Of course, with an MI of 8, if Hex couldn't pummel a few rookies with MI barely touching 1, then what was the point of having it? It was a heaven-gifted advantage—but it still made him wonder how long he could rely on that alone.
"Of course not..He is praising too much."He decided to tone down.
Moments later, the atmosphere in the hall shifted. A tall, middle-aged man with a sharp jawline and graying temples stepped in, his boots echoing with authority. Director Sam had arrived.
All the students straightened instinctively. Some gave stiff nods, others greeted him with polite murmurs.
Sam gave a quick glance around before speaking in his usual calm but commanding tone. "Good. I see you've all gathered here. What happens next might shake your sense of comfort and maybe even your courage."
His eyes slowly scanned the crowd, lingering a second longer on the unfamiliar faces.
"Let me make one thing very clear," he continued, voice heavier now. "Not everyone here will be able to join the Federation Army. There will be tests. Difficult ones."
A ripple of murmurs passed through the group. Sam raised his hand slightly to quiet them, but didn't stop.
"The Federation doesn't care about talent alone. They care about usefulness. Even if your ability is weak or barely functional, as long as you can survive… you can qualify. That's enough to get your foot in the door. Because only after that—can you start training your MI Index."
The words hit hard. Some of the kids shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
Hex stood still, quiet. He understood what Sam was saying. The Federation was the only place where real training, resources, and manuals were available legally. Sure, the black market had everything too—but the price tags were astronomical.
Just then, someone whispered nearby, "Can't we just buy resources outside? Like from the dark net?"
Another voice replied, "Idiot… do you have that kind of money? Even if you do—can you survive on your own in this world?"
"Exactly," someone else said. "The big families can afford to stay independent. But we peasants? We need the Federation."
Hex nodded slightly to himself. That was the reality. He thought back to the Galactic Dark Net. The tools were there—but not for people like him, not yet.
Sam's frown deepened as he heard the whispers. He raised his hand and his voice, sending out a wave of pressure that silenced the room.
"Quiet," he ordered.
The room fell into pin-drop silence. He rubbed his temple and sighed inwardly.
These kids… they have no idea of the dangers waiting out there.
Finally, Sam spoke again, his voice low and firm. "The transport vehicle is here. Everyone, line up. You'll be taken to the next location but remember your test would begin the moment you enter the transport vehicle."
The students, some anxious, others excited, filed out.
As Hex started to follow, a man in a black coat stepped in his path. "Hey, you..wait."
Lex and Luna turned back slightly at the interruption, throwing him curious glances. Hex gave a half-smile and shrugged. "I awakened just recently, still feeling a bit weak. Maybe I need a little extra treatment."
Lex nodded sympathetically. "Take care of yourself."
"Best of luck," Luna added.
Hex gave them both a quick nod before following the man down the corridor.
To his surprise, he was led to a different wing where Director Sam stood alone.
"You called for me, sir?" Hex asked politely.
Sam studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he gave a small nod. "I did. Just wanted to speak with you for a moment."
Hex stood quietly, waiting.
Sam folded his arms. "Look, I know you're new to all this. And from what I've seen… you're not stupid. But I want you to be careful. Be steady. Think before you act."
Hex tilted his head slightly. "That's not all, is it? You called me for something else but you're hesitating."
Sam gave a dry laugh and rubbed his forehead. "Smart kids are too much trouble sometimes."
After a long pause, Sam spoke again. "Alright. I'll be straight. Someone's been asking around about you. I don't know who exactly. But it's someone… careful. Powerful. The kind who doesn't make noise."
Hex blinked. John came to mind, but… did he really have that much power?
"Sir, I'm just eighteen. I don't have enemies. I'm single,and also didn't steal anyone's girlfriend. Hones-"
Though Hex said this he paused remembering about Stacy.
'Damn..Is it about Stacy..Don't tell,I have to face a young master soon.'
Sam gave a tired chuckle but didn't look convinced. "Maybe. But just stay alert. I have some influence here, but once you're out of this building, I'm just another soldier. If anything happens... don't expect a lifeline."
Hex nodded, more serious now. "I understand."
Sam then leaned forward and whispered making Hex frown but before he could answer..
With that, Sam waved him off. "Go. You've got a long road ahead."
Hex was shoved away by the guards.
Hex walked back to the boarding bay where a sleek white transport bus with thrusters awaited. Sameer had saved him a spot near the back, waving him over.
Hex gave him a grateful look and sat down.
"Where'd you go?" Sameer asked, curious.
"I wa—" Hex began, but then something hit him.
A wave of dizziness washed over his head like a crashing tide. He blinked rapidly, tried to answer, but his vision blurred. Around him, he saw others beginning to slump in their seats.
One by one, they dropped. Some fell forward, others slid sideways,completely unconscious.
Hex bit down on his tongue hard, trying to remain conscious and got up from his seat.His feet trembled as he stood up.
His eyelids felt heavy and his head tilted.To avert it he hit his head on metal seat that awakened him but a bit.
In that moment he saw everyone dropping down in lull falling unconscious
"What is going on?Are we getting kidnapped?"He asked in shock, only to find himself unable to concentrate and fall down.