Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 349 Complex Codes

Having made the decision, Hong and Luo Wen began discussing their specific job application plans.

“Virtual Universe Company has many departments, and we need to choose the one that best suits us.” Hong took out a quantum computer and brought up the company’s organizational chart.

The densely packed department names are dazzling: Exploration Department, Trade Department, Military Affairs Department, Research and Development Department, Intelligence Department, Resources Department, and each department has countless sub-departments.

Rowan carefully studied the departmental descriptions: "I prefer the Exploration Department or the Intelligence Department. The Exploration Department is responsible for finding new star systems and resources, and will encounter all sorts of unknown adventures. The Intelligence Department is responsible for collecting information on various forces in the universe, which is very helpful for understanding this universe."

Hong, however, had a different idea: "I think the Trade Department is also quite good. The Virtual Universe Company's trade network spans the entire universe. If you can participate in it, you can not only learn the essence of business operations but also gain access to all sorts of rare items."

Thor, standing nearby, reminded them, "You also need to consider the difficulty of applying. Competition for core departments like Exploration and Intelligence will definitely be fierce. Perhaps starting with some less popular but equally important departments would be easier."

Luo Feng added, "Another important point is to showcase your strengths. Luo Wen has strong mental fortitude and analytical skills, making him suitable for intelligence work. Hong has well-rounded abilities, with outstanding management and coordination skills, making him suitable for trade or administrative work."

After some discussion, the two tentatively decided on their targets: Rowan would apply to the intelligence department, and Hong to the trade department. If neither of these departments offered suitable positions, they would consider other options.

“Having a goal isn’t enough; we also need to prepare materials to showcase our abilities,” Hong said.

The application process at Virtual Universe Company is very rigorous, requiring not only written tests and interviews but also practical skills assessments. Especially for qualified applicants like themselves, the company places great emphasis on actual work abilities.

Rowan recalled his experience at the Giant Axe Arena: "I can write a report about exposing Sack's traitorous act at the Giant Axe Arena. This case fully demonstrates my analytical skills, investigative techniques, and crisis management abilities, which should be very much in line with the Intelligence Department's requirements."

Hong also had his own ideas: "I had business experience on Earth, and since joining the Virtual Universe Company, I've been keeping an eye on various investment and trade opportunities. I can prepare an analysis report on an emerging market to demonstrate my understanding of business."

Thor cautioned, "Besides these, you'd better demonstrate your combat capabilities. Employees of the Virtual Universe Corporation, especially field personnel, need to have sufficient self-defense abilities."

“That’s easy,” Rowan smiled. “My Starburst Sky-Splitting Blade Technique can serve as a demonstration. This unique skill should leave a lasting impression on the examiners.”

Hong nodded: "I also have some original moves I can demonstrate."

After discussing the specifics of the job application, the four looked at the starry sky and dreamed about their future.

“If we can all establish ourselves in Virtual Universe Company, we can collaborate frequently in the future,” Hong remarked.

Thor laughed and said, "Perhaps in a few years, the four of us will all become renowned powerhouses in the universe."

Luo Feng gazed into the distance: "No matter which path we take, our goal remains the same—to become true strongmen and protect the people and things we care about."

Rowan stood up, gazing at the boundless starry sky: "This universe is so vast, with countless powerful beings and extraordinary encounters awaiting us. Today's defeat is only temporary. As long as we don't stop moving forward, one day we will stand at the pinnacle of the universe."

The four men looked at each other and smiled, all burning with the same fighting spirit.

The next morning, Luo Wen and Hong began formally preparing their application materials. They had to complete all the preparations within a week and then submit their applications to Virtual Universe Company.

Luo Wen first organized his cultivation progress. Three months of seclusion had not only greatly increased his strength, but more importantly, given him a deeper understanding of cultivation. He had mastered most of the essence of the *Void Refining God Technique*, and his use of the Star Armor was becoming increasingly proficient. However, he still hadn't fully absorbed the energy of the Soul Crystal.

"At the current pace, in another six months, my strength can be improved to another level," Rowan calculated in his mind.

