The week ends without any calls about the interview.

In my humble experience, this isn’t anything unusual. These companies sure like taking their sweet time-

RING RING RING

I leap on my phone like a mad tiger.

“Hello!?”

"Hello, Nick?"

"Y-yes!"

I answer nervously to a woman with a serious, businesslike voice.

"I'm calling from Anomalia. You had a job interview last week, correct?"

"Y-yes."

My whole body trembles as I hear "Anomalia". These guys sure work fast!

... wait. D-don't tell me they called so quickly because I was rejected right away...!

"I'd like to inform you about the continuation of your interview."

"Huh...? Continuation?"

"Yes, there will be a test held on Wednesday this week. It will help us further estimate whether you are qualified for the job."

"I see..."

First I had a technical exam, then an interview... now what?

"May I ask what the test is about?"

"The test is confidential. You’ll get the details on the spot."

"Huh, I see..."

This is getting more and more peculiar; in the previous phases they properly informed me.

"Is there any material I need to go over before the test?"

"No, you aren't expected to prepare beforehand."

Even if she knows something, I won’t be getting it out of this tight-lipped woman.

Time, date and location.

By the time the phone call ends, these are the only details I’m provided about the mysterious test.

“YES!”

I clench a fist in victory.

Since I was found worthy of being called to this exam, it must mean that I have a real chance of being accepted.

“Nicky, who was it?”

Mother calls out from the room across the hallway; she must have overheard the phone call.

“They called from Anomalia. I’ll have some sort of exam this Wednesday, they said it’s another part of the interview.”

“That’s great.”

Mother quickly strides through the hallway.

“You see? I told you, you must apply to as many places as possible, instead of sitting on your lazy butt the whole day.”

“That’s, uh... yeah...”

It’s unpleasant to admit, but I only have this opportunity thanks to mother; she was the one who pushed me toward applying to Anomalia.

When I saw the job’s requirements - I immediately dismissed the advertisement. I simply didn’t have the five years of experience and the second academic degree they wanted.

“So do you, like, have a good chance?”

Amy shortly follows mother, coming out of the same room. Unlike me, who is the sole king of a whole room, mother and Amy share a room together.

“I have no idea, but at least I have a chance..”

“Hmm, I see.”

Upon closer inspection, Amy looks incredibly sleepy and walks toward the exit like a drugged zombie. Did she even hear what I just said...?

“Make sure to prepare for the exam.”

Mother continues to lecture me as she puts on her shoes by the door.

“They didn’t say what the test is about, can’t really prepare.”

“Is that so. At least go over some general subjects that might be related.”

“Okay, will do.”

She doesn’t name any specific subjects though, for she has very little knowledge in this field of work; she’s just a secretary in some company.

“Bye.... yawn...”

“Bye, Nicky. Lock the door for us.”

“Okay, bye.””

The pair of mother and sister walk outside and close the door.

I sigh and walk toward the door to lock it. Can’t they lock it themselves for a change?

After breakfast, I go and dig information about this “confidential exam”. I try searching subjects such as “Anomalia job interview” and read through forum posts.

A full hour of googling provides virtually no information on the subject. Seems like my only choice is to obediently wait until the fated day.

In the meantime, I might as well go over some general QA subjects... nah, better just play video games for now; I still have two more days to prepare.