Chapter 6: Initiation
"Let me be honest," Raymond said, standing. "If you choose the job, you'll be paid well. No questions asked. But you'll be blind. Kept comfortable... and controlled. You'll survive, but that is all."
He looked outside the window, city lights so static.
"Choose the mentorship, and everything changes. You'll see things you can't unsee. Hear truths that will burn through every lie you've ever believed. You'll make decisions that won't let you sleep. And if you slip... if you draw too much attention... the system eats its own. Fast."
He turned back. "There's no third option. No return to normal."
Raymond's question lingered like smoke in the room.
"So, what'll it be Alex? Comfort? Or clarity?"
"..."
Alex didn't answer immediately. He leaned back in the soft leather chair, his eyes drifting to the painting on the wall. His chest tightened.
He wanted to say yes. The words were right there. But something in him, maybe fear, maybe instinct, held them back.
"I need to think," Alex said finally.
Raymond didn't flinch. He nodded slowly as if expecting that answer all along. "Good. That means you're not stupid."