The Man with Hypnotic Powers Doesn’t Hold Back the Second Time Around

The world was abuzz.
Yujin’s treatment of the Necromancer.
Ever since that news broke, it was all anyone could talk about.

"You're telling me the worst villain in history turned into a fully functional Awakened just from one treatment? That’s absurd!"
"He’s probably hiding his true nature… Wait, what? Other villains treated in Korea are showing similar results?"
"So you’re saying their powers stay the same, but their personalities revert to who they were before Awakening as villains?"
"…That’s insane!"

This was enough to make everyone salivate at the mere thought.

What even was a villain, after all?
The embodiment of absolute evil. A psychopath who defied all of humanity’s attempts at reform.

But if treating them could turn them into Awakened individuals—a resource so precious it was worth its weight in gold?
And all it took was Seo Yujin’s touch, a single visit from him?

The ramifications were beyond words.

America was the first to erupt in chaos.

[Morrison’s Approval Ratings Skyrocket... Praised for Collaboration with Seo Yujin]
[The $4 Billion Contract: Hailed as a Masterstroke in Retrospect]

President Morrison of the United States was now being idolized as the master of strategic low-balling.

His previously ridiculed $4 billion aid package?
A bold move, timed perfectly, that simultaneously secured political clout and Yujin’s favor. A stroke of genius.

And the fact that he had spent $4 billion on a hypnosis treatment contract?
Each treatment for a villain cost a mere $10,000—cheaper than most hospital bills.

Such a move was now undergoing endless reevaluation, hailed as a brilliant investment.
His reelection was now practically guaranteed.

[Japanese PM Suguru Announces Plans to Meet Seo Yujin Soon]
[Debate Over the Katana Gift: Estimated Value in the Billions]
[The Real Reason Ninomiya Aika Is Staying in Korea? 'Suguru Knew All Along']

Japan, too, was in an uproar.

All eyes were on Suguru, the Prime Minister whom Yujin respectfully called "brother."
People began speculating: Why did he send one of our S-Class Awakened to Korea? Was he pulling a Morrison-style gamble too?

Their hopeful gazes shimmered with anticipation.

"I didn’t even know myself."

Of course, the man in question hadn’t done a single thing.
But he thought: Ninomiya will handle it somehow.
And so, he kept throwing promises into the wind.

It was a belated reward for having picked up the Ninomiya-Seo Yujin “coin” when it was at rock bottom.

"Hey, if the U.S. and Japan are making moves, what about us?"
"We’ve got a 0-Class villain, don’t we?"
"If we catch and treat them, we’ll have our own S-Class Awakened too, right?"

But some countries were far more desperate.

Nations like Vietnam, where 0-Class villains still roamed unchecked, were on edge.
The same went for the UK, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

"What the hell has our president been doing? Why didn’t he use Alice to build ties with Seo Yujin?!"
"You’ve got all that oil money, King, so why didn’t you grease some palms?!"
"Just quit politics already!!!"

While not as vocal as Vietnam, the citizens of these countries were outraged, venting in every language imaginable.
The criticism was scathing: Why didn’t you even send a token gift? Are you doing politics with your feet? If this is how it’s going to be, just resign.

Some were even saying the president should crawl on his knees and beg Seo Yujin in person.

"……."
“How is a president supposed to personally meet a hypnotist?”

To them, the idea was utterly preposterous.

After all, a nation’s leader was still a non-Awakened individual.
Facing someone like Yujin wasn’t just risky; it was downright unthinkable.

"No matter how you look at it, groveling before an Awakened is just too much."

Seo Yujin? Sure, he’s incredible. Unprecedented, even.
But at the end of the day, he’s still just an Awakened—a person with power, not influence.

For a president to bow their head to someone like him?
Unimaginable.
He simply didn’t have the rank to warrant a one-on-one meeting with a head of state…

"Your Majesty, Seo Yujin has announced his intention to take over as Chair of Korea’s Awakened Association."
"Oh my."

And then came the news that shook the world yet again:
Seol Hayeon’s declaration of Yujin’s succession to the chairmanship of the Awakened Association.

In most countries, such an announcement would have been met with ridicule.
After all, even the most influential associations couldn’t hold a candle to a government’s power.

