When Dante discovered the job posting, he hadn't expected to receive a response so quickly. Just the day before, he had his interview with the head of HR, and today, he was already supposed to start his assignment.
Well, he was used to reacting quickly to new jobs. Often, he was on the move just an hour after receiving confirmation. That was nothing unusual when working as a mercenary. Even during his time in the military, there had rarely been much preparation time—decisions were made, orders executed, missions completed. Speed had become second nature to him.
So, adapting wasn't a problem. If anything, his life had prepared him precisely for moments like this.
His new assignment was clear: protect the son of a wealthy businessman.
It wasn't the first time he had worked as a bodyguard. Over the years, he had protected many clients—some more prominent than others. But one thing had always remained the same: he finished his jobs successfully. Not a single assignment had ever slipped through his fingers. A fact he was quite proud of.
Dante was efficient, professional, and dutiful. That was exactly why he was here.
What did surprise him, however, was the sheer size of the company he was now working for.
Just like the day before, he found himself staring in awe at the towering, imposing building where countless employees worked daily on the research and production of pharmaceuticals. Aeternum Pharmaceuticals—the most powerful pharmaceutical corporation in the country. The sheer presence of this company was intimidating.
No wonder it had slowly but surely pushed its competitors out of the market. No one seemed able to stand against this empire for long. Dante had done his homework and knew that both the CEO and his son had already been targeted in multiple assassination attempts.
Where there was money, there were always rivals and envy. That was an inevitable truth, no matter how much good someone did for society. And Aeternum Pharmaceuticals was, without a doubt, a company that provided the city with groundbreaking medicine.
Dante exhaled quietly. It wasn't his job to think about the bigger picture. His job was to protect his employer's son—nothing more, nothing less.
Even though he would have preferred to report directly to the boss of this massive empire.
He just hoped the son wasn't a spoiled, temperamental brat.
But even if he was, Dante could handle it. After all, he was a professional.
He stepped through the building's large glass doors and found himself in a spacious, elegantly designed lobby. The ceilings were high, the walls adorned with intricate decorations, and the furniture radiated a sense of understated yet unmistakable luxury. The CEO clearly knew how to invest his money—and not just in research and development.
The employees he passed didn't seem stressed or unhappy. An unusual sight for a company of this size. He had worked for many corporations before, and often, you could read the pressure and frustration on the faces of the staff. Here, however, it seemed different.
That piqued his curiosity.
But in the end, it was irrelevant.
He directed his attention toward the reception desk and approached it with steady steps. Time to take on his new assignment.
It was a habit of Dante's to closely observe the people around him. Those who noticed anomalies early had an easier time reacting to unexpected events later.
Like assassination attempts, for example.
As he neared the reception, he saw a petite woman applying fresh lipstick. She was attractive, though it was hardly surprising that a company of this caliber would place a charming and appealing woman as the first point of contact.
Anything else would have been more surprising to him.
"Good evening," he greeted her in a calm voice.
The receptionist flinched slightly, as if she had been caught doing something she shouldn't. But just a second later, a professional smile graced her perfectly made-up lips.
"Good day, how can I—oh! It's you!" she finally recognized him, her smile turning warm. "I see you got the job?"
Dante returned a slight smile. "Looks like it. I have a meeting with Mr. Vale in half an hour."
"You're quite early," the receptionist noted. "Why don't you take a seat over there for a moment? I'll call someone to escort you upstairs."
She gestured toward a seating area with plush, inviting armchairs and immediately reached for the phone to make the necessary arrangements.
"Thank you," Dante said politely and made his way toward the seating area.
But he didn't sit down. The armchairs looked tempting, but he had the feeling that doing so would make him seem lazy—and that was not an option for him. He was here to work, and he wanted every part of his demeanor to reflect how seriously he took his new role.
Instead, he stepped to the window and let his gaze wander over the bustling city. Rush hour was in full swing, people hurried through the streets, eager to get home as quickly as possible. It had been a long time since he last worked in a city of this size.
Like most metropolises, this one was primarily powered by steam. Still, he had heard rumors about a newly developed fuel that was supposed to be more efficient than steam. Maybe he'd be lucky enough to see one of these new vehicles in action.
With all the rising steam, there was barely any greenery visible in the streets. A stark contrast to this pharmaceutical giant, which clearly took great care to surround its building with trees and flowers. Another sign of just how much money the boss spent to present his company in the best possible light.
