The day is finally arrived.
The coffee machine was making a loud noise, while pouring brownish coffee in the cup, followed by its strong familiar smell. After the machine did its job, I picked the cup and walked towards the table. I sit down, grabbed one sugar sachet, open it up and pour its content inside the coffee.
I mixed everything with a teaspoon then I took a sip. Hmm… perfect, as usual. Energy was now flowing through my entire body and my eyes were fully open. I took the coffee cup and the spoon, bringing them inside the kitchen sink. A quick wash and the two item were clean and ready for a future use.
Uhm… all right, I cleaned up the kitchen… I did everything mandatory in the restroom… and I'm sure that school is closed for today. Good, since I'm about to reveal my choice to Mr. Tarfo. I believe he didn't say how I'm suppose to
*music starts playing*
The smartphone! Someone is calling me, right now… but who? Let's see… huh? It's saying Private.
"Hello?" I laid my phone near my ear.
"Good morning, Miss Hanache." A male voice said.
"… who am I speaking to?" I start walking around.
"This is Mr. Tarfo speaking."
Him?! How did he
"Forgive my morning intrusion: if I called in an inopportune moment, I"
"It's fine, Mr. Tarfo. I was about to prepare myself for our meeting." I twirled my right tentacle.
"Ah, good. You wanted to visit me again, just to report your choice."
"Yes. I didn't expect your call, this morning." I looked through the window.
"Then, I want to apologize. I couldn't imagine such kindness from you."
"Thanks. I assume you want to know the answer, Mr. Tarfo." I sit down on my bed.
"Did you reach a decision?"
"Yes, I'm ready to announce it." My eyes rest down.
"Very good! Please, tell me."
I took a big, but silent breath.
"I want to work for you."
"Excellent! I'm glad you accepted my request!"
"However, I have one condition." One leg goes on the top of the other.
"You want to stay with Hun. Am I right?"
"Correct." I nodded.
"I understand your wish, Miss Hanache… but I can't satisfy this one, yet."
… I was slowly frowning.
"The reason?"
"It's more of a clarification. It's true that I'm interested in your skills… but a fog of doubts was persecuting me, as well."
W-what doubts?! I-I'm not perfect for this job?!
"You are a brilliant girl, both physically and mentally… yet, the job I have in mind for you, is very dangerous and difficult to fulfill. That's why you are going to take the Admittance Trial."
"I see." I massaged my right tentacle. "I would like to know more about this Admittance Trial."
"Very well. Quite frankly, it's a very hard task to achieve. Only a small crowd of individuals possess the requirements for the candidacy, but usually only a few of those become agents."
It sounds serious… I like it. This will prove how perfect I truly am.
"The test will take place in Inkopolis."
…
"Which building of Inkopolis?" I stopped massaging my tentacle.
"I didn't mean that: I meant the entire city."
Th-the entire city?! What kind of trial is this?!
"Your test will begin as soon as you leave your apartment. If you need to rest for a moment, do so now. Once started, the trial can't be stopped. Everything clear?"
"Yes." I nodded. "What happens if I fail the trial?"
"You can retry it… next year."
WHAAATTT?!
"I know, it seems an exaggeration… but in order for this trial to take place, almost all the units are needed as well as several regulations for the government. You got lucky that they gave you a chance to become an agent right now."
"I see. I promise to not waste such opportunity." I looked at the digital clock.
"Great to hear! Now… I'm going to explain your tasks and relative details. I'll say it once, so please pay attention."
"I will." I nodded and leaned forward.
"All right. Your objective is simple: retrieve a keycard and use it to access the Headquarters. Now, the hard part is that the keycard could be anywhere in the city."
"Anywhere?" I was tapping the floor, with my foot.
"Yes, anywhere. Inside a shop… or a normal apartment… even in a trash can! Agents will keep an eye on it, so I can guarantee that the keycard will not be lost. Also, other agents will keep an eye on YOU as well. If I remember correctly, my agents told me you use gadgets around: you are allowed to use them, for this trial."
That's good news! With my gadgets, my performance is going to be truly perfect! … hmm… speaking of that…
"My performance will be judged?" I twirled my tentacle.
"Yes. Based on many factors... unfortunately, I can't reveal any of them. You have a time limit, which is hidden away from you. In other words, don't take too long in your operations."
"I understand." I nodded.
"Good. Next part is very important: no one has to know about this test. At the first vague hint given away, you fail the trial. If nobody comes near you and say "You failed", then you have still time and the chance to pass. Understood?"
"Affirmative." I nodded.
"Excellent. The last part is an advice: if you notice suspicious people around the city, make sure they don't see you. That's all I have to say about it."
"Ok. Anything else?" I stood up.
"Yes. Please check under the door."
Under the door…? … huh? There is something near the main entrance. I walked towards the item and picked it up: it's an envelope. I opened it, while holding the phone with my shoulders and inside there was a letter.
Flying in the sky, swimming in the water.
…
"Did you read the hint? That's your starting point. Oh, also please throw away the letter and envelope: those will explode in 15 seconds."
WHAT?! I crumpled both and quickly throw them towards the bed: they exploded in Yellow ink! A bit of it flew in my face.
"Eh eh, gotta love those little surprises! I hope no furniture was ruined by the blast."
"No, everything is fine." Sigh… the room was dripping ink around.
"All right! That concludes the explanation. Any questions?"
"No, I understood." I rubbed off some ink from my face.
"Perfect! Then, start preparing yourself: nothing too fancy, mind you. Remember that the city is a puzzle now, so pay great attention once you are there."
"Ok." I nodded. "Thank you for the advices, Mr. Tarfo."
"My pleasure! Good luck with your trial and have a nice day."
"Thanks. Goodbye, Mr. Tarfo."
The call ends here. Uhm… better think carefully about my clothing and gadgets: those are going to be crucial, since no mistakes are allowed. That will never happen though: my strive for perfection will never cease, until I reached the very top. It's time to climb the mountain of the eternal glory…