bus pulled up, front door opened. I tapped my card.
Beep-
I don't even go to school, yet student fare saves cash! Villainy?
'Kakaka! How wicked! Small-scale, but a fine start!'
Luckily, one seat left. I sat by the window, smug.
Three more stops to the bank. Debut so close!
Beep-
Bus stopped; passengers on and off. Finally, a cane-wielding grandma boarded slowly.
She looked around awkwardly—all seats taken.
I sprang up unthinkingly.
"Sit here! That's an order! Dare not refuse Grimoire's gracious offer!"
"Oh my, thank you, dear. Such a kind young lady."
"Kind? I am evil... No, I mean..."
'This is villainy too! By seating her, I've exposed her frailty publicly! Under all those stares from yielding the seat—public humiliation!'
Genius evil, right? Even Everlin would applaud!
"Look at that girl. Yielding her seat to grandma. So considerate."
"Kids these days glued to phones, but she's a gem."
My face burned. Stares stung. Even horns felt red!
'Kind? Cute? Considerate? Absurd!'
Just you wait, fools!
When I rob the bank and flood the 9 o'clock news, I'll mock your shocked faces!