I Woke Up as the Villain

Having achieved S-rank in a short period of time, Takeda Yu-Shin had boasted that he would become the leader of the next generation of Japanese players. However, he collapsed at a single strike from Yu-Seong. Neither those who watched the scene with their own eyes nor those who saw it through the cameras for the broadcast could believe it. They all had the same question.

"What did I just see?" Chairman Takaku posed the question.

However, Nioh Kyosuke, the master who had personally trained Takeda Yu-Shin, found himself unable to provide an answer. He had no choice but to be silent because the match had ended in a split second.

Even more perplexing was the fact that everyone had clearly witnessed Yu-Seong's attack during this confrontation. In other words, his movements were not so swift or flashy that even ordinary people, not just the players, could clearly see how Yu-Seong moved.

Rather, the drones equipped with special cameras for capturing the players' actions had, in fact, missed the movements of Takeda Yu-Shin. His movements appeared to linger like an afterimage, while Yu-Seong stood there, seemingly dazed, before calmly launching a straight punch.

It didn't make sense, but absurdly, the situation ended with Takeda Yu-Shin, who was hit by that slow punch, spinning about five times in mid-air and dropping onto the floor with a thud.

To the eyes of ordinary people, the current situation appeared as if Takeda Yu-Shin had rushed toward Yu-Seong at a mad speed, only to self-destruct on Yu-Seong's fist.

Chairman Takaku's expression hardened as he requested a camera review, suspecting the presence of an unforeseen trap or overlooked movement. However, ultimately, nothing changed.

"...By any chance, are you performing some sort of act with Takeda Yu-Shin to defect to Korea?" asked Takaku.

"You know very well that we would never," Kyosuke replied, scrunching up his face in response to Chairman Takaku's question.

"But how could the fight end like this?" Chairman Takaku asked sharply before his gaze shifted toward Yu-Seong.

After landing that single light blow that brought down Takeda Yu-Shin, Yu-Seong strolled out of the ring, sat on a chair, and comfortably watched the live chat of the NewTube broadcast. He wore a smile the entire time.

Enraged, Chairman Takaku clenched his fist and glanced at his phone, which was ringing in real time. The government in power was in a complete mess.

'I must somehow salvage this situation.' 

It wasn't merely a matter of losing a simple bet with Woo-Jae. Returning to Japan in such a state would not be favorable. Chairman Takaku had traveled all the way to Korea and provoked a confrontation with the intention of elevating the honor of his nation. However, instead, he had a complete downfall and criticism would cling to him like an indelible price tag for the remainder of his life

Naturally, Chairman Takaku's gaze turned toward Kyosuke. He then asked, "Could you explain what just happened?"

"My best assumption is that Yu-Shin was caught off guard..." Kyosuke replied.

"You misunderstood my question. Could you have avoided the same situation?"

Kyosuke's eyes sharpened at Chairman Takaku’s question. "Chairman, if I understand correctly..."

"Given how things have turned out, doesn't someone need to rectify the situation?"

Kyosuke was a source of pride for Japan and the proud master of Takeda Yu-Shin. It wouldn’t be the best decision in many aspects, not to mention, from Kyosuke’s perspective, it wouldn’t be worth it.

After all, if Japan's top player defeated the rising star of Korea, it would just portray him as a small-minded individual who couldn't control his emotions in a fair fight, intervening solely to get revenge for his disciple. Furthermore, if he were to lose, it would undeniably mark his downfall.

In recent times, he had managed to reach the previously deemed unreachable SS rank, a milestone he had considered unattainable and openly declared as such. As a result, the reputation of the current Nioh within Japan soared. Carrying that prestigious title, what would happen if the best player from Japan were to be defeated, not by the Korean Sword Master, but by Yu-Seong, who was merely a promising star?

'That’s ridiculous.' 

Such a thing could never happen. Kyosuke, who erased the worst assumption that popped up in his mind, looked at Chairman Takaku.

"For the sake of our homeland," said Takaku firmly.

At his solemn words, Kyosuke couldn't help but laugh inwardly.

