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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: The Villain and the Bank
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"Aren't you excited for this body's first act of villainy? Naturally, we'll rob the Black Lotus Bank, the biggest bank in S City!"
"Master, may I ask you something?"
"Permission granted! This body's genius mind shall answer any question!"
I tilted my chin up, striking the most dignified pose.
Resolving a subordinate's curiosity is the duty of a boss, after all!
"Why choose a bank of all things?"
Hmm, what a basic question. Everlin still has a long way to go to become a top-tier villain!
"Isn't it obvious? Bank robbery is villainy 101! The perfect debut stage for any wicked debut!"
Of course, I hadn't thought too deeply about it, but movies and comics always showed it that way...
"But Master, modern banks hold mostly digital assets rather than cash, and their security systems are incredibly advanced. Even if we manage to steal something, they'll track us down in no time..."
"You fail to grasp this body's intent entirely! Money is the heart of modern society! Seizing it is the most effective way to showcase this body's evil! Just imagine the people trembling in fear, shouting, 'The wicked villain has taken our money!'"
"We do have a deposit at the Black Lotus Bank, though..."
"Anyway! All great villains start by robbing banks! I'll burst in yelling, 'Your money or your lives—choose!'"
This body is following the villainous classics, so why does she keep objecting?
"Do you have a better plan, then? If you're bold enough to question this body's operation, you better have an alternative!"
"Actually... the center of modern finance is the stock exchange. Disrupting electronic stock trading would cause far greater chaos. It seems a target more fitting for Master's grand villainy."
"Silence! That doesn't suit this body's villainous aesthetic! This body will make a flashy entrance and captivate everyone's attention!"
I crossed my arms and turned my head away.
"Paralyzing the stock market would shake the global economy. Countless companies and individuals would go bankrupt, and retail investors would plunge into despair and grief..."
Wait, that actually sounds pretty good?
"Hmm... So if this body seizes the stock market, the whole world kneels at this body's feet!"
Oh, what a truly villainous plan!
But... hold on.
"...What are stocks again?"
"..."
I heard Everlin sigh.
"No, I mean! It's not that this body doesn't know... I was just confirming! Actually, I was testing if you know properly!"
Stay calm! A great villain never panics!
"Master, how about I prepare some basic financial education for you?"
"What? Study? For this body?"
"Even villains need expertise these days. Like economics for world conquest..."
That sounds plausible enough.
"Very well! This body graciously permits it! But we must rob the bank! For a villain's debut, nothing beats a classic bank heist!"
"Understood, Master. Shall we review the bank raid plan once more?"
"Yes! Now you're talking sense! Listen up! To this body's perfect plan...!"
I drew on the whiteboard. Terrified citizens and the magnificent form of this body!
"First, we enter the bank and demand bundles of cash! That's basic!"
"Master, that's just a standard bank robbery."
"Quiet! This body's plan doesn't end there!"
I ignored Everlin and kept drawing, hastily adding bills fluttering in the wind.
"After grabbing the cash... we scatter it in the streets! Taking from greedy rich folks and giving to the poor citizens! Everyone becomes this body's accomplice! Kahaha! How wicked is that? The criminal isn't just this body—it's everyone who picks up the money, the whole city!"
Perfect! What could be better than this?
"...Master, that's just standard Robin Hood stuff."
"What? Nonsense! This body will be an evil villain!"
I panicked briefly, but a better idea struck. I quickly revised the drawing.
"How about this! We burn it all to ashes...! It's not about the money—it's the message! This body's evil will hit even harder!"
"Feels like I've seen that somewhere before."
"Ugh... Then we send a warning letter and steal the entire vault!"
"Planning to become Phantom Thief Grimoire?"
"Th-then we take the bank staff and customers hostage and make them dress like this body! The cops won't know who's the real culprit! A brilliant display of this body's genius!"
My last hope. But...
"That's from the movie Inside Man..."
"Eek!"
I dropped the pen.
Kuh... They've stolen every idea from this body's mind in the past!
"That's blatant plagiarism! They must've peeked into this body's head... r-right?"
My energy drained away. I slumped into the chair.
A true villain needs creativity... I thought these were brilliant plans...
"Master is on a whole different level from them. No need to cling to outdated methods."
"But..."
"What is a villain, anyway? Someone trapped by conventions? Or someone who sows chaos in their own unique way?"
Those words snapped me back to attention.
That's right! This body is a perfect villain from the start—just follow my heart!
"Don't be so anxious. Master should just do whatever feels right. No one can imitate Master's uniqueness."
Everlin might be right. Forcing it is why nothing truly me comes out.
"Fine! It's decided! This body will commit villainy in true Grimoire style! I don't care what others say!"
"A wise judgment as always, Master."
A smile tugged at Everlin's lips.
"Perfect! Time to show the quick-thinking wits of a top villain! Kahaha!"
This body is a brainy villain—something brilliant will come in the heat of battle!
"Now, time to check the villain tools!"
I pulled out the gothic-style backpack. The cute bunny keychain? Purely for disguise, of course!
"Behold, this body's perfect arsenal!"
I listed them off as I unpacked.
"Smoke bombs, scarf, villain manifesto... Ah, and snacks too!"
I proudly waved a chocolate bar. Even villains need sugar! Nutrition is key.
Should've packed one more bag of chips? Nah, three's plenty!
"All preparations complete!"
