(City S Outskirts , Country O)

"I don't think so I can do this anymore."

A cop looks at his senior officer after the latter announces his decision. "Officer Seong," he interjected, " why would you say that ,sir;? You are one of our bests. If you can't solve this, I don't know who can.."

Seong smiles and replies, " Relax Justin. This city needs a change and I know just the person for that."

(6 months earlier, Town I PD , Country O)

"Cancel the FIR and release our men . Or face the consequences," a thug warns the lady inspector

.

Before the inspector can say anything, someone grabbed the thug by the back of his head and smacked it on the inspector's table. The other thugs look around to see a 5'8 guy with black hair and black eyes and a strong muscular build.

The other thug tries to turn around but before he can do that, he gets punched in ribs . The man grabs his neck and throws him behind. The thug is sent flying across the Inspector's office and he collapses with his head hitting the wall.

The man , then addresses the room.

"I am Taeyang Jiho, Sub Inspector, Crime Branch , Town I"

He casually attacks other thugs, beating them up brutally and kicking them out of the police station.

"This kind of stunts shouldn't be tolerated and won't be tolerated from now on."

The lady inspector smiles and acknowledges her new deputy, who stands tall, determined to bring down the crime rates in his region.

(Present day, Town I , Country O)

The rising sun cast its gentle rays upon the rooftop where Jihoo, drenched in sweat, completed his rigorous workout. "101, 102, 103..." he counted, pushing through his 150th push-up of the fourth set. After finishing, he settled into a meditative pose, chanting softly as the first light of dawn enveloped him.

Nearby, his cousin, Ji A, waited patiently by the rooftop door. As Jihoo concluded his meditation and stretched, he noticed her. "Good morning, Ji A," he greeted her.

"Morning, Jihoo. Done with your exercise?" she replied.

Jihoo nodded. "Mom said breakfast will be ready soon. Quick, take a shower, get ready, and come down," Ji A instructed.

"Yeah, I'll be ready in 15 minutes," Jihoo confirmed.

True to his word, Jihoo quickly showered and dressed before heading downstairs. His mother greeted him cheerfully, "Good morning, sweetie."

"Good morning, mom," Jihoo replied.

With a smile, she said, "Go get your sister, Joon Hae. Breakfast is almost ready." Jihoo nodded and jogged towards Joon Hae's room.

He found Ji A already there, trying to coax Joon Hae out of bed. "C'mon, Joon, you really can't stay in bed this long. You have to see the outside world!" Ji A pleaded.

Joon Hae, buried under her blanket, mumbled, "Go away, Unni. I don't want breakfast."

Jihoo tapped Ji A's shoulder. "Lemme take care of this," he offered. Ji A nodded and headed to the dining table.

Jihoo sat by Joon Hae's bed. "My beloved little sister, good morning. Wake up," he said gently.

"I don't want to, Oppa. Please..." Joon Hae protested.

"If you wake up now, I will take you to the beach," Jihoo enticed. Joon Hae's eyes shot open. "Promise?" she asked.

Jihoo nodded, and Joon Hae immediately hugged him. "Thank you so much, Oppa! You are the best!" she exclaimed, then got up and walked to the bathroom.

As Jihoo made his way to the dining room, his aunt, Yu Jin, greeted him. "Good morning, Jihoo," she said.

"Morning, aunt," Jihoo replied with a smile. She served him two sandwiches. "Thank you, aunt," he said, taking the plate.

After finishing his breakfast, Jihoo went to Joon Hae. "Be ready. We will go to the beach today evening," he reminded her.

Joon Hae thanked him cheerfully, and Jihoo then left for work

Town I PD, Town I

Inspector Jihoo stepped into the familiar hustle of the Domain Headquarters. "Good morning, sir," a police officer greeted him.

Jihoo smiled. "Morning, Min Ho hyeong. How are you?"

"Great, sir. How are you, sir?" Min Ho replied.

"Good, good," Jihoo confirmed.

Min Ho then delivered the news. "Sir, you've received a transfer order to City S due to a difficult case that even Officer Seong Yang couldn't solve. You'll be leaving tomorrow."

Jihoo's brow furrowed, not in surprise, but in a familiar grim line. He had indeed reviewed the preliminary reports of the Green Mountains murders a few weeks prior, a series of cases that had been circulating through various departments, hinting at their complexity. "Officer Seong couldn't solve it, eh?" he mused, the question more a confirmation than an inquiry. "What case is it?"

