Andrés looked at the street in Atlantis City, hesitated for a moment, and headed for an empty and lonely alley.
Even though it was early in the morning, as the alley was in the middle of tall buildings that covered part of the light, those places looked dangerous.
Giving the impression that evildoers were waiting for their victims, hiding in this place.
Moving down the alley, Andrés stopped at a back door in one building.
“This is the place?” Andrés asked, looking at the door.
A back exit of a typical building that led to a lonely alley.
If he were told he was heading to a gun dealer or to buy drugs, Andrés would no doubt believe it.
“Yeah. What did you expect? It’s an information network,” Liam said through the earpiece in his ear and before he answered, he added. “The atmosphere it gives is great. Everyone may think it’s a very dangerous and secret information network.”
Andrés’s expression quivered.
The place and location gave a certain secretive impression, as if it were somewhere dangerous.
And there was only one problem in that regard.
Andrés knocked on the door, performing three long knocks and two quick raps.
“Password?”
Eyes revealed themselves in the hatch, and the thick voice sounded from the other side.
“Kittens are cute...” Andrés said with an odd expression.
“That’s the old password.” Replied the voice and after a while, he asked. “You needed the new one.”
Andrés’ expression quivered as he heard a new password being asked for.
“Hold on a second,” Liam interjected through the earpiece, and after five seconds, he commented. “The password is...”
“Adopt kittens...” Andrés said after hearing Liam’s password.
To his surprise, the door was immediately opened, and on the other side; the guard showed himself.
A burly, muscular man, with a serious and cold expression, which did not match the password they used.
That this man was attending him in this kind of alley was a bit scary, if it were not for the password, which was so particular.
A little puzzled, he followed the guard, who guided him.
“Why that password?” Andrés asked the guard without being able to resist.
It was impossible that he could resist when the password was so special.
“The boss wants to raise awareness about adopting and not buying pets. I told her it should be better ‘adopt and not buy’ as the password, but she wanted to add ‘kittens’,” replied the guard in a simple and slightly disappointed tone.
Disappointment that someone would not follow his advice.
How could he respond to that?
“...”
Andrés couldn’t respond and was completely silent, not knowing how to react.
Was this the place where he would work? Liam invited him to this place, mentioning to him that this information network was his contact and Andrés was having mixed feelings.
Passing through some doors and descending into the basement, the guard brought Andrés to a cellar.
The basement was slightly dark and the only lights were from the computers that were scattered around the rooms and in which some people were playing games.
“Good luck with the interview,” said the bouncer in a low voice and, looking at the computers scattered around the basement, his gaze went to a woman who was frowning and warned. “Boss, the new guy came for the interview!”
Shouting those words quickly, the guard retreated before giving her a thumbs up and patting her shoulder as if for encouragement.
There were a couple of people in this place who redirected their gaze towards him, and Andrés, who was nervous, watched the woman who clicked her tongue as she stopped playing.
Was this the work site? It looked more like a basement where good friends gathered to play games and didn’t match Andrés’ image of an ‘information network’.
The blonde-haired, light brown-eyed woman, who was frowning at being interrupted, approached.
“First of all... Goodbye, Liam,” said the woman in a flat voice.
Andrés, who was stunned, was even more stunned when the communication with Liam ended abruptly.
Checking with his ability as the connection with Liam was severed, he frowned when he realized that he couldn’t connect to his holographic watch through his ability.
The name of his talent was [Computer Control] and, as the name mentioned, it allowed him to connect to and control any electronic or computer device.
However, now he could not even connect to his own holographic watch or access any electronic device in the area.
He couldn’t even connect to his AI.
“Interesting isn’t it? That’s my talent. I can stop other computer-like ‘mechanics’ from using their abilities. In a sense, it would be like I’m shutting down everything electronic,” explained the woman with a smile and, seeing Andrés nod in understanding, she introduced herself. “Serena Dolloway. Maybe after this interview, you’ll be calling me ‘boss’.”
A friendly smile and a comment that gave the impression that she was approachable and that the interview could be easy.
“You don’t need to introduce yourself. I’ve already heard from Liam about you. Of course, I’ve also checked you out,” Serena interjected before Andrés could react and, not minding his open mouth close to speaking, asked. “Do you like cats?”
Andrés blinked at that question so abruptly and completely inconsistent with the line of conversation.
“Yes. I’m not a pet person, but I like them.” Andrés replied, even though he understood the question.
No matter how much he didn’t understand, he was in an interview and, if he was honest, Andrés wanted this job.
If he had to answer what he ate yesterday, even if it had no bearing on his topic of conversation, Andrés would answer it.
Serena nodded, quite satisfied with that answer.
“Let’s get on with the first part of the interview,” Serena said, pointing to a computer in front of where she stood.
Liam had briefed her on how the interview would go, and when he did, Andrés thought the man was joking with him.
However, now he didn’t know how to react.
“We’ll play a shooting game on that one, I’m good,” Serena informed, inviting him to a shooting game that had come out this year.
Although Liam’s advice seemed like a poor joke, Andrés trusted him and could now identify the game.
In this kind of situation, the idea that he knew how to play was the only thing that kept his confidence.
He assumed Liam had misled him when he mentioned the method by which he should prepare, and Andrés, even when he was in this interview, still couldn’t make sense of it.
But like anyone else who wanted the job, he sat in the chair and logged into his in-game account.
“Ha, I’ll beat the crap out of those idiots this time,” Serena muttered, inviting Andrés to her team.
The first part of the interview, if one could even call it that; consisted of team play with Serena.
