Three days later, on Monday morning at 10 a.m., I returned to the guild after my usual routine. The air still held a hint of early spring, and I was eager to inspect the applications submitted for the three other positions. The employment profiles were strikingly similar to Solomon's—only differing in title and specific duties. As was my habit, I sought out Asa. With a knowing smile and a playful glint in her eye, she handed me a neatly labeled box titled "Owen's Applications." I had anticipated around 50 applications at best; however, this box was just one of four, together containing a staggering 14,506 applications. After accounting for duplicate submissions, there were 11,942 unique candidates. I then reminded Asa to inform the applicants that they would be contacted if they passed the first round of screening.
I requested that Asa bring out the remaining three giant boxes. To my amazement, she effortlessly hauled each one—each weighing an estimated 400 pounds—without breaking a sweat. I carefully transported them to my secure storage, ensuring that their bulk did not impede the process. After a courteous farewell to Asa, I headed back to the Anthreus Estate, determined to tackle the formidable task of sorting through these applications.
Once home, I ascended the creaking wooden stairs to my office and called Sabith in. The room quickly filled with the soft rustling of paper as we began to unpack over 14,000 resumes. I handed Sabith a clear directive: divide the applications into five distinct piles based on precise criteria.
Tier 1 Resumes:
These applications demonstrated only basic competencies—rudimentary mathematical skills, the ability to read and write, and fundamental communication abilities. Candidates in this tier were earmarked for low-level entry positions or held in reserve for future opportunities across my companies.
Tier 2 Resumes:
Applicants in this group showed intermediate proficiency in mathematics, adept reading and writing, and advanced communication skills. They were suited for upper-entry or lower-middle management positions.
Tier 3 Resumes:
This tier comprised candidates with advanced mathematical abilities, literacy in two languages, exceptional communication skills, and noteworthy backgrounds. They were potential fits for upper-middle or lower-senior roles.
Tier 4 Resumes:
Here, I sought candidates who not only had advanced mathematics and bilingual literacy but also a solid financial or communication background coupled with proven management skills, making them ideal for upper senior positions.
Tier 5 Resumes:
The final group—the crème de la crème—was reserved for executive and Chair positions. These applications needed to exceed rigorous standards: mastery of advanced mathematics, proficiency in at least two languages, exceptional communication, and a robust background in finance or communications, further complemented by outstanding management and investment expertise. Any application that fell short of these specifications was immediately set aside.
Sabith, ever efficient, began processing the first box and completed the initial division in under three minutes. I joined him in the sorting marathon, methodically working through each resume. Eight grueling hours later, we had sorted the applications into 4,218 Tier 1 resumes, 2,192 Tier 2 resumes, 508 Tier 3 resumes, 203 Tier 4 resumes, and 37 Tier 5 resumes. An additional 7,348 applications were discarded for not meeting our minimum standards. With the final tally complete, the 37 Tier 5 candidates were set aside for further review, marking the first decisive step in assembling a team that would lead our organization forward.
This rigorous exercise not only underscored the sheer volume of talent available but also re-affirmed my commitment to a meticulously detailed recruitment process—one that would set the tone for excellence throughout my organization.
Louis Burt, Otis Stevenson, Marvin Freeman, Leroy Barnett, Raymond Osborn, Garry Morin, Jon Wells, Timothy Dewson, Jonathan Sweeney, Dalton Hiea, Mamie Buck, Veronica Johnston, Beverly Hall, Jeanne McIntyr, Debbie Sweeney. Valerie Frye, Rachel Griffith, Jaclyn Warner, Riley Douglas, Allison Larsen, Vernon Stuart, Glen Stanley, Jerry Montgomery, Mike Marks, Antonio Potts, Derrick Dorsey, Thomas Emerson, Billy Patterson, Jeremiah Swanson, Colby McIntyre, Eunice Clarke, Theresa Goodman, Mildred Bender, Sarah Erickson.
But of those application there were three that true stood out, Allison Larsen, Jon Wells, and Theresa Goodman because their application read as the following;
Name: Allison Larsen Age: 29 Address: 2-0804 North 2nd Street, Caledon City, CA Position Applied For: HR Chair
Objective Statement: I aim to leverage my skills and talents in a dynamic environment while receiving fair compensation for my contributions.
