Underground Parking Lot, Daemyung Building.
Kang-hyeok Lee stood alone, waiting for the boss of the Tiger Gang, Dong-hun Choi. While he didn't completely trust them, he was willing to take the risk for the sake of revenge. No, he had to take the risk.
The Black Dragon won't go down easily.
A convoy of black cars entered the underground parking lot moments later.
Whirrrrr.
The rear window of the car that stopped in front of Kang-hyeok slowly rolled down, revealing Dong-hun Choi's face.
"It's been a while,"
Kang-hyeok greeted with as much respect as he could muster. Despite being from a rival gang, Dong-hun was still a boss and deserved courtesy.
"Yeah, it's been a long time, Kang-hyeok."
As Dong-hun nodded, a Tiger Gang member stepped out of the car and blindfolded Kang-hyeok.
"We can't disclose our location to you. I trust you understand."
Dong-hun explained.
The car seemed to travel for quite a while. When it finally stopped and the blindfold was removed, Kang-hyeok found himself in an unfamiliar place, standing before a set of stairs leading underground.
A Tiger Gang member gestured toward the stairs, signaling him to proceed.
Kang-hyeok descended the stairs and opened the door to a small room. A round table stood in the center, and opposite the door he entered was an identical one. Through that door entered Dong-hun Choi, the boss of the Tiger Gang, and Jun-su Seo, the boss of the White Panthers.
"Damn, it's been ages since we've gathered like this. If only Tae-su were here, it'd be perfect."
Dong-hun's words expressed regret, but his expression betrayed an undercurrent of excitement.
"Get to the. point. Keep it. brief,"
Jun-su said coldly, his arms crossed.
"Still the same as ever, I see."
Dong-hun smirked, but Jun-su shot him a sidelong glance.
"Did you. call us here. to fight? If so, I'm happy. to oblige."
Tension crackled between the two bosses.
"If you want to fight, I'm game. Unlike you keyboard warriors, we prefer to settle things physically."
"Fine, then let's―"
"Stop, please. Now's not the time for this nonsense."
Kang-hyeok intervened calmly, breaking up the brewing conflict. Both bosses pulled back, their expressions begrudging but restrained.
"We're all facing a serious threat right now. As you know, with Tae-su hyung gone, the balance among the three gangs is on the verge of collapsing."
Both bosses turned their attention to Kang-hyeok.
"Explain what's going on," Dong-hun demanded, his expression turning serious.
"First, I need to share information about Cheol-Su Kim. This is him."
Kang-hyeok placed two photos on the table, which he had prepared in advance.
The two bosses examined the pictures. Seeing Cheol-Su Kim's ordinary appearance, Dong-hun scoffed.
"He looks like a total nobody. Are you telling me this loser took down Tae-su hyung, Kang-hyeok?"
Dong-hun leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs, his earlier seriousness evaporating.
"Not worth. Considering."
Jun-su Seo, equally dismissive, closed his eyes as if losing interest.
"Tch. So this is the state of the great leaders of Korea's three biggest gangs,"
Kang-hyeok thought to himself, bitterness rising within him.
Not long ago, he had been no different—letting his guard down and underestimating Cheol-Su Kim.
"If only I had been more cautious back then…"
Regret clawed at him, heavier than he had expected.
Kang-hyeok clenched his jaw.
"I won't make the same mistake twice."
To eliminate Cheol-Su Kim, he had to make these fools take him seriously.
"For now, keep this information about him between us."
Kang-hyeok said.
"Why?"
Dong-hun's confusion was evident, and Jun-su seemed equally perplexed, though he didn't show it as openly.
Kang-hyeok deliberately locked eyes with each of them, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Because Cheol-Su Kim currently possesses $10 million in cash and 40 kilograms of narcotics."
Both bosses' eyes lit up at the mention.
"And that serial killer the news keeps talking about? It's Cheol-Su Kim."
Kang-hyeok was certain of it. The method of the killings matched perfectly.
A brief silence hung in the air. Dong-hun straightened his posture, shedding his relaxed demeanor.
"Wait, you're telling me that guy is the serial killer?"
Kang-hyeok nodded.
"I believe he's a mutant. If the three gangs don't join forces, we won't stand a chance against him."