‘It’s simply a desperate struggle for his own survival…’

Takaku himself was the one who orchestrated this show within Japan and engaged in negotiations with politicians. Although Takaku presented a superficial pretext of serving the nation, the primary motive behind involving Kyosuke was for his own protection.

"...Understood," Kyosuke, rather than making a long speech, lightly replied and nodded.

"I'll speak with Choi Yu-Seong. You can go and prepare."

Kyosuke didn't respond. Instead, he turned his back on Chairman Takaku to check on his disciple's condition.

'At least I need to ascertain exactly how he was defeated.' 

His disciple, Takeda Yu-Shin, was quite a robust man, so it was hard to simply believe he had been caught off guard.

If Kyosuke was not aware, he would face defeat. He didn't underestimate his opponent just because he was a promising player.

***

When the scheduled main event ended too disappointingly, the chat section of the New Tube broadcast ignited for a different reason.

While that was going on, Chairman Takaku approached Yu-Seong with a proposal for a second match; Yu-Seong’s response was very simple.

"10 billion dollars."

"...What?"

For a moment, Yu-Seong's face overlapped with Woo-Jae's in Chairman Takaku's eyes.

"Why should I fight for free?"

"But..."

"Then let's forget about it. Even if I stop at this point, I only have things to gain."

With a cunning grin, Yu-Seong managed to provoke Chairman Takaku. He left the man gritting his teeth in frustration inwardly.

"Fine. 10 billion dollars. If you lose, you're responsible for it," Takaku said with a nod.

"That's obvious. Shall we start with the contract?" asked Yu-Seong.

"You don't trust me?"

"Is trust important when money is involved?"

Again, Chairman Takaku ground his teeth.

‘He appears to be just a kid… but he truly takes after his father.’

Just like when he had initially refused Woo-Jae's proposal, Chairman Takaku couldn't ignore the fact that 10 billion dollars was an enormous sum of money. The stakes were high, and he couldn't afford to back down any further.

'At this point, it’s do or die.' 

The opponent was not just anyone; it was Kyosuke, the best player in Japan. In fact, there was no one else more trustworthy than him. With this in mind, a new contract was drafted, and Woo-Jae, as an authorized representative, joined them via a video call. And so, the announcement of the second event match followed—the duel between Inoue Kyosuke and Choi Yu-Seong.

The NewTube chat room, which was already lively, began to heat up for a different reason. A new betting period was opened for the next hour.

‘Perhaps it's because the first match didn't make much of an impression?’

Surprisingly, there were more predictions of Nioh’s victory. As a result, Yu-Seong's selection came with significantly higher betting odds.

Yu-Seong shrugged his shoulders.

'Well, this is favorable for me.' 

He and his acquaintances had all placed their bets on Yu-Seong, ensuring that there would be no losers. It seemed like a deal with no loss. With that in mind, Yu-Seong once again stepped onto the battlefield.

On the opposing side, Kyosuke stood fully equipped in his battle suit, his silence contrasting with Takeda Yu-Shin's demeanor. He focused his sharp eyes on Yu-Seong, and it wasn't until the match began that he finally spoke. "When a lion hunts its prey, it gives its all."

Kyosuke started casting Ninjutsu, uttering a spell-like chant to himself.

‘Oh, is that Ninjutsu, which is known to be used only by Japanese players?' 

Indeed, Takeda Yu-Shin had been too excited, rushing in and getting knocked down without a chance to utilize Ninjutsu. On the contrary, Kyosuke initiated his attack, showcasing his pride in the skill of Ninjutsu. With each swift execution of the techniques, the surroundings underwent real-time transformations.

Firstly, a dense curtain of fog-like mist enveloped the area, encroaching upon Yu-Seong's vision and even infiltrating his nostrils.

'Poison?' 

The moment he started to feel dizzy, a smile rose to Yu-Seong's lips.

"Fire Release," commanded Kyosuke in a soft voice.

Red flames exploded in front of his eyes, covering the world like fireworks.

'He added fuel to the poison fog and cloud.' 

This was something Yu-Seong knew yet couldn't avoid. He blocked the attack by extending one hand and casting a shield magic.

'Using magic makes the poison spread faster.' 

