Chapter 98
Chapter 98
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: The Smiling Man's Surrender
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Oh, this is something!
In South Korea, there are a total of nine S-Rank Heroes.
Originally, there were ten, but Holy Knight passed away.
Retirees don't count since they're no longer active.
Even so, nine is an impressive number.
Just look at the neighboring countries for a stark contrast.
Japan has only one. They still haven't recovered from their previous losses.
China has a huge number of heroes thanks to its massive population.
But they only have seven S-Rank Heroes—fewer than Korea.
The situation is similar in other countries. S-Ranks are incredibly rare resources.
If you ask why, the Smiling Man would tell you.
It's because this world is rooted in a novel overflowing with national pride. What can you do?
Anyway, these S-Rank Heroes in South Korea are busy every single day.
With so many great heroes, there are correspondingly more monsters and villains.
First off, three S-Ranks are always stationed at the West Sea, East Sea, and South Sea.
The moment the seas are breached, catastrophe follows. It's an obvious deployment.
The remaining S-Ranks deploy whenever villains or monsters appear.
They also provide ongoing support to neighboring countries in the process.
Many people admire heroes—especially the top-tier S-Rank Heroes.
Glorious, shining icons who surpass idols in popularity.
But behind it all lies a duty that grinds their bodies to dust.
The reason this sacrifice persists is, in a way, remarkably flimsy.
Protecting citizens is a given, and public love is paramount.
Early education that borders on brainwashing, passed down for generations.
It's like how men are taught they must unconditionally sacrifice for women.
On top of that, anyone likely to become a villain is mostly weeded out at the academies.
If you bring up Holy Knight, he'd say he's no villain.
It might sound strange, but he's just a hero who acts like a villain.
At least he's not some psychopathic mass murderer.
"I'm exhausted..."
Valkyrie leaned back after dealing with today's monsters and villains.
Beside her was Guardian, who had just returned from patrolling the South Sea.
He was the S-Rank Hero who had come to Ulleungdo with a resolve to die during that incident not long ago.
"You might have to head to the US after we get back."
"You trying to get me killed,?"
"No, it's just... Villains turned Chicago upside down this time. They even mobilized the National Guard, but couldn't resolve it, so they asked for help."
"What are the US heroes doing? Isn't America the home of heroes?"
"You know how it is. Vast land, but not enough heroes, so they're always short-staffed. Probably getting ground down even more than us."
That's why the Union has so much support from heroes.
Governments do their best to take care of heroes too.
But governments can't favor specific groups.
The Union, on the other hand, unconditionally backs heroes.
Even when heroes fail to protect citizens and face backlash.
Even when they're punished for refusing a callout due to extreme fatigue.
Even when they quit in despair and get called cowards.
The Union always sides with heroes to the end, so it's only natural.
"And the villains are getting restless too. Smiling Man attacks the branch... It's a fantasy."
"That's why Ignition and Muyoung got called up."
"Huh? Guardian, weren't they both on break?"
"The Union branch was attacked. Villains keep moving. No time for breaks."
I was genuinely worried they'd die from overwork.
As Valkyrie and Guardian grumbled, her phone rang.
"Yes, this is Hero Valkyrie... Oh, yes. Minister. Why are you calling personally...?"
What job are they assigning now? Guardian, sitting beside her, looked worried.
"Huh? Return immediately? With Ignition and Muyoung?"
Valkyrie slowly lowered her phone after receiving the message.
Her face turned blank, like she'd lost her mind a little.
"What? What's wrong?"
"Guardian, things are getting weird."
"So what is it? More villain chaos?"
"No, it's not that..."
Ha. What the hell. What is that damn guy thinking now?
Valkyrie clutched her head and explained to the curious Guardian.
"The Smiling Man."
"Why that villain?"
"He's turning himself in."
"...What?"
"But his condition is that I have to arrest him. For support, those cadets who shone at Ulleungdo last time."
All the cadets at Ulleungdo had shone, in a way.
But the most famous among them were probably...
"I think I know who. But why?"
"He wants them to make the arrest. If anyone else comes, he cancels the surrender and shows what real resistance looks like. Wow, that guy's insane."
That was the minister's message.
Valkyrie handles the Smiling Man's arrest.
Direct support: cadets from the academy.
The list: Jin Seo-ah, Seo Ha-eun, Kang Yuna, Louise.
For contingencies, three S-Rank Heroes as backup.
Guardian beside her, Ignition joining soon, and Muyoung.
"The Smiling Man turning himself in? He wasn't the type to surrender from the start."
"Exactly. What scheme is this?"
It was so absurd they could barely speak.
Because of that, Guardian missed a key detail.
Valkyrie's tone held almost no hostility.
It felt like worrying about an acquaintance who'd gone mad. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "...What the hell is going on?"
Jin Seo-ah voiced what everyone was thinking.
