GREAT VILLAIN UNION

Ugh...!

Damn it...

These guys are a lot tougher than they look.

Maxwell... Look behind you!

Wha...?

!

... Is this as far as I go?

...

...

Huh...?

You look utterly pathetic, heroes.

Is it really that hard to take down a single Rapture?

Who's there...?!

Hehehe.

"Who's there?" you ask?

I suppose it's only right that I answer!

To fulfill our purpose in this world.

To show this world just how cool villains can be!

Spreading love, devotion, and darkness wherever we go.

We're the c-cutest villains around...!

GraGre.

Ziz!

And their leader!

The great villain Drake has arrived!

...

...

What was that at the end there...?

Rest easy now, heroes.

The Villain Union is here.

Now, my villains.

It's time to hunt.

Run wild and wreak havoc your way.

Excellent, villains. I would expect no less from my minion—

!

Attacking me while I'm talking? What a coward.

...

Hehe, coming straight at me, are you?

Instead of running away, you come right up to me.

You'd better be ready for what's coming.

Now that's quite a cry!

Then witness...

the true power of the great villain Drake!

Here I go!

Hnnngh!

Drake,

I heard you took down a colossal Rapture headed this way with a single blow.

Ah woo!

That's amazing! How'd you do it?

You protected this whole place all by yourself...

I wish I could become a strong hero like you—

I'm not a hero! I'm a villain!

Ohh, right...! S-sorry.

D-do you think I could become a villain...?

... Of course.

Ugh... Just look at that smug little face.

It's pissing me off.

Agh... As much as it pains me to admit it,

the Villain Union won.

Indeed!

I was already mighty, but now I've powered up!

No one can stand against me!

... This is what a great villain looks like.

Drake... you're amazing!

That's it! Shout even louder, you ignorant fools!

Call out the name of your great and mighty villain!

Hehehe!

Mwahahahahaha—Kgh!

Wh-what the hell?!

Hey.

Ziz?!

You traitor! Who put you up to this?!

Hey, are you even listening to me?

How dare you speak that way to the great villain Drake!

Seriously, what's with you today?

Whatever. Just follow me before I get really pissed off.

You fool... Where do you think you're taking me?

Oh, so that's what you meant.

Not a bad goal, I must say. Well done, Ziz.

...

But I'll have to decline.

Ugggh!

Before that, I need to teach you how to show proper respect to your leader—

Come oooon!

Get up alreadyyy!

Ughhh...! Get up! Get up! I said get up!

!!!

Wh-what the hell?!

A Heretic ambush?!

A Heretic ambush? Give me a break.

Do you have any idea how long I've been trying to wake you?

Wipe the drool off your face before you talk.

Hrngh...

What happened to the Villain Union?!

Where are my minions?!

Where did all my fame and glory go?!

Hey.

Wh-what?

Say one more word, and I'm reporting you to Syuen.

*Gasp!*

Good, you're finally quiet.

Get up. We have to go before it gets any later.

...?

You're not doing this just because I said I'd report you to Syuen, are you?

...

*Sigh* I told you yesterday we have a meeting this morning.

Hurry up and get ready.

If I keep talking to you, I'm gonna start losing my mind too.

...

A meeting...?

... So it was all a dream?

No.

It's a premonition.

I've got a good feeling about this.

Naturally.

Of course.

Ah woo!

Um... Evaluator.

I just want to make sure I got this right.

We're going to split into groups and search the area soon... right?

Oh, I see... Thank you!

... Moron.

I have something to say to these fools. Got a minute?

Can I or can't I? Just answer me!

Hmph, that's more like it.

Ahem!

U-um...

W-will you all... look over here for a moment...?

Ugh... Are you seriously ignoring me?

...

!!!

You idiot!

Why would you say something like that?!

Now you've made things all awkward!

... It's embarrassing when all eyes suddenly turn to me.

Drake has something to tell us? How intriguing.

So, what's this about?

Cinderella, now's not the time.

We need to leave before we hear something we don't want to hear.

Still, I want to hear it.

...

Whew... All right!

Before we're dismissed, I've got an important announcement to make!

So shut up and listen!

...

*Sniffle*

What's up with her?

Why'd she suddenly slump over like that?

... I've never seen Drake like that before.

...

Uh... Everyone.

The, uh...

You know the Villain Union I started?

Drake and the Villains?

Yeah, that.

As of today, it's been disbanded.

Thank you for all your support.

Eek?! Wh-why all of a sudden?!

I-I didn't even get to join...

Regrettably, there were unforeseen circumstances.

