Chapter 4: Invitation of The Human Federation

    The hospital didn''t discharge him even though he had already completely recovered on the second day itself.

    They are deliberately keeping me here.

    As expected, on the fourth day of his stay at the hospital, a group of three entered his room.

    Putting aside the book he was reading, he turned to them.

    His eyes lit up as they fell on the emblem of the Human Federation emblazoned on their armbands.

    Two women and a man stood before him.

    One of the women pulled a stool across the room with a low scrape, positioning it directly in front of him before sitting down.

    She had short brown hair, a few stray strands brushing against her forehead, and a scattering of light freckles between her brows.

    Like the others, she wore a sleek black tracksuit, though hers was accented with bold red lines that hinted at her higher rank or specialized role.

    Gesturing to her armband, she spoke.

    "I hope you already know who we are."

    Eryndor nodded. Of course he did.

    "Good, then we can cut to the chase.

    "The team which rescued you might not have known about it, but we do. The building you were trapped under collapsed three months ago.

    "Your parents also began the search for you through various newspaper outlets and missing posters three months ago.

    "Coupled with lack of traces of food and water in the space you were found at, it should be impossible for you to survive.

    "You can choose not to tell us the specifics about how you survived. Can you at least inform us if it was some sort of ability?"

    Eryndor had come across this online before. Beyond the techniques practiced by the Eight Outer Domains, another path to gaining power lay in possessing an innate ability.

    This method was impossible to replicate—either you were born with the ability, or you weren''t.

    He nodded gently. Eryndor wanted to be upfront about this.

    "I awakened something like Passive Regeneration."

    They had only expected a simple yes or no, but his willingness to be forthcoming subtly surprised them.

    However, it quickly became clear he had no intention of delving into the specifics of his ability. Still, they weren''t disappointed.

    Makes sense.

    Eryndor agreed with her.

    The agents exchanged a few pleasantries with Eryndor before departing, leaving behind a badge.

    The badge depicted a bleeding snake coiled tightly around the upper half of the blade of a sword, its lower part piercing through eight distinct hands stacked atop one another.

    Eryndor quickly deduced the symbolism—the snake represented the anomalies, while the hands signified the Eight Outer Domains.

    Quite a bold and provocative badge.

    Eryndor silently judged it and put it in his pocket.

    Academy huh? I''ll be learning about how to deal with the Eight Outer Domains and the Anomalies now.

    Quite an interesting turn of events. I hope I can open that door of my Mind Palace soon.

    Eryndor got up from the bed, picking up his book and leaving the room.

    This time he was allowed to leave the hospital without any issues.

    Should I head straight up towards the local office of The Human Federation?

    Eryndor had a few friends, but they weren''t close enough that he would inform them of his decision to join The Human Federation.

    He decided to visit his parent''s home, meeting his parents who were both engaged in odd jobs around the house.

    They were home because employment all around the world had taken a hit with the apocalypse-like situation of the Earth.

    He informed them of The Human Federation''s invitation and how he had already accepted it.

    He eventually decided to have his dinner at their place.

    Eryndor planned to review the information that night, ensuring he fully absorbed it before heading to the local office.

    A quick online search revealed that the office was only a fifteen-minute walk away, making it a convenient departure point from his current location.

    "Good night dad."

    "Good night mom."

    After having a talk about their son and telling them how he''ll keep an eye out for him, Eryndor retreated to his bedroom.

    The Human Federation had long sent him important information he would be needing before joining the Academy.

    It was time to check it out.