But Korea was different.

"The Awakened Association in Korea is on a whole other level. It’s the culmination of the authority Seol Hayeon built up—something even the government can’t meddle with."
"The chairmanship there controls all Awakened individuals in the strongest country for Awakened power. That’s an insane amount of influence."

Mocking the situation was impossible given Korea’s unique circumstances.

Their position as the world’s top Awakened powerhouse, their status as a villain-free zone, and the legendary achievements of Seol Hayeon had amassed unparalleled authority.

Considering all that...

"Alright, at that level, meeting him directly wouldn’t damage my dignity."

The position of Chair of the Korean Awakened Association was that significant.
It ranked higher than a Defense Minister, comparable to—or even above—a Vice President.

Though Seol Hayeon had shown little interest in leveraging her power, the position carried immense weight.

"This works out well. Issue a statement congratulating his succession and secretly arrange a meeting. Immediately."

And so, other nations rejoiced as well.
They welcomed the news of Yujin’s succession with open arms.

Negotiating with a political figure was far more palatable than groveling before an Awakened.

[Awakened Minor Gallery]

Title: Foreign Reactions to Hypnosis Guy's Chairmanship Succession

(Photos of support statements from three nations with 0-Class villains)
"Uh, what the hell is this?"
"Why is this an official announcement?"

ㄴ lol wtfㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
ㄴ Wait, even China’s issuing support statements? Unexpected.
ㄴㄴ When you’re dealing with a global authority, you don’t have much choice…
ㄴ Why does this look like more endorsements than during a presidential election?
ㄴ At this rate, the whole world’s basically forcing him to become chairman."

The Korean public’s reaction was equally fervent.
With the world applauding them, national pride was at an all-time high.

[Minor Gallery]

Title: Hilarious Expression from Seol Hayeon, Still Funny

(Photo of Yujin sweating nervously while smiling, with Seol Hayeon in the background struggling to hold back laughter)

"Why is she even trying to hold back her laughter? LOL."
"The way she failed and ended up bursting out laughing is legendary LOL."

ㄴ "How could she hold back laughter when she's finally retiring LOL."
ㄴ 'Saying goodbye and leaving the rest for you to handle.'
ㄴㄴ "Exactly LOL."

National pride didn’t skyrocket as much as expected.

After all, everyone had already assumed Yujin would be the next Association Chair.

[Gallery]

Title: Suddenly Feeling Sorry for Hypnosis Guy…
Title: Responsibilities Without Pleasure: ON
Title: Look at Seo Yujin’s Rotten Expression LOL

There was another reason people weren’t overly excited.
To Koreans, the position of Association Chair wasn’t exactly desirable.

While other nations viewed it as a position of power capable of turning governments upside down…
neither Seol Hayeon nor Yujin seemed like the type to wield it that way.

To them, it was just a grueling job.
A thankless position with endless work and no real benefits.
And on top of that, retirement wasn’t easy without finding a successor—a role so harsh even sweatshop owners would shed tears.

That was how Koreans perceived the Chair position.

[Gallery]

Title: Seems Like It Turned Out Fine, Thumbs Up LOL
Title: If Seo Yujin Wants to Leave Korea Now, Thumbs Up
Title: ??? – “I did everything, dammit.”

Because of this, Yujin received a mix of sympathy and gratitude.

Half the people felt thankful: He could’ve just lived comfortably without taking the position, but he accepted it anyway.
The other half worried: What if this promising young man ends up stuck in Seol Hayeon’s shoes?

[Gallery]

Title: "I Will Stand in the Heavens"

(Meme of Yujin during his entrance exam, saying, "You know, I’m pretty strong.")
(Photo of Seol Hayeon in the background struggling not to laugh)

"If you want to stand, then stand LOL."
ㄴ "Don’t use such strong words…"
ㄴㄴ "How did it end up like this LOL."
ㄴㄴ ???: "The Chair is the furthest thing from freedom."
ㄴㄴ "Don’t raise power too high."
ㄴㄴ "Power exists for those who cannot live without clinging to it."
ㄴㄴ "Even retiring is slow for you."
ㄴㄴ "If Seo Yujin sues you, you’ll just have to deal with it…"

Mocking Yujin was a bonus.
Everyone knew he didn’t take the position because he wanted it.