"Sir, it's about some brutal murders in the Green Mountains in City S," Min Ho explained, his voice dropping slightly. "They've been happening for months now, and there are no clear leads. The patterns are… unsettling."

Jihoo nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. He remembered the inconsistencies in the victims' profiles, the seemingly random locations, and the chilling lack of forensic evidence. This wasn't just difficult; it was an enigma. "So, you're in charge until I officially get back, okay?" he said, his tone shifting to one of decisive command, his mind already beginning to map out the initial steps for the transfer.

Min Ho gave a firm nod in response, understanding the weight of the responsibility now resting on his shoulders. Jihoo's gaze drifted briefly towards his office, a sense of anticipation mixing with the usual morning routine. City S was calling, and a complex puzzle awaited him – one he had already begun to piece together in his mind.

Later in Hae Household,

Jihoo sat at the table with his mother, Ji A, and a beaming Joon Hae, who was still bubbling about the promised beach trip.

"Mom, Ji A, Joon Hae," Jihoo began, his voice a little more serious than usual, "I've received a transfer order to City S."

His mother's cheerful expression faltered slightly. "City S? But... for how long, sweetie?"

"It's for a difficult case, Mom," Jihoo explained gently. "Some murders in the Green Mountains. I'll be leaving tomorrow."

Joon Hae's excited chatter immediately ceased. Her eyes, wide with sudden disappointment, looked up at him. "Tomorrow? But... what about the beach, Oppa?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Jihoo reached over and patted her hand. "We'll still go, Joon Hae. I promise. Just not right away. This case... it's important. I need to go." He saw the understanding dawn in Ji A's eyes, while his mother still looked concerned, her gaze lingering on him. The silence that followed was thick with unspoken thoughts of sudden change and the demands of his challenging profession.

But it wasn't just Jiho who had an unexpected announcement, his cousin Ji A had one too.

Just moments after Jihoo's announcement, as the initial surprise began to settle, Ji A, who had been quietly fidgeting, spoke up. "Actually, Jihoo," she started, a small, excited tremor in her voice, "I have something to tell you too. Remember that internship opportunity at the publishing house in City S I applied for?"

Jihoo looked at her, his expression still a little weighty from his own news. "Yes? Did you hear back?"

"I did," she confirmed, her smile now beaming. "They offered me the position! It's an amazing chance to work on their new literary fiction series. And... the start date is next week." She paused, a hopeful glint in her eye. "So, if it's alright, I was thinking... since you're going to City S anyway, maybe I could travel with you? It would save on separate travel arrangements, and it's quite a coincidence, isn't it?"

Jihoo considered her words. The thought of having a familiar face in a new city, especially with the weight of the case ahead, brought a small measure of comfort. "That's fantastic news, Ji A! Congratulations!" he said, a genuine smile finally breaking through his earlier solemnity. "And yes, of course. It makes perfect sense. We can travel together. It'll be good to have you there."

Ji A's face lit up completely. "Thank you, Oppa! This is perfect!" The unexpected turn of events, a shared journey to a new city, seemed to lighten the impending departure for both of them.

Next morning, Town I Junction Railway station

The hum of the train to City S filled the air as Jihoo watched the familiar landscape slowly disappear, replaced by sprawling urbanity. Ji A was beside him, engrossed in a book, occasionally glancing out the window. His mind, however, was already racing through the new city and the demanding task ahead.

City S. Here we go. The Green Mountains murders. He’d studied those preliminary reports until they were etched into his mind – the baffling lack of motive, the ritualistic precision, the way the victims were left. Officer Seong Yang, a good man, hadn’t been able to crack it. That only underscored the severity of the challenge. This is going to be tough, he mused, a familiar thrill of the chase mixing with a heavy sense of responsibility.

Then, his thoughts drifted to the people he knew there. Minsu. His best friend since they were kids. Jihoo pictured Minsu's infectious laugh, the easygoing nature that had led him from a law career to running a cozy café. 'I'll definitely need to stop by for some decent coffee, and a break from all this', he thought, a small, genuine smile touching his lips.

The smile faded, replaced by a slight clench in his jaw as Sumin came to mind. Ugh, Sumin. The thought of his ex-girlfriend was an unwelcome intrusion. Their breakup had been anything but amicable, leaving a bitter taste whenever her name surfaced. 'Just my luck if I run into her'. He hoped to avoid her entirely, preferring to focus solely on the case.

Finally, his mind settled on Kanaya. His therapist. He'd started online sessions with her a few months back, and her insights had been invaluable in navigating the pressures of his job. At least I can see her in person now, he mused, finding a quiet sense of relief. The constant mental chess of a murder investigation could be draining, and Kanaya was a vital anchor.

