16: Villain Association

"Heeey villains! I'm bored of my mind, so I decided to create our very own Villain Association!

"It's about time, ain't it?

"Basically, the main purpose is to have our own place to hang out, with the side purposes of ranking ourselves through matches. And, if someone wants a bit of help creating mischief, they can have a one stop shop to recruit.

"Unlike the Hero Association, we won't do anything to track or monitor you, so there are no sketchy ID cards.

"Obviously, there is no obligation to join or to do anything at all… but come hang with me!

"If you're interested in joining…"

I lower the camera to show a piece of paper.

"Draw this symbol… and swipe a bit of your blood on it while thinking of going to the Villain Association. Then, you'll instantly be transported into a space I've created. If you're not a villain with the intent of joining nor someone harmlessly visiting to come hang, then it won't work.

"Ah! But it will work if you want to come in to recruit someone for a job fit for villains. But! If it happens to be a trap, I will back the Villain Association with my full power as the Primordial Sovereign!

"One last thing — outside electronics won't work in this space, so don't panic over your precious phone.

"C'ya soon!"

I shut off my livestream. In the few minutes I spoke, over 50 million people came to watch.

I allow myself a quick nod of satisfaction before transporting myself to the newly created headquarters.

Upon entering, the space modifies my red and black dress to something more suitable for my position as the Primordial Sovereign, as I had just shifted into my male form. Rather than my usual snazzy suit, this one is made out of white, shimmering satin, with the lapels embroidered with intricate black dragons. Similarly, my usual, featureless mask has been replaced with a silver one molded and textured in the shape of a horned dragon's head.

The main area of the HQ is designed as a huge upscale restaurant, club, and bar; the dim lighting adding to the atmosphere. The lack of windows on the tall ceilings don't give any clues as to the location.

All of my bartenders are lined up, standing at the ready. Each looks like a plastic mannequin given life. The only feature on my androgynous creations is their mouth.

Additionally, the surface of the bar's counter is a large screen, currently mostly black. It spans the entire wall; occasionally, fish or ribbons and the like dance across it. A few of my guests are interacting with the screens, all set into dark mode by default. With these, they can see the current villain rankings, access the internet, or watch the live ranking matches among other things.

I had scattered a few more consoles and screens around the vast room.

I walk around, admiring my work.

A few people had already appeared, and more come by the minute.

At first, everyone looks a bit confused by the sudden change in their outfit and mask into something upscale and often glittery, but they quickly get used to it.

So far, no one seems to think that I am the Primordial Sovereign, which I get great amusement out of. Some do look my way, but no more than they would at anyone else in this mysterious place.

Below the club is an open arena. In contrast to the luxurious area above, this area is made out of rough concrete and steel. Instead of tables, and with the exception of one of the four sides, numerous bleachers surround a huge, caged area — the feature of this floor — for combatants to participate in villain ranking matches.

Hanging high above the arena, on the far wall without seating, are three giant screens facing the seating sectors, currently blank. However, the one farthest to the right has a list, with each spot filled with dashes to serve as the placeholder rankings, save for the top one, which is filled in with 'Primordial Sovereign'.

There are many additional rooms on both floors of varying sizes, built with thick metal doors. Those don't yet have a purpose, but I figure time will decide. Each room has their own console on the wall by the door, both inside and out. Some come equipped with a large table with seating like a private booth and a tablet to order food or drinks.

On top of those rooms, I created quite a few nooks on each floor. Inside each is a swirling portal that looks like a peek into the galaxy. In front of each is a console to select a location to go to any outdoor area on Earth.

I also created an extensive training area and additional dueling spaces for unofficial matches below the arena floor, but I don't sense that anyone is checking out that area yet.

I return up to the club area where most are. At this point, there are quite a few people, and if the space wasn't as large as it is, it would have been packed.

Looks like it's time.