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Chapter 3 - Steel and Submission

Seraphina sat in her office, fingers trailing over the sleek surface of her desk. The holographic display flickered to life as she scanned through the supplies and files assigned to her. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of technology embedded in the walls. Everything was sharp, efficient, controlled—just as she had expected.

Yet, despite the stillness, her mind refused to rest.

It kept circling back to the match.

She had seen every move before it happened, read every shift in stance, every flicker of muscle tension. And yet, her body had failed her. Knowledge without execution. Awareness without power.

She exhaled slowly, leaning back in her chair. I know exactly what I'm lacking.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Her gaze flicked toward it as it slid open, revealing a man standing at the entrance.

"Boss wants to see you," he said, his voice clipped, professional.

Seraphina's lips curved slightly. Of course, he does.

She knew what was coming.

Training.

She rose from her chair, her movements fluid as she crossed the short distance to the office opposite hers. Knocking once, she waited. Then, she stepped inside.

Ezrin sat in a black leather chair, his presence alone commanding the space. He didn't need words—his control was evident in the way everything in the office seemed to orbit him. His sharp gaze flickered toward her as she approached, her steps measured, deliberate.

Without preamble, he handed her a set of papers.

A contract.

Seraphina took the pages, scanning the finely printed clauses. At first glance, it read like any standard agreement—binding, absolute. But as she delved deeper, the true nature of Oblivion Division revealed itself.

1. Absolute Secrecy – No information about Oblivion Division—its location, members, or missions—may ever be disclosed. Violation results in immediate termination.2. Irrevocable Commitment – Once signed, there is no resignation. Leaving is not an option.3. Obedience Without Question – Orders must be followed without hesitation unless granted explicit permission to act independently.4. No Personal Ties – Relationships outside the organization must not interfere. If they become a liability, they will be handled.5. Physical and Psychological Preparedness – Mandatory training and conditioning are required. Failure to meet standards will result in reassignment—or worse.6. The Organization Owns You – Any skills, knowledge, or discoveries obtained within Oblivion Division belong solely to the organization.7. Surveillance and Monitoring – Every action, movement, and communication is observed. Privacy is a privilege, not a right.8. Termination Clause – The only way out is through death or complete erasure. Any breach will be handled swiftly.9. Disposable Asset Clause – Members are assets. If they become liabilities, they will be eliminated.10. Identity Erasure – Upon signing, all records of the recruit's past will be erased. If they attempt to leave, they no longer exist beyond Oblivion Division.11. Forced Compliance Clause – Disobedience leads to psychological reconditioning, which may include memory alteration or emotional suppression.12. Sacrifice Without Hesitation – Members must be prepared to eliminate themselves if capture threatens the organization.13. The Shadow Clause – Oblivion Division operates outside laws and morality. Any action taken under its name is justified.14. Permanent Allegiance – Signing means eternal loyalty. Even in death, the organization decides the fate of the body—and all knowledge within it.15. The Autonomy Clause – Select members with exceptional foresight may be granted conditional autonomy in decision-making. However, this can be revoked at any time.

She looked up at Ezrin. He watched her carefully, unreadable.

Without hesitation, she picked up the pen.

And signed.

Ezrin handed her a copy of the contract, his expression shifting—subtly, but undeniably. A quiet moment passed between them before he finally spoke.

"Two hours until dawn." His voice was calm, measured. "You'll be training for those two hours."

Seraphina's smile grew. I knew this was coming.

Ezrin was watching, taking in the change in her expression.

Neither spoke as they left the office, stepping into the elevator. The descent was smooth yet suffocating, the air thick with unspoken tension. Each floor passed like a silent countdown. When the doors slid open, they stepped into the underground training area.

Despite the exhaustion weighing on her, Seraphina moved with purpose. Her body ached, her eyes burned with fatigue, but she refused to falter. Every movement was precise, every correction absorbed instantly. She wasn't just keeping up—she was mastering it.

Ezrin watched in silence, his gaze unwavering.

She hadn't asked a single question. Not about the training. Not about its purpose.

She should have questioned it. Anyone would have.

But she didn't.

His smirk was subtle, almost imperceptible. So, she already knew. She figured it out herself.

Settling onto a couch at the edge of the training area, he continued to watch her. A man approached him, speaking in low tones about a murder that had taken place during a weapons deal. Ezrin's expression darkened slightly, but his attention remained fixed on Seraphina.

"Perfect timing," he murmured.

After two relentless hours, Seraphina finally collapsed onto the couch on the opposite side of the training ring. Her body throbbed, but her mind was still processing everything. A man approached, stopping just short of her.

"You can freshen up. There's a bathroom in your office."

Seraphina raised a brow. "Where?"

Before the man could answer, Ezrin walked past, his voice calm but taunting.

"Find it yourself."

She scoffed as he and the others left. Idiots.

Back in her office, she began searching. If the bathroom was hidden, it had to be concealed within the walls.

Her sharp eyes scanned the room, fingers trailing along the smooth surfaces, searching for inconsistencies. Then—there.

A hidden panel.

With a press of her palm, the wall shifted, revealing a sleek passcode system. She entered her credentials, and with a faint hum, the hidden chamber was unveiled—stocked with mission equipment, weapons, casual clothing, and beyond that, a modern bathroom.

Grabbing fresh clothes, she stepped inside, the warm water soothing her aching muscles.

Fifteen minutes later, she emerged—only to find Ezrin standing in her office.

A knowing smirk tugged at her lips. "Was this another test?"

His expression remained unreadable. "Kind of. I didn't like the way you found the door, but… acceptable."

She rolled her shoulders, amused. "I'll take that as a pass."

Ezrin didn't respond, only turned toward the door. "It's time to leave."

Without another word, they stepped out of Oblivion Division—into the world beyond.

For now.

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