"No matter how big your champion, theirs is bigger. No matter how great your numbers, theirs are greater. No matter how voracious your appetite, they are hungrier. That is why the Eldrazi will win." - Kalitas, thrall of Ulamog

Day 26

Today I will do the interviews.

I've prepared a few generic questions regarding their personality and morality. I have also prepared a room in my tower for those interviews.

The objective isn't to find people with strong morals. The objective is to find people with potential.

One might argue that it is dangerous to teach a power-hungry person magic, but I don't care. Against the Eldrazi, we are all together, they don't care about our moral alignment or our backgrounds.

So long as you draw breath, you are an ally in the fight against the Eldrazi.

To facilitate things, I've cast a modified version of 'Zone of Truth'. Realizing when people lie is a strong indicator of their morality.

I will have to rely on that spell I promised myself not to use anymore, otherwise, the interviews wouldn't be recorded. As such, my spell will write down, on another sheet of paper, the extract for the interviews. I'll eventually transcribe everything there to this diary of mine.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Ruby Rose

Interviewer: Theos

"Miss Rose, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his pen at the ready as he looked at Ruby with a calm expression.

Ruby, sitting on the edge of her seat, nodded eagerly. "Oh, yeah, that's totally fine!"

Theos smiled softly at her enthusiasm. "Very well." He flipped open his notebook to a fresh page. "Ruby Rose, I'll be asking you some questions. They may seem a little personal or random, but I ask that you answer them truthfully. There are no right or wrong answers, and if you don't want to respond to any of them, feel free to say so. Does that sound good?"

Ruby nodded again, smiling brightly. "Yep! I'm ready!"

"Let's begin then," Theos said, his pen hovering above the paper. "First question: What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Ruby took a moment, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've always wanted to be a huntress! Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be like the heroes in the stories-helping people, fighting Grimm, protecting the world. I guess that's why I came to Beacon. I want to make a difference, just like all the great huntsmen and huntresses before me!"

Theos quietly scribbled down her response, noting the sincerity in her voice. "And how confident are you in your own skills?" he asked.

Ruby instinctively glanced behind her, as if reaching for her scythe, Crescent Rose, which was not with her. She chuckled nervously. "I mean, I think I'm pretty good! My uncle, Qrow, trained me, and he's one of the best! I'm not that good yet, but I'm getting there!" Her voice held a mix of pride and humility.

Theos gave a slight nod, writing her words. "I've seen you fight firsthand," he remarked. "Your skill for someone your age is quite remarkable."

Ruby blushed a little, smiling sheepishly. "Thanks! That means a lot."

Theos moved on to the next question. "If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Ruby blinked, her face scrunching up in thought. "Hmm... I've never really thought about that..." she admitted, scratching the back of her head. "I guess… I'd make the world safer? Make sure people don't have to live in fear of the Grimm anymore. Maybe create a world where no one has to lose someone they love to those monsters." Her voice became softer toward the end.

Theos wrote down her answer, his expression thoughtful. "A noble wish," he said, flipping to the next question. "What do you think fate is?"

Ruby shifted in her seat, considering the question. "Fate? I think… fate is the path we're supposed to walk. Like, our future's already kind of decided, but it's up to us to take the steps and make the right choices along the way. I think we have control over it, but some things are just meant to happen."

Theos nodded, jotting down her thoughts. "Interesting perspective," he commented. "Here's the last question, and then you're free to go: Do you believe that magic exists?"

Ruby didn't even hesitate. "Yes," she said confidently, her eyes bright with conviction. "I don't have any proof or anything, but I just… I believe it's out there. There's so much we don't understand about the world. Magic could totally be real, and I think it'd be awesome if it was."

Theos smiled, writing down her enthusiastic response. "Thank you, Ruby. You're free to go now. Please call in the next student once you're outside."

Ruby hopped out of her seat with a beaming smile. "Thanks! That wasn't so bad!" She waved cheerfully as she exited the room, her steps light and full of energy as she went to fetch the next student.

Theos chuckled softly as he closed his notebook, glancing briefly at the door Ruby had exited through before preparing for the next interview.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Weiss Schnee

Interviewer: Theos

"Miss Schnee, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his pen poised above his notebook, eyes meeting the young heiress seated across from him.

Weiss straightened her posture, folding her hands neatly on her lap. "Of course," she said, her tone polite but formal, as if she were attending a business meeting.

