I'm Not Your Dad, I'm a Villain - Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Open Class (1)

Heroes are the bane of villains.

They are extremely ruthless towards villains hiding in society, making them wary and often very suspicious.

Naturally, from his perspective, my current remarks were enough to raise some suspicion.

After all, being under the protection of the Association should generally be welcomed.

“It’s not that.”

Of course, at this stage, it’s merely suspicion, not certainty.

Panicking or getting overly defensive would only make things seem stranger.

“I just think it’s better to raise a child relying on my own strength as much as possible. Moa, like Nella, is mature for her age but still lacks experience. Before she becomes an adult, she needs to explore many places and undergo various experiences.”

“Under the protection of the Association, such experiences would be limited… Is that what you’re saying?”

“Of course, until I save enough money, I will still rely on them for a while.”

Though I’m on a contract basis, I’ve made a decent amount as the manager of a world star.

If I continue earning like this a few more times, I could afford to buy a house and even set up an office for personal work.

Using that as a foundation, I plan to rebuild my organization… That was my vague plan for now.

“Do you have a place in mind?”

“Yes, well. I should choose somewhere close to the school. Transferring schools is an option, but parting from a friend she’s made would be a bit too much.”

Of course, I would still need to be cautious of the people around until then.

It seemed my acting was effective, as James relaxed with a relieved smile.

“I respect your decision. But I hope you can postpone it a bit longer.”

However, while the suspicion of distrust towards the Association had lessened, it was replaced with concern for me.

“Postpone it? Why?”

“Pandemonia.”

The name of the organization was immediately mentioned.

Hearing it, I couldn’t help but stiffen, but fortunately, he didn’t take my reaction seriously.

He must have heard through the Association that I had confronted its leader during the contest.

“Yes, the new Villain Alliance led by Seolhwa, whom you encountered.”

Yes, it was ‘the story a hero tells a victim.’

“Recently, their presence has been spotted across Pangea. They even decimated a superhuman research facility not too long ago.”

“A research facility, you say?”

“Their objective is unclear, but it’s not random terrorism. However, places they’ve attacked include research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and factories producing sports drinks…”

Places that research or produce drugs and their components.

Come to think of it, was her presence at the Miss Heroine Contest also to investigate a drug called ‘Rank Up’?

“Although there are many classified details, what I can tell you is that numerous S-rank villains are gathering around Seolhwa.”

“S-rank, you say?”

“Gigantes, Bicontrast, Tactical Luke… All notorious villains in their respective fields.”

Haha, the villains who attacked Hero Land were nothing compared to these guys.

But instead of feeling proud as a fellow member, I felt worried.

Although they’re less powerful than her, they’re still monsters capable of destroying an entire city on their own. What does she plan to do with them?

“…Something big might be about to happen.”

“Yes, so Mr. Bread, please refrain from activities outside Shells Town for the time being.”

Despite the impending crisis, James expressed his concern for me.

That concern must have stemmed from his trust in me.

“Even if she took something precious from you.”

…Although his worry was slightly misplaced.

Seolhwa as a target of revenge? That’s laughable.

‘It’s because of you.’

Of course, in the past.

‘It’s all because of you! They’re all dead because of you!!’

I did curse her in a field full of my comrades’ corpses.

But the rift that followed wasn’t solely due to that day’s conflict.

Such conflicts are trivial compared to the organization’s greater purpose.

“Doctor~! Look over there!”

Amidst my bitter thoughts, a voice called out from afar.

Damn it.

A voice I could only think of as annoying.

“It’s Nella! And Moa! It’s Isri’s friends!”

With a youthful yet lively voice, the girl in the poncho, Isri, came running down the hill.

Following leisurely behind her was an elderly man with a relaxed demeanor, hands behind his back.

“Oh ho ho, seeing familiar faces at the open class.”

The elderly man, stroking his beard and squinting under his bowler hat, turned his attention to James, with whom I’d been conversing.

“Long time no see, Dr. Lee.”

“Indeed, it’s been a while, Ronin.”

“…Please call me James now.”

“Oh, right! My mistake again!”

Haha! The elderly man laughed heartily.

From this brief exchange, I quickly realized he was also associated with the Association.

“And who might you be, conversing with James?”

“My name is Bread. I’m acquainted with James as fellow parents.”

“Ah, a fellow parent? In that case, we’re not strangers either, as I’m Isri’s guardian.”

He extended his hand towards me.

Though he seemed a bit frivolous, he showed no hesitation towards me, reflecting James’s trust.

“Nice to meet you, young man. My name is Bruce Lee, but the world calls me Blue-3.”

“…Blue-3?”

“Bruce Lee, Blue-3. Isn’t it a fun name?”

“Ah, yes. Haha, it’s funny.”

I laughed awkwardly, but Blue-3 was a title not to be taken lightly.

BLUE-3, an engineer in the hero industry, specializing in creating mechanical equipment for heroes.

He’s essentially a leading figure in modern mechanical engineering. His rank is equivalent to the highest level of S-rank heroes.

To think that such a powerful figure’s granddaughter was attending Maris Academy. Life is indeed unpredictable.

