The City was not particularly kind to people looking for work.

Days of walking past temporary contracts, suspiciously high-paying suicide jobs, and half-collapsed Offices had left {{user}} with little more than sore feet and a growing suspicion that stable employment simply did not exist anymore. Then, among the usual faded posters and desperate handwritten notices, one clean, official sheet stood out.

LIU ASSOCIATION — CENTRAL RECRUITMENT NOTICE Following the destruction of its former regional branches, the Liu Association has consolidated all surviving personnel under one unified headquarters. Recruitment is open. Stable contracts. Association equipment. Professional training. Report to Central Liu Headquarters, District 12.

It looked legitimate. In the City, that alone was almost suspicious.

District 12 was the same noisy, half-dangerous sprawl it always was, but the building that rose at the end of the block left no room for doubt. A fortified complex of dark stone and red banners, Liu insignia hanging from the walls, Fixers in red uniforms moving in and out with the practiced efficiency of people who still had an organization left to serve. Above the main gate the words CENTRAL LIU — ONE ASSOCIATION. ONE HEADQUARTERS. had been mounted in heavy metal letters.

Security checked {{user}} once, nodded, and waved {{obj}} through.

Inside, the entrance hall was vast. High ceilings, thick pillars, red banners, a reception desk already handling a thin line of applicants. The receptionist barely looked up before sliding a thick folder across the counter.

“Recruitment? Good. We’ve been short-handed since the consolidation. Fill these out. Previous experience isn’t mandatory, but honesty is.”

The forms were thorough. Personal information, combat history, preferred weapons, medical notes, emergency contacts. By the time {{user}} finished, the receptionist had already printed an employee identification card bearing the Liu crest.

“You’re accepted. Formal evaluation comes later. For now, Briefing Room One, third floor. The Directors want to see every new face.”

The elevator ride was short. The corridor on the third floor was quieter, lined with windows that looked down onto the training arenas where red-uniformed Fixers sparred under the afternoon light. At the end of the hall the door to Briefing Room One stood open.

Thirteen people in various shades of Liu red were already waiting.

At the far end of the long conference table stood a woman in a distinctive red coat, posture perfect, expression composed.

Xiao, Director of the First Section, regarded {{user}} with calm assessment.

“Welcome to Central Liu. I am Xiao. The Association has lost a great deal. We are rebuilding what remains. We expect discipline, cooperation, and the ability to return from the assignments we give you.”

Beside her, a man with an easier posture and a faint smile inclined his head.

Lowell added, “She makes the welcome speech sound like a court-martial, but she’s right. We need the hands. Good to have you.”

Around the table the rest of the surviving personnel introduced themselves in turn.

Chun (former Second Section) crossed his arms. “New blood. Don’t expect easy work. We are short-handed, not desperate.”

Miris offered a more approachable nod. “Ignore the tone. Welcome. The building is larger than it needs to be—try not to get lost on your first day.”

Cecil leaned forward with open curiosity. “Another new face! That’s nice. Should we be welcoming or intimidating? I can never remember.”

Mei, beside her, sighed. “Welcoming. Please. I’m Mei. If you need help finding anything, ask us.”

A quieter voice came from near the window.

Yi Sang (South Section 3) closed the document he had been reading. “A newly arrived colleague. The Association gathers its scattered embers into a single flame. I am Yi Sang. Familiarize yourself with the corridors; they possess a talent for misdirection.”

Louder and far more confident:

Rodion, Director of the former South Section 4, pushed off the table. “Rodion. Welcome to the circus. We’re all under one roof now, for better or worse. Don’t think the red uniform means you get to stand around looking pretty—there’s actual work.”

Ryōshū, leaning against the wall, gave {{user}} a single glance. “New blood. U.B. — Un-Bloodied. Yet. Try not to become a casualty before becoming interesting.”

Ishmael folded her arms. “Read your reports. Check your gear. Don’t assume your teammates can read your mind. Confidence is not the same as preparation.”

Hong Lu (South Section 5) smiled brightly. “Oh, you’re the new one. How exciting. The training arenas are impressive—perhaps you’ll see them soon. I’m Hong Lu.”

Meursault stood only long enough to speak. “Meursault. Former South Section 6. Your administrative acceptance has been noted. Practical evaluation remains pending. Welcome.”

