Ability Wielders - Chapter 131 Webtoon

“That is an odd compliment.” Hayden fixed his clothes prior to sitting beside Daniel. “Anyhow, don’t worry, I think you’ll be deployed the next match. And the match with the Americans, and probably that Mateo. As well as Kim Jong Hwa. Aside from that, you’re a trump card. I’d have to at least use everything in my arsenal before I actually deploy you. I haven’t even utilized the team all that much.”

“Yeah, it seems that you don’t need us at all.” With a towel on his waist and wet hair, Amado walked to his locker. “Even at the world level, you’re an absolute hegemon.”

“I did that to let you conserve all your energies.” Hayden took out his phone and texted Eun-ha and Sayuri of his situation. “From here on out, it will be brutal. Long Jinhai probably deduced that there’d be no point in continuing the match at all.”

However, what Hayden didn’t tell everyone was…

After the match, Long Jinhai whispered to him that he wanted to meet with Hayden somewhere private. Alone.

They met in the rooftops of the Basketball Complex. There, Long Jinhai shook Hayden’s hands. “I’m sorry with my act earlier on. I was going along the flow.”

“I know.” Hayden didn’t think anything of it. Hayden used informal Chinese Mandarin to address Long Jinhai. “Why did you want to meet with me, Long Jinhai?”

“I’m a wielder.” Long Jinhai jumped straight into the point. “You are as well, aren’t you?”

Oddly enough, Hayden’s Danger Sense didn’t act up in the slightest. ‘What is happening right now? Why is he telling me this?’

“What are you spouting?” Hayden acted as if he’s not a wielder. “What’s a wielder?”

“There’s no use hiding it.” Long Jinhai shook his head. “I’ve seen your photos from six months ago. Anyhow, don’t worry. I’m not here to oust you, threaten you, or something. Conversely, I’m here to make friends and warn you of the Finnish team.”

“What’s up with the Finnish team?” Hayden wasn’t some sort of virtuous person that wouldn’t take an advantage when it presented itself.

“You are indeed a wielder. From your tone, you’ve already noticed something.” Long Jinhai chuckled. “Your suspicions are probably somewhere along the lines of ‘he can manipulate people.’ Well, you’re not wrong. Except that it isn’t a traditional manipulation.”

Hayden didn’t speak any further. This was so that he would neither confirm nor reject that he was a wielder. As well as every single thing that he was being suspected of. It was the best way to keep secrets.

Hayden still didn’t utter a word. Long Jinhai snorted. “I see that you don’t trust me. Want to establish a Communication Link? Contact me when you’re in China.”

That little interaction supported the existence of the world of wielders in other countries. And it seems that all the Prodigal Kings are wielders from their respective countries.

‘That would be totally reasonable.’ Back in the locker room, Hayden pondered internally without exhibiting any emotion externally. ‘Should I… Link with every Prodigal King…?’

Hayden felt this was a headache. He decided that he’ll let them approach him. It will be bothersome and strenuous to search fpr and ‘befriend’ them one by one. If simple conversing can exhaust him, what of doing that? Hayden shuddered at the thought.

…..

Hayden and Daniel walked out of the locker room side by side. They were planning on watching the match between Finland and Mexico.

By this point, the first quarter should have been done already. Reaching the SA 34, the duo was flummoxed when the score was practically tied. The Mexican team was at 33 points, while the Finnish team was at 40.

“Is this the same team that fought against China?” Daniel voiced his doubts. “Didn’t Finland won the game with a staggering 70-point lead.”

“Well, the Finnish team probably has no one that can do the same projectile three-pointers.” Hayden got rid of his surprise. “It’s probably thanks to Jorge that they were able to close the gap this well.”

At the end of the day, those long-ranged three-pointers were deadly. If Jorge was able to boost his own agility and skill in dribbling, they’d have no problem winning.

‘And that’s why he has the Golden Eagle Twins.’ Hayden thought. ‘Those two can be treated as Jorge’s ultimate weapon. It’s like having two Daniels on the court.’

Unfortunately, those Golden Eagle Twins are inferior to Hayden’s preposterously high agility, reflexes, and court awareness. If measurements were used, the two’s dribbling, awareness, and stealing aptitudes would be on S-rank.