"Very well." Theos nodded and flipped to a fresh page in his notebook. "Weiss Schnee, I'll be asking you some questions. They may seem somewhat random or personal, but I ask that you answer them truthfully. There are no right or wrong answers. If you prefer not to answer something, feel free to skip it. Is that fine?"

Weiss gave a sharp nod, her expression unchanging. "Understood."

"Let's begin." Theos paused, then asked his first question. "What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Weiss answered without hesitation. "I'm here to become the best huntress I can be. As the heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, I carry great responsibility. I intend to prove myself, not only as a huntress but as someone worthy of my family's name. I want to lead by example and bring honor to the Schnee legacy."

Theos wrote her response with measured strokes. Her answer was decisive, driven by duty and expectation, much like he expected from someone of her background. "And how confident are you in your own skills?"

Weiss sat a little straighter, her eyes glinting with determination. "I've trained my entire life for this. I'm confident in my abilities as both a combatant and a strategist. My father ensured I had the finest tutors available, and I've learned to wield Dust better than anyone my age." She paused, her expression softening slightly. "But... I know there is always room for improvement."

Theos scribbled a few notes. "I see. Next question: If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Weiss blinked, clearly caught off guard by the question. She took a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. "I'd change the way my family's company operates," she said finally. "There are... certain practices within the Schnee Dust Company that I do not agree with. The exploitation of Faunus labor, for one. I want to reform those policies and create a better future for both our workers and the company."

Theos smiled softly, even if it was just for a moment, before writing her answer. It was a practical and ambitious response-one rooted in her desire for change, rather than idealism. "What do you think fate is?"

Weiss shifted slightly, crossing her arms. "Fate is... complicated. I believe we all have a role to play, but I don't think it's entirely out of our control. We have choices, but there are forces beyond us that shape the path we walk. I think it's up to us to make the most of the hand we're dealt."

Theos nodded as he noted her words, then asked the final question. "Do you believe that magic exists?"

Weiss tilted her head, her gaze thoughtful. "Yes, I do. I've seen things that defy logic-Dust alone is proof that the world holds more than what we can explain scientifically. If magic is real, it's not just some ancient legend. It's something we can harness and understand, just like anything else."

Theos finished writing and closed his notebook with a smile. "Thank you for your time. You're free to go. Please send in the next interviewee when you're ready."

Weiss stood, giving a respectful nod. "Thank you." With that, she left the room, her heels clicking confidently as she moved to fetch the next student.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Blake Belladonna

Interviewer: Theos

"Miss Belladonna, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his tone calm but purposeful as his pen hovered over the notebook.

Blake, seated across from him, shifted slightly but nodded. "Yes, that's fine."

"Thank you." Theos flipped to a blank page and began writing. "Blake Belladonna, I'll be asking you a series of questions. They may seem personal or even random, but I ask that you answer as honestly as possible. There are no right or wrong answers, and you can choose not to answer if you prefer. Is that acceptable?"

Blake nodded again, her amber eyes steady as she watched him. "Yes, I understand."

"Good. Let's begin," Theos said, pausing briefly before asking the first question. "What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Blake hesitated for a moment, her gaze lowering. "I came to Beacon to… find a new path. I've made some choices in my past that I'm not proud of, and I want to become something better. A huntress can make a real difference in the world. I want to help people, but also-" She stopped herself, then added quietly, "I want to prove that I'm not who I used to be."

Theos silently jotted down her words. Her response held weight-he could sense there was much more beneath the surface. "How confident are you in your own skills?"

Blake shifted in her seat, crossing her arms. "I'm confident in my abilities. I've had training outside of Beacon, and I've been in real combat situations before. But I know there's still a lot to learn. I'm not perfect."

Theos nodded, recording her words. "Experience is valuable," he said. "Now, if you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Blake went quiet, her eyes flickering with an unspoken emotion. "I'd… change the way people treat Faunus. I'd make sure that Faunus are treated as equals, that no one is forced into labor camps or discriminated against because of their race. I've seen too much injustice, and if I had that kind of power, I'd make sure no one had to suffer because of who they are."

Theos watched her for a moment before writing her answer. Her response was deeply personal, revealing not only her strong sense of justice but also the pain of her past. "What do you think fate is?" he asked.

Blake leaned back slightly, her arms still crossed. "I think fate is… what we make of it. It's not set in stone. We all have choices, and those choices shape our fate. But sometimes… it feels like certain things are unavoidable, no matter how hard we try to change them."

