110 Knowledge Compendium Database

As for the texture, it was warm to the touch. It wasn't like a piece of metal at all. Through his Divine Perception, Hayden could tell that this was something special.

Something that possessed a value that surpassed that of Voidstone's, Space Stone's, Abyssal Gold's, and anything else he has ever personally encountered.

"Hayden, the oath." Rhys likewise ignored the people's reaction of Hayden catching the badge. "Say it."

"I vow to strive for the freedom of our group unless it endangers any one of us." Hayden solemnly said with his right hand, formed into a fist, on his heart.

"The goal is freedom and nothing comes above!" The crowd shouted synchronously.

"Except our own comrades." Hayden replied seriously. "And my own life."

You see, this was the true creed of Pangkat Anino: "The goal is freedom and nothing comes above. Except our own comrades and my own life."

As you may deduce, not everyone was recruited the same way as Hayden. There was a standard mode of recruitment: Somebody, called a Scout, scouts out potential talents. Even Annie was given this mode of recruitment.

These Scouts observe the potential talent for at least a year. They will take down notes of what the actions of these potential talents do and their own values. Afterwards, the Scouts will refer to Rhys' worthiness scale, and anybody who passes will be approached.

If they agree, the Scout will say their partial creed to test out their own determination. It was the final test. For a few days, the Scout will give the potential talent space. Only if they agree will they be recruited.

The true creed is exclusively revealed to the person who joins during the ceremony. This was to test the determination of the recently joined.

The sole exception to this process were the founders and Hayden. Why you ask? Hayden's future value was too high to let go. Rhys considered him a risk in the first place.

"Rejoice that a dual wielder has joined our ranks!" Rhys guffawed. The crowd vehemently cheered. The exemption to this was Annie, who cannot believe what she heard.

"Miss Annie." Beside her, Caesar called out. "This is what I was going to tell you. The new recruit is a dual wielder. A powerful one. Someone who is called by all of the members as 'The Catalyst.' Someone who will trigger a big event."

"A dual… wielder?" Annie tightened her grip on the plate she had. Good thing the plate was made of Carbon Porcelain (1) and that her Origin Limiter was on as it was prohibited to use Abilities in the hall.

She didn't expect to see one here. To think it was someone that handsome to boot. 'And that charisma around him. That aura… What is that…?'

As she never played games in her entire life, she did not recognize Hayden at all. If she knew that Hayden was a world-class celebrity, she'd understand why this happens.

Without a warning, that aura dissolved in thin air. There was no sign of its existence at all. 'What…?'

…..

"Okay, we're done here." Rhys ceased his laugh. "Hayden, little brother. You should go and mingle with people. They have various businesses that may help with your future plans. As for that badge, Aries will explain to you."

Hayden simply nodded, his figure flickering as two cute animals appeared in his arms. It was Dusk and Dawn. As for the badge, it was now in his pocket. He descended the stage with Rhys following behind.

He first bade goodbye to Hayden before excusing himself to his office. He was evidently an absurdly occupied man. Walking to the door, an entire portion of the wall came down, giving Rhys the space to exit.

Subsequently, Hayden walked to a particular direction decisively under the watchful gazes of his fellow Anino. It was Sophia and Dominic's direction, who were conversing with some people as they put food in their mouths. When Hayden arrived, the group quietened straightaway.

"Ms. Sophia." Hayden stared into Sophia's eye meaningfully. "Fancy seeing you here. Can't believe that you're part of Pangkat Anino."

"Always has been, Hayden." Sophia faintly smiled, a rare sight. "I'm good at hiding it, wasn't I?"

"Indeed." Hayden bobbed his head. Hayden turned to Dominic "As for you, 'coach.' You old miser. You were keeping close tabs on me all this while, weren't you?"

"Guilty." Dominic bowed a bit. "It has been pleasure watching over you."

