109 The Boss

As Hayden walked to the door, the door swung open by itself. A booming voice entered Hayden's ears. "Hayden Emperador. I've been waiting for you. Come in."

Hayden went in. He could tell that this man, The Boss, was much stronger than Eva from the aura he sensed alone.

Hayden hypothesized that Eva's Ability wasn't for pure combat or is weaker in terms of combat. If so, the man within definitely possessed an Ability with a strong combat power.

When he entered, the door swung close with a bang. Hayden wasn't startled at all. He bowed respectfully. "Good morning, er…"

With the light bouncing off of his retinas, Hayden used life force to redirect it to the shadows. It was one of the few handy techniques with life force. With this, he eyed the darkness-submerged person in front of him.

From his eyes, Rhys had a bearded visage with a massive build. He was rather handsome, with deep black eyes and a square jaw. His hair was slicked back. On his right ear was an earring. Judging from his face, he was a man in his 30s.

As for his body, it was the exact definition of massive. Not at all a hyperbole. His forearms' width alone was comparable to the size of the width of Hayden's head. He was tall, towering over Hayden in spite of sitting. His body was like the equivalent of Kaido's in Eiichiro Oda's One Piece. Albeit he wore a red tank top.

This deflection of light lasted a mere second. Nevertheless, Hayden was able to take in every bit of Rhys' rugged face.

"Please, call me Boss." Rhys' voice was that of enthusiasm. "How have you been, Mr. Hayden? I heard you were sought out by Black Devil personally."

For some reason, Hayden had the feeling that the man in front of him was one of those muscular blockhead protagonists that wanted to protect their allies even at the cost of their own lives. With a twist. The man's smart. For him to build the gaming empire of Kapangyarihan, he was definitely smart.

"Indeed." Hayden nodded. He materialized an essence energy platform around him, put Dusk and Dawn there, pulled a chair from the side, and sat. "It has been bothersome, being hunted down."

"I imagine it is." Rhys laughed. His hulking arms appeared out of the shadows. "I've been hunted by Kamay ng Lagim myself. Ah, the good old times."

"Boss, I'm going to get straight to the point." Hayden wasn't intimidated of Rhys at all. "What will I get from joining you? I mean, I do want to. However, you are the enemy of Puting Araw and Kamay ng Lagim. Even if you have the strongest wielders around, you won't be able to beat tens of thousands of wielders no matter what. Joining you would mean putting my life on the line. So, what will I get?"

Silence ensued. Hayden's piercing eyes stared right through where the eyes of Rhys were supposed to be. "Strong-willed, to boot? Okay. This will be my offer to you. Freedom to take anything from our resource vault and armory. Free reign of any facilities within Pangkat Anino. Freedom to let your subordinates within Pangkat Anino's premises. Will not need to do any kind of mission at all if you don't want to. Full access to the Pangkat Anino's Knowledge Compendium Database. And liberty to break free from the Pangkat Anino at will."

Hayden's eyes widened slightly at the mention of all these things. Rhys wasn't done. "All I ask is for your loyalty to Pangkat Anino as long as you are a part of it. And aid Pangkat Anino during desperate times. Even if you have to call your girlfriend."

"That last part is a no." Hayden shook his head. "She's a different entity from me. I don't want to expose her to my own matters. I swear my fealty to you, but my girlfriend will not be involved in this."

Rhys 'made' eye contact with Hayden. He could sense the deep resolution of solving everything on his own. 'A typical lone wolf. A person who cares only for himself and those he holds dear. A hardworking man. A person who is extremely loyal to people he trusts, albeit unable to easily trust. What a rare amalgamation of qualities.'

"Deal." Rhys smiled. "You may be wondering what I will get from this? As you can infer, the value of a dual wielder is that high. If you evolve to become a Level 4 wielder, you will become unbeatable to 90% of the wielders in the world. This encompasses Level 5 wielders. Plus, your two Abilities' harmonization is off the charts. You are destined to become stronger than me. I have no doubts at all that you will be a powerful asset for our group."