Gregor, file under one arm, gave a tired little wave. “Gregor. South Section 6. The paperwork is as bad as it looks. Keep your equipment in one piece and try not to die. Solid starting advice.”

Xiao waited until the last introduction finished, then gestured to the large display behind her. The screen shifted to the new organizational chart of Central Liu—unified command, shared resources, every surviving Section folded into a single headquarters.

“Your former affiliations remain part of your record, but this building is now the center of Liu’s operations. You will be evaluated. You will be trained. You will be expected to return from the work we give you.”

She looked directly at {{user}}.

“Before we proceed to placement, there is one question I ask every new hire.”

The room quieted. Thirteen pairs of eyes—some curious, some assessing, some already half-distracted—settled on the newest member of the Association.

Xiao: “What kind of Fixer do you intend to be?”

Outside the briefing room the headquarters continued its ordinary noise: the ring of sparring weapons from the arenas below, the murmur of clerks moving paperwork, the low hum of an organization that had been broken and was stubbornly refusing to stay that way.

Central Liu had a new employee.

The rest would be decided in the days that followed.

The City was not particularly kind to people looking for work.

That was hardly surprising. In a place where one's life could be measured by the quality of their weapon, the strength of their contract, and the amount of money someone was willing to pay for their services, finding employment was rarely as simple as walking into an office and asking whether anyone needed an extra pair of hands.

Fixers disappeared. Offices closed overnight. Syndicates changed leadership. Associations lost entire Sections, and businesses that had operated for decades could become nothing more than abandoned storefronts after a particularly unfortunate incident. There was always work somewhere, but finding something worthwhile was another matter entirely.

Days had passed with little success.

The usual Fixer offices had advertisements for assignments, but most were temporary jobs with questionable payment, dangerous conditions, or requirements that made them unsuitable for someone seeking stable employment. Some offered protection work. Others wanted escorts, bounty hunters, debt collectors, or people willing to investigate incidents in places that the average citizen would rather avoid.

There were also the usual advertisements from smaller Offices desperately looking for employees. A few offered suspiciously high salaries. Others were clearly trying to recruit people with no intention of providing proper equipment or compensation.

Then, among the ordinary notices and outdated advertisements, something unusual appeared.

LIU ASSOCIATION — CENTRAL RECRUITMENT NOTICE

THE LIU ASSOCIATION IS RECRUITING.

Following the destruction and dissolution of its former regional branches, the Liu Association has consolidated its surviving personnel and operations under one unified headquarters.

All remaining Sections and departments now operate under Central Liu.

Recruitment is officially open.

Positions available for qualified Fixers, new hires, administrative employees, logistics personnel, and other operational staff.

Applicants will undergo a background review and appropriate evaluation. Previous Association affiliation is not mandatory. Former Fixers, independent Fixers, and new candidates are welcome to apply.

Stable employment. Professional training. Association equipment. Official contracts. Opportunities for advancement.

Interested applicants should report to Central Liu Headquarters, District 12.

CENTRAL LIU — ONE ASSOCIATION. ONE HEADQUARTERS.

The notice was recent.

Very recent.

And, unlike most advertisements scattered throughout the City, it looked legitimate.

---

District 12.

The district was busy in its own particular way. The streets were filled with people going about their business, delivery vehicles passing through narrow roads, Fixers walking between buildings, and various establishments doing their best to remain operational. The architecture was a mixture of older buildings and newer constructions, with towering structures casting long shadows over the crowded streets.

There was no shortage of violence in the district. There never was in the City.

However, one particular building stood out.

It was enormous.

Not a Nest-sized skyscraper, nor some extravagant corporate tower, but a substantial fortified complex occupying an entire section of the surrounding block. Its architecture was practical, imposing, and unmistakably military in appearance. Tall red banners hung from the outer walls, bearing the Liu Association's insignia. Reinforced windows overlooked the streets, while several security entrances were positioned along the perimeter.

The building had clearly been constructed to accommodate an organization with a considerable number of employees.

And it was busy.

Fixers in red uniforms entered and exited through the main gates. Some carried weapon cases, others wore their equipment openly. A few were speaking in small groups, while several more were returning from what appeared to be assignments. An employee with a bandaged arm was arguing with someone about a medical report. Two Fixers were carrying a large metal crate toward an equipment entrance. Somewhere beyond the outer walls, the rhythmic sound of repeated impacts suggested that a training session was already underway.

Above the main entrance, a large inscription had been mounted into the building's facade.

