16-316

EP.316 The Masochist’s First Step (4) 

The old terrorist no, the Director began forming an organization after that day. 

He gathered talents from all over the world, 

and soon filled the ranks with no less than ten executives. 

Sahwa was both impressed and amazed to find herself among those ten. 

According to the Director, the executives held authority second only to the Director himself  

and particularly, she wielded a power invisible to others. 

To treat someone who might someday betray him this well felt suspicious. 

‘Something’s fishy.’ 

Though she made a deal with the Director, Sahwa honestly trusted him not even 1%. 

Just some perverted geezer who lucked into an Erotic Item that’s all she thought of him. 

Still, Sahwa worked in silence, secretly hoping for a world where the Director would die 

so she could place her chosen “king” on the throne. 

‘It’s truly strange.’ 

Half the executives had already fallen to the common sense alteration, 

the other half, like her, had not. 

Were there really this many perverts like her in the world? 

She was dumbfounded, but it didn’t matter whether they fell under the effect or not  

as long as they didn’t get in her way, she had no contact with the others. 

“Hey, Sahwa.” 

“What is it, Director?” 

Though she was formally respectful, Sahwa replied in a flat voice. 

Most would bristle at such treatment, 

but the Director only laughed as if entertained. 

“Your attitude is always refreshing.” 

“Isn’t there business to discuss?” 

“Oh, right. I'm getting old and forgetful.” 

Sahwa looked down at the Director, struggling to stand with his cane. 

He seemed ready to die at any moment. 

She was tempted by a sudden murderous thought a little push and she could end him now. 

But she calmed herself and listened. 

“Tomorrow, the Common Sense Alteration Device will activate worldwide.” 

“So the day has finally come.” 

Her longed-for utopia. 

For the first time, Sahwa allowed herself a flush of emotion. 

Sensing it, the Director gave a sly smile, 

placing a brown paper bag in front of her. 

“What’s this…?” 

“A gift. I heard you first wore a cow-pattern bikini as your erotic costume, 

so this is a custom-made version using all the tech at my disposal.” 

She cautiously opened it to find a dangerously minimal cow-print bikini, 

measuring just enough to cover but fitting her perfectly. 

It truly felt as if it had been made just for her. 

“It won’t tear easily and is highly waterproof. You’ll be able to wear it a long time.” 

“Why give me this? Are you hoping for my sympathy?” 

The Director paused for a moment. 

He hobbled to the big glass window, staring outside with a gaze full of compassion. 

He didn’t look like a lunatic out to pervert the world at all. 

Why was he really doing this? 

For the first time, Sahwa questioned his motives. 

At first, she thought he just wanted a pervert’s world. 

But after working with him for so long, almost as a secretary, 

she sensed there was more to it. 

And the look in his eyes seemed to confirm her suspicions. 

“In the future, many Erotic Items will appear all over the world. 

With each one, chaos will spread. 

If they’re used just for sex, maybe that’s fine. 

But the problem is, they’ll also fuel all sorts of crime.” 

Sahwa couldn’t respond. 

She understood the dangers she’d joined the special forces to use one responsibly. 

But she doubted others would be so careful. 

If only criminals used them, could they really be called Erotic Items at all? 

“At least I think this: Erotic Items shine when used for lewd purposes.” 

“That’s still a crime.” 

“Better than murder or harming others, isn’t it?” 

“So you intend to be a necessary evil?” 

In that brief conversation, 

Sahwa pressed him with sharp questions, gauging his reaction. 

“Hmph, necessary evil? I’m nothing more than a perverted old man who likes dirty things.” 

“...Is that so.” 

Was he sincere or just acting? 

Sahwa wavered for a moment, but resolved it didn’t matter  

her goal didn’t change. 

When the Director died, her king would take his place. 

There was nothing else she cared about. 

“If the person I make king isn’t who you want, what then?” 

“Hm?” 

No sooner had she spoken than Sahwa clapped her hand to her mouth in shock. 

She hadn’t meant to say that it just slipped out. 

Even the Director stared up at her, surprised. 

Then he smiled gently, 

sat down, and rested his tired body. 

“It doesn’t matter. If it’s your choice, I’m sure they’ll be as perverted as me.” 

