74 Banal na Tagalikha

As Scarlet pulled back her head from the kiss, Daniel's eyes brightened up. Though it was still muddled from confusion of the sudden events.

"Why-Why would you do that?" Daniel rapidly blinked his eyes, smacking his lips as he slowly placed a finger on it. "Why did you kiss me?"

"I-I…" Scarlet was speechless as her only reason for kissing Daniel was that Hayden told her. Well, that was a lie. It was more of a spur of a thing due to being flummoxed. Reddening, Scarlet quietly mumbled, "Hayden told me to do so…"

"That guy…" Daniel whispered under his breath. Hayden has always been unpredictable… "Did-did he really?"

A few seconds of awkward eye contact tailed this event, with the atmosphere among the two people increasing in romantic tension. Soon, Daniel moved his hands to stroke Scarlet's face and pulled her in.

With that, the two made out. For real this time. Half a minute later, the two pulled back and smiled. Daniel wore a grin and was the one to speak first, "Remind me to thank Hayden later."

Scarlet nodded, relieved that Daniel was partly back to his previous self. That was when Sophia's voice rang out, "You guys finally done making out?"

Focusing their attention to Zeke and Scarlet, the Daniel froze. Meanwhile, Scarlet shooting straight up and orienting herself to face Zeke and Scarlet.

Zeke had a smile on his face whilst Sophia's countenance was calm as usual. Zeke talked teasingly, "Oh, love. Such a wonderful thing."

"Shut up." Daniel and Scarlet simultaneously replied. The two then looked at each other prior to chuckling.

"So, you okay now?" Zeke walked to Daniel's side. "What did Hayden tell you?"

"The usual indecipherable wisdom sayings he gives me." Daniel snorted, yet, from his tone and his gaze, it was evident that he was grateful for Hayden's 'indecipherable wisdom sayings.'

Also, it was easy to say that Hayden's words helped return Daniel's sensibility to him. Zeke and Sophia had to admit that it was nothing short of a miracle taking into account Hayden's social skills.

"What happened back there in Paraiso anyways?" Zeke was curious of Daniel's struggle back in Paraiso.

Retelling everything, Daniel's dejected look returned. He told every detail with him skipping over the unimportant ones, such as how he killed Butcher. Daniel's story concluded after 10 minutes. It was clearly extremely summarized.

"She undressed you?" Scarlet's countenance became complex, not knowing what to feel at all. "And you kissed her?"

"I was mind-controlled…" Daniel gloomily spoke under the watchful gaze of Scarlet. "That was why I was saying sorry…"

"Calm down." Sophia placed her hand on Scarlet's back, activating her Ability to let Scarlet think with clarity and without the influence of her intense emotions. Sophia whispered in Scarlet's ears, "It's not his fault, remember that."

"Yeah…" Daniel was depressed. Not only because he was guilty, he was also guilty that he kind of enjoyed embracing that sensual body. Regardless, he wasn't a stupid man that would mindlessly voice this out, to a woman no less. That would be an act of pure suicide.

"Thanks for understanding..."

At that moment, the door opened, with Anthony, Juan Tamad, the Zamboanga Branch Director, Apolaki (Gerald), and Rose walking in. Rose had a soft smile as she said, "How are you feeling, Daniel? You feeling better?"

"Yes…" At the sudden barging in of five uninvited guests, Daniel didn't really know what to articulate. "Umm…"

"Oh, how rude of me." Rose bowed slightly. "I am Rose Kapayapaan, the founder of Puting Araw and the first seat of the Walong Sinag ng Araw."

The second the four youths heard Rose's words, they were immediately astounded. This astonishment was displayed by their agape expression, apart from Sophia of course. After all, Rose was akin to a myth amongst them lower-ranked Puting Araw members.

A second later, sitting up straight, Daniel's countenance darkened. He was worried what the business of the considered-epitome-of-power in the world of wielders of the Philippines have with him.

"Don't worry, Daniel," Anthony walked forward. "We just have a few questions and you're free to go. We're given to understand that you weren't in control of your body during your rampage in the Camp General Basilio Navarro."

"On top of that," Gerald was the one to speak this time around. "As the mission is from our own Ghost Unit division, and that this accident is unforeseen, we clear you of any blame for everything that has occurred."