Theos wrote quietly, her answer reflecting a level of introspection he had come to expect from her. "Here's the final question," he said, glancing up. "Do you believe that magic exists?"

Blake tilted her head slightly, considering the question. "Yes, I believe it does. Maybe not in the way most people think, but… there's more to the world than what we see. Magic, or whatever you want to call it, is part of that."

Theos finished writing and closed his notebook. "Thank you, Blake. You're free to go. Please call in the next student when you're ready."

Blake stood up, her movements smooth and quiet. "Thank you," she said softly before heading for the door, leaving the room in near silence as she moved to bring in the next interviewee.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Yang Xiao Long

Interviewer: Theos

"Miss Xiao Long, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his pen ready above his notebook, eyes calm yet curious.

Yang sat with a casual smile, leaning back in her chair with her arms folded behind her head. "Yeah, that's totally fine with me."

"Very well." Theos jotted a quick note and flipped to a new page. "Yang Xiao Long, I'll be asking you a series of questions. Some may seem a bit personal or random, but I'd appreciate honest answers. There are no wrong or right answers, and you can choose not to respond if you're uncomfortable. Does that sound good?"

Yang grinned. "I'm game. Fire away!"

Theos smiled faintly at her energy. "Let's begin. First question: What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Yang shifted forward, planting her elbows on the table. "Honestly? I'm here for the thrill of it. Fighting, traveling, going on adventures-what's not to love? But I also want to protect the people I care about. I guess you could say I want to have fun and make the world a better place while doing it."

Theos made a quick note, appreciating her straightforwardness. "And how confident are you in your own skills?"

Yang chuckled, her eyes flashing with pride. "Oh, I'd say I'm pretty darn confident. I've been fighting for as long as I can remember, and I've always been good at it. I know there's always someone stronger, but I don't back down from a fight."

Theos nodded, scribbling down her words. Her confidence was unmistakable, even brimming with a hint of pride. "If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Yang paused for a moment, considering the question more carefully. "That's a tough one," she admitted. "I guess… I'd make sure that no one ever had to lose the people they care about. The world's dangerous, and people get hurt or worse all the time. If I could stop that, I would."

Theos took note of the sudden shift in her tone-beneath her bravado, there was clearly a deep care for others. "What do you think fate is?" he asked, moving to the next question.

Yang leaned back in her chair again, shrugging. "Fate's just another word for stuff we can't control, right? I don't know if I believe in it, honestly. I think we make our own choices and live with the consequences. Whatever's meant to be will be, but I'm not gonna sit around and wait for it."

Theos scribbled quickly, finding her view pragmatic yet driven by her own desire to live life fully. "One last question," he said, lifting his gaze. "Do you believe that magic exists?"

Without hesitation, Yang nodded. "Yeah, I do. The world's too big and too weird for there not to be something magical out there. And if I haven't seen it yet, I'm sure I will one day."

Theos closed his notebook with a smile. "Thank you, Yang. You're free to go now. Please send in the next student when you leave."

Yang stood up, stretching with a grin. "No problem. That was kinda fun, actually!" She gave him a playful wave as she walked out the door, ready to call in the next student.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Jaune Arc

Interviewer: Theos

"Mr. Arc, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his tone as steady as always, as he readied his pen over the notebook.

Jaune sat across from him, fidgeting slightly but offering a small, nervous smile. "Uh, yeah, that's fine."

"Good." Theos nodded and flipped to a blank page. "Jaune Arc, I'm going to ask you a series of questions. Some might feel random or personal, but I'd like you to answer them honestly. There are no right or wrong answers, and you can skip any question if you're uncomfortable. Does that sound acceptable?"

Jaune adjusted his posture, taking a breath. "Yeah, that's fine."

Theos gave a brief smile before starting. "Let's begin. What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Jaune hesitated for a moment, clearly thinking over his words. "Well, I want to be a hero. My family's full of heroes-my ancestors, my dad, everyone's been a huntsman. I… I want to live up to that. I came to Beacon because I want to be someone my family can be proud of, someone who can protect others."

Theos scribbled down notes, acknowledging Jaune's desire for approval and his strong connection to his family's legacy. "How confident are you in your own skills?"

Jaune swallowed hard, a bit of anxiety flashing in his eyes. "Uh… not as confident as I'd like to be, if I'm being honest. I didn't have formal training before I came to Beacon, so I'm still catching up. But I'm working hard, and I'm improving every day. I just… I know I've got a long way to go."