... Just thinking about the union disbanding is enough to drain me.

That's not bad news.

I take back what I said earlier.

Aww... That makes me so sad...

I was really looking forward to joining...

But!

If you think we're stopping here, you're sorely mistaken!

We're nowhere near finished yet!

Don't tell me...

N-no way!

Indeed!

I, Drake, shall rise to the occasion!

With its dissolution, I hereby proclaim the birth of the New Villain Union!

Wooow...!

... Her emotions certainly changed rather dramatically.

Geez, I was wondering what you were going on about.

... My head hurts.

Anyone who wishes to join, be here tomorrow, same time, same place!

I, Drake, shall decide who's worthy!

Okay, okay, great and mighty villain.

Is that all you have to say?

Indeed!

Everyone, think long and hard about...

About... tomorrow?

...

Hmph, you've got a long way to go, Moron.

They may have all left without a second thought, but I saw it.

Deep in their hearts, every one of those fools had a spark of villainy burning bright!

Hehehe.

Tomorrow, this place will be crawling with talented people.

Who'll be the first volunteer? Cinderella? Or maybe Little Mermaid?

Haa, becoming the leader of a bunch of Pilgrims is no small feat.

I might be too excited to sleep tonight!

Ahem, ahem!

Moron! What are you just staring off into space for?

What? What do you want to know?

Hehe, you should be delighted.

You've been chosen to join the New Villain Union.

I made sure to recruit you before the Hero Union could make their move.

What's with that weak reaction?!

You should at least be screaming!

Don't mention it.

Hehe, what's wrong? Worried?

Then don't worry.

I've watched every TV show I could find with a job interview scene to prepare for today.

Ah...!

Uh... yeah!

I've wanted to join the Villain Union for a while now.

D-Drake said she'd let me join before, too.

I-I don't know if you remember, though... Hehe.

...

... Tsk.

This won't do. I'm docking you points for that attitude.

Huh?

You need to take this seriously. Do you think being a villain is some kind of joke?

Eek! I-I'm sorry!

I didn't know it was going to be like this...!

Flaunting our connection the moment you walk in... I'm disappointed.

You do know villains are strictly judged on merit, right?

Pulling strings through connections only works in the Hero Union.

Okay! Got it!

I'm here because I want to be a villain!

I'll do whatever you ask me to do!

Huh, changing your story already?

Looks like you're cracking under a little pressure.

You know...

I don't think you're a good fit for us.

...!

Don't worry! This is how they do it on TV!

I'm lighting a fire in her heart and giving her the push she needs to awaken.

Look! Look at those defiant eyes!

...

*Sniffle*

W-waaah...

Wait, what?

*Sob, hic...*

Waaaaaah!

O-okay... *Hic*

I-I guess I underestimated villains...

I-I'll be better prepared... *Sniffle* a-and come back next time...

...

Th-this isn't how it's supposed to go...

Of course not!

I was going to let her join!

You're an interviewer too! Do something about it!

Ugh... Are we really going to let a talent like that slip away?!

Huh...?

You're the first one who's managed to hold up under the pressure.

I don't think anyone else has made it this far.

R-really...?

That's why we've decided you're worthy!

Congratulations on joining the New Villain Union, Ziz!

Whoa...! R-really? I passed?!

Yes! You should be even prouder!

Now that you're an official villain, why don't you tell us your grand ambitions?

M-my grand ambitions...?

Oh... I didn't prepare anything...

Anything will do!

How about something intimidating? Villains have to strike fear into their enemies!

Something intimidating...?

O-okay! I'll try!

You... idiot! You big dummy!

You're nothing but a lowly little bug!

Tsk, too weak.

Got anything else? Something more villainous, more vile.

Th-that was weak...? Um...

Oh! There is one thing Levi really hates hearing, though.

You've got one, so why aren't you using it?

Um, well... She said I shouldn't use it just anywhere...

Because it might hurt someone's feelings...

Just how vile could it be? Now you've got me curious.

O-okay.

Whew... I'm gonna say it.

You...

You flat-chested brat!

Guh.

Wh-what's wrong with you two?

Was what I said really that bad?

Ugh...

R-really? Hehe... Thank you!

Yeah... I'll give you that.

But...

Don't go saying things like that just anywhere.

Hehehe!

Our very first candidate passed.

Everything's going perfectly.

Indeed!

Moron, are you saying that interview was a complete disaster?!

Hehe, just as I thought.

I can't wait to see who comes along next.

I'm sure there are plenty of recruits lined up outside that door.

Now!

If you're out there waiting, then open the door and come on in!