"Given that," Rose continued for Gerald. "As one of the most gifted individuals in our Puting Araw, we would have compensated you if not for the fact that your mind-controlled rampage is the root of the downfall of the Zamboanga branch of Puting Araw."

"Okay, with that out of the way," Gerald talked again. "What happened during the mission? Was our Ghost Unit division's intel wrong?"

"Um…" Daniel was speechless as he had too much to process. They were all talking so fast. Shaking his head to wake himself up, Daniel replied, "There's nothing wrong with the intel of the Ghost Unit division… It was my fault as I haven't seen through the façade of that Butcher and the fact that it was actually a trap…"

Narrating the events that transpired the night of Daniel's and Zeke's mission for another time, Daniel unwaveringly blamed himself for the blunder of the mission. "I express my contrite as if I would have escaped sooner the instant I saw that black portal, all of these wouldn't have happened."

"So it was all a conspiracy…" Gerald heaved a sigh of relief. This cleaned the name of the Ghost Unit division.

"Well, at least Crimson Enchantress is dead." Juan Tamad laughed carelessly.

"Really?" Daniel narrowed his eyes, surprise filling his heart. "Who was it that killed Crimson Enchantress? Was it the white fox-masked man?"

"Yeah." Juan Tamad answered casually. "It was quite surprising that a Level 2 wielder can kill a Level 3 wielder. Brutally as well, Crimson Enchantress was killed in a brutal manner such that her head exploded into pieces. What's more alarming is that when I and my faithful companion showed up…"

Much to the annoyance of the Zamboanga Branch Director, Juan Tamad attempted to wrap around his arms to her shoulders. Used to Juan Tamad's antics, the Branch Director simply ducked and shifted sideways, not allowing Juan Tamad to touch even a single strand of her hair.

"That never gets old." Juan Tamad tittered. "Anyways, when the two of us showed up, eleven more wielders, in colorful traditional clothes, if I'm not wrong, from Korea, and was wearing varying animal masks. Those wielders are all Level 3 and Level 4 wielders."

"Huh?" Hearing this for the first time, Daniel was confused.

"I'm not done." Juan Tamad became solemn. "That's not what's truly surprising. What's really flabbergasting and confounding is that those eleven wielders seemed to treat that Level 2 wielder to be their de facto leader, standing behind him. This is backed by the fact that when my companion here verbalized with a hint of condescension that a Level 2 wielder can't plausibly kill a Level 3 wielder, one of the women wanted to charge at her but was stopped by the man. that Level 2 wielder apparently calls himself White Fox."

This time, Daniel was totally perplexed. 'That happened? Isn't that 'White Fox' Hayden? Level 3 and Level 4 wielders…? So it really isn't him…'

"All of you will not tell this to anyone." When Juan Tamad finished, Rose spoke. "Even to Hayden as he is not present. By the way, where's Hayden?"

"Oh, he just left subsequent to saying a few words to me." Daniel responded politely.

"Okay," Rose nodded. "Good day to you four younglings. As for you, Sophia, go report to Anthony of your mission in Zamboanga once you finish in here."

"Yes, ma'am." Sophia serenely agreed. "I would meet you later, Sir Anthony."

Anthony nodded to express his recognition of this. "We won't bother you now. Daniel, you recuperate here and ready yourself for the return to your school. As for your parents… They were quite worried of your disappearance. As there was no other possible way out of it, we've opted to modify your mother and father's memories to you getting their permission for a several-day vacation that you were invited with your tutoring student. It's standard protocol, and we assure you that there was no further tampering of memories. In accordance, we've sent a few people to acquire clothes from the closet in your room along with a bag. You should acquire it prior to your release. You know where to get it. We've also taken the initiative to create altered images sent to your Identity Number's data storages. The rest is up to you."

"Thank you very much." Daniel was full of gratitude, except for the part where his parents' memories were changed. The act of changing memories has and will always be a moral gray area for any ethics. Therefore, Daniel was conflicted with that.

In that instance, the five people from the higher echelons of Puting Araw exited the room.

Outside, Rose imposed a question without turning her head. "That White Fox… Do you suppose he's a… dual wielder?"