Any normal person would think it was an easy interview to complete and Andrés, who got in the first game, thought so too, until a few moments ago.
Unfortunately...
“Tch... I got killed,” Serena muttered as an enemy confronted her.
Telling himself that maybe it was bad luck, Andrés continued to play and accompany his would-be boss and...
“Who put the wall there?”
In the middle of a hallway, Serena threw the grenade at her enemy, only she did it so badly, it hit the wall and landed at the feet of the two characters, leading to both of them dying on the spot.
“Huh, what happened? Why did it say I died by drowning?”
After falling into a pool, she missed her breathing time and died from drowning due to lack of air.
Worst of all, that pool was too small.
The successive deaths that followed were similar, making it clear that Serena was a lousy player.
An old woman who didn’t know about technology and was playing for the first time would probably be better than the woman next to her.
Of course, Andrés kept his solemn expression and didn’t even think of laughing, although he didn’t have time since the team was depending on him to win.
How was it possible for someone like Serena to run an information network?
That’s what Andrés wondered, as he finished the last game, eliminating all the enemies, taking the team’s victory.
Playing alone would be easier than playing with Serena, and it was normal for him to have that thought when most of the deaths were caused by his teammate.
Serena let out a laugh as she saw the ‘victory’ sign covering both screens.
“I told you I’d beat the crap out of them,” Serena commented with a proud smile.
Proud enough for anyone to believe that the team won because of her.
The only way you could call this kind of person was shameless, and it was impossible for Andrés not to think that when she literally wasn’t embarrassed by her horrible performance.
Although he had to admit Serena, he got a picture quickly in his mind and since he was still in an interview, Andrés held back all his thoughts.
“You’re pretty good, I have to admit. Though there were a few flaws, I can let them slide,” Serena said generously.
Andrés’ lips quivered as a chuckle almost escaped his lips and before it came out, he controlled himself enough to keep the comment from coming out.
“Let’s move on to the second part of the interview,” Serena ordered with unquestionable seriousness.
He could hear a few chuckles from other computers, but Serena ignored them and Andrés did his best to maintain his professional countenance.
If a third party, who was unaware of what was going on, was present and heard that they would move on to the second part of the interview, he would think the difficulty increased.
“...”
Andrés accepted the invitation to play in a cooperative game of one-on-one battle.
A small map perfect for duels and after accepting the game, a minute passed and Serena let out a laugh when she could assassinate him.
“...”
Andrés’ lips trembled subtly as he saw how happy his potential boss was, for every time she managed to assassinate him.
Liam recommended that in this second part of the interview, he let himself be assassinated and Andrés, as he desired this job, accepted.
Liam had recommended that he let himself be murdered, and so he did.
Serena was smiling more and more amused the more killing she got and the strangest thing was that she didn’t mind the obvious fact that he was going easy.
She was rejoicing,
Even this part of the interview was tense enough to keep him on his toes and he was closing in as fast as he could to be killed.
He did not wish Serena to carry out one of her masterful moves that would lead to her suicide and so he had to exert himself to get in front of the gunfire.
Serena was a grown woman, who seemed to be amused by the victories, and Andrés, curious about her reaction performed stabbed her character in the back.
“Tch... Damn idiot,” Serena muttered at the sight of her character’s death.
“Pff...”
Andrés pursed his lips as hard as he could to hold back the laughter and it was worse when someone at another computer also tried to hold back.
He would not deny that he was having fun, seeing the attention that woman was paying to the game and how she was rejoicing at the victory.
In the end, Serena won a landslide victory, and she nodded, rather pleased so and with a proud smile, which showed some amusement.
Giving the impression that it was inevitable, and with that same expression, she gave him a look.
“You’re hired,” Serena informed, stretching in her seat as she yawned.
Andrés opened his eyes in surprise and hesitated at that woman’s words.
“Don’t you need to ask me some questions?” He asked curiously, without denying that he was puzzled.
This was the second job interview he had in his entire life and the first one, they invited him to a restaurant where every dish was worth a fortune.
And in this second interview, he ended up playing with his future boss.
For Andrés in this interview, there should be some questions, exploring his life, personality, interests, or desires.
“There’s no need. I’ve researched you completely. Your history, family, money in your bank account, and internet history. The entire history,” Serena said, emphasizing the last part and seeing that he was nervous. She smiled at him and added. “If you have something to hide and we haven’t found it, then it means you are good enough for this job.”
He was asking for a job in a computer network that was doing illegal work, and it was normal that they would fully investigate him.
As for if he hid something from that same information network led by an S-rank, then he would certainly be perfect for the job.
Although the goal of information networks was to find secrets, the major priority was always to stay hidden.
“So your effort to search the internet for ‘typical interview questions’, was in vain,” Serena added with a teasing tone.
Andrés was embarrassed at that tone... He had to admit that he was glad he hadn’t done another kind of search.
“Anyway, this job is straightforward. We protect you and you protect us... Pretty easy, isn’t it?” Serena said with a smile.
Andrés nodded.
Serena served as a go-between to accept missions and make sure there were no problems and, in case any problems occurred, the entire group protected each other, securing their personal information.
Andrés had to admit that, despite his boss being eccentric, this was the perfect place to work.
Liam was excellent for recommending him here.
******
Astri Forde taught the ‘Magical History’ class.
She was a tall blonde-haired woman in her fifties who had preserved herself quite well.
Looking like a very knowledgeable scholar, she was enthusiastic about her class.
