Chapter 61
Chapter 61
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: The Villain and the Summons
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Villains never waste time.
For a villain dreaming of world conquest, even a moment's carelessness can be fatal.
That's why, after conquering tonkatsu for lunch, I was seated on my throne... no, my sofa, conducting research on villainy.
The subject at hand: the popular anime Little Devil Devil-chan! It's the story of a cute little devil who tries to unleash evil deeds in the human world but always fails.
"That's not how you do it! Evil deeds must be bold and meticulously prepared. A top-tier villain like me has never once failed at villainy!"
Of course, I'm only watching this for pure villain research purposes. There's no other reason.
It's an advanced learning process to analyze villain behavior patterns and world conquest strategies! Plus, Devil-chan has horns!
While savoring a highlight scene, my sharp senses picked up on a subtle movement.
Swipe...
At the end of the sofa, two sneaky figures were creeping toward the remote. My loyal(?) minions: Darkness and White King.
"Villains don't sleep."
Squeak?!
At my voice, their fur stood on end as they leaped into the air.
Squeak squeak!
Darkness scratched its ear with a front paw, acting like nothing had happened. White King outright avoided my gaze. 'We were just looking?' So shameless!
If you're curious what a thief looks like when caught red-handed, just look at those two.
"How dare you target my remote! The remote is a symbol of royal authority! He who controls the remote controls the living room!"
Darkness waved its front paw wildly as if protesting.
Squeak squeak! Squeak squeak squeak!
"What? You want to watch a documentary? Don't you know this is villain research time?"
White King chimed in from the side, suddenly striking a pose like it was galloping across vast plains.
"Darkness is from the Serengeti? Missing its homeland? Make some sense! Last time you said it was a city rat!"
Realizing their lies were exposed, the two rats exchanged glances before suddenly charging at the remote together.
"You little thieves! A diversion tactic? How cowardly!"
They tussled with each other and accidentally hit a button. The screen changed in an instant.
"No! My Devil-chan!"
The channel switched from the cute anime to a serious news broadcast.
[A monster wave is currently sweeping through all of S City, causing widespread damage to civilians.]
Footage showed massive monsters smashing buildings and tearing up roads. Civilians screamed as they fled.
[S-Rank Heroes have been deployed to each district to contain the situation.]
The screen shifted to show S-Rank Heroes in action. Among them, one stood out...
"Golden Princess?"
Golden Princess Serena appeared on screen, enveloped in golden particles. She was overwhelming the monsters with sheer power.
"These monsters are tougher than expected. But no worries. With Golden Princess Serena here, it's all under control!"
Her interview expression radiated genuine confidence.
"What's with that? Why's she having so much fun killing monsters? Is Golden Princess on the massacre route?"
The screen changed again.
A high school girl in a Japanese sailor uniform swung a massive katana, slicing through monsters. Cherry blossoms scattered in the wake of her blade.
"The katana is history's most perfect weapon. Its curved blade embodies the golden ratio, elevating it beyond mere armament to a work of art. The steel, folded a thousand times, possesses superior properties to any metal in the world—"
The anchor hurriedly cut off the overly long interview.
"We're in Korea—why's there a JK? And why the cherry blossoms?"
Next up was a middle-aged man in traditional scholar robes. He painted in the air with a massive brush, and a flock of cranes from his ink wash painting materialized to battle the monsters.
"A true scholar must excel in both letters and arms while upholding moral integrity... unyielding in peril, devoted to the people..."
"Boring! That scholar getup is so outdated. My villain outfit—gothic lolita dress—is the best!"
Then, a familiar face flashed in the corner of the screen. Kang Hyunwoo, the D-Rank Hero Endure, rescuing a civilian from building rubble.
"Weakling shows up every time. Pretty diligent... no, utterly clueless!"
Watching the monsters' reckless attacks highlighted the importance of strategy. You could never conquer a city like that.
"If a strategic genius like me were in command, the city would already be ours! Caesar, Alexander, Hannibal? Pathetic! Grimoire is the greatest villain general history will remember!"
I imagined monsters marching in perfect formation under my orders, systematically seizing the city. Blindly rampaging in excitement? That's not villain aesthetics!
