Debut Battle (3)
"Hup?!"
And just like that, Cat's Eye slammed her palms to the ground like feet. Suddenly sprawled on her belly, she glared up at me with a face red as a beet.
I looked down at Cat's Eye, reaching out to stroke her hair a couple of times.
"Hngh, hnnng…!"
Weird sensation, apparently—her body shivered violently. Yeah, this much at least makes me look like a proper villain. I mean, just running off and leaving a helpless enemy like that? Nah.
"Stay like that for about an hour. And next time, fix that rude mouth of yours."
I whispered it softly. An hour was more than enough time to get home.
"Be grateful I didn't kill you, hero."
"Hup, hn…!"
Well, I never planned to kill her anyway. Business was done for real this time. I'd shown off my villainy plenty. Leaving Cat's Eye behind, I darted away quick.
Behind me, Yuha's flames sporadically burst as she subdued the villains. A swell of pride washed over me—like a kid who'd just done a good deed, my chest felt light and floaty. Today, I'd taken another step toward securing Yuha's bright future. Without anyone noticing.
"Hnnng, hn…!"
Even Cat's Eye's wail sounded like symphony music.
The next day. Lecture time at Yoram Academy.
I sat in the back row, glued to my smartphone. Sure, I'd made it into the academy, but I wasn't gunning for top grades or anything. My goal of not worrying Yuha was already half-achieved anyway. I'd just coast in the middle of the pack.
Honestly, even dropping lower wouldn't bother me much—but Yuha wouldn't let that slide. She'd probably ditch her own stuff and tutor me all night. Gotta avoid that at all costs.
"…"
My lips curled sky-high. Seeing everyone acknowledge Yuha's true worth made me proud. This was the right call, no doubt.
But what's with that asshole down below? Troll account? Knew it. You're on my list. Stirring shit... haters... got it, saved. I'll report you to the mods later.
I left a warning and scrolled through the rest. No matter how far down, Yuha-related posts just kept coming.
People were even venting fatigue like this. But I had zero plans to listen.
Sure, it was weird for a mere prospective hero—not even active—to draw this much heat. But that's just ignorance of Hero Minor Gallery's vibe. The main users here are diehards who dig into anything hero-related, worn out from the overexposure of pros in every media outlet. They crave fresh finds.
In that sense, Yoram's prospective heroes are perfect fanbait. Not mega-famous yet, but with clear potential. Ideal for pouring out fandom without shame. Big incidents pull pro hero talk, sure—but daily chatter revolves around Yoram trainees. That's why.
Yuha's probably outgrown "newbie" status now, though.
Not the only reason, of course. Heroes are modern all-round entertainers—living off public recognition. Superpowers don't guarantee success. Low profile means low fame, low calls, tanking rankings and records. Ends up exiled to local offices or dead-end posts. No hero wants that path.
Flip side: they'll do anything for spotlight. Like faking alts on anon boards to self-praise—ugly shit normies can't fathom. Happens way too often, real stories every time you forget.
Hell, I nabbed one just recently. Made my job easy.
My name was popping up here and there now too. Unlike the alley scuffle, I'd shown my face openly—and videos of me facing off against Yuha and the heroes at the bank had spread.
Perception was still mixed, but for now? Satisfied.
"Hm?"
I snapped to. The post-lecture classroom buzzed. I zeroed in on the source of the commotion.
Someone half-hiding by the front door, peeking my way. Totally unexpected—I scowled hard.
"Han Sua?"
Why the hell was she here all of a sudden? I said I'd come grab the report from the hero department myself.
'That's... Psyche, Han Sua...'
'First time seeing her irl...'
'Staring at Kim Woojin, right?'
'No way... not even enough for one Flame Mist...'
'Does that even make sense...?'
The whispers weren't dying down—they were getting louder. I sighed in embarrassment, ignoring the prickly stares as I headed straight for Han Sua.
She glared daggers, eyes brimming with timid tears.
"Th-this is you...!!"
Han Sua dragged me to an empty classroom and shoved her smartphone in my face. Grimacing, I scanned the news article on screen.
"What about it?"
Hiding my flinch, I played dumb.
Han Sua chewed her lip, firing back.
"Anyone can see it's you...! That black outfit...! Why'd the guard suddenly choke himself? You used it on me too, right?!"
Sharper eyes than expected. Didn't think she'd spot it that fast. Guess firsthand experience helped.
"Say it is me... so what? Why track me down like this?"
I trailed off, steering to the point.
"I told you not to come unless it's important. Was my warning that funny? Or..."
"It-it is important."
Han Sua shuddered but pressed on.
"This... this is a Hwaryeon affiliate bank...! Where I'm the majority shareholder...!"
"What?"
I blinked blankly. A Bank was Hwaryeon Group?
"You know how much damage you've caused? Stock's in the toilet...! What're you gonna do about this?!"
Her voice dripped injustice. Never crossed my mind.
Financial separation's old news, sure. But... sorry? As if.
"What do you want me to do? Sounds like a bank they used for villain money laundering anyway."
I brushed it off, muttering low.
"Should've leveled the building if I knew. Loot every last bill."
"You just ran off like a coward... anyone'd think you killed all those heroes. And her of all people..."
"What're you on about? Why would I kill heroes?"
"...You're a villain. Isn't that why you barged in?"
Han Sua's eyes went wide, like I'd said something insane. What does she even think I am?
"Don't talk nonsense. I'd die before I did that."
Heroes dying by my hand? Might happen someday... but not now. And never Yuha.
"Wha...? What do you..."
Han Sua trailed off in disbelief. After a beat, she probed cautiously.
"That girl... Baek Yuha too?"
"Too what?"
"That... puppet thing you did to me..."
My face twisted.
"Han Sua. You're getting bold today. Think I'd do that to Yuha? Say that shit one more time."
"Eek...!"
I raised a finger at her. She got the message, collapsing and trembling.
"Better watch it. Was already thinking of periodic 'lessons.' Show that insolence again..."
"Hiiik, I won't, I swear...!"
Tears plopped to the floor. She whimpered, voice thick with grievance.
"Sniff, hn... why... why only me..."
...Why does she look so pitiful? Those teary eyes stirred me up. Get a grip. That's a villain.
I reined in my softening heart. Right—a villain. Extra vicious too. Leaking Yoram intel, plotting hero backstabs—nearly died for it. Crocodile tears won't shake me.
Speaking of stocks. Villains messing with markets isn't new. Sabotage, tanking companies, or cozying up to villain orgs. Even top-dog Hwaryeon Group hides dirt behind the clean facade. Bureau cracks down hard since it shreds social order—but it's not contained.
Hm, good idea brewing. Oh yeah...
"Not posting Psyche praise on Hero Gallery anymore?"
"Would you?!"
Han Sua flushed beet-red, yelling back.