Ability Wielders - Chapter 162 Linkage Ceremony

“Yo, congratulations on your win.” Aries patted Hayden on the shoulder. “You were amazing.”

“Thanks.” Hayden acknowledged Aries’ congratulations. “It was rather easy.”

In that moment, Hayden’s Danger Sense exploded. The origin was from the door to the elevator lobby. It swung open and who should come in but… Duke! It was Blood King! ‘What the hell is he doing here?’

“You!” Duke noticed him straightaway, pointing at him anime style (crab legs and with an exaggerated expression).

“Why the hell is he here?” Hayden leaned in to Duke and inquired. “Also, did you tell him of my status?”

“He begged for us to take him in.” Aries answered, likewise stunned of Duke’s anime-style pointing of finger at Hayden. “As for your status, we didn’t inform him whatsoever. We don’t want to put you in danger.”

“That’s a relief.” Hayden didn’t care for Duke as long as his status as a dual wielder was safe. “Have people been informed that they shouldn’t converse about my status?”

“Rest assured, Hayden.” Aries nodded. “The Boss has ensured to inform that nobody is to speak of your status no matter what. Even inside the base.”

“Good leader.” Hayden approved of Rhys’ moves. ‘That simpleton-looking man is actually pretty sharp… That 3-meter tall person… I wonder what his Ability is…’

One must know that the tallest human in history stood at a height of exactly 9-feet. If Rhys surpassed that, then it was likely this is a side-effect of his Ability. Hayden’s sudden and rapid increase in height within six months is thanks to his Devil’s Persistence. As for Daniel… Well, he was naturally tall and handsome from the start, just being better due to essence energy nourishment.

“Why do you feel familiar?” Duke closed in on Hayden. “I mean, I know you’re Hayden, and that you’re a target by the Kamay ng Lagim, but… You’re very familiar… Your eyes.”

The door of the elevator lobby swung open once again. It was Eva. “Don’t bother Hayden, you idiot.”

Before Duke can get closer to Hayden, Eva pulled his collar. “I apologize in place of my pretentious little brother. He’s a 23-year-old man-child.”

Duke broke free from Eva’s restraint. “You’re the man-child, you hag!”

“Wait, excuse me?” Hayden interjected. “Brother? Your brother is part of the Limang Daliri, the upper echelon of Kamay ng Lagim?”

“Typical brother-sister stuff.” Hayden nearly choked on his own saliva. ‘When has ever killing your brother or sister the norm…? The hell kind of complicated relationship is this?’

“Anyhow, we have five new recruits that will join us.” Eva veered the topic to another direction. “I’m sure you’ve heard of the four. Do you know who’s the fifth, Hayden?”

“Who’s the fifth?” Hayden’s curiosity was piqued. The four was definitely Daniel, Scarlet, Courtney, and Zeke.

“It’s Faye. Faye Tigreng-Pangil.” Eva’s mischievous laughter suffused in the air of the reception area. Hayden was stupefied by this news.

“I see. She awakened, huh?” Hayden kept his cool. It wasn’t far-fetched at all that Faye awakened. He did awaken abruptly as well. Timely, Faye came in from the door. She spotted Hayden and avoided his gaze. Hayden disregarded her as well. He coldly rejected her once. It would be more heartless if Hayden didn’t keep his distance. “What’s her Ability?”

“Its name is Tala, The Goddess of Stars.” Eva responded.

Hayden couldn’t help feeling that that name format was really familiar. “Wait… Kidlat, The God of Lightning… Isn’t that the Ability of Christopher?”

“Christopher?” Eva remembered Christopher. “Oh yeah… He’s your subordinate now, right? Wait… That means… We were mistaken! We forgot about his existence. There are three wielders with High God Abilities.”

“High God Ability?” Hayden was genuinely perplexed of Eva’s words. Eva explained to Hayden what High God Abilities are. ‘If High God Abilities are stronger than regular transformation Abilities… Mine must be something literally godlike…’

Hayden was able to stand toe-to-toe with Christopher as a recently evolved Level 2 wielder. Either Hayden is godlike, or Christopher is that physically weak. ‘Was he holding back? Maybe he was holding back…’

Hayden did get a bit of ‘pressure’ from Christopher with his Danger Sense when he awakened it. ‘Maybe his plan all along was to be recruited by me… Or maybe he simply thought that… No, wait, I did assume his powers in the first place and never asked him about it…’

Hayden has assumed that Christopher’s Level 3 power was his regeneration. It was an assumption based on observation. If the first power of someone with a High God Ability is their ‘High God form’… And that form was tribal tattoos… No, wait, Christopher was pretty clad in clothing that time. And his eyes were glowing blue during that fight.

‘Then his weapon must be that lightning spear…’ Hayden pieced everything together. ‘Electrical energy. Maybe his Level 3 power is genuinely his regenerative capability… I have to ask him later.’