Education:
Tier 5 Mathematics Degree, Caledon University (Graduation: Wednesday, Uien 17th, 440)
Tier 5 Marketing Degree, Caledon University (Graduation: Saturday, Ateus 6th, 443)
Academic Achievements:
2 Ace Awards
3 Great Honor Awards
Year 444 Normandy Grand Mathematics Prize
Perfection Award
Skills:
Expertise in advanced mathematics
Adapted reading and writing in seven languages
Exceptional communication skills
Four years of financial and managerial experience
Certifications:
Tier 5 Mathematics Certificate
Tier 5 Marketing Certificate
Name: Jon Wells Age: 44 Address: 8-0927 North 8nd Street, Caledon City, CA Position Applied For: MD Chair
Objective Statement: I am eager to explore new challenges while benefiting from competitive pay.
Education:
Tier 5 Mathematics Degree, Caledon University (Graduation: Thursday, Apollo 4th, 438)
Tier 5 Communication Degree, Caledon University (Graduation: Saturday, Ateus 20th, 441)
Academic Achievements:
1 Ace Award
4 Great Honor Awards
Year 438 Normandy Grand Peace Prize
Skills:
Expertise in advanced mathematics
Adapted reading and writing in four languages
Exceptional communication skills
Seven years of financial and managerial experience
Certifications:
Tier 5 Mathematics Certificate
Tier 5 Communication Certificate
Name: Theresa Goodman Age: 31 Address: 17-0293 East 17nd Street, Caledon City, CA Position Applied For: COO Chair
Objective Statement: I am determined to work diligently and pave the way toward a luxurious retirement.
Education:
Tier 5 Mathematics Degree, Caledon University (Graduation: Tuesday, Rhymes 16th, 430)
Tier 5 Management Degree, Caledon University (Graduation: Saturday, Ateus 34th, 433)
Academic Achievements:
Year 436 Normandy Emperion Award
8 Great Honor Awards
Year 438 Normandy Grand Social Prize
Skills:
Expertise in advanced mathematics
Adapted reading and writing in three languages
Exceptional communication skills
Certifications:
Tier 5 Mathematics Certificate
Tier 5 Management Certificate
After selecting the three individuals for the head positions, I then appointed 18 additional senior executive board members: Timothy Dewson, Jonathan Sweeney, Dalton Hiea, Mamie Buck, Veronica Johnston, Beverly Hall, Jeanne McIntyr, Debbie Sweeney, Valerie Frye, Rachel Griffith, Vernon Stuart, Glen Stanley, Jerry Montgomery, Mike Marks, Antonio Potts, Derrick Dorsey, Thomas Emerson, Billy Patterson, and Jeremiah Swanson.
After finalizing these appointments, I headed downstairs for dinner with the staff and Heath, whom I hadn't seen in several days. It made sense, as Heath had been busy handling his own responsibilities.
I also remembered while we were eating that I had promised him a Tier 5 bank card once my bank opened—granting him full access to all the bank's features and ensuring he would be treated kindly by the staff—a promise for which Heath gratefully thanked me.
After returning to my room, I embarked on creating a revolutionary bank card. This wasn't just any card—it was a fusion of state-of-the-art banking technology with mana-powered magic. Although mana-driven devices existed in this world, they were exceedingly rare, making this prototype not only innovative but a glimpse into the future of finance.
Step 1: Synthesizing Titanium with Earth Magic
I began by transmuting the very air around me. Using refined earth magic techniques, I altered the molecular composition of the ambient air, bonding free molecules together and guiding the mana to imitate the crystalline structure of titanium. This process yielded a pure titanium block, a material known for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio. The delicate molecular ballet I performed was akin to coaxing a new element from the ether, ensuring the block had the optimal properties required for a high-durability bank card.
