May 30, 2035

  Dmitry Medvedev and Andreyev followed Gamamusa behind the conference stage curtain into a room. Several chairs were arranged, occupied by prominent Russian figures. A projector cast light, and a screen hung for presentations. “…A briefing room? It’s small. I expected something grander for such VIPs,” Medvedev mused, stroking his chin. Some attendees recognized him, greeting warmly. “…Oh, hello, Your Excellency! Long time no see,” a young woman said, offering a handshake. Medvedev recognized her. “…Olga Alexei Grekov, right? I heard about your father. Such a tragedy.”

  He shook her hand. Gamamusa placed a hand on Olga’s shoulder, turning to Medvedev. “…I was about to introduce Olga. As you know, Dmitry Grekov is dead. Olga will take over as Renya Group’s majority shareholder. So, what do you think about taking her as your goddaughter?” Medvedev nodded. “…Yes, I got your email. You asked me to take Grekov’s daughter under my wing for protection. I accept. Renya Group is a company I’ve wanted to invest in, so having its main shareholder on my side is a bonus.” Medvedev extended his hand, and Olga shook it.

  …

  March 29, 2035

  “…This is Olga Alexei Grekov, Dmitry Alexei Grekov’s daughter,” Jung Min-ju said, pointing to Olga’s face on a presentation screen. NIS Director Bae Jung-gil looked puzzled. “…What’s she got to do with this operation? I thought her father was the target.” Jung Min-ju grimaced. “…It seems Dmitry plans to transfer his wealth to her. If that happens, our efforts to catch him are pointless. Olga would become Renya Group’s majority shareholder. His will is in a Swiss bank. To get it, we need to grab Dmitry first.” Bae leaned on his chin, eyeing her.

  “…Look, Jung Min-ju. You remember what the Reconnaissance General Bureau said?” She nodded quietly. “…They told us to stay out. Yes, I know. But why should we listen to them?” Bae smirked, incredulous. “…Agent Jung, are you confused? We got involved investigating ‘Lee Yeol-gi.’ That led to North Korean spy intel, so we dug deeper. But Gamamusa? He’s a traitor who committed murders in North Korea. Why should we chase him?”

  Jung Min-ju sighed. “…He came to our country and spread poison gas in a school. Victims still get headaches when they lie or curse.” Bae pressed his forehead. “…That again? The school incident was ruled mass hysteria. How long will you obsess over it?” Jung Min-ju looked up. “…He’s a threat to our nation. If you won’t send me, I’ll resign and investigate myself.” Bae laughed, stunned. “…You’re insane. Absolutely nuts.” Tapping the desk, he stared. “…You sure about this? Fail, and you’re out of the NIS.” Jung Min-ju nodded. “…I’m sure.”

  …

  April 18, 2035

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Kang Min-cheol, sweating beside Lieutenant Colonel Bruno Mendeira, barked orders into a radio. “…Bravo Team, move in from the north. This is our ninth Dmitry Grekov capture.” He eyed the favela’s alley stairs, packed with shanties. Soon, special forces dragged out a man resembling Grekov. Lifting his head, they revealed a wig—and a bald head. “…Bald,” Kang sighed, turning to the back seat. “…Got nothing to say? I know you speak Portuguese, so don’t try slipping away. These guys are pros at interrogation.”

  Baek Hyung-jin and Ko A-young stared silently. Baek sighed. “…Look, mister. You think Dmitry will just let you catch him? What do you even want from us?” Kang grabbed his collar. “…What do I want? Watch your mouth, punk. You know how many people I’ve lost to that bastard? Think I’ll let him walk?” Baek rolled his eyes. “…Heard you got wrecked by Gamamusa in 2005 and 2025. Maybe quit the Reconnaissance Bureau? You’re gonna lose anyway.” Thwack! Kang punched Baek’s face. Startled, Ko A-young lunged, biting Kang’s wrist. “Argh!” Kang recoiled, clutching it. Bruno frowned. “(Portuguese) …Hey, interrogations happen in the room, not here. Keep it down.”

  Kang glared at Baek, fuming. “…Just wait. I’ll catch and crush him.” Baek smirked. “…How? You know the NIS is involved.” Kang shook his head. “…Damn it, I know… Agent Jung Min-ju… Didn’t want to meet like this.” A figure emerged from the favela alley. Bruno watched, curious. “(Portuguese) …Hey, that’s an Asian, right? Someone you know?” Kang chuckled, lowering the window. A face leaned in. “…Long time, Kang Min-cheol. How’s it going?” Jung Min-ju glanced at Ko A-young in the back. “…Well, look at that—the thief’s here too. Did I crash your date?”

  https://novel.naver.com/challenge/detail?novelId=1180586&volumeNo=83