Mr. Manual's hero agency looked much as I remembered it - an average hero agency, in a regular town, without much glamour, but an efficient and diligent workplace. I couldn't shake a feeling of great nerves as I stood there - I had done my diligent best to study the agency, the intern work that would be required of me, and the best advice for interviews available through my databases and even questions I'd asked of my UA teachers, and yet still I couldn't help but wonder if it would be enough, in these circumstances.

Well, there was nothing to do for it but take the step and walk into the agency.

The Normal Hero's agency is the very picture of a normal office, much as I remembered it. A few sidekicks at desks typing efficiently and processing cases, a decoration or two. Mr. Manual stood up as I came in and nodded.

"Welcome back, Ingenium."

I bowed. "It is truly an honor to be considered, sir. Thank you for this opportunity."

"Let's head into my office."

Mr. Manual's office was a cramped space with a desk, poor air conditioning, a computer and several filing cabinets. He brought in a stiff chair from the outer office for me and took a seat at his desk.

"I do recall what you said about why you want to work here with me. I suppose my next question is - why should I hire you? It's obvious what you've got to gain from doing a work study, of course - experience, a chance for real hero work on the professional level, even the money. But what have I got to gain from taking on another intern. Tell me what you bring to the table."

I had read a great deal about this particular question. I had even decided to take the risk of going to a teacher for some advice on how to talk myself up to Mr. Manual.

"Talking yourself up, huh? Well, I'd say the best thing to do is to figure out what the pro you're talking to is looking for. What kind of agency is it? What are they looking for in an intern? What can you do to truly help out?"

"I suppose to do that I must identify my strengths."

"Yes sir-ee. Take a good long look at your strengths as a hero."

I had made sure to list them all down, and now I was prepared to answer.

"I am an efficient, hard-working student and worker. I believe in the importance of rules, organization, and by-the-books work. I am the Class Representative of Class 1-A, so I have experience in leadership and organization. I bring to the table my quirk - super speed from my leg mufflers, but also combat experience. I have also learned a great deal about the value of assessing when a situation calls for a stronger hero than myself - I have learned the importance of humility and teamwork. I am always seeking to learn and do better, and I firmly believe in following class rules -"

Mr. Manual interrupted me then with a small laugh. "You still talk quite a lot."

I wanted to slap myself. Of course - I'd read warnings about this. Talking too much is never a good sign. "My apologies, sir."

"It's all right. I think you've got a lot of good traits to bring to the table here. But you do still need to prove yourself. So I'm going to give you a trial run, if that makes sense."

"Of course! I look forward to the chance to prove myself!"

"Very well, then. You got your suit with you?"

"Indeed!"

"Then suit up, and come with me."