Chapter 12 – A Step into the Lion’s Den

Taro spent the next few days preparing for his transfer. Despite the excitement from his coworkers, a nagging feeling wouldn't leave him. It was all too sudden. Too convenient. But questioning it wouldn't change the fact that he had to go.

By the end of the week, he stood in front of headquarters—an intimidating skyscraper in the heart of the city. The glass windows reflected the sky, making it look like it stretched into eternity.

Taro exhaled. "Alright… let's do this."

He stepped inside, and the difference was immediate. The lobby was nothing like the small branch he had worked at. Everything gleamed—polished floors, elegant lighting, and employees dressed like they belonged to a whole different world.

As he approached the front desk, a woman in a sleek uniform greeted him with a professional smile. "Fujimura Taro?"

"Yes."

"Welcome to headquarters. The Director would like to meet you before you begin."

Taro stiffened. The Director? Why would someone that high up want to meet him?

"This way, please."

---

Taro followed the woman through an eerily quiet hallway. The deeper they went, the heavier the atmosphere became. Something about this place felt off.

Finally, they stopped in front of a set of dark wooden doors.

The woman knocked once before pushing them open. "Director Asano, Mr. Fujimura has arrived."

Taro stepped inside cautiously.

The office was massive, but it wasn't the luxury that made him freeze—it was the man behind the desk.

A presence so intense, it was suffocating.

Rylan Daemon Asano.

The man leaned back in his chair, his ruby-red eyes locking onto Taro with an unreadable expression. The slight smirk tugging at his lips sent a chill down Taro's spine.

"So… you're the one."

Taro had no idea what that meant, but something told him—

His life had just stepped into dangerous territory.