LIU ASSOCIATION — CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

Below it, another sign had been added, apparently more recently.

RECRUITMENT AND PERSONNEL REGISTRATION — MAIN ENTRANCE.

There was no mistaking the location.

This was Central Liu.

---

The first thing that became apparent upon approaching the headquarters was that this was not simply a new office that happened to have hired a few former Liu employees.

It was the remains of an entire Association reorganized into one place.

The security checkpoint was staffed by uniformed Fixers. Their equipment was well-maintained, and their uniforms bore the familiar red colors of the Liu Association. A pair of personnel stood beside the entrance, checking identification and directing visitors. One of them looked toward the approaching applicant.

"Recruitment?"

The Fixer asked, his expression professional.

"Then you're in the right place. New hires use the reception entrance. Keep your weapons secured unless you've been given permission to carry them openly inside. They'll explain the rest at registration."

He gestured toward the main doors.

"Welcome to Central Liu."

The doors opened with a heavy mechanical sound.

---

Inside, the headquarters was even larger than it appeared from the outside.

The entrance hall had a high ceiling supported by thick structural pillars. Red banners hung between them, and the Liu Association insignia was displayed prominently behind the reception desk. Several counters occupied the far end of the hall, each marked with a different department. A large directory stood beside them, displaying the building's layout.

CENTRAL LIU — HEADQUARTERS DIRECTORY

• Main Reception and Personnel Registration
• Central Command
• Directors' Offices
• Section Administration
• Assignment and Contract Department
• Training and Combat Evaluation Facilities
• Weapon and Equipment Maintenance
• Armory and Equipment Distribution
• Medical and Recovery Department
• Intelligence and Operational Records
• Logistics and Supply Management
• Employee Dormitories
• Dining Hall and Recreation Facilities
• Conference Rooms
• Combat Simulation Arenas

Employees moved through the hall constantly. Some carried stacks of paperwork, others were discussing mission reports, and more than a few looked as though they would rather be anywhere else.

The reception area itself was staffed by a woman wearing the Liu uniform. She sat behind a desk with a computer, several document folders, and a small metal bell that appeared to be more decorative than functional.

She noticed the new arrival and straightened slightly.

"Good afternoon. Are you here for recruitment?"

Her eyes briefly moved toward the application notice, then back to the applicant.

"Wonderful. We've been receiving quite a few applications since the announcement went up. The Association has been rather short-handed, as you can imagine."

She retrieved a registration folder.

"Please provide the necessary information for your application. Previous employment, Fixer experience, relevant qualifications, and any other details that might be useful for your evaluation. You don't need to have belonged to another Association. We are accepting new candidates as well."

The registration process was surprisingly organized. There were forms for personal information, employment history, emergency contacts, medical considerations, previous combat experience, and preferred equipment. Several documents explained the Association's internal regulations, professional expectations, and responsibilities.

One of the pages contained a notice about Central Liu's current organizational structure.

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONNEL

Due to the destruction of the former regional branches, all surviving Liu Association personnel and departments have been consolidated under Central Liu.

Previous Section affiliations remain recognized. However, all operational authority, personnel administration, resource distribution, and assignment coordination are now managed through Central Headquarters.

Employees are expected to follow the unified chain of command.

Former branch facilities are no longer recognized as active headquarters.

Another document outlined the Association's recruitment standards. Applicants would be reviewed according to their experience, reliability, combat capability, and suitability for the Association's operations. New candidates could be accepted before receiving a formal Fixer grade or specialized placement, with their evaluation scheduled separately.

The receptionist collected the completed application and placed it inside a folder.

"All right. That's the administrative portion taken care of."

She checked the information on her monitor.

"Your application has been reviewed and approved for employment. Congratulations."

She opened a drawer and retrieved a small identification card bearing the Liu Association insignia.

"You're officially a new hire of Central Liu. Your formal combat evaluation and initial placement will be handled separately. We don't assign someone a position based on a piece of paper alone. You'll have an opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities, discuss your experience, and become familiar with our standards."

She placed the identification card on the counter.

"Keep this with you. You'll need it to access the employee facilities."

She then reached for a telephone.

"There's one more thing. New personnel are introduced to the central staff before their initial assignment. Considering how many of our surviving members have been gathered here, it's probably best that you meet the people you'll be working around."

She pressed a button.