Ding-dong!
The doorbell rang suddenly. Everlin went to answer it. Moments later, she returned with a white envelope.
It bore the Hero Association logo prominently.
"Master, a special delivery from the Hero Association."
"Hero Association? To me? Declaring surrender, perhaps?"
I carefully opened the envelope. Inside was a luxurious document with gleaming gold lettering.
I ran my finger along the summons' gold border. All this gaudy decoration—wasted taxpayer money, insolent heroes!
"What is this? A challenge?"
[The S City Hero Association cordially invites Grimoire to the 'Monster Wave Emergency Countermeasures Committee.']
I blinked. Read it again.
"...Invites? Me? Everlin, take a look. Is this really addressed to me?"
I handed the summons to Everlin. She took it with perfect poise and read the contents.
[In response to the recent monster wave engulfing S City, we are convening an emergency countermeasures meeting.
Your invaluable experience and abilities in successfully sealing the previous monster gate are deemed critical to resolving this crisis. We kindly request your attendance.
This meeting will be attended exclusively by S-Rank Heroes and key personnel.
Date: Tomorrow, 2 PM
Location: S City Central District, Central Road 55, SH Tower 30th Floor Conference Room
RSVP: Please indicate attendance on the enclosed response card and return it.
S City Hero Association Personnel Director Seo Jin-ho]
The chairman's seal was stamped clearly.
I couldn't help but burst into incredulous laughter. I tossed the summons to the floor.
"Ridiculous! As if a villain like me would help heroes? Key personnel? S-Rank Heroes? Just sitting in the same room would tarnish a villain's reputation!"
Darkness and White King scurried to the fallen summons and started sniffing it. White King flipped it over and pawed at it.
"Don't touch it! It's tainted with hero hypocrisy and pretense!"
But Everlin picked up the summons and continued calmly.
"Master, this is the perfect opportunity."
"What?"
"A flawless chance to infiltrate the Hero Association as a spy."
Right, the spy operation! An opening to execute it?
"Think about it, Master. All the S-Rank Heroes gathered in one place. Such chances don't come often. Their weaknesses, strategies, secret intel... we could obtain it all at once."
I pictured myself sneaking through shadows, stealing classified documents, cackling evilly. So cool!
But wait—this could be a trap.
"What if it's a ploy to capture me? Or they all gang up on me?"
Everlin shook her head.
"Master, consider that the Hero Association is inviting you on equal footing with S-Rank Heroes. That means they see you as a dangerous entity."
"Hmm..."
For some reason, I started feeling pretty good. Equal to S-Rank Heroes...
"It's the perfect chance to display your villainous dignity. If you boldly appear before all the heroes, how terrified they'll be!"
Of course! I finally got it! The Association fears me! Awed by my overwhelming power, they're desperately begging for help!
"Hmm... You do have a point..."
Thoughts clashed in my mind. Attending a hero assembly clearly contradicts villain identity.
But... uncovering their weaknesses is vital intel for world conquest...
Alright, decision made! I'll go conquer the Hero Association!
"But Everlin, you're mistaken about one thing."
She tilted her head.
"I'm not just equal to S-Rank—I'm an SSS-Rank villain far beyond them! No one can match Grimoire's caliber—remember that!"
Squeak squeak!
Darkness and White King raised their paws in applause, cheering. Loyalty shone in their eyes... probably?
"Foolish heroes, summoning a villain like me just to chase monsters—what ignorance!"
What better opportunity could there be? The perfect chance to take them all down in one fell swoop!
I pointed at the two rats.
"You two! Scout the Hero Association perimeter! Map all entrances, security systems, hero movements! And find good lunch spots nearby for tomorrow!"
The rats stood at attention, saluted, and dashed toward the window.
"Everlin! Prepare my most dignified villain dress! It's time to show the heroes true evil majesty!"
I walked to the window and drew back the curtains. Far off, SH Tower gleamed in the sunlight at the city center.
"Tremble in fear and wait! For I shall seize your holy ground! The villain of villains, the great Grimoire, commands it! Kakakat!"