Theos nodded and wrote down Jaune's response. His honesty and humility were clear, but so was his self-doubt. "Next question: If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Jaune looked down, his hands clasping together. "I'd make sure no one felt like they weren't good enough. There's so much pressure to be perfect, and a lot of people feel like they're failing just because they're not as strong or skilled as others. If I could change that, make people feel like they have worth no matter what, I'd do it."

Theos paused briefly, noting the sincerity in Jaune's answer before writing it down. "What do you think fate is?"

Jaune looked thoughtful, his brow furrowing. "I think fate is… it's tricky. I mean, I want to believe we have control over our lives, that we can make our own choices. But sometimes, it feels like certain things are meant to happen, like no matter what you do, you end up where you're supposed to be. Maybe it's a mix of both-fate and choice."

Theos wrote quickly, capturing Jaune's introspective take on the balance between fate and free will. "Final question," he said. "Do you believe that magic exists?"

Jaune blinked, a small smile forming on his face. "Yeah, I do. I mean, I've read enough stories about magic, and who's to say they're not based on something real? The world's a big place, and I think there's more to it than we understand. So yeah, I believe in magic."

Theos closed his notebook with a soft nod. "Belief in the unseen is often the first step toward understanding it," he remarked. "Thank you for your time, Jaune. You're free to go now. Please ask the next student to come in when you're ready."

Jaune stood, looking relieved as he offered a polite nod. "Thanks. I'll, uh, send the next person in." He gave a quick, awkward wave before heading for the door, his nerves clearly easing as he left the room.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Nora Valkyrie

Interviewer: Theos

"Miss Valkyrie, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his pen already poised above the notebook, waiting for Nora's response.

Nora, seated with an excited grin, nodded eagerly. "Yep, that's totally fine! Let's do this!"

"Very well." Theos flipped to a fresh page, jotting down the start of the interview. "Nora Valkyrie, I'm going to ask you a series of questions. Some might feel random or personal, but please answer honestly. There are no right or wrong answers, and you can skip any question if you'd like. Does that sound good?"

Nora bounced in her seat a little, her enthusiasm clear. "Bring it on! I'm ready for anything!"

Theos smiled slightly at her energy and began. "First question: What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Nora didn't miss a beat. "I want to be a hero!" she said confidently. "But also, I want to protect the people I care about-like Ren. We've been through a lot together, and I want to make sure we both become the best hunters we can be! Plus, smashing Grimm is fun!" She finished with a playful wink.

Theos wrote her answer down, noting her mix of playfulness and sincerity. "And how confident are you in your own skills?"

Nora grinned widely. "Super confident! Have you seen me with my hammer? I'm unstoppable!" She flexed her arms dramatically, laughing at her own display. "But seriously, I know I'm strong, and I've got Ren by my side. We make a great team, so I'm confident we can handle anything that comes our way!"

Theos jotted down her words, sensing her genuine self-assurance mixed with her humor. "Next question: If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Nora paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… I'd probably make sure everyone had enough pancakes. Like, unlimited pancakes for everyone! No one should ever be sad if they've got pancakes!" She giggled but then added more seriously, "Oh, and I'd make sure no one ever has to be alone or go through what Ren and I did. Everyone deserves to have someone looking out for them."

Theos smiled faintly at her answer and wrote it down. There was depth in her playful response. "What do you think fate is?"

Nora leaned back in her chair, thinking for a moment. "Fate, huh? I guess… fate is kind of like a really long road. You don't always know where it's going, but you can choose how you walk it. Sometimes stuff happens that you can't control, but you've still got to keep moving forward. And maybe, just maybe, if you've got the right people with you, you can make your own fate."

Theos scribbled down her response, impressed by the way she blended lightheartedness with a deeper understanding. "Final question," he said. "Do you believe that magic exists?"

Nora's eyes lit up instantly. "Oh, totally! I mean, come on, with all the crazy stuff in the world, how could magic not exist? And if it does, I bet it's awesome! Imagine what we could do with magic! Lightning bolts, flying hammers… Oh, wait, I kind of do that already!" She laughed at her own joke.

Theos chuckled softly and closed his notebook. "I see. Thank you, Nora. You're free to go now. Please let the next person know they're up."

