As an ordinary genius

The train pulled into Central City Station as the early morning sun cast a golden hue over the bustling streets. Ethan stepped off with his suitcase in hand, taking a deep breath of the crisp city air. This was home—the place where he'd grown up, struggled, and now hoped to begin the next phase of his life.

Central City had its charm: a mix of fast-paced city life and close-knit neighborhoods. As he walked through the station, the sounds of hurried footsteps, distant conversations, and the faint screech of train brakes brought a wave of nostalgia.

"Back where it all started," he murmured to himself with a faint smile.

Ethan's first stop was his small, rented apartment in the heart of Central City. It was modest—a one-bedroom space with an old but functional kitchen and a view of the park down the street.

He dropped his suitcase on the bed and took a moment to absorb the quiet stillness of the place. The apartment wasn't much, but it was his—a step forward toward building the life he wanted.

After unpacking, Ethan opened his laptop and began reviewing his notes for an upcoming interview with LynxTech Solutions – Central City Division. The company had been impressed by his internship experience, and this was his chance to secure a position that could launch his career.

Before diving into interview prep, Ethan decided to explore the city he hadn't seen in years. He walked down familiar streets, passing by the local café where he used to study and the comic book store where he'd spent too much of his allowance as a kid.

As he passed a group of kids playing with remote-control cars in the park, he couldn't help but smile. Central City hadn't changed much—it was still vibrant, filled with life, and buzzing with the energy of the people who called it home.

The next morning, Ethan woke up early, his nerves buzzing. He carefully selected his outfit—a simple yet professional suit—and made his way to the LynxTech office in downtown Central City.

The building was a sleek high-rise, its reflective glass exterior gleaming under the morning sun. Ethan stepped into the lobby, where the hum of conversation and the faint clicking of heels on polished floors added to the bustling atmosphere.

"Ethan Carter," he told the receptionist, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

"Welcome," she said with a warm smile. "The hiring manager will see you shortly. Please take a seat."

Ethan was ushered into a bright conference room where Ms. Langston, the hiring manager, sat waiting. She was a sharp-eyed woman with a professional demeanor but a kind smile.

"Ethan Carter," she said, shaking his hand firmly. "Welcome to LynxTech Central City. I've reviewed your résumé, and I must say, your internship experience is impressive."

"Thank you," Ethan replied, taking a seat.

Ms. Langston leaned forward, studying him. "Tell me, what made you decide to apply here in Central City rather than staying with LynxTech in your previous location?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Central City is home. I grew up here, and I've always wanted to contribute to the tech community here. Plus, I believe LynxTech's work here aligns with my skills and interests."

The interview continued with questions about his internship, his problem-solving skills, and how he handled challenges under pressure. Ethan answered honestly, drawing on his experiences without overembellishing.

After the initial interview, Ms. Langston handed Ethan a laptop.

"This is a coding problem that simulates a real-world issue we've faced," she explained. "Take your time, but efficiency and accuracy are key."

Ethan nodded, diving into the problem. It was complex, involving optimizing database queries for a high-traffic web application. He recalled similar tasks from his internship and focused intently, his fingers flying across the keyboard.

An hour later, he submitted his solution. Ms. Langston reviewed it, her expression neutral.

"This is solid work," she finally said, nodding. "Your logic is clear, and your approach is practical. Well done."

"Thank you," Ethan said, relieved.

Later that evening, as Ethan sat in his apartment, his phone buzzed with a message from Felicity.

Felicity: Heard you're back in Central City. How was the interview?

Ethan stared at the screen for a moment before replying.

Ethan: It went well, I think. How's everything in Starling City?

Felicity: Busy as always. Let me know if you're ever in town. We should catch up.

Ethan hesitated, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. Finally, he typed a quick reply.

Ethan: Will do. Take care, Felicity.

He set his phone down, feeling a mix of emotions. Their conversations always left him with more questions than answers, but for now, he chose to focus on the future.

As Ethan lay in bed that night, he thought about the interview. He wasn't sure if he'd get the job, but he felt good about how he'd handled himself.

Central City was where his journey had begun, and now it was the place where he hoped to truly make his mark. Whatever happened next, he was ready to face it head-on.