After the virtual simulation test ended, Rowan returned to the interview center. To his surprise, no examiner appeared right away. He waited in the lounge for nearly an hour before a woman in a black uniform finally entered.
"Mr. Rowan, I'm Lina, an examiner from the Intelligence Department." She looked to be in her early thirties, her sharp eyes carrying an unmistakable authority. "Your test results are… interesting."
"Interesting?" Rowan echoed, puzzled.
Lina took a seat across from him. "Not only did you complete the task, but your performance exceeded expectations. Especially your use of mental energy. It has already reached a very advanced level."
Only then did Rowan realize that during the simulation, he had instinctively used his mental power to perceive his surroundings. In doing so, he had unintentionally revealed more of his true strength than he intended.
"However, there's something we need to clarify." Lina's tone grew serious. "Your mental strength appears to be far higher than what's recorded in your file. Can you explain why?"
Rowan's heart tightened, but he quickly steadied himself. After a brief moment of thought, he chose honesty, at least in part. "I underwent intensive closed-door training over the past three months. My strength improved significantly during that time."
Lina nodded slightly, though the doubt in her eyes did not fully disappear. "Three months of seclusion leading to such a leap in strength? What kind of training method did you use?"
That question put Rowan in a difficult position. He could not reveal the Void Refining Spirit Technique or the Soul Crystal, as those involved the confidential resources of the Giant Axe Arena.
"I mainly found a training rhythm that suits me," he answered, keeping his explanation deliberately vague.
Lina studied him for a long moment before speaking again. "Mr. Rowan, your abilities are impressive. However, the Intelligence Department conducts extremely strict background checks. We'll need some time to verify your information. You will be notified of the result within a week."
Rowan nodded politely and took his leave, but unease lingered in his chest.
When he returned to the Genius Building, he shared the situation with Hong, Thor, and Luo Feng.
"Background check?" Hong frowned. "That doesn't sound quite right. Our records within the Virtual Universe Company should already be clear."
"It's probably because your strength improved too quickly," Thor analyzed. "The Intelligence Department is cautious by nature. Anything unusual draws their attention."
Luo Feng tried to reassure him. "It shouldn't be a big issue. At most, it just takes longer to verify. Everything about your experience is real. There's nothing to worry about."
But a week passed, and Rowan received no response.
Meanwhile, Hong had already officially joined the company and begun working in the Trade Department.
"This is strange," Hong said one evening after returning from work. "I asked around today. Most departments release results within a week. Only very rare cases take longer."
Three more days went by.
Unable to wait any longer, Rowan decided to contact the Intelligence Department himself. The reply he received left him stunned.
"Mr. Rowan, after comprehensive evaluation, your application has entered a special review process. The duration of this review cannot be determined. Please wait patiently."
"Special review process? What does that mean?" Rowan pressed.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot disclose the details. You only need to know that this does not mean rejection. It simply requires higher-level approval."
After ending the call, Rowan sat in silence, confusion clouding his thoughts.
"What happened?" Hong asked.
Rowan explained everything. Thor leaned back, thinking. "Special review… I've heard of it. It's only triggered under unusual circumstances."
"What kind of circumstances?" Luo Feng asked.
"For example, someone whose strength far exceeds their peers. Or someone with a unique background or experience." Thor paused, then added quietly, "Or someone suspected of having ties to other factions."
That possibility cast a shadow over the room.
Rowan gave a bitter smile. "Looks like my experience at the Giant Axe Arena might have caused trouble. Even if what I did was justified, it still involved other forces."
"Don't overthink it," Hong reassured him. "The Virtual Universe Company has a good relationship with the Giant Axe Arena. Your performance there should work in your favor."
"And you even received their Honorary Advisor badge," Luo Feng added. "That alone proves your identity isn't an issue."
Despite their reassurance, Rowan's unease only deepened.
Another week passed.
Still no news.
Even Hong began to worry.
"Want me to look into it?" he suggested. "Now that I'm an employee, I might be able to find something internally."
Rowan shook his head. "No. If it's a special review, probing into it might attract more attention. I'll wait a little longer."
Just then, his communicator rang.
An unfamiliar number appeared, encrypted at a very high level.
"Hello, is this Mr. Rowan?" A calm male voice spoke.
"Yes. Who is this?"
"I'm Samuel, assistant to the head of the Intelligence Department. Regarding your application, we would like to arrange a meeting."
A flicker of hope rose in Rowan, quickly followed by caution. "A meeting? About what?"
"That will be discussed in person. Are you available tomorrow morning?"
"Yes."
"Good. Please come to Conference Room B80 in the headquarters basement at ten o'clock. And remember, do not inform anyone about this meeting."
