Im so close to actually retiring.

The house was buzzing with energy, perhaps because Id already announced that Id be done terrorizing Stardus before next month.

Da-in, dig some more over here!

Everyone was excited, and now theyre building a big pool in front of the house.

I told them that since Im retiring, Im going to hang out here before the summer is over, but they seemed excited, so I didnt stop them.

but I thought for sure it would take years to build a pool A few days in and its already starting to take shape.

Maybe its because when it comes time to fill it with water, Eun-woo or Ariel, our water master, can do it quickly and we only have to dig. Im sure their water will be cleaner than the groundwater.

Anyway, while everyone was thinking about my retirement, I was alone, thinking about what terrorism to do.

Mmmm

I had only a few days left to terrorize, and I needed to be careful with each one. I desired to make it a little more spectacular.

Hmm, a department store? Or hijack a ship for the first time in a long time?

Even while thinking about it, I wasnt really interested in the content of the terrorism itself.

When it comes down to it, theres only one reason Im terrorizing.

Because of Stardus.

I rolled my pen with that thought.

Stardus.

My favorite, the one who was the reason I lived in this world.

Maybe If I have my way, she and I wont see much of each other after my last terror.

Especially after I defeat the Sun God and see this worlds happy ending If Im lucky enough to survive until then, well probably never see each other again.

As such, it was only natural that I would cherish the few remaining attacks.

One of the few times I could see my favorite person before we parted ways.

Of course, if Im going to hit a bomb, my favorite is going to be Stardus

Still, I was a little disappointed.

Actually, I was more disappointed than I let on, I just didnt want to make a big deal out of it.

Still.

I put down my pen and thought to myself.

Stardus, shes not as hostile to me as she was just now If anything, shes more tolerant than I expected after what I did.

Though she did have the characteristic of approaching me so casually that I thought she might like me.

Anyway.

Maybe we can part with each other smiling at the end.

A villain parting with a hero with a smile on his face, that would be a great luxury.

With that thought in mind I made up my mind and decided.

Okay.

Now, lets stop avoiding Stardus.

Running away was never the answer.

With that determination, I called Seo-Eun and Eun-woo.

Okay, Ive decided on the next attack. Lets go.

Yes, Da-in. What is it?

Here. Listen

And with that, I planned the attack, looking forward to more conversations with Stardus.

***

Soon, the day of the attack arrived and as expected my terror was accompanied by a broadcast.

Hello, everyone. This is Egostic!

*

[The mangosticks who jumped like dogs as soon as Egostic broadcast notification rang out] [First of all, Im a mangostick!]

[Mangostick Broadcast Day <- should be humanly declared a national holiday]

[Now I cant live without mangostick]

[S-class hero who communicates with me regularly isnt that the best]

[Reason I live = because I know an Egostic broadcast will come someday]

[These guys are already trained, so theyre just going to giggle and like it when they get to see Egostics face actually, I do too]

[Protector of the Republic of Korea, agent of God, and savior of the world MAN-GOAT is that you again]

*

In the sky above Seoul, South Korea, I turned on my camera, and as usual, the usual mix of chatter popped up.

I cant wait to see them again.

At that thought, I shook off a pang of regret.

I smiled and opened my mouth.

Yes, yes. Good to see you, everyone. Im sure youre wondering what else has me on the air today, and its none other than this department store below me.

As I said that, I turned the camera around, showing the rooftop of the department store below me.

Then, with the camera pointed back at me, I chuckled and opened my mouth again.

Yes, thats right, something very interesting is going to happen here today! Haha, youll have a lot to look forward to. Oh, and by the way, its impossible to get out now. Its too late even if you try to run away?

I say, smiling brightly.

Chat windows quickly popped up.

*

[Who the hell is going to get out??? One of the bucket lists of people in Korea is to experience the Mangostick Terror once?]

[If I cant get out, is it possible to get in now? I really want to go in]

[??? What? Im inside the department store right now. Its on fire and going crazy]

[Oh, Im jealous]

[Mangos Terror Park beyond a theme park ON]

*

Well, as always, it was a series of articles that felt insecure without the slightest sense of crisis.

Well, still. Everyone talks like this, but when it comes to the Moonlight Gate attack, theres nothing to worry about, seeing as how everyone got away so quickly.