“I see…” 

For the first time, Sahwa felt guilt. 

She didn’t trust the Director at all, 

but he showed unwavering faith in her. 

Why did he trust her so much? 

“Thank you. I’ll treasure it.” 

“Good.” 

She hugged the bikini bag to her, at a loss for anything more to say. 

Two years passed since the world’s common sense was rewritten. 

Now, new problems appeared: 

Erectile dysfunction from excessive ejaculation, 

sperm becoming diluted, even azoospermia. 

The world was thrown into chaos. 

“Director, here’s the report ” 

Cough! 

“Director!” 

As Sahwa handed over a report, the Director doubled over in a fit of coughing. 

Blood-streaked saliva stained his hand. 

His aged body could take no more. 

“Sahwa, summon all the executives.” 

“...Understood.” 

Without a moment’s hesitation, she gathered them all in the conference room. 

Though scattered across countries, no one refused to attend. 

They gathered ahead of schedule, all sensing something was off. 

“Haha, sorry for calling you all during such busy times.” 

“Director, are you alright?!” 

Sahwa wheeled the Director in, and everyone crowded worriedly around. 

He waved them off, 

then eyed each executive carefully. 

“I have something to tell you all.” 

“We’re ready, sir. Just give the order.” 

One spoke up, and the others nodded as well. 

Sahwa simply watched quietly, 

while some of the others shot her glares  

but when she met their eyes, they quickly looked away. 

“I'll be gone soon. So please, find my successor.” 

“Director, what are you saying? If we try, your life could still be saved…” 

“No, my time is up and I accept it.” 

Everyone fell silent. 

With enough tech, he might have lived longer, 

but the Director chose to accept his fate. 

“Each executive will pick one successor. That will be my last will.” 

“Understood, sir. We’ll find someone to carry on your vision.” 

Sahwa reflected: 

How many really meant that? 

Or would they just try to control the next Director for their own gain? 

‘Well, I’m no different.’ 

She lacked respect or loyalty herself. 

So she simply kept her mouth shut and watched. 

When things seemed to be wrapping up, 

the Director spoke again. 

“And let only Sahwa witness my last moments.” 

“!” 

“Director, what do you mean? Why her, of all people?!” 

Some protested, 

but no one was more surprised than Sahwa herself. 

She had the right to inherit his Erotic Items when he died  

but assumed that was just bait; she never expected him to follow through. 

“This is not a request. It is an order.” 

“...Understood.” 

The others acquiesced, 

though their jealousy now boiled over towards Sahwa  

she brushed it off as petty. 

Angry, the others left one by one. 

“Why did you do this, Director?” 

Alone together at last, Sahwa’s voice trembled. 

Not with anger at being left to mediate disputes, 

but disbelief that he would truly keep the promise made that day. 

“Didn’t I promise? When I die, take my Erotic Item.” 

“You didn’t have to…” 

He patted Sahwa’s hand. 

“I can’t tell you how much I suffered for my own twisted desires. Knowing you’re the same, I wanted to spare you that pain.” 

“Director…” 

“Please, be happy. For me, you’re more family than any daughter or grandchild.” 

At those words, Sahwa knelt and gripped his hand, 

bowing her head in repentance or prayer. 

“Truly... I’m so sorry, Director…” 

It was the first time she addressed him with respect. 

He said nothing, only comforted her warmly. 

A few days later, after the Director’s funeral, all the executives gathered. 

Each presented their chosen candidate, 

along with a measure of their “pervert power.” 

Sahwa barely listened  

she just gazed at the Infinite Stamina she now possessed, lost in thought. 

Would the Director’s world survive? 

Or be ruined by others? 

Uncertainty about the future loomed, 

and as the time came to reveal her own candidate’s perversion score  

【Name – Kim Jinwoo】 

【Pervert Power – SSS rank】 

【Sadist – Incapable of measurement】 

Everyone was speechless. 

Even Sahwa's astonishment was clear on her face. 

Had the Director foreseen this future all along? 

Was this why he made his suggestion at the start? 

Lost in thought, Sahwa left the room with a faint smile. 

‘Director, it looks like this is your victory after all. The world will remain as you wished.’ 

For once, Sahwa smiled in satisfaction, 

facing the future with a hint of hope.