A week soon passed since Seth’s interview at the Federation Branch Building before he got the call saying that he passed.

His parents had been thrilled to hear that Seth passed. His dad emotions were more prevalent than his mom’s, as her face barely showed a hint of happiness. However, Seth knew she was happy from the fact she had cooked Seth’s favorite dish that night when he told them.

When Seth had reported to his master on the content of his interview, there wasn’t as much criticism from him as he expected. Master had forced through a round of training against foes who had higher speed, but there was not much said on the topic of Slipstream. Seth took that his master was happy with the way he handled the exam.

The Rooftop Challenge events and Federation practical exam pushed Seth desire to improve himself. He held no illusions that he was the strongest. Perhaps if he ever defeated his master, then maybe one day he might claim that title. However, Seth thought his skills were decent enough for his age group. When those events transpire, it only went to show Seth how he was frog in a well the whole time. There was always someone better. Be it in strength, speed, or technique, and no one know when they will meet them.

He had been a bit complacent, and Seth thought Master must have realized it. Going through training that locked him away from actual opponents. It was a secure setting. There were few dangerous times, but that was a result from going overboard during training.

HIs master had always said that experience was the best teacher. That was the reason why Master pushed him to face so many different types of opponents and environments in the mindscape. No one really knows what kind of beings they will face in life.

Seth had never discussed about participating in the Rooftop Challenge with his master. It was done to see the result of everything his master had taught him. HIs master didn’t show much reaction when Seth confessed about the experience. He merely accepted his choice, analyzed the situation, explained the consequences and what he could have done differently.

It was kind of sad really. Seth wished his teacher could show more emotions. He couldn’t tell at times if his master saw him as a tool to complete his wish, or an actual disciple. There were times when Seth wished his master could be nicer about teaching, instead of literally beating it into him.

Not that Seth was ungrateful for everything. He knew that if he never met his master, them he would be some mediocre kid off the streets. The fact that he hasn’t awaken any ability now mean he will most likely never awaken an ability. He could only focus on improving what he could do right now.

Not that he was any more successful.

As per usual Seth had failed in forming his core. He would gather his energy into his stomach and try to shape it into a sphere. Just when he thought he was on the verge of creating the core, the gathered energy would disperse and make all his efforts pointless.

There was something missing when he was trying to form the core, at least that what Seth felt. The problem was he couldn't figure out what was missing. Was he missing a step in the process? Or was his chi not up to par? Whatever it was, Seth felt if he could grasp it, it would lead to the successful core formation. Then he would be able to utilize more impressive techniques.

That was half the reason why he had decided to participate in a Rooftop Challenge event. It was a small hope that he might find that missing ‘something'. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Not only did he not get a clue on what was missing, the events that night had quickly spiral out of control. Everything seems to have been resolved now, but it had been a worrisome few days after the Rooftop Challenge events.

There was one other thing Seth needed to look in to. Summer vacation was just around the corner as the school year had just finish. There was barely any homework to be taken care of on the last week, leaving him to mostly focus on core formation. Since he was finishing up his third year of high school, there was a subject of critical importance to Seth’s future he needed to look into.

Universities.

The city was not a big city. They only had two universities in their walls. Both were not particularly well known. They were completely ordinary institutions. That was the best way to describe the education system of the city. If you wanted the best education or knowledge, it will be best to head to another city that excelled in the desired subject. Not that Seth had any plans of the sorts.

He had no idea what to study in university. He did not have much plans for the future besides trying to complete his master’s wish in finding the Bastion of Heroes, which turned out to be a challenging task. It was something he comes to terms with after so many years of library books and internet research. If his master wasn’t so sure that the place existed, then Seth would think he was being pranked. He had planned to attend one of the two Universities in the city, but the question was choosing which one. As both were substandard, then it wouldn’t matter which one he chose. However, if he could choose the subjects to help him in his search, then it might give him a lead.

Seth remembered his conversation with his history teacher. He had mention archeology or similar subjects as a topic of study. Unfortunately they were not the most lucrative topics to choose from. Seth did not want to choose a subject that would cause his parents to worry for his future. Seth decided to push this topic off for a later date like usual. He could always make a decision at the end of summer vacation. There was something more concerning for Seth’s immediate future.

The Federation internship.

Seth didn’t know what to expect from the internship, and that scared and made him feel excited at the same time. His thoughts of the Federation coming to knock on his doorsteps have been cleared for the most part. He had no idea what he was going to happen during this internship, but as the biggest military organization around, it should be quite interesting. There was also the question of who was Mr. White, which Seth had also shelved that question into a corner of his brain for another day. Seth would like to know the person responsible for recruiting him into the Federation, but he most likely wouldn’t get the chance to find out any time soon.

The internship was going to start the next day, and Seth could not wait to see how it turns out.