He glanced at Ji A, peacefully reading beside him. Her sudden move to City S, a genuine coincidence for her career, felt like a small, unexpected blessing. It was good to have a familiar face, even if the city itself held a complicated mix of professional duty and personal connections – some he looked forward to, and one he definitely did not. The train continued its steady rhythm, pulling him deeper into City S, and into the unfolding complexities of his new life.

He looked down at a bracelet, a simple hand woven one, a gift from his younger sister, Joon, thinking about his new life in City S

"Thinking about how you will meet Sumin?"

Ji A's question broke Jiho's thoughts. He clenched his jaw as the name hit a raw nerve. He looked at his cousin and says in a calm but a cold tone , " Don't ever speak of that name.."

Uzumaki household, City S, Country O

Jihoo rang the doorbell, and after a moment, it was answered by a tall, graceful woman with striking black hair. "Good morning, Dr. Kanaya," Jihoo greeted her, a rare, relaxed smile on his face.

Kanaya returned his smile warmly. "Morning, Jihoo. Nice to see you and Ji A. Warm welcome." Her gaze shifted to Ji A, who stood a little behind Jihoo, taking in the elegant facade of the house.

Jihoo and Ji A stepped into the inviting warmth of the Uzumaki Home. Ji A looked around, a silent question in her eyes, clearly surprised by the unexpected destination.

Jihoo, noticing her quiet bewilderment, turned to Dr. Kanaya. "Dr. Kanaya, as I mentioned, would it still be possible for Ji A to stay here during her time in City S?"

Kanaya nodded reassuringly. "Of course, Jihoo. We've already made all the preparations for her stay here. Her room is ready."

Jihoo let out a visible breath of relief. "Thank you. Thank you so much." He glanced at his watch, his professional demeanor returning. "Alright, I'm running late. I'll see you both later. Ji A, please make yourself comfortable."

Ji A, still processing the revelation that she would be staying in her cousin's therapist's home, managed a nod. "Be careful," she said, her voice a little subdued. Jihoo nodded back, offered a quick wave, and then hurried out the door, leaving Ji A to her newfound, surprising accommodations.

Western City S Police Department Headquarters

Jiho reaches the HQ and waits in the line. Soon , he gets his turn. The receptionist officer asks , "What's your complaint , sir?"

Jiho says , "I am here to join this department." The officer asks , "Your name , sir?"

Jiho replies , "Jihoo Taeyang . I come from Town I division."

Realizing this is the new detective joining their department, the officer gets up and salutes .  Still bowing down she says , "Extremely sorry , sir. We were expecting you by evening , so couldn't make much preparations."

Jiho nods his head and  says , "Eh, no need to apologize . Anyway , can you tell me where my cabin is?"

The officer says , "Let me take you there , sir." The officer takes Jihoo to his cabin where another woman officer is working.

The woman, tall and poised with striking black hair, turned to face him, extending a confident hand. "Hello," she began, her voice crisp, "I'm Snow Shiroi, your partner and deputy here. Nice to meet you."

Jihoo met her gaze, his grip firm as he shook her hand. "I'm Jihoo Taeyang. Looking forward to working with you."

Snow gave a slight nod, brushing a strand of hair from her eyes. "I had emailed you with the case details. Did you get a chance to go through it?"

Jihoo nodded grimly. "I did. This case is even more complex than I anticipated. Let's discuss it in the cafeteria, over some hot coffee."

"Okay," Snow agreed, and they headed for the cafeteria. Jihoo ordered two cups of coffee, the aroma a welcome distraction. As he took his first sip, he turned to her. "Can you brief me on your opinion of the case so far?"

Snow's brow furrowed. "I believe this is the work of a crazed serial killer. However, I haven't found any clear modus operandi."

Jihoo took another slow sip, his gaze intense. "Ms. Snow, you might be partially correct. This isn't just a crazed killer; this is a planner. They know exactly what they're doing. There's also the possibility they're an assassin."

Snow's eyes widened slightly. "How can we possibly determine that?"

Jihoo leaned back, a thoughtful silence settling between them. "Let me think on it. But first, I need to re-examine all the forensic results." He finished his coffee, already formulating his next steps.

"The choice of victims doesn't make sense for a crazed serial killer," Jihoo declared.

Snow shook her head in confusion. " I am sorry what?"

