I’m Not That Villain

10 – Ability (4)

He immediately started working. Now, there was no need to wait, so he began the process of extracting the ability factor.

The machine roared as it operated. Cha Seo-yoon took a step back, looking uneasy.

“Isn’t it going to explode?”

“It’s an old model. The newer ones are quiet… It really is different. I’m sure there’s no structural problem.”

I checked the extracted ability factor. Hmm. It seems to be fine…

Let’s store it first.

I slipped it into the ability factor storage.

“Done for the day!”

“…?”

“What, did you expect something grand? No, no. You have to store the freshly extracted ability factor until it becomes soft. Only then can you improve it or do anything with it.”

“…Hmm.”

“Have you been living under a rock? Hey. This is my secret method, okay? Just store it for three days, and it will become soft. It’s a company secret, so don’t go blabbing about it.”

“Understood.”

Three days passed in a flash.

I checked the fully softened ability factor.

Good. It’s just right.

“Hehehe… A secret piece of Charaemon…”

“…….”

Cha Seoyoon took a step back, looking disgusted.

“I’m joking.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Hehehe… The ability factor is pretty too…”

“…I really hate it.”

It was funny how the first curse-like word that came out of that stiff mouth was also stiff.

Alright. Enough jokes. Let’s get to work.

I moved the creaky ability factor modifier. The task is simple.

Grab the ability factor with a micro tweezer…

And modify it to my liking.

I checked the structure of the ability factor through an ultra-microscope. I fiddled with it with the tweezers, checking each characteristic inside.

Observation and recording.

That was the key to improvement.

I studied how it reacted to each stimulus. And at the same time, I checked how it moved.

Reaction, that is. It is directly connected to ability. And if you just confirm what kind of logic it is made of…

It becomes possible.

The key to drawing out 120% of the ability.

A few more days passed. I laid down what I had sorted out in front of Cha Seo-yoon.

“So. What ability would you like to add?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve simply picked out three types.”

“What… three types?”

“Huh? Of course, it’s the ability addition. When using the dedicated equipment, additional abilities are activated.”

“Excuse me?”

He keeps repeating the same words like a cuckoo clock.

What’s wrong with him? Is he broken? I asked, feeling puzzled.

“Well, then should I just make it sturdy for you? What do you want?”

“Are you saying… it’s possible to add abilities? Really…?”

“Of course, it is. Ah. If you don’t know, I’ll explain it to you. It’s simple.”

I moved the portable board. Explaining analogically has its own charm.

I picked up the board marker. I drew it smoothly.

“You can improve the ability factor through the ability factor improver. To adapt when combined with metal.”

“I understand up to that point.”

“But, if you take it a step further, you can transform the ability factor itself? Of course, it’s impossible to overhaul everything. It’s literally just a transformation.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Transformation. Transformation. Should I explain it more easily? It’s about twisting the structure of the ability factor. In a direction that doesn’t completely break from the source of the ability, in as many directions as possible. Of course, if it’s too severe, the cells themselves collapse, but controlling that is the realm of a master, isn’t it? The downside is that once you decide on the direction you want to go, other things become impossible, but anyway, various attempts are possible. So, let’s see…”

I placed the report on the ability factors I had observed on the desk. As I recorded it, it became a small book in itself.

It was worth the effort I put in over the week.

“The first is to increase the range of the ability ‘target setting’. You said the power is maximized when hitting a small area, right?”

“That’s correct, but…”

“We will transform the ability factor so that it can maintain the same destructive power even when setting a wide range.”

“Excuse me?”

“What’s wrong with you? Are you broken? Hello?”

I snapped my fingers to focus his attention. Somehow, in front of the completely broken Cha Seo-yoon, I finished my words.

“The first one literally reduces the riskthink of it that way. It’s easier to think of it as raising the bottom line. But that doesn’t mean that when you hit a narrow area, the power increases. Okay?”

“…….”

“I’ll assume you understand…next is…”

He flipped through the document.

“The second one increases the return value. It changes the ability factor a bit more aggressively. The ability itself is simple, so there’s not much more to explain. When you narrow the impact range, it will increase the impact amount to the limit. Instead, the amount of impact that comes back when you fail remains the same as before. Think of it as turning the blunt end of a hammer into a spike. When you strike, it pierces. Enough to completely destroy the opponent.”

“…….”

“Uh…do you need more explanation?”

“…….”

He just stared at me silently. I casually flipped through the document.

The last one is simple. Really simple.

“Think of the third one as insurance. The ability factor itself is a very solid type, so it’s hard to make a big change. But that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be completely transformed. The ability factor improved by the third method…excuse me? Are you listening?”

Cha Seo-yoon slumped into the chair as if collapsing. He even wiped his face with a cold sweat.

“So…if I heard correctly…it means you can twist the unique ability of the ability holder with special equipment?”

“The key is that it can be twisted in the direction the user wants. Well. It’s not wrong.”

