"So, Ashen… you really want to become a billionaire?"
"Yes, Noah. I want to become a billionaire. Not just because I need to reach that organization—though that is one of the reasons—but truthfully, I've wanted this ever since the beginning. I don't want to die poor.
I wasn't born rich... but I made a promise to myself: I will not die poor.
Another reason? I deserve it. I deserve every luxury and every ounce of comfort this world has to offer."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "But what if the world doesn't give it to you?"
Ashen's eyes gleamed with resolve.
"In this world, just because you deserve something doesn't mean someone will hand it to you. No one gives you what you deserve. You take it. You earn it. That's the only way.
Just like my title—The Perfect Detective.
People didn't give me that name because I deserved it.
They gave it to me because I earned it."
He turned toward Noah, voice calm yet unwavering.
"Noah Voulter, I swear to you—I will become a billionaire. I'll rise to the top, reach him, and destroy him… and the entire organization. I promise."
"I believe you, Ashen," Noah said. "You'll do it."
---
Tokyo, Japan
Date: February 19
Time: 6:00 AM
"The Hitachi Corporation focuses on these key areas in their SPI exams… this one's important too. Note it down. And this. And that one…"
---
4 Hours Later
Time: 10:00 AM
"Oh no, it's already 10:00! I have to head to college… and I haven't even made breakfast yet."
Noah rushed toward the kitchen, only to freeze.
"Wait… Ashen, did you even sleep?"
"I did," Ashen replied. "Then I woke up at 6:00 AM and started preparing for the exam."
"Then why didn't you wake me up? You know my college starts at 10:30!"
"Don't worry, Noah," Ashen said casually. "I made breakfast for you. And coffee. It's on the table—have it after freshening up."
Noah blinked. "You can cook?"
Ashen smiled faintly. "What did you think, Noah? That I'm only The Perfect Detective?"
"I'm perfect in almost everything."
"Almost?" Noah echoed. "Why not everything?"
"Because I make mistakes too, Noah. I'm still human. And every human makes mistakes."
"You had breakfast?"
"I already ate," Ashen said, putting on his coat. "Chief's calling. I'll take this one."
He answered the phone. "Yes, Chief. I've reached the office. One moment."
---
Japanese Intelligence Headquarters
"You called for me, Chief?"
"Yes, Aspect. I summoned you to inform you of a new development. While you're already tasked with eliminating the organization, we have another mission for you."
Ashen narrowed his eyes. "Another mission?"
"There's no need to act surprised, Aspect. This is part of the job."
The chief handed him a classified folder.
"We've received intel that one of the most dangerous spies from a rival nation has infiltrated Tokyo and is spying on our intelligence network. Your new mission is to capture him. Alive."
Ashen opened the file and read the name:
Name: Andrew Philip
Age: 24
Affiliation: UK Intelligence Agency
Rank: No. 1 Detective
Cases Solved: 286
Ashen's eyes sharpened.
"I understand. I'll bring him in. Alive."
To be continued...
---