For the remainder of the time, Hayden 'easily' blended in. Although he did not exactly forcefully put on a front, Hayden forced himself to converse with everyone. Or at least those that were approachable enough and wanted to associate with him.

By the end of the ceremony, Hayden has established tens of communication links, including that one architect and an engineer. It was a fruitful harvest.

When the event ended, it was already 11:00 AM. Sophia and Dominic has left earlier for the basketball camp. During the final moments of the ceremony, Hayden was mingling with Aries, Eva, and Jason Ocampo, otherwise known as Plague Doctor.

Jason was a man as tall as Hayden with a lanky body build and white skin tone. His face was above average with a few notable features, such as his square chin. His brown, blackish, hair was styled in a 'Professional Cut.' He had a five o'clock shadow, increasing his attractiveness.

He wore a plain red shirt and blue jeans. Not at all what you'd expect from someone with a dangerous-sounding name of an Ability 'Plague Doctor.'

It was hard to imagine Jason talking in that crazed voice with his appearances. He seemed so… Normal. The duality was insane.

Ironically, Jason was an actual doctor. One of the bests too. He was a professional general surgeon and a leading scientist for medical technology. However, his actual capabilities didn't end there.

As a part of the world of wielders, he has learned many surgeries that would otherwise be considered as specialties. He even learnt some of the ways of herbal medicine and found tens of normal species variants that really has mystical effects.

"I should get you to teach me medicine sometime." The people perceived this as a joke, yet Hayden said this with a straight face. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not belittling medicine. I'm just fascinated by the craft. No offense."

"None taken." Jason shook his head with a smile. "I can teach you if you want. In all honesty, you will be a great doctor in no time."

"Why thank you." Hayden accepted the compliment.

Eventually, everyone dispersed. Hayden was going to exit with Aries for the tour of the base when somebody blocked his way. It was Annie.

"Hey, uh… Hayden." Annie avoided making eye contact with Hayden at all costs. "My name is Annie… Well, that's my English name. M-my true name is Indah. Indah Pejuang."

"Nice to meet you." Hayden gave her a polite nod. "This may be rude. The thing is, I will be touring the base with Aries here. Want to establish a communication link instead and continue the conversation later on?"

"S-sure." Annie reddened. When she looked at Hayden carrying Dusk and Dawn, she felt… Attracted. A handsome man who was close with cute animals is always a weakness for women. She took out her phone.

Clutching Dawn and Dusk on his left arm, Hayden scanned her phone with his. The communication link was established.

"We're going to go." Hayden excused themselves. "Pleased to make your friend… Shall I call you Annie or Indah?"

"A-annie." Annie stammered.

"Pleased to make your friend, Annie."

On that note, Hayden and Aries exited the conference room. Annie nearly collapsed when Hayden departed. 'What is up with his dominating aura?'

…..

1:00 PM. Hayden and Aries sat in front of the fireplace in the reception room. The tour was finished, taking a whole two hours due to Hayden's questions.

The place was gigantic, with a total square area of 0.5 square kilometers (500,000 square meters). The first floor was the main one with all these rooms. Same with the second and third.

The fourth was the lodgings with 10x10 square meter rooms, with an underground park with an artificial sun and moon in the middle. Hayden's was in Room 128. He was the 128th member.

The fifth was divided into two. The first half was a storage facility filled with thousands of fantastical materials you'll hear from myths and legends. The second half were testing grounds and simulated battleground, where on-field combat training occurs.

"Last thing you need to know." Opening his hands, a badge emerged from his hands. "Our badge is made of something called a Life Crystal."

Aries expounded on this material called Life Crystal. Life Crystal was a rare form of garnet. This Life Crystal held a power that can exclusively be fully utilized when merged with the body. Otherwise, it would have much weaker effects.

Essentially, you know how some people think there are gemstones that have effects? It was all true. Not in the sense that you'd think. Nevertheless, it was true.