"If I am destined to become stronger than you, how come you're not afraid of me?" Hayden's eyes turned into slits.

"I know that you already know the answer to this question." Rhys chuckled. "Alright, I will entertain you. Although it is wise to nip such a dangerous being in the bud, that applies solely if you are an enemy. It is much wiser to befriend a talented person with a brilliant future than kill him. There will be no benefit to us if we kill you. On the other hand…"

Rhys stopped there as he sensed that Hayden was satisfied with the answer. "Aside from this. You have been evaluated already. You, Hayden Emperador, is a person I can trust. The epitome of what a member of Pangkat Anino should be."

"I will take that as a compliment." Hayden's face didn't contort in any way at all. "I suppose I am part of the Pangkat Anino?"

"Yes. I take it that you've seen my face?"

Hayden nodded.

"Let me introduce my actual self. I am Rhys Kaloobang-Bakal. The owner of this building and the leader of Pangkat Anino. Nice to meet you, Mr. Hayden Emperador."

Rhys' hand stretched forward. It was bulky and more than twice the size of Hayden's hand. No exaggeration at all.

Hayden took ahold of Rhys' gigantic hand. The two shook hands. Pulling back, Rhys spoke, "You may call me Kuya Rhys personally. As for your pseudonym… I take it that you will remain under the guise of White Fox?"

…..

On the left wing Training and Simulations Hall. Training Room L01. The room had a design that you'd see in brawler games practice room: Gridded walls, floor, and a singular door to the right.

On one side Annie. She was wearing baggy camo pants and a tank top. She had her hair tied up in a bun.

Her chest heaved up and down as sweat trickled down her face. Her eyes had this spark of determination. "Again."

She was talking to a 20-something beautiful woman with red hair. This woman had a tanned skin tone and red hair tied into a ponytail. She donned an elegant black dress with a red floral design on the left side, resembling a Qipao. Under the arms, at the ribcage, are two pairs of armholes. She didn't have any footwear on.

"Fine, but this is the last." The woman said with a sigh. Annie's figure stretched into her Celestial Tigris-Rhinoceros form. This time, her skin can be seen to be furry and orange, with tiger-pattern stripes. "Come."

Annie got down on all fours. The scene was quite comical, with her clothes remaining and all. She galloped towards the woman. She was surprisingly fast for her size. Fitting that of a hybrid between a tiger and a rhinoceros. The woman jumped and landed behind Annie.

When Annie turned around, she saw five of the same woman. She charged at the one in the middle. The women didn't move at all. Abruptly, she steered to the one on the right of the middle one.

The woman still didn't flinch. Annie didn't cease her charge. Inches away, the woman sidestepped away. Her eyes widened ever so slightly in surprise of Annie being able to identify the real one.

Annie wasn't done. She quickly maneuvered around and charged again. This time, she was much faster. The woman clapped her hands as four arms sprouted from the four armholes.

Without thinking much, Annie collided with the six arms. To her shock, she was stopped by the arms. The woman smirked, "Didn't think I'd possess enough strength to do this, didn't you?"

Annie groaned in protest. "No fair! You stated you wouldn't use your Level 3 and Level 4 powers!"

"But I'm not." The woman chuckled. She kneed Annie's lower part of her snout. Annie's head was thrown back. She laid on the floor and changed back to her human form. "How are you so strong, Ate Angel?"

"It's all in the waist and legs." Angel helped Annie up. "It's a basic move that comes from experience, Annie. Anyhow, let's get a move on. We have to be in time for the ceremony."

"Ceremony? A new recruit?" Annie's eyes lit up. "Finally! I'm not you guys' rookie anymore!"

"Well, you will remain as the weaker one." Angel scoffed. "This guy's way stronger than you. As for the other, she's a returning member. A former Level 4."

"Another Level 5?" Annie exclaimed. Even her father was a mere Level 4. To think that there were more Level 5 in the chaotic Philippines than Indonesia. She became inquisitive. "How about the other one? How can you say they're stronger than me?"