“I’ve already marked the day we’re going to the magical history museum.” Advised Professor Forde after talking a bit about the paranormal events that happened before the Great Cataclysm.
It was a questionable topic that was difficult to prove, but the consensus was that the paranormal events that happened before the ‘Great Cataclysm’ were caused by magical or psionic energy.
She had spoken on that subject, and it was quite interesting to all present.
“For those who like to find out a little about the past, you will surely like to go to the museum. We will see the mythical machine that connected the players to another world and learn of our brief history in magic.” Professor Forde explained, and with a small smile, she added. “And depending on the success of this trip, maybe we will go to other places.”
There were quite a few interested students among those present, perhaps out of boredom or taste.
Though most preferred a quick trip, exploring and learning in a more dynamic way than listening for hours to a history lecture.
Such a trip was more enjoyable and entertaining.
“Remember to watch your calendar.” Professor Forde commented before leaving.
The students filed out, and Cithrel, who was standing next to Aurora, gave a big smile.
“I’m quite excited about the trip to the museum. I’d like to learn a little about how this world lived in connection to my world.” Cithrel said in an excited tone.
She seemed interested in these matters, and Aurora couldn’t deny that these matters were eye-catching.
In her time in high school, she wasn’t very involved or studious, she passed what was necessary to finish her assignments and concentrated on other matters, mainly learning to use her sword
However, she reminded a little that teachers at school, albeit in a more superficial way, taught this subject.
“I think it sounds interesting,” Aurora replied with a smile.
It was thirty years since the virtual reality machine was made public and it was only twenty years since the ‘Great Cataclysm’ occurred, it was a short time.
Still, during those years, mankind went through many events.
From the first monsters and creatures to the first magical beast with intelligence or the first dungeons.
Accompanying Cithrel and Venali, Aurora with her gluttonous friend, headed to the dining hall.
If in the first half of the year the gazes of the students were directed at Alice, now Cithrel was the principal focus taking all the gazes of the other students.
When they arrived at the dining hall, Leslie and Nicole, who had arrived at the same time, signaled her to come to their table.
As it was comfortable to sit with other people, Aurora gave a glance to Cithrel, who nodded without bothering to share a table.
“What’s it like to live in this world?” Leslie asked Cithrel curiously.
Cithrel took part in multiple different classes, and in some of them she met some common acquaintances.
Leslie was one of the many students she met in other classes and so there was some confidence to ask.
It was easy for Cithrel to relate to others, thanks to her charisma.
“Pleasant. I think living next to Aurora and Alice makes it more entertaining.” Cithrel replied with a charming smile.
Aurora’s lips quivered at the sight of that charming smile that stole the breath of all men and women.
They had only been living together for a couple of days and, even though Cithrel and Venali were excellent guests, she felt strange.
Every time Cithrel smiled at her, Aurora felt like a damsel in distress.
She wasn’t the only one who felt it, as Alice would sometimes squint her eyes as if she didn’t want to be robbed of her friend, leading to the situation being even stranger.
Of course, the strange thing was that Alice wasn’t acting because she didn’t wish for someone to take her friend away from her, but rather…
“Your food is delicious. I would love to have you as my personal chef,” Cithrel added with a touching smile.
Alice’s expression changed again and the seriousness she showed was enough for anyone to notice that she didn’t like that kind of joke.
Aurora, who was in the middle of this kind of situation, had to admit that she was having a hard time keeping up.
The only advantage of this situation was that Akira wasn’t present, or she was likely to get involved, wanting it to become more chaotic.
“Hello!”
Just then, a voice rang out, and two individuals approached their table.
“I’ve been looking for you guys. Do you want to take part in the tournament?” A tall, muscular young man asked.
That young man was Oliver, who had taken a beating the first time he met Alice, and they had later apologized.
“Hey, be more cordial...” interrupted his partner Jordan and looking at the group, he commented. “We’re looking for the best students to take part in the international tournament.”
The group sitting at the table waiting for their lunch looked at him strangely.
They came suddenly and asked so suddenly without explanation and it was normal for it to be sudden.
“The academic tournament will be on a small scale and will test the skills of all the students. Dividing by ‘ranks’ and by individual or group battles, so there will be no problems. However, we don’t know what the international tournament will be like. The rules say they only have to be students and there are no limits on their strength,” Jordan explained with a tone embarrassed by his enthusiasm and, scratching his cheek, he added. “We don’t know if you will have a section for B-ranks, but we would like to have some skilled students. You guys are our recruiting targets.”
Aurora had read the instructions for the academic tournament, and it was simple enough.
Skill users of one rank would fight against opponents of their own rank.
Those who wished to try their luck and were confident in their skills could ‘jump’ ranks and try their luck at a higher rank, but that was a personal matter.
As for group battles, there were not so many rules and it was permissive in every way, which meant that it could be normal to find a group of A-rank members.
“Her grades in her ‘real practice’ were excellent, and I heard that apparently, Clémentine had moved up in rank. We had already seen her training hard. Supposedly, she’s getting ready to officially move up.” Oliver said, and looking at the group, he asked. “How about it? Do you guys want to join in?”
Clémentine had spoken for her group that she was training to officially move up the ranks in the relevant agencies, that was the reason they rarely saw her.
It was quite surprising to Aurora how the news spread, though it wasn’t strange when the academy had its own social network.
“I don’t know. It doesn’t catch my attention.” Leslie replied and, with a half-smile, she muttered. “I think there are more important things.”
Beside her, Nicole nodded.
Most of the students were excited about the tournament, it wasn’t just those who were going to fight, but even the crafters themselves.
