I Became A Framed Villain – Chapter 0

—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Vine
—————————————————————–

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“The worst always comes unannounced.”

This simple yet definitive sentence was the most famous adage representing the dark ages of the past, teeming with ferocious monsters and vile villains.

It was a lesson that had faded slightly in recent times, with the world having regained order and system thanks to the heroes’ efforts.

[Danger Level ‘Immeasurable’ Monster Appearance.]

But who would have known?

[Currently Engaging with Rank 1 Hero, Justitia.]

[Residents of nearby areas are urged to evacuate immediately…]

That the price of neglecting a past adage, a faded lesson, would be so great.

“…What?”

It was no exception for me, who was leisurely preparing Justitia’s birthday party in her office.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

A few hours after the nationwide evacuation alert was issued.

“Kang… Haneul…?”

Arriving late at the scene and rummaging through the ruined surroundings, it wasn’t long before I found her, collapsed and battered.

“I told you not to come… *cough*… didn’t I…?”

“Justitia.”

“This place should have been a restricted area… How did you even get here…?”

Hero Ranking 1, Justitia.

The world’s strongest hero who put an end to the long-lasting dark age. The hope of the citizens and the deterrent to the wicked. And my one and only friend.

“…I used my ability.”

“Fool, you’re such a fool…”

“Stop, stop talking. Your wounds will open.”

Such a great and precious being was dying tragically before my eyes, covered in blood.

“I’ll call a healer. So just, please just hold on a little longer.”

“…Haneul.”

“The strongest you can’t die so pointlessly like this. So, so…”

“Kang Haneul.”

I tried to suppress the feeling of the sky falling and spoke with feigned composure, but she shook her head as she called my name in a small voice.

“It’s no use.”

“What?”

“I used up all my remaining strength stopping him.”

Behind her, as she spoke in a slightly trembling voice, a mountain-sized monster lay incapacitated.

Did she manage to defeat such an absurd being with her last bit of strength?

As expected of the strongest hero.

That’s why, collapsing here and now should not be happening.

“Don’t do anything useless… just listen to me now.”

The moment I held her in my arms, I could vaguely realize it.

That as the price of protecting everyone, the life force within her had already been completely exhausted.

Therefore, no matter what healer came, reviving her would be impossible.

Today was the day the world’s strongest hero fell.

– *Rustle…*

As I looked down at her, speechless, Justitia reached out to me.

“I have something I must tell you.”

I carefully took hold of her hand, which I had never once thought of as weak, yet now seemed so frail.

Then, with a labored smile, she began her story to me.

“The Child of Prophecy said you would become the worst villain in history.”

Her last story was truly unbelievable.

“And he said that someday, you would destroy the world.”

“Ha.”

The Child of Prophecy. The rising star, called the next Rank 1, who accurately predicted and preemptively prevented various large and small incidents.

That guy, even before entering the Hero Academy, was already the most popular and promising individual, receiving everyone’s attention and admiration.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t fool my eyes.

“I told you several times! That bastard…!”

“But you see.”

I wanted to shout: that everything that bastard said was a blatant lie, that he was slowly isolating us with his innocent and naive face, and that she should save her breath if she had the strength to speak.

“I don’t believe it.”

“…Ugh!?”

“The only one who stayed by my side until the end, was you.”

However, the moment Justitia gripped my hand tightly after saying those words,

I couldn’t help but close my mouth.

“Ah? Augh…?”

“I’m sorry, this will hurt a little.”

Suddenly, I started to feel a sensation like electricity flowing through my body.

As I writhed in unexpected pain, I desperately focused on Justitia’s faint voice and embraced her.

“Because it’s you, I can entrust this power to you without worry.”

“Justi…tia.”

“Even if I’m not in this world, that power will be with you.”

Thus, as the excruciating pain that felt like my body was being torn apart gradually subsided,

“Kang Haneul.”

When I opened my eyes, sweating profusely, she was smiling at me, her hand falling to the ground.

“My eternal partner.”

All I could do at that time,

“I love you.”

…Was to silently watch over her.

“If I had known… I would have said it a little sooner…”

With those words,

Justitia left my side forever.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

For a long time afterward, I held her, her eyes closed with a fresh smile, in my embrace.

All sorts of thoughts and emotions flooded in thanks to her cold body nestled in my arms, but I desperately emptied my mind.

That wasn’t important right now.

Justitia used her last strength to give me something.

The sensation that had spread throughout my body just now, and my still-twitching arm were proof of that.

Then, what exactly did she leave me with?

“Target acquired, everyone freeze.”

Before I could even think about it, I turned my head at the voice coming from behind me.

“You guys…”

Then, faces I hated so much came into view.

“H-Hands up. Kang Haneul.”

My childhood friend who smiled bashfully, saying she’d marry me when she grew up.

“Don’t move.”

My ex-girlfriend who said she’d give me everything in the world if I just stayed with her.

“Use of lethal force authorized if resisted. Do not let your guard down.”

And my older sister, who said she was most proud of me.

Former comrades who were once more precious than anything. But the three bitches who betrayed me and Justitia and sided with him.

“With what kind of faces are you here?”

Seeing those faces,

How could my reason not snap?

“Look at what your petty acts have caused.”

Feeling a tremendous rage I had never felt before, I opened my mouth.

“She’s dead. Justitia.”

The moment I uttered those words, I felt something snap inside me.

“Everyone’s hope is dead. The deterrent is gone, and now the dark ages will return.”

So, as I raised my voice with hatred I’d never expressed before,

“Is this the ending you wanted? What did you even do it for…!”

“A-Rank Villain Kang Haneul.”

Hearing my sister’s announcement as she commanded everyone at the front, I couldn’t help but be dumbfounded and stop talking.

“You’re under arrest for the murder of Justitia.”

“What?”

Who are they arresting?

Me, who had just witnessed Justitia’s death,

Arrested for her murder?

There must have been a misunderstanding, a mix-up.

“What are you talking about…”

With that thought, as I took a step forward to ask a question,

– *Bzzzt…!!!*

“Sound…”

At the same time, with a flash in the back of my head, I lost consciousness.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

Some time later.

“…”

When I opened my eyes, I was imprisoned in the lowest level of ‘Karma’, the great prison that held vicious villains.

“…Fuck.”

That’s how I became a falsely accused villain.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