Jihoo smiled and said, " Serial killers generally choose a victim much weaker than them, physically and mentally. They operate more like animals, preying on a particular gender or an age group. These victims were an upcoming MMA fighter, a famous body builder and a ex special forces operative. So, this ain't a serial killer's work. There might be a link between these three and I am just trying to figure out what that is. "

Snow nods slowly, a new understanding dawing in her eyes, "I see"

"Lets get back to the precinct, we will discuss it there," Jihoo offers, to which Snow agrees.

Jihoo stood before a large whiteboard in the precinct's war room, Snow at his side. Forensic reports, victim photos, and crime scene diagrams were meticulously laid out across a table. "Let's review the forensic findings again," Jihoo stated, picking up a file. "What did the medical examiner note about the cause of death for each victim?"

Snow quickly consulted her notes. "All three died from a single, precise blow to the neck, severing the carotid artery and jugular vein. No signs of struggle. No defensive wounds."

Jihoo's eyes narrowed. "Exactly. This isn't a frenzied attack. This is precise, calculated. Someone with expert knowledge of human anatomy and combat techniques. A quick, silent kill." He tapped a photo of the MMA fighter. "An MMA fighter would instinctively fight back, even if ambushed. The bodybuilder, too. And the ex-special forces operative? They'd have heightened situational awareness."

"So, the attacker must have been incredibly skilled," Snow mused, tapping her chin.

"Or had an overwhelming advantage," Jihoo added, walking to the whiteboard. He began jotting down bullet points:

Victims: Peak physical condition.

Cause of Death: Single, precise strike to neck.

No signs of struggle/defensive wounds.

Attacker: Expert combatant or significant advantage.

"What about CCTV footage near the crime scenes?" Jihoo asked, turning to Snow. "Anything at all?"

Snow shook her head grimly. "Nothing conclusive. A few blurry figures, but no clear identification. It's like they vanished into thin air."

"And witnesses?"

"Minimal. The areas are fairly secluded. A few late-night hikers reported odd noises, but nothing specific that helps us."

Jihoo ran a hand through his hair. "Alright. We need to shift our focus from 'who' to 'why.' If it's not a serial killer, then these individuals were targeted. What connects them beyond their physical prowess?"

"Their professions?" Snow offered. "All three were involved in physical, combative fields."

"Perhaps," Jihoo agreed. "But that's too broad. We need to dig deeper. Check their financial records, their social circles, any past conflicts or rivals. Any recent high-stakes competitions or deals they were involved in. Someone wanted them dead, and they wanted it done cleanly." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the evidence. "This killer isn't just strong; they're intelligent, patient, and highly disciplined. If I had to describe them, they are like a cobra, waiting silently for its prey."

Snow added, her voice a little hesitant, "There's also something else in the reports. Something subtle but consistent. All victims had minor bruises – almost negligible – not typical of a struggle. And their expressions were frozen in a state of shock, as if they'd seen something truly terrifying just before they died."

Jihoo's head snapped up, his eyes locking onto Snow's. This new detail changed everything. "Minor bruises and an expression of terror?" he murmured, walking back to the whiteboard. He added two more crucial points:

Minor, unexplained bruises.

Expressions of profound shock/terror.

"That complicates things," Jihoo said, his mind already spinning through new possibilities. "It suggests they weren't just ambushed. It suggests something... else. Something that broke their composure, something they reacted to, however subtly, before the final blow. What could scare an ex-special forces operative to their core?"

Jihoo stared at the two new bullet points, a cold dread beginning to coil in his gut. Minor bruises, expressions of terror. It was a combination that whispered of things beyond simple human capability, a chill that resonated with the forgotten parts of his own heritage. To induce such terror in hardened individuals, just before a swift, clean kill, spoke of something... profoundly unsettling. The lack of struggle, the "vanishing into thin air" of the attacker – it all felt like pieces of a puzzle he recognized, yet couldn't yet name in this setting.

"Snow," Jihoo said, his voice lower, more contemplative. "You mentioned reports from the Green Mountains. About a seven-foot-tall figure." He turned to her, his gaze intense. "I want to speak to those who made those reports. The hikers, the park rangers, anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary. Get me their names, their contact information. Every single detail."

Snow nodded, immediately pulling up a digital map of the Green Mountains and tapping on a cluster of red markers. "The sightings are concentrated in the deeper, less-traveled sections, particularly around the Northern Peaks," she explained. "The first report was about two months ago, roughly a week before the first murder. Most dismiss it as misidentification or fear playing tricks on their minds, but the sheer consistency of the 'seven-foot-tall' description is unusual."