Dong-hun snapped his fingers thoughtfully.
"$10 million in cash, huh… That's enough of a reason to move."
Jun-su Seo nodded in agreement.
"No matter how strong he is, with the three gangs united, we have a real chance."
"They're only motivated by the money."
Kang-hyeok didn't care about their reasons. All that mattered was revenge.
Just as he felt a faint sense of relief, a Tiger Gang member burst into the room.
"Boss, you need to see this."
Dong-hun scowled.
"Can't you see we're in the middle of something important?"
"I'm sorry, but this is really urgent."
The Tiger Gang member handed Dong-hun a smartphone displaying breaking news.
[…The reason for the recent serial killer's murder of 'Black Dragon' boss Tae-su Jang has been revealed. Speculation suggests it is related to the large quantity of drugs submitted to the police a few days ago.]
Dong-hun and Jun-su's faces hardened as they watched the news. Kang-hyeok, too, realized the gravity of the situation.
"So all that's left now is the $10 million in cash."
Grinding his teeth, Kang-hyeok clenched his fists.
That damn bastard... He'll pay for this.
***
Over the past few days, Cheol-su had experienced a whirlwind of changes.
First, he quit his job as a civil servant. Naturally, he hadn't told his parents yet, knowing his mom would have a meltdown upon finding out.
"Ugh, how am I supposed to handle that level of disappointment?"
Just thinking about it made him break out in a cold sweat.
The reason Cheol-su decided to resign wasn't solely because he had glimpsed the future. He simply no longer wanted to live a life shackled by time, especially now that he didn't have to worry about money.
From the $10 million in cash he retrieved from Han-soo Lee's memories, he gave half—$5 million—to his parents and secured the rest.
When he showed his parents the box full of cash, they were so stunned they couldn't speak. Their reaction didn't surprise Cheol-su; he had expected it.
"W-where did you get all this money?"
His mom stammered, while his dad silently picked up a bundle of cash, his hand trembling slightly.
"I won the lottery,"
Cheol-su murmured, keeping his voice low.
"What? The lottery?"
His mom's eyes widened as she stared at him.
"Are you serious? You're not joking, right? Don't tell me… you've finally gotten involved in something illegal!"
At the word
"finally…?"
Cheol-su couldn't help but look incredulous.
Letting out a deep sigh, he pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, and whispered softly.
"It's true. I won the lottery. So please, Mom and Dad, keep this a secret. Don't suddenly start buying expensive things. And don't tell any other family members about this, okay?"
His parents nodded in unison, seemingly ready to believe him.
Cheol-su also started living with Saeya. Since he had decided to trust her, he resolved to help her as much as he could.
After all, she had her own unfortunate circumstances. Of course, that didn't change the fact that Saeya's personality was still as prickly as ever.
"Ramen! Buy me ramen! Now!"
"Do I look like your errand boy? You know where the convenience store is. Go buy it yourself!"
"If I go outside, people will stare at me because I'm too beautiful!"
As if that weren't enough, Saeya was obsessed with ramen, eating it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And her princess complex? It was on another level.
Meanwhile, the Black Dragon gang's downfall dominated headlines, sparking heated public debate.
└ The Black Dragon? Isn't that Tae-su Jang? Serves that bastard right.
└ Sure, he's a serial killer, but socially speaking, isn't he kind of a hero?
└ Handing drugs over to the police like that was seriously badass. A real dark hero.
└ What's Universe doing? No bounty on him yet?
└└ A bounty? Why bother? He's already doing their job for them.
Most comments were favorable toward Cheol-su, though a few expressed concerns.
Cheol-su was certain that the Universe Special Investigation Bureau was already aware of his actions.
"Will they really sit back and do nothing?"
He had no doubt they were on to him.
Now, only two days remained. Within those two days, he would have to kill again.
"I don't know who my next target should be."
Just pick someone from the memories you've absorbed," Saeya retorted bluntly as Cheol-su muttered to himself.
"It's not that simple. I need to establish myself as the 'Executor' soon."
"So?"
Her expression wasn't mocking or confused—it was genuinely indifferent, as if she couldn't see how that mattered.
"I want to make a more dramatic entrance. Something that'll grab attention, instill fear, and make people take notice."