At any rate, Christopher was his subordinate. Christopher has never let him down, giving him information about South Korea for the past month. In fact, Hayden likely knew more about South Korea’s underground workings than the Philippines’ underground society due to Christopher’s efficiency in reconnaissance and gathering information.

“You do know what this means, right?” Eva asked Aries. “Hayden’s potential alone isn’t what’s going to affect the power structure of Pangkat Anino. It’s his skill on rearing wielders and eye for talent.”

“What’s this talk of power structure and potential?” Hayden was befuddled of the conversation. “Can somebody explain?”

Aries explained that they have an augur. Hayden’s eyes narrowed indistinguishably. ‘If the Sequincia family head couldn’t see a future on me, how come an augur can? Does it work like ‘my fate is uncertain so I can mold my own fate with my actions?’ or something?’

Or maybe the Sequincia family head’s Innate Gift of Foresight is weaker. What kind of explanation explains this situation? Hayden wouldn’t know until he encounters Olivia, who was apparently Faye’s mother.

“Let’s go, we don’t want to be late for the Linkage Ceremony of your friends.” Eva dragged Duke by the collar. Hayden and Aries followed the two, watching the amusing scene of Duke resisting Eva.

“Hey, have you decided to join us?” Hayden queried. “I’m going to college next year. While I’m in college, the building for my music label will be starting construction. In addition to that, our Streamlink career. I don’t think I have to explain to you what I will do in Streamlink.”

“You have everything planned out, huh?” Aries was surprised when he heard the words ‘music label.’ “Are you going to create an idol group?”

“Yes.” Hayden confirmed. “I plan on becoming a true celebrity. Singer. Actor. Gamer. Athlete. MMA Fighter. Scientist.”

Hayden left out one part of his plan. Which was that, when he garners enough fame, it will be a cinch for Hayden to have sponsorships, making it easy to establish a hotel, restaurant, and many more. His plan also makes it easier for his planned commercial town in Bicol to gain fame, allowing for more tourists. As aforementioned, being a celebrity is the best way to earn money the legal way.

“MMA Fighter, huh?” Aries muttered. “I did hear that your combat skill is off the charts while you were training for six months in Puting Araw. Mastering 10 martial arts is no easy feat.”

Hayden didn’t care for the praise. “So, have you decided? Zeke has already agreed on helping us, creating his own Streamlink account. I will be training him to be a good mid laner in War of Honor as I am originally a top laner. You can be trained as a good support.”

“You love training people, huh?” Aries couldn’t help himself.

“No, I hate seeing potential being wasted. Hating something does not mean loving the opposite.” Hayden said. He kept one thing to himself. ‘I don’t want anybody wasting away like I was prior to my awakening.’

“Okay, I’ll accept.” Aries felt a closeness to Hayden as a result of observing him for an entire six months, relenting to Hayden. “Take good care of me.”

“That’s good.” Hayden nodded. “Let us pull one another up, be each other’s footholds. Teamwork, right?”

“You speak of teamwork as if you’re not a lone wolf.” Aries rolled his eyes at Hayden.

“Being alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely.” Hayden’s response was the telegraphed version of what he will say if somebody argues that he was a lone wolf. “I may like being alone, but I acknowledge that life cannot be won if you’re alone. You know the old saying, right? Life is a marathon, not a race. It is won with friends, not by leaving behind your friends.”

Aries stifled a laugh. “You’re full of wisdom. No wonder Daniel hangs around you in spite of your overly straightforward attitude.”

It was then that they arrived at the ceremonial hall. It was identical as last time’s Linkage Ceremony, albeit there was a smaller amount of people. It appears that Hayden’s dual wielder status was a big factor for invitation.

‘Yes, Pangkat Anino is a group of freedom.’ Hayden kept this in mind. ‘It has been put into light that some people don’t participate to Pangkat Anino activities at all and is there exclusively for emergencies. Despite that, they receive the full protection of Pangkat Anino. Rhys really knows how to lead an organization.’

Not only were most materials free, Pangkat Anino provided a paradise for those that didn’t want to live a life on the border of life and death. In truth, it wasn’t required for Hayden to pay a single cent for Abyssal Gold to implement on his house as he was a high-priority member. It was solely his decision to do so.

‘An organization that emphasizes on protecting its members and letting them do what they want as long as it meets moral standards���’ Hayden thought. ‘This is the kind of organization I want to be a part of.’

Hayden stood with Jason (Plague Doctor), Aries, Eva, Sophia, Dominic, and… Duke. Duke was surprisingly friendly for a Limang Daliri member. With his Heavenly Sense, Hayden sensed that Duke’s aura, well… It was darker than his. Nevertheless, it wasn’t as he anticipated in the first place. It was grayer than it was black.