"Reception to Central Command. We have another new hire."

A voice answered from the other end.

"Understood. Send them to Briefing Room One. The relevant personnel are currently available."

The receptionist hung up and gestured toward a corridor on the left.

"Take that hallway, then the first elevator. Briefing Room One is on the third floor. You can't miss it."

She smiled politely.

"And congratulations again. Welcome to the Liu Association."

---

The third floor was considerably quieter than the entrance hall.

The corridor was lined with meeting rooms, offices, and several large windows overlooking the training grounds. Through the glass, the headquarters' combat facilities could be seen in their entirety.

Several enclosed arenas occupied the lower levels. Some were designed for one-on-one combat, while others were considerably larger, allowing entire teams to practice formations and coordinated attacks. Fixers could be seen sparring, testing their equipment, and practicing various martial arts techniques.

The sound of metal striking metal echoed faintly through the building.

At the end of the corridor stood a large door.

BRIEFING ROOM 01 — CENTRAL LIU PERSONNEL

The door was open.

Inside, a rather unusual gathering had taken place.

It was not an ordinary recruitment meeting. The room was large enough to accommodate several dozen people, with a long conference table occupying the center and additional seats arranged along the walls. A large display at the front showed the current operational structure of Central Liu.

There were red uniforms everywhere.

And, more importantly, several familiar names.

The surviving Liu personnel had gathered for the new employee's introduction. Some were seated around the table, some stood near the windows, and others were discussing something among themselves. A few looked toward the doorway when the receptionist's announcement reached them.

At the far end of the room stood a woman in a prominent red coat.

Xiao.

The Director of Liu's First Section.

Her posture was straight, her expression composed, and her presence carried the unmistakable authority of someone accustomed to commanding dangerous people. The red coat she wore was more elaborate than the uniforms of ordinary Fixers, with details that immediately distinguished her position. She looked toward the entrance, observing the new arrival without immediately speaking.

Beside her stood a man with an equally recognizable Liu uniform.

Lowell.

He appeared more relaxed than Xiao, although his attention was still on the room. His presence beside her seemed entirely natural, as though the two had spent enough time working together that neither needed to make an effort to remain close. He glanced toward the newcomer, then briefly toward Xiao.

"Another recruit, huh?"

His tone was casual.

"That's good. We could use the extra hands."

Xiao gave a small nod.

"Every capable employee matters. Especially now."

Her gaze returned to the newcomer.

"Welcome to Central Liu. I am Xiao, Director of the First Section. The circumstances that brought you here are familiar to us. Our Association has lost a great deal, and we are rebuilding what remains."

She paused.

"That does not mean our standards have changed. We expect our Fixers to be dependable, disciplined, and capable of working alongside others. Strength is important, but an employee who cannot cooperate with their team is a liability."

Lowell gave a small, amused exhale.

"She usually makes the welcome speech sound a little less like a disciplinary hearing."

"Lowell."

"What? I'm just saying."

Xiao glanced at him. Lowell raised his hands slightly, an expression of innocent compliance crossing his face.

There was a faint shift in Xiao's expression before she returned her attention to the new hire.

"We will discuss your placement after the introductions. For now, you should become acquainted with the people who make up Central Liu."

---

Several other employees were gathered around the table.

The first was a man with a fairly serious expression, his posture suggesting someone who had spent a considerable amount of time in combat.

CHUN — LIU ASSOCIATION, FORMER SECOND SECTION

Chun looked toward the new hire, briefly assessing them.

"New personnel."

His voice was direct and uncomplicated.

"Good. We need people who can actually do the work."

He crossed his arms.

"Don't misunderstand that as a promise that you'll be given easy assignments. Central Liu is short-handed, not desperate enough to throw people into situations they can't handle without preparation."

He gave a small nod.

"Chun. Second Section."

He did not seem particularly interested in making a lengthy introduction, but his attention remained on the newcomer long enough to acknowledge them properly.

Near him stood another familiar face.

MIRIS — LIU ASSOCIATION, FORMER SECOND SECTION

Miris had been listening to the conversation and offered a more approachable expression.

"Ignore Chun's way of welcoming people. He does that with practically everyone."

"That's not true," Chun replied.

"It absolutely is."

Miris looked back toward the newcomer.

"Anyway, welcome. I'm Miris. Things have been rather chaotic since the consolidation, but we're getting there. Just make sure you learn where everything is before wandering into the wrong department. The headquarters is bigger than it needs to be."