Even Yujin himself lamented the role he was forced to inherit…

"…So, you’re saying the Chair has immunity?"
"Yes. At least regarding Awakened-related matters, you won’t face any legal consequences no matter how many people you marry."
"Oh, nice."

Contrary to people’s expectations, Yujin didn’t dislike it as much as they thought.
It was all thanks to the explanation he got from Seol Hayeon after the announcement.

"But, Chairwoman, why does the Chair have such privileges?"
"There was a time when I got arrested for destroying a building while capturing a villain. I had to grab the president by the collar to get this passed. That was in the ’90s, I think?"
"…Oh, wow."
"Anyway, the Chair is immune from legal repercussions for anything related to the Awakened society. As long as you don’t blatantly abuse it, no one will complain even if you have multiple spouses."

The Chair’s privilege: immunity for actions taken in service of the Awakened society.

Even Yujin couldn’t help but be tempted by the conditions.
After all, his wives were all Awakened, and some were even foreigners.
If he framed it as strengthening alliances with foreign nations or clans like the Cheonhwa Clan, polygamy might actually be feasible.

"You should’ve told me this sooner. I would’ve gladly accepted."
"Gladly accepted, my foot. You’d have schemed your way into creating a similar position elsewhere."
"…"
‘Why does this old lady know me better than I do?’

Of course, Yujin was still reluctant to take over as Chair.

‘Well, this isn’t so bad.’
"Alright, fine. I’ll do it."

At least the harem problem was solved. That was something.
He decided to focus on the positives.

"When does the succession happen? After I graduate?"
"Yes. You’re eligible for early graduation, so it’ll be in six months."
"…So much for enjoying campus life with my wives."
"Stop with the nonsense."
"Tch."

Thus, Yujin’s inauguration as Chair was set for this winter, right after his graduation.

"By the way, what does the Chair actually do? I’m nowhere near as capable as you, Chairwoman."
"I don’t expect you to be, nor should you be."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I realized during the EX-class Gate incident that a system relying entirely on the Chair is doomed. The Association should function even without a Chair."
"Well, that’s true."
"So your mission as Chair is to minimize your role as much as possible. Use hypnosis or whatever it takes to make the Association run without you."
"Now that’s my specialty. Leave it to me."

Yujin’s real task was to reform the Association’s overly dependent structure.
His ultimate goal: reduce his own workload.

"Good. And…"

For the next hour, Seol Hayeon gave him detailed instructions:

• Use Paimon as your secretary. She’s arrogant, but competent.
• Cancel all your lectures for the second semester to focus on the succession.
• Several nations are already requesting your presence, but decline them for now. Let this be your first achievement after taking office.

Finally, as their conversation wrapped up…

"And, um… well. This is more of a personal favor, but…"
"Yes?"
"It’s just, uh…"

—Hesitation.

"…Never mind."
‘As if I could actually ask him to look for some kind of youth elixir… What face would I even use to say that?’

Seol Hayeon had a personal request in mind, but in the end, she held back.
Even she recognized it would be far too embarrassing to bring up.

"Alright, well. If you think of anything, just let me know."
‘Well, that old lady has been through a lot. Maybe I should prepare some kind of gift for her.’

Seeing her hesitate, Yujin decided to prepare a surprise gift for her.
Eventually, it would bring her to tears of joy.

But, for now, neither of them knew what was coming.

***

‘They must be furious…’

—Creak.

"Dad, you’re finally here!"
"My dear student~ You’ve worked so hard! Come, sit down! I made dinner!"
"…What?"
"Look at his face, geez. I knew you’d look like this."
"Don’t worry, we’ve already talked it all out among ourselves. Isn’t that right, everyone?"
"Sure! Thankfully, all seven of us are on the same page."
"From now on, Dad is shared equally among the seven of us. Sounds good, right?"
"What… What is even happening here?"
"Hehe… Well, it just turned out this way, Yujin."
"………"
‘Lady Mir, don’t tell me you used hypnosis or something?’

When Yujin returned to the dormitory, he was warmly greeted by seven women.
The sincere young man had no idea that this would be his welcome.