Ability Wielders - Chapter 134 Abducted

Of course, Harper and Christopher were tailing them. Harper was invisible when she entered the hotel. Not like she can be spotted with the power of her Ability. And with the single Essence Manipulation Art that Hayden taught her, she could stick to walls, thereby increasing her mobility and sneakiness.

As for Christopher, he watched from afar. The two was wearing Whisperer rings that Hayden requested from Pangkat Anino.

‘Anything?’ Harper transmitted to Christopher. There was no answer from him for five seconds. She immediately became wary. ‘Christopher? You there?”

‘Oh, yes, I’m here. Sorry, bought some food.’ Christopher sent a mental picture of the food he bought. ‘Looks delicious, right?’

‘Will you focus?’ Harper was displeased of Christopher’s lax attitude. ‘This is a paid mission. If we fail, Hayden might kill us.’

‘Jeez, relax. We’re on World Government Island.’ Christopher transmitted. He let go of the arousing suspicion he had earlier as he felt it was useless. ‘It’s literally a safe haven for non-wielders. There’s no way that anything bad can happen to boss’ parents.’

Harper sighed. She hated to admit that Christopher was absolutely right. There was no need to be this on-guard when they’re on World Government Island. Hayden even instructed them to enjoy themselves instead of fully guarding his parents, wiring them 20,000 credits like it was pocket change for him. Because it was, it was pocket change for Hayden.

Regardless, Harper was beholden to Hayden. First, he gave her sister freedom. Second, he paid for her rehabilitation. Third, he gave her a job. And now, Hayden was letting them enjoy themselves in a place where the best talents in the world gather.

‘What kind of boss does this?’ Harper admired Hayden for everything that he did. ‘Strong, humble, compassionate, and empathetic. He’s the best leader you can possibly ask for.’

‘Indeed he is.’ Unknowingly, Harper sent this to Christopher. ‘Damn, this shortcake is good. Also, you should turn off that Whisperer whenever you don’t want to communicate with me.’

‘I hate you so much.’ Harper transmitted wholeheartedly. ‘Anyhow, where are you? Hayden’s parents are near their hotel room already. I’ll join you once they’re in.’

There was no reply from Christopher. Harper thought that Christopher was joking around again. ‘Hey, respond. I’ll report this to the boss if you don’t.’

Still, there was nothing. For some reason, Harper felt an immense danger looming on her. She crawled into the ceiling of the elevator when Hayden’s parents got in.

Abruptly, the man turned his head to the corner that Harper was stuck onto. The man smiled psychopathically, his red eyes telling Harper to run as far away as possible ASAP.

Then, her surroundings darkened as she fainted. ‘Got to… Inform…’

…..

2:10 PM. Hayden and Eun-ha was seen strolling in the Colombian street of Canteen of the World in each other’s company. Hayden wore his previous attire when he was with Chung-hee. As for Eun-ha, she donned a sophisticated black dress that brought her beauty up a notch.

“Heh, were you jealous of Chung-hee noona, Gonjunim?” Hayden teased Eun-ha in Korean as they walked down Canteen of the World.

“What if I said yes?” Eun-ha looked at Hayden in the eye with mischievous anger. “You took her out in public before me.”

“Hey, that’s not my fault.” Hayden broke the eye contact, putting both of his hands behind his head. “She was the first one to ask me. Also, it was a meeting for the webtoon. A friendly meet-up.”

“So you’re saying I should’ve asked you?” Eun-ha snorted. She rolled her eyes. “Tsk, what a diva.”

“I’m your diva, remember that, Gonjunim.” Hayden chuckled. “Ah, how I wish I could hold hands with you.”

“What’s stopping you?” Eun-ha nudged Hayden teasingly. She whispered, “Is it the fear of revealing to the world that I’m your girlfriend? Or perhaps you don’t want anyone to know I’m your girlfriend? Are you ashamed of me?”

Hayden, with a dry smile, turned his attention to Eun-ha. “You know? Sometimes, I find your sense of humor a bit sadistic.”

“Would you prefer me to be sadistic?” Eun-ha suggestively smiled. “Are you that kind of man, Hayden Emperador?”

“Seriously, your sense of humor is so weird.” Hayden chuckled whilst shaking his head. He whispered without looking at her, “I love it. I love you.”

Eun-ha’s face reddened. “Wow, you’re a flirter, aren’t you? Your words are music to the ears, honey.”