Hayden would be on S+ then, if not above. His skill in stealing was comparable to the illustrious Prodigal King, ‘Phantom Hand,’ who preferred the epithet ‘Thief.’

In fact, every skill of Hayden on every field of basketball, whether it be setting up plays, assisting, clutching rebounds, and shooting skill, Hayden was on S+. What’s more, Hayden has never met anyone who can force him to use every part of his skill. Someone who was as equally ‘talented’ as him.

“That three-pointer is an invincible weapon with the right team composition and circumstance.” Hayden expounded for Daniel, a rookie when it comes to these things. “You see those two? The Golden Eagle Twins? They have perfect synergy with Jorge. If Jorge can somehow discover someone who was great at blocking someone who’s agile, they’d face no challenge. Alas, they met us for the first round.”

“Heh, you really are a freak.” Daniel sighed. “Every fiber of your being is Mr. Perfect, isn’t it? Give me some of that flawless blood for goodness sake.”

“Perfect?” Hayden narrowed his eyes, appearing insulted. “I’m far from perfect. Also, what are you suggesting by giving you some of my blood? If you’re joking, it’s not humorous in any shape or form.”

“Ahh, there’s the Hayden I know and love.” Daniel rolled his eyes. “I’d tell you to relax, but I know better than that.”

“It’s good that you know.” Hayden was once again preoccupied by Eun-ha and Sayuri, Chung-hee, Mieko, and Shu-Ching. “I wonder if Mexico will win. I hope they will.”

Why was Hayden hoping that Mexico will win? China, Finland, and Mexico will all be at one loss. There was no way that anybody can catch up to the Philippine team, hence, the third match will not be held.

At that moment, the 2nd Quarter began. Hayden’s brows furrowed when he noticed that the players were not the ones he watched on the replays.

That was when Hayden saw the spectacle that he was hoping to witness. The first few seconds, the ball was at the hands of the Mexican team.

As expected, Jorge did a three-pointer. When it got into the hands of the Finnish team, the Point Guard of the team, Erno Heikki, he passed it onto a nameless person.

This mentioned nameless person, upon receiving the ball, wounded up his body, and shot the ball to the basket. The ball… Went through the hoop seamlessly.

The venue was engulfed in discomforting stillness and quietness. The Mexican team fans who were rooting for them looked like they had cold water poured on them.

Everybody was astounded of another player capable of doing a long-ranged three-pointer. Again, in spite of its ‘impossible’ nature, it was relatively common. There was nine people who are able to do this in the pro league, termed as ‘Snipers.’

With the revelation of this weapon, Jorge and the Golden Eagle Twins weren’t the least bit disheartened. It’s as if they had something in mind. In contrast to when they fought with Hayden.

Again, Jorge shot a long three-pointer, putting the score up at 39-43, in favor of the Finnish. It was the Point Guard, Erno Heikki who passed the ball again to the same person. However, unlike the last time, Jorge was there to stop the man from shooting.

And Jorge successfully blocked the shot. Unfortunately for him, Erno got the ball the before it bounced off the floor. Subsequently, Erno brought the ball up himself to the other side of the court.

Faced with Lloyd, Erno saw an opening and bounce-passed the ball in between Lloyd’s legs. A 16-year-old Finnish caught the ball. Hayden’s eyes became slits when he noticed that Erno’s hands, sticking close to the side of his body, were dexterously moving akin to a puppeteer manipulating a puppet.

He still didn’t know how to take this. For one, again, this may be a coping mechanism, such are all habits. For two, it was highly likely that this was a function of his Ability.

Something like ‘Puppet Strings’ as an Ability name would be apt. ‘Uh, I really want to achieve that Level 3 as fast as possible.’

If Hayden had the power to sense essence energy, things would have been different. He was sure that there was something going on here. He could tell with his Danger Sense. A general feeling of unease when he stared at that Erno.

‘Ahh, why do I have the premonition that it won’t be that easy to reach Level 3?’ Hayden thought as he continued to observe the match. ‘There’s no way that 60-something hours is sufficient. If it stays at that speed, then Eun-ha wouldn’t have spent so many years becoming a Level 4.’

