The sight of these two filled Theresa with more than just surprise; there was also a great deal of joy.
Only those who had seen the "original story" that Shu had broadcast could understand the true importance of the so-called Talent Acquisition List.
In reality, there was never a shortage of brilliant geniuses, nor a lack of stages for them to shine.
But only a select few truly managed to leave their names in the annals of history.
Every single one of them was a person they had to win over. In fact, just finding them was more important than anything they could do.
Theresa made a few quiet observations. Rita already carried herself with the same air Theresa remembered.
Elegant. So elegant it was terrifying—though the only one terrified was Theresa herself.
If Rita was here, didn't that mean she couldn't sleep in anymore?!
Compared to the already near-perfect Rita, the Bianka standing beside her fell far short of Theresa's memory...
She seemed... a little dazed? Like she wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed.
She completely lacked the confident, powerful demeanor from Theresa's memories, appearing rather reserved and timid in front of her, Otto, and even Rita.
But...
Theresa glanced in the direction Bianka had just run from. A particularly large bench press barbell lay there.
By Theresa's initial estimate, it had to be over five hundred kilograms. Just setting it down a little too hard would have made a loud noise.
But there hadn't been a single sound when Bianka ran over, which clearly meant she had placed it down with just the right amount of force.
Lacking in confidence, but just as absurdly, unreasonably strong as in the original story.
Neither of them seemed to know anything about the "original story." Having finished her observations, Theresa cleared her throat and waved her hand with feigned nonchalance.
"If it's these two, then I approve of them joining my squad."
"Thank you for your approval, Lady Theresa. Rita will certainly not disappoint you," Rita said, bowing once more. This time, her bow was visibly deeper.
Bianka, on the other hand, was much more emotional.
"Really? I... Can I really?!" Bianka's breathing grew ragged, her face flushing red.
Only after both Theresa and Otto nodded did Bianka let out a long sigh of relief.
"My apologies, Lady Theresa. I was just so excited. I didn't expect to be able to go to the front lines so soon..." After calming down, Bianka began to show a hint of her future self.
"In Fire Moth, the capable are always asked to do more," Otto said with a smile. He waved to the group and turned to leave the eighth basement level, leaving the three of them to look at each other.
"Ahem!" Theresa cleared her throat, putting on a mature air. "Since you two are now members of my squad, you should start training properly right away!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Bianka snapped into a solemn salute, completely missing the guilty look Theresa shot at the training equipment she had just been using.
Rita simply smiled from the side, saying nothing.
"Lady Theresa, shall we start by running three laps around ARC City, or by gaining direct combat experience on the front lines?" Bianka asked with complete seriousness.
Three laps around ARC City?! What kind of demonic idea is that!
Theresa couldn't help but shiver before waving her hand dismissively.
"Neither. We have something more important to do," Theresa said matter-of-factly.
Bianka froze for a second. In that instant, a thousand possibilities flashed through her mind, from awakening a bloodline to contracting with a heroic spirit. She had considered everything except what Theresa said next.
"First, of course, I need to show you around the Fire Moth base headquarters!" Theresa turned and gestured for the stunned Bianka to follow her. "You only just arrived, right? I'll give you a tour of the base."
Bianka fell silent. Rita gave a helpless smile and tugged on the arm of the once-again dazed Bianka.
"Lady Bianka, Lady Theresa surely has her reasons for this arrangement. Besides, we truly are unfamiliar with this base. For Lady Theresa to personally give us a tour is a very rare opportunity."
Rita's advice brought Bianka back to her senses. She nodded very seriously, her gaze then locking onto Theresa with fiery determination.
"Lady Theresa, please rest assured! I will not fail to live up to your expectations!" Bianka declared, nodding solemnly.
Theresa felt a bead of sweat trickle down her brow, but she brazenly led the two into the elevator.
"First up, you need to get familiar with the Fire Moth grand cafeteria. There won't be many chances for special meals later on. Everyone eats here," Theresa announced, leading them to the fourth basement level.
Although it wasn't peak mealtime, there were still a few people eating in the cafeteria.
It was around ten in the morning. Some were having a late breakfast, while others had already started on their lunch.
"You two haven't eaten breakfast, have you?" Theresa glanced at them. Bianka nodded shyly, and Theresa immediately flashed an "I get it" expression.
"Wait here, I'll go buy you some!" Giving Bianka a thumbs-up, Theresa scurried over to the cafeteria counter, pulled a card from her pocket, and placed it on the countertop.
The cafeteria worker behind the window was a young woman who was nodding off from boredom.
When she saw a hand suddenly reach up from below the counter and leave a card, the young woman froze for a moment, then suddenly remembered the teachings of her "senpai."
[The Legend of the Cafeteria's Three Great Eaters—The Invisible Ghost!
Unlike the other two super-sized eaters, this third one is invisible! She has a particular love for strange foods like bitter melon and will devour anything, no matter how bizarre it tastes!
She appears at the cafeteria counter at random times and is usually only noticed after she's already there!]
The thought made the young woman excited. Could it be? On her very first day, she was going to encounter one of the cafeteria's urban legends?!
Fighting the urge to peek over the counter and see who this legend was, the young woman maintained her professional respect.
"Fifteen meat buns, and three cups of soy milk, thank you." Two hands reached up from below the counter, making a "fifteen" gesture, followed by a "three."
Truly a legendary eater! To think she can really eat that much!
Little did she know, Theresa was ordering on the light side. This was only half of Kiana's standard meal.
After all, Kiana's appetite... was in a league of its own, even among the three "legends.