Saeya nodded.
"Oh, so this is about looking cool, huh?
Cheol-su frowned.
"Look who's talking, with her princess complex."
He wanted to snap back but held his tongue.
Maintaining his disgruntled expression, Cheol-su scrolled through the internet, searching for incidents. He wanted to find someone whose actions, while perhaps legally untouchable, were morally wrong.
As he combed through community posts, a phrase caught his eye.
"Parking villain?"
Muttering to himself, he zoomed in on a photo someone had uploaded. A car blatantly blocked the entrance to an apartment's underground parking lot, its driver's audacity leaving the residents fuming. The post included a detailed address and attached photos.
"Eunha-dong, Sky View Apartments? Now that's what I call hiding in plain sight. "
Cheol-su smiled as he examined the pictures. It was perfect.
"Found it."
"Found what?"
Saeya asked casually, setting a steaming pot of ramen on the table. She had recently become obsessed with ramen.
Cheol-su raised an eyebrow at the sight but decided to answer her question.
"My next target. And the way I'll make my presence known to the world."
***
After her family's funeral, Yu-na Lee spent several days at a jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse). She couldn't summon the courage to return to the home where her family had been brutally murdered.
Sleeping among strangers only deepened her sense of isolation. The suffocating weight of despair and fear pressed on her throughout the night. Even amidst the quiet breaths of sleeping patrons, she was acutely aware of her isolation. The world was vast, and now she was completely alone.
The next day, Yu-na found herself standing in front of the headquarters of the Universe Special Investigation Bureau, almost as if she had been drawn there by an invisible force.
She had come intending to enter, but now she wasn't sure if it was the right decision. The glass facade and cold, modern architecture exuded an intimidating aura, making her hesitate.
"I might as well go in and ask for help. It's not like I have anywhere else to go."
Mustering her courage, she cautiously stepped into the building.
At the entrance, security scanners and officers guarded the premises. The interior was as sophisticated and intimidating as its exterior.
"Step this way, please."
Following the officer's guidance, she entered a body scanner.
Her belongings passed inspection without issue, offering a fleeting moment of relief. Next, it was time to go through the security gate.
"What brings you here?"
The officer manning the gate asked as he eyed her.
Yu-na pulled out the business card Geon-woo Lee had given her and showed it.
"I was told to come here with this."
The officer took the card and shone a UV light over it. A hidden, unique symbol appeared under the light. After confirming it, he made a phone call.
As Yu-na watched the meticulous verification process, she felt both nervous and impressed by the organization's thoroughness.
"What's your name?"
The officer asked.
"Yu-na Lee."
He relayed her name into the phone.
"She's confirmed."
After ending the call, the officer pressed a button, and the gate opened.
"Take the elevator on the right and go to the 8th basement floor."
The elevator was sleek, made entirely of gleaming metal. As the floor numbers descended, Yu-na's heart began to race.
'Should I turn back now, or am I making the right choice?'
When the elevator doors opened on the 8th floor, she was greeted by Geon-woo Lee, who stood waiting with a warm smile.
"You made it."
A few days ago, she had been too overwhelmed to notice, but his demeanor was remarkably kind and gentle.
"I haven't decided anything yet. I just… I just want to know what this is all about," she said hesitantly.
Geon-woo nodded understandingly.
"Of course. Ask me anything. Just coming here took a lot of courage, whether you realize it or not."
He led her to a meeting room that was clean and modern in design.
"Have a seat. Would you like some tea or coffee?"
"No, I'm fine."
When Geon-woo sat across from her, Yu-na hesitated before cautiously beginning to speak.
"What do I have to do to become an investigator?"
Geon-woo replied with a kind smile.
"You'll need to endure great pain and hardship."
Yu-na hesitated before quietly admitting,
"I have nowhere else to go, and I don't know what else to do."
"Don't worry,"
Geon-woo reassured her.
"Everything will be taken care of here—housing, training, your daily needs. You won't have to face anything alone."
A moment of silence passed. Yu-na took a deep breath and made her decision.
"I'll do it."
Geon-woo's smile stayed soft, but a resolute glint shone in his eyes.
"Welcome. This is the first step on your journey to becoming an agent of the Universe Special Investigation Bureau."