Kyosuke seized the opportunity without hesitation, causing his figure to vanish from sight. In the next moment, a chilling sensation crawled up Yu-Seong's spine.

Kyosuke's skillful maneuvers, speed, and combat mastery were truly deserving of his title as Japan's best player. It was unexpected to witness his relentless assault without taking the time to assess the situation, especially considering it was their first encounter.

‘Did he mean that, like a lion hunting its prey, he was giving his all?’

Inwardly, Yu-Seong couldn't help but feel a momentary admiration and nodded. Everything appeared to be in order, but unfortunately, there was one crucial detail that was incorrect.

"I'm not prey," said Yu-Seong with a chuckle.

Then, with astonishing speed and precision, he caught Kyosuke's flying sword with his bare hand, effortlessly stopping its trajectory. In a display of nonchalance, he dropped the sword to the ground amidst the swirling poison fog and clouds. With a powerful swing, he unleashed his spear, infused with the force of wind, in a wide arc.

Whoosh-! 

With a resounding crash, the once stark white poison fog surged upwards, rapidly dissipating into the sky. The previously obscured arena suddenly came into clear view, revealing every detail that was once impossible to discern even an inch ahead.

"Considering there are spectators, they should be aware of what's happening."

Kyosuke, having realized that the Ninjutsu he had used disappeared with a single spear move, was about to join his hands again in bewilderment. However, Yu-Seong, without any hesitation, threw his spear at him.

Thud-!

Amidst the reverberating impact sound that had become all too familiar, Kyosuke was struck in the forehead by the spinning spear. The force of the blow caused him to stagger backward, his face instantly drenched in a torrent of blood.

Pale and unconscious, Kyosuke lay sprawled on the ground. Standing over him, Yu-Seong calmly retrieved his spear and directed his gaze toward the pale-faced Chairman Takaku.

"Ten billion dollars. Arigatou gozaimasu[1]."

At that moment, Yu-Seong could genuinely express his gratitude in Japanese, the language that Chairman Takaku held dear.

***

With two victories, Yu-Seong, who had already garnered attention after his return, suddenly became a star. Moreover, he made a considerable amount of money.

'In addition to NewTube revenue, the money I won from betting, and what I'm scheduled to receive from my father...' 

There was also the ten billion dollars he had obtained from Chairman Takaku.

'I've become wealthy.' 

With just one strike, Yu-Seong had ascended to a position that could be regarded as a global tycoon, surpassing even the immense backing of Woo-Jae. However, what brought even greater joy to Yu-Seong was something entirely different.

'I didn't think it was a big deal, but my Star Factor is increasing drastically because of this.' 

Yu-Seong's already tremendous physical abilities, which had reached the realm of a Transcendent being, were further amplified by the additional percentage effects of the Star Factor. It was indeed a surprise for Yu-Seong to discover that he had become approximately 20% more powerful than his original strength as a result of this minor event.

'I haven't been able to feel it for a while, but indeed, gaining strength through training is slower than gaining skills.' 

It might have appeared as a minor event, but for Yu-Seong, who was gearing up to face his most formidable opponent, it held tremendous significance.

Additionally, a new development occurred that provided Yu-Seong with a substantial advantage. The Sword Master, widely acknowledged as the strongest in South Korea, officially proclaimed Yu-Seong as the "strongest."

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‘I mean, wasn't Kim Do-Jin the one who defeated you years ago? Why would you say I’m the strongest? I feel so grateful.’

Thanks to that, the visible increase in the effectiveness of his Star Factor was apparent to Yu-Seong. He couldn't help but feel that rank and level held less significance now. The benefits he was witnessing firsthand brought immense happiness.

Naturally, the world was filled with questions. What had he experienced during the past three years? Yu-Seong, previously referred to as a hero sacrificed to be sealed with the Demon King, was now being portrayed as a master who had undergone rigorous mental training during his time in sealing.

'Well, they aren’t wrong.' 

Regardless, it was a positive outcome. As various speculations circulated, Yu-Seong relished in the news of his story spreading worldwide. In the meantime, another two months flew by swiftly.

1. ありがとうございます means thank you in Japanese ☜