This conversation was ensured by Hayden to not be heard by anybody with his Essence Manipulation Art. “It’s my privilege to be able to speak to you in this manner. Should we go to that coffee shop?”

Hayden gestured to the Café Taza (Coffee Cup). It is one of the most critically acclaimed coffee shops in the world and Hayden has been raring to try.

“Is that the coffee shop you’ve been saying you want to try?” Eun-ha inquired, eyeing the coffee shop. “Sure, let’s try it.”

Hayden and Eun-ha walked into Café Taza. They attracted attention straightaway when they walked inside. The two bowed here and there for those that wanted to take pictures.

In the midst of that, they crept to an empty seat. Sitting opposite each other, they stopped paying attention to their surroundings.

First, the two ordered their respective coffees on the tablet menu. Next, they casually conversed of the current happenings in their lives. There really wasn’t that much left to talk about. In the month they’ve been together, they would always talk.

As such, a few minutes later, Hayden started taking photos of Eun-ha. Some sneakily. Some Eun-ha posed for. Eun-ha did the same, with Hayden even giving her a rare sweet smile. At least, rare to the public. The atmosphere between the two was alike the time with Chung-hee. That of a date’s.

In truth, everybody noticed that Hayden and Eun-ha was more friendly, intimate, and comfortable with each other. Hayden was more relaxed in the presence of Eun-ha. As if there was no tension left between the two.

With the two’s preoccupation of their own activities, they didn’t notice that there was someone in the distance, sulking. It was Akwasi.

“Why does he have to be that close with her?” Akwasi was sitting opposite to Kokou, who was sitting adjacent with a beautiful Ghanaian female youth. His eyes were watery as he glanced sideways to the direction of the two flirting. “They’re flirting, right? Why are they flirting, Kokou!? Why?”

“They’re probably in a relationship already.” Kokou fired a shot at Akwasi’s heart. “It’s the vibes that of a serious relationship. Like ours.”

He looked lovingly at the woman beside him. “Right, Adwozi?”

“Don’t rub your relationship on my face!” Akwasi felt indignant that he didn’t even have a chance to talk with Eun-ha, yet she was likely snatched by that Hayden. “I want to talk to them. I know! I’ll mess with them! I’m much more handsome than that Hayden!”

“Give it up.” Adwozi stared in disgust at Akwasi as she sipped on her drink. “In the looks department, Hayden is waaaay beyond you. Skilled. Rich. Fashionable. Fame. In every area, he’s superior than you. That’s why you should stop being obsessed with Eun-ha.”

“No. No.” Akwasi didn’t accept Adwozi’s ‘opinion.’ He stood up with determination. “I will approach them and-”

Before he can even walk to Hayden and Eun-ha’s table, he perceived that Eun-ha was staring at him. Well, Eun-ha and Hayden. It was that his eyes were exclusively stuck on Eun-ha.

As for Eun-ha and Hayden, it was natural that their attention will be stolen by Akwasi. That guy will stick out like a sore thumb in any setting just by standing up.

Eun-ha and Hayden both smiled at him, though, again, Akwasi had tunnel-vision for Eun-ha. This was ended when he a force hit his head and forced him to bow.

Kokou had an embarrassed smile on his face as he mouthed to Hayden in English, ‘Sorry for the intrusion. Sorry.’

Hayden nodded and didn’t mind them at all. Akwasi sat, his gaze lingering in Eun-ha’s direction. Unfortunately, Eun-ha didn’t pay him any heed subsequent to that one eye contact.

“Stop your fantasies, you idiot.” Kokou was vexed by Akwasi’s fanboying and jealousy. “No matter what happens, you can’t get a girl like that!”

“Who says I can’t?” Akwasi turned his head at Kokou. He was profoundly offended by Kokou’s words. “This is the 2050s! You’re being racist if you’re making the assumption that a black man cannot get a white woman-”

“Stop your sentence.” Adwozi face slapped. “Nobody mentioned racism. Racism is basically nonexistent in this era. We’re simply saying that… You have no chance at all!”

“Challenge accepted!” Akwasi pointed at Adwozi, darting to the table of Eun-ha and Hayden. Kokou and Adwozi panicked due to this.

Halfway to his run, Hayden received a phone call. His entire being shifted from being that of a jolly and in-love person into that of storming rage and speechlessness.

The temperature in every corner of the coffee shop seemed to drop. Everybody felt a shiver going down their spine. Including Akwasi, who froze in his tracks.