The rest of the events on the court were not that interesting anymore. At least for Hayden. For the others, it was a rollercoaster of events.

Well, through his calculations, the most possible score by the end of the match would be somewhere around between 90 and 130 between both teams. The Finnish team would win by at least six points.

At the end of the fourth quarter, of course, the Finnish team won. This was called ‘an upset,’ but it really wasn’t that surprising. Any expert would have distinguished the difference in skill with a look.

If pros could hear Hayden’s thoughts, they would’ve beaten him up. What expert can discern it that fast!? You’re overestimating us, brother! You’re too monstrous even for an expert!

…

Leaving the match in the middle of the third quarter, Hayden was going to meet with Chung-hee. For some reason, she wanted to meet. It was rather peculiar.

‘Well, I mean, if she’s going to be-‘ Hayden shook his head, figuratively slapping himself out of the clouds. ‘What the hell, I thought you would steel yourself more? Hayden, don’t be weak! For goodness sake.’

At the thought of that mixture of a ferociously cute and tantalizingly beautiful face, Hayden couldn’t help gulping. He was reminded of Chung-hee’s true personality.

In truth, Chung-hee only acted as a tsundere to Hayden. To the fans, she was viewed as a sweet, caring, and kind person. Because she was.

As aforementioned, none of the CHORUS members acted all that differently on and off-cam. This is the result of one of the main prerequisites of KTM Entertainment: Personality. Each and every one of their idols were famed as truly kind and humble people.

This may be biased since most idols were attractive and charming, but this time, it was the truth.

‘It isn’t that she acts…’ Hayden rationalized Chung-hee’s act towards him. ‘It’s that she probably has never liked someone to this ex- Okay, that’s a dangerous line of thought, let’s not go there.’

Strolling towards the Canteen of the World, Hayden made his way to a French café named ‘Bien Haricot,’ or Good Bean. It was a simplistic name that suited Hayden’s taste.

Taking a step inside, Hayden garnered attention instantaneously. As a person who beat two teams with Prodigal Kings without playing the second half, Hayden was a feared and eminent existence.

Even those people who weren’t fans have heard of his name and knew him by face. After all, the Philippine team was the favorite to win. Hayden’s formidable display of power alone was enough to do this.

The people snapped pictures of Hayden. Specifically, the females and those who identified as one. Hayden smiled at some of the pictures and slightly bowed to show his gratitude. Thankfully, nobody inconvenienced him by requesting a signature. All the while, he searched for Chung-hee.

And there she was, wearing a green blouse with see-through sleeves, black jeans, and sandals. She had slight makeup on and golden hoop earrings. She was absolutely stunning.

She stared at him, all flustered. Hayden would have burst in laughter if not for his amazing self-control. He slowly walked towards her with a smile.

When people followed Hayden’s gaze, they all gaped. One thought crossed their mind: What in the world is this scene!?

First, Eun-ha invited him to the backstage. Second, Sayuri showed him much affection with one of their selfies. Third, Mieko and Hayden’s deciphered conversation during the concert created a swirling storm of shipping and anticipation for a collaboration.

Hayden has already accrued profuse public wrath from the previous three encounters. Now, Hayden was meeting up with Chung-hee? In public? At World Government Island no less? Alone? Oh, how angered would the fans be at this rate?

Chung-hee stood up and hugged Hayden as a greeting. This indicated that the two were close in some way or another.

Sitting opposite of Chung-hee, Hayden ordered a latte on the tablet-menu on the side. Hayden leaned towards Chung-hee and whispered, “This will create chaos among the VERSEs, you know that, right?”

“Shut up.” Chung-hee reddened slightly. She couldn’t act her usual to Hayden in this setting. It will be unnatural, and the keen noses of the fans will smell something fishy.

Hayden chuckled. He had the natural inclination of teasing Chung-hee. ‘Ahh, I hate myself. Why am I enjoying this?’

This little interaction, to the overthinking brains of the crowd, was once again ‘a shipping moment.’ Many stealthily videoed the scene.

“Let’s get down to business, shall we, Hayden…-ah?” Chung-hee actually showed affection for Hayden. It was funny for Hayden. “The webtoon.”