The doors to the Villain Union are always open!

...

...

Aaaargh!

Damn it, damn it...!

Why?! What did we do wrong?!

Is it because we didn't advertise our employee benefits? Or is it because they can't see our vision?!

We're being treated like some horrible employer!

Moron! Don't just sit there! Say something!

That was then, but this is now!

What kind of idiot shows up hours late to an interview?!

Ugh... We're pulling out for today!

Yeah!

Even if I did recruit some pathetic loser who can't even keep an appointment—

...

Oh.

Someone's here!

Ahem, ahem!

Another applicant, I see.

You came to the right place.

Shut up!

We barely get any applicants as it is! You wanna scare this one off, too?!

Hi.

Oh.

There's no age limit, I suppose... But what exactly can you do?

Play with my friends,

and eat,

and sleep.

Hm... I do that all the time, too.

I can see you've got potential! And for that, I'll recruit you!

I, the great villain Drake, shall take you under my wing!

Hmm...

Hard...

Guh...!

Hey, what's with the mood around here?

Anyway, you seen the kid? Did she come by?

Leviathan?

...

I see. We're cut from the same cloth. That's reassuring.

Though I might have a slight edge.

What're you talking about?!

Just tell me where the kid is!

Heh, why would I tell a loser like you?

What exactly do you think gives you an edge over me?!

Intellect is a form of power, and I don't heed the words of those weaker than me.

Villain Union rejected.

I've heard affairs happen most often in social groups like clubs.

That's why I came to make sure the Commander is safe.

As a hero, I'll give you one chance!

Surrender now and join us!

...

Tch, what's the point of having so many applicants when none of them can do anything?

Ziz is the only one who's actually got what it takes.

Moron, you weren't just thinking,

"So much for her making a fuss about ending the interviews just moments ago,"

were you?

Fine, then.

*Sigh* Is no one else coming?

I was hoping someone strong, creepy-looking, absolutely massive,

and actually villainous would show up.

*Sigh...*

Yes! You!

So you've finally taken an interest in the Villain Union!

That's not the case.

Come to think of it, that's today. Aren't you going?

Where, exactly?

Drake's conducting interviews today.

We've taken care of the important stuff, so why don't we go see her? I'm sure she's looking forward to it.

I don't care about that.

What matters more is staying by your side.

Really? Well, if you say so.

I am a little concerned about the look in Drake's eyes.

Her eyes...?

Yes, I noticed her eyes sparkle when she's with you.

If I may exaggerate a little... They're much like the way you look at me.

Beauty has a way of catching the eye.

... Is that so?

Still, what matters most is what you want, Grave.

Follow your heart.

...

That's what happened.

No way...

Yeah... Today has been one touching moment after another.

Hngh...

To think I managed to win over GraGre and Cinderella, too.

Just how far does my charisma reach?!

You pass, GraGre!

I suddenly feel like heading back.

That's a good girl.

Come on now, say "ahh."

Nuh-uh.

Don't want it.

D-don't be like that.

Just try one bite... Just one, okay?

You might actually love it!

Don't wanna.

Keep being so picky, and you'll never grow big like me!

Y-you wanna grow big and strong like me too, don't you? Hm?

...

Then I don't wanna eat it.

You little brat...!

Looks like you're having a rough time.

!!

Wh-what the?! When the heck did you guys get here?

Hehehe.

Hehe. Hi, Levi!

Daddy!

Behold! Even crying children fall silent before the Villain Union!

Well, it's nap time, but she just won't go to sleep.

I figured maybe she'd settle down if I gave her something to eat, but now she won't eat, either.

Oh, really?

Leave the girl to us.

You look exhausted. Go get some rest.

R-really?

You just showed up out of nowhere, and now you wanna help me?

Of course! Have faith in the New Villain Union!

...

Oh my, really?

I haven't had a chance to rest all morning.

Then I guess I'll take you up on your offer.

Sweet, I'll leave her with you for a bit—

... You really thought I'd say that?

!!

L-Levi...

Why are you suddenly acting so scary...?

Anyone can see something's fishy here.

All you creepy freaks coming at me at once.

I appreciate the thought, but how am I supposed to trust you with her?

And that Drake is always doing something weird...

...!

Are you hungry?

N-no!

It's not like I've been so busy looking after the kid that I'm practically starving or anything—

Ugh...

Grrr...!

Yes, I am! So what?!

Then trust Superhuman and me.

We won't do anything strange. You have my word.

... Is that so?

Well, all right.

You've got Young Man with you, so I doubt you'll try anything funny.