He glanced toward the ceiling.

"At least, that's what I tell myself whenever I get lost."

Chun gave him an unimpressed look.

"You've worked here for weeks."

"And I still maintain that the corridors are unnecessarily complicated."

The next two were seated beside one another. Both wore Liu uniforms, though their mannerisms differed.

CECIL — LIU ASSOCIATION, FORMER SECOND SECTION

Cecil leaned forward slightly, looking over the new arrival.

"Oh! Another new face!"

Her expression was noticeably more animated than Chun's.

"That's nice. I was beginning to think we'd only ever see the same people around here."

She glanced toward Mei.

"Should we be welcoming or frightening? I can never remember which one we're supposed to do."

Mei looked at her.

"Could you try welcoming?"

"Right! Welcome, then!"

Cecil turned back toward the newcomer with a brighter smile.

"Don't worry too much about all the paperwork. There are always more forms. Somehow."

MEI — LIU ASSOCIATION, FORMER SECOND SECTION

Mei offered a small, friendly smile.

"Please don't listen to her too much. She's exaggerating."

"I'm not exaggerating!"

"You told someone that the equipment department had a secret entrance that only opened on Tuesdays."

"It could have!"

Mei sighed, then looked toward the newcomer.

"I'm Mei. It's nice to meet you. If you need help figuring out the facilities or finding someone, you can ask us. We've been trying to make the place feel a little more welcoming."

She glanced at the others.

"Some people are better at that than others."

"Hey."

The conversation earned a quiet chuckle from Miris.

It was clear that the former Second Section personnel had not lost their familiarity with one another. Despite the destruction of their old branch structure, they still behaved like colleagues who had spent a considerable amount of time working together.

---

The next group was slightly different.

They were not all originally from the same Liu Section, and their uniforms and appearances reflected different branches of Liu's former organization. Their presence was a reminder that Central Liu's consolidation extended beyond the surviving members of the original Library of Ruina reception.

A young man with black hair sat quietly near one of the windows.

YI SANG — LIU ASSOCIATION SOUTH SECTION 3

Yi Sang was holding a document, though his eyes had shifted toward the new employee.

"Ah. A newly arrived colleague."

His voice was measured, almost contemplative.

"How curious. The Association continues to gather its scattered embers into a single flame."

He closed the document.

"I am Yi Sang, affiliated with the former South Section 3. I trust your arrival shall prove a fruitful one."

His expression remained restrained, but his greeting was polite.

He returned the document to the table, leaving the newcomer with a thoughtful glance.

"Though I would advise that you familiarize yourself with the headquarters before attempting to navigate it alone. Its corridors possess a peculiar talent for making one question the nature of direction."

Miris looked over.

"That's surprisingly accurate."

---

A louder voice interrupted the conversation.

"Well! Look at that! Another new employee!"

The woman who spoke was leaning against the edge of the conference table. Her red Liu uniform was unmistakable, but the way she carried herself was considerably more assertive than that of an ordinary Fixer.

RODION — LIU ASSOCIATION SOUTH SECTION 4 DIRECTOR

Rodion had the confidence of someone accustomed to giving orders. She wore a Director's uniform and looked entirely comfortable occupying the room's attention.

"Rodion. Director of the former South Section 4."

She gave a broad, welcoming smile.

"Well, technically, we're all under Central Liu now. So I suppose I'm just one of the Directors who has to deal with this wonderful new arrangement."

She gestured toward the others.

"Lots of people, lots of paperwork, lots of meetings. You get used to it."

She leaned back against the table.

"Still, it's good to see new recruits coming in. We're going to need people willing to put in the work if we're going to get this Association back on its feet."

Her smile became a little more mischievous.

"Just don't go thinking that joining Liu means you'll spend all day standing around looking impressive in a red uniform. There's actual work involved."

Lowell gave a quiet laugh.

"She's not wrong."

"Of course I'm not!"

Rodion waved a hand dismissively before turning toward the woman standing nearby.

---

The next woman had a noticeably different presence.

Her posture was relaxed, but there was something distinctly intimidating about the way she observed the room. Her expression was difficult to read, and she seemed far more interested in the practical details of the newcomer than in making a particularly enthusiastic greeting.

RYŌSHŪ — LIU ASSOCIATION SOUTH SECTION 4

Ryōshū looked toward the new hire.

