Milo recalled how just a few days ago, he thought he wouldn't get his interview soon:
Milo stood before his commanding officer, his heart heavy with disappointment. His salamander, sensing his distress, curled tighter around his neck, its warmth offering little comfort.
"I'm sorry, soldier," the officer said, genuine regret in his voice. "But given recent events, Von Elio has ordered a review of all promotions and invocation distributions. Your level 3 invocation... it's been put on hold indefinitely."
Milo nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. "I understand, sir. The city's safety comes first."
As he left the officer's quarters, Milo couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. The bright future he had envisioned, the promises of power and advancement, now seemed like distant dreams.
Yet as he walked back to his barracks, his summon nuzzling his cheek comfortingly, Milo found a new resolve growing within him. The path ahead might be harder than he'd anticipated, but he was determined to prove himself worthy of Von Elio's trust.
"We'll get there," he whispered to his faithful companion. "It might take longer than we thought, but we'll make it. For my family, for this city... we'll become stronger, no matter what it takes."
Milo could be thankful that the casualties caused by Cassandra's plan were few, and because of that, the barrier soon failed again.
The more summoners who could throw ice balls at Locus invasions, the better...
♢♢♢♢
Upon entering the interview room, he found himself face to face with Kriz, one of Von Elio's legendary friends. The man, known for his irreverent sense of humor and carefree attitude, was sitting with his feet on the desk, his rabbit playfully batting a pencil around beside him.
"Ah, the new recruit," Kriz said with a mischievous smile. "Welcome to the most entertaining interview of your life."
Milo blinked, bewildered. "Uh... thanks? I thought Selene was conducting this interview."
Kriz waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, she's busy learning to be more destructive with Elio. Something about corrosive attacks. Personally, I prefer sarcastic attacks, but to each their own."
"O-okay," Milo stammered, unsure how to respond.
Milo nodded, grateful for the advice and implicit approval. As he left the room, he couldn't help but think about how strange and wonderful this new life he had chosen was.
Milo headed back to his quarters, ready to face whatever the future held. After all, if he could survive an interview with Von Kriz, how bad could the rest be?
♢♢♢♢
As evening fell, Elio met up with Kriz.
"So, how did it go with the interviews?" asked Elio, leaning against a wall next to his friend.
Kriz smiled, his usual mischievous expression on his face. "Oh, it was a roaring success. I discovered that 70% of our recruits would prefer to be a woman-eating Locus, 3% would choose to save their favorite socks over their summon, and there's a general consensus that your favorite color is 'electric blue with touches of lilac'."
Elio arched an eyebrow, amusement and exasperation on his face. "Kriz..."
"What? I also obtained valuable information. Like how some have a strong sense of duty and unwavering loyalty to their family and the city. Plus, a certain Milo has a terrible sense of humor, which is an important quality in these difficult times."
Elio sighed, but a small smile formed on his lips. "I suppose that's your unique way of evaluating people."
Elio's face turned serious. "Listen, Kriz. I need you to take this seriously. When I attempt level 6 and enter the sea of monsters, I'm going to need the city to be well protected in case I..."
Kriz stopped smiling, noticing the change in his friend's tone. "Elio, are you sure you want to do this?"
"We don't have any other choice," Elio replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I'm not going to sacrifice anyone. We need to find a long-term solution for the city. The mana deposits could be our salvation."
Kriz remained silent for a moment, an unusually thoughtful expression on his face. Then, with a familiar glint in his eyes, he said: "Don't worry, boss. Everything's under control. I'll ask the most serious and profound questions ever asked in an interview. Like, 'What's your strategy for defeating a Locus using only a spoon and your personal charm?'"
Elio couldn't help but laugh. "Kriz, I'm serious."
"So am I," Kriz replied with a smile. "Think about it. If they can respond to that with a viable strategy, we'll know they're creative, ingenious, and capable of thinking outside the box. Just the kind of people we need... Just like you."