“Wait a moment. Did Isri just call you Moa? Are you her father?”

“Ah, yes, that’s correct…”

“Well, well. So you’re the ‘destined partner’ she mentioned after meeting in the city.”

Oh my god.

That little brat went home and talked about that nonsense?

“Hmm.”

Feeling embarrassed, I fidgeted under Bruce Lee’s scrutinizing gaze, who then patted my shoulder with a meaningful smile.

“Don’t be too nervous. That child has many unexplored aspects. Understanding her peculiar behavior is also my job, so I’m often drained.”

“Um… What do you mean by that?”

“Oh, you didn’t know? Then I should explain.”

Ahem. Bruce Lee cleared his throat.

“E-3.”

His gaze shifted towards Isri, who was playing near the Boss and Nella.

“The child known as Isri is an artificial human created using all the technological prowess I possess.”

“…An artificial human?”

“Yes, a machine operated by artificial intelligence.”

A machine operated by artificial intelligence.

Wait, so that girl is a robot…

“Now, let me show you Isri’s new feature! Rocket Punch!!”

At that moment, a loud shout was followed by a whooshing sound as something flew towards me.

The projectile struck my side with precision.

-Bang!

With the sound of metal crashing, my body rolled down the hill.

James, unable to predict the situation, panicked and ran towards me.

“Mr. Bread, are you alright!?”

“I’m… fine… Cough!”

Grabbing my broken ribs, I coughed up blood.

What the hell did that brat just do to me?

“Heeek! I’ve caused an accident again!!”

“Mr. Bread! Are you okay?”

“I’m… I’m fine, really…”

Isri and Nella ran towards me, worried.

A normal person would need to go to the hospital immediately, but I possess regenerative abilities even if I’m just E-rank.

Though not high-ranking, my body regenerates quickly from small and delicate wounds. A cracked rib could heal in about five minutes of breathing.

“Oh, so you’re Moa’s papa!”

Isri finally recognized me.

Her wide, innocent eyes looked just as they did when I first met her.

“I’m sorry! I was trying to show my new feature to Nella and Moa but made a mistake!”

Isri’s attention shifted to the heavy object on the ground, an arm that looked exactly like a human’s.

On closer inspection, it had a mechanical structure.

So the robot thing was true.

“But how strange. I aimed at that tree over there, but it veered off too much.”

Isri picked up the arm and reattached it to her shoulder, then turned towards me.

So she was aiming at the tree on that wall.

But what if her fist had gone over the wall? That’s private property, you know, were you planning to punch it down?

“Oh! I get it now!”

Despite having much to say, Isri’s bright eyes were still fixed on me.

“My hand was guided to Moa’s papa because it’s Isri’s destiny…”

-Tap.

As she muttered nonsense, a hand rested on her shoulder.

“Isri.”

It was the Boss.

“…I don’t understand such things.”

“Look at me properly, Isri.”

“Eek!!”

As Isri tried to avoid her gaze, the Boss firmly turned her head to face her.

Isri screamed and began to cry as Nella, watching the situation, looked troubled and tried to calm the Boss.

Seeing her so accustomed to intervening made me wonder if this happened often.

Still, their friendship seemed strong, which was a relief. Damn, that brat’s punch is lethal!

“Wow, you stood up after that hit. You must have quite the body.”

As I swallowed down the blood rising in my throat, Bruce Lee looked at me with admiration.

The guardian and creator of the brat who sent me flying was speaking.

“Even though I adjusted the output, her fist is still made of iron. Have you modified your body?”

“…I have regenerative abilities. E-rank, though.”

“Regenerative abilities, eh?”

Bruce Lee nodded in admiration.

His expression was one of subtle relief.

“Even if you’re E-rank, with regenerative abilities, there’s no need for a hospital visit. That’s good! No need for compensation. Haha!”

What the hell is this old man saying?

Even if I have regenerative abilities, I still feel pain and can’t move until I’m fully healed.

But he’s just brushing it off because the result is fine?

That brat definitely learned from him.

“I’ll consult the Association about compensation later.”

“No, it’s fine. Going to the hospital will just waste time…”

I stopped the flustered James and took a deep breath to calm myself.

Though I could extort money, I’m currently living under a false identity.

It’s best to avoid any connections that could lead back to me.

I only plan to stay in Shells Town temporarily; I don’t want to owe the Association any more.

What concerns me is… yes.

“Is it alright for that kid to attend school?”

She was called an android (artificial human).

While the AI industry is steadily advancing, and although it hasn’t been fully commercialized, it’s not impossible for government researchers to create such a thing.

The problem is the power that brat possesses.

Having the strength to overpower an adult male unintentionally is essentially a disaster for children.

“Waaah, Nella. Moa has been scary lately… She was quiet at school, but now she’s like a demon king!”

“Haha, Moa likes you a lot, so that’s why. Moa would never hate Isri. Isn’t that right, Moa?”

“…”

“…Isn’t that right, Moa?”

Though she struggles with the Boss, that’s because the Boss is an extraordinary being.

End of Chapter