That was because everyone could contribute to the tournament in their own way.
From the alchemists to the craftsmen, to the computer technicians... Each of them contributed in their own way for the academy to win the international tournament.
Whether it was giving potions, creating weapons or armor, or simply seeking information about their opponents.
To Aurora, the duo seemed as if they didn’t care about the tournament.
Was it always like that or maybe because of what happened in Africa led them to think that way?
Perhaps because of their missions in Africa, a tournament now seemed like a ‘simple and unimportant’ matter.
It was true that they could see that way, and the problem for Aurora was that they were not currently in Africa.
Differentiating the work here from what was going on in Africa was what Aurora learned during her half-year.
They needed to relax when necessary, and while training was important, a tournament could be both lively and useful when facing new opponents.
There was also no need to worry about what was going on in other areas and wasting time in that regard.
For Aurora, waiting for the ‘turbulent times’ to come was her way of relaxing.
“Join. Going up against other students will help you,” Aurora said and realizing her tone sounded like it did when she was working, she gave Nicole a look and added. “There will be multiple students and upper-year students will probably take part. They will help you mold your ability. Especially for a fighter.”
Nicole was already clear about her goal, and why she wanted to be stronger.
The only thing she lacked was constant confrontations that would serve as a push for her to rise, and the only way to get such a push was through battles.
A hard fight where her life was at risk could also be useful and, since that was scarce, the best she had at her disposal was a tournament where she could prove how strong she was.
“I understand. I wanted to concentrate on training, but if it’s useful, I’ll accept.” Nicole replied earnestly.
She took the advice immediately, changing her mind in an instant, and such a swift response led to Jordan and Oliver looking at each other with trembling lips.
“Apparently you had a hard time at your internship...” Jordan muttered in an odd tone.
Aurora wisely ignored him.
Nicole’s response was equal to a subordinate accepting her boss’s order, which made it rather strange when they were at the academy.
“Weapons and armor must be designed by the students or have a basic standard and improved by us,” Leslie said, reading the tournament rules and frowning, muttered. “It’s complicated for me, as it reduces my strength. So I’ll only enlist in the group competition where there are no limits.”
Weapons and armor or combat suits were to be designed by the students and improved by the students themselves, in order to be accepted in individual combat.
What the academy was looking for was that the high-income would not win for their money, but in that sense, mechanics and weapons masters like Leslie lost strength.
If Leslie used her personal sniper rifle, one of her shots would have the force of an A-rank attack and it was all thanks to the technology behind the weapon’s design.
In group battle, there weren’t as many limits, which was good for everyone to show their capabilities.
It sounded bad, but money was a kind of strength... That was an undeniable reality that weapons masters who could get better equipment proudly showed.
“Excellent. So if you help me convince Clémentine, that makes three,” Oliver said cheerfully, and looking at Aurora and Alice, he added. “We could use two experienced mercenaries of rank A. Brave heroines who protected the students when the situation called for it.”
He was praising them and, at the same time; they remembered what happened before the mid-year break.
“I’m sorry. I can’t take part. I need to officially register as Rank A,” Aurora excused herself and seeing that her excuse was too weak, she looked at Cithrel and added. “Besides, I do not wish to leave Her Highness, Cithrel and Venali on their own.”
Technically, she never took the test in the mercenary guild to be officially promoted to an A-Rank.
Part of it was because it changed little to be known as an A-Rank, and the other was that if she moved up in rank, her mercenary group was going to be forced to register with a name.
A name that she probably wouldn’t like.
Cithrel, who received her look of help, gave a soft, charming smile as her eyes sparkled.
She picked up that he needed help and it was for that; she smiled at the duo.
“I’m sorry for stealing her away from you, but I’d like to spend more time together.” Cithrel said with a calmness, which didn’t match the smile she had given her earlier.
Those words to outside listeners sounded like that of a pleasant young woman who wished to deepen their friendship, but Aurora trembled subtly as she noticed Cithrel’s gaze.
Since she was being used as an excuse, that princess also took advantage in her own way.
It was nice to be looked at so intently by a beauty and the problem was that the feeling she generated when she looked was not pleasant.
After all, no one would like to feel like a damsel in distress.
And from the look on Alice’s face, it was clear to Aurora that her instincts were not failing.
Unfortunately...
“Let me handle it,” Jordan muttered to his friend, seeing that Alice was disinterested in them. He coughed for attention and announced. “Alice, if you join in the academic tournament, we will give you a bag of chips for every win. If you qualify and take part in the international tournament, you will receive a dinner paid for by us at the restaurant of your choice, even if we don’t win.”
Alice’s attention shifted completely from Cithrel and Aurora to Jordan...
“Ten bags of chips for every win in the academic tournament and at dinner I want it with chaperone and no limits on eating,” Alice announced, and like a professional negotiator, she emphasized. “If I get to participate in the international tournament, we must renegotiate the deal.”
Serious and professional expression, as if the topic at hand was about world peace rather than the international tournament.
“I accept,” Jordan replied with a smile.
Alice herself had taken down Oliver, who was an A-Rank, during the academy’s commencement test... No one could deny that Alice had his full trust and respect as one of the best of A-Rank students.
Aurora held back her smile as she saw Cithrel looking at her strangely, as if he felt pity that she was abandoned for a few bags of chips.
Leslie and Nicole looked at Jordan strangely... As if they admitted that this young man had made the best negotiation of all.
If they told them that Alice had taken part in a few battles against an S-Rank, would they believe them?