In actuality, at times, some gemstone sellers sell actual rare forms of gemstones unknowingly. This is because it is indistinguishable to the human eye if something has a power or not. Which is why people will truly be able to receive good effects from gemstones at rare moments.

All these gemstones are termed by the Pangkat Anino as Arcane Gems as they all have mystical effects.

The Life Crystal is one of these Arcane Gems. It has four main effects when merged. First, is that it boosted the energy reserves and vitality of the person. Second, is that it increases the healing factor by 10%. Third, is that it can boost the essence energy circulation by a percentage.

"And lastly, the most important one." Aries' expression became grave. "The gem can sense when a wielder dies and burst with energy. Basically, it will save you from death."

"What?" Hayden was shaken. "It has that kind of power? Also, how powerful is that essence energy circulation boost? How does it work?"

"Hold on there, cowboy." Aries put his hand up. "One question at a time. First, the circulation. Any Arcane Gem has an effect of boosting circulation. The exact cause is unknown. As for how much? It raises it, at minimum, 25%, and at maximum, 50%. It depends on your affinity with the stone."

"How do you merge with it? Hayden's tone was a mix of calmness and urgency. It was the first time in weeks that Hayden was excited.

What about Eun-ha you ask? That was different. Eun-ha was a woman. There was nothing else more exciting about meeting 'the one.' What Hayden meant was outside of that, and in the world of wielders.

First, the Space Stone. The Voidstone wasn't that much of a surprise. Hayden has anticipated that, sooner or later, there was bound to be something that will present itself to him that would be able to nullify wielders. It was one of the rules of the world: Balance.

As for this. This was something unforeseen altogether. A crystal that can save his life? It was the handiest thing you'd ever get! Especially for him, a weak Level 2 wielder. The lowest of the lowest rung.

Sure, he was a dual wielder and can fight against Level 3s as easy as ABC. Regardless, that was Level 3. What of Level 4? Level 5? Or Level 6? He didn't even know if Level 6 existed because he has never heard of any wielder mention Level 6 at all.

"Well, all you have to do is clutch the badge within your hand." The badge floated onto the top of Aries' right hand. He clutched it. He closed his eyes. "Infuse essence energy into it, and sense it. Be one with it. It's an instinctive thing."

"Okay?" Hayden grasped the badge in his hands. He infused some of his essence energy into it and added life force into the mix. A warm feeling spread into his body.

On his hands, red light escaped from the clutched badge. The object in his hand felt as if it was melting. Activating Divine Perception, Hayden could tell that the insignia really was melting.

Adjacent to him, Aries' eyes widened in surprise. Usually, it takes minutes to amalgamate with the emblem. 'Holy crap this guy…'

Exactly one minute passed. Hayden opened his eyes. A red pigmentation can be seen within his irises. It disappeared as fast as it appeared.

Immediately, Hayden measured the growth of his physical body. 'Oh wow, that… Isn't how it's supposed to go…'

Through his Divine Perception, Hayden distinguished that the growth of his body was upped not by a mere 50%. It was 80% for him. In the present, Hayden's strength grows at nine kilograms per second, his speed at 1.98 kilometers, and his toughness at roughly 40 psi, though he's not sure. This was all every 24 hours.

'At this rate, I'll be able to reach that halfway mark within approximately 22 days. 23 tops.' Hayden was getting giddy. 'The hard part is surviving.'

"Wow, I've never seen someone amalgamate with an Arcane Gem that fast." Aries had a dazed expression. "Oh yeah, do not get greedy. Two Arcane Gems cannot reside within a singular body. Our bodies aren't made to be able to occupy two Arcane Gems. If you do so, the Arcane Gems will clash, your internal organs will suffer great damage. A member of ours attempted this and he was brain-dead the next day."

"Holy shit." Hayden whistled out. "Thanks for the warning."