The call ended.
Rowan's emotions were mixed. The secrecy made him uneasy, but it also felt like a turning point.
When Hong asked what happened, Rowan hesitated briefly before replying, "Nothing important. Just a call from a friend."
The next morning, Rowan arrived at Basement Level 80.
Security here was even tighter than before. After passing through five separate checkpoints, he was finally allowed into the conference room.
Inside, two men were waiting.
One was Samuel, the voice from the call. The other looked young, yet his eyes held an unfathomable depth.
"Mr. Rowan, please sit," Samuel said. "This is my colleague, code name Observer."
Rowan took his seat.
Observer spoke first. "Rowan, we know you've been waiting for your interview result. To be frank, with your abilities, passing the Intelligence Department's standard recruitment would not be a problem."
"Then why…"
"Because we discovered something interesting," Observer interrupted. "Your experience at the Giant Axe Arena, especially your exposure of the internal traitor, caught our attention."
Rowan's expression tightened. "Is there an issue?"
"On the contrary," Samuel said. "We believe you are a highly promising talent. However, we would like you to consider a special position."
"What position?"
Observer smiled faintly. "Field Agent. A role dedicated to handling… special assignments."
"Field Agent?" Rowan repeated, frowning slightly. "Can you be more specific?"
Observer nodded. "In simple terms, Field Agents deal with tasks that regular intelligence analysts cannot handle or are not suited for. These missions may involve infiltration, intelligence retrieval, or even direct action against hostile forces."
Samuel added, "Unlike analysts, Field Agents must possess strong combat ability, sharp intuition, and the capacity to adapt quickly in complex environments. Based on your performance, you meet all these criteria."
Rowan fell silent.
The position was dangerous, but undeniably appealing. It aligned with everything he had been searching for since entering the Virtual Universe Company.
"What about the benefits?" he asked.
Observer smiled. "Significantly higher than standard positions. Triple the base salary of an intelligence analyst, plus mission bonuses. More importantly, you'll gain access to rare resources and advanced cultivation techniques."
Samuel continued, "You'll also be equipped with top-tier gear, including weapons, defensive equipment, and communication devices. The value of these alone exceeds years of a normal employee's income."
Rowan's interest deepened.
Not just for the rewards, but for the opportunity to stand at the forefront of events shaping the universe.
"How long do I have to decide?"
"Now," Observer said calmly. "But understand this. Once you accept, you take on greater responsibility and risk. And your identity must remain strictly confidential, even from your closest friends."
Rowan thought of Hong, Thor, and Luo Feng.
A brief hesitation passed through him.
Then it was gone.
Everyone walked their own path.
And this was his.
"I accept."
Observer and Samuel both smiled.
"Excellent. Welcome to the Field Agent Division of the Virtual Universe Company," Observer said. "From this moment on, your codename is Startrace."
"Startrace…" Rowan repeated, finding it oddly fitting.
"Every agent has a codename," Samuel explained. "It protects your identity. Yours was chosen based on your abilities. Your Starblade technique left quite an impression."
They went on to explain the structure of the division.
There were thirty-six field agents, divided into eighteen two-person teams.
"You'll be assigned to Team Nine," Observer said. "Your partner is an experienced senior agent."
"She?" Rowan asked, slightly surprised.
Samuel nodded. "Yes. She's from the Azure Silver Empire. A Sword Saint. Despite her age, her strength and experience are exceptional. Her codename is Silvermoon."
The name stirred a faint memory.
The Azure Silver Empire was renowned for its swordsmanship. A Sword Saint was among the highest honors within that tradition.
"When can I meet her?" Rowan asked.
"Now," Observer replied, standing. "She's waiting in the training room next door. But first, we need to complete your onboarding."
Over the next hour, Rowan completed a series of procedures.
Identity verification. Confidentiality agreements. Authorization protocols.
The most significant step was the implantation of a special mental seal.
"This seal won't affect your normal thoughts," Samuel explained. "But if you attempt to reveal classified information, it will trigger intense mental pressure."
A necessary safeguard.
When everything was complete, Observer led Rowan into the adjacent training hall.
It was a vast space filled with advanced equipment. Gravity regulators, holographic systems, weapon racks.
At the center stood a woman.
Tall and slender, dressed in a silver-blue training suit. Her long hair was tied in a high ponytail. In her hand was a faintly glowing sword.
She moved with effortless grace.
Each strike flowed into the next, precise and fluid, as though she were painting silver blossoms across the air.
Rowan stopped in his tracks, watching.
For a brief moment, the world seemed to quiet.
Only the rhythm of her blade remained.
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