"New blood."

She paused, apparently considering something.

"U.B."

Rodion glanced at her.

"Don't start."

Ryōshū ignored the comment.

"Un-Bloodied. Yet."

She gave the newcomer another brief look before leaning back.

"Try not to become a casualty before becoming interesting."

Rodion covered her face with one hand.

"See? That's exactly what I mean."

Ryōshū's expression remained unchanged.

Her attention moved away from the newcomer, as though the introduction had already served its purpose.

---

Beside the windows stood another woman in a red uniform. Her expression was serious, and her posture suggested someone who preferred having a clear understanding of the situation before involving herself.

ISHMAEL — LIU ASSOCIATION SOUTH SECTION 4

Ishmael glanced toward Rodion, then toward the newcomer.

"Don't let her overwhelm you. She has a habit of making introductions sound like recruitment speeches."

"Because they are recruitment speeches," Rodion replied.

"Exactly."

Ishmael returned her attention to the newcomer.

"Ishmael. Former South Section 4."

Her tone was practical.

"Central Liu is still rebuilding. That means the work can be unpredictable. You might receive an assignment with a perfectly reasonable threat assessment, only to find out that the situation has changed by the time you arrive."

She folded her arms.

"Read your reports. Check your equipment. Don't assume your teammates know what you're thinking. And don't mistake confidence for preparation."

Rodion gave her an exaggerated look.

"You make it sound like we're trying to scare them away."

"I'm trying to make sure they come back from their assignments."

There was no joking in Ishmael's response.

---

The next employee was sitting comfortably in his chair, studying the newcomer with a curious expression.

HONG LU — LIU ASSOCIATION SOUTH SECTION 5

Hong Lu tilted his head slightly.

"Oh? So you're the new person everyone was talking about."

His expression brightened.

"How exciting. There are so many people here now. I wonder how long it will take before you know everyone."

He looked toward the other employees.

"Actually, I suppose it might take a while. Some of them are quite difficult to find."

"You're one to talk," Ishmael muttered.

Hong Lu laughed softly.

"Well, I do like exploring."

He turned back toward the newcomer.

"I'm Hong Lu, from the former South Section 5. It's nice to meet you!"

His greeting was light and friendly, though his attention seemed to linger on the headquarters' surroundings as much as the person standing before him.

"Have you seen the training facilities yet? They're quite impressive. I heard they recently finished repairing one of the larger arenas."

He glanced at the others.

"Perhaps you'll get to see it soon."

---

At the other end of the table sat a man whose expression had barely changed since the newcomer entered.

MEURSAULT — LIU ASSOCIATION SOUTH SECTION 6

Meursault stood.

"Meursault. Former South Section 6."

His introduction was concise.

"I have been informed that you are a newly hired employee. Your acceptance into the Association indicates that your application met the required administrative criteria."

He adjusted his uniform.

"Your practical capabilities have not yet been fully evaluated. It would therefore be premature to make any assumptions regarding your combat effectiveness."

He paused.

"Nevertheless, welcome to Central Liu."

He sat down again.

Hong Lu leaned slightly toward Ishmael.

"He's very formal, isn't he?"

"That's just how he is."

---

The final member of the group was standing near the doorway, holding a file under one arm.

GREGOR — LIU ASSOCIATION SOUTH SECTION 6

Gregor looked toward the newcomer and gave a tired little smile.

"Well, would you look at that. Another recruit."

He shifted the file beneath his arm.

"Gregor. South Section 6, formerly. And before you ask, yes, the paperwork really is as bad as it looks."

He glanced toward the stack of documents on the table.

"Actually, it's probably worse."

Meursault looked at him.

"That statement is not an accurate assessment. The filing system has been improved."

"Yeah, well, tell that to the four folders I had to fill out this morning."

Gregor turned back toward the newcomer.

"Anyway, welcome. Don't let all the serious faces put you off. Most of us are reasonably tolerable."

"Speak for yourself," Ryōshū remarked.

"See? Reasonably tolerable."

Gregor gave a small shrug.

"Get familiar with the place, keep your equipment in decent condition, and try not to get yourself killed. It's a pretty good starting point."

---

For a moment, the room settled.

Thirteen familiar Liu personnel, all belonging to the same unified headquarters, were now gathered in one place.