Must be nice to be rich, Dante thought, to be able to afford something like this so effortlessly.
"Mr. Halcyon?" A male voice suddenly pulled him from his thoughts.
Dante turned around and found himself facing a secretary, dressed just as sharply and stylishly as the receptionist. The man carried a polite yet subtle smile and nodded at him respectfully.
"Please, follow me."
"After you," Dante replied, falling into step behind the secretary as they approached a small elevator.
With a brief press of a button, the highest floor was selected.
Floor 102.
From the outside, the building already appeared imposing, but Dante hadn't expected it to be this tall. It didn't surprise him that the top executive had his office all the way at the top. The building was probably the tallest in the city—the view must be breathtaking.
The elevator itself was entirely made of glass, yet it maintained a comfortable warmth. As he looked outside, the city lay practically at his feet. The lights, stretching endlessly across streets and buildings, suddenly seemed small and insignificant.
He let his gaze wander. No other building appeared to come even close to this height. That made it all the more difficult for snipers to execute an assassination attempt on the boss.
Perhaps that was the reason Dante had been hired to protect the son rather than the CEO himself. Because the boss felt safe in his office, while his son moved beyond this fortress, making him more vulnerable?
With a soft ding!, they reached their destination. The doors slid open smoothly, and the secretary stepped ahead, with Dante silently following.
The top floor was in a league of its own—an oasis of elegance and extravagance. Every detail seemed meticulously thought out. The employees were all exquisitely dressed, and Dante, with his more militaristic appearance, felt somewhat out of place.
The security guards stood out to him the most. They wore tailored suits that allowed them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. However, unlike the rest of the staff, their attire was so subtly designed that to an untrained eye, they were nearly invisible. But to Dante, with his keen perception, they were easy to spot. Each of them was strategically positioned—forming an almost impenetrable security net.
He had to admit, the security was pretty well-organized. If an assassin attempted to approach the boss, they likely wouldn't even get close.
Impressive.
At last, the secretary opened a grand door and gestured for Dante to enter. He followed inside and headed directly toward the boss.
"Mr. Halcyon is here, Master."
Master? So this man wasn't just an ordinary secretary—more like a butler, then?
"I'm glad you're here, Mr. Halcyon," the boss greeted him, his voice carrying both authority and composure.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vale. Just Dante is fine," he replied, stepping closer.
"Good. Then please, have a seat, Dante," Vale said, motioning toward an elegant seating area.
"I'd rather stand, thank you."
Vale smiled firmly. "I insist that you sit."
With slight reluctance, Dante finally took a seat. Vale settled into the chair across from him, while the security guards subtly repositioned themselves.
"Would you like something to drink?" Vale asked in a friendlier tone, nodding toward the butler. "Thomas makes an excellent coffee."
"Coffee sounds good," Dante replied.
Thomas, the butler, gave a polite bow and exited the office. Vale glanced briefly at his wristwatch.
"My son should be arriving shortly. On Wednesdays, he spends time at the city clinic to care for a few patients," Vale said, his expression softening. It was clear that he spoke of his son with pride. Then, his focus returned entirely to Dante.
His expression turned businesslike, and his sharp green eyes scrutinized him intently. Vale was a handsome man in his mid-forties, with short black hair that had a single silver streak at his left temple. His hair was elegantly styled back, his skin lightly tanned, with fine laugh lines that added a touch of charm. He looked as healthy and flawless as one would expect from a multimillionaire CEO.
Dante estimated that Vale had spent a fortune on his tailored suit—though it appeared simple, it was undoubtedly of the finest quality.
"You were already briefed on your assignment yesterday, as I understand," Vale continued.
Dante nodded. "I'm here to protect your son."
"Exactly. This task will essentially become your new purpose in life. You will never leave my son's side—except when you take your well-earned rest." Vale leaned forward slightly. "You will accompany him in everything he does."
At that moment, Thomas reentered the room, placing two cups of steaming coffee on the table—one in front of Vale, the other in front of Dante. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee immediately filled the air.
"That smells excellent. Thank you, Thomas," Vale said.
Thomas bowed once more and discreetly left the room.
Dante picked up the cup, letting the rising steam wash over him for a moment before glancing at Vale thoughtfully. "Is there a specific reason for such close surveillance?"
Normally, bodyguards worked in shifts to ensure continuous protection. But assigning a single guard to stay at the client's side nearly around the clock was highly unusual.