"You'll see." Angel shook her head at Annie's unacceptance. "Don't make a ruckus. He's a bit eccentric. He's not a bad person, but I've heard that if you offend him, he won't hesitate to kill you."

"Can he kill me though?" Annie sneered in arrogance. "There's no way in hell he'll be able to kill me."

Angel rolled her eyes. Annie 'heard' this. "What are you rolling your eyes on me for, Ate Angel? You think I can't beat him."

"Definitely not."

"Why?"

"Don't want to ruin the surprise."

Annie was left confounded of Angel's statement. She was already at the door. "You coming or not?"

"Yes, yes." Annie ran to the side of Angel. 'I wonder who is this new guy? Sounds pretty important… If I beat him, will I be able to rise up the ranks?'

…..

In the 'Auditorium/Conference Room/Ceremonial Hall' located right behind Rhys' office. The floor was fashioned out of smooth wood. The wall was white in color along with the ceiling. In front was an expansive platform a meter high with a lectern on the right side (left in the audience's point of view). The double wooden door was directly opposite to the platform.

In the middle of the ceiling was a fancy chandelier. On the side were a few buffet catering displays of food. First-class chicken lollipops and various finger foods. High-quality sushi and other heavy bite-sized food. Graham balls on toothpicks and delectable desserts. And many more.

Currently, the room had no chairs at all as it was in Ceremonial Hall mode. It was filled with wielders. Contrary to the extravagant atmosphere, most of them wore casual clothes.

Some even wore unusual styles of apparel. One appeared to have come from a 'trashion' show. One had a medieval squire clothing. One was too patriotic such that he was wearing a Barong Tagalog.

They were all clamoring of the new arrival, Hayden Emperador. For the past few months, they were naturally informed of his presence. He was one of the buzzes that Pangkat Anino members kept a close eye on.

It was clear that they all have information pertaining to Hayden, excluding his girlfriend. That was the one thing that Rhys kept under wraps as Eun-ha was a personal matter for Hayden and that her help wasn't guaranteed.

There was also the matter of Eva, who was recently divulged to have evolved to Level 5.

Abruptly, the double doors swung open. The people all focused their eyes on the door with bated breathes, as if expecting Hayden or Eva. They were all disappointed when they perceived that it was Annie and Angel.

Meanwhile, Annie froze on the spot under the ravenous eyes of the people. Only when they removed their eyes on her did she calm down.

"It's been a week and you're still not used to them?" Angel exhaled sharply. She darted for the buffet. Annie followed her.

"Ate, who will be the new member?" Annie whispered, acquiring a plate. She got a few desserts on it. Some graham balls. Mini vanilla muffins. Mini apple pies. And a few glazed doughnut holes. "There wasn't this much people when I had my ceremony…"

The ceremony that Annie was referring to was the Linkage Ceremony. Well, it technically wasn't a ceremony. It was a mere social gathering and introduction of new members. The Boss will introduce the new member, and that was it.

Well, there was the matter of giving the Pangkat Anino insignia too, but its plainly conferring. There was nothing else.

"Again, wouldn't want to ruin the surprise." Angel put a bunch of chicken lollipops, pigs in a blanket, and bite-sized burgers on her plate. "One thing, he's about your age."

"What?" Annie had a pondering expression. That's when Caesar materialized beside her. "You got to stop doing that, Caesar."

"Sorry, Ms. Annie." Caesar bowed apologetically. Turning to him, Annie saw that he wore a black tank-top and simple jeans. His hair was slicked back and his face was radiating absolute kindness.

"I didn't know you were so buff." For the past week, Annie has never seen Caesar. Nor has she ever saw his body as he was always wearing a butler suit. "Damn, you won't have a problem getting girls with that appearance."

"You flatter me." Caesar smiled dashingly. "I have urgent news, milady. The one who will be introduced today is…"

He was cut short when the ground rumbled momentarily. Then rumbled again. It was as if a mammoth was walking. From the backstage, a towering man with an extremely massive build came in. His height was near the ceiling, at about 10 feet tall. The man sported a formal attire.

