97 Warning

She took off her clothes as she expanded to avoid damaging it, revealing her kind of muscular bear body in contrast to actual bear bodies. She removed her mask and threw it to one side prior to growling at Titus. The temperature of the room instantaneously dropped.

"Beautiful." Jeremy muttered with widened eyes. "She will doubtlessly become one of the most powerful wielders in the world…"

"Ha, cold does nothing to me!" Titus bragged. He charged towards Ayesha. "You're nothing, white bear."

Ayesha's brandished her claws. Titus threw both of his fists at her, which Ayesha caught with both of her hands. The two pushed each other back for a few seconds.

Without a warning, Ayesha kneed Titus in the stomach. The sharp blade of her poleyn chipped away at the black stone.

As a newbie at fighting, Titus flinched, momentarily losing strength at his arms. This allowed Ayesha to overpower Titus. When Titus fell down, with her overwhelming strength, she pummeled Titus' stone head with her ice gauntlets.

Finally, she embedded her claws on Titus' stomach and attempted to force him open. Gathering all of her strength, Titus was split in half, killing him.

Titus' body reverted back to human, his organs spilling out together with his blood. Ayesha retched but she forced the vomit back down her throat.

Ayesha sat down in horror. A few seconds later, she recovered and crawled back to her clothes, putting it on as she shrunk back.

…..

Outside of the vault. Hayden and Chung-hee cleaned the place up, taking the Origin Crystals of their kills. Abruptly, a bat flew out of the wall that Blood King made when he collided with it. At the sight of this, Hayden took off his Space Rings and pocketed it inside his trench coat. At the same time, he took out a throwing knife.

Hayden threw the throwing knife at the bat. To his surprise, the bat scattered into pieces of blood. When the knife passed through, the bat coalesced into one again.

"Don't bother, White Fox." The bat spoke in English. He shifted into the youthful Blood King again. "Your Level 4 companion couldn't kill me, surely you two can't as well. Don't worry, I won't bother you any longer."

"If you don't want to bother us, why go back into a man and show yourself to us?" Hayden walked forward, with Chung-hee standing beside him.

Sayuri came out of the wall in her werewolf form. Hayden couldn't help but find her cute. Like a dog. She noticed the man standing not far away from Hayden. She pointed a claw at him. "You!"

"Fighting with him isn't going to solve anything." Hayden shook his head. He pointed to Angus lying on the floor not far from him. "Do you need someone to kill?"

"I don't, yet I'll kill him. Just to put on a front." With a flicker, Sayuri literally decimated the body of Angus. Hayden was speechless of Sayuri's savage mauling of Angus' body. It was literally shredded to pieces.

Sayuri's size didn't change at all. Hayden was intrigued of this berserker mode. He wanted to see its power. 'Next time, maybe.'

"What do you want?" Hayden talked in fluent English. He figured that Blood King had the notion that they were foreigners. He wanted to keep it that way.

"All I want is a truce and perhaps friendship." Blood King smiled. Hayden can smell nothing from him. No emotions. No scent at all. It was odd. "At the cost of walking away of this place with your lives, what if I call upon all of you at the time of our need?"

"Are you insane?" Hayden narrowed his eyes. "You really think that if you kill us, nobody will come for every single one of you."

"I just took my chances." Blood King chuckled, throwing his hands up in the air. "Can you entertain one question of mine? To satisfy my curiosity?"

"Heh, the curiosity killed the cat." Hayden snorted. He viewed Blood King as psychopathic. Taking out his tablet from 'inside his trench coat,' Hayden started recoding the mainframe defense system.

Earlier, since Ayesha couldn't get past the security system, he figured that the admin has discovered that there was an intruder. He was in time to not let the true admin uncover his and Ayesha's Identity Number.

"But satisfaction brought it back." Blood King added on. "I'm a curious man by nature. I'll just ask you one question, and I���m going."

"Me first." Hayden's left hand worked fast. With his Divine Perception, Hayden re-penetrated the defense system and started to erase parts of it. A passing thought came to mind, making Hayden change his question for Blood King. "What makes you think I'll answer your question?"

His original question was supposed to be 'what will you report to your boss regarding this matter? If I'm not wrong, you're from Kamay ng Lagim.' In hindsight, that's a stupid inquiry. If Blood King was clever enough, he'd figure out that he's Filipino.

From the bloody hand on the masks of the soldiers he killed, Hayden could at least tell that much. Besides, from his interactions with Christopher, he already knew pretty much about everything with Kamay ng Lagim. At least to Christopher's extent of knowledge.