Vale exhaled quietly, his gaze growing momentarily heavier. "My son is my only heir—and that makes him a constant target for assassination attempts. I won't lie to you, Dante. Many of your predecessors have lost their lives while protecting him." He let those words sink in for a moment before continuing. "Still, I want him to have his freedom. He is too young to be locked away here at my side. Fortunately, he spends most of his time in the lab, but he has a rather predictable routine in his free time."
Dante leaned back slightly and took a sip of coffee. It was strong and full-bodied—Thomas clearly knew his craft. As he processed Vale's words, it became clear that this job might be more challenging than he had initially expected.
"Like the clinic?"
"Exactly. That is one of his fixed appointments. Every Wednesday, he visits the clinic and prepares medicine for those who truly need his help."
Dante furrowed his brow. "So he's a doctor?"
Vale shook his head, a proud smile on his lips. "No, he's a pharmacologist. An exceptionally gifted one, if I may add. His formulations are not only highly effective but often the last hope for people whom conventional medicine can no longer help. You will see for yourself when you accompany him."
Dante nodded slowly. That sounded at least more interesting than he had expected. He had guarded many people—politicians, businessmen, nobility. But a young man who seemingly preferred working in a lab over attending luxurious receptions? That was a new experience.
Vale leaned forward slightly, his piercing green eyes scrutinizing Dante with sharp intensity. "I expect a great deal from you. Your reputation precedes you. It is admirable that you are still able to perform your job despite the numerous injuries you have sustained."
Dante waved it off. "They're not worth mentioning." He leaned forward slightly, his voice firm. "You can count on me to be the best at my job. And under no circumstances will I allow anything to happen to your son."
A satisfied smile flickered across Vale's lips. "I wouldn't have accepted any other answer." He leaned back. "Then I officially welcome you as my son's new bodyguard."
"The pleasure is all mine."
At that moment, the door opened. Two people entered.
The first was of average height, slender, with black hair and an elegant sense of style. The second was tall, muscular, dressed in simple, practical clothing—clearly a bodyguard.
"Helios, there you are!" Vale rose, offering the young man who had just entered a broad smile. With a welcoming gesture, he motioned toward the seating area. "Come, sit with us."
"Father." The young man's voice was calm, almost neutral, as he took a seat with a slight nod.
Dante observed him discreetly. So this was his new charge.
Helios Vale had the same deep green eyes as his father, but his gaze was sharper, more inquisitive. His black hair fell in soft waves over his forehead, slightly tousled, as if he had recently run a hand through it. His skin was strikingly pale—likely a result of the many hours spent in the lab. He was slim, almost delicate, which made him appear younger than he probably was.
Yet he carried himself with a certain elegance. He wore dark, tailored trousers and a black turtleneck, layered with a deep blue trench coat. A subtle but refined style. Thomas, the butler, removed his coat with practiced efficiency.
Behind Helios, a broad-shouldered man with stylish black hair remained standing. His posture was tense, his grey eyes alert—undoubtedly a professional bodyguard.
Helios let his gaze drift over Dante before tilting his head slightly.
"So, you're my new bodyguard?" His voice was curious.
"My name is Dante, and from now on, I will remain at your side." His voice was steady and firm.
Helios leaned back in his seat, studying him with quiet curiosity. Eventually, he smiled faintly. "I've heard you're quite good at your job."
Dante met his gaze impassively. "You'll have to judge that for yourself."
Helios' smile widened just a fraction. "Nice to meet you, Dante. As you've already heard, my name is Helios."
At that moment, Thomas reentered and placed another cup of coffee on the table. Helios picked it up immediately, gently blowing over the steaming surface before taking a careful sip.
"Your coffee is as excellent as ever. Thank you, Thomas."
Helios behaved surprisingly normally for the son of a multimillionaire businessman. He seemed calm, at ease—almost too relaxed, considering his life was apparently in constant danger. His bodyguard, however, remained tense, his expression serious, his gaze sharp.
Dante noticed a thin, reddish scrape on Helios' cheek. Along with that, the way he sat—not relaxed, but slightly off-center, as if trying to find a position that caused him less pain.
"Are you injured?" Dante asked directly.
Helios blinked in surprise. "Not really. Maybe I picked up a bruise or two, but nothing serious."
His bodyguard frowned, now regarding Dante with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "How did you know something happened?"
Dante tapped his own cheek, precisely where Helios had the fresh scrape. The young man instinctively raised his hand, running his fingers over his skin.