In all honesty, Hayden was going to inquire whether this was possible. He got a bit greedy and wanted to acquire more. Who wouldn't be? 'Eh, I didn't have my hopes up high anyways. As usual, the world has a balancing system in place.'

"Thank you for your help, Aries." Hayden stood up and stretched. "If you may excuse me. I have a date with the Knowledge Compendium Database. Give me a call if you want to collaborate."

With this, Hayden got out. Going in the Knowledge Compendium Database, Hayden whistled. The room had two doors, the one on the left wing, and the one on the right wing. Hayden came in the left wing.

The Knowledge Compendium Database room was an enormous database that was designed to function the same as the internet, except without the internet part.

On the middle of the room was a ginormous floating spherical orb that was glowing with a soft light blue hue. It was within a tube-like glass encasing. The glass was made of Abyssal Sand that came with Abyssal Gold. It was much more durable than Shojin Steel, especially since its molecular structure was made to mimic that of carbon nanotubes.

Back to the orb. The orb wasn't a puny hunk of metal. It was made of a material named a Recording Crystal. A Recording Crystal had metallic properties and contains an extremely powerful latent magnetic energy within it that cannot escape.

The Pangkat Anino has learned to harness this magnetic energy to turn the crystal into a viable dense data storage, with each cubic inch of this floating Recording Crystal able to store data on it.

How it worked? Hayden had no idea. Yet. Back to the room. Below it, surrounding the glass tube, was a metal wall. On the walls were data access point terminals that allows the people to access all the data within the Knowledge Compendium Database.

Unfortunately, no one came here except the team that created this. Even they come in only for maintenance. Why was this? Well, everyone was connected to the Knowledge Compendium Database through their phones via Pangkat Anino's secretive and undetectable satellite.

Why was Hayden here then? Due to knowing that there will be no disturbance in here at all. No one comes in here after all. And the maintenance guys go in here every 6:00 PM. Hayden had plenty of time to do his thing.

Plus, Rhys explicitly specified that some of the top-secret Pangkat Anino intelligence files are solely accessible in the data terminals.

As for what it contained? All of the knowledge collected by the entirety of the Pangkat Anino, including but is not limited to, research papers, blueprints, information on wielder world objects, and all the information of every person in the Philippines.

It doesn't end there. It contained about 10% of the indexed pages on World Search. That's a freaking approximately 218 trillion websites and their data. For reference, by 2020, the largest search engine at the time has annexed an estimated 36 trillion webpages at 100 million gigabytes, and that's solely the websites itself.

The internet data within the Knowledge Compendium Database was at an astonishing one million exabytes, which is equivalent to one quintillion gigabytes. Why was this? Because every bit of the internet websites within the database was fully complete and was regularly updated by an AI developed by the head programmer and head of the database development team.

Still, it doesn't stop there. Within the Knowledge Compendium Database were all the recorded animal species, GMO or not, top-secret research done by the Philippine government, a ridiculously detailed map of the entire world that was regularly updated, and the entire AI developed by the head programmer and database development team, "A Ridiculously Complex yet Highly Intelligent Escort," or ARCHIE, for short.

Don't underestimate ARCHIE. ARCHIE can be considered a sentient deep-learning AI that is literally capable of learning on its own and sense emotions.

This resulted in ARCHIE being used by all of the wielders in the Pangkat Anino as their assistant. ARCHIE was in all the robots that roamed around the base.

How big was ARCHIE's data? An entire exabyte. That was 1 billion gigabytes. For comparison, the standard human brain can hold a mere 2.5 million gigabytes of digital memory.

Standing in front of a data terminal, Hayden cracked his knuckles. "Yeah, I probably shouldn't do that next time. Why do people do that anyways? Cause it looks cool? Who needs that?"

Shaking his head, Hayden scanned his hand on the scanner. A robotic male voice rang out, "Welcome, Hayden Emperador."

"It's go-time." Hayden licked his lips involuntarily. "ARCHIE, can you give me everything you have on Puting Araw?"