Nora jumped to her feet, still buzzing with energy. "You got it! This was fun! See ya!" She gave a playful salute before skipping out of the room, already excited to send in the next interviewee.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Pyrrha Nikos

Interviewer: Theos

"Miss Nikos, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his pen already resting on his notebook, as he regarded Pyrrha with a calm, composed expression.

Pyrrha smiled politely, her posture poised and confident as she sat down. "Yes, that's fine."

"Very well." Theos nodded and flipped to a fresh page. "Pyrrha Nikos, I'll ask you a series of questions. Some may feel personal or a bit random, but I'd appreciate your honest answers. There are no right or wrong answers, and if you prefer not to answer something, that's perfectly acceptable. Is that clear?"

"Yes, I understand," Pyrrha said, her voice steady, though there was a subtle trace of uncertainty in her eyes.

"Let's begin then," Theos said, glancing at his notebook. "First question: What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Pyrrha took a brief moment before answering. "I'm here to become the best huntress I can be. I want to use my abilities to protect others and make a real difference in the world. I believe that being a huntress carries great responsibility, and I want to live up to the expectations placed on me-both by others and by myself."

Theos scribbled down her response, noting her strong sense of duty and self-expectation. "How confident are you in your own skills?" he asked next.

Pyrrha paused, her fingers gently clasping together. "I've trained for most of my life, so I would say I'm quite confident. But I also know that there's always room for growth. I don't want to be overconfident or complacent-I still have much to learn."

Theos nodded appreciatively, writing down her answer. "Next question: If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Pyrrha's expression grew more contemplative. "I would… ensure that no one is forced into a role they don't want. So many people feel trapped by their circumstances, by expectations, or by their own limitations. If I could change the world, I would give everyone the freedom to pursue what they truly desire, without fear of judgment or failure."

Theos observed her for a moment before writing down her thoughtful answer. "What do you think fate is?" he asked, moving to the next question.

Pyrrha took a deeper breath. "Fate is… complicated. I think it's a combination of the choices we make and the circumstances we're placed in. While I believe that some things might be beyond our control, we still have the power to shape our own destiny through our actions. Fate may guide us, but it doesn't define us."

Theos quickly noted her response. He could tell she was familiar with the burden of expectations and perhaps struggled with reconciling personal choice and destiny. "Final question," he said, meeting her eyes. "Do you believe that magic exists?"

Pyrrha looked down for a moment, her expression softening. "No, I don't. Not in the way people often imagine, at least. I believe in skill, discipline, and hard work. Things like magic… they're stories, myths we tell ourselves. But what really matters is what we can achieve through our own efforts. There's no magic to save us-just our own abilities."

Theos paused briefly, considering her words before writing them down. "A practical and grounded view," he remarked softly. "Thank you, Pyrrha. You're free to go now. Please send in the next student when you're ready."

Pyrrha gave a small nod, standing gracefully from her seat. "Thank you," she said politely, though there was a quiet weight in her tone. She exited the room, her footsteps light but measured, moving to inform the next interviewee.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Lie Ren

Interviewer: Theos

"Mr. Ren, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his pen hovering above his notebook as he glanced up at the young man across from him.

Lie Ren gave a quiet nod, his demeanor calm and composed. "Yes, that's fine."

"Very well." Theos flipped to a blank page, ready to begin. "Lie Ren, I'll be asking you a series of questions. Some might feel personal or random, but I ask that you answer honestly. There are no right or wrong answers, and you may skip any question you don't feel comfortable answering. Does that sound acceptable?"

Ren's expression remained steady as he nodded again. "Yes, I understand."

"Let's begin then." Theos paused briefly before asking the first question. "What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Ren took a moment, his eyes calm but focused. "I'm here to protect the people I care about. I want to become a huntsman to ensure that those I hold dear-people like Nora-can live in peace. Becoming stronger, learning to fight, and gaining the skills I need will help me do that. But it's not just about fighting; it's also about keeping the balance within myself."

Theos jotted down his answer, noting Ren's protective and introspective nature. "How confident are you in your own skills?" he asked.

Ren took a slow breath, his gaze thoughtful. "I'm confident in my abilities, but I also recognize my limitations. There's always something new to learn, and I try to remain humble in my approach. I trust in my training and my instincts, but I know that overconfidence can lead to mistakes."

Theos nodded, appreciating Ren's self-awareness as he wrote down the response. "If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Ren's expression grew more introspective, his eyes lowering slightly as he considered the question. "I would take away the pain that people carry-the loss, the fear, the anger. I've seen how these things can weigh on a person, and if I could, I would ease that burden for others. People deserve peace, but sometimes it's hard to find."