Andrés looked at the street in Atlantis City, hesitated for a moment, and headed for an empty and lonely alley.
Even though it was early in the morning, as the alley was in the middle of tall buildings that covered part of the light, those places looked dangerous.
Giving the impression that evildoers were waiting for their victims, hiding in this place.
Moving down the alley, Andrés stopped at a back door in one building.
“This is the place?” Andrés asked, looking at the door.
A back exit of a typical building that led to a lonely alley.
If he were told he was heading to a gun dealer or to buy drugs, Andrés would no doubt believe it.
“Yeah. What did you expect? It’s an information network,” Liam said through the earpiece in his ear and before he answered, he added. “The atmosphere it gives is great. Everyone may think it’s a very dangerous and secret information network.”
Andrés’s expression quivered.
The place and location gave a certain secretive impression, as if it were somewhere dangerous.
And there was only one problem in that regard.
Andrés knocked on the door, performing three long knocks and two quick raps.
“Password?”
Eyes revealed themselves in the hatch, and the thick voice sounded from the other side.
“Kittens are cute...” Andrés said with an odd expression.
“That’s the old password.” Replied the voice and after a while, he asked. “You needed the new one.”
Andrés’ expression quivered as he heard a new password being asked for.
“Hold on a second,” Liam interjected through the earpiece, and after five seconds, he commented. “The password is...”
“Adopt kittens...” Andrés said after hearing Liam’s password.
To his surprise, the door was immediately opened, and on the other side; the guard showed himself.
A burly, muscular man, with a serious and cold expression, which did not match the password they used.
That this man was attending him in this kind of alley was a bit scary, if it were not for the password, which was so particular.
A little puzzled, he followed the guard, who guided him.
“Why that password?” Andrés asked the guard without being able to resist.
It was impossible that he could resist when the password was so special.
“The boss wants to raise awareness about adopting and not buying pets. I told her it should be better ‘adopt and not buy’ as the password, but she wanted to add ‘kittens’,” replied the guard in a simple and slightly disappointed tone.
Disappointment that someone would not follow his advice.
How could he respond to that?
“...”
Andrés couldn’t respond and was completely silent, not knowing how to react.
Was this the place where he would work? Liam invited him to this place, mentioning to him that this information network was his contact and Andrés was having mixed feelings.
Passing through some doors and descending into the basement, the guard brought Andrés to a cellar.
The basement was slightly dark and the only lights were from the computers that were scattered around the rooms and in which some people were playing games.
“Good luck with the interview,” said the bouncer in a low voice and, looking at the computers scattered around the basement, his gaze went to a woman who was frowning and warned. “Boss, the new guy came for the interview!”
Shouting those words quickly, the guard retreated before giving her a thumbs up and patting her shoulder as if for encouragement.
There were a couple of people in this place who redirected their gaze towards him, and Andrés, who was nervous, watched the woman who clicked her tongue as she stopped playing.
Was this the work site? It looked more like a basement where good friends gathered to play games and didn’t match Andrés’ image of an ‘information network’.
The blonde-haired, light brown-eyed woman, who was frowning at being interrupted, approached.
“First of all... Goodbye, Liam,” said the woman in a flat voice.
Andrés, who was stunned, was even more stunned when the communication with Liam ended abruptly.
Checking with his ability as the connection with Liam was severed, he frowned when he realized that he couldn’t connect to his holographic watch through his ability.
The name of his talent was [Computer Control] and, as the name mentioned, it allowed him to connect to and control any electronic or computer device.
However, now he could not even connect to his own holographic watch or access any electronic device in the area.
He couldn’t even connect to his AI.
“Interesting isn’t it? That’s my talent. I can stop other computer-like ‘mechanics’ from using their abilities. In a sense, it would be like I’m shutting down everything electronic,” explained the woman with a smile and, seeing Andrés nod in understanding, she introduced herself. “Serena Dolloway. Maybe after this interview, you’ll be calling me ‘boss’.”
A friendly smile and a comment that gave the impression that she was approachable and that the interview could be easy.
“You don’t need to introduce yourself. I’ve already heard from Liam about you. Of course, I’ve also checked you out,” Serena interjected before Andrés could react and, not minding his open mouth close to speaking, asked. “Do you like cats?”
Andrés blinked at that question so abruptly and completely inconsistent with the line of conversation.
“Yes. I’m not a pet person, but I like them.” Andrés replied, even though he understood the question.
No matter how much he didn’t understand, he was in an interview and, if he was honest, Andrés wanted this job.
If he had to answer what he ate yesterday, even if it had no bearing on his topic of conversation, Andrés would answer it.
Serena nodded, quite satisfied with that answer.
“Let’s get on with the first part of the interview,” Serena said, pointing to a computer in front of where she stood.
Liam had briefed her on how the interview would go, and when he did, Andrés thought the man was joking with him.
However, now he didn’t know how to react.
“We’ll play a shooting game on that one, I’m good,” Serena informed, inviting him to a shooting game that had come out this year.
Although Liam’s advice seemed like a poor joke, Andrés trusted him and could now identify the game.
In this kind of situation, the idea that he knew how to play was the only thing that kept his confidence.
He assumed Liam had misled him when he mentioned the method by which he should prepare, and Andrés, even when he was in this interview, still couldn’t make sense of it.
But like anyone else who wanted the job, he sat in the chair and logged into his in-game account.
“Ha, I’ll beat the crap out of those idiots this time,” Serena muttered, inviting Andrés to her team.
The first part of the interview, if one could even call it that; consisted of team play with Serena.