"Either that or his Ability is just insanely overpowered." This time, the Zamboanga Branch Director talked. "Or perhaps he's a scion of a hidden group of great power and is protected by said great power's affiliates."

"That's a possibility that we should consider." Rose agreed with the Branch Director's words. "At the end of the day, it's not like all people exclusively belong from Puting Araw or Kamay ng Lagim."

Indeed. In fact, there were tons of groups out there that were composed of wielders. Puting Araw was exclusively a law enforcing group in the world of wielders to protect the existence of wielders in the Philippines.

Plus, Rose had no desires on obtaining such great power through brute force. Why you say? Because if you use brute force, there's the always the looming threat of a coup d'état. On the other hand, if you use your power to deliver a message, they'd all get in line.

The sole exception to this was Pangkat Anino, a group of ruffians and hooligans that Rose cannot regulate.

…..

Following his exit from the sick bay, Hayden waltzed into the center for procuring a modification for his Puting Araw uniform.

Finishing his business in there, Hayden was about to exit the secret facility when a beautiful woman in a Puting Araw uniform blocked his way.

Hayden noticed that the woman had a golden number eight on her Puting Araw insignia. 'Banal na Tagalikha…'

"Hello, Hayden," an amicable smile formed on her lips as she stretched her hands outwards. "I'm Jasmine, people call me Banal na Tagalikha. I've been observing you and it's a pleasure to eventually meet you."

"It is indeed a pleasure to meet you." Hayden smiled, delighted of Jasmine's emergence. "I have been wanting to meet you."

"Oh, believe me, me too." Jasmine snorted. "Might I interest you for a drink in the cafeteria? I am aspiring to discuss with you Essence Technological weapons."

"After you." Hayden slightly bowed, pointing into the direction of the cafeteria. Side by side, the two walked, with Jasmine obviously giddy.

In all honesty, Hayden was a bit excited as well. He was actually going to have drink with the Banal na Tagalikha, the mind behind the mythical Space Ring, Whisperer, and many others. To be fair, no technology aficionado will not be excited as Essence Technology may just be humanity's next step when it came to technology.

Why? Because essence energy is literally infinite, omnipresent, and doesn't have detrimental effects to the environment. What else would you want for a power source?

"Let me ask," Hayden couldn't restrain his curiosity. "What is the foundation of Essence Technology? I mean, it's all fueled by the essence energy in the environment, right?"

"Glad you asked." Jasmine sweetly beamed at him, giving Hayden the shivers as a bad feeling rose up in his heart. "I've invented something that converts essence energy to other types of energy, mainly electrical energy. I call it the Conversion Nucleus. Unfortunately, the basic principles of it cannot be divulged unless you become part of my Essence Technology Department."

"Are you perhaps extending an invitation to me?" Sensing the tone and underlying meaning of Jasmine, Hayden cut to the chase.

"Was it that obvious?" Jasmine halted and faced him. "You'd be a valuable addition to our department. You may just be the cog that we're missing to revolutionize the field."

"I would agree," Hayden eyed his surroundings and noticed that they were attracting people's unwanted attention. More specifically, Hayden was getting glares, probably because a beauty was talking to him in such a manner. "But joining means I'd have to be with you in your branch, right? Well, your answer would be 'not really' as there is an Essence Technology Department here, but, as you said, you specially observed me. I don't see that would be your true intentions. You're planning something to fully reel me in."

"You're too smart for your own good." Jasmine chuckled, continuing on her way to the cafeteria. "This is why I like talking to smart people. They get your idea without needing you to explain yourself. It requires less mental energy to think. In any case, I'm not forcing on you, I'm merely suggesting a proposition and offering an invitation."

Opening the cafeteria door for Jasmine, Hayden declared, "Sadly, I'd still have to refuse, but I would be thrilled to join the department here."

In line, Hayden ordered another smoothie, this time chocolate, while Jasmine ordered a strawberry smoothie and a strawberry shortcake. Finding a two-seater table, Hayden and Jasmine sat together.

"You would be okay in joining our department in this branch?" Jasmine probed with a cheerful visage. Nonetheless, Hayden could sense that she had something up her sleeve. "You won't get the secret to the Conversion Nucleus."

