Being a Villain is My True Calling

Artifacts.

They are objects enhanced from traces of mystery, processed to allow humans to more easily wield mysterious abilities.

Unlike raw traces of mystery, processed artifacts are easily repaired and possess only exceptional capabilities.

‘The only issue, if any, is that the number of artifacts is exceedingly scarce.’

But since I already know the locations of usable artifacts, it’s not a problem. Even if most are possessed by powerful individuals, I have several methods in mind to acquire them.

As I pondered which usable artifacts were available, I abruptly extended my arm, gazing at my open palm.

‘Haah…who would have thought my creation ability was still lacking.’

Despite consuming such potent Life Force supplements, I didn’t expect my mana to be depleted like this. Even if I consumed all the remaining supplements in my room…it likely wouldn’t suffice.

Life Force became increasingly ineffective with repeated usage. No matter how potent, continuously consuming them yielded progressively diminishing returns for an individual.

‘The supplements were originally stockpiled for feeding Ga-yeon anyway.’

For me, Life Force had long since become useless trinkets. While still high-quality, they had reached their limits in aiding my growth. It would be better to distribute them among my subordinates instead.

‘Or maybe even to other Eclipse members?’

Upon consideration, that didn’t seem like the best option either.

“Maker, it’s time for your medication.”
“Already?”
“Yes. It’s a Life Force that aids recovery, so please take it diligently.”

Within Eclipse, lower-grade B and C Life Force was already freely distributed to regular members.

“As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve consumed so many already that the effects are…”
“That’s only limited to mana enhancement, isn’t it? This supplement simply improves recovery and absorption, so it will still be quite effective.”
“……”

Furup…

‘It’s not for no reason that this is a major villain organization with high average ability levels among members.’

With how many supplements were regularly ingested, I doubted even a higher-grade supplement distributed by me would have much impact.

‘And truthfully, even if it was effective, I can’t really find any need to provide supplements to the members.’

That would only introduce a massive variable that could further diverge the already altered original storyline – a monumental variable of unknown allegiance.

To be blunt, I don’t consider this entire vast organization as allies.

As the sage from some ninja manga put it: where five gather, there is bound to be one piece of trash among them – humanity itself.

In an organization of villains at this scale, it would be naive to assume no one harbors ulterior motives or hidden agendas as spies.

‘In other words, while I trust certain individuals within Eclipse, I don’t fully trust the entire membership.’

In any case, distributing Life Force to members was out of the question.

I had considered selling the supplements to other organizations, but realistically, major villain groups would have already secured premium Life Force for their executive ranks at minimum. Any organization still in need would likely be insignificant small-fries.

‘Life Force really is a tricky matter to handle.’

Resigning myself, I placed the empty bowl on a nearby drawer before lying back on the bed.

‘If I can find artifacts, replicating the trace of mystery should become feasible.’

Creation was a demanding ability, but once I understood an object to a certain extent, it opened up a wide array of intriguing possibilities.

‘Like this.’

Uu…uwoong-

I channeled a sliver of mana, forming a cube that fit snugly in my palm.

Pasasak…

Shortly after completing it, the cube began crumbling into powder – a sight I regarded as perfectly natural.

…Uuwoong-

Kkirik. Kkirik.

Next, I formed another cube using a sliver of mana along with a very small supplementary amount. This time, the cube endured far longer before finally dissipating into powder after I shuffled and reassembled it multiple times.

‘Once I understand a single object, maintaining it for specific durations becomes child’s play.’

Of course, calibrating the duration took some practice to develop an intuitive feel…but regardless, adjusting the longevity was certainly feasible.

Uuwoong-…

‘And by utilizing that level of control…’

I gazed at the cube resting in my palm. It was a perfect replica, indistinguishable from store-bought cubes.

‘I can create genuine objects as well.’

Despite being mana-formed, there were no traces of mana detectable in any aspect – it appeared as if crafted from authentic plastic and raw materials.

Previously, I had simply created weapons set to dissipate over time to reduce mana expenditure, mitigate risks of them being seized, and avoid mobility hindrances.

But realistically, I could have produced permanent objects all along.

‘While more challenging than a cube, as long as I attain sufficient comprehension of the mystery and meet the minimum mana threshold for creation, theoretically replicating the trace of mystery itself should be viable.’

Regardless, the only requirement for swiftly achieving my current goal was artifacts – supplementary tools, given my existing abilities were adequate.

“…Haamm.”

Perhaps due to the mana exertion further depleting my already lacking reserves, an involuntary yawn escaped my drowsy mind.