F-fine! You can have her for a little while... but only a little while!

So soft. Feels nice.

Hehehe...

Um... Hey, wanna lie down for a bit? I'll hold you nice and tight...

No, not sleepy.

Wanna play with Daddy and my sisters.

Hmph. Nuh-uh.

Hehehe.

Then I suppose we have no choice.

D-Drake...? What are you trying to do...?

I thought you said you wouldn't hurt children.

Look here, girl.

Hm?

Oooh!

It smells sweet.

Hoho, what an excellent reaction.

This is a chocolate bar.

Care to try it?

Yeah!

Uh... Drake?

She's a kid, though. Maybe something that sweet isn't such a good idea...

We could give her what Levi was going to feed her...

Fool! Why do you think we're here?

To feed this child nothing but snacks instead of a proper meal and corrupt her palate!

That is the very purpose of this mission!

Oh...!

Here! Everyone, take one!

The Villain Union will unleash your instincts!

Of course, we respect your wishes. If you'd rather not...

Mmm...

!

She's eating mine.

Hehe, she'd make a fine villain.

*Nom, nom*

... This feels strange.

Hehe, what a cutie!

Zzz...

H-huh?

I was only gone for a moment, and you already got her to finish all her food?

Y-you guys are way more impressive than I thought...!

*Gasp!*

Th-this can't be...!

What is it, Cinderella?!

... I-I don't believe it.

Something's wrong... with my mirror.

Why does my face look so big?

...

I'll switch it back to the one you had before.

This can't be...!

B-Bahamut?

What's wrong?

The text in this book has all been inverted.

Do you know what may have caused this phenomenon?

Eek...!

A-are you talking to me...?

Yes. Who else could I possibly be talking to?

I-I-I don't know...

I've never touched the thing myself, so I'm not really sure...

Wh-who's there?!

C-Commander?!

What are you doing here in the middle of the night...?

!

Don't tell me...

You came here for... that?

...

...

... Cinderella screamed because of me.

... B-Bahamut gave me such a scary look.

Superhuman, I don't think I can keep doing this.

I never want to see Cinderella make a face like that again.

When Drake gets back, I'll tell her I'm done.

Y-you're quitting?

M-maybe Drake has a reason for doing this?

I-I was really nervous too when I thought I was gonna get caught, but...

Is that her?

I'll open the door.

J-just a second! I-I'll be right out!

!

!!

Prince, this is the Villain Union's hideout, isn't it?

Excellent.

I have quite a lot to say.

Yes, I speak for everyone here.

Thank you all so much.

?

?

It's been a while since I've really taken a good look at my own face.

It's beautiful. Grave, did you do this?

Y-yes.

Can I keep this mirror in my room?

Of course...

Villain Union, you've opened up an entirely new field of study.

Turning the text upside down reveals an entirely new interpretation.

I never imagined a single book could offer such depth of study.

This is a truly revolutionary discovery.

I don't know who thought of it, but I wish to express my deepest gratitude.

...!

Y-you know what? I think I did it!

Commander, last night was wonderful.

If you came to see me every night...!

...

...

I've never seen the kid sleep that soundly before.

Can I get some of those chocolate bars too?

Ah... Ah...

Achoo!

*Sniffle*

Is someone badmouthing me?

...

Hehe. Of course they are, after all the evil deeds my minions have been committing.

The secret lair must have descended into utter chaos by now.

Good thing I used going on patrol as an excuse to slip away beforehand.

While my minions run wild, I have to take care of the things only a leader like me can do.

Found it.

Is this where we'll build

the New Villain Union's new secret lair?

...

My villain instincts are screaming at me.

This is where my dreams will finally come true.

It looks just like a demon king's castle.

The location and terrain couldn't be more perfect.

!!!

Agh...!

*Huff... huff...*

I-is this a trap set by the Hero Union...?

No, that doesn't seem right...

...!

Wh-what is that...?!

Oh, what's this?

You must be quite fond of the Villain Union, Prince.

You're even going on reconnaissance with them.

Oh, and um...

could we be called the Villain Union instead of the Drake Team?

Agreed.

Come to think of it, I don't see the leader of the Villain Union.

Do you think she's cooking up another evil scheme?

I wonder what she's got planned this time. I can't wait!

Moron!

I'll send you the coordinates. Come here tomorrow with the Villain Union!

I'll show you all what your great leader can do!

Then, I'll leave Grave in your care.

Or... should I call you GraGre?

Cinderella...!

Hehe, I'm kidding.

Even the way you get flustered when I call you that is beautiful.