"I'm not really expecting an honest answer." Blood King shrugged, an innocent expression appearing on his countenance.

"Ask away." Hayden didn't bother. With the protection of Sayuri, there was no way that they'd be killed by the man in front of them. Stemming from this, their identities can't possibly be found out.

"Why did you kill Crimson Enchantress?" Blood King's expression shifted into a somber one. "Not the bullshit one you gave that Juan Tamad."

"Yet that's the answer." Hayden has completely shifted the tides of war with his programming. He was confident that he wouldn't be found out now. "We were passing by, I got curious. Like you, I'm a curious man by nature. I killed Crimson Enchantress because she attacked me first. It's self-defense. Okay, leave."

Hayden put his tablet back in his 'trench coat.' In reality, he stored the tablet back in the Space Ring. As far as he was concerned, the Space Ring is a Philippine world of wielders invention. He didn't want to risk it.

"And where did you acquire that… Weapon you used?" Blood King didn't leave like he said. His eyes narrowed. "Isn't that… Essence Technology?"

"A man that doesn't fulfill his own words. What a spiteful person." Hayden impassively said. He immediately thought of an answer. "Since you insist on bothering us, let me give you one hint. Your country is not the only one that develops technology based on essence energy. What kind of arrogant bastards do you think you are?"

In truth, Hayden didn't know if his own words were true. If anything, Hayden had the idea that this Essence Manipulation Arts is interconnected with Essence Technology. That so-called Conversion Nucleus was something.

"So you're saying that-" Before he can finish his words, a throwing knife interrupted him. He caught it just as it was mere inches from his eyes.

"Leave." Hayden's voice became that of a demon's. "I won't say it again. You ask too many questions."

"Jeez, so uptight." Blood King exasperatedly rolled his eyes as he immaturely chuckled. He transformed into a bat and disappeared into the elevator of the facility. "I like you."

When he left, Hayden still didn't take out his Space Rings. However, he did take out Sayuri's underewear from the Space Ring he stored it from and gave it to her.

"Warn me next time you're going to do that." Hayden breathed out heavily.

"Aww, is my little Hayden flustered?" Sayuri teased in Korean. She partially wore her bra and panty. Hayden threw her mask at her.

With a flash, Sayuri was back in her human form, her underwear covering the erogenous zones. She wore her mask already. Hayden gulped at the sight of this. Sayuri's body, like Eun-ha's, was incredibly sensual. Good thing he had his Divine Perception activated. Well, that didn't really mask his own attraction.

He was a man, being attracted to someone that beautiful was normal. There's a difference between silent admiration and acting upon it. If you can't resist 'making a move,' you should gouge your own eyes out then.

"Heh, the attraction is strong." Sayuri giggled as Hayden gave her her hanbok. "Do you want a piece of this, Hayden-ah?"

"What if I said yes?" Hayden 'innocently' asked. He approached Sayuri and leaned on her. They locked eyes underneath their masks. He enunciated each of his words teasingly. "Will you give it to me?"

At the unanticipated rejoinder, Sayuri blinked rapidly. Hayden's deep gaze was profoundly beautiful. And that smell. It was absolute calmness. She pushed Hayden away.

"I hate you so much…" Sayuri hurriedly put on her hanbok. "Why you got to do me like that?"

"Simply teasing back." Hayden nonchalantly took out his phone. He opened the weapons vault door. With Chung-hee and Sayuri in tow, Hayden went inside.

"Nice job." Hayden complimented Ayesha for protecting her father. "Okay, let's go. I'm going to bring you someplace safe."

"W-what are you talking about?" Jeremy stood up staggering. Ayesha rushed to support her father. "Kamay ng Lagim is hunting me. What place is safe?"

"Puting Araw." Hayden answered Jeremy.

"P-Puting Araw? Will they let us join? I'm kind of wanted by them." Jeremy asked.

"Don't worry, I have your profile. They will have to let you two join. Also, with your daughter's talent, I doubt they would forgo this chance to curry favor with her." Hayden responded in one breath. "And if all else fail. I have a backup."

On that note, the quintet boarded the emergency exit in the training room instead of the main elevator. In the car, Sayuri still sat in the passenger seat. On the back, Ayesha was in the middle, Chung-hee was directly behind Hayden, and Jeremy was behind Sayuri.

Hayden drove them to Puting Araw's secret facility in Makati.

When they left, Plague Doctor and The Stalker actualized. Blood King returned to his human form opposite to them.

"What are you doing here, sons of bitches?" Blood King frowned at the sight of the two. "Get out of my way or I'll kill you."

"Do you dare?" Plague Doctor's crazed voice resounded. "Do it then. Do it, Blood King. I dare you."