Any normal person would think it was an easy interview to complete and Andrés, who got in the first game, thought so too, until a few moments ago.
Unfortunately...
“Tch... I got killed,” Serena muttered as an enemy confronted her.
Telling himself that maybe it was bad luck, Andrés continued to play and accompany his would-be boss and...
“Who put the wall there?”
In the middle of a hallway, Serena threw the grenade at her enemy, only she did it so badly, it hit the wall and landed at the feet of the two characters, leading to both of them dying on the spot.
“Huh, what happened? Why did it say I died by drowning?”
After falling into a pool, she missed her breathing time and died from drowning due to lack of air.
Worst of all, that pool was too small.
The successive deaths that followed were similar, making it clear that Serena was a lousy player.
An old woman who didn’t know about technology and was playing for the first time would probably be better than the woman next to her.
Of course, Andrés kept his solemn expression and didn’t even think of laughing, although he didn’t have time since the team was depending on him to win.
How was it possible for someone like Serena to run an information network?
That’s what Andrés wondered, as he finished the last game, eliminating all the enemies, taking the team’s victory.
Playing alone would be easier than playing with Serena, and it was normal for him to have that thought when most of the deaths were caused by his teammate.
Serena let out a laugh as she saw the ‘victory’ sign covering both screens.
“I told you I’d beat the crap out of them,” Serena commented with a proud smile.
Proud enough for anyone to believe that the team won because of her.
The only way you could call this kind of person was shameless, and it was impossible for Andrés not to think that when she literally wasn’t embarrassed by her horrible performance.
Although he had to admit Serena, he got a picture quickly in his mind and since he was still in an interview, Andrés held back all his thoughts.
“You’re pretty good, I have to admit. Though there were a few flaws, I can let them slide,” Serena said generously.
Andrés’ lips quivered as a chuckle almost escaped his lips and before it came out, he controlled himself enough to keep the comment from coming out.
“Let’s move on to the second part of the interview,” Serena ordered with unquestionable seriousness.
He could hear a few chuckles from other computers, but Serena ignored them and Andrés did his best to maintain his professional countenance.
If a third party, who was unaware of what was going on, was present and heard that they would move on to the second part of the interview, he would think the difficulty increased.
“...”
Andrés accepted the invitation to play in a cooperative game of one-on-one battle.
A small map perfect for duels and after accepting the game, a minute passed and Serena let out a laugh when she could assassinate him.
“...”
Andrés’ lips trembled subtly as he saw how happy his potential boss was, for every time she managed to assassinate him.
Liam recommended that in this second part of the interview, he let himself be assassinated and Andrés, as he desired this job, accepted.
Liam had recommended that he let himself be murdered, and so he did.
Serena was smiling more and more amused the more killing she got and the strangest thing was that she didn’t mind the obvious fact that he was going easy.
She was rejoicing,
Even this part of the interview was tense enough to keep him on his toes and he was closing in as fast as he could to be killed.
He did not wish Serena to carry out one of her masterful moves that would lead to her suicide and so he had to exert himself to get in front of the gunfire.
Serena was a grown woman, who seemed to be amused by the victories, and Andrés, curious about her reaction performed stabbed her character in the back.
“Tch... Damn idiot,” Serena muttered at the sight of her character’s death.
“Pff...”
Andrés pursed his lips as hard as he could to hold back the laughter and it was worse when someone at another computer also tried to hold back.
He would not deny that he was having fun, seeing the attention that woman was paying to the game and how she was rejoicing at the victory.
In the end, Serena won a landslide victory, and she nodded, rather pleased so and with a proud smile, which showed some amusement.
Giving the impression that it was inevitable, and with that same expression, she gave him a look.
“You’re hired,” Serena informed, stretching in her seat as she yawned.
Andrés opened his eyes in surprise and hesitated at that woman’s words.
“Don’t you need to ask me some questions?” He asked curiously, without denying that he was puzzled.
This was the second job interview he had in his entire life and the first one, they invited him to a restaurant where every dish was worth a fortune.
And in this second interview, he ended up playing with his future boss.
For Andrés in this interview, there should be some questions, exploring his life, personality, interests, or desires.
“There’s no need. I’ve researched you completely. Your history, family, money in your bank account, and internet history. The entire history,” Serena said, emphasizing the last part and seeing that he was nervous. She smiled at him and added. “If you have something to hide and we haven’t found it, then it means you are good enough for this job.”
He was asking for a job in a computer network that was doing illegal work, and it was normal that they would fully investigate him.
As for if he hid something from that same information network led by an S-rank, then he would certainly be perfect for the job.
Although the goal of information networks was to find secrets, the major priority was always to stay hidden.
“So your effort to search the internet for ‘typical interview questions’, was in vain,” Serena added with a teasing tone.
Andrés was embarrassed at that tone... He had to admit that he was glad he hadn’t done another kind of search.
“Anyway, this job is straightforward. We protect you and you protect us... Pretty easy, isn’t it?” Serena said with a smile.
Andrés nodded.
Serena served as a go-between to accept missions and make sure there were no problems and, in case any problems occurred, the entire group protected each other, securing their personal information.
Andrés had to admit that, despite his boss being eccentric, this was the perfect place to work.
Liam was excellent for recommending him here.
******
Astri Forde taught the ‘Magical History’ class.
She was a tall blonde-haired woman in her fifties who had preserved herself quite well.
Looking like a very knowledgeable scholar, she was enthusiastic about her class.