I trust you will all return with fine results.

Your potential is infinite.

For the brilliant Bahamut has deemed it so.

We'll hold the fort, so go without a care.

We'll be waiting.

Of course! Someone's gotta look after the kid, right?

Might as well be us. We'll feel a whole lot better keeping an eye on her ourselves.

Yes, I'll spend some more mother-daughter time with her.

Come back safe, dear.

We're covering an incredible distance.

It would've taken half a day to walk this far.

Hehe, y-yeah.

See? I'm actually pretty capable, you know...?

You'll tell Drake about this, right? You will, okay?

Um... We should be almost there.

Let's see...

!

There.

L-let's land.

Hold on tight, okay?

Eek, I-I know, right...?

I'll take a look around outside.

Here, use this flashlight.

D-do you think something's gonna jump out when we turn on the light...?

Hehe, I-I guess?

All right... I'm gonna turn it on, okay?

Hehehe!

Eeeeeek!!!

Y-you scared me... Drake?!

Really, now. Screaming in someone's face like that? How rude.

S-sorry, I thought a ghost jumped out at us...

I'm using my own electricity to keep the lights on.

Funny that a power plant like this doesn't even have power.

Yeah, this is definitely strange.

The generator outside is clearly running.

So a dark, secluded facility like this has got to be hiding something.

Why, it's practically the perfect villain's lair!

Oww... That hurts...

Wh-what's this...? A wall...?

S-sorry! I-I don't have the best night vision...

Hey! What are you doing in the dark?! Intra-union romances are forbidden!

Forget that. Look at this!

Behold, my ultimate technique! The most difficult shape I can create with my electricity!

Wh-whoa! What did you make this time?

Hehe, take a guess.

Hmm, it's so pretty...

Is it an angel?

...

It's Syuen.

Wh-what's a Syuen?

... Never mind.

Anyway, first things first, we need to get the lights back on.

Hehe, then put your faith in the leader of the Villain Union!

I'll show you exactly what only I can do—

Oh.

Superhuman, do you have a moment?

There's something I need to tell you.

Something's not right about this place.

I did.

This is an old power reserve facility.

It automatically kicks in when the power level drops below a critical threshold.

I checked the external systems. They're functioning normally, but...

The voltage inside is practically zero.

I've got it running on temporary power for now.

Power is being lost rapidly.

The power plant is continually increasing its output to compensate.

Yes. If this continues for too long, the power plant could explode and—

?

!

Get behind me!

Wh-what in the world...?

*Cough, cough, cough*

Ugh, my eyes are stinging...

Explain yourself.

Why did the power plant suddenly explode?

*Cough* Beats me.

Why'd it even explode? *Cough*

*Cough, cough* Hey, power plant, you know anything?

...

So you don't know.

Whaaat?

You managed to find a power plant, but Drake blew it up?!

Hey! I didn't blow it up!

That weakling of a power plant exploded all on its own!

*Sigh* I knew it was only a matter of time.

You actually forced your power into the power plant? Are you out of your mind?

I'm sorry.

You pump unstable energy into an already overloaded system. Of course it's going to blow.

I've got a question.

What?

Why is my energy so unstable?!

I'm supposed to be a master at controlling electricity!

*Sigh*

Don't you remember what I told you after your power-up?

No.

Your power-up comes at a price.

Laplace and I just adjusted our parameters within the limits of our inhibitors,

but you removed yours entirely.

That increased your output, but push it too far, and your energy becomes unstable.

So, in the end, your maximum output is about the same as ours.

W-wow, those were some fancy words...

What are you even talking about?

The Villain Union is gonna be fine... right?

She said removing the inhibitor made you stronger, but also made your energy unstable.

Right.

I'm glad at least one person understood.

Then we're basically the same, aren't we?! So why am I the only one who got changed?!

How would I know?

You were always whining about how a great villain like you didn't need an inhibitor.

Maybe Syuen finally gave you what you wanted.

...

Anyway, just because you've learned to handle things with a little more finesse doesn't mean you've changed.

So try to rein yourself in next time, okay?

This is all on me.

Ziz did nothing wrong, so blame me instead.

!!

N-no! Drake did nothing wrong!

A-actually... I was the one who suggested she try feeding her electricity into it.

I thought if it worked, Drake might praise me...

It's okay, Ziz.

By confessing your own sins, you've already proven yourself to be a fine villain.

Waaaah... Drake...

Ziz, you fool...!

A true villain always covers for their minion's mistakes.

It's fine, Ziz. Everyone makes mistakes.

