Chapter 1: The Unlikely Interviewee

Prologue

“Is this the interview location?”

A twenty-year-old man inquired, pushing his glasses higher on his nose. The building, situated in Seoul’s Gangnam district, was a mere five-minute walk from the train station.

Its sleek black glass facade proudly displayed ‘Global Access Korea’ in English, signaling the presence of a major corporation. The man naturally hesitated.

He lacked the courage to enter, yet turning back felt equally impossible.

He drew a deep breath and stepped inside the building.

“I’ve come for an interview.”

“Please proceed to the third floor.”

The receptionist, who possessed a model-like elegance, gestured toward the elevator.

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

He nodded and hurried forward, only to hear a faint laugh from behind him. His face instantly flushed crimson.

He could easily surmise the reason for her amusement. Having received the interview notification abruptly, he had borrowed a suit from a friend much larger than himself.

The ill-fitting garment made him appear quite awkward. Of course, he hadn’t harbored much hope, even upon receiving the interview invitation.

“Director-nim is coming!”

A guard’s voice boomed, and the lobby instantly buzzed with activity. Guides sprang to attention, while guards swiftly lined up before the entrance.

The young man, pushing up his glasses, looked around, bewildered by the sudden shift in atmosphere. A single man was just entering through the front door.

Surprisingly, he was dressed in baggy jeans and a jumper. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, yet he held the title of Director.

‘He probably became director because he’s a second-generation heir to the conglomerate,’ he thought. They were of similar ages, yet one had inherited a position in the company, while the other had to borrow clothes just for an interview.

The young man once again despaired at the stark identity gap prevalent in modern society. He was about to turn away when he suddenly flinched.

“Wait? No, that person… p-perhaps…”

The young man’s mouth fell open as he scrutinized the other man’s face. The Director’s eyes then met his.

Looking at the badge on the young man’s chest, the Director offered a smile.

“You came for an interview?”

“Huh? Yes, that’s right!”

The young man replied, his posture stiff with surprise. The Director was about to say something more when the guards approached.

“Director-nim, Vice President-nim wants to see you straight away.”

“Vice President-nim? Understood.”

The Director nodded, then paused before turning, casting a glance back at the young man.

“Don’t be too nervous. You will get good results if you try your best.”

“Thank you!”

The young man’s voice echoed through the lobby. The Director smiled and moved away, prompting the young man to approach a security guard.

“Director-nim… is he? The famous…”

“You already know?”

“Of course! I am a user in New World, so it is impossible for me not to understand!”

“Yes, Kim Hyun-woo. He is the legendary gamer who became a director of Global Exos, Ark.”

The guard replied, watching Hyun-woo ascend in the executive-exclusive elevator.