Now that they had made their decision, Hong and Rowan began discussing the details of their applications.
"The Virtual Universe Company has a vast number of departments. We need to choose the ones that suit us best," Hong said, pulling up the company's organizational structure on his wrist console.
The display was overwhelming. Exploration Division, Trade Division, Military Division, Research and Development, Intelligence Division, Resource Management. Each branch split into countless sub-departments.
Rowan studied the descriptions carefully. "I'm leaning toward the Exploration Division or the Intelligence Division. Exploration is responsible for discovering new star systems and resources, which means exposure to unknown opportunities. Intelligence, on the other hand, focuses on gathering information about various forces across the universe. That would help me understand the bigger picture."
Hong had a different perspective. "The Trade Division is also a strong option. The company's trade network spans the entire universe. If we get involved, we can learn high-level commercial operations and gain access to rare resources."
Thor, standing nearby, reminded them, "You should also consider the difficulty. Core divisions like Exploration and Intelligence will be extremely competitive. Starting with a less popular but still important department might improve your chances."
Luo Feng added, "Another key point is highlighting your strengths. Rowan, your spiritual power and analytical ability make you ideal for intelligence work. Hong, your balanced skill set and strong coordination abilities make you better suited for trade or administrative roles."
After some discussion, they settled on an initial plan. Rowan would apply to the Intelligence Division, while Hong would apply to the Trade Division. If those options failed, they would consider alternatives.
"Having a target isn't enough. We also need materials that showcase our abilities," Hong said.
The Virtual Universe Company's recruitment process was rigorous. It included written exams, interviews, and practical skill assessments. For candidates like them, proven capability mattered more than raw strength.
Rowan thought back to his experience at the Giant Axe Arena. "I can turn the incident involving the traitor into a detailed report. It demonstrates my analytical thinking, investigative skills, and crisis management. That should align well with the Intelligence Division's requirements."
Hong nodded. "I already have some business experience from Earth. Since arriving here, I've been studying investment opportunities. I can prepare a market analysis report on an emerging sector to showcase my understanding of trade."
Thor added, "You should also demonstrate combat ability. Especially for field personnel, self-defense is essential."
"That's easy," Rowan said with a faint smile. "My Starshard Division technique will make a strong impression."
Hong nodded as well. "I have a few original techniques I can present too."
With their plans in place, the four of them looked out at the star-filled sky, each imagining what lay ahead.
"If we both secure positions in the company, we might get to work together often," Hong said.
Thor laughed. "Who knows, maybe in a few years, the four of us will be well-known across the universe."
Luo Feng gazed into the distance. "No matter which path we choose, the goal remains the same. To become truly strong, and to protect the people and things we care about."
Rowan stood and looked up at the endless stars. "This universe is vast beyond imagination. There are countless powerful beings and endless opportunities waiting for us. Today's failure is only temporary. As long as we keep moving forward, one day we'll stand at the very top."
They exchanged smiles, each of them burning with the same determination.
The next morning, Rowan and Hong officially began preparing their applications. They had one week to finalize everything before submission.
Rowan started by organizing his training results. Three months of seclusion had not only increased his strength, but deepened his understanding of cultivation. He had grasped most of the essence of the Void Spirit Refinement Art, become proficient with the Stellar Armor, and still had a significant portion of the Soul Crystal's energy left to absorb.
"At this rate, another six months should push me to the next level," he calculated.
Then he began writing a detailed report on the Giant Axe Arena incident. It was not just a narrative. He analyzed every step he took, every decision he made. For intelligence work, logical reasoning and analytical depth mattered far more than simply gathering information.
Meanwhile, Hong studied the company's trade activity across multiple star regions. By analyzing trade data, he identified several emerging markets with strong potential and began drafting an investment proposal.
"What do you think our chances are?" Hong asked during a break.
Rowan considered it carefully. "With our experience and abilities, we have a solid chance. The key is showing what makes us unique. The company doesn't lack strong individuals. It needs people with distinct thinking and specialized skills."
Hong nodded. "And we have one more advantage. We both come from Earth. It may not be advanced, but our perspective might bring something new."
A week passed quickly. Both completed their application materials.
The company's system was highly efficient. The very next day after submission, they received interview notifications. Their schedules were different. Hong's interview was set for Tuesday morning, while Rowan's was Thursday afternoon.
"Looks like each department handles interviews differently," Hong said, reading his notice. "The Trade Division's process is straightforward. Written test and group discussion. But for the Intelligence Division…"
He looked at Rowan. "Yours says 'comprehensive evaluation.' Details to be determined."
Rowan frowned slightly. "To be determined? That sounds unusual."
Thor analyzed it. "The Intelligence Division is different. They probably tailor the test to each candidate. It means they're taking you seriously, but also that the process will be more demanding."