Kang Yuna did too. Seo Ha-eun. And Louise.
None of them could accept the situation.
"I told you. From now on, you're arresting the Smiling Man with me."
"The Smiling Man... why?"
"Why? Because he said he's surrendering, so we grab him!"
"Why us...?"
"It's his condition. Me and you all. Only real heroes he acknowledges get arrest rights. Anyone else within 1km, he voids everything and resists fully."
Resists? It'd be an all-out brutal fight.
That's why the other S-Ranks—Guardian, Ignition, Muyoung—would stand by at a distance.
"...Instructor Valkyrie."
"What."
"Do we have to catch the Smiling Man?"
"Ha-eun?!"
Louise flinched and hurriedly covered Seo Ha-eun's mouth.
Questioning a villain's arrest in front of Valkyrie, of all people.
A hero, no less.
She'd have no defense if her cadet status was questioned on the spot.
"Unexpected. Seo Ha-eun, right? Aren't you the one super hostile to villains?"
"That won't change for life."
"Then what's this?"
"The Smiling Man..."
A moment of hesitation. A brief silence.
But Seo Ha-eun's answer was already set.
"The Smiling Man isn't a villain."
"Watch your words. If that leaks out, you're in deep trouble."
"It's the truth. Holy Knight, Blader, Light Dagger—they were heroes but evildoers. Even if punishing them makes you a criminal, I don't think it makes you a villain."
"You all think the same?"
The cadets shrank under Valkyrie's gaze.
This was Valkyrie. She knew villain cruelty better than anyone.
Daring to defend a villain in front of her was unthinkable.
"...I don't think he's the kind of 'villain' people call him either."
"Seo-ah! Why are you—?!"
"You know why, Louise. He saved our lives. From the villains."
Valkyrie burst out laughing as she listened to the cadets.
Smiling Man, you bastard. What? Real heroes you acknowledge?
Bullshit. They're the ones with the seeds you planted.
Making guys who don't see you as a villain arrest you.
And including me too. What the hell are you thinking?
Surrendering? At this timing? Then why attack the branch?
You're a total pervert. You want to see us squirm?
"Hero Valkyrie, arriving at the Smiling Man's designated location shortly."
"Guardian, Ignition, Muyoung?"
"The other S-Ranks will stand by nearby. For any emergencies."
"...Tell them absolutely not to come close. Things go wrong, we all die."
After the stern warning, Valkyrie exited the vehicle.
The cadets cautiously followed, sticking close to her.
The Smiling Man had chosen a small cafe for the arrest site.
Entering, they heard a clinking sound.
On the table sat a vibrant strawberry yogurt frappe.
The Smiling Man sat elegantly before it, waving casually.
"Oh. You've arrived?"
This wasn't how a hero greeted a villain.
Valkyrie sighed at the friendly scene, like meeting pals.
"...You're truly insane?"
"I won't deny I'm not in my right mind. Hahaha!"
"Surrendering right after the bounty... How much do you want to screw over the Union?"
"Wasn't this what you wanted too?"
"Not to this extent!"
There had to be at least some proper progression.
Argh. Valkyrie clutched her head and sat before the Smiling Man.
"Told everyone to stay away. You keeping your promise?"
"Don't worry. Can't even come within 1km."
"As expected. A splendid hero who honors promises!"
"Shut up."
That wasn't even praise. Valkyrie scanned the surroundings.
"This your shop?"
"No way. A place I visit sometimes. Asked the owner to lend it. Ah! Don't worry, compensated generously!"
"You're the only villain who cares about civilians."
Or maybe. Not a villain at all.
Just a hero down on his luck.
"Planning to surrender?"
"Yes."
"Then let's go."
"Can't I finish this first?"
"No."
"Oh! That's harsh! Heroes can't be this cold!"
The Smiling Man laughed and glanced back.
Kang Yuna. Seo Ha-eun. Jin Seo-ah. And Louise.
Shades varied, but one thing was clear.
Hesitation and conflict swirled in the cadets' eyes.
About arresting the Smiling Man.
'This is the power of a villain with a backstory. Ah, the enemy with history who becomes an ally later? Hahaha!'
Everything flowed exactly as desired.
Satisfied, he set down the cup...
Boom!!-
A roar as the cafe wall collapsed.
...No, not collapsed.
Ripped out. By immense force.
"Who gave permission."
A figure emerged from the dust.
Exuding murderous intent everywhere.
"Who gave permission to take that bastard?"
The Black Woman. Clan Boss.
Valkyrie jumped to her feet in shock.
When? How long had she been nearby?
She hadn't noticed. Nor had the other S-Ranks?!
"Smiling Man...!"
"Oh. I'm truly innocent."
No joke, really.
Yushin was shocked too.
'She wasn't a character who babyed her subordinates like this?!'
This complicates things weirdly. Hahaha...!