07. The final test
After a brief break, Aria found herself sitting in a quiet waiting room, clutching her numbered ticket. She had passed the first test, but now the final challenge awaited: a one-on-three interview with a panel of experts. The room was filled with other nervous applicants, their whispers and the ticking of a clock amplifying her own anxiety.
Aria glanced around, her eyes settling on the two other applicants who were ahead of her in line. They seemed confident, yet she could see the tension in their eyes as well. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Her fingers traced the edges of her ticket, seeking a sense of stability in the familiar motion.
The door to the interview room opened, and a young boy exited, looking both relieved and anxious. A stern-faced administrator called the next number, and Aria's heart skipped a beat. She stood up, smoothing down her dress, and walked toward the door.
Inside the room, three experts sat behind a large table. The lead administrator, a seasoned engineer with a sharp gaze, sat in the center. To his left was a stern woman with silver hair and glasses perched on her nose, and to his right was a younger man, Ethan, who smiled encouragingly as Aria entered. She was surprised to see him there again, but his presence gave her a small boost of confidence.
"Please take a seat, Miss Bennett," the lead administrator said, gesturing to a chair in front of the table.
Aria sat down, her hands resting on her lap to stop them from trembling. The lead administrator began the interview with a series of technical questions, testing her knowledge of engineering principles and problem-solving abilities. Aria answered each question as confidently as she could, drawing on everything she had learned from her father.
Finally, the lead administrator posed the final, crucial question: "Imagine a disaster has struck, and you are tasked with repairing a damaged building. What is the most important thing to consider in this situation?"
The first applicant answered confidently, "The materials. Using the best quality materials ensures the building's strength and durability."
The second applicant followed, "The ground. Ensuring the foundation is stable and the ground is suitable for rebuilding is essential to prevent future collapses."
Aria took a deep breath, her mind racing. She knew the answers given were valid, but she felt there was something more critical. She looked up and met the eyes of each panel member before speaking.
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"The most important thing to consider is the original blueprint or design of the building," Aria said firmly. "No matter how good the materials or the ground conditions are, if the initial design was flawed, the building will always be at risk. By understanding and correcting the mistakes in the original blueprint, we can ensure that the structure is safe and sound, preventing future disasters."
The room fell silent for a moment. The panel members exchanged glances, and Aria could see a flicker of surprise and approval in their eyes. Ethan's smile widened slightly, and he gave a barely perceptible nod.
The lead administrator leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "An interesting perspective, Miss Bennett. Your reasoning shows a deep understanding of the underlying issues in structural engineering."
The silver-haired woman adjusted her glasses and added, "Indeed. Considering the blueprint reflects a comprehensive approach to problem-solving, which is essential for a successful engineer."
Ethan spoke last, his voice warm and encouraging. "You've demonstrated not only technical knowledge but also critical thinking, Aria. Well done."
Aria felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had answered truthfully and thoughtfully, and it seemed to have made an impression.
"Thank you, Miss Bennett," the lead administrator concluded. "You may wait outside while we deliberate."
Aria nodded and stood, her legs feeling slightly wobbly. She exited the room and returned to the waiting area, where she found an empty chair and sat down, her mind still buzzing with the intensity of the interview. She took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment of calm.
After a while, the call came for all the applicants to gather in the grand hall. Aria joined the throng of hopefuls, her heart pounding as she entered the vast space. The hall buzzed with nervous energy, and the tension was palpable.
Aria spotted the other applicants she had met during the day, including the confident noble children. She took a seat near the front, trying to keep her breathing steady. Beside her, Cassandra sat with an air of self-assurance, her sharp eyes scanning the room. On Aria's other side was Raven, who looked calm and collected, his dark hair and intense gaze giving him an air of quiet confidence.
The lead administrator stepped onto the stage, the murmurs in the hall gradually dying down to a hushed silence. He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat before addressing the audience.
"Thank you all for your participation today. Each of you has shown remarkable talent and potential. However, only a few can be selected for the next stage of our academy's program." He paused, letting the anticipation build. "The students who have been selected are: Cassandra Winthrop, Raven Blackwood, and Aria Bennett."
A wave of emotions surged through Aria. She felt a mix of disbelief, joy, and relief. She glanced at Cassandra, who nodded curtly, and Raven, who gave her a small smile. The hall erupted in applause, and Aria felt her cheeks flush with pride.
The lead administrator continued, "Congratulations to our new students. We look forward to seeing your contributions to the academy and to the field of engineering. This is just the beginning of your journey, and we are excited to see how you will grow and excel."
As the applause continued, Aria allowed herself a moment to soak it all in. The future was open and filled with possibilities, and for the first time in a long while, Aria felt truly hopeful and excited for the journey ahead.