The Hero is Hunting me!-Chapter 86: The Seven Who Judge from the Dark

In a dark room.

A small, deep-blue spotlight flickered to life, casting a cold glow downward. The light revealed a circular table positioned perfectly within the reach of the spotlight’s illumination. Everything beyond that circle was swallowed by darkness, as if the shadows themselves were listening.

A woman spoke first.

Her voice was elegant, calm, and beautiful, carrying an almost hypnotic charm.

"So... what is our plan going forward?"

A man responded, his voice steady and slightly irritated.

"What do you mean by that? Our plan is already nearly eighty percent complete—thanks to someone."

Before he could continue, another woman interrupted him.

"Someone? Are you talking about that villain named Indigo?"

Another male voice joined in, this one noticeably heavier, with a jovial yet crude tone.

"Oh! I know him! He’s that villain who’s been rising in fame lately!"

At that exact moment, a different male voice cut in sharply.

"You should really reduce your eating habits. Your stomach keeps getting bigger by the day."

"What’s wrong with that!? I like eating, you know!?"

Suddenly—

BANG!

The sound of a fist slamming against the table echoed through the room.

A man spoke, his voice loud, commanding, and absolute.

"Silence."

An overwhelming aura burst forth from him, crushing the atmosphere. The pressure was so intense that everyone in the room immediately fell silent and straightened in their seats. It felt as if breathing itself had become heavier.

The man spoke again.

"Bahemot, you would do well to listen to what Hopper says."

"Y-yes..."

This room was occupied by seven individuals.

Seven beings who possessed mysterious and terrifying power.

Each of them wielded strength far beyond normal comprehension.

Yet among them, there was one who ruled above all others.

The Sin of Wrath.

Aeron.

These seven individuals were collectively known as the Seven Deadly Sins.

At the center of the table sat Aeron, the embodiment of Wrath. His presence alone radiated dominance, his crimson eyes glowing faintly even in the dim light.

To his side sat a beautiful woman with long, flowing pink hair. Her posture was relaxed, her smile seductive.

The Sin of Lust.

Hestina.

Beside Hestina sat a woman with deep navy-blue hair. She sat with her arms crossed calmly, her gaze sharp and calculating.

The Sin of Envy.

Kelva.

Across from Kelva sat a man with a bloated body, his eyes narrowed by layers of fat. A golden crown rested proudly atop his head.

The Sin of Gluttony.

Bahemot.

Next to Bahemot sat a man whose head rested directly on the table. His eyes were dull, dark circles forming heavy shadows beneath them.

The Sin of Sloth.

Hopper.

Beside Hopper was a man with golden hair and gold-plated teeth. His fingers were adorned with numerous golden rings that gleamed even in the dim light.

The Sin of Greed.

Anavel.

Lastly, sitting near Kelva, was a man with long brown hair reaching his shoulders. He wore a red mantle that flowed down to the floor, exuding dignity and arrogance.

The Sin of Pride.

Denove.

Hestina gently wrapped her arms around Aeron’s, pressing herself against him with a teasing smile.

"Darling~ you shouldn’t get so angry~"

From the side, Kelva felt a sharp sting of jealousy. She clenched her fist beneath the table, careful not to let anyone see.

Aeron exhaled slowly, his aura calming slightly.

"Yes... you’re right. I shouldn’t let my anger take over."

Denove spoke up, his tone thoughtful.

"But if you think about it... that Indigo fellow has been extremely helpful to the progression of our plan. What should we do about him?"

Aeron frowned, resting his chin on his hand as he thought.

"I don’t know yet... but one thing is certain. He will become a threat to us in the future. Even if he’s helping our plan now, there’s a very high chance he’ll obstruct us later."

His eyes gleamed with cold intent.

"So I want him dead."

Kelva immediately raised her right hand.

"Me! I can kill him!"

Aeron glanced at her.

"No, Kelva. You’ve already contributed more than enough to this team. I want someone who rarely contributes."

Hearing that, Kelva looked disappointed. She slowly lowered her hand and spoke quietly.

"Alright then..."

Aeron’s gaze shifted toward Hopper.

"Hopper."

There was no response.

Hopper was asleep, his head resting on the table.

Aeron’s irritation surged once more.

BANG!

He slammed the table again.

"Hopper!! You dare sleep at a time like this!?"

Hopper jolted awake, his body trembling.

"I-I’m sorry, Aeron... I was too sleepy..."

Aeron sighed deeply before speaking again.

"You are the one who contributes the least to this team. I want you to go and kill Indigo."

Hopper’s eyes widened.

"What!? B-but... why me!?"

"Hah... haven’t I already told you? You are the least useful member of this group."

Hopper’s face drooped, exhaustion and frustration mixing together.

"Do it. Or leave this team forever."

Aeron’s voice was firm, absolute. His eyes glowed red, burning with authority.

Cold sweat ran down Hopper’s back.

He looked around the table.

Every single member was staring at him, their eyes sharp and glowing red with silent pressure.

"U-ugh... alright... I’ll do it..."

Hopper stood from his seat and began walking toward the exit.

’tch... damn it... because of that man named Indigo... I’m losing my precious sleeping time... I’ll kill him quickly and go back to sleep’

He thought angrily as he left the room.

Three days later.

High above the skies of Russia, near Moscow.

Hopper was flying lazily through the air, heading toward Korea. His movements were slow, his posture sloppy, as if flying itself was an inconvenience.

"Hah... this is taking way too long... how am I supposed to fly faster to reach Korea?"

He muttered, clearly exhausted.

Suddenly—

A blur shot through the sky.

In an instant, someone appeared directly in front of Hopper, blocking his path.

Hopper gasped and immediately stopped midair.

He stared at the figure before him.

"Who are you!? How dare you block my path!?"

The clouds covering the man’s face slowly parted.

It was Boris.

He floated calmly with his arms crossed, his gaze sharp and authoritative.

"State your identity and your purpose."

Boris’s voice was cold, firm, and commanding.

’u-ugh... I can feel it... this man’s power... it’s at least equal to Aeron’

Hopper thought, his body beginning to tremble.

"M-my name is Luke... from England... I’m heading to Korea..."

Boris stared at him intensely.

His brow furrowed.

"You’re lying. How dare you lie to me?"

Hopper froze.

’w-what!? How does he know I’m lying!?’

His panic intensified.

"U-uhm... my real name is Hopper... Luke is just an alias..."

Boris continued.

"Then why are you going to Korea?"

"A-ah! I just want to relax there... I heard the scenery is beautiful, so I wanted to visit..."

The crease on Boris’s forehead deepened.

"You’re lying."

’iiii!! He knows again!? What do I do!? Ugh... I have to tell the truth...’

"U-uhm... actually... I’m going to Korea because I want to kill a villain named Indigo..."

Boris’s eyes widened.

Then—

He burst into loud laughter.

’w-what? Why is this weird man laughing? What’s so funny?’

Hopper thought, completely confused.

Boris eventually stopped laughing and spoke.

"You? You want to kill Indigo? Don’t dream too big."

"W-what do you mean?"

"Well... even if I explained it, you wouldn’t understand."

Hopper grew even more confused.

"Even though Indigo could defeat you easily, since you’re passing through his allied territory—I will be the one to defeat you first."

’w-what!? This insane man is Indigo’s ally!?’

Boris slammed his fists together, smiling with fierce enthusiasm.

"The enemy of my friend is my enemy as well!"

He declared boldly, his aura surging through the sky.