"Hm. I thought I had covered everything."
Dante briefly glanced at the bodyguard. "You're tense. Your entire posture gives away that you were in a fight recently. And Helios isn't sitting comfortably—he's unconsciously holding himself back. A typical reaction when someone's been hurt."
Vale suddenly shot up from his seat. In a few quick strides, he was at his son's side, leaning over him and brushing his thumb over his cheek. "Have you been attacked again?! There was an attempt on your life just yesterday!" His voice rang with concern and anger.
Helios let out a quiet sigh. "I'm fine, Father. We lost two men, but nothing happened to me."
He spoke the words with unsettling casualness. No tremor in his voice, no trace of fear or exhaustion—as if an assassination attempt on his life was just another minor inconvenience.
Dante observed him closely. The composure wasn't an act. Helios was used to being hunted. And that was perhaps the most disturbing thing about the entire situation.
Vale clenched his fists. "Don't say it so lightly, Helios. I can't afford to lose you too." His voice was rough, filled with unspoken bitterness. "There have been too many attacks lately."
Helios took the last sip of his coffee before setting the cup aside. "Yeah, it really has been a lot." Another deep sigh. "I'm pretty exhausted, Father. I just wanted to check one last thing in the lab and then head home."
Dante straightened. "I will accompany you."
Helios looked at him with mild amusement. "You really take your job seriously."
"It's not just a job. It's my duty." Dante's tone left no room for argument.
Helios studied him for a moment, then shook his head with a small smirk. "Alright then. Come along."
Vale ran a gentle hand through his son's hair and sighed.
"Make sure you're home before midnight, or you'll spend the whole night in the lab again." His voice was firm but concerned. Then he turned to Davis, the bodyguard. "If necessary, drag him home by force."
Davis inclined his head in a brief nod. "As you command."
Helios just shook his head with a smirk and stood up. "You really worry too much, Father. Sleep well—we'll see each other in the morning." Without another word, he left the office.
Davis followed immediately, moving with the precision of a soldier. Dante also rose, casting a brief, evaluating glance at Vale. The older man gave him a short, satisfied smile before turning his attention back to his documents.
Dante noticed the cool and muted silence of the hallway as they walked. It was already late, and most of the staff seemed to have gone home, except for a few. Helios walked ahead, speaking casually to Davis. "While I'm in the lab, you can show Dante around a bit. I'll need about two hours."
They walked through the hallways until they reached a fire escape. Helios went ahead, opening the door without looking around or showing even a hint of concern that he might be attacked in this building.
Even Davis seemed relatively relaxed. He glanced around but didn't appear to have received any reports of an intruder in the building.
Davis shot him a skeptical look. "We both know that's a lie. Are you planning to work through the night again?"
Helios' lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Not entirely. At least it wasn't a lie when I said I was pretty tired."
Davis let out an amused snort. "You're truly incorrigible when it comes to your work in the lab."
They walked down the stairs until they were one floor lower. Helios opened this door as well and simply stepped through.
The hallways here were not as luxurious as the top floor and instead conveyed a clean, functional workspace. It felt almost sterile, with little in the way of comfort or amenities.
However, these hallways aligned more with the image Dante had of a pharmaceutical company.
"That's because I'm on the verge of a breakthrough." Helios sounded almost enthusiastic. "Don't worry—you'll all benefit from my current project."
Dante furrowed his brow. "What exactly are you working on?"
Helios winked at him. "You'll see when it's finished."
Davis crossed his arms. "You really like keeping things mysterious."
"Mystery is part of the fun." Helios stopped in front of a wide door, which opened automatically—apparently controlled biometrically. Before stepping through, he cast a sideways glance at the two of them. "Alright then, see you in two hours. Don't come back before our new guy knows his way around the building."
Without waiting for a response, he disappeared into the lab. The door closed behind him with a quiet hum.
Davis watched him go before exhaling softly and turning to Dante. "Alright, let's get started. I assume you're familiar with high-security facilities like this?"
Dante shrugged. "There are patterns that tend to repeat everywhere."
Davis grinned. "Then I'm curious to see if you can figure out this building. By the way—I really want to hear more about your last assignments. People say a lot about you, but the real stories are usually better than the rumors."
Dante studied him briefly, then shook his head slightly. "There's not really much to tell."
But as they started walking, he began talking nonetheless. Gradually, they delved deeper into the conversation as Davis led him through the labyrinth-like corridors.