A somewhat rotund man smoking a stone pipe stands before the gates to the Upper Trifecta. This man, named Kringle, has come here for an interview, and after making sure he has the process figured out, he walks through the front gates and approaches a building covered in Christmas decorations. As he approaches, Kringle is stopped by the three guards: Dancer, the Knight of Past, Vixen, the Knight of Present, and Comet, the Knight of Future.
"Halt! State your reasoning for coming here!" proclaims Vixen, stepping in front of Kringle.
"I come here for a job, as I found that help is currently wanted for a new Head Researcher." Kringle responds calmly.
"Yes, I suppose that makes sense. What makes you think you have what it takes?" inquires Comet.
"I do quite a bit of research in my spare time. Look at my notes if you doubt my ability." states Kringle, procuring a dusty book containing a great deal of info on the strange Holiday Spirit found throughout this Trifecta, as well as the types of Realm energy native to this Trifecta.
"Judging by this, you certainly do seem dedicated to your work. It's quite clear that this was researched almost entirely through firsthand experience. Quite remarkable." notes Dancer, nodding while looking through the book.
"Indeed, now if you would let me through, I would like to set up a meeting with Elleve so that I may apply for the position." Kringle states, taking the book back.
"Fellas, you think he's alright? He seems good to me." says Vixen, before turning to the other two. The other two nod, and Vixen turns to Kringle. "Alright, I'll put you through to Donner. Follow me." Vixen leads Kringle to another person, and after a brief conversation, Vixen returns to his post and Donner turns to Kringle.
"So, you ready for this interview?" asks Donner, while leading Kringle to the interview location.
"Indeed. I've been preparing for some time." notes Kringle. On the way to the location, Kringle looks slightly to the side and sees two Christmas trees, but continues following Donner into the interview area. The two sit down across from each other, and about ten minutes later, Elleve himself walks in.
"Oh, hello! Nice to meet you! You know me of course, seeing how you came here for me. Anyway, what was it you wanted? I was NOT paying attention to what Donner said." chuckles Elleve.
"He's here to interview for the position of Head Researcher." Donner reminds Elleve.
"Ahh, of course. Wait, what happened to the old one...eh, Rudolph, wasn't it? I suppose it doesn't matter, the point is that we need a new one. Has this person ever written anything?" asks Elleve, pointing to Kringle. Kringle hands over the book, and Elleve reads over Donner's shoulder while he looks through the pages, nodding every now and then. "Well, according to these, you do seem to be a GREAT note taker, but are you sure you're up for the title of Head Researcher?"
"Indeed." responds Kringle calmly.
"ALRIGHT, DONNER, PUT HIM THROUGH THE TEST! I hope you remember what the test is, because quite frankly, I don't." laughs Elleve.
"Well, step one is just a question. Do you hold a pencil with your left hand or your right hand? Remember, there are no wrong answers here...unless there are." Donner says, looking Kringle right in the eyes as he awaits a response.
"Middle." responds Kringle, after thinking for a little bit.
"Wow, interesting response! I like the way you think. That means we can take this test to the next step, and test your skills at quick and effective writing. I want you to take the next ten minutes to write the most detailed paragraph you can about anything you've seen in the past week." states Donner, handing over a sheet of paper and a pen. After exactly ten minutes, Kringle hands back the paragraph, and Donner starts reading through. "Uhhuh...interesting...of course! Never thought so deeply about mortar before. You've definitely got skill. Time for the penultimate stage of the test. It's another question, this time just to get an idea of the type of person you are. If you could commit any felony, any crime whatsoever, without any consequence, what would it be?"
"Perjury." Kringle responds.
"Interesting! Don't hear that answer every day, but then again I don't do this test every day, so you know. Alright, time for the final stage. I've been playing this spelling game, and for the past month I haven't been able to get past this boss, I've tried everything." Donner says, handing Kringle a controller. Kringle successfully manages to spell the word "Nonafluent", which Donner wasn't even aware was a word. "Holy heck, you actually did it. Looks like you're more than qualified."
"Donner, I think that might have actually been the Janitor test you just put him through." Elleve notes, and Donner just kind of shrugs.
"Well, it's probably close enough." Donner says, and Elleve seems to agree.
"Congratulations on becoming the new Head Researcher! Your first job starts next 'week'! Donner will show you to your new Quarters." Elleve says, waving while Donner leads Kringle out of the room. Donner leads Kringle to the residence of the former Head Researcher, where pretty much nothing even shows that anyone was ever there in the first place.