A day and a half had passed by since everyone was left in those woods. No one had expected anyone to make it back home until at least the third day if not ever. Of course, the Captains took turns standing by the gate so the students would be greeted back by a familiar face and informed of their immediate future.

All of this was a completely new course suggested by the leader of Terra himself, Xander. In the previous years, Seers graduated normally, but would often become too careless out on the field and end up putting their lives in jeopardy.

These surprise tests would get them to think outside of the box and realize that nothing is ever certain in life. It’d also weed out the competition. Now Terra only needed the best of the best. If one soldier could equal the power of one thousand soldiers then the latter wasn’t needed.

The reinforced steel gatekeeping intruders out from Terra was heavily guarded by not only the members of Seer but also by the Captains who were standing by it to wait for their students.

“This year’s class are certainly proving to be something else, Jace. I think we’ll have our hands full.” Roy spoke while looking through a pair of binoculars.

“I can see why you’d think that. However, you shouldn’t put too much faith in these guys. They all seem like they’ll carry a lot of baggage.” Jace responded, bringing a water bottle to his lips to take a few sips.

“Hey, I put a lot of faith in you and look how that turned out. You’re one of our most hardworking captains.”

“That’s true, but the circumstances were very different. These guys have a lot of talent, but it isn’t certain that they’ll produce results.”

“Always so negative.” Roy was shaking his head as if he was shunning his partner.

“I’m not trying to get my hopes up too high. Depending on how their attitudes are that could change.”

“Hey… I see some more people. Quite a few.” Roy’s eyes widen through the binoculars before he moved them away from his eyes. “Looks like we’ll be seeing quite a few more Seers.”

What Roy saw was the small but efficient group consisting of Claire and company. From the looks of it, they all appeared to be tired and very sweaty. Not the best shape of their lives, but at least they knew that they were going in the right direction.

“Oh my god… I think I see the gate!” Junji cheered.

“Looks like it! Finally, we made it!” Claire exclaimed, as a tired smile formed on her face.

“This is awesome! I can’t believe it!” Isaac couldn’t help but show off a childish smile.

“About time.” Keianna responded.

“Now I can shower…” Grey mentioned, rubbing her eyes.

The group had withstood a long and uncomfortable experience out within the woods and the only thing on there mind besides this test was getting home and getting a shower.

As they approached the gate Roy was seen clapping upon their arrival. He was proud to see them beat his very own expectation. Now that they were here he could inform them of what happens next.

“Congratulations you guys. You’re the second group to make it here. I’m proud to see you all alive and in one piece. Believe it or not, but the city has invested a lot into you guys and we’re looking forward to cashing out and making bank.” Roy chuckled softly at the statement before continuing. “Now you’re all officially Seer officers. That means you’ll be working hard for your time here, but you’ll also get paid favorably. Your contributions from here on out will mean a lot to the future of our great city. Before I continue do you have any questions?”

“Did you say, second group?” The redhead of the group asked in response to Roy’s offer, quite curious as to who made it before them.

Hearing this caused him to light up like a Christmas tree. A smile even formed on his masculine face as he remembered just who it was that arrived first. “The first ones to arrive here was Yadon’s group. I never saw anything like it before. He got here in just a day with no breaks. That kid can’t be human. I even think he could even surpass Jace.” Once he said this he took a glance at his comrade who shot him a glare.

“Don’t count on it. Yadon’s gifted, but I don’t sense anything else in him.” Jace crossed his arms over his chest.

“Yadon was the first one here… he’s certainly making headlines.” Isaac muttered.

“Did he seriously run all the way here in one day? Is that even really possible?” Claire made a face as if she were stunned, as she tried to create a logical connection.

“It’s not possible at all.” Roy came out strong with this fact. “No other race even with the limited information we have on them could have enough stamina to stay in movement that long. We aren’t even sure the Ancients could reach such a feat. Yadon is simply… amazing.” The man couldn’t stop hyping Yadon up it seemed, his favoritism towards him made Jace scoff.