“I see. This is what the meeting is about.” Hayden’s entire disposition spun 180-degrees and became solemn. This unexpected shift caught Chung-hee off-guard. She wasn’t used to Hayden being this serious. “First off, the genre of our webtoon? You specialize in fiction as well, right?”

“Y-yes.” Chung-hee woke up from her stupefaction. This was regarded by Hayden as cutely appealing. “S-should we write a… Romantic… Webtoon?”

‘What am I suggesting?’ Chung-hee was in an emotional turmoil. ‘Really? Romance? With this guy? Why…?’

“A romance, huh?” Hayden muttered with a thoughtful expression. “Is that what you want, noona? I’ll really be down with anything. As long as it’s with you.”

“Shut up.” Chung-hee couldn’t look at Hayden in the eyes. “I hate you so much.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” Hayden teased as a woman brought his latte. In the Canteen of the World, it was natural that real humans work.

Well, they only work here during this time of the year, when humans are able to access the island. It is a great privilege for a restaurant or any food business owner to be invited in the Canteen of the World.

“Anyhow, is that your final decision?” Hayden asked Chung-hee sincerely. “I’ll support and help you wholeheartedly.”

Chung-hee gulped. At this moment, Hayden looked so handsome in her eyes. Most artists desired to have an artist as their significant other. It was ‘the dream.’ Chung-hee was no exception to this.

“I guess this will be for the best…” Chung-hee muttered meekly. She didn’t have enough brainpower for the moment to brainstorm anything else. Besides it will be- ‘Okay, let us not get carried away… I hate him.’

“What will be the plot of our webtoon then?” Hayden sipped on his latte without breaking eye contact with Chung-hee. “Romantic fiction… Mhm… How about some sort of supernatural event? Like a celebrity being suddenly teleported into the bedroom of a regular person? We can write it to be both funny and romantic.”

“That…” Chung-hee was roused from her state of crushing on Hayden. “If… Written well, that can be a good plot…”

These days, these sorts of fantasy narratives were the norm. If Hayden and Chung-hee plan out the scenarios and storyline well, it will be a groundbreaking hit.

“Pretty good for a non-romantic, huh?” Hayden grinned widely at Chung-hee, sending her in a swirling vortex of emotions.

Naturally, this occurrence was photographed by the sneaky ones. Hayden and Chung-hee didn’t intend on hiding this at all. It was undeniable that there was something between there. They comprehended this.

“S-stop that.” Chung-hee luckily got ahold of her emotions. Though she did stutter in a whisper. “I really hate you.”

“Did you know?” Hayden rested his elbows on the table and propped his head down on his intertwined hands. It was discernible that Hayden was having fun being mischievous. “That sometimes, hate is confused with love?”

“You’re saying that I love you?” Chung-hee formed a fiery expression. Hayden was amused by her. “How audacious!”

“Joking, joking.” Hayden shook his head whilst giggling. “Anyways, how do we plan on doing this book?”

The two conversed of their project for the next two hours. In the middle of the conversation, Chung-hee moved her chair next to Hayden’s, brought out a laptop, and started typing out their listed ideas.

Chung-hee dropped her tsundere-ness for the sake of the webtoon’s outlining. In fact, when they entered a creative flow state, they disregarded their physical boundaries, Chung-hee’s arms in contact with Hayden’s.

This sight of closeness was captured by the cameras of the surrounding people. Specifically, whenever Hayden and Chung-hee would discuss heatedly, laugh together, and gaze into each other’s eyes.

Without their knowledge, the atmosphere between the two was misperceived as romantic. The public all thought this was a date.

“That was fruitful…” Chung-hee stared at the framework of their webtoon. “The Work of Fate is such an appetite-whetting title. I thought this’d be a plain collaboration…”

“Heh, not bad for a first time writer, eh?” Hayden beamed at Chung-hee beside him. The two locked eyes that went on for what felt like an eternity. Chung-hee was the first to break the eye contact by refocusing on the laptop.

“Yeah, you’re not bad.” Chung-hee’s voice was mousy. For a long time, she didn’t speak. Abruptly, she looked back to Hayden with a reddened face. “Can you… Go out on a date with me sometime?”