Oh, don't worry. I'm reflecting on what I did, too.

...

!

Waaah... Drake... Draaake...

Now let go of me.

Huh? What was that?

I said, let go of me!

*Hic...* Wh-why? Drake...

You look so scary...

Are you mad at me?

If that's the case, I—

Th-the ground is shaking... Is it an earthquake?

...!

No, this isn't an earthquake.

...

Fly, Ziz!

H-huh?

B-but you can't just say that all of a sudden...!

Take us all and fly!

Hurry up!

O-okay!

Everyone, hang on tight!

Agghhhh!

Gluttony...!

That thing always looks like a *beep* to me.

Self-censorship. The rest is up to your imagination.

Superhuman, now's not the time for that.

Whew... It can't follow us this high, right...?

A-anyway, that was a close one.

I-I didn't think Gluttony would just pop up like that...

It eats everything in sight.

It must've been after the power from the plant, too.

This is highway robbery! That power plant was our spoils!

Unforgivable!

Uh, guys...

Sorry to interrupt, but... could you maybe look over there?

E-eek...! I knew this place wasn't safe!

O-on it...!

Understood.

Writer's Eraser, ready.

My turn! Take this! Villainous Web!

What? Why?!

Hehe, how do you like that?!

And that's only my weakest—

!

That's...!

... They burned away.

I-is everyone okay? N-no one's hurt, right...?

They just burned away...?

!

So that's what it was...!

It lost the power plant it was feeding on,

and now it has high-energy targets like us right in front of it.

There's no way it'll let us get away.

Um... what should we do now?

Maybe we should lure it back to base and ask the others for help...?

Everyone, stop!

Isn't it obvious?!

I'm the leader, so I'll take that thing on myself!

Eek...! Y-you want to face that monster alone...?

That's not a good idea.

Why not?

You can't take on something like that alone.

If you go in without thinking, there's no telling what could happen.

Hmph, hearing you say that just makes my blood boil even more.

...

I had a great dream the other day.

Tsk, you're no fun.

And that's not all. Didn't you see it with your own eyes?

Those tentacles, writhing in agony as they burned.

Exactly.

Looks like it's my destiny to face that beast.

Grant me your permission,

Commander Commander, strategist of the New Villain Union.

I'll be right back.

Hehe, if you even get the chance.

So far, so good. Everything's going according to plan.

Overdrive!

Not yet.

Just a bit closer.

Now!

Drake Special!!!

Yes... that's it!

If that's not enough, just say the word!

The great Drake's electric energy never runs dry!

D-did it work?

...

!

No, it's not over yet.

G-got it!

Hehehe, this Gluttony critter was nothing.

The great villain Drake reigns victorious!

If you're going to take me on, you'd better bring a Heretic or two!

Drake!

Heh, they all look delighted.

Drake!!!

Yes! Gluttony's head will be the Villain Union's first trophy!

What?

Wh-what the...

Is that... my energy?

...

!

O-okay!

*Huff, huff...* That could've gone so badly.

Of course not.

Nope! I didn't get a scratch!

My hair got a little singed, though... Hehe.

...

Damn it...!

How can I be this weak?

I'm a member of Matis, and we take down Heretics!

Waaah... Th-that hurt, Drake...

Oh, sorry.

... I'm so sorry.

...

Do you have a moment?

Huh? What is it?

Drake,

you're mistaken about something.

What...?

It's important for the leader to take the lead in a fight,

but you can't lose sight of what matters.

We've put our lives on the line twice now. Once at the power plant, and again in that battle just now.

...!

Both times, it was your decision as the leader.

We had no choice but to follow, even if it meant risking our lives.

That's the fate of those who follow a leader.

If a leader makes a choice that puts her subordinates' lives at risk,

she has to take responsibility for that decision until the very end.

Responsibility...?

I see.

I was too rash.

Uh... Guys?

Sorry to interrupt, but...

I think I see something that looks like a building over there.

Is it another facility?

It seems to draw power from the destroyed power plant.

Rest.

Make sure you're fully recovered before Gluttony gets here.

Ugh... I've never flown this long with someone riding on me before.

Well done, Ziz.

H-huh? Y-you said I did a good job...?

Hehehe, but you're the one who worked so hard, Drake.

All I did was fly around.

Hehehehe...

Grave, Moron, you did well too.

Where are you going?

I'm gonna take a look around.

There could be other threats lurking nearby.

...

...

Uh, um...

If I heard that right, did she just...?

Yes, she called me Grave.

I-I knew it! And she seems different somehow.

Like she's a little calmer now...?

