A day after Seth’s interview, Sheila made a certain visit to an office in the Federation Branch Building.

Knock. Knock.

“Enter.”

Sheila Nadeem enters a certain office inside the Federation Branch Building. The office was of standard issue. There was a sofa and chairs set aside for quest. A work desk with its own computer. Everything was normal except for the owner of this room.

The owner was don in red armor, covering himself from head to toe. The armor resemble likeness to samurai armor, ancient warriors renown for their loyalty. The owner stood in front of a window viewing the cityscape. Just by standing there, their presence commandeer the room.

This was the Federation Branch Commander, Jin Bai Hu, otherwise famously known as the Red Lightning.

“What did you think?” a deep voice came out from the armored figure.

There was no preamble and the question was vague, but Sheila knew what the Branch Commander was asking about. “Seth Colls is a teenager of mysteries. His combat skills for his age as a martial artist aren’t the most impressive. We both know and have seen better. However, his parent are normal people by all accounts. One of them actually works for the Federation and is part of the field operations.”

“Interesting, anything to suggest they’re a spy?”

“No, there a strict screening process and intensive background check for those who take part in the field operations. Of course, there always the possibility of a few that falls through the crack. We're checking our information once again and keeping a close eye of on them, but nothing suggests such a thing.”

“What was your initial reading of the boy?”

“Nervous when he first entered, but that is to be expected. When I focused on his thoughts and amplified those emotions, it went through a drastic change of breaking out of the building. His feelings went from nervousness to excitement. However, he quickly gained control of his mind and emotions. I don’t think he even realized that he was influenced.” Sheila said. She was an empath, someone who could read the emotions of others. When focused she could read the surface thoughts of a person. It was a helpful ability for interviews.

“What about the background checks on how he learned his skills?”

“ I asked the society and checked the database, but no one know about him or this so-called master of his. He just seems to pop of nowhere. Whatever person or organization that taught him is skilled enough to stay out of our radar which is concerning.”

“Agreed. His level of skill would not make him a prodigy, but given his circumstances that he was raised by noncombatant parents; it is considered decent. What stands out is his judgement. The fact that he was able to land a strike on Slipstream twice is proof. When he deflected Slipstream’s punch, he had already passed the practical exam.”

“Slipstream would most likely deny the deflected blow counted.”

“It does not matter. He stated that all Seth had to do was land a strike on his body and he will pass. And he did. The fact that he landed a second strike in that instance only further clarify the matter. What I want to know is where both Seth and this suppose Master of his have been hiding all this time. What do the analytics have to say?”

“Analysis? Is there a need for that sir? I’m sure you have already made your own judgment on the whole matter. I have no doubt you were watching the whole interview live on camera. “

The Branch Commander had the good grace to nod for confirmation as he should have been busy with matters elsewhere instead of spectating on a trivial interview.

“The technique he used against Slipstream was a simple one. Nothing else stood out during the analysis. Just as you said, he passed the test because of good judgement.”

“Both you and the analyst missed it then?”

“Miss what?”

“It wasn’t simply good judgement that got him through the exam. There were other factors.”

“...What other factors did we miss?”

“Play the video of the fight one more time. Stop right before Slipstream hits him.”

Sheila did as she was told. Intrigued, she bought up the test recording on a tablet she was holding. The recording was slowed for the benefit of viewers so they can follow Slipstream’s movements.

“Stop. Right there.”

She froze the recording at where Seth was just inches from being hit and examined the moment. There was nothing outstanding seeing a teenager boy being hit by an adult. Some people might call it abuse.

“You still don’t see it?” The commander could only sigh. “I suppose only experience fighters could tell. He turned his head exactly right before he was hit. Barely noticeable, but even that is enough to soften a blow.”

Sheila widens her eyes. “That meant he was able to see through Slipstream speed right away?”

“No, I believe it was merely instinct. The next hits after he barely reacted, but as the fights went on you can realize the difference. You can see him adjusting himself right before each hit. Too early to tell if it’s instinct or he knew the strike was coming. He was also able to see through the strikes coming from behind, showing that he has acute dynamic vision.”

Sheila took in all the information she was given. She would need to watch the recording once again and have the analysis confirm what Red Lighting was saying. He had sharp battle instincts and vision from long years of service in the Federation.

“Getting such high praise from the Branch Commander would help push through any criticism in recruiting him from HR. However, that does not completely absolve you of the reason why you are pushing for the recruitment of the two boys “

The commander took a seat and asked. “Do you know how many native Federation officers there are in this branch?”

A sudden change in topic, but Sheila indulged him. “I don’t know the specific number, but I would say 10-20%.”

“A mere 12% last time I checked. Do you know what they say at headquarters about the people who are stationed here? Being placed here means an early retirement. It is considered a joke placement. There are critical project of utmost importance happening here that most Federation officers are unaware of, therefore making humor this location. Do you know how old I am?”

“No, I do not. I would say you're coming in on the years, but still long before retirement.”

“Hmph. 80 years.”

Sheila was once again stunned into silence.

“My Awakening keeps me healthy and active, but I won’t always be here. I do not know how long I can keep this up. Headquarters know that as long as I'm here, most situations can be resolved. Only a threat classified level 5 would be able to bring me down. Are you aware of the continental saying?”

If you wish for strength, journey North.

If you desire leisure, travel East.

If you seek innovation, venture West.

If you crave nature, head South.

While we are considered the center of the continent, nowhere does it mention anything about the center. I do not know how long I will be here but once I'm gone, Headquarters would assign a new Branch commander. One with far less attachment to this location and far less capability I expect.”

“So you do this to raise people who are native and loyal to this city. Someone who will inherit your position and will not be derelict of their responsibilities?”

“Not quite as far. Perhaps they may end up being only regular officers. It is my instincts that tell me that they hold something special. What that is, I cannot tell.

Seth Colls combat style is sharp, but at the same time hesitant. All his blow were aimed to cripple or kill. It was as if he was testing to see which technique or move would lead to the best outcome. If everything he said is the truth, then this whole experience was an experiment on how far he can go.

There’s one more thing about the boy. Whatever he searching for, it’s not for the faint of heart. Whatever organization or master he’s associated with, it’s hidden very deeply. I personally tried to search for the term ‘Bastion of Heroes’ in the Federation database. The screen froze at first at first and the second time input the information, the screen showed no results.”

There was the sound of air being sucked in.

“I don’t know what this place is, but clearly it holds a significance of some sort. I’m a Branch Commander and there is little information that I cannot access. That mean only the top knows, and they been notified immediately the moment I tried. I been waiting to see if the top will get back to me on it, but so far, they haven’t. Whatever person or group behind the boy, I want to know. By inviting him as an intern, I hope to find out who or what they are.”

Sheila took a few moments to take everything in. This was far beyond what she expected. She decided that what just spoken would be a headache for another time and only half her question was answered. She wanted the answer to the second part. "And the other boy?

“Stubbornness. A headstrongness that broke pass his limits. Those kinds of people only have two options in life. Either die early or become powerful enough to break pass any wall. How is the process for him going?”

“It took us a bit longer to locate him as he doesn’t have a permanent address, but we have invited him in for interviewing and testing. There was a need to use more forceful persuasion methods, so it may take some time.”

“Do what it takes. The sooner the better. Give those boys a few years in the field to gain experience and I expect they’ll surprise us all.”