Next, he began writing a detailed report on the Giant Axe Arena incident. This report not only had to objectively describe the events but also analyze the various techniques and approaches he had used. For an intelligence operative, analytical skills and logical thinking are more important than mere information gathering.

Hong is researching the Virtual Universe Company's trade activities across various star systems. By analyzing the company's trade data, he has identified several promising emerging markets and is preparing to write an investment proposal.

"Rowan, what do you think our chances of getting this job are?" Hong asked during a break from writing.

Luo Wen pondered for a moment: "With our strength and experience, we should have a considerable opportunity. The key is to showcase our potential and unique characteristics. Virtual Universe Company doesn't lack strong individuals, but it lacks talent with unique abilities and thinking."

“That’s right,” Hong nodded in agreement. “And we have another advantage—we’re all from Earth. While Earth isn’t particularly advanced in the universe, our way of thinking might offer new insights for the company.”

A week of preparation time flew by, and both Rowan and Hong completed their application materials. Virtual Universe Company's application system was highly efficient; they received interview invitations the day after submitting their applications. However, their interview times differed—Hong was scheduled for Tuesday morning, while Rowan's was on Thursday afternoon.

“It seems the company has different interview arrangements for different departments,” Hong said, looking at the notice in his hand. “The interview for the Trade Department is relatively simple, mainly consisting of a written test and group discussion. As for the Intelligence Department…” He looked at Luo Wen, “Your interview description says ‘Comprehensive Ability Assessment,’ with specific items to be determined.”

Rowan frowned. "Undecided? That sounds rather unusual."

Thor, standing nearby, analyzed, "Intelligence agencies are inherently unique; they might design different tests based on the applicant's specific circumstances. This shows they value you highly, and it also indicates the tests will be more rigorous."

Luo Feng nodded in agreement: "Luo Wen, don't worry, with your abilities, you'll definitely be fine."

On Tuesday morning, Hong, dressed in formal business attire, went to the headquarters of Virtual Universe Company for an interview. Rowan, Thor, and Luo Feng saw him off at the Genius Building. "Good luck, we're waiting for your good news," Rowan patted Hong on the shoulder.

Hong took a deep breath, his eyes shining with determination: "Don't worry, I will definitely succeed."

The headquarters of Virtual Universe Corporation is a towering three thousand floors, each with a specific function. The Trade Department, located between the 1200th and 1300th floors, is one of the company's busiest departments. Hong took the high-speed elevator to the 1250th floor, where the Trade Department's interview center was located.

The interview center's lobby was filled with job seekers from all over the universe—humans, machines, insectoids, and some strange races Hong had never seen before. Each of them exuded a powerful aura, clearly indicating they were no ordinary people.

“Number TB-2847, Hong, please proceed to interview room number three,” a clear voice announced over the loudspeaker.

Hong straightened his clothes and walked towards interview room number three. Three examiners sat in the room: in the middle was a human male who looked to be in his forties; to his left was a machine race member; and to his right was a strange race member with six arms.

“Please have a seat.” The examiner in the middle gestured to the chair opposite him. “I am Carlos, the Deputy Minister of Trade. This is the Technical Advisor, Mechanical-007, and this is the Market Analyst, Sigma.”

Hong sat down politely: "Good morning/afternoon, examiners. I am Hong."

Carlos flipped through Hong's application materials: "Your resume is very interesting. You come from an Earth civilization on the edge of the Milky Way, and you had extensive business experience before arriving at the Virtual Universe Corporation. Why do you want to join our Trade Department?"

This was a question Hong had prepared beforehand: "Virtual Universe Company is the largest trading group in the universe, possessing the most comprehensive trading network and the most advanced business concepts. I hope to learn higher-level business operation models here, and at the same time, I hope to contribute my efforts to the company's development."

Mechanical-007 spoke in an electronic voice: "You mentioned an analysis of emerging markets in the Raven Galaxy in your application materials. Could you elaborate on your views?"

