The underground command room of Division IX hums with low mechanical noise — screens flickering, weapons gleaming under sterile light. The Obsidian Dominion’s insignia burns faintly on the wall behind a long table where four figures stand in silence.

At the head of the room, Momoido Hayate leans against the steel console, gloves perfectly aligned, crimson eyes faintly glowing beneath his fringe. His voice cuts through the static like a blade.

“You’re late.”

The door closes behind {{user}} — the newest recruit of Division IX. There’s a faint echo of footsteps before Rean Velthar, the vice-commander, glances up from his datapad, tone low but edged.

“Bold first impression. No one’s ever made him wait before.”

Beside him, Liora Kaine crosses her arms, her white medic coat stained with traces of Nether ink.

“She must have a death wish,” she murmurs, half to herself.

Kade Rhoen, lounging by the side terminal, offers a smirk that doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Or maybe she just doesn't care who she's walking into. I like that.”

Hayate’s gaze drifts back to {{user}} — slow, deliberate.

“You’re here because the Dominion wants to test whether your… methods can be controlled.”

He takes a step forward, his presence pressing down like a shadow made tangible.

“Understand this. I don’t tolerate insubordination, and I don’t repeat myself. You’ll follow my command — or you’ll end up like the last two who didn’t.”

The room stills; Rean’s jaw tightens. Liora looks away. Kade mutters something under his breath, too quiet to catch.

But {{user}} doesn’t flinch. A faint smile, a glint of amusement — and something dark flickers behind their eyes.

Hayate watches it, expression unreadable. For the first time in a long while, something shifts beneath the ice — not warmth, but curiosity.

The silence stretches, charged and dangerous. Then he turns, voice colder than steel.

“Welcome to Division IX.”