"I'm good." Hayden sipped on his chocolate smoothie, downright refusing without a second thought. 'I have something to explore first before I'd want to check up on your Conversion Nucleus.'

It was true. As aforementioned, Hayden was an avid fan of wuxia novels, and in one of the novels he has read, inscriptions were used for the foundation of a technological world. It was, by far, one of the most fascinating novels Hayden has read, and to say that it was a masterpiece in terms of details was a huge understatement.

From that novel, Hayden could extrapolate such things into the real world if he secures the knowledge required to inscribe formations. Besides, he was preoccupied in the meantime on studying Essence Manipulation Arts.

"Fine." Jasmine expressed her regret in the form of a sigh. "In any case, I did not invite you to the cafeteria purely to extend you an invitation for a position in my department. I do require your insights as I've hit a roadblock in my pursuit of a piece of technology."

"Mhm. You've caught my interest." Hayden's curious appetite was whetted. He wasn't stupid though. He was certain that Jasmine was baiting him. "You know I'm adamant on not joining you in your branch, right?"

"I know, I know. Jeez, so uptight." Jasmine simpered, not fazed of Hayden's display of determination. "I require your help on this."

A tablet materialized on the table. Picking up and activating the tablet, Jasmine let the tablet's iris scanner scan her irises. Placing it back on top of the table, Jasmine stated, "It's lined with a neural interface on the sides and the back. You don't have to touch the screen itself."

"Truly terrific," Hayden was genuinely impressed. Taking the tablet, Hayden queried, "How do Neural Interfaces work by the way? Does it pick up EEG signals?"

"It does," Jasmine affirmed Hayden's assumptions. "Be that as it may, the human brain, well, any brain really, doesn't solely emit EEG signals, it also emits some sort of mental energy that comes along with and carry these signals. Small amounts of mental energy leak out from our brain, creating the weak EEG signals that EEG scanners can pick up."

"Can you elaborate on this mental energy?" Hayden activated Divine Perception, checking on the blueprint of a plasma rifle in the tablet. "Oh, look here, there is an energy loss in this part, and in this part."

Pointing on the parts which is energy-inefficient, Hayden proposed, "If you replace these with heat sinks perhaps? Or implement an internal cooling system to diffuse heat? Or use bursts of extreme heat to create ionized gas instead and use an environmental heat exchanger that releases the heat in a form of a smoke to prevent the rifle from overheating."

"Innovative and plausible." Jasmine blinked in astonishment. "That's not even the problem I was hoping to solve, but that last idea possibly solves the weakness of the plasma rifle's weakness. You saw that within a matter of a mere seconds?"

"You know how it's easy for bystanders to see things that a player couldn't because they're not involved in the field?" Hayden returned the tablet to Jasmine. "It's like that, but in this case, I'm a bystander who's also studying in engineering out of interest, allowing me to provide better insights than your typical bystander."

"Makes sense." Jasmine was awestruck of Hayden's amazing powers of discernment. "As for mental energy, it's literally how our brain issues command to our muscles. Mental energy also carries messages all around our body to regulate our internal body. Basically, it is in the form of the bio-electrical signals."

"Huh, remarkable." Hayden bobbed his head up and down in understanding. "Tell me, can we manipulate this so-called mental energy?"

"You tell me." A disembodied woman's voice rang out in Hayden's head out of nowhere. "In my endeavor on creating the Whisperer, I accidentally discovered a method of manipulating mental energy to leave out of our body and carry messages towards people as a form of telepathy. It is the basic principle of how the Whisperer transfer messages from one Whisperer to another. Awesome, huh?"

"Riveting indeed." Hayden couldn't help but contemplate in the background what precisely was the connection between ambient essence energy, mental energy, all these energies, wielders, and the world around them.

"I'm going out on a limb here and break my code of confidentiality to give you a hint." Jasmine grinned. "There are so much things you can do with essence energy, it is limitless. Including telepathy. And I'm on my research on teleportation. Aren't you even slightly curious of what you can do with essence energy and Essence Technology?"

"I am." Hayden admitted. "Notwithstanding my own hunger for this, I am an otherwise occupied man with my own career. The most I can do is join the department, however, I won't be able to join you personally."