In a secret underground hideout, Martin arrived with Thomas and Brian at the gang's headquarters. The place was chaotic, filled with chatter, the smell of cigarettes and alcohol making one nauseous. But as soon as Martin set foot inside, everyone bowed in respect.
Martin scanned the room, walked over to a nearby crate, stood on it, and said, "Raise your heads. Listen, members of the 30... you'll be ranked."
One of the members: "Ranked? What do you mean?"
Martin: "I'll explain. To bring more order, I'll be assigning positions. Naturally, the higher the rank, the better the pay and the more importance it carries. That rank will be maintained. As for the lower ranks, they'll be discarded without pity or mercy. So work hard to earn my favor."
Another member: "What are the ranks, boss?"
Martin: "The ranks will be based on chess pieces. In other words, pawns are the lowest rank. Bishops and knights have equal value, followed by rooks. The highest rank you can earn is the queen — because the king is reserved for me."
Brian: "How will you assign the ranks?"
Martin: "Simple. I'll test who's worthy of the higher ranks."
Thomas: "It's getting interesting… So Martin, what's the test?"
Martin (in a loud voice): "I will now announce the test..."
(The room fills with tension and chatter during Martin's pause.)
"...bringing down the leader of Block Ron."
Everyone erupted in chaos — yelling, swearing, protesting. Block Ron was one of the biggest mafias in Germany.
But Martin remained calm, and his cold gaze and tone terrified everyone into silence. He said:
"Shut up... You're all just garbage I picked off the streets. Your despair ran so deep that a 20-year-old kid became your only hope. You don't trust me — you're just desperate to find purpose. If you want to go back to a life of fear and running, you're free to go. But remember — you'll be the losers."
Silence lingered, and then everyone agreed to the test. After all, they had nothing to lose.
Thomas: "Martin, why did you choose to bring down Block Ron?"
Martin: "Because it's connected to Alexander."
Thomas: "What? How do you know that?"
Martin (with a wide smile): "I have a spy there — a master of disguise and voice mimicry. A real miracle."
Thomas: "Really? What's his name?"
Martin placed his hand on Thomas's shoulder and whispered a few words in his ear before walking off to address the others. But those words froze Thomas in place. His hand clenched his shirt over his heart, tears pouring down as though he had been released from a great torment.
Thomas (crying hard): "I can't believe it... Karen, you're really alive... Thank God."
Martin informed everyone that he had a plan to destroy the mafia, but he wanted to hear their ideas. They had two full days, and if someone came up with a better plan, they'd earn the Queen rank — an offer no one could resist.
Two days later, everyone presented their plans. To Martin's shock, a 12-year-old boy had devised a plan he himself hadn't considered. He called the boy forward and announced before everyone, "Welcome your new Queen — show him the utmost respect." Amid envy and jealousy, there was also pride and encouragement. Applause and whistling echoed all around.
Martin emphasized unity and brotherhood.
Martin: "There's no place for envy and jealousy here. No matter your rank, in the end... you all serve the king."
However, the plan lacked a bit of precision.
Brian suddenly stormed into the hideout, holding a morning newspaper, his face stunned.
Martin (calmly): "What is it?"
Brian ran toward him and handed him the newspaper, collapsing to his knees in exhaustion.
After reading it, Martin was frozen in place. Questions bombarded him — what happened? What was in the paper?
Martin (trembling with anger): "Block Ron..."
Thomas: "What about them?"
Martin (throws the newspaper): "They've been wiped out."
Everyone was stunned, unable to comprehend what they just heard.
Thomas: "Explain."
Martin: "The police found all of Block Ron's members swimming in their own blood in a tunnel outside the city. Their leader was found unconscious. And do you know who he is?"
Child: "Who?"
Martin: "Albert Owen." (Everyone frowned.)
Martin continued: "He's the Minister of Health himself. Evidence shows he woke from a coma in a panic attack, screaming, 'I swear, my gang won't betray you again, I swear!' He's still under psychiatric evaluation — the panic hasn't stopped."
Thomas: "That explains the hospital incidents."
Martin: "Yes. And all of this... was done by one person."
