we meet again... liran.

We continued to follow the soldier through various hallways, turning left and right as we went along. As we walked, the researchers and gods continued to observe and study our every move, their presence a constant reminder of their keen interest in us.

After a few minutes, we arrived at an imposingly large door. The soldier turned to face us, addressing our impending meeting with the council.

Soldier: Alright, the time has come for you two to meet the council. I will open the door.

With purpose, the soldier approached the door and utilized a specialized card to unlock it. The door swung open, and the soldier stepped aside, allowing us to pass through.

As we stepped beyond the threshold, our gaze fell upon a vast hallway that led to yet another door. We traversed the first hallway, moving closer to the second door. Another god stood by, ready to open it for us.

The god stepped aside, granting us passage, and we entered a massive room. Taking in the surroundings, our eyes settled upon the three gods with whom I had previously encountered and managed to surprise, eventually escaping their grasp.

As our gazes locked, I could sense a familiarity in their eyes. I had known that our paths would inevitably cross again, and now I stood just a few meters away from them.

The god seated in the central throne fixed their gaze upon me, speaking with a mix of intrigue and recognition.

God (middle): Well, well, what do we have here... It seems we meet again, Liran.

Me: Yes, it has been quite some time since our last encounter.

God (middle): So, I have heard that you have come here to join our ranks. Is that correct?

Me: Yes, you are correct.

God (middle): How intriguing. We have searched for you relentlessly across countless realities, yet you have chosen to reappear and offer your services to us. I must admit, I am impressed.

And where is your cosmic friend?

Me: "He" is not relevant at the moment. However, as you can see, I have brought along an old friend who will also be working for this foundation.

God (middle): I see...

The god in the middle, known as Epsilon, turned their attention to Derek.

God (middle): What is your name?

Derek: My name is Derek. And you?

God (middle): I have many names, but you may refer to me as Epsilon.

Derek: I see... It's a pleasure to meet you, Epsilon.

Me: So... I am here to assist in dealing with these dangerous entities, much like the foundation itself.

Epsilon: I understand. Well then... for now, you two may depart. I will grant you access to the foundation, and you are free to explore until we assign you missions.

Is that agreeable to you?

Me: Alright.

Epsilon: Good.

You may now leave the room.

A guard approached us and guided us toward the exit.

A few minutes later...

We find ourselves standing in the hallway.

Me: Hm... this has gone rather smoothly, I must say.

Derek: I agree. It's a positive shift to go from being enemies to allies, working together to combat these entities. It's pretty cool, actually!

Me: Well then, let's take this opportunity to explore and familiarize ourselves with this foundation. What do you say?

Derek: I'm on board. Let's go.

We continued walking down the hallway, and as we progressed, more gods and researchers began to follow us. Our presence seemed to attract their curiosity.

Eventually, we reached a pair of imposing double doors. Upon opening them and stepping inside, we were greeted by an unexpectedly massive space... a cafeteria?!

Derek and I surveyed our surroundings, taking in the sight of numerous tables, counters, chairs, and other fixtures. Many gods and researchers were present, conversing with their colleagues, sitting on chairs beside tables, and enjoying meals together.

Derek: Wow... This place is huge!

Me: I agree. Let's take some time to explore.

Before we could take a step, six gods and researchers approached us. One of the researchers came closer and asked a question.

Researcher: May we inquire further about the two of you?

Me: Hm... alright.

Meanwhile, one of the gods focused their attention on Derek, studying him closely.

Me: Could we perhaps go somewhere more private?

The researcher: Of course, please follow me.

We followed the researcher as he led us towards the exit of the cafeteria. After a few minutes of walking, we arrived at a massive door.

The researcher: Liran, you will enter this room with me. Your friend will be directed to a separate room. Is that acceptable to you?

Derek: That's alright. I'll go to the other room. I'll see you later, Liran.

One of the gods standing near Derek, who bore a striking resemblance to the researcher, spoke to him.

God: I am also a researcher. Please follow me.

Derek: Alright.

Derek and the other researcher walked off in a different direction, heading towards a separate room.

The researcher next to the door near me said:

The researcher: Please follow me.

He opened the door, and I entered the room after him. The door closed behind me, and as I looked around, I noticed a table, chair, and various equipment in the room. I also spotted a large bed on the opposite side of the room, accompanied by additional equipment.

The researcher: Liran, could you please go over to that bed and lie down on it? I have some questions to ask you.

Me: Alright.

I walked towards the bed and climbed onto it, settling down and getting into a comfortable position.

The researcher approached the bed, standing beside it and looking down at me.

I noticed their gaze scanning over my entire body, from my upper body to my lower body. It felt somewhat strange to be examined so closely, but I remained unfazed by it.

The researcher: Liran, I will be asking you a series of questions and performing some procedures. Are you comfortable with that?

Me: Okay.

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