"Tsk. You've become so brazen just because your boss is strong." Blood King rolled his eyes. However, it was evident that he was terrified of The Boss.

"Leave that guy alone." The Stalker disregarded Blood King's and Plague Doctor's conversation. His hollow voice was unnerving even for Blood King. "Tell that damned Black Devil that The Boss warns anybody who touches White Fox to be killed."

"Oho, that White Fox is a part of your Pangkat Anino, huh?" Blood King's eyes turned into slits. He asked provokingly "Or are they? They're not, aren't they?"

"It's none of your business." The Stalker didn't entertain Blood King's question at all. By this point, swirling darkness slowly swallowed The Stalker and Plague Doctor. "Inform your boss that whoever lays a hand on White Fox shall be killed. If Black Devil insists… Well, I send my regards."

The duo was engulfed by darkness completely. When the darkness dissipated, the two was gone.

Blood King looked up at the star-filled sky. "The world of wielders is getting exciting. All these parties sprouting up. What will the future hold?"

With that, Blood King shapeshifted into a bat and flew away from the scene. He didn't desire to defy Pangkat Anino's warnings. After all, The Boss was the one who went on a rampage at the loss of one of his comrade, annihilating every single Kamay ng Lagim branch in Luzon.

As for how The Boss found out the locations hidden with utmost secrecy? To this date, it's an enigma for them.

…..

Arriving at Liwayway Hotel, Hayden told Jeremy and Ayesha to get out first. "Go to the lobby, I'll meet you guys there. This is a safe place, don't worry."

When the two got out, Hayden asked, "Is there any way for the two of you to hide the fact that you guys are wielders?"

"Wait, you didn't know?" Sayuri's high pitched voice reached Hayden's ears.

"Didn't know what?" Hayden tilted his head at them, removing his mask.

Sayuri explained that whenever a wielder uses their Origin Limiter, nobody is able to sense that they're wielders. It was quite simple actually. Since the Origin Limiter function locks the essence energy and usage of Ability, their bodies are indistinguishable from regular human beings when it is activated.

Even Level 4 and Level 5 wielders wouldn't be able to sense your status as a wielder if you have your Origin Limiter activated.

"It had that kind of power?" Hayden looked upwards in contemplation. This was not taught at all to them. Such a vital piece of information… "Wait, what about essence energy circulation?"

"You'll understand that when you become a Level 3." Chung-hee was the one who talked this time.

"Oh, okay." Hayden shrugged. If they were confident that they wouldn't be discovered, Hayden chose to trust them.

Going to the lobby, Hayden saw Ayesha and her father sitting in a sofa. The injured Jeremy and the masked Ayesha was eye-catching. Thus, they garnered much attention from some people.

"Come." Hayden said. Walking to the elevator, Hayden led them to the penthouse and into Anthony's office.

"Who are these?" Anthony's chair spun around. "Why did you bring a Level 3 wielder and a Level 1 to my office?"

"This is Jeremy Chase, and his daughter, Ayesha Chase." Hayden wore his Space Rings back. Fishing out the tablet out of his Space Ring, he gave it to Anthony. A file was open, it was Jeremy's.

"As you can see, he's a former member of the Concepcions…" Hayden recounted the two's story to Anthony. "As such, they seek refuge to Puting Araw."

"Please, let me join." Jeremy removed his hands around Ayesha's shoulder and knelt. He pleaded, "Or at least my daughter."

"Don't worry, he's a good man." Hayden had his Heavenly Sense activated. Jeremy's aura was lighter than his own in spite of the number of people he killed. "Also, you should see his daughter's Ability. It's rather powerful."

"Enough!" Anthony shouted. "Will the two of you please wait outside?"

Hayden and Ayesha stared at each other. Hayden nodded. Ayesha led her father outside of the office.

"You can't randomly bring people in here! You-" Anthony ceased his words when he witnessed Hayden yawning.

"You done?" Hayden was distrustful of Anthony. Why? His aura was that of blackness. It was dark as hell. This was the first time he scanned Anthony's aura, but he can sense something was wrong.

He squinted. "Isn't Puting Araw's goal the peace of the Philippines? Why would such a good-hearted organization refuse a person seeking refuge? He's been imprisoned by them. His daughter was sent death threats by the Concepcions. Her tears were genuine, I was there. Your concerns are fine. Howbeit, do you think that a person would go back to that kind of organization, huh?"

"Yes!" Anthony's eyes widened as he slammed his hands on his desk. "The world is not so good, Hayden Emperador. Looks can be deceiving. We can't risk anything."