"Master, did you prepare a mask by any chance?"
"What? A mask? Why would this body hide its face? That's for cowards!"
Hide this body's cute... no, terrifying face?
"It's standard to protect your identity during villainy..."
"Absurd! This is a declaration to the world!"
Why commit villainy anonymously in the first place?
"Everyone must know of this body's grand debut! It has to be caught clear on CCTV, go viral on SNS, and splash across front pages! Only then can this body claim its first step as a true villain—when the world remembers this face!"
Everlin's eye twitched faintly. Clearly awed by my brilliant mind!
"Hold on, Master. Care to see this first?"
She pulled out a tablet and held it up. The screen showed all sorts of cartoon characters.
"Just hero propaganda trash for brainwashing kids?"
Tools to indoctrinate the innocent! But this body won't fall for it.
Heroes are just modern fairy tales—true power always lies with villains!
"Many heroes and villains have their signature symbols. Masks are part of that. Plus, a mask adds mystery and amplifies public fear. People fear the unseen more. They'll imagine Master's true form and tremble even harder."
"Oh..."
Suddenly, it all clicked.
This body's horns too... Right, villains need killer visuals!
"I see! This body needs its own costume? Everlin, what mask suits this body's greatness?"
"I've already prepared one."
Everlin took a black mask from the drawer and handed it over.
"...What is this?"
I stared in disbelief as I picked it up. So plain... no, pathetically basic bank-robber fare!
"What kind of symbolism is this? Stuff like this is for knocking over corner stores! Is this all for this body's majestic mask?"
"Just a moment, Master. Look here."
Everlin unfolded the mask. Two holes pierced the top for the head.
"These are specially made for Master's horns. Horns rising boldly over the black mask... Doesn't it scream intimidation just thinking about it?"
"Still too tacky, isn't it...? This body expected at least a crown-embellished mask or one studded with jewels!"
"Heroes symbolize hope with flashy outfits. But shouldn't villains be different?"
I took the mask and tried it on.
"Simple design, cold black, emotionless... and Master's horns as the symbol of uniqueness. This is fear incarnate."
"Hmm..."
I examined myself in the mirror from every angle. The horns protruding over the black mask created an eerie vibe. My red eyes gleamed through the slits.
"Come to think of it... it emphasizes the horns?"
"Exactly. Simplicity leaves a stronger impression. It highlights Master's innate charisma."
Feels like I'm being tricked, but...
"Fine, this'll do!"
"Finally, Master. For emergencies, shouldn't I come along?"
"No! Absolutely not!"
I waved her off firmly.
"This is something this body must do alone! A true villain completes their first act through their own power!"
"...Understood, Master. Good luck."
She bowed her head with a resigned sigh.
"Hmph! Don't worry! Nothing is impossible for this body! When I return, I'll be loaded—and I'll give you a special bonus!"
"...Thank you, but please come back safely first."
"Ha, who do you think this body is!"
I puffed out my chest and declared proudly. The gray glow from my horns intensified.
"The ultimate villain with the King's DNA! This level of villainy is like twisting a kid's ankle—child's play!"
"Then I'll prepare your favorite chocolate cake and wait."
I slung the backpack over my shoulder. Its weight felt reassuring on my back.
"Alright, preparations complete! At last, this body's debut! World, behold Grimoire!"
Finally... finally, my first step as a true villain!
I flung open the front door. Dazzling sunlight poured in. Even the weather blesses this body's debut!
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Hmm, so this is the city's public transit system. This body shall make full use of it."
I checked the timetable right away at the bus stop. Bus in 15 minutes. Perfect timing to arrive around lunchtime.
Ideal. Bank staff need to eat too.
No, wait. This body isn't considering them! Purely... strategic judgment!
"We strike when the staff are drowsy after lunch! Kahaha! Flawless strategy!"
Onlookers at the stop gave me weird looks.
Ahem! Spoke too loudly? Not time to reveal myself yet!
I hurriedly acted like a normal student. Mask safely in the bag. Minus the long silver hair, black dress, and forehead horns, I look just like any schoolgirl!
The bus pulled up. Front doors opened, and I pulled out my card.
Beep-
[Student]
This body doesn't even go to school, yet I save on bus fare with the student rate! Isn't this villainy too?
'Kahaha! How wicked! Small-scale, but an excellent start!'
Luckily, one seat left. I sat smugly by the window.
[Next stop: Maple Apartments]
Three more stops to the bank. This body's debut is right around the corner!
Beep-
The bus stopped, passengers got on and off. Finally, an old lady with a cane boarded slowly.
She looked around awkwardly. All seats taken.
I shot up before I knew it.
"Sit here! That's an order! Dare not refuse Grimoire-sama's offer!"
"Oh my, thank you, dear. Such a kind young lady."
"Kind? This body is evil... no, that's not..."
'This is villainy too! By seating her, I've publicly exposed her frailty and weakness! Under all those stares from yielding her seat—practically public humiliation!'
Genius-level evil, right? Even Everlin would be impressed!
"Look at that girl. Giving up her seat for grandma. So thoughtful."
"Kids these days are all phones and no manners, but she's a good one."
My face flushed. Their stares burned. Even my horns felt red!
'Kind? Cute? Thoughtful? Absurd!'
Just you wait, foolish humans!
Once this body robs the bank and dominates the 9 o'clock news, I'll laugh at your shocked faces!