Step 2: Forming and Shaping the Slab
With the titanium block in hand, I focused on precision. Harnessing both earth and mana energies, I reduced the bulk of the material into a slender slab approximately 0.76 mm thick. Every cut and shave was executed with meticulous care until the slab perfectly matched the dimensions of the guild card—85.6 mm in length and 53.98 mm in width. This exacting process ensured not only a uniform form but also compatibility with the existing system's slot designs and handling mechanisms.
Step 3: Engraving Magical Circuits and Reinforcing the Card
The next phase involved inscribing intricate magical circuits onto the card's surface. These circuits served as the card's "code," an arcane counterpart to modern digital encryption. Using specialized engraving tools refined by mana, I encoded a series of complex spells directly into the titanium. To further enhance the card's integrity, I infused an additional wave of reinforcing earth magic. This augmentation increased the card's tensile strength by an impressive factor of 50, culminating in a final strength of around 21700 MPa. In practical terms, an external force equivalent to nearly 21700 kg would be required to break the card—a feat that solidified its resilience beyond conventional standards.
Step 4: Implementing Cutting-Edge Security Features
Security was paramount. First, I embedded a mana receptor within the card. When mana is infused by the cardholder, this receptor activates, generating a unique magical signature not unlike a biometric fingerprint. Building on this, I developed a dynamic serialization process. Mimicking the randomness of an old-world serial number system, the card produces a unique 16-digit code without repetitions. Once the digits are set, they're permanently engraved, and the cardholder's name is coupled with this sequence. Furthermore, on its first use, the card autonomously generates an additional 1200-digit code derived from the cardholder's mana signature. This secondary code becomes an indelible marker of identity and consent, integral for authenticating subsequent transactions.
Step 5: Creating the Magical Ledger
I then conjured an enchanted ledger—a large, mystical book acting as a comprehensive database. By inputting the card's singular 16-digit serial number, one gains access to an extensive repository of account information. This includes details such as the balance, account rating, status, tier, applicable interest rates, current loan conditions, membership start date, and a detailed transaction history. This magical repository synchronizes with the card in real-time, ensuring that every mana-infused transaction is recorded as meticulously as if etched by hand.
Step 6: Designing the Transaction Reader and Credit System
Lastly, I crafted a dedicated reader capable of interpreting the card's magical inscriptions. This reader bridges the gap between our bank's systems and the mana card, allowing seamless transactions—both debit and credit. However, credit functions are intelligently gated: the system first verifies that the account holds sufficient funds, then evaluates the cardholder's transaction history via a meticulous 1000-point scoring system. Points are awarded for timely repayments on loans and minor credit activities, ensuring that only those with an exemplary credit profile gain full access to advanced credit privileges.
After finalizing the first bank card prototype, I inscribed my personal mana signature onto the card. To commemorate the establishment of the "Bank of Apollo," I chose to set the official membership date to "Apollo First" instead of the current date, "Imis 8th." Once the engraving process concluded, the card materialized its finalized details as follows:
Bank of Apollo
- Cardholder's Name: Owen Alpine
- Membership Number: 0000000000000001
- Membership Date: 5/1/449
- Serial Number: 7362 0287 3601 9361
- Status: Rank 0
Although the card displayed a "Rank 0" status, as the founder of the Bank of Apollo, I naturally enjoyed all the associated perks and privileges—and more.
Feeling confident in the success of my creation, I proceeded to produce an additional 999 cards, assigning membership numbers sequentially from 2 to 10000. These were reserved for key individuals: the loyal staff at my estate, Heath, and the new employees who would join the bank's operations. This decision was made with foresight, ensuring that these foundational members would possess high-quality cards made from titanium plates—crafted to be among the strongest materials on the planet.
The production process, while rewarding, consumed several hours of diligent effort. As midnight approached, I gazed at the completed stack of 9999 cards. Each plate was a testament to craftsmanship and innovation, imbued with mana and designed to withstand remarkable pressures.
Satisfied with the day's achievements, I decided it was time to rest. Tomorrow promised to be another eventful day, filled with thrilling adventures like monster hunting and exploring the uncharted—undoubtedly paving the way for even more discoveries. The future of the Bank of Apollo seemed brighter than ever, and the challenges ahead would only further strengthen its foundation.