Hong immediately got into the zone and began to elaborate on his market analysis of the Raven Galaxy. His analysis was clear and logical, with detailed data, and he also presented several unique investment perspectives, which earned frequent nods of approval from the three examiners.

Sigma asked in his characteristically sharp voice, "If you were in charge of developing a completely new market, what would you do?"

Hong thought for a moment, then replied, “First, we need to thoroughly understand the local culture and needs; then we need to analyze the local resources and trade regulations; next, we need to develop targeted product strategies and pricing systems; and finally, we need to establish reliable partnerships.”

The interview lasted two hours and covered various aspects including business theory, market analysis, and risk assessment. Hong answered all the questions thanks to his solid foundation and clear thinking.

“Very good, Mr. Hong,” Carlos concluded. “We will provide results within three days. If approved, you will be assigned to the New Market Development Group, responsible for trade expansion in the peripheral star systems.”

Hong politely bid farewell to the three examiners, feeling he had performed well in the interview. Sure enough, two days later he received an offer of employment. Not only had he passed the interview, but the position he was assigned to perfectly matched his expertise and interests.

"That's great!" When Hong told the other three the news, they were all happy for him.

"When will you start?" Rowan asked.

"Next Monday," Hong said excitedly. "And the company offers excellent benefits, including a fixed salary, performance bonuses, and a quota of cultivation resources."

Thor said enviously, "That went so smoothly. Rowan, your interview is tomorrow afternoon, right? Seeing how well Hong did, you'll definitely be fine too."

Luo Wen nodded, but a strange unease lingered in his heart. Perhaps it was because the interview notice from the intelligence department was too brief, or perhaps it was because of the word "pending," but in any case, he felt that his interview might not go as smoothly as Hong's.

On Thursday afternoon, Rowan arrived at the Virtual Universe Corporation headquarters on time. Unlike the Trade Department, the Intelligence Department was located on the basement level of the headquarters building, where security measures were much stricter than on the surface. Rowan went through three security checks before being allowed to enter the Intelligence Department's interview center on the fiftieth basement level.

Unlike the bustling interview center at the Ministry of Trade, the Intelligence Department was unusually quiet. Only a handful of applicants were in the hall, each maintaining a considerable distance from the others, seemingly wary of one another.

"IT-0934, Rowan, please proceed to the special interview room." The announcement came over the loudspeaker, but the voice sounded somewhat mechanical.

Rowan discovered he wasn't being led to an ordinary interview room, but rather to a special device resembling a virtual reality pod. The staff member guiding him explained, "Intelligence Department interviews need to be conducted in a completely realistic environment; this equipment can simulate various complex situations."

Rowan lay down in the virtual reality pod, everything went black, and he found himself in a completely unfamiliar environment. It was a bustling spaceport, with various spaceships coming and going, and different races of beings conducting all sorts of trade.

“Welcome to Baltan Spaceport,” a voice whispered in Rowan’s ear. “You are now a businessman, tasked with identifying hidden spies within this spaceport and obtaining the intelligence they are preparing to transmit. You have four hours.”

Rowan immediately realized this was a live-fire simulation test. He began to carefully observe his surroundings, analyzing every suspicious detail. The spaceport was densely populated; identifying a spy among so many people required keen observation and logical reasoning skills.

After more than an hour of observation, Rowan noticed several suspicious targets. There was a machine-type merchant who always appeared at specific times and locations; a human woman disguised as a traveler whose behavior resembled that of a professionally trained agent; and a Zergling who, while conducting business, always communicated with certain people using specific hand gestures.

Rowan decided to follow the machine merchant first. Through clever disguise and surveillance, he discovered that the machine race was indeed conducting clandestine activities. The man was exchanging a special device with someone in a secluded corner, and the exchange used complex coded language.

Next, Rowan tracked down several other targets, gradually uncovering the structure of the entire spy network. It turned out to be a five-person spy team planning to steal the spaceport's defense layout maps and then pass them on to a hostile force.

In the remaining time, Rowan not only successfully identified all the spies, but also managed to obtain the core intelligence they were preparing to transmit, and even thwarted their operation.

(End of this chapter)