Yeah, thanks.

...

It's heavy.

Has everyone else been dealing with this all along?

Who goes there?!

Oh, it's you, Moron.

Why'd you follow me here?

Different?

Hehe, don't worry about that.

I've merely added a dash of gravitas.

A cold, ruthless villain

is the new me!

...

*Sigh* I can't do this anymore.

I guess I can't fool you after all.

I've finally realized how reckless I've been.

I've finally come to understand the weight of being a leader.

...

When I'm with Matis, I've always relied on Maxwell.

And when you're around, I rely on you.

I thought if I stood on the front lines and took down Gluttony, everything would work itself out.

But I couldn't even manage that.

I took the responsibility of being a leader too lightly.

So...

Would you take command from here on out?

Well...

From now on, you'll be our leader.

Oh, that...

...

The New Villain Union... is no more.

*Sniffle*

I'll leave the rest to you.

H-how did it go?

Is she all right?

Does she think she failed as a leader?

Uh... I don't really get it.

Was any of this really Drake's fault?

Wasn't it all unavoidable...?

It's because she's an idiot.

Not just any idiot,

she's a colossal idiot.

Huh...?

I'll say what needs to be said.

An idiot thinks only of themselves,

so they take everything upon themselves.

They think they're the only one who can handle it,

and don't realize they can share the burden with their comrades.

Are you worried?

I see...

If even you, Superhuman, feel that way...

Come with me. We need to see Drake.

G-gah! You scared the crap out of me!

What?!

What the hell's wrong with you, Moron?

And don't go kicking doors open!

That's basic manners!

Drake,

I heard the New Villain Union is disbanding.

Does that mean you're stepping down as its leader, too?

Yeah, I've stepped down.

I'm just a small fry now, nothing more, nothing less.

I see.

Then from now on, I, the villain GraGre,

will lead the New Villain Union.

And I will be the one to disband it.

Wh-what?!

Do you have any idea how hard I worked to gather those talents?! And you're just going to disband them without a second thought?!

The least you could do is think it over before—

Does some small fry think she can talk back to her leader?

You...!

Hmm, this isn't quite as enjoyable as I thought.

Ziz, do you want to be the leader?

Whaaat? Really?

C-can I?

Urgh...!

You can't just give up your authority as leader that easily!

In that case... Hey! There's something I've been wanting to try.

What is it?

Becoming a member of the Hero Union!

If the heroes are thirsty, I can fetch them some water, and if they're tired, I can wipe the sweat from their brows.

Hehe... Doesn't that sound fulfilling?

N-no... No!

That's not what the New Villain Union is supposed to be!

Obviously!

I'd know that better than anyone!

R-really?

We always followed your orders without complaint.

You're an idiot, but you're still our leader.

That's right!

You're the only leader of the Villain Union I recognize, Drake!

...

...

*Sigh* Fine, you win.

If you're all really that desperate, I suppose I'll have to.

The great villain Drake

shall be joining your ranks once again!

A wise choice.

Yay...!

Not bad, strategist.

Since when did you get so good at handling the great Drake?

You bet!

Yeah!

Villain GraGre is ready!

The hunt is on!

Whaaat? You're serious?

Y-you really want to take on Gluttony head-on?

That's right!

Retreating isn't how a villain does things.

I've decided Gluttony's head will be the New Villain Union's first trophy!

Th-then... do you have a plan?

Nope.

Then what?

Don't tell me you're suggesting we can overcome this with sheer willpower or some other absurd nonsense.

... How did you know?

Wh-what in the world...?

Your power-up comes at a price.

Laplace and I just adjusted our parameters within the limits of our inhibitors,

but you removed yours entirely.

That increased your output, but push it too far, and your energy becomes unstable.

... They burned away.

Hehe, looks like you've got something in mind.

Should I get my hopes up?

Hnnngh!

Hehehe.

That's right. You can't resist following this smell.

Moron.

As the strategist of the New Villain Union, you'll take command from here on.

I don't think... I have the luxury of doing it myself right now.

I'll leave it to you.

Hnnngh!

Ugh... I-it's stronger than it looks...!

Hrrrrngh!

Target confirmed.

Writer's Eraser, ready.

Erase...

Time...?

Indeed!

What we need to make Moron's plan work is time.

Time! I need time for my electricity to build up!

!

You're nothing but a mindless monster acting on instinct.

Predicting your moves is easy.

But...

Now that you're up against the Villain Union...

We're going all out.

Plot Spoiler, ready.

...

I can't let them down,

not as the leader of the Villain Union.

