Code Name: Ember

Introduction

The air was thick with anticipation as Min Seo Wolfe stood at the edge of the training compound, her heart pounding in rhythm with the distant sound of footsteps. The sun had barely risen, casting long shadows across the gravel path leading to the arena where her fate would be decided.

She tightened the laces on her boots, the familiar motion grounding her amidst the whirlwind of thoughts. Today marked her twenty-first birthday, the day she would face the Trial—a crucible designed to test every skill she had honed over the years. Success meant elevation to the ranks of elite operatives; failure was not an option.

Memories of her rigorous training flooded her mind: the countless hours spent mastering languages, the bruises from sparring sessions, the late nights deciphering codes. Each lesson had been a stepping stone, leading to this pivotal moment.

But beneath the layers of discipline and determination lay a burning question: Who had killed her brother?

His death had been shrouded in mystery, dismissed as a tragic accident. Yet, Min Seo had never accepted that explanation. She had seen the inconsistencies, the subtle signs pointing to a deeper conspiracy. The Trial was not just a test of her abilities—it was a gateway to the truth.

As she stepped into the arena, the crowd's murmur faded into the background. Her focus narrowed to the task at hand. The first challenge loomed ahead: a simulated hostage rescue, complete with unpredictable variables and high stakes.

Drawing a deep breath, Min Seo centered herself. This was more than a test; it was the beginning of her journey to uncover the secrets that had haunted her family. With resolve etched into every movement, she advanced, ready to face whatever lay ahead.