Thomas: "Wait… does that mean Karen...?"
Martin: "What?"
Thomas: "I mean... is Karen dead now?"
Martin (coldly): "Maybe yes, maybe no."
Thomas (grabbing Martin's clothes): "What do you mean maybe? Don't you care?! Tell me!"
Martin: "Listen, if you want to be sure, go to the police. Ask them for the mafia member files. All you'll see is interrogation transcripts."
Thomas: "But..."
Martin: "We're at war. There's no room for love or friendship — only hatred and revenge."
---
At the police station:
David, who had been discharged from the hospital, was sitting with Steven in Inspector Michael's office — the one who had uncovered the mafia through his investigation.
David: "From what happened, it looks like Alexander was the real leader of Block Ron, and the minister was just a puppet."
Steven: "I think when Albert realized he had power over the mafia, despite being Alexander's voice, he tried to kill him. But the plan backfired."
David: "That's what it looks like."
Inspector Michael walked in.
Michael: "Gentlemen, Minister Albert Owen has committed suicide in his cell."
David: "How?"
Michael (sitting): "He swallowed his tongue."
Steven: "Damn, we could've gotten so much out of him. Wait — give me the list of mafia members."
Michael: "Here. But what shocked me is that one person is missing."
David: "Missing?"
Michael: "A young woman — long blonde hair, about 175 cm tall."
Steven: "How do you know this?"
Michael: "Albert mentioned in his final interrogation that this woman was one of his best agents. But when they arrived, she was gone. She never left the premises without his permission. He was completely baffled."
Steven: "Did he describe the incident?"
Michael: "No. What puzzles me is why he was the only one left alive."
David: "Maybe... she knew what was coming. Which means... she's connected to Alexander."
Michael: "Exactly. That may be what happened."
Steven stood up, glaring at Michael.
Steven: "Yes, I think David's right. You know, detective... if even the Minister of Health was part of the mafia, it means they've infiltrated every sector — including law enforcement."
Michael (sharply): "What are you suggesting?"
Steven (staring hard): "That there might be a spy in the security sector."
Michael: "You're probably right..."
David: "I'm heading back to the hotel."
Steven: "I'll join you. Inspector, beware — the world is full of false faces."
Michael: "Thanks for the advice."
---
At Martin's base:
While Martin and Thomas were arguing, someone knocked. Upon opening the door, Karen entered — with Eva. Thomas and Brian couldn't believe their eyes. After 10 years, the siblings were reunited.
Martin: "Looks like you've survived between two worlds."
Brian: "What do you mean?"
Martin: "Nothing. Everyone — welcome Karen and Eva."
(Everyone welcomed them.)
Martin: "Now I can say the Royal Guard is complete. I will now announce the ranks."
(Silence.)
Martin: "Top ranks: Thomas and Brian as Knights, Eva and Karen as Rooks, Peter (the child) as a Bishop. Two seats remain."
Everyone looked around, eager.
Martin: "I will base my choice on one question: What is logic? Whoever answers will become the Queen without hesitation."
After a few minutes of silence, one man said:
Man: "Logic is a set of rules that the universe abides by, and they always have an explanation."
Martin: "Sounds like something from a newspaper article."
Man: "That's what logic means to me. Believe it or not."
Martin: "Fine. I'll give you the second Bishop. As for the Queen... it will remain vacant until I see someone truly worthy."
---
At the hotel:
Edward was in his room, holding a photograph he found in Adolf's pocket during the investigation into his death. John and Kevin entered, and Kevin asked if there was any new evidence. Then David and Steven arrived, informing the detectives about their conversation with the inspector.
Edward: "Look at this picture."
(Everyone looks.)
"It's of his family. His wife who died 11 years ago, and Thomas and Brian whom we met. Likely, the boy is Alexander. And that girl — based on what Thomas said — would be Karen, whom he claimed was also dead."
Steven: "So what's the use of this now?"
Edward: "I don't know. But it may be useful in the future."
John: "Wait... the Q
ueen's rank is vacant. What if all the ministers and politicians are under his control?"
Edward: "I find that hard to believe. But what I do see... is a nation collapsing at the hands of a single person."