Ugh...!

That hurt! I mean... it doesn't hurt at all!

Hyyyaah!

I don't need some cheesy show of fighting spirit to win!

What am I, some hero?

!!

Kegh...! This... is getting dangerous.

Ugh, I'm dying here. Should I stop?

Urgh...

!!

You really think the great Drake would back down?!

Hrrrrngh!

...

Everyone held out admirably.

Now...

It's ready!

But... is that even possible?

M-Maxwell said the higher the output, the more unstable it gets...

Hehe.

That's exactly why I need your ability.

Ziz, now!

G-got it!

You're just as wild as your master...!

It's ready! Now eat up!

A big ol' chunk of energy, just the way you like it!

Hyaaah!

Uh...

Eh?

...

I think we're screwed.

Did it do any damage?

The core's still active. Looks like it's still alive.

We'd best be careful.

I-I'll go as our representative.

...

... She's pretty timid.

Did it pass out? It's not getting back up...

Heh.

Hehe.

Heh, hehe!

Hah... Hahahahahaha!

She's... so scary...

Has she finally lost her mind?

Looks like I was right!

Tell me,

what comes after the mouth?

Precisely! We're up against a monster that can swallow even a Matis Buster.

Hit its mouth with energy, and you risk a counterattack.

That's why I was aiming for its gut from the very beginning!

R-really?!

Does that mean... this was all part of your plan?

You bet!

Wow... Y-you really are amazing, Drake!

...

Hehe, if that's all it takes to take you out, you hardly deserve to call yourself my enemy.

Very well! Then I'll finish you off!

Ziz, think you can fly again?

Yeah!

Now's our chance!

GraGre! Ziz! Moron!

Hit that Rapture with the Neo Villain Union Strike!

Understood!

Okay!

Obviously!

Hrrrngh!

Huh? Did you say something?

Don't worry!

I, the great leader Drake, will keep you safe!

Didn't you tell me that...

It only matters when we're all together!

Then shout!

Make sure our attacks hit!

Striiiike!!!

It's over.

Moron! Get up!

This is the most important moment of all!

Hehehe.

Feeling wronged?

Well, I suppose you have every right to.

To lose when victory was right within your grasp...

That's a feeling only the great Drake can teach you.

You'll learn the hard way what happens when you challenge us.

You really should've thought twice about who you were picking a fight with!

We're not heroes, and we're certainly no champions of justice.

But we're not your run-of-the-mill villains, either.

You'd better remember that.

You're up against

the most notorious Villain Union of all time!

Drake! That was so cool!

You're not quite who I thought you were.

Or maybe you've grown.

...

Zzzz...

*Snore*

...

Looks like she's still the same.

You fools... Louder...

Let the world hear my... name.

Damn it...! Damn it!

How could I fall asleep when I should've been basking in my victory?!

I refuse to accept this!

...

...

...

There's something I'm curious about.

You're all looking rather worse for wear. Just what have you been up to?

You're all beat up... Did you get into a fierce battle?

Oh, that?

We were out accomplishing great deeds far beyond the comprehension of you fools.

Ha, just thinking about it gets me fired up.

What's with the creepy smile?

So basically, you came back empty-handed?

I-I guess so.

...

We took out Gluttony's mouth.

It had holed up in a power plant near the reclamation site.

Th-that's right!

We even managed to destroy the core with a team attack...!

D-did you say Gluttony?

If that's true, it's quite remarkable.

I can't imagine Grave would lie about something like that.

I couldn't have pulled it off without the Villain Union.

I'm grateful for them even now.

... Ah woo?

...!

...!

Huh? Isn't all of that true?

How unexpected. I thought you'd be basking in your own glory.

That's quite an achievement.

Why aren't you flaunting it?

Hmm, you're right...

Hehehe.

I thought you'd say something like,

"No one can stand against me now!"

Ah, well...

You should enjoy it when people are giving you this much praise.

You're usually so full of yourself, and now look at you.

Exactly, Drake!

You've done something truly incredible!

Take pride in being a villain!

How frustrating.

Drake, leader of the New Villain Union,

no need to be modest. You're the one who made this happen.

Yeah, I remember.

...

Oh?

Then... can I be a little happy about it?

Hehe, y-yeah!

You really are a great leader, Drake!

So I wish you'd be a little happier about it!

GraGre, Ziz, Moron...

*Hic...* You guys really are the best!

Indeed!

I was already mighty, but now I've powered up!

No one can stand against me!

That's it! Shout even louder, you ignorant fools!

Call out the name of your great and mighty villain!