He decided to at least acquaint himself with Duke. Duke had little to no malicious intent anyways, there will be no harm in at least acquainting himself with… A… Limang… Daliri… ‘Yeah, this is suspicious no matter what angle I look at it.’

Hayden’s paranoiac nature was activated. As his Danger Sense only worked when it was malicious intent targeted to him, Hayden seriously couldn’t figure out whether Duke had an ulterior motive or not.

Of course, it wouldn’t be strange if Duke didn’t have an ulterior motive at all. Hayden did hear that Duke’s reason for joining Pangkat Anino was that there was something off about Kamay ng Lagim. It was simply him being a paranoiac.

In that instance, the ground rumbled. The surroundings quietened down. Three seconds later, the door opened up and in came the ridiculously gigantic Rhys.

Hayden noticed that Rhys’ belt was lighting up. That seemingly normal belt. Precipitously, Catiar’s cheerful voice rang out in Hayden’s mind. ‘Master, that man’s belt is a Xirxian.’

‘I see, so that’s how you work, huh?’ Hayden was impressed of Catiar’s power. ‘Good job, Catiar.’

‘Master praised me!’ Catiar shouted in Hayden’s mind, which honestly ticked off Hayden. She was too loud. ‘I’m sorry for being too loud.’

Hayden let Catiar go. She was useful. Hayden didn’t mind her attitude as long as she was this useful. ‘Can you sense any more Xirixian in the room?’

‘There is one.’ Catiar affirmed. ‘Somewhere behind that stage.’

‘Probably Scarlet’s Xirxian.’ Hayden internally talked. ‘I wonder what it is.’

Rhys walked to the stage. Rhys spread his arms open. “Good afternoon, Pangkat Anino!”

Alike last time, Rhys’ voice boomed, akin to the sound of thunder. “Today we will be joined by five new members! Without further ado, let us introduce our first member!”

From the backstage, Zeke was the first to come out. Rhys threw the badge at Zeke, who was unable to receive it and hit him squarely in the face. ‘That’s fast. I see, that’s why people gasped when I caught it.’

Hayden wasn’t caught off-guard by Rhys’ throw unlike Zeke. That’s because, the entire time, Hayden had his Divine Perception activated. He wouldn’t let his guard down simply because he liked the organization.

“The second is Courtney Ilusyon! A wielder with the Ability to create hyper-realistic and physical illusions!” Rhys announced. Courtney meekly exited the backstage. “The third is Scarlet Gintong-Langit! A member of the illustrious summoning clan of Gintong-Langit with the ability to create handleless blades!”

When Scarlet set foot on stage, her shoes lit up. ‘I see, wise choice, Scarlet.’

Hayden remembered that all shoe-type Xirixian have the power to increase their user’s speed and maneuverability. This was especially true for Shabilo. ‘Her blades are her main strength, and without speed, she cannot be careless when going into the fray. With her Ability of Blade Terpsichore… Maybe I can get Madoka to teach her dancing techniques…’

Hayden was aware of Madoka’s Ability of Battle Dancer. Her Ability was both a support and offense. Through dancing, she can speed up, hasten her comrades, become invisible, and many more. Her most prominent feature is momentum building. By dancing, she can build up kinetic energy and release it in the form of an attack at the end of a dance routine. The width of its effects? Hayden didn’t ask.

“Fourth, possessing one of the most powerful Abilities this world has ever seen.” Rhys’ introduction of Daniel was pretty pompous. “Daniel Luntiang-Dahon!”

Daniel exited the backstage and waved at the audience. His wristband and belt glimmered. ‘Oh yeah, Yilturis. That belt enhances his physical attributes, huh? Nice choice.’

Hayden has noticed that Daniel’s physical constitution was a bit lackluster in comparison to his overpowered Ability. That gap will be his greatest flaw if he ever gets into a fight. For example, as a Level 2 wielder, Hayden can more or less fight on the same standing as Daniel solely with his Divine Perception.

“And now, the last wielder, a recently awakened wielder.” Rhys sounded excited. “She possesses a High God Ability. Faye Tigreng-Pangil!”

Faye came out of the backstage with a smile. She and Hayden made a momentary eye contact. Hayden faintly smiled back at her and courteously nodded. Faye did the same.

‘Why is he here…’ Faye’s feelings resurfaced upon seeing that smile. ‘No, let’s move on. I’m a wielder now. With a High God Ability. His Ability can’t be stronger than mine.’

It was clear that Faye didn’t know that Hayden was a dual wielder. Nobody bothered to inform her as she was a newly awakened wielder. She wouldn’t understand what a dual wielder is and may think that it is unfair, causing her to be restless with her training.

By the side, Annie was checking out Hayden. ‘He’s still handsome. And he’s a dual wielder. Why is he hanging around with that Limang Daliri member though…?’

“And now, the oath of the newcomers.” Rhys stood aside.