"Looks can be deceiving indeed." Hayden nodded. He had no doubts that Anthony was hiding something. Hayden was certain that he shouldn't ask. "I'm going to call Jasmine, maybe she'll help."

Saying that, Hayden walked away without another word. Anthony was speechless of Hayden's actions. When Hayden got out, his face twitched. "Fucking kid. For six months, I've kept a close eye on you. You really think that I can't see how much distrust you have for me? At least that kid Daniel-"

Abruptly, Anthony groaned in pain. His voice deepened, sounding kind of demonic. "How is he so strong for a Level 4 wielder? Fucking son of a bitch."

He tapped something on his computer. The windows darkened and became opaque. Nothing can be seen from the outside.

Hayden chose to observe. In his ears, faint sounds of some kind of monster was heard inside. 'What the hell is happening?'

…..

Back at Rain Sanctuary Hotel. Hayden, Chung-hee, and Sayuri entered the suite without much fuss.

As for Ayesha and Jeremy, Hayden called Jasmine, aka Banal na Tagalikha. After hearing about Ayesha, she rushed over unreasonably fast, gladly accepting them with open arms. She even offered to fetch Ayesha's mother.

With the ending of that, Ayesha gave Hayden both of the lands that Jeremy had formerly possessed.

Hayden didn't see anybody in the living room, hence, he first washed up prior to checking the room that Eun-ha stayed in.

While he did that, Sayuri walked in whilst he had nothing but boxers on. Hayden was rubbing his body with a clean towel at the time. Sayuri was flustered. "Why didn't you lock the door?"

"Eh." Hayden shrugged. He purposefully left it unlocked as he was in a rush. He thought that nobody would walk in since all of them there possessed keen senses. "You're going to be flustered by this?"

"Who wouldn't be!?" Sayuri threw a bit of a tantrum. She pouted at Hayden. "Why are you like this?"

Hayden chuckled, approaching Sayuri. He closed the door behind her. "Go do your thing. I'm just going to clean myself up a bit."

"Why are you so nonchalant about this?" Sayuri blushed harder.

Hayden patted her in the head. "Because I can care less for anybody seeing me like this."

Indeed. Hayden was one to not care about other peoples' view when it came to his physical appearance. He seriously could care less for this kind of situation.

He pushed Sayuri to the wall. Hayden sensed powerlessness from Sayuri. He snorted. "Also, this is payback for teasing me on the rooftop."

Without doing anything else he let Sayuri go, stretching his neck. Sayuri hugged her from behind. She gently talked, "You will give me that date, right?"

"Sure, Sayuri-san." Hayden smiled, turning to her and hugging her. Sayuri was flummoxed once more. "Your hair smells nice."

"Uh…" Sayuri's brain short-circuited. Being in close contact with Hayden's body in this way was something she never anticipated. "Jeez…"

Sayuri simply hugged him. For a few seconds, the two just hugged each other. "Why do you keep pushing me away?"

"Because I'm too weak. I can't protect the two of you with my current strength." Hayden caressed Sayuri's head. "I don't want you dying because of protecting me."

Sayuri didn't verbalize anything. Eventually, Hayden headed off of the bathroom with a white shirt on. Sayuri kissed him on the cheek prior to exiting.

Walking inside Sayuri, Mieko, and Eun-ha's room, he saw Eun-ha lying on her stomach with her phone in hand on the middle bed. She was browsing her social media.

To the left, Mieko had her back against the wall, sitting cross-legged on the bed. She had a laptop atop her thighs and a mouse adjacent to her. She had headphones on. The clicks of the mouse can be heard. With his Divine Perception, Hayden deduced that Mieko was playing Steel Storm. She noticed him and smiled at him momentarily. Hayden did the same as a greeting.

He can't help thinking that Mieko was beautiful. That unique mix of majestic and nerdy around her was something else. Keep in mind that Hayden was a nerd as well.

"Back so soon?" Eun-ha turned around calmly. "How was it? Did you succeed?"

"We did." Hayden moved his focus to Eun-ha. He seemed exhausted. Personally meeting an enemy Level 4 wielder for the first time was mentally taxing for him. "We destroyed them."

Laying down on Eun-ha's arms, Hayden buried his face on her collarbone. He cuddled up to her akin to a fetus. "That encounter with the Level 4 wielder was exhausting."

"Heh, good thing Sayuri was there." Eun-ha kissed Hayden on the forehead. "Do you want to go home?"

Hayden didn't respond. Eun-ha giggled when she detected that Hayden was peacefully asleep. She softly kissed Hayden on the head. "Okay, we'll stay here then."