The Interview
I leaned against the window of the bus, staring out at the city skyline. I could have taken my car that was passed down from my parents, but the letter forbade me from bringing anything personal for 'safety reasons'.
Which I half understood. It was basic information: heroes are not allowed to reveal their identity. Being part of them was hard, yet I was going ahead and risking my perfect and normal life.
Normal. Life.
A bitter smile crept across my face.
The bus came to a halt at the bus stop, which was dropped exactly in front of the interview site.
In front of me was the size of four FIFA-sized soccer fields. It was huge, with eight floors tall and various architectural designs that were not native to the city or Earth - as far as I remember from history books.
There was an odd statue — a golden statue with delicate features, with curly golden hair. A golden spike halo circling its figure and lower body melting into the right pillar. Their eyes were closed, with a single golden tear leaving their eyes.
I wondered what its significance was.
The front gate was wide open.
Oh, fuck — I forgot my mask.
I failed.
I already disgraced myself.
I could feel it.
As I was focussed on internally panicking, I noticed a machine by the gate. As I walked closer to it, I leaned over slightly to read the message.
"Take one if you are being interviewed."
Oh.
I took a gray mask and put it on without a second thought. The mask covered my entire face, with an opening for the eyes and mouth. Which felt odd on my nose. It just didn't sit right.
Still, I panicked for nothing.
I took a deep breath before heading through the giant gates — built for titans, now used by humans like me. As I walked through the walkway, there were bushes of various plant life-some native to Earth while others-not so much.
But they were vibrant and beautiful.
Odd.
Just as I was about to enter through the main door, a silver, boxy styled robot on two wheels drove towards me. It was half my size, reaching up to my hips. I was tempted to step back — fear prickling — but I stood my ground.
What if this was a test?
What if someone is watching?
There must be cameras here.
"Are you here for the interview!?"
It asked in a distinct tone which was a mix of robotic and high pitch tone.
I nodded my head, losing my voice for a second.
"Yes. Yes, I am here for that."
It didn't give a response, instead, it began to lead me through the main entrance. The entrance was enormous, and the inside was even better. The hall of the arena was…warm, reverent almost. Sunlight spilled into the halls through the towering arched glass windows.
There was arch after arch and ivory column after column. They rose tall, reaching the ceiling, which at least seemed 60 meters tall.
Between each column, lush emerald vines decorated the wall in vertical drapes, breathing life into the hall, which otherwise seemed shaped for ceremony.
The ceiling has its own story engraved on it. There were geometric constellations, every cross-section kissed with gilded filigree. The architectural designs were not native to the city or Earth.
Between them, painted panels of burnt sienna and celestial blue, forming a very odd picture. As if hinted at an old myth: heroes, crowns, destruction.
As if some ancient entity had built it.
I didn't even have enough time to appreciate it before I was already led to a smaller room. The silver machine didn't follow me inside.
The door closed, and well, I was inside a room.
I gripped my handbag tighter as I stood inside the room, trying to take in everything around me. Just as I looked, I noticed the small machine with a heading displayed on its screen.
"Scan the letter"
I looked through my bag for the letter, and once found, inserted it in the machine in the small box below. And I waited, noticing the minor details of the printer. Like the cute stickers it had on and a label of the brand of the machine-the same as the robot I let outside.
Starlight HyperTech Division
I cleared my throat as soon as memories of that night came flashing back.
Not now. Absolutely not now.
Just then, the machine burned the letter in front of me, making me jump back slightly. Was it supposed to do that?
I was half disappointed.
I wanted to keep the letter as a souvenir to hold on to the fact I was invited here. Whether I get a job.
"Please proceed."
The machine displayed on its screen once again, beeping every 3 seconds.
I took a deep breath, adjusting the handbag on my shoulder before entering through the other door, opposite the door I came in through.
As I entered, bright white lights flashed in my eyes. I immediately winced my eyes shut, holding up an arm in front so I could slowly adjust to the lights.
My steps echoed in the pretty much empty room. The room was dark except where I stood. But I could faintly make out a silhouette from across the room. Up high were people. People were watching me.
Three individuals' eyes were on me. Though there were two empty chairs.
I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat. I could feel my nerves going everywhere now. When was the last time I felt this nervous?
That day. In the hospital.
"What is your name?"
A soft voice echoed through the room, bringing me back to the current situation. That voice seemed familiar and sweet yet carried a hint of… anger…?
Before I could respond, she added, "Your hero name."
I stood still, frozen, unsure of how to answer. How was I not prepared for this? I didn't expect them to ask that question. No, I thought it was after you get the job that you ask for a salary.
I looked around the room — panicking, which was bare as hell — to find an answer.
My hero name? Which hero do I look up to?
My eyes drifted downward, and I felt my skin prickling up as I stood still, motionless.
Watch.
My eyes landed on the accessory on my left hand wrist.
The White Watch.
"White Watch," I mumbled, wincing at how weird that sounded. As a hero name?
Was it already taken?
"White Watch," someone else repeated. A deep yet hoarse voice.
I stood still, waiting for them to say something — better, something to happen.
"And what are your abilities?"
Another manly, deep and sturdy voice asked. There were two male and one female watching me. Observing me. Questioning me.
"I…"
Didn't I tell them everything in the letter when applying? I also sent a video of the demonstration, yet they still wanted more.
"We have your file and the tape you sent in, but we still want a live demonstration, and it would be appreciated if you answer every question asked," the woman said, which made me even more nervous.
The thought of a live demonstration made my nerves tremble. The video I recorded required me to land a good action, which took more than a few tries.
I was not prepared.
"Right," I replied despite my nerves.
I cleared my throat and dropped my handbag to the side, resting against the wall. I made my way over to the centre, closing my eyes and clenching my fists.
Activate it. Activate it.
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