“I vow to strive for the freedom of our group unless it endangers any one of us.” The five people upfront concomitantly spoke. They formed a right fist and positioned it on their chests.

“The goal is freedom and nothing comes above!” Everybody attending shouted in chorus, including Hayden.

“Except our own comrades and my own life.” The five people asseverated.

“May we all rejoice as five strong young’uns has joined our ranks!” Rhys literally rejoiced. It was a comical scene, considering Rhys’ size.

When that concluded, Rhys left the hall, leaving everyone to their own devices. Daniel, Scarlet, Zeke, and Courtney, all banded together to meet with the present members of Pangkat Anino. As for Faye, she met with people alone.

Hayden also went around to faces he recognized but hasn’t personally interacted with. In the end, Hayden was stuck with Daniel, Scarlet, Zeke, Courtney, Sophia, and Dominic. Scarlet’s expression was grave as she spoke, “So, I heard you were a d-”

“Shush.” Hayden physically put his index finger at the lips of Scarlet. “Not here. You do recognize Blood King, right?”

Hayden gestured with his head towards Duke. Daniel, Scarlet, and Zeke all recognized the man. “He’s a double agent for Pangkat Anino. Still, as a paranoiac, I wouldn’t talk about anything regarding ‘that’ in here.”

Hayden observed the reactions of Scarlet, Zeke, and Courtney. They all shot Hayden with curious glances. They refrained from verbalizing this, yet it was noticeable. Hayden was annoyed, so… “Come with me.”

Hayden let the four inside his room in Pangkat Anino, which was completely decorated with what you would expect of a regular studio. It was Hayden’s first time stepping into his room, therefore, he was flabbergasted of its beauty.

Light blue walls with wooden floors and good lighting. It was not shabby at all and was fairly cozy. Especially the part where there was a sofa, coffee table, a fireplace, and a flat screen television right above mentioned fireplace.

“Have a seat.” Hayden sat on one of the armchairs. Daniel sat nearest to him on the couch. Scarlet was in the middle, and Courtney next to her. Opposite to Hayden was Zeke.

“So, I heard from Daniel here that you’re a dual wielder?” Scarlet looked like she was holding back her surprise.

“That is factual.” Hayden confirmed what Scarlet said, shocking Zeke, and bewildering Courtney.

“What’s a dual wielder?” Courtney innocently inquired. Zeke enlightened Courtney. “W-Whoa… That means you’re more powerful than any of us here?”

“That is correct.” Hayden didn’t shy away from the question. “I hope this will be kept a secret, although most Pangkat Anino members know. The Boss has also ordered that we keep our mouths shut pertaining to my status, outside and inside the organization.”

“Dual wielder, huh…” Scarlet sighed. “I am far from you.”

“Don’t joke around, I know you have an artifact.” Hayden shook his head. Hearing this, Scarlet was startled.

“H-How do you… What?” Scarlet stared at Daniel.

“Hey, there’s a tradeoff.” Daniel shrugged. “Hayden have calculated that I will tell you of his dual wielder status, so I had to tell him that you possess an artifact.”

“Artifact?” Zeke and Courtney was the one who was confounded this time. Zeke questioned. “What’s an artifact?”

“Artifacts are powerful living inanimate objects that you can form a contract with.” Scarlet didn’t hide what artifacts are. “The Gintong-Langit clan has dedicated itself on protecting the well-beings of these artifacts. Wait, Daniel has an artifact… Then, do you…”

Halichi shapeshifted into his bow form. “This is my artifact. Red Dragon.”

‘Red Dragon…’ Halichi’s voice echoed in the depths of Hayden’s mind. ‘I like that name.’

“And this is mine.” The wristband on Daniel’s wrist became a golden spear. Daniel didn’t divulge the fact that Hayden has three ‘artifacts.’ “Gungnir.”

“Oh, yes, since I’m going to provide this information to Pangkat Anino anyways…” Hayden shifted Halichi back to his disguise. Hayden’s shadow moved behind him and enlarged. Shadow popped out of the shadow. Scarlet, Zeke, and Courtney’s reaction were that of fear. “You can form contracts with cognizant beasts. This is Shadow. Remind you that Shadow’s true form is much larger. About twice. This is her regular form.”

Shadow approached Hayden and rubbed her head to Hayden’s face. Hayden patted her on the side. “They’re friendly. That is, if you can tame them.”

Scarlet, Zeke, and Courtney were all dazed by the scene that was playing out. Hayden said, “Pangkat Anino rears cognizants. Zeke… I think you should form a contract with a cognizant if you cannot find an artifact. As for you Courtney… Well, you’re powerful on your own right.”

“Why are you getting friendlier these days?” Scarlet skeptically asked.

“Because war is coming.” Hayden’s expression turned resolute. “A huge one. And it is inevitable that we will help out.”