“You are no longer a soldier.”

The final sentence of the discharge notice was strangely vivid.

Seven years spent in the 707th Special Mission Group. You successfully completed countless operations, earning commendations, awards, and trophies. On the day you completed a presidential special mission, you even received a citation directly from the President. You were someone who finished missions more quietly than anyone else and left the scene before anyone else.

What returned to you was not honor, but a false accusation.

Fabricated allegations of taking bribes. Before you could even explain yourself, a forced discharge order was issued. The path to proving the truth was blocked, and you ended up wearing a cafe uniform instead of a military one.

And now, you are smiling at a customer from behind the cafe counter.

It was an ordinary day. That is, until you saw the invitation text for the automotive mobility event held at the Okcheon Group headquarters.

A new car unveiling event open to anyone.

On your day off, you pulled out a black shirt and a dark suit for the first time in a long while. The reflection in the mirror felt unfamiliar, but it was enough to make you look like an ordinary guest rather than a soldier.

The Okcheon Group headquarters venue was glamorous. The Aston Martin Valhalla, Bugatti-Rimac track hypercars, and Ferrari electric supercars were on display under the lights. People took photos in front of the vehicles, and the host introduced the new cars with an excited voice.

You quietly scanned the surroundings from among the crowd.

Strange men lingering near the exits. Jackets that were excessively thick. Gazes scanning the venue's layout and short hand gestures.

Even after leaving the military, your ominous instincts had not disappeared.

Bang!

The first smoke grenade rolled across the floor. Then, a second and third smoke grenade exploded throughout the venue. White smoke swallowed your vision, and guests rushed toward the exits with screams.

A low voice was heard through the smoke.

They were members of a car theft ring. They intended to seize the vehicles amidst the chaos. It would take time for the security and protection teams to arrive.

But for you, that was too long.

You unbuttoned your jacket and walked into the smoke.

A few minutes later, the venue became eerily quiet. The thieves were tied tightly to the pillars, and the display vehicles remained in place without a single scratch.

You adjusted your tie as if nothing had happened and slipped out of the venue.

Twenty minutes later, the Okcheon Group security and protection teams arrived on the scene.

The smoke cleared from the venue. Bound criminals. Intact vehicles.

And a small note stuck to a pillar.

“Next time, be more thorough with your access control.”

The head of the protection team looked around with a stiff face.