[The department store is ready.]

Seo-euns words came just as I was thinking about it.

I looked at the camera and said at her direction.

Anyway, before the attack starts, lets wait for my hero, Stardus. Im looking forward to seeing if she can overcome this elaborate attack!

*

[Cue the usual Stardus shout-out]

*

With that, I called Stardus and soon after.

There she is.

From across the sky, I could see her flying toward us.

With her long blond hair flowing, Stardus is dressed in a form-fitting red suit.

I smiled, suppressing the slight pounding in my heart as I caught sight of her.

And then, there she was, standing before me in the sky.

She was beautiful, as I always feel when I see her. So beautiful, in fact, that I wonder if humans are capable of it.

Anyway, thats not the point, lets just smile and say hello

So I opened my mouth and greeted her.

Hello, Stardus, its good to see you again after seeing you on the beach the other day.

..

At my words, she falls silent, looking at me with a cold expression.

I sensed something a little off here.

Normally, she would have smiled sheepishly and said something like, Yeah, I see. For some reason, today, her expression hasnt changed, and she doesnt speak.

What is it? Is he not feeling well today?

I wondered, and opened my mouth again.

Haha Anyway, I have a brand new terror for you today!

I said, smiling like that.

Finally, for the first time, her mouth opened.

Haha

And then.

The words were, by far, the most sarcastic Id ever heard her speak.

You scumbag, what did you do again?

She glared at me.

The way she said it, the way it came out and then her blue eyes.

.

I froze on the spot.

Its been a long time, huh.

I kept a smile on my face while listening to her words.

Inwardly, as opposed to being in a panic.

No, why is she doing that? Did I do something wrong?

I felt a cold sweat run down my spine.

Of course, it was nothing unusual for a hero to curse out a villain, but it was unexpected given the recent history between her and me. I mean, it seems like just yesterday we were walking hand-in-hand through the labyrinth

And I wasnt the only one who found it odd.

*

[??????]

[What is itour Stardus is weird]

[Are they fighting?]

[BREAKING] Stardus is sick with jealousy over Angel]

[SSS-class hero is trashy go!!!!!!!!!!!]

[What is it, mango cheating or something?]

*

All of them are confused by Stardus strange reaction.

Anyway, Im still trying to figure out whats going on.

I decided to approach her today instead of avoiding her, so I smiled and opened my mouth.

Haha, I didnt do anything, I just played a little prank on the department store. Theres a rumor that theres a bomb in the fifth floor area, which is currently closed due to construction?

Ha, boring. Thats so typical of you, trashy.

I smiled at her snarky retort.

I grinned and waved the detonator in front of her.

Come on! Whatever, time is running out. If we dont go soon You know?

Tsk

With that, she gave me one last annoyed glance before flying off down the department store.

And with that, I stare in her direction for a long time, smiling.

I turned off the camera for a moment, turning off the chat window that was burning with questions about what the hell is wrong with Stardus.

And then I was up in the sky with no one watching me.

..

I wiped the smile off my face and stood there.

What is this, why is she doing this?

She looked so different from her usual self, approaching me casually.

Immediately, a thought popped into my head.

Why? You know.

Was that her true intention?

As I suspected, her intimate demeanor up until now was just a cover to catch me off guard, and that was her true intention.I decided to defeat the concept.

HahaI knew it.

I muttered quietly to myself, smiling weakly.

Yeah, I saw it coming? I know exactly what Stardus was like in the comics. She never compromises with villains, and Im supposed to be friends with her? Ridiculous.

I dont remember what I said. What, Stardus likes me? Hahaha, I was right after all. I thought it was a ridiculous guess.

Well, Im rather flattered.

I was like, Seriously, I thought so.

[Are you crying?]

Be quiet.

I feel like my heart is broken.

It must be an illusion.

***

Stardus was in the center of the department store, her hands covering her face.

Ugh

Is this right?

Im sorry for swearing and I want to apologize right now?

Even as he thought that, Stardus muttered quietly to herself.

Still.

It worked, didnt it?

Unlike before, when he was avoiding her, he kept talking to her.

Hes been cursed atbut hes still smiling.

Does he like this?

She made up her mind and decided to give it a try, unaware of the fierce warnings her gut was giving her.