“It's clearly possible if he managed it.” Grey states, uncaring of Yadon's feat.

“I don’t know Yadon’s game, but it doesn’t matter. I know the type of guy he is. Loud, annoying, and obnoxious. Especially with his yes lady. Moving on from Yadon. As we told him you’ll pick up your S-COMM’s tomorrow at Xander’s office.” Jace replied, getting back to business.

“S-COMM? What the hell is that?” Keianna questioned.

“A Satellite Communicator. Seer's prime method of keeping communication, in and out of Terra. Don't tell me you didn't know.” Claire answered Keianna in a matter-of-factly manner.

Keianna turned to look at Claire, her expression speaking for her. Right now she wanted to club this girl upside the head.

“Looks like someone bothered to pay attention in class. Go home and get some rest. We expect you to arrive no later than 9 AM.” Jace stated before softening up to congratulate them on their accomplishment. “Once again good job on making it this far. Everything you do from here on out won’t be a walk in the park. Your life will be on the line. Don’t mess up.”

Once this was said Roy signaled for the gates to be opened. Two men standing on the upper deck nodded in agreement as they both went towards the machine that operated the gate, causing it to slowly, but surely open to allow people in.

Everything would be official now. Isaac and the others were now Seers. All of the hard work done in class would now be put to the test. Normally one would be a bit nervous, but all Isaac wanted to do was go home and tell his parents of his accomplishment.

While the others went their separate ways, Junji and Isaac walked the same path until eventually, a fork came across their paths. With each of them living on the opposite side they’d have to say goodbye to one another.

“Rest well, Isaac. You’ve earned it.”

“I could say the same for you. Tell your mother I said hi for me.”

“Will do. You do the same. Remember don’t oversleep tomorrow.”

“How could I!?” He chuckled as he waved his friend off. Would he even be able to sleep tonight with how excited he was?

The road home was familiar, the same stores were open and promoting their businesses. A noodle shop, a grocery store and a bakery were just a few. Soon he came across the usual team of kids playing ball on the sidewalk.

“Hey isn’t that Isaac?”

“It is! We haven’t seen him in awhile.”

“Isaac you stink.”

“Come on guys, I know. My graduation didn’t go as planned.”

“Does that mean you didn’t pass?”

“No, no, no. I passed it was just harder than I thought.”

“Yay! Isaac is going to protect us!”

“You’ll keep all the monsters away from us, right?”

“Of course I will…” He smiled for a moment before remembering the image from before, the Leviathan corpse which was seen back in the woods. That was something he was trying to forget, but in the future, he may have to deal with more of them.

“You’re the guy, Isaac!”

I have to do my best to protect them. Like I promised myself.

Speaking with the children was always a pleasant time for Isaac. He enjoyed hearing them discuss their thoughts and ideas. Part of the reason he worked so hard for this was because of them. He had an urge to protect them to the best of his abilities.

When he arrived home, he could hear his mother in the kitchen and he soon called out which brought both of his parents to greet him.

“Thank goodness you’re safe.” Isaac’s mother sighed in relief.

“Took you long enough son. The school called to let us know what you’d be doing. Your mother was pretty upset, but I kept a cool head.”

“Hehehe, that’s not what I remember. If I recall correctly, you were going to go into the woods to find Isaac yourself and bring him home.”

“I don’t remember saying that.”

Isaac couldn’t help but smile at his parents’ worry. “I’m sorry, I tried to get back home as fast as I could, but it took a lot of help from my friends.”

“Well, you’re here now so we can celebrate.” Isaac’s dad said as he ruffled the boy’s hair.

“Can we hold off a bit? I’m pretty beat… oh, Junji said hello by the way.”

“Ahh, thankfully you weren’t alone. Junji’s a nice kid. I really hope you kids will be safe out there.”

“We’ll try our best dad.”

“Would you like some dinner, sweetie?”

It’s been too long since I’ve had a home-cooked meal. I miss mom’s cooking.

“Yes, please!”