17: Desperate Plea

Looks like it's time.

The already dim lights flash off, replaced with a singular spotlight centered on me. I float up over the crowd. The bright light reflects off my suit, giving the rest of the space a muted, rippling glimmer as if underwater. Silence falls over the HQ.

I pause for a moment, letting the crowd's attention settle on me, and magnify my voice.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the grand opening! I'm the one called Primordial Sovereign! You've already heard me talk enough during the livestream, so enjoy!

Now — let's get this party started!"

The crowd roars, and with it, the lights flash back on.

Some swarm downstairs for the ranking matches, while others take the opportunity to sample my exquisite, extensive menu — all free.

I see a few people who don't quite give off a villain vibe lurking around. Most of them look uncomfortable, while others look fascinated. Reporters?

Meanwhile, others give off a dark vibe, but I don't sense the strength of a super from them. Mafia?

Well, as long as they don't cause unwanted trouble or go against the purpose of the Villain Association, I don't care.

That's when I spot something — and beam.

A few teenagers, lacking both superpowers and an evil vibe, sit in groups at the outer tables. I'm delighted they decided to give it a shot to hang out in, probably motivated by the lack of supervision… and alcohol.

A cheerful, lighthearted buzz fills the area. The ambiance is surprisingly friendly given that most people here are wanted villains or criminals in some form.

Mhm, that's what freedom and good food does to people.

"E-e-e-exc-c-c-cus-se me… Excuse me! Y-y-y-y-you… You're the P-p-p-p-primordial S-s-sovereign, ri-ri-right?"

"Hmm?"

I look around before looking down for the source of the voice, seeing some blonde little girl, probably 12 or so, shaking like a leaf.

Aww, how cute!

I squat down to a bit under her eye level, inadvertently posing like some sort of yakuza.

"Whazzup?" I ask, tilting my head to the side.

She shudders, looking like it is taking all of her strength not to run away. She squeezes her brown eyes shut, and with renewed determination finally spits out her question.

"Please help me! You said you would take jobs, right?"

"Well, not me specifically, but I don't see why not. Sure."

Her eyes widen in surprise. Despite working up her courage, it looks like she still doesn't believe that my answer is real, nor that she truly will receive help. She stupidly blinks at me a few times before her mouth starts working again.

"Really!?"

"Yeah? I may be a villain, but I don't go back on my word… Though… I'll do just about anything else…" I say pensively, and see the fear grow on her face as she starts to see the hidden implication in my words.

"Whoops… I didn't mean it like that. Why not ask the heroes, though?" I ask.

She looks down… "I tried! But they just laughed at me or told me they were too busy dealing with villains… even though they were sitting around playing cards."

Oh no, is this some stupid problem that even the heroes would reject? … What have I gotten myself into…

Is this even a job fit for a villain? But… I did just accept it, so I suppose that makes it one…

"My classmates… They all bully me and break my stuff. I tried telling the teacher, but she didn't do anything! My parents tried going to the school, but that only made things worse." She starts sobbing, trying and failing to contain herself, and wipes her tears on her sleeve. "My classmates are almost all supers too, so there's nothing I can do…"

"The heroes seriously laughed at you for that?"

"Yeah!"

"Jeez… Well, how do you want to deal with it?"

"I just want them to stop."

"Did you try socking whoever is leading it square in the face?"

"No… He's too strong… All of them are… I can't do anything against a super. "

"Gotcha…Right…"

I think a bit on how to help her deal with the situation in a child appropriate way that she can manage.

"Hmm… Did you know that superpowers come with growth? Particularly, with adverse experiences? You're likely close to developing a power, if you haven't already. If you have, you probably just don't know what it is, yet."

She looks at me hopefully. Her eyes brighten with hope.

"How about, I help see if you have a power and train you if you do… If not… well, we can think of something else," I say.

She vigorously nods in agreement.

We head into my training facilities and I give her the grand tour, eventually leading her up to an inconspicuous crystal under yet another screen.

"You're really helping me?"

"Heck yeah! I wouldn't miss an excuse to cause chaos! Buuut… If you keep asking me that, I might change my mind!"

She quickly covers her mouth with both hands.

"But are you prepared for the payment? "

She balks. It looked like the concept never entered her mind, but steeling herself, she nods.

"I'll do whatever it takes!"

I grin. Seriously, she's absolutely adorable. Maybe I should have snagged myself another pupil sooner… especially with that Struan not being as cute as before.

"Sure, feed me then! I like food, if you couldn't tell by the extravagant food" — I broadly sweep my hand at the floor above where people are eating — "I don't have a family either, so I've always wondered what a family dinner was like," I say.

"Really?"

"Yes, really." I place her hand on the crystal, which comes to life with a brilliant white glow.

"..."

"..."

"You're much nicer than I thought."

"I bet your parents used my name to scare you into shape, huh?"

"..."

"Hahaha!" Her silence was enough of a confirmation for me. "Still, save that thought for after the training."

We take a look at her results on the screen above.