Arc - Genesis of Flux, Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - Leichen's pact

South and Zofia climbed the staircase leading to the conference room. The water outside shone, fish swam by, but South barely noticed. His mind was focused on what lay ahead, joining Leichen to find his sister.

At the top, the doors to the conference room slid open. The room was large, overlooked by a round table surrounded by high-backed chairs. Four people were already seated.

"Sit," Fischer ordered as soon as South stepped inside. His tone was clipped, all business. South eyed the man briefly before taking a seat across from him.

A server appeared, placing a platter of food in front of South. The smell was tempting, but he ignored it, focusing on the room's tension instead. He wasn't here to enjoy Michelin star food, he was here to possibly get information on his sister.

The members of Leichen introduced themselves to South, each giving a brief account of their backgrounds

The first man was the first to speak. "Forsterke," he said simply. "I handle the more strategic operations around here. Been in this line of work for longer than most can remember. My past isn't important, but my future here is." He paused. "You'll find that I'm not one for small talk."

Next was the second man. He barely made eye contact as he spoke. "Donjivuk. I deal with intelligence and reconnaissance. My work keeps the organisation one step ahead of our enemies. I don't care much for company, and I don't expect to change that."

Finally, Zofia spoke. "Zofia. I've been here long enough to see a lot of things go down. My job is to ensure operations run smoothly, and people stay alive." She said, "I know trust isn't easy to come by, but I've got your back if you've got mine."

The introductions were to the point. South remained silent, taking in their words but not letting his guard down. As far as he was concerned, these people were just another set of obstacles in his path to finding his sister.

Fischer leaned forward. "We're here to see if you're worth our time, South. You've got skills, no doubt about that, but we need more than a lone wolf. We need someone who can take orders and get the job done."

South's expression hardened. "I'm not here to play games. You have information on my sister, North. That's why I'm here. You give me what I need, and I'll do whatever it takes."

"Straightforward," Forsterke remarked.

Zofia cut in, "South has shown what he can do. With the right direction, he could be a real asset."

Fischer wasn't convinced. "We'll see about that. You say you're willing to do anything, South, but are you willing to follow orders? To be part of something bigger?"

South's look didn't waver. "I'm here to find my sister. Whatever it takes."

A brief silence settled over the room. Fischer finally spoke. "We have some leads on North. But nothing comes for free. You'll need to prove yourself in the training pit. Show us what you're really made of."

South nodded. "Just point me in the right direction."

Fischer looked as he observed South. "Your weapons, they're unique. Flux-infused, powerful. You inherited more than just a weapon, didn't you? You've inherited a responsibility."

South smiled. "It's part of who I am. And if it helps me find North, I'll use it."

Fischer's tone turned cold. "We're not your friends, South. We're here to use your skills, and in return, you might get what you're after. But you'll have to earn it."

South stood, eyes locked on Fischer. "I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to find my sister."

As the meeting wrapped up, Zofia stayed behind, giving South a nod of encouragement. The others filed out, leaving Fischer and South alone.

"One last thing," Fischer said quietly. "If you want to survive here, remember this: we don't owe you anything. You'll earn your place, or you'll be left behind. Clear?"

South met his gaze without flinching. "Crystal."

Fischer nodded and reached behind his desk, retrieving a neatly folded uniform. It was sleek, black, and looked like something out of a spec ops catalogue. He tossed it to South. "Change after training. I'll have a dorm arranged for you, part of the base where you can keep a collection of these along with a room. You'll need it."

Without another word, Fischer turned away, dismissing him. Zofia motioned for South to follow her out of the room. As they walked down the corridor, South clenched his jaw, still pissed from Fischer's words.

"He's a fucking weirdo," South muttered, breaking the silence. His anger was barely contained.

Zofia giggled but kept her voice low. "Fischer's strict, yeah. He's had his reasons. Lost a lot over the years, and this place? It's all he's got left. He doesn't trust easily, especially not new recruits. But that doesn't mean you should cross him."

South huffed, but didn't respond, his mind still turning over the interaction with Fischer. Zofia glanced at him as they walked. "Look, I get it. You're pissed. But around here, you gotta pick your battles. He's tough, but he's not unreasonable. Just… don't let him get to you."

They continued walking in silence until they reached the training room. As they stepped inside, South's eyes widened slightly. Donjivuk and Forsterke were already there, both looking like they'd been waiting. Zofia motioned toward them with a grin.

"Join the brothers," she said, her voice light but with a hint of teasing.

South's brow furrowed. "They're brothers?" he asked, genuinely surprised. He hadn't picked up on that before.

Zofia nodded. "Yeah. Didn't think Forsterke had family, did you? Surprises all around."

South shrugged it off. "I prefer to train alone," he muttered.

Zofia laughed. "Can't blame you for that. But today, you're gonna get some practice in. You're fighting Forsterke first, then Donjivuk if you survive." She winked at South.

South sighed, clearly not thrilled about the idea. "Fine," he grumbled, walking toward the training pit.

Forsterke and South took their places on opposite sides of the pit. Zofia leaned against the wall, arms crossed as she observed. "Hands only," she instructed. "No weapons. Forsterke's got combat experience, and South… well, you've got instinct."

South cracked his knuckles, even though he lacked formal melee combat training. Forsterke, in contrast, was calm, his posture that of a seasoned fighter.

"Start!" Zofia commanded.

The two men began to circle each other. Donjivuk watched from above, an amused smile on his face as he sat with one leg crossed over the other.

Forsterke moved first, closing the distance with small steps. South tensed, preparing for a strike, but Forsterke had other plans. In a flash, he dropped low, charging straight at South's legs with a downward grapple.

The move was too fast, South barely had time to react before Forsterke's arms wrapped around his legs and slammed him into the ground with a force that knocked the wind out of him. South's eyes widened in shock as he realised Forsterke wasn't holding back, he was going for the kill.

South barely managed to roll to the side as Forsterke's foot came crashing down where his head had been a moment ago. Panic surged through him, but so did something else, anger. This wasn't just a fight. This was survival.

And that's when South knew, deep down, that he had to learn fast if he wanted to stay alive here. The look in Forsterke's eyes wasn't one of competition, it was the eyes of murder.