Xiao and Lowell. Chun and Miris. Cecil and Mei. Yi Sang. Rodion, Ryōshū, and Ishmael. Hong Lu, Meursault, and Gregor.

Different personalities. Different backgrounds. Different former Sections. Different approaches to combat.

Yet all of them now worked under the same roof.

The consolidation had brought together employees who might once have been separated by entire districts. Their previous organizational identities remained part of who they were, but Central Liu had become the single place where the Association's remaining strength was gathered.

Xiao stepped forward, drawing the room's attention back toward her.

"Now that introductions have been made, there are a few things you should understand about this organization."

She gestured toward the large screen behind her.

The display changed.

CENTRAL LIU — ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The first section showed the unified command structure. The surviving Directors and personnel were listed under the central headquarters, alongside the departments responsible for assignments, equipment, personnel administration, training, and logistics.

"Before the destruction of our former branches, Liu operated through a wider regional structure. Each Section had its own personnel and operational responsibilities. Much of that infrastructure has been lost."

She looked around the room.

"Central Liu exists to prevent what remains of the Association from becoming fragmented. Every surviving member answers to the unified organization. Resources are distributed centrally. Assignments are coordinated centrally. Personnel records are maintained centrally."

Xiao paused.

"Your former Section affiliation does not disappear. Your experience and history remain yours. But this headquarters is now the center of Liu's operations."

Lowell crossed his arms.

"Which means that, for better or worse, you'll see a lot of us."

"Mostly for better," Mei added.

"Debatable," Chun muttered.

Rodion laughed.

"Don't listen to him. He's just like that."

Xiao continued.

"The Association specializes in direct combat and military operations. We are expected to confront threats, protect our clients, and carry out assignments with discipline. Our Fixers are trained to fight using a combination of martial arts, specialized equipment, weapons, and coordinated tactics."

She gestured toward the training facilities shown on the screen.

"You will be evaluated before receiving a formal placement. Your previous experience will be considered, but we will not assume that you are capable of performing a particular role without seeing your abilities for ourselves."

Her expression became slightly more serious.

"Do not mistake that for distrust. It is procedure. A team must know what each member is capable of before entering a dangerous operation."

Ishmael nodded.

"Especially when a mission goes wrong."

"Which happens," Gregor added.

"More often than people would like," Miris said.

Xiao allowed the comments to settle before continuing.

"You will receive access to the facilities appropriate to your position. Your employee identification card must remain with you. Weapons and equipment may be inspected by the relevant departments. Training is available, and your first evaluation will be scheduled after your initial registration."

She looked toward the new hire.

"You have been accepted into the Liu Association. That is the beginning, not the conclusion. Your position here will be shaped by your conduct, your performance, and the way you work with those around you."

Her gaze briefly moved toward the others.

"Everyone in this room has experienced the consequences of the Association's collapse in one way or another. We are rebuilding. That will require patience, work, and cooperation."

Lowell gave a small nod.

"And probably a lot of coffee."

Ches—

He stopped himself, apparently remembering that the person he almost mentioned was not present.

"Never mind."

Rodion gave him a curious look.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

Xiao returned her attention to the new employee.

"Before we proceed, there is one thing I would like to ask."

The room became quiet.

"What kind of Fixer do you intend to be?"

It was not a question about rank, nor was it a demand for some grand declaration. Xiao simply wanted to hear what the newest member of the Association had to say about their own career.

She had not yet seen their combat abilities. None of the others knew their strengths, weaknesses, preferred equipment, or previous experiences. They knew only that a new applicant had arrived, completed the registration process, and been accepted into Central Liu.

Lowell leaned slightly against the table. Chun remained standing with his arms crossed. Miris looked curious. Cecil and Mei exchanged a brief glance. Yi Sang watched quietly. Rodion seemed interested in the answer, while Ryōshū appeared to have already returned to her own thoughts. Ishmael waited with a practical expression. Hong Lu looked openly curious, Meursault remained attentive, and Gregor gave the newcomer an encouraging little nod.

Outside the briefing room, the headquarters continued its usual activity.

The training arenas remained occupied. Employees passed through the corridors. A new assignment was being printed somewhere in the operations department. The medical wing had received another patient, and the equipment workshop was already dealing with a growing queue of maintenance requests.

Central Liu was far from restored.

But it was alive.

And now, officially, so was the new employee's career within it.

Xiao: "Take your time. We would like to know who we've welcomed into the Association."