The fluorescent lights of the Alluring Realms Gaming reception area hummed with a sterile energy, a stark contrast to the vibrant, pixelated worlds Bennett imagined resided just beyond the closed doors lining the hallway. The air smelled faintly of new carpet and a generic air freshener trying too hard to mask the underlying scent of electronics and nervous anticipation. Bennett, adjusting the wire frames of his glasses, sat perched on the edge of a plush, uncomfortable chair, his top knot of dark coppery brown hair feeling a little too tight, a little too self-conscious under the scrutiny of the empty receptionist desk. At five foot seven, he wasn’t imposing, but years spent in the demanding environments of welding shops and manufacturing floors, coupled with his time dealing with the public in customer service roles, had given him a quiet resilience.

  He smoothed down the front of his well-worn but clean button-down shirt, a nervous habit he hadn't quite shaken. At thirty-two, life was a constant juggling act – four vibrant kids, a loving, sometimes chaotic, polyamorous household, and the ever-present worry of making ends meet. His family, his anchors, were the reason he'd endured countless rejections for beta testing roles here. He’d even tailored his applications, highlighting his years of gaming experience, his meticulous attention to detail honed by precise welding work and the need for accuracy in manufacturing, and his communication skills developed through customer interactions, for Donovon, fifteen; Destiny, sixteen; Brecken, seven; and little August, three. Yet, each time, the automated email had landed in his inbox: "We regret to inform you..."

  This janitorial position, however, felt different. Less glamorous, certainly, but a foot in the door. A chance to prove his worth, to show them he was a dedicated worker, someone who understood the Alluring Realms ecosystem, even if it was from the perspective of keeping it clean. He envisioned late nights scrubbing floors, his mind buzzing with game mechanics and lore, the faint sounds of testing echoing from the labs fueling his determination. Maybe, just maybe, his dedication would be noticed. Maybe he could talk his way into a testing role once they saw how reliable he was. Especially with the health benefits. His youngest, Brecken, seven and bright despite his delicate health, was immunocompromised. Every cough, every sneeze was a potential trip to the emergency room, a new round of expensive medications and consultations with specialists that most insurances seemed actively designed to avoid covering. Alluring Realms' benefits package, from what he’d researched, was surprisingly comprehensive, a lifeline he desperately needed.

  The door to an inner office creaked open, and a woman with a severe but not unkind expression stood in the doorway. Her dark blazer and neatly pinned-up hair spoke of efficiency. "Mr. Davies?" she asked, her voice crisp and professional. Her gaze, cool and assessing, flickered over Bennett’s hazel green eyes behind his glasses.

  Bennett stood quickly, a little too quickly, and nearly knocked over a small potted plant beside him. "Yes, ma'am. Bennett Davies," he said, extending a hand he hoped wasn't too sweaty.

  "Ms. Albright," she replied, her handshake firm and brief. "Please, come in."

  Her office was small and functional, dominated by a large monitor displaying what looked like a complex organizational chart. Files were stacked neatly on shelves, and a single framed photograph on her desk showed her with a smiling golden retriever. Ms. Albright gestured to a chair opposite her own.

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  "Thank you," Bennett said, settling down, trying to project an air of calm he didn't entirely feel.

  "So, Mr. Davies," Ms. Albright began, her eyes scanning his resume. "Your work history is primarily in welding and manufacturing with some customer service. Why Alluring Realms? And specifically, why a janitorial role?"

  Bennett took a breath, focusing on his carefully rehearsed answer. "Well, Ms. Albright, I've been a keen follower of the gaming industry for many years, and Alluring Realms, particularly with the development of Ludere Online, is doing truly groundbreaking work," he said, injecting as much genuine enthusiasm as he could muster. "I'm genuinely impressed by the level of immersion and the innovative technology you're employing." He paused, then shifted slightly in his seat. "To be honest, I've applied for beta testing positions in the past, as that's an area I'm very passionate about." He decided to be upfront, hoping honesty would be seen as a positive trait. "However, I understand those roles are highly competitive. When I saw the opening for a janitorial position, I saw it as an opportunity to contribute to the company in a different capacity, to be part of the Alluring Realms team. I'm a hard worker, I'm meticulous – qualities I've honed through precise welding and quality control in manufacturing – and I believe a clean and organized environment is crucial for any successful operation."

  Ms. Albright raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, but her expression remained neutral. "And the hours? The pay?"

  "The advertised hours and pay are agreeable, yes," Bennett replied, trying not to sound too desperate. "But as I mentioned, the opportunity to be part of this company, even in this role, is a significant factor for me." He carefully avoided mentioning the critical need for the health benefits for Brecken. That felt too personal for a first interview.

  Ms. Albright leaned back in her chair, her gaze unwavering. "This is a physically demanding role, Mr. Davies. It involves a lot of cleaning, lifting, and moving equipment. Are you physically up to the task, considering the precision work often associated with welding and manufacturing?"

  Bennett thought of the heavy machinery he'd maneuvered in manufacturing, the long hours on his feet welding, and the problem-solving skills he'd used to handle difficult customers. "Yes, ma'am, I am," he said confidently. "My experience in welding and manufacturing has required significant physical stamina and the ability to handle heavy objects. The customer service roles have also taught me the importance of perseverance and attention to detail. I'm a quick learner, and I'm also very detail-oriented, so you can be assured that the work will be done thoroughly and to a high standard."

  The interview continued in this vein for another fifteen minutes, covering his reliability, his ability to work independently, and his willingness to follow instructions. Bennett answered each question honestly and concisely, highlighting his work ethic and his genuine interest in Alluring Realms. He even managed to weave in a brief, enthusiastic comment about a recent article he'd read about the haptic feedback system in the Lazarus Pods, hoping to subtly demonstrate his knowledge of the company's technology.

  Finally, Ms. Albright placed his resume back on her desk. "Mr. Davies, we have several candidates to interview. We will be in touch within the next few days."

  "Thank you for your time, Ms. Albright," Bennett said, standing and offering another firm handshake. As he walked back through the reception area, the hum of the fluorescent lights seemed a little less sterile, a little more hopeful. He had a good feeling about this. This wasn't beta testing, not yet, but it was a start. A chance to get closer to the groundbreaking technology, to the vibrant worlds within Ludere Online, and most importantly, a crucial step towards providing the stability and care his family deserved, especially for Brecken's fragile health. From the mundane task of maintenance, Bennett hoped, a path to something much more significant – maybe even a little bit of mayhem – would ev

  entually unfold.