Luo Feng nodded. "You'll be fine. Your abilities speak for themselves."
On Tuesday morning, Hong dressed in formal attire and headed to the Virtual Universe Company headquarters. Rowan, Thor, and Luo Feng saw him off at the Genius Building.
"Good luck. We're waiting for good news," Rowan said, patting his shoulder.
Hong took a deep breath, his eyes steady. "I won't disappoint."
The headquarters towered into the sky, over three thousand floors high. Each level had a specific function. The Trade Division occupied floors 1200 to 1300, one of the busiest sections.
Hong took a high-speed elevator to the 1250th floor, where the interview center was located.
The lobby was crowded with applicants from across the universe. Humans, mechanical beings, insectoid species, and others he had never seen before. Every one of them radiated strength.
"Candidate TB-2847, Hong. Please proceed to Interview Room Three."
Hong straightened his clothes and entered.
Inside, three examiners sat waiting. A middle-aged human man sat in the center, with a mechanical being on his left and a six-armed alien on his right.
"Please sit," the man said. "I am Carlos, Deputy Director of Trade. This is Technical Advisor Mech-007, and Market Analyst Sigma."
Hong sat down politely. "Pleasure to meet you."
Carlos flipped through his application. "Interesting background. You come from Earth, a peripheral civilization, yet you already have business experience. Why do you want to join the Trade Division?"
Hong answered confidently. "The Virtual Universe Company is the largest trading organization in the universe. It offers the most advanced systems and networks. I want to learn from this environment and contribute to its continued growth."
Mech-007 spoke in a synthetic voice. "You analyzed the emerging market in the Raven Star System. Elaborate."
Hong immediately launched into a detailed explanation. His logic was clear, his data precise, and his insights unique. The examiners nodded repeatedly.
Sigma asked sharply, "If you were tasked with developing a new market, what would you do?"
Hong paused briefly before answering. "First, understand the local culture and demand. Then analyze resources and regulations. After that, design a tailored product and pricing strategy. Finally, establish reliable partnerships."
The interview lasted two hours, covering theory, market analysis, and risk assessment.
"Excellent, Mr. Hong," Carlos said at the end. "We will inform you of the result within three days. If successful, you will join the Emerging Markets Division."
Two days later, Hong received his acceptance.
Not only had he passed, but he was assigned exactly where he wanted.
"That's great!" Rowan said when he heard the news.
"When do you start?" he asked.
"Next Monday," Hong replied, excitement clear in his voice. "The待遇 is excellent. Salary, bonuses, and cultivation resources."
Thor grinned. "That went smoothly. Rowan, your interview is tomorrow. You'll do just as well."
Rowan nodded, but a faint unease lingered in his mind.
Perhaps it was the vague wording of the Intelligence Division's notice. Perhaps it was that "to be determined."
Either way, he felt his test would not be so simple.
Thursday afternoon, Rowan arrived at headquarters.
Unlike the Trade Division, the Intelligence Division was located underground. Security there was far stricter. After passing three separate checks, he was allowed into the Level 50 underground interview center.
The atmosphere was completely different. Quiet. Tense.
Only a few candidates were present, each keeping their distance, as if wary of one another.
"Candidate IT-0934, Rowan. Please proceed to the Special Interview Room."
The voice sounded mechanical.
Instead of a normal room, Rowan was led to a device resembling a virtual immersion pod.
"The Intelligence Division conducts evaluations in fully simulated environments," the staff member explained. "This system can replicate complex scenarios."
Rowan lay down. Darkness enveloped him.
Then the world changed.
He found himself in a bustling spaceport. Ships arrived and departed constantly. Beings of all races traded and moved through the crowded terminals.
"Welcome to Baltan Spaceport," a voice said in his ear. "Your identity is a merchant. Your mission is to locate hidden spies within the port and obtain the intelligence they intend to transmit. You have four hours."
Rowan immediately understood. A live simulation.
He began observing everything carefully.
The crowd was dense. Finding spies among them would require sharp perception and logical reasoning.
After over an hour, he identified several suspicious targets.
A mechanical merchant who appeared at precise times and locations.
A human woman posing as a traveler, but moving like a trained operative.
An insectoid trader using subtle hand signals during transactions.
Rowan chose to follow the mechanical merchant first.
Through careful disguise and tracking, he confirmed the target was engaged in covert activity. In a secluded corner, the merchant exchanged a device using a series of complex coded gestures.
Rowan continued his investigation, gradually uncovering the structure of the entire network.
It was a five-person spy cell, working together to steal the spaceport's defense schematics and transmit them to an unknown hostile force.
With time running out, Rowan acted decisively.
He identified every member of the network.
He obtained the core intelligence they planned to send.
And in the end, he successfully disrupted their operation.
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