Theos paused before writing, sensing the depth of Ren's response. There was a quiet wisdom in his words, born from experience. "What do you think fate is?"

Ren's eyes lifted slightly, his voice soft but clear. "Fate is something we can't fully understand. I think it's a combination of our choices and the forces beyond our control. We walk our path, but sometimes things happen that are outside our ability to influence. What's important is how we respond to those moments-whether we let them define us or whether we choose to keep moving forward."

Theos scribbled down his thoughts, noting how Ren's balanced view of fate resonated with the calmness of his personality. "Final question," Theos said, glancing up. "Do you believe that magic exists?"

Ren sat quietly for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I believe that there are things in this world that go beyond our understanding-forces we can't always explain. Whether you call it magic or something else, I think there's more to the world than what we see. But I also believe in the strength we have within ourselves. That, to me, is just as powerful as any magic."

Theos finished writing, closing his notebook with a soft nod. "Thank you for your time, Ren. You're free to go now. Please inform the next student when you're ready."

Ren stood up gracefully, offering a respectful nod in return. "Thank you," he said quietly before turning to leave the room, his movements silent and measured as he went to call in the next interviewee.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Sun Wukong

Interviewer: Theos

"Mr. Wukong, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his pen poised above the notebook, ready for Sun's response.

Sun grinned, leaning back in his chair with a carefree attitude. "Yeah, that's cool with me."

"Very well." Theos nodded and flipped to a new page. "Sun Wukong, I'm going to ask you a series of questions. They may seem random or personal, but I'd like you to answer them as honestly as you can. There are no right or wrong answers, and you're free to skip any question if you don't feel comfortable answering. Is that clear?"

Sun gave a casual nod, still smiling. "Yep, no problem. Ask away."

"Let's begin then." Theos adjusted the notebook slightly before asking the first question. "What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Sun stretched slightly, a relaxed smile never leaving his face. "Well, I'm not technically a student at Beacon, but I'm here because I want to help people. I've always been the type to look out for my friends, and honestly, I love the adventure that comes with being a huntsman. Plus, hanging out with cool people like Blake and the others? That's a bonus."

Theos jotted down Sun's answer, noting his laid-back yet genuine demeanor. "And how confident are you in your own skills?"

Sun chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "I'd say I'm pretty confident. I've been through my fair share of fights, and I can hold my own. I mean, there's always room to get better, but I think I've got what it takes to be a huntsman. Plus, my staff is pretty awesome." He winked playfully.

Theos smiled faintly and wrote down his response. "Next question: If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Sun leaned forward slightly, thinking for a moment. "Huh… that's a big one. I guess I'd make sure people could just be free. You know? No more being stuck in a system that holds you back or makes you feel like you don't have a choice. I'd give everyone the freedom to live the way they want to-without anyone telling them what they can or can't do."

Theos wrote quickly, sensing the sincerity behind Sun's casual tone. There was a deeper sense of freedom and independence in his answer. "What do you think fate is?" Theos asked next.

Sun shrugged, his grin softening. "Fate? I dunno, man. I think fate is just another word for what's meant to happen. But I don't really like the idea that everything's already decided. I think we get to make our own choices and shape our own futures. So yeah, fate's a thing, but I'm not gonna sit around and let it decide everything for me."

Theos noted his response, appreciating Sun's free-spirited take on fate. "Final question," he said, glancing up. "Do you believe that magic exists?"

Sun's eyes brightened, and he leaned in with a wide grin. "Oh, absolutely! I mean, with all the crazy stuff out there, how could it not? Whether it's magic or just some kind of energy we don't understand yet, I think there's a lot more going on in the world than we know. And I can't wait to see more of it!"

Theos finished writing, closing his notebook with a nod. "An open and adventurous spirit, I see. Thank you, Sun. You're free to go now. Please inform the next student when you're ready."

Sun stood up, stretching his arms behind his head. "Will do! This was fun-thanks!" He flashed Theos a playful thumbs-up before sauntering out of the room, clearly in no rush as he moved to send in the next interviewee.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Cardin Winchester

Interviewer: Theos

"Mr. Winchester, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his golden eyes fixed on Cardin, the soft light reflecting off his lion-like features. His pen was poised above the notebook, ready to begin.

