THE ASSASSIN ORGANISATION

t from an obsession with technological progress, like the nation of Labre, but from its bountiful mines of precious metals, fertile lands, and robust trade networks. Despite its riches, Feza has maintained an intentional balance between progress and preservation, allowing its culture and traditions to flourish without succumbing to the rapid modernization seen in other parts of the world.

Feza is bordered by Gezo, another large nation with whom it shares a storied past. Decades ago, tensions ran high along their shared border, with disputes over land and resources threatening to plunge both nations into prolonged conflict. However, through careful diplomacy and mutual interests, Feza and Gezo have forged a lasting peace, becoming one of the few powerful allied nations in the hemisphere. Their partnership is celebrated through trade agreements, joint cultural festivals, and shared defense initiatives, solidifying a bond that has benefited both nations immensely.

Feza is officially governed by a monarchy, with Queen Amirah reigning from the grand Obsidian Palace in the capital city of Riyalta. The queen is respected and revered by her people, viewed as a symbol of unity and strength. The monarchy is supported by a structured hierarchy of noble houses, councils, and regional governors, all of whom play a role in managing the vast territories of Feza.

However, beneath this seemingly traditional structure lies an undeniable truth: Feza's political and societal fabric is heavily influenced by the Assassin Organization, a secretive yet immensely powerful Sicarii organisation that operates from the shadows.

The Assassin Organization prefers to keep its operations deeply rooted in tradition, despite being the third richest organization globally, only behind the Cyborgs and the Agency. Unlike their rivals, they deliberately avoid embracing advanced technology, a choice driven by a calculated fear of the unknown and the significant risks associated with cyberattacks.

This decision stems from their belief that modern technology, while powerful, introduces vulnerabilities that could compromise their secrecy and effectiveness. For this reason, they rely on methods that have served them for centuries, trusting in human ingenuity and manual expertise over machines.

Their success lies in their ability to operate without the risks of digital infiltration, ensuring their plans remain in the shadows and their movements untraceable. While other organizations pride themselves on their cutting-edge advancements, the Assassin Organization proves that tradition, discipline, and careful control can still rival and even surpass modern innovation.

Ragra was in one of the dojos, part of a rigorous training session under one of the Assassin Organization's esteemed senseis. The sensei was a master of martial arts, known for refining recruits into lethal close-combat experts. Members of the organization were legendary for their unique and formidable fighting styles, which often left their enemies with no chance in close-quarter battles.

"Alright, that's it for today," the sensei said, his voice sharp and commanding. The class responded in unison, bowing respectfully before dispersing from the dojo.

As Ragra wiped the sweat from his brow and gathered his belongings, a voice came from behind.

"You've improved drastically in the last month since you got here," said a girl with an easy smile. It was Akari, one of his fellow recruits.

"Thanks, Akari," Ragra replied, nodding with appreciation. "Close combat has never been my strong point, but now… I feel like I've finally turned a corner."

Akari grinned. "I'm glad the first month is over now. We can finally start going on missions."

"Yeah," Ragra said with a chuckle. "That training month was brutal, but it definitely pushed us. I feel like I'm ready for anything now."

Akari gestured towards the hallway. "We've got the introduction meeting now. Let's head over before we're late."

The two walked side by side towards the large meeting room, joining the other recruits who had undergone the same grueling month of training. The air was buzzing with anticipation, as this meeting would mark the beginning of their real work as members of the Assassin Organization.

"Welcome, everyone," said Keito, standing at the front of the large meeting room, his voice calm but commanding. His sharp, calculating gaze swept across the new recruits, now officially inducted into the Assassin Organization. "My name is Keito. I've had the chance to meet many of you already, but for those I haven't, let me formally introduce myself. I'm in charge of all Unodoz, which is the designation for Rank 1 assassins. That's you."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"From today, you are officially Unodoz, which means you are now eligible to participate in missions. This is where the real work begins. Our organization is unique in this regard. Unlike others, passing the entrance exams alone is not enough for us. We require all recruits to undergo a full month of compulsory training to ensure you're up to our standards. And today, I'm pleased to say you've proven yourselves worthy of taking on missions and representing our organization with excellence."

The room was silent, the recruits hanging on his every word. Keito's demeanor was cool and composed, but there was a fire in his tone that commanded respect.

"Now," he continued, "I'll go over some details about our structure that you may not yet know. Within our organization, there are five named ranks of assassins. You've already achieved the first—Unodoz, which you all belong to now. The next rank above this is Twari, Rank 2. After that comes Tresa, Rank 3. Then we have Quatz, Rank 4. And finally, there is Cinqa, Rank 5, which is my rank. Only the most elite assassins hold this designation."

He folded his arms, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd for reactions.

"Your progression through these ranks is entirely in your hands. It depends on how hard you work, how well you perform on missions, and the impact you make. With each rank comes more challenging assignments, higher pay, and greater privileges. However, let me be clear: while promotion is in your control, it is also possible to be demoted if your performance falls short. This doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Excellence is not just rewarded here—it is demanded."

The recruits exchanged glances, the gravity of his words setting in.

Keito allowed a faint smile to break his stoic expression. "I trust you will all strive to excel. I look forward to seeing what each of you can accomplish in the field. Welcome to the ranks of the Unodoz."

The room erupted in quiet murmurs as the recruits processed the information, their excitement tempered by the challenges that lay ahead. Keito's speech was clear: they were now part of something far greater than themselves. But only those who proved themselves worthy would rise to the top.

Keito continued, his voice steady as he outlined the system. "In this organization, we assign missions based purely on the nature of the task and whether we believe you're the right fit for it. It's not about favoritism or hierarchy within your rank. If there are periods when you haven't been assigned a mission, understand this—it's not a reflection of your worth but simply a matter of us not having a mission that aligns with your current capabilities. This is intentional. We value precision and success above all else."

The recruits nodded, their expressions a mix of curiosity and relief.

"We also don't operate with permanent squads or teams," Keito explained further. "Who you go on missions with will often vary depending on the assignment. You may be paired with other Unodoz, or you could find yourself temporarily teamed with higher-ranked assassins if the mission demands it."

He paused, letting his words settle before adding, "You'll receive your mission assignments through letters delivered directly to your rooms. These letters will specify the mission details, the briefing location, and the time you're expected to report. Pay close attention to these instructions. They are designed to provide you with everything you need to prepare."

Keito shifted his stance slightly, his eyes narrowing. "There may also be exceptional circumstances where we assign Unodoz to a Twari-level mission. This isn't common, but it does happen. If you have unique skills or traits that we believe are crucial for success, we won't hesitate to place you on a higher-level task. This is both an honor and a responsibility, so if it happens, treat it with the seriousness it deserves."

He scanned the room once more, his intense gaze meeting each recruit's eyes. "Adaptability, discipline, and skill—these are the qualities that will define your future here. Every mission is an opportunity to prove your worth, to climb higher, and to cement your place among the elite."

The recruits sat silently, their attention rapt. Keito's words left no room for doubt: they were part of an elite organization, but their path forward would be earned, not given.