"Still cannot get used to that height." Annie exclaimed, her eyes widening. "I grasp it's a side effect, but holy shit…"

"Good morning, Pangkat Anino." Rhys' loud voice pervaded the entirety of the room without the mic. "Today, we will be joined by a new member. However, before that, there will be an announcement. And that is the return of our comrade, Eva. As a Level 5 wielder!"

The members deafeningly cheered. It was obvious that Eva was well-liked prior to her supposed death. Rhys continued in a commentator-like tone, "Coming back from the dead, Eva Gumamela!"

Eva exited the backstage. When she exited, she was out of her usual attire. She was in a black princess-esque bareback dress. She was beautiful and stunning for the people below the stage. Especially that smooth bareback and her curvaceous figure.

…..

Backstage. Hayden was sitting with The Stalker on one side. Dusk and Dawn was at his feet, play fighting each other. The place was full of what you would imagine a backstage would be. Set of lights. Those black boxes with sound equipment. Makeup tables. And many more.

The Stalker has now dressed up in a navy blue polo, black sweater vest, and trousers. He reminded you of a bartender.

As for his face, it was clean-shaven, handsome, and youthful. His hair was blue and black in color and was arranged messily with a fade on the side. He low key resembled a K-pop star, or celebrity, much like Hayden.

His true name was Aries Bituing-Asul (Blue Star). A bit ironic since his Ability allowed him to become invisible while his surname implies that he is a shining star.

"Wait…" Hayden's eyes narrowed. "Ah, that's why you're so familiar. I remember. You're that Linker of Steel Storm. Azure Charger."

"Oh, you've heard of me?" Aries smiled, articulating in his regular voice. "Can't believe I'm known by one of the biggest stars in the Philippines."

"You're not too shabby yourself. Want to do a collab video sometime?"

"Wait, what?"

"It will be good for the both of us." Hayden was nonchalant. That was when Eva was called upon by Rhys. "You have the makings of a celebrity too. Want to join me to the top?"

"You're hiring me so suddenly…" Aries smacked his lips dryly. "I… I don't know how to respond to that."

"Take your time." In that instance, Hayden was called to the stage. "You have my Identity Number when you reached a decision."

Aries was left dumbfounded by Hayden's business mindset. That kind of talk was not something you witness every day. 'Is that guy really 16 years old?'

...

Stepping into the stage, the people were astonished. Rhys announced, "Hayden Emperador. One of the finest wielders we have ever recruited has joined!"

The crowd raucously cheered. Hayden merely displayed a faint, yet inviting, smile on his face. Activating his Divine Perception, Hayden scanned the faces of the audience.

Hayden's brows furrowed when he made eye contact with someone. It was Sophia. Sophia calmly raised a glass to him as a signal for welcome.

Beside him was… Dominic. 'These guys… I guess they've been tasked to keep close tabs on me as well.'

He also locked eyes with one interesting person. It was Annie. When he did so, Annie's world completely stopped. If not for her powerful grip, she would've definitely dropped her plate of sweets.

'What the…' Annie's heart throbbed. Not from attraction. It was from… Fear. And subservience. As if she was destined to be below Hayden forever. 'What is this…?'

She was annoyed by her own feelings. Hayden refocused on the other faces. Among them were a few Linkers he has kept an eye on.

One was a famous architect Hayden has been checking for the past few days. One was a famous celebrity. One was a world-renowned researcher. And many more.

'It seems that I've made the right choice.' Hayden put on an affable front to the people. The importance of Pangkat Anino will be much higher than Puting Araw, hence, he had to be friendly.

"Okay. I pronounce him as an official Anino, blah blah blah." Rhys moved his head from side to side. A white diamond-shaped badge materialized in his hands. His hands flickered, a miniature sonic boom following in its path.

Hayden reacted easily, catching the badge on the pointy edges with his left hand's index finger and thumb. A blast of killing intent escaped him. It swept through the entire auditorium. Deafening silence followed this.