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"I'm sorry, soldier," the officer said, genuine regret in his voice. "But given recent events, Von Elio has ordered a review of all promotions and invocation distributions. Your level 3 invocation... it's been put on hold indefinitely."

Milo nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. "I understand, sir. The city's safety comes first."

As he left the officer's quarters, Milo couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. The bright future he had envisioned, the promises of power and advancement, now seemed like distant dreams.

Yet as he walked back to his barracks, his summon nuzzling his cheek comfortingly, Milo found a new resolve growing within him. The path ahead might be harder than he'd anticipated, but he was determined to prove himself worthy of Von Elio's trust.

"We'll get there," he whispered to his faithful companion. "It might take longer than we thought, but we'll make it. For my family, for this city... we'll become stronger, no matter what it takes."

Milo could be thankful that the casualties caused by Cassandra's plan were few, and because of that, the barrier soon failed again.

The more summoners who could throw ice balls at Locus invasions, the better...

♢♢♢♢

Upon entering the interview room, he found himself face to face with Kriz, one of Von Elio's legendary friends. The man, known for his irreverent sense of humor and carefree attitude, was sitting with his feet on the desk, his rabbit playfully batting a pencil around beside him.

"Ah, the new recruit," Kriz said with a mischievous smile. "Welcome to the most entertaining interview of your life."

Milo blinked, bewildered. "Uh... thanks? I thought Selene was conducting this interview."

Kriz waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, she's busy learning to be more destructive with Elio. Something about corrosive attacks. Personally, I prefer sarcastic attacks, but to each their own."

"O-okay," Milo stammered, unsure how to respond.

"Well, let's begin," said Kriz, straightening up in his chair. "First question: If you were a Locus, what type of humans would you eat and why?"

Milo gaped at him. "What? But... aren't these interviews supposed to evaluate our intentions?"

"Oh, sure, sure," Kriz nodded with mock seriousness. "And what better way to evaluate your intentions than knowing what kind of killer monster you'd be if given the chance. Come on, answer. Would it be a muscular one? A skinny one? Or maybe a woman?"

Milo scratched his head, completely lost. "I... I guess it would be a muscular woman. More meat."

"Interesting," Kriz murmured, scribbling something on a paper. "Next question: If you had to choose between your favorite summon or your favorite pair of socks to throw into the sea of Locus, which would you choose?"

"My socks?" Milo couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Of course I wouldn't throw my summon."

"Hmm, loyal to your summon. That's good," Kriz nodded. "Though don't underestimate the value of a good pair of socks in battle. They can be the difference between victory and some very annoying blisters for a whole day."

The interview continued along these lines for what seemed like an eternity. Kriz asked increasingly absurd questions, ranging from "What do you think is Von Elio's favorite color?" to "If you could invent a new type of food to feed the summons, what flavor would it be?"

Despite the ridiculousness of the situation, Milo couldn't help but relax and even enjoy himself a bit. Kriz's antics, though strange, had a calming effect after the intensity of the battle against the Locus.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of nonsensical questions, Kriz leaned forward with a surprisingly serious expression mirrored by his rabbit.

"Alright, Milo," he said, using his name for the first time. "One last question. Why are you really here? Why did you choose 20 years of service?"

Taken aback by the sudden change in tone, Milo took a moment to respond. When he did, his voice was full of sincerity.

"For my family," he said. "And for this city. I want to protect them, make them proud. And after what I saw today... I know we need all the help we can get to keep the Locus at bay."

Kriz stared at him for a long moment, all trace of humor gone from his face. Then, slowly, a genuine smile spread across his features.

"Good answer, kid," he said, standing up. "I think you'll fit in well here."

As Milo prepared to leave, still a bit dazed by the experience, Kriz added: "Oh, and one more thing. That battle today... it's just the beginning. Things will get tougher. But if you keep that attitude, you'll be fine."

Milo nodded, grateful for the advice and implicit approval. As he left the room, he couldn't help but think about how strange and wonderful this new life he had chosen was.

Milo headed back to his quarters, ready to face whatever the future held. After all, if he could survive an interview with Von Kriz, how bad could the rest be?

♢♢♢♢

As evening fell, Elio met up with Kriz.

"So, how did it go with the interviews?" asked Elio, leaning against a wall next to his friend.

Kriz smiled, his usual mischievous expression on his face. "Oh, it was a roaring success. I discovered that 70% of our recruits would prefer to be a woman-eating Locus, 3% would choose to save their favorite socks over their summon, and there's a general consensus that your favorite color is 'electric blue with touches of lilac'."

Elio arched an eyebrow, amusement and exasperation on his face. "Kriz..."

"What? I also obtained valuable information. Like how some have a strong sense of duty and unwavering loyalty to their family and the city. Plus, a certain Milo has a terrible sense of humor, which is an important quality in these difficult times."

Elio sighed, but a small smile formed on his lips. "I suppose that's your unique way of evaluating people."

Elio's face turned serious. "Listen, Kriz. I need you to take this seriously. When I attempt level 6 and enter the sea of monsters, I'm going to need the city to be well protected in case I..."

Kriz stopped smiling, noticing the change in his friend's tone. "Elio, are you sure you want to do this?"

"We don't have any other choice," Elio replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I'm not going to sacrifice anyone. We need to find a long-term solution for the city. The mana deposits could be our salvation."

Kriz remained silent for a moment, an unusually thoughtful expression on his face. Then, with a familiar glint in his eyes, he said: "Don't worry, boss. Everything's under control. I'll ask the most serious and profound questions ever asked in an interview. Like, 'What's your strategy for defeating a Locus using only a spoon and your personal charm?'"

Elio couldn't help but laugh. "Kriz, I'm serious."

"So am I," Kriz replied with a smile. "Think about it. If they can respond to that with a viable strategy, we'll know they're creative, ingenious, and capable of thinking outside the box. Just the kind of people we need... Just like you."