‘I’ve solidified my plans regarding the necessary artifacts…’

I know their current owners…

And how I’ll acquire them…

After diligently working for a while, a few days of proper rest should be permissible…rest…

Gradually succumbing to encroaching drowsiness, my eyes naturally closed.

“……”

The next day, after being chided by Doctor for using my abilities, I was finally discharged from the medical ward.

“I’m bored.”
“Yeah.”
“Coooo…phewww…”

It had already been two full days since completing my mission and taking this respite.

Having juggled missions with managing the cafe recently, perhaps the sudden lack of activity made it difficult to adapt to this leisurely pace.

‘Should I just head out and locate those artifacts now?’

I briefly entertained the thought before shaking my head.

‘It’s not quite the optimal timing yet.’

To encounter the ‘individual’ possessing the artifacts I desired, and exploit them for a two-birds-one-stone scenario, the timing wasn’t quite right yet.
So what should I do then?

Maybe I should go out somewhere for fun…
I pondered potential destinations and activities to alleviate the boredom for a while.

‘Come to think of it, I did promise Ga-yeon a few days ago that we’d visit an amusement park.’

An amusement park – something I had never experienced in either my past or current life. It was something I had been curious to try at least once.

‘It would fulfill my promise to Ga-yeon while dispelling this dull restlessness.’

Should I give the amusement park a go then?

Having made my decision, I began recruiting companions to join us. From what I had heard, such outings were meant to be enjoyed in groups, not solo excursions.

“Ga-yeon.”
“Yeah?”
“Want to go to an amusement park?”
“Sure.”

At my suggestion, Ga-yeon readily perked up with sparkling eyes, nodding in agreement.
As expected, she would be an easy sell.

‘One down already. I might assemble a sizable group faster than anticipated?’

With that promising start buoying my uncharacteristically high spirits, I ventured out from my room to gather others for our amusement park outing.

And so, the following day, with hopes soaring…
The grand total of companions I had managed to recruit so far: one.

“……”

Remarkably, everyone besides Ga-yeon had flatly refused to join the amusement park excursion.

‘Narin declined due to an error in a defense program she was rectifying, the Training Instructor was out on a mission…’

Astra undoubtedly had a mountain of tasks piling up as usual, while Irene naturally avoided crowded public spaces given her appearance and disposition.

I wasn’t close enough with 42 or Doctor to extend such personal invitations amidst our business-oriented rapport.

Ultimately, I had only asked Ga-yeon and Narin to accompany me.

…Hmm.
It seemed I had fewer companions to casually spend time with than I had assumed.

‘Or perhaps that was only natural?’

Who actively seeks out coworkers to hang out with for fun? If anything, having numerous such acquaintances would be the anomaly.

“In any case, it seems this amusement park trip will only be me and Ga-yeon.”

Having cleaned the cafe and settled at the counter, I took a sip of coffee.

‘A bit disappointing, admittedly.’

From my prior research, amusement parks were supposedly most enjoyable with larger friend groups. Too few companions would make it rather dull unless on a date.

Hence the consensus – go with friends for the true amusement park experience, not as a couple if you can help it.

I recalled a particular forum post emphatically proclaiming the genuine thrills came from group outings with friends.

‘A bit of mental gymnastics perhaps…but regardless.’

It was regrettable to miss out on that quintessential experience. Adding to that, neither Ga-yeon nor I had ever visited an amusement park before.

We lacked any frame of reference for what was fun or how to properly enjoy ourselves.

‘Even if I researched online, there’s a significant gap between vicariously experiencing it through someone else’s accounts versus merely reading listed information.’

If only I had someone experienced to provide proper guidance and set an engaging atmosphere…an energetic individual familiar with navigating various attractions would be ideal.

“Haah…”

Did I have any such acquaintances?
Heaving a sigh, I briefly deliberated on the amusement park conundrum.

Ding-a-ling!

“Welcome, please come i-”

At the chiming of the entrance bell, I tidied my coffee and turned toward the visitor from the counter.

“Ah, Ms. Tsukino. Hello there.”
Chise stood at the entrance, greeting me with a somewhat awkward smile, seemingly unsure how to act around me.

“……”

Experienced traversing numerous locales, with a lively demeanor…
Here was someone who fit the bill.

“Ms. Tsukino.”
“…I, I wasn’t peeping this time, I swear! No, I mean…!!”
“Would you like to join me at an amusement park?”
“…Huh?!”

Watching Chise’s startled reaction akin to a cat splashed with water, I flashed her a bright smile.

Okay, I’ve found my guide.