‘What the hell is this…’ Akwasi’s determined expression was wiped off. What replaced it was dread. He couldn’t breathe at all! ‘Is he… A wielder as well? Of course he is! Wait…’

Hayden uttered a few words to Eun-ha. Eun-ha nodded. The two stood up in chorus and, with wide steps, exited the coffee shop with their coffee in hand.

Akwasi returned to their table. Adwozi’s eyes exhibited obvious signs of fear and weakness. She stammered, “W-what the hell was that?”

“I don’t know, but it was strong.” Kokou similarly blanked out and was roused up by Adwozi’s words. “That guy is definitely one of those monstrous wielders that possess the King’s Disposition. Like you, Akwasi.”

“I wonder what his Ability is.” Akwasi’s fanboying was ceased. “And why did he release it? Was it subconsciously? What happened to him to release that much of his aura?”

…..

“What happened?” Hayden and Eun-ha arrived in the hotel that his parent stayed at 2:15. “Christopher? Harper?”

“Uh…” Harper eyed Eun-ha. She didn’t know whether Eun-ha can hear what happened or not.

“I was on the other side of the street, eating food, when I removed the ring for a second to wash my hands.” Christopher answered in earnestly and in a respectful manner. He was unsure whether Hayden would flip out or not. “Harper?”

“Uh…” Harper locked eyes with Christopher. Christopher nodded, implying that it was okay to speak in the presence of Eun-ha. “I was in the elevator with your parents and an unidentified man. That man eerily looked at me while I was in my undetectable state, then I blacked out.”

“Ah, fuck.” Hayden couldn’t help cursing out. He didn’t blame the two at all. “You two should go enjoy yourselves for the meantime. I will look into this matter.”

Christopher and Harper was riddled with guilt. It was worse for Christopher. Hayden has shown him much kindness. And this is how he was going to repay this?

What’s more, Christopher knew that Hayden was a dual wielder that can destroy him in his current state. Plus, the woman behind Hayden was someone that can plausibly kill him with a single punch. It was a huge honor for him to be hired by Hayden… Yet…

“It’s my fault, Hay-” Christopher couldn’t finish his sentence as he was slapped by Hayden.

“Don’t apologize.” Contrary to his expectations, Hayden didn’t slap Christopher out of anger. It was because of Christopher’s stupidity. “Don’t be stupid. If I blamed the two of you, I would’ve thrashed you by now. We don’t have any idea what we’re dealing with here. Wielders all around the world is present. It would be unreasonable for me to put the blame on you guys’ shoulders. That’s why I instructed you to enjoy yourselves. Also, it was my fault that I overestimated the security of this place. Let me emphasize, don’t dwell on this. I thank you for watching over my parents and reporting this to me. So, relax.”

Christopher looked at the ground. Harper bit her lip. They never felt so inadequate in their lives. Additionally, they couldn’t talk back as Hayden’s words were sensible.

Still… They were hired guns and lower than Hayden in terms of combat strength; therefore, it wouldn’t be strange if Hayden lashed out at them.

“Okay, dismissed.” Hayden put a hand on his forehead. He attempted to calm down without using his Divine Perception. “Harper, send a sketch of the man to me.”

Harper was a great artist. Hayden knew that as she was an online personality with the penname of ‘Mythos.’

The two guards left Hayden and Eun-ha alone. When the two left, Eun-ha placed her hands on Hayden’s shoulder. “You want to take a walk in the park to calm down?”

“That would be nice.” Hayden sighed out. “If it wasn’t this urgent, I would’ve taken you up on that offer. And we’re in public. It’s so maddening that I cannot hug you.”

“Well, come here, you idiot.” Eun-ha spread her arms and hugged Hayden. Hayden was too emotionally disturbed by the events, he simply hugged Eun-ha back. “I love you, okay? I’m here for you.”

“I know.” Hayden placed his right hand behind Eun-ha’s head and his left hand on the small of Eun-ha’s back. “I love you too, Gonjunim.”

This loving hug of the two attracted the eyes of many people. It was so close that only boyfriend and girlfriend will have the required intimacy to do it.

Shortly, few of the onlookers recognized Hayden and Eun-ha. For some reason, nobody desired to photograph this situation at all. They could sense Hayden’s sorrow and the forlorn atmosphere surrounding the two.

