Chapter 211: - The Perfect Plan

Chapter 211 - The Perfect Plan

"Katana, would you join me in the terrorism?"

That was my response to her request, promising to grant any one favor, thanks to my advice that helped her partially conquered Japan.

At the edge of the Cathedral, after she had spoken those words.

"""こんばんは (Konbanwa*), Egostic-san.""" *T/N: "hello/hi" in Japanese.

"Uh... Hello, everyone. Konbanwa."

I came to Japan.

...Well, how did it come to this?

***

After exchanging greetings with the members of SamHyupPa.

"Please have a seat."

The most prominent villain organization in Japan and the de facto rulers of the entire country now that the Association had lost its functionality. SamHyupPa.

I was in Katana's office, the leader of SamHyupPa.

A neat and clean room that gave a slightly wooden vibe. On one side, there were what seemed like medical books stuck to a bookshelf on the wall, and on the other side, an old map of Japan was attached to the wall. It had an antique feel in various ways.

"Have a sip."

"Oh, thank you."

Katana, who had poured tea for both of us, sat down at the table between us.

I took a sip after receiving the warm tea. It had a deep yet refreshing taste, with no aftertaste.

Putting down the teacup, I smiled and said to Katana, "The tea is very good. It has a deep flavor... Did you brew it yourself?"

"Yes. I'm glad you liked it."

She replied with an indifferent expression. However, there seemed to be a slight sense of satisfaction. Her expression didn't change much, but something was in the atmosphere.

Anyway, we chatted briefly over tea. After the atmosphere had loosened somewhat, Katana brought up the main topic again.

"...Are you saying you want me to join your terrorism in Korea?"

I stopped tasting my tea and looked up at the voice in front of me.

Katana mentioned the terrorism I had talked about earlier.

...That's right, this is the reason why I came to Japan. After proposing the terrorism when the Cathedral ended, I was about to go home, but she suddenly dragged me here.

...It doesn't seem like a conversation that we can end quickly, she wants to discuss it in a more private space. I also might not see her again for a while, and she also wants to repay the favor, etc... I nodded my head without even realizing it when we were saying those things.

I was shaking hands with Katana and tearing the letter, then suddenly, when I opened my eyes, I was in Japan.

Anyway, I nodded in response to her words in front of me.

"Yes, that's right. I would like you to join hands with me in terrorism in Korea. That's my request."

"Hmm...."

She pondered for a moment with a neutral expression at my words. At first glance, she may seem cold, but that's just her face. It doesn't actually seem that way. There's almost no change in her facial expressions.

In fact, when I held her hand in Katadal and explained the reason why I had to come to Japan, she was expressionless, but there was urgency in it. In the original work, it was mentioned that she was not very good at expressing emotions.

Anyway, I focused on Katana in front of me.

With her black tied hair and wearing a martial arts uniform, she seemed to be considering my proposal to participate in terrorism in Korea with me.

After a short moment of thought, she raised her head again, looked into my eyes, and said, "I don't think that's the way."

...Huh.

Well, I didn't expect this.

And while I was smiling like that, I stopped for a moment, and she added a quick comment, as if she misunderstood my expression.

"No, I mean, I'm not saying I won't join in terrorism."

"...What?"

"I just..."

She cleared her throat slightly, then smiled and continued speaking.

"You did say we're friends now, right?"

"That's right."

"This is just something I can do for a friend, it's not a one-time request."

With a slight smile and a serious face, Katana said that.

...Isn't it normal for friends to go to different countries and engage in terrorism together? When you think about it, maybe it is among villains?

While I was thinking like that, she firmly stated as if she wanted to conclude this matter here.

"Then let's just say that we're doing terrorism as friends, a favor... Alright, let's call it a wish. Please tell me when you need it. I'll grant it when the time comes."

Katana said so without giving room for objections. So, to sum up her words, she initially said she would grant anything, but when I proposed cooperation in terrorism, she meant that it's just something friends do naturally, not a favor. If I have a real request, please tell her later, that's what she meant.

...But judging by the atmosphere now, if I were to ask for something later, she would probably say something like, 'This is just something friends do.' and grant it again? It's like a tree that gives without hesitation...

Anyway, for now, I had nothing to say other than thanking her for her words. She maintained a neutral expression but smiled slightly at my response.