“…So you did this to the villain called Bad Sector too?”

“I didn’t know that person was a villain.”

Cha Seo-yoon raised his head. His eyes were sharp.

“Mr. Lee Seo-jun.”

“Yes?”

“Can I go get some fresh air for a moment? Let’s continue the conversation afterward.”

“Are you sick?”

“…Yes. I think I’m a bit sick. I think I might have a cold…”

“Oh dear. Should I get you some medicine?”

“It’s okay. I’ll go alone.”

Cha Seo-yoon went outside. Seeing his unfamiliar expression and appearance, I reluctantly followed his back.

Our Cha Raemong is sick. This won’t do.

I should buy some good tea for him. Yes. Wasn’t ginger tea good for colds?

. . .

Crazy.

Cha Seo-yoon could summarize his current state like that.

This is not just somewhat special.

It’s uniquely special.

Improving the ability to contain the ability factor in an alloy. That’s normal. It’s almost the entire reason for using the ability factor improvement device.

He also looked into it separately. He even consulted with some artisans during the preparation process.

But no one said that such a crazy thing was possible.

Why?

Because the ability factor is not something that can be manipulated like that.

It’s sensitive and picky. If you handle it even slightly wrong, it heads straight for death.

Many artisans have tried to handle the ability factor. But they all failed. Not even any machines could reach out to transform the ability factor.

The ever-changing ability factor. To handle it, you have to intentionally manipulate all those reactions that change every moment to guide them to the desired outcome.

But to not only transform it…

But also add new abilities?

If such technology is possible, the meaning of dedicated equipment changes. The attitude of ability holders who say they don’t need cumbersome things will all change.

To the pros and cons of not being able to easily change what you’re born with…

It literally means you can hide the cons and maximize only the pros to your liking.

It’s beyond special; it’s unique.

And that…

Only that person could do it. Otherwise, rumors about dedicated equipment that enhances the abilities of ability holders would have already reached his ears.

Besides, didn’t you see it? From the side.

That meticulous touch. Sharp observation.

Surpassing machines…

The precision of the hand and the terrifying judgment against each variable.

It’s the hand of God. He’s a man with strange senses. Only then could Cha Seo-yoon understand the feelings of the owner of the Black Chain Workshop, who tried to gaslight and handle him.

It’s like a huge gold mine has fallen on the street. And that gold mine doesn’t properly understand its value.

The one who picks it up can literally twist the current landscape of ability holders.

If his hand touches it, even those with weak abilities could become strong…

And if someone with strong abilities gets it, they could possess unbelievable power.

“…I understand why Bad Sector said that.”

Criminals and villains who value power the most.

It’s a talent they can’t help but covet. It’s like the best accessory that enhances abilities.

…No. It’s not just the villains.

The obsession with power is not limited to them alone.

Private troubleshooters who receive government subsidies and maintain order in certain areas in place of the insufficient number of national ability holders.

Even those commonly called heroes would covet his talent. If his exclusive equipment were supplied to large offices…

It would be a literal revolution. Any small office could instantly increase its power.

What is that? What kind of insane talent is that?

He is a talent holder that must be secured. Cha Seo-yoon immediately twisted the direction of the task.

From eliminating him if he is not helpful

To unconditionally bringing him to the side of the black market.

Coercive methods won’t work. Artisans are tricky beings. Some artisans that the black market tried to secure refused to make the requested items and ended up hanging themselves, didn’t they?

Artisans are those with strong self-esteem. They won’t do what they hate, even if it kills them. That’s the kind of people artists who create something are.

He would be no different. If so…

The only solution is to become as close to him as possible.

Fortunately, the current relationship didn’t seem too bad. Let’s maintain it as it is for now. It would be good to report to the higher-ups and extend the duration as well…

But the more important thing comes next. Cha Seo-yoon stood up.

His talent. What he can do.

If it leaks out, there will be many organizations targeting him.

This is Seoul. It’s practically a lawless city. If his talent becomes known here…

There will be terrifying side effects. Those who hear the rumors will all try to get their hands on him.

A few can be managed. But as the number of those targeting him increases, it will undoubtedly become difficult to handle.

Protecting him itself is the way for the black market to gain long-term benefits. If so…

He must be hidden.

Even if the exclusive equipment is sold, it must be sold anonymously through the black market.

But artisans like fame. He wouldn’t want to keep releasing items anonymously…

“…Mr. Lee Seo-joon.”

“Yes?”

“Instead of the alias Viper.”

Cha Seo-yoon opened his mouth.

“How about creating another alias and working anonymously?”

“…….?”

At the same time, Cha Seo-yoon made up his mind.

A clumsy veil would soon be lifted. It would be better to speak from this side.

The truth that he would inevitably realize someday.

“And Mr. Lee Seo-joon, I have something to tell you. About the lies told by Kang Tae-sang, the owner of the Black Chain Workshop.”