Chapter 1

Congratulations, You’re Hired (I Think?)

Outside Obsidian Logic HQ

If buildings could glare at you, this one would.

Obsidian Logic’s headquarters stood tall like a villain’s lair, all sharp lines, mirrored glass, and an aura of we-eat-souls-for-breakfast. I stood in front of it, adjusting my collar like that would somehow make me look more “employable” and less “fresh grad having an existential crisis.”

Calm down, Asher. You’ve prepped for this. You’ve got charm, mild intelligence, and a decent haircut. You’ll survive.

Probably.

The stories about this place had spread like wildfire across my university. But it wasn’t the building that haunted people’s dreams. No. It was the man at the top: Adrian Lucius. The CEO. The legend. The ghost in the server room.

He is also known as "ICE CEO."

Because of his cold personality. His personal life is also a mystery. He is always on news about his new inventions,achievements, and awards, but nothing about his private even no dating scandals.

I’d heard things.

“He’s a control freak. Fires people for breathing wrong.”

“Doesn’t smile. Ever.”

“Once fired a guy mid-presentation.”

Fantastic, I thought as I stepped through the glass doors. Hope I never meet him. Ever. Like, maybe we’ll function in different dimensions.

Interview Room – Thirty Minutes of Controlled Panic

The interview room was as warm and welcoming as a dentist’s office. One table. One chair. One woman who looked like she could snap a pencil with her mind.

She didn’t smile once. I, however, smiled enough for both of us.

I answered everything confidently - well, semi-confidently. Tossed in a few jokes. A pun or two. Nothing. Her face was stone.

But then, just like that, she nodded and said, “You’ll hear from us this evening.”

Spoiler alert: I did. I was in.

Great. Either I impressed her… or they’re desperate. I’ll take it.

The Next Day

I was officially an Obsidian Logic employee. My badge photo looked like I was being held hostage, but hey,job security.

Then I met Duke. He wore bright colors like he didn’t get the “We Wear Doom Here” memo. He smiled. A lot. Suspicious.

“You’re gonna help with the upcoming charity event,” he said, handing me a clipboard like I’d just joined a gameshow.

Wait… what? I have a degree in tech. I’m supposed to be coding the future. Not folding donation flyers.

But I nodded. Smiled. Said something like “Sounds exciting,” because I enjoy lying under pressure.

Then he said it.

“There’s a possibility the CEO might show up. He sometimes drops at the last minute.”

My soul quietly left my body.

Awesome. Can’t wait to accidentally trip and spill juice on the boss of doom. That won’t be career-ending at all.

Note to self: hope Mr. Lucius is allergic to charity events.

Event Venue – One Day Before the Charity Event

The venue looked like someone had tried to mix luxury with kindergarten birthday party energy. Balloons, glitter, banners… and I’m pretty sure I saw a giant plush bear wearing a tie.

I was setting up “kid-friendly” signs next to a snack table when Duke came over, grinning like we’d just won a Nobel Peace Prize for glitter usage.

“Looking good, Asher! You’ve got a natural vibe for this!”

Yes, my lifelong dream was to direct foot traffic near juice boxes. I'm thriving.

“By the way,” Duke added, “still no word on whether Mr. Lucius will attend.”

My left eye twitched.

Can we not summon him by speaking his name too many times? This isn’t Voldemort, but it’s close.

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