"Consistency is key," Jihoo murmured, his eyes fixed on the map. He pointed to the areas of the sightings. "Are any of these locations near where the victims were found? Or along paths they might have taken?"

Snow quickly cross-referenced the data. "Two of the victim's bodies were discovered within a five-kilometer radius of the most frequent reported sightings. The third was slightly further, but still within the broader Northern Peaks area."

"And the specific times of the sightings?" Jihoo pressed. "Were they always at dusk or dawn, as you mentioned?"

"Predominantly, yes," Snow confirmed. "One report described it as a fleeting shadow, moving with impossible speed, just as the sun dipped below the horizon."

"We need to investigate this, I need the witness reports of all the hikers or park rangers who reported these sightings by today evening," Jihoo said.

"I will catch up with one of my friends here."

Snow nodded her head, although she was quite confused why Jihoo left,

After a grueling week of initial investigation, the Green Mountains still held their secrets, shrouded in a chilling silence. Jihoo felt the familiar weight of the unsolved pressing on him, but he knew he needed a moment of respite. He decided it was time to visit Minsu, his childhood friend, whose café was supposed to be a haven of familiar comfort.

He found "The Daily Grind" nestled on a quiet side street, its quaint facade a welcoming sight. As he pushed open the door, the aroma of roasting beans enveloped him. He scanned the bustling space, expecting to see Minsu's usual bright, easygoing grin, perhaps cracking a joke with a customer. Instead, behind the counter, operating the espresso machine with a practiced, almost mechanical precision, was Minsu.

"Hey Minsu," , Jihoo said, although his voice didn't seem to reach him.

Jihoo studied his friend,. He was providing customers with snacks, coffee, tea .... whatever they asked but there was a darkness in his friend, something that was slowly consuming him.

His friend's movements were slower, his shoulders a little slumped. The usual sparkle in his eyes was muted, replaced by a distant, weary look. The easy laughter, the quick wit Jihoo had always associated with him, seemed entirely absent. He looked... depressed, almost broken. The sight sent a sharp pang through Jihoo's chest.

Minsu finally looked up, his gaze sweeping over the few customers before landing on Jihoo. A flicker of recognition, then a faint, almost strained smile touched his lips. "Jihoo? Well, I'll be. Long time no see. What brings you to City S, besides my world-famous coffee?" His voice was flat, lacking its usual vibrancy.

"Work," Jihoo replied simply, stepping up to the counter. "And a desperate need for that 'world-famous' coffee. You good, Minsu? You seem... quiet." He deliberately kept his tone light, observant, already planning how to gently probe the reason for his friend's obvious distress. He wouldn't push, not yet. He would watch, listen, and slowly unravel the mystery of Minsu's changed demeanor.

"do you still add more milk to your coffee or you like darker ones now, " Minsu teased, although his voice sounded more broken than jovial.

Jihoo smiled, knowing for a fact that he wouldn't be uncovering any of friend's secret soon.

"Espresso, give me espresso. Use palm sugar or honey instead of normal white sugar."

Jihoo ordered his coffee, his mind already drifting, caught between the chilling enigma of the Green Mountains murders and the profound sadness emanating from his best friend. How do I even begin to approach Minsu? And this case... it's like chasing smoke. The weight of it all settled heavily upon him.

Just as Minsu turned to prepare Jihoo's order, a rich, resonant voice cut through the café's background murmur, surprising Jihoo. "Ah, the famously complex Detective Jihoo," the voice boomed, imbued with an ancient warmth, "lost in thought even amidst the divine aroma of coffee. Still pondering the existential dread of a missing sock, or perhaps something more… murderous?"

Jihoo's head snapped up. Standing near a sun-drenched table was a tall, well-built man in his middle years. His skin was a warm, earthy tone, hinting at Indian heritage, and a neatly trimmed black beard framed a strong jaw. But it was his eyes that held Jihoo's gaze—not merely golden, but shimmering with an inner light that was unmistakably, unequivocally divine. It was the light of his own essence, amplified. His Father, Surya, the Sun God, stood before him, not in the guise of an old man, but in a form of vibrant, powerful maturity.

A ripple of surprise, and a touch of something akin to exasperation, passed through Jihoo.'Father? Here? And cracking jokes about my inner turmoil?' Surya offered a subtle, knowing smirk in Jihoo's direction, a silent acknowledgment of their shared connection and his son's bewildered expression, before turning his golden gaze back to the window, as if merely enjoying the morning light.

"Father...." , Jihoo said .