“I’ve already marked the day we’re going to the magical history museum.” Advised Professor Forde after talking a bit about the paranormal events that happened before the Great Cataclysm.
It was a questionable topic that was difficult to prove, but the consensus was that the paranormal events that happened before the ‘Great Cataclysm’ were caused by magical or psionic energy.
She had spoken on that subject, and it was quite interesting to all present.
“For those who like to find out a little about the past, you will surely like to go to the museum. We will see the mythical machine that connected the players to another world and learn of our brief history in magic.” Professor Forde explained, and with a small smile, she added. “And depending on the success of this trip, maybe we will go to other places.”
There were quite a few interested students among those present, perhaps out of boredom or taste.
Though most preferred a quick trip, exploring and learning in a more dynamic way than listening for hours to a history lecture.
Such a trip was more enjoyable and entertaining.
“Remember to watch your calendar.” Professor Forde commented before leaving.
The students filed out, and Cithrel, who was standing next to Aurora, gave a big smile.
“I’m quite excited about the trip to the museum. I’d like to learn a little about how this world lived in connection to my world.” Cithrel said in an excited tone.
She seemed interested in these matters, and Aurora couldn’t deny that these matters were eye-catching.
In her time in high school, she wasn’t very involved or studious, she passed what was necessary to finish her assignments and concentrated on other matters, mainly learning to use her sword
However, she reminded a little that teachers at school, albeit in a more superficial way, taught this subject.
“I think it sounds interesting,” Aurora replied with a smile.
It was thirty years since the virtual reality machine was made public and it was only twenty years since the ‘Great Cataclysm’ occurred, it was a short time.
Still, during those years, mankind went through many events.
From the first monsters and creatures to the first magical beast with intelligence or the first dungeons.
Accompanying Cithrel and Venali, Aurora with her gluttonous friend, headed to the dining hall.
If in the first half of the year the gazes of the students were directed at Alice, now Cithrel was the principal focus taking all the gazes of the other students.
When they arrived at the dining hall, Leslie and Nicole, who had arrived at the same time, signaled her to come to their table.
As it was comfortable to sit with other people, Aurora gave a glance to Cithrel, who nodded without bothering to share a table.
“What’s it like to live in this world?” Leslie asked Cithrel curiously.
Cithrel took part in multiple different classes, and in some of them she met some common acquaintances.
Leslie was one of the many students she met in other classes and so there was some confidence to ask.
It was easy for Cithrel to relate to others, thanks to her charisma.
“Pleasant. I think living next to Aurora and Alice makes it more entertaining.” Cithrel replied with a charming smile.
Aurora’s lips quivered at the sight of that charming smile that stole the breath of all men and women.
They had only been living together for a couple of days and, even though Cithrel and Venali were excellent guests, she felt strange.
Every time Cithrel smiled at her, Aurora felt like a damsel in distress.
She wasn’t the only one who felt it, as Alice would sometimes squint her eyes as if she didn’t want to be robbed of her friend, leading to the situation being even stranger.
Of course, the strange thing was that Alice wasn’t acting because she didn’t wish for someone to take her friend away from her, but rather…
“Your food is delicious. I would love to have you as my personal chef,” Cithrel added with a touching smile.
Alice’s expression changed again and the seriousness she showed was enough for anyone to notice that she didn’t like that kind of joke.
Aurora, who was in the middle of this kind of situation, had to admit that she was having a hard time keeping up.
The only advantage of this situation was that Akira wasn’t present, or she was likely to get involved, wanting it to become more chaotic.
“Hello!”
Just then, a voice rang out, and two individuals approached their table.
“I’ve been looking for you guys. Do you want to take part in the tournament?” A tall, muscular young man asked.
That young man was Oliver, who had taken a beating the first time he met Alice, and they had later apologized.
“Hey, be more cordial...” interrupted his partner Jordan and looking at the group, he commented. “We’re looking for the best students to take part in the international tournament.”
The group sitting at the table waiting for their lunch looked at him strangely.
They came suddenly and asked so suddenly without explanation and it was normal for it to be sudden.
“The academic tournament will be on a small scale and will test the skills of all the students. Dividing by ‘ranks’ and by individual or group battles, so there will be no problems. However, we don’t know what the international tournament will be like. The rules say they only have to be students and there are no limits on their strength,” Jordan explained with a tone embarrassed by his enthusiasm and, scratching his cheek, he added. “We don’t know if you will have a section for B-ranks, but we would like to have some skilled students. You guys are our recruiting targets.”
Aurora had read the instructions for the academic tournament, and it was simple enough.
Skill users of one rank would fight against opponents of their own rank.
Those who wished to try their luck and were confident in their skills could ‘jump’ ranks and try their luck at a higher rank, but that was a personal matter.
As for group battles, there were not so many rules and it was permissive in every way, which meant that it could be normal to find a group of A-rank members.
“Her grades in her ‘real practice’ were excellent, and I heard that apparently, Clémentine had moved up in rank. We had already seen her training hard. Supposedly, she’s getting ready to officially move up.” Oliver said, and looking at the group, he asked. “How about it? Do you guys want to join in?”
Clémentine had spoken for her group that she was training to officially move up the ranks in the relevant agencies, that was the reason they rarely saw her.
It was quite surprising to Aurora how the news spread, though it wasn’t strange when the academy had its own social network.
“I don’t know. It doesn’t catch my attention.” Leslie replied and, with a half-smile, she muttered. “I think there are more important things.”
Beside her, Nicole nodded.
Most of the students were excited about the tournament, it wasn’t just those who were going to fight, but even the crafters themselves.
