He had half a month to prepare before relocating to the headquarters in another city. The process took a considerable amount of time, but during his final days, Luca still made time to visit his neighbors, bidding them farewell with small gifts. The neighbor who had once encouraged him to apply to G Queen smiled happily, knowing that he had played a role in Luca's transformation. They shared a small farewell drink together—just five glasses of wine—but the warmth of that moment lingered in Luca's heart.

During his last days at work, his colleagues organized a farewell party. It was both a celebration and a send-off for Luca. He felt that life, as it was now, was enough—simple yet fulfilling. Immersed in the lively gathering, he realized that these small steps were leading him toward a brighter future.

Luca stood in front of the corporate headquarters, right in the heart of the city's most bustling boulevard. Behind him, traffic flowed endlessly, and the bright lights of street lamps and digital billboards created an atmosphere of never-ending activity. He lifted his gaze toward the towering twin skyscrapers, so tall they seemed to pierce the sky. This building was more than just an architectural marvel; it was a symbol of prosperity and the nation's extraordinary growth.

The golden letters spelling G QUEEN gleamed proudly against the reflective glass facade, shimmering under the sunlight as if boldly declaring its dominance and power—an ultimate peak that countless people dreamed of reaching. Standing before such grandeur, Luca couldn't help but feel small. Yet, at the same time, a spark of excitement ignited within him, a fierce hope surging through his veins.

"This is where my new journey begins," he told himself, taking a deep breath before stepping through the grand doors, ready to face the challenges and triumphs awaiting him.

The moment he walked into the building, he was greeted by a world entirely different from the bustling streets outside. The grand lobby was overwhelming in its magnificence—high ceilings adorned with glittering crystal chandeliers, polished marble floors that reflected every step, and towering glass walls offering a view of the city's restless energy.

He swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves in the midst of such an imposing setting. Suddenly, a professional-looking woman in uniform approached him with a warm smile.

"Mr. Luca, correct? I'll guide you through the procedures and contract signing in the HR department. Please follow me."

Luca nodded in gratitude and followed her, making an effort to take in every detail of the building, as if grounding himself against his nervousness. After completing the necessary paperwork, he stepped out of the HR office, feeling a little more at ease.

At that moment, his eyes landed on a small crowd gathered in the distance. They seemed to be surrounding someone. Luca narrowed his eyes for a better look, and his heartbeat quickened when he recognized the familiar figure.

"Mr. Victor!"

At the sound of his voice, the crowd parted slightly, revealing a middle-aged man with a dignified aura and sharp eyes. It was Victor—the very person who had interviewed him a year ago.

"Oh, Luca!" Victor turned, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he spotted him.

Without hesitation, Luca approached, his eyes gleaming with joy. The two engaged in an animated conversation. Victor placed a hand on Luca's shoulder, his voice filled with pride.

"I knew I wasn't wrong about you. You're outstanding."

The words of praise made Luca blush slightly. He scratched his head, feeling a bit shy.

"You flatter me, sir. I still have a lot to learn."

Victor merely smiled, his gaze brimming with trust, as if placing great expectations on Luca's future.

The Next Morning

Luca left his apartment feeling excited but also slightly anxious. The city was vast, its streets weaving like an intricate maze that he had yet to familiarize himself with. He wandered, trying to locate the bus station, but soon found himself lost in a quiet street, far from the usual clamor of traffic.

As he looked around in mild frustration, his eyes landed on a small roadside coffee stand. A middle-aged woman, her expression kind and gentle, was preparing drinks beside her simple cart. Deciding to ask for directions, he approached.

"Excuse me, ma'am, could you tell me the way to the bus station?" he asked politely.

The woman smiled and gave him precise directions. Before leaving, he expressed his gratitude by purchasing a cup of coffee. With the warm drink in hand, he bowed slightly in thanks and resumed his journey, following the path she had pointed out.

But after only a few steps, a sudden roar of an engine shattered the stillness.

A black car sped past him at an alarming speed, its tires screeching against the pavement. The sound was sharp, almost unbearable. But what happened next was even more shocking—the car swerved violently, as if it had lost control.

Before Luca could process what was happening, another vehicle shot out from behind at an insane speed. In an instant, it rammed into the rear of the first car. The impact was deafening. Glass shattered, metal twisted, and both vehicles were flung to opposite sides of the street.

Luca stood frozen, his heart pounding wildly. The scene felt like something straight out of an action movie, yet it was horrifyingly real. A few bystanders began rushing toward the wreck, shouting for help. Without hesitation, Luca placed his coffee down and hurried forward.

The road was eerily silent except for the faint hissing of an engine leaking fuel. The second car appeared undamaged, but the first was completely wrecked—its windshield shattered, smoke rising from the hood like a ghostly wisp.

The driver's door of the wrecked car burst open. A man stumbled out, his white shirt drenched in blood. His eyes burned with madness.

And in his trembling hand was a gun.

Luca's breath caught in his throat. A real gun? Or a fake? The thought spun in his head, but the sheer terror gripping his body told him it didn't matter. His hands shook as he fumbled to dial 110.

The man let out a ragged snarl, his voice hoarse and filled with hatred.

"Today, it ends. One of us dies!"

He lifted the gun, aiming it directly at the second vehicle. But the person inside hadn't moved. Luca's palms grew slick with sweat. Were they injured? Or worse... already dead?

Summoning his courage, he shouted, his voice hoarse, "Hey! Don't do anything reckless! I've already called the police!"

The man snapped his head toward Luca, his wild eyes locking onto him.

Luca held up his phone, trying to prove his words. But as the man's gaze darkened, Luca realized—too late—that he had just drawn attention to himself. Before he could react, a brutal kick slammed into his stomach, knocking him to the ground. His head spun.

"Who the hell do you think you are, meddling in my business?!" the man snarled, his gun swinging back toward the other car.

Luca groaned, trying to get up, but his body refused to cooperate. Every breath sent sharp pain through his ribs. As he struggled to move, a shadow loomed behind the armed man.

A tall figure.

Luca's breath hitched. His mind reeled. Who is she...? How is she so tall?

She wasn't like any woman he had ever seen. Towering at nearly 1.9 meters, she exuded an aura of sheer dominance. Dressed in a sleek black suit, she moved with the precision of a warrior emerging from the shadows. Every step radiated control, as if she commanded the very air around her.

The armed man finally sensed her presence. He spun, gun raised.

"Wait—!" Luca shouted.

But the gunshot had already rung out.

A deafening blast split the air.

Yet the bullet never found its target.

Before the man could react, a ruthless kick struck his chest, sending him staggering backward. Then, in a blur of motion, she struck—her hand slicing through the air like a blade.

Her fingers plunged into his throat.

A strangled gasp escaped him. His head jerked back violently.

Then—