Interview with a Scientist[Ehefera, Nero]

Here it was. The next chapter he had been preparing for. He had to admit it wasn't his first choice when he came here, but that didn't mean he completely dismissed it. By all accounts, he was simply confident he could prove himself in the Sternritter. Obviously, that hadn't proven to be the case, and although it may have seemed he was cutting his losses pretty quickly, Nero was exceedingly confident he could adapt with studious effort and diligent observation.

He was already familiar with the paperwork aspect of the equation, the rest could simply come with study and inheriting the proper knowledge. Now, all that was left was to have an interview w and speak with the head of the operation in the Steingruft division. Ehefera Kleinmund, was it? He had heard good things about her prowess and innovative mind, but how was she personally? As he stepped through the conference room within the division, he introduced himself politely if she was present. If not, he simply sat down until she arrived.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Kleinmund. I hope I'm not imposing on your time."

Nero flashed a polite smile at the woman's arrival. From a quick observation, she seemed quite pleasant in a conversational sense. Now, the next part of the equation was earning her approval, showing some measure of potential that would endear himself to the Steingruft as a whole. Taking a seat in the requested position, Nero took a moment to ponder a response before he answered. About himself, hm? Well, that proved simple enough.

"To start, I'm an adopted member of the Arant family. They took me in as an orphan from Italy. I learned many of the techniques and prowess that I possess now as a result, but it was difficult at first. Even though humans possess the potential to become Quincy if they study hard enough, it took me a minute to adapt to everything. But I did. Oh, I have a house full of younger brothers and sisters, and I'm pretty good at cooking, so if you ever need some lunch and find yourself pressed for time, I'm never but a call away, Miss Kleinmund."

He felt that was satisfactory enough, though he hoped it wasn't too much.

"Sometimes, but who doesn't? New environments can be a slippery slope for most, but I don't mind that at all. In fact... I think adapting to most of the environments I find myself in is a strength of mine."

Nero didn't have any prideful perception about himself, but if there was one thing he could confidently hang his hat on, then it was undoubtedly his tenacity toward adapting to his surroundings. Even if he struggled at first, he was certainly the type of man who could learn on the fly and come to a gradual understanding of how to operate.

"My strengths as a person? Hm... It might be a generic answer that's been parroted many times before, but I'm very tenacious about completing a task and I genuinely mean that. To speak on what I said about adapting, I'm the type of person who won't stop until they've learned what they need to aid those I'm working with. I'm pretty good at being a listening ear whenever I'm not busy, and as a result of living under my roof, I'm very good at holding myself and others accountable when it comes to responsibilities."

"To be honest? The first thing I learned was rather humbling. Here I was, a young man who felt as though he had learned a wealth of knowledge, posessessed of a studious tenacity toward the Quincy Arts, meeting so many others who completely outclass me in skill. That alone told me I had a long way to go. Furthermore..."

Nero paused for a moment, pondering his next answer in contemplative thought. Further elaboration on his view of the Vandenreich as a whole. It was home to a varying degree of characters, but that was already public knowledge. There were also soul reapers and arrancars, which, going by history, struck him as uncanny. It was far from what he was accustomed to, but he wasn't here to judge, so as long as their loyalty lay with the Vandenreich.

"I've learned that it's more than just proving oneself here. Everyone is here to protect not only this city but the earth as a whole. They risk their lives day in and day out to ensure those of lesser power can live to see the sun rise again. In addition to that, even if you don't get along with everyone, coordinating and learning to work together means you might be able to live to see another day versus an abrupt death in the line of battle."

Then, the next answer.

"In truth, initially, I thought my purpose was to fight on the frontlines. I wanted to honor my deceased father by being able to protect and defend others much like he did for others, our family included. Of course, I've quickly learned that there's more to being a member of that division than simply being talented. There are so many stronger individuals, so many men and women who are far above me. I felt as though I would be taking up space by staying there any longer, but that's not what led me here."

Nero paused to allow her a moment again, offering his purpose in coming here as he leaned against the desk.

"The purpose of the Steingruft has stoked the flames of my interest for some time. I always do my due diligence in studying each division in general, and each time I sit down, I find myself interested in what is being built here. I also thought it would genuinely be interesting to learn from and study someone like you. To be clear, this isn't a place I'm choosing now as a second choice since the first fell through. This is a place I'd like to join to evolve and grow, to learn and aid others through coordinated studies and collaborative inventions to better aid our soldiers. Plus, I heard you were quite sociable, so that's a plus. A southern bird told me that."

Parting words from a former peer. She likely knew who it was. In any case, he took a moment to allow her to digest and take in the information she found important. His genuine answers are laid out on the table. The idea of inventing and collaborating with others on inventing really did appeal to him beyond... the other reason he wanted no part of the Sternritter.

"Of course. I have no objections regarding battlefield participation. If you feel the need to deploy me, then by all means, I will give it my all to conduct myself accordingly."

If anything, that suited Nero well beyond what he expected. He wasn't exactly proud of the thought he would be away from the battlefield, so hearing that he would still be able to participate there to some degree brought a significant measure of joy to his soul. He recognized, no doubt, that there was yet much to learn about the tools of the trade here and that this division required his battle prowess and acumen. In truth, he welcomed that challenge, welcomed the wealth of knowledge he could learn here, and welcomed the idea of working alongside someone like Ehefera. From his point of view, she seemed to be an agreeable individual. He had only ever heard good things about her, to begin with, but there was nothing wrong with confirming things for himself, right?

"That is to say, I don't particularly mind where you place me. If you feel I need to fight on the front lines, I will. If you need me to learn how to produce an ideal tool for the Vandenreich as a whole, I will. And I'll make sure any of my decisions or opinions on matters go directly through you."