That was because everyone could contribute to the tournament in their own way.
From the alchemists to the craftsmen, to the computer technicians... Each of them contributed in their own way for the academy to win the international tournament.
Whether it was giving potions, creating weapons or armor, or simply seeking information about their opponents.
To Aurora, the duo seemed as if they didn’t care about the tournament.
Was it always like that or maybe because of what happened in Africa led them to think that way?
Perhaps because of their missions in Africa, a tournament now seemed like a ‘simple and unimportant’ matter.
It was true that they could see that way, and the problem for Aurora was that they were not currently in Africa.
Differentiating the work here from what was going on in Africa was what Aurora learned during her half-year.
They needed to relax when necessary, and while training was important, a tournament could be both lively and useful when facing new opponents.
There was also no need to worry about what was going on in other areas and wasting time in that regard.
For Aurora, waiting for the ‘turbulent times’ to come was her way of relaxing.
“Join. Going up against other students will help you,” Aurora said and realizing her tone sounded like it did when she was working, she gave Nicole a look and added. “There will be multiple students and upper-year students will probably take part. They will help you mold your ability. Especially for a fighter.”
Nicole was already clear about her goal, and why she wanted to be stronger.
The only thing she lacked was constant confrontations that would serve as a push for her to rise, and the only way to get such a push was through battles.
A hard fight where her life was at risk could also be useful and, since that was scarce, the best she had at her disposal was a tournament where she could prove how strong she was.
“I understand. I wanted to concentrate on training, but if it’s useful, I’ll accept.” Nicole replied earnestly.
She took the advice immediately, changing her mind in an instant, and such a swift response led to Jordan and Oliver looking at each other with trembling lips.
“Apparently you had a hard time at your internship...” Jordan muttered in an odd tone.
Aurora wisely ignored him.
Nicole’s response was equal to a subordinate accepting her boss’s order, which made it rather strange when they were at the academy.
“Weapons and armor must be designed by the students or have a basic standard and improved by us,” Leslie said, reading the tournament rules and frowning, muttered. “It’s complicated for me, as it reduces my strength. So I’ll only enlist in the group competition where there are no limits.”
Weapons and armor or combat suits were to be designed by the students and improved by the students themselves, in order to be accepted in individual combat.
What the academy was looking for was that the high-income would not win for their money, but in that sense, mechanics and weapons masters like Leslie lost strength.
If Leslie used her personal sniper rifle, one of her shots would have the force of an A-rank attack and it was all thanks to the technology behind the weapon’s design.
In group battle, there weren’t as many limits, which was good for everyone to show their capabilities.
It sounded bad, but money was a kind of strength... That was an undeniable reality that weapons masters who could get better equipment proudly showed.
“Excellent. So if you help me convince Clémentine, that makes three,” Oliver said cheerfully, and looking at Aurora and Alice, he added. “We could use two experienced mercenaries of rank A. Brave heroines who protected the students when the situation called for it.”
He was praising them and, at the same time; they remembered what happened before the mid-year break.
“I’m sorry. I can’t take part. I need to officially register as Rank A,” Aurora excused herself and seeing that her excuse was too weak, she looked at Cithrel and added. “Besides, I do not wish to leave Her Highness, Cithrel and Venali on their own.”
Technically, she never took the test in the mercenary guild to be officially promoted to an A-Rank.
Part of it was because it changed little to be known as an A-Rank, and the other was that if she moved up in rank, her mercenary group was going to be forced to register with a name.
A name that she probably wouldn’t like.
Cithrel, who received her look of help, gave a soft, charming smile as her eyes sparkled.
She picked up that he needed help and it was for that; she smiled at the duo.
“I’m sorry for stealing her away from you, but I’d like to spend more time together.” Cithrel said with a calmness, which didn’t match the smile she had given her earlier.
Those words to outside listeners sounded like that of a pleasant young woman who wished to deepen their friendship, but Aurora trembled subtly as she noticed Cithrel’s gaze.
Since she was being used as an excuse, that princess also took advantage in her own way.
It was nice to be looked at so intently by a beauty and the problem was that the feeling she generated when she looked was not pleasant.
After all, no one would like to feel like a damsel in distress.
And from the look on Alice’s face, it was clear to Aurora that her instincts were not failing.
Unfortunately...
“Let me handle it,” Jordan muttered to his friend, seeing that Alice was disinterested in them. He coughed for attention and announced. “Alice, if you join in the academic tournament, we will give you a bag of chips for every win. If you qualify and take part in the international tournament, you will receive a dinner paid for by us at the restaurant of your choice, even if we don’t win.”
Alice’s attention shifted completely from Cithrel and Aurora to Jordan...
“Ten bags of chips for every win in the academic tournament and at dinner I want it with chaperone and no limits on eating,” Alice announced, and like a professional negotiator, she emphasized. “If I get to participate in the international tournament, we must renegotiate the deal.”
Serious and professional expression, as if the topic at hand was about world peace rather than the international tournament.
“I accept,” Jordan replied with a smile.
Alice herself had taken down Oliver, who was an A-Rank, during the academy’s commencement test... No one could deny that Alice had his full trust and respect as one of the best of A-Rank students.
Aurora held back her smile as she saw Cithrel looking at her strangely, as if he felt pity that she was abandoned for a few bags of chips.
Leslie and Nicole looked at Jordan strangely... As if they admitted that this young man had made the best negotiation of all.
If they told them that Alice had taken part in a few battles against an S-Rank, would they believe them?