This resulted in everybody leaving the two alone, not at all disturbing them. It goes to show how much space people give celebrities in this era.

Eun-ha raised her right hand to rustle the back of Hayden’s head. She rested her head on Hayden’s collarbone.

In all honesty, the two wanted to kiss. They couldn’t do it as they were in public. Hugging this intimately is already enough to create rumors. A kiss will seal the deal and they’d have no choice but to reveal their status as a couple.

A minute passed before Hayden let go of Eun-ha. Hayden gently patted her on the head and softly spoke, “Meet me in my room later. Alone. First, I have to deal with this.”

Eun-ha resisted the urge to kiss Hayden, nodding. “See you later, honey.”

Hayden tenderly smiled at Eun-ha. “I would’ve probably flown in rage if you weren’t here. Ahh, having a girlfriend… Ehem, girlfriends… is the best.”

Dropping that compliment, Hayden left Eun-ha. Eun-ha didn’t remove her eyes on the departing Hayden’s back. “Ahh, tsk, making my heart flutter like that. Then leaving me. You better be prepared later.”

…..

Without anything left to do, Hayden snuck past the surveillance and entered the forest. Before that, Hayden put on his mask and changed into the attire he always donned when going to Foriast.

A few minutes later, Hayden was welcomed by Jin and Ysa. The two sensed something amiss with Hayden’s eyes. Although it was calm on the surface, they could see that he was discombobulated.

“What happened, Le-Fenrir?” Ysa inquired concernedly. “Or did you just wake up in the wrong side of the bed? Or maybe you were beaten in the Annual Youth Pride?”

“I have important matters to discuss with Gaia and Te-Starakt.” Hayden didn’t entertain the two, his amalgamated Supreme King leaking out without his knowledge. “May I implore you to take me to them as soon as possible?”

“Te…Te-Starakt?” Jin stuttered in confusion. “You address the Yorix- You know what, never mind. Let’s go.”

“Can you tell me anything about the Cyber Guards?” Hayden wanted to acquire every bit of lead he can on this perpetrator that kidnapped his parents. “Also, isn’t it forbidden for people to use their Abilities on this island with malicious intent.”

“The second question first.” Ysa matched Hayden’s pace and openly explained. “It will be easier to explain if using analogy from your world. We are not the police. We are the military. We protect people, but we don’t patrol. Unlike the military, sure, if we happen to pass by a wielder who is up to no good, we will have no choice but to arrest them. However, anything outside of that is out of our jurisdiction. Except for the Annual Youth Pride, which we cannot possibly allow wielders to trigger their Abilities.”

“Damned technicalities.” Hayden complained under his breath. “What about the Cyber Guards?”

“Well, that is much more complicated.” Ysa said. “The Cyber Guards isn’t actually plural. It’s a single person that isn’t a Forish, nor an Overseer. Her Ability is an odd one. In fact, the AI that the World Government uses today isn’t AI, but… Genuine sentient beings. It’s… Hard to put into words. The gist of it is that the Cyber Guards is merely a front.”

“Anything’s really possible with wielders, huh?” Hayden’s voice was as serene as it could be. There was no use fretting over things after all. “Can I meet this Cyber Guard?”

“You cannot.” Ysa shook her head. “The Cyber Guard is a privy woman. No one has ever seen her face, and no one has been given the privilege. Actually, she isn’t even here in the World Government Island. Nobody knows her whereabouts.”

“You don’t know the whereabouts of the person that literally monitors every piece of the internet and identities?” Hayden grimaced. “Or at least, the individual that can maintain the safety of this cyber age?”

“Well, she did leave behind her progeny here.” Ysa bobbed her head. “She’s a person that possesses the exact same Ability, inheriting it from her mother. In simpler words, her daughter is the ‘current’ Cyber Guard.”

“Then can I see the current Cyber Guard?” Hayden’s brows wrinkled in annoyance. “I have some business with her.”

“Well, you still cannot.” Ysa exhaled heavily. “That woman is the most antisocial person I’ve ever… Met? It feels wrong saying ‘meet’ when I didn’t technically meet her. Anyhow, that’s the nature of the mother and child. I sincerely don’t understand how the original Cyber Guard conceived a baby in the first place.”

“Love changes people more than you think, Ye-Ysa.” Hayden replied with a bit of a sentiment. “You haven’t truly been in love, haven’t you?”

“I-” Ysa sighed with sorrow. “No, I haven’t.”