Cardin sat across from him, a slight smirk on his face as he eyed Theos. "Yeah, sure. Whatever," he said, crossing his arms.

Theos nodded, unbothered by the young man's tone. "Very well." He flipped to a new page. "Cardin Winchester, I'm going to ask you a series of questions. Some may seem personal or random, but I'd appreciate your honest answers. There are no right or wrong responses, and you can skip any question if you prefer. Does that sound acceptable?"

Cardin leaned back in his chair, still wearing that smirk. "Yeah, fine."

"Let's begin then." Theos glanced at his notebook before asking the first question. "What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Cardin responded almost immediately. "To become the strongest huntsman there is, obviously. I want to be the best, and Beacon's the place to do that." His words were sharp, almost rehearsed, as if he'd said them a hundred times before.

Theos jotted down the answer, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sensed the bravado in Cardin's tone. "And how confident are you in your own skills?" Theos asked next, watching him carefully.

Cardin straightened up, his smirk turning into a grin. "I'm more than confident. I'm already one of the best in my year, and I've been winning fights since before I got here."

Theos paused, his pen hovering over the page. He leaned forward slightly, his lion-like features casting a shadow across the table. "Do not lie, Mr. Winchester," he said calmly, his voice carrying a quiet strength. "And while I respect your tenacity and overconfidence, I ask you not to lie again."

Cardin's smirk faltered for a moment, his posture stiffening. He glanced at Theos, the lion-like planeswalker's gaze unwavering and sharp. Finally, after a tense pause, Cardin grumbled, "Fine… I'm not as confident as I let on. There are people here who are better than me, and it pisses me off. I work hard, but sometimes it feels like it's never enough."

Theos nodded approvingly and wrote down the truth. "Honesty is a strength, Cardin. You should know your limitations as much as your strengths." He moved to the next question. "If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Cardin's eyes flickered with something darker for a moment before he quickly responded, "I'd make sure no one ever messed with me or my family again. I'd have everyone respect us, no more questions asked."

Theos wrote down his answer, noting the defensiveness in his tone. "What do you think fate is?" he asked.

Cardin leaned back again, crossing his arms. "Fate's just an excuse people use when they can't get what they want. If you want something, you take it. Fate doesn't give you anything-you earn it."

Theos scribbled in his notebook, recognizing the bitterness behind Cardin's words. "Final question," he said, lifting his gaze. "Do you believe that magic exists?"

Cardin snorted, clearly unimpressed by the question. "Nah, magic's just fairy tales for kids. Dust and weapons, that's what's real. Magic's just a way for people to explain things they don't understand."

Theos finished writing, closing his notebook slowly. "I see. Thank you for your time, Cardin. You're free to go now. Please inform the next student when you're ready."

Cardin stood up with a shrug, his earlier bravado somewhat dulled. "Yeah, sure," he muttered before heading for the door, glancing back at Theos one last time before stepping out.

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Neopolitan

Interviewer: Theos

"Miss Neopolitan, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, looking up from his notebook, ready to begin his usual line of questioning.

Neo, sitting across from him, smiled sweetly, her usual playful demeanor present as she tilted her head, waiting.

Theos paused, pen in hand, and blinked at her expectant silence. A beat passed before realization dawned on him. He sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment and bringing his hand to his forehead in a classic facepalm.

"Right… You're mute," Theos muttered to himself, clearly frustrated at his own oversight.

Neo's grin widened as she gave him a small, amused shrug, enjoying the little moment.

Theos exhaled, shaking his head and flipping his notebook closed. "Well, that makes this interview… a bit more difficult."

Neo simply nodded, still smiling, clearly unfazed and entertained by the situation.

"Alright, you're free to go, Neo," Theos said with a defeated smile, waving her off. "I'll, uh, just make a note of your… nonverbal communication skills."

Neo gave a playful bow before hopping to her feet and skipping out of the room, not a word spoken-just the soft clink of her boots on the floor as she left.

Theos rubbed his temples for a moment, muttering under his breath, "Should've remembered that sooner…"

Interview Extract

Interviewee: Cinder Fall

Interviewer: Theos

"Miss Fall, for the sake of documentation and better analysis, this interview is being recorded. Is that all right?" Theos asked, his golden eyes fixed on Cinder as she sat across from him, her expression cool and unreadable.

Cinder smiled, a false sweetness barely masking the sharpness in her gaze. "Of course, that's fine," she replied smoothly.

