Prologue

CHAPTER 1: The Job Interview

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Name: James S. Heidenberg

Age: 32

Occupation: IT Freelancer

Residence: Aedenberg, PH, 08TH ST.

Marital Status: Single

Education:

Aedenberg University, Graduated 2040

 - Major: Information Technology

Work Experience:

Johannes Call Center: 5 Years (Rating: Skilled 820/1000)

Steve's Mart: 2 Years (Rating: Skilled 790/1000)

Traits: Honest, Good-looking, Strong, Easygoing, Hardworking, Multitasker, skilled in IT.

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The sun hung low over the bustling city of Aedenberg as James Heidenberg made his way to yet another job interview. With a weary smile, he adjusted his tie and straightened his posture, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Inside the imposing walls of JCSM Tower, James found himself seated across from the HR manager, her scrutinizing gaze boring into him with each question.

"Hmm, so your name is James, and you previously worked at Johannes and Steve's before becoming a freelancer?" the HR manager inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.

James nodded, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down his brow. "Ah... Yes, ma'am," he replied, his voice tinged with nervousness.

The HR manager peered down at his resume, her eyes scanning the lines with practiced precision. "I can see they commend you highly. Why did you leave those positions?" she probed gently, sensing his discomfort.

James hesitated, his mind racing for an acceptable answer. "Financial issues... at home," he finally admitted, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Ah, I understand," the HR manager responded sympathetically, a hint of camaraderie in her voice. "I faced similar struggles in my own career."

As the interview progressed, James found himself opening up, sharing his aspirations and his determination to succeed. Despite his initial trepidation, he met each question with confidence, his resolve shining through.

"What can you contribute to this company?" the HR manager asked, her tone firm but fair.

James straightened in his seat, his gaze steady. "Ma'am, I can do it all. I'm committed to seeing every task through to completion, and I'm eager to contribute to any events the company plans," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction.

Impressed by his sincerity, the HR manager nodded approvingly. "Well, that's a commendable attitude, Mr. Heidenberg. We'll be in touch regarding your application," she concluded, rising from her seat.

As James exited the tower, he couldn't shake the sense of uncertainty that gnawed at him. Another interview, another opportunity slipping through his fingers. He sighed heavily, the weight of disappointment settling upon his shoulders.

"Phew... That interview..." James muttered to himself, his exhaustion evident in every word. "I better keep looking for another company. I feel like I'm not going to be accepted again."

Sipping his cola, James mused aloud, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Why can't these companies just tell us applicants when we haven't passed the interview? Instead, they feed us some made-up excuse..."

His outburst drew curious glances from passersby, their eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and judgment. James flushed with embarrassment, hastily retreating from the bench and disappearing into the crowded streets.

Returning home, James collapsed onto his bed, the events of the day weighing heavily on his mind. Yet, as he reached for his phone, panic seized him.

"Ahh! What the heck..." James exclaimed, his heart racing as he scrolled through the news feed. "This country is a traitor!"

Clutching his fist, James gritted his teeth, his anger boiling over. In his virtual realm, the beloved kingdom he had painstakingly built lay besieged by enemies, its defenses crumbling before his eyes.

"Dang it! Damn you traitors!" James cried out, his voice choked with emotion. "I should have just continued conquering the whole world in this game..."

With a heavy sigh, James deleted the game from his phone, the weight of defeat settling upon him like a shroud. As exhaustion claimed him, he drifted into a fitful sleep, haunted by the echoes of a battle lost, both in reality and in the digital realm.