...We've only met twice now, but I felt that she was being unusually friendly to me. If I didn't know Katana's character from the original work, I would have suspected that there was something fishy. Of course, I did help SamHyupPa, which was on the brink of collapse, to completely turn the tide and devour Japan in one go, but... even taking that into account, it was a bit strange, wasn't it? Is it possible? But considering Katana's character, it didn't seem likely that she would be this friendly to me just because of that.

While I was thinking like that, Katana, who had been looking out the window for a moment, suddenly spoke to me.

"...Actually, Egostic-san, I did some research about you"

"Me?"

"Yes, your works so far, and such."

After saying that, she caressed her teacup and then, with a faint smile, said to me

"I realized something. You are also in the same category as me."

...In the same category?

"In the same category?"

"Yes."

She turned her head and looked out the window after saying so. With her gaze fixed on the sky, she spoke to me.

"Egostic-san, didn't you also... become a villain for the sake of protecting your country, Korea?"

"What...?"

"...You don't have to deny it. As someone similar to you to some extent, I can understand it to a certain extent. Even if you become a villain to protect your country, you must rise and take action, right?"

Now she looked into my eyes and spoke seriously. Then, she continued, as if passing through various pieces of evidence. No victims, liked by the citizens, has protected the country many times, and so on...

...Hmm. It seems like you're seriously mistaken. I'm just trying to stop the misdeeds coming towards Stardus. I didn't become a villain to overturn a rotten country.

...No, but on the other hand, I have actually protected the country a few times, so is what she said really wrong? It doesn't seem like it.

It was a bit strange, though. Anyway, regardless of whether she misunderstood or not, I had something to say.

"...Yes, that's correct. Being a villain or doing terrorism was indeed to protect my country and homeland. Well, I didn't expect to meet someone who understands."

"...I knew it. You're just like that."

She responded with a more relaxed expression than before.

...Well, I wonder if this is okay. Anyway, there's nothing wrong with gaining favor here. After all, I did it to save the country.

Of course, there was a big difference between Katana and me. She became a villain with the goal of protecting her country from the beginning, while I initially did it for just one reason: to stop the misdeeds coming towards Stardus. But I didn't bother to correct her misunderstanding. It's better to think positively. From today on, I'm a patriotic hero.

After that, we continued our conversation.

She still appeared calm as usual, but there was a slight sparkle in her eyes, probably because she had met someone with similar ideals for the first time. Her tone became less formal as well.

We talked about various things, and eventually, we returned to the topic of terrorism.

"When exactly should we carry out the terrorism, and what should we do?"

"Well... I'd like to ask you to fight against a hero. Is that okay?"

"You mean Stardus, right? Okay. After all, I like to spar with various opponents."

She nodded in agreement. ...But how did she know it was Stardus? I've never mentioned her.

Anyway, after discussing Katana's promise to come to South Korea and the general details of the terrorism, we parted ways.

...Of course, during the process, I received a call from Seo-eun asking why I hadn't come back yet, had dinner with Katana at her invitation, and had various conversations. I also realized that Katana, despite her inability to express herself well, was actually quite kind.

Well, afterward, at dinner, I prepared to return home near SamHyupPa base in Japan, near some sort of shrine on a hill. I'll probably go back to my house by tearing open this Cathedral return letter. This is also Celestia's power, I guess.

"Anyway... Everything worked out well."

As I stood there feeling the breeze and with a slight smile, I thought to myself.

...Maybe the next terrorism will be a collaboration with Katana.

Honestly, there was a reason why I chose to approach Katana instead of our Ego Stream members.

'...Last time, I saw you during the Dragon-terror, and apart from forgetting the memories of the destruction, it's the first time I've seen you in Stardus in the new year.'

Up to that point, everything seemed fine, but I had a foreboding feeling.

Something... Something made me feel like it would be a big problem if I brought another female member in front of Stardus this time.

"...."

Yeah. My instinctual survival alarm told me not to bring another Ego Stream female member in front of Stardus. I had a strong gut feeling that something really bad could happen.

So I made a decision.

Yes, I'll go with Katana this time!

Katana is not affiliated with our Ego Stream but is a member of SamHyupPa from Japan. Problem solved! I could say I heeded the warning of my intuition.

'On top of that, she's undoubtedly strong... It will greatly contribute to Stardus's growth.'

I praised myself for coming up with a brilliant idea.

Perfect.