Theos nodded, flipping to a fresh page in his notebook. "Very well, let's begin. First question: What is your objective here at Beacon?"

Cinder paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing her words. "I'm here to learn how to become a better huntress, just like everyone else. I want to protect people from the Grimm," she said, her voice laced with what sounded like sincerity.

Theos raised an eyebrow, his pen hovering above the notebook. "That's a lie," he said calmly, looking up from his notebook. "Why don't you try again?"

Cinder's smile faltered for the briefest moment, her eyes narrowing. "Fine," she said, her tone colder now. "I'm here to become stronger. To gain the power I deserve."

Theos nodded, writing down her revised answer. "Much better. Now, how confident are you in your own skills?"

Cinder's smirk returned. "I'm as confident as anyone else here. I still have a lot to learn," she said, her words deliberately modest.

Theos looked at her for a long moment before sighing. "You're lying again. Well, more of a half-truth. How about the full truth?"

Cinder's eyes darkened, and her smile disappeared completely. "Alright," she said, her voice clipped. "I know I'm better than most of them. They're just children compared to what I've been through."

"Thank you," Theos said, writing down her true response. "Next question: If you had the power to do anything you wanted-if, with the snap of a finger, you could change the world around you-what would you do?"

Cinder leaned back in her chair, her smile returning. "I'd bring peace to the world, of course. Make sure everyone lived in harmony."

Theos didn't even pause this time. "That's not true either, Cinder. What would you really do?"

Cinder's eyes flashed with irritation, but she relented with a slow, venomous smile. "Fine. I'd take control. I'd make sure that the weak stayed in their place, and those with power-like me-ruled over them."

Theos made a note, his expression neutral. "Thank you for your honesty. Now, what do you think fate is?"

Cinder's smile turned cold. "I don't believe in fate. I think everyone controls their own destiny," she said, her tone defiant.

Theos tilted his head slightly. "Not quite the full truth again. You believe in fate, but only because you think you are destined for something greater, don't you?"

Cinder's lips pressed into a thin line. "Yes," she admitted, her voice low. "I believe I'm meant for more than the rest of them."

"Typical... Thank you," Theos said, scribbling down her answer. "One last question: Do you believe that magic exists?"

Cinder paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "No," she said firmly. "Magic is just a story. Nothing more."

Theos looked at her silently for a few seconds before speaking. "That's an outright lie, Cinder."

Her eyes flashed with anger. "How do you know?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

Theos closed his notebook slowly, resting his hands on the table between them. "You're standing in a variant of a spell called Zone of Truth," he explained calmly. "Normally, the spell doesn't allow you to lie at all. This version, however, allows you to speak lies, but it tells me when you're doing so."

Cinder's eyes widened slightly, just for a moment, before she quickly regained her composure, her expression hardening. "So, you know when I'm lying, but not what the truth is."

"Exactly," Theos replied. "I don't know the specifics of why you're lying, but I know when you are. And I can tell that you have a… stronger connection to the mana around us than most."

Cinder tilted her head, her interest piqued. "Mana, huh?" she said, her tone suddenly more curious, less guarded.

"Yes," Theos continued, his voice calm but firm. "I can sense it in you. Your soul is… different, larger, and more connected to the mana of this world. I don't know why, but I can tell you're not like the others here."

Cinder regarded him silently for a long moment, her eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and calculation. "And what do you plan to do with that knowledge?"

Theos leaned back slightly, his golden eyes never leaving hers. "That depends on you. I'm willing to share more of what I know, but only if you're honest with me from now on."

Cinder's lips curled into a slow, calculating smile. "I see. Well, Theos… it looks like we have a lot to talk about."

Theos nodded, a faint smile crossing his features. "Indeed, we do."

With that, the Interviews are complete. I will have a definitive list of whom I'll take under my wing soon enough.

This has been very tiring, truth be told.

A break is in order, even if I can't bring myself rest for long when the Eldrazi are roaming freely somewhere in this plane.

I fear for the worse. But those interviews gave me hope.

I'll devise a plan to properly train them in into magic. While that's on the back of my mind, I'll tell them the foundations of magic. Color. Intent. Those things.

Boring as they are, they're necessary.

That's all for today.

A/N: And here's the 10th one. Took some more time, 'cause I wanted to get it right. However, it might take a little while longer for the next one to be released because I've taken it upon myself to write a little something for a certain pornographic game... Don't think too hard about it.