120 Gafar Tybius

On the way down, Hayden and company had to run down for an entire minute. That's with Hayden going at full speed.

"The Yorixia wants to keep it traditional." Jin sighed, as if he has suggested this idea in the past. "Alongside the Yojika. And with the agreement of over half of every family."

"That's ridiculous." Hayden wasn't exhausted at all. "Everything's been modernized here in the first place. What's the use of keeping it traditional? Does it have some sort of sentimental value to the Yorixia?"

"Yes." A man's voice rang in Hayden's ears. Hayden turned to the direction of the origin and saw a man of tall stature with an orange blonde beard and wavy neck-length hair.

He wore an orange martial arts uniform. On the left side of his chest was a symbol of a cog. Contrary to his ragged appearance, the man said intellectually, "The Overseeing Cliff's steps have been prevented on being modernized at the Yorixia's request. It is unknown what significance it has exactly. However, it has been established that it was tied to the Yorixia's past."

The second the man finished his sentence, Jin shouted something in another language. Probably their ancient language. Which was named "Roshist."

They talked and talked for the next five minutes. From the tones of their conversation, Hayden concluded that the two were close friends, if not, best friends.

"Hey, you guys, talking in Roshist." Ysa had an expression that said 'so done.' "We have a guest and you guys are speaking Roshist?"

"Come on, we haven't seen each other for 30 years." Jin's expression was that of 'give us a break.' "It only came out of us."

"Jeez. I apologize for the two's rudeness in their stead, Ot-Fenrir.�� Ysa bowed towards Hayden apologetically.

Why was Hayden called Fenrir? You ask? That's because that he informed them that that will be his pseudonym. As for the word 'Ot,' it was a Roshist honorific. It was used to call people who are not that familiar. In simpler words, below an acquaintance, but not a complete stranger.

There were apparently tens of honorifics in the Roshist language. It was an interesting language that has all the elements of different country's cultures. There was even the 'Re' and 'Ere' that was the equivalent of 'Po' and 'Opo' in Filipino.

These were all parts of the conversations of Hayden, Ysa, and Jin during the descent. There was the matter of lifetimes, too. Hayden now knows that members of the Overseers go to the outside world to act as informants and lead 'normal' lives.

Like how Jin lived as Keaton Rivera. As such, the later generations have a chance of inheriting Innate Gifts. In addition, there were Innate Gifts out there outside of the Overseers.

Possessing multiple Innate Gifts were rather common, too. That was why having offspring between two families are often encouraged.

With that information, Hayden suspected that his keen sense to any kind of danger was an Innate Gift. After all, his danger sense was already active prior to his awakening. In fact, this sense extended to any type of danger. Tests? Yes. His natural affinity with animals, except most Chordata of the Aves Class, was also something.

…..

"Ah, yes, Ot-Fenrir." Jin accompanied the man towards Hayden. He introduced the two. "This is my best friend since childhood, Gafar. He's from the Tybius Family. Gafar, this is Fenrir, an outsider."

"Oho, you brought an outsider this early?" Gafar laughed loudly. Afterwards, Gafar put his right hand in front of his chest, with the side of his hand facing Hayden. Imagine a karate greeting without the left fist. Gafar slightly bowed towards Hayden. "Ro-Fenrir."

Hayden did the same motion. This was the standard greeting of the Overseers for everyone. "Ro-Gafar."

Ro- was an honorific for people you just met. It literally translates to 'nice to meet you' in a single syllable. It was efficient, hence, Hayden fancied it.

"Why bring an outsider in Foriast?" Gafar turned to the two. "Is this with permission? You guys can be banished for this."

"Ysa here has declared that she sees something special in him." Jin sighed. "She even did an Origin Oath stating that there'll be no ally that will hurt him for the next 12 hours."

"Wow, you still haven't changed." Gafar shook his head. "You'd presume that, in the harsh world out there, you'd change a bit."

"I would never." Ysa hugged with Gafar. "I've missed you. When did you come back?"

"I've been back for a while already. Simply resting." Gafar scratched the back of his head. "I have come earlier than Jin, actually."

For the next few seconds, the two switched back to Roshist. Hayden analyzed the contents of their conversation through their tones. He could conclude that the two bantered of their arrivals and narrowly missing each other.

Ysa coughed. The two looked at her and shivered. Ysa didn't tolerate this kind of rudeness. Unless their conversation was a secret.

"We're sorry." The two immediately put their right arm across their chest with the fist closed. It was the respectful and apologetic pleading of the Roshist language.

It seems that the two were deeply afraid of Ysa. How powerful exactly was she? Hayden would not know. If Hayden had to estimate, she irrefutably has a higher power level than Rhys.

"May I ask." Hayden interjected. "If an Origin Oath has a heavy punishment, why are you putting your life on the line for a stranger's passage?"

"Ro-Fenrir, the Kilch Family's Soul Peering Eye has never been wrong." Gafar answered Hayden. "If any of them, no matter how young or old, says a person is special. They're special. They have a reputation. Of all the Innate Gifts, theirs is the most reliable."

"Huh, okay." Hayden slowly bobbed his head in understanding. "Does that mean that you guys screen who can become a president for the World Government?"

"Uh…" The trio made eye contact uneasily. As if Hayden poured cold water on them. "That's… Well…"

"Really? You get flustered by this question?" Hayden was put in a state of dismay. "What if an outsider asks this question again? Anyone would be able to tell that the answer to it is 'yes.'"

"I…" This time, it was Ysa's turn to be flustered. She didn't anticipate for Hayden to ask this type of question at all. "It's not-"

"Oho, I've never seen little Ysa get this red." Gafar wrapped his arm around Ysa. "You're 100-something years old, and you didn't foresee this kind of question?"

"Stop." Ysa's face sunk. Her expression wasn't exactly terrifying. But Hayden sensed the anger radiating from it. Until this dissipated as tears started to fall from her eyes. "I merely didn't know how to answer! Okay? That question is too specific!"

She broke down. She actually broke down. Jin and Gafar both pursed their lips. From this, it was obvious that they didn't have knowledge of how to calm her down. Or, worse. There was no way.

Hayden rolled his eyes. Was he supposed to believe these three were best friends? Hayden had no choice but to step in. He did the apologetic pose of Roshist. "Okay, Ot-Ysa. I apologize for the abrupt question. Is there any chance that this will make up for it? It's a personal-made piece of confection."

Ysa's teary eyes focused on the item atop Hayden's open hand. It was a deceptively regular bite-sized tart without any kind of topping. Its one detail that separated it from regular tarts was that it was chocolate in color and was lustrous.

She looked at Hayden's eyes beneath the eyeholes sulkily, conveying: 'How is this supposed to cheer me up?'

"Take it." Hayden tried to express his friendliness by smiling with his eyes. If Ysa didn't know any better, she would've mistaken the masked man as a kidnapper wanting to lure her with candy. "I assure you that you wouldn't regret it."

"Fine." Ysa pouted, her right hand flashing. In a second, the tart was in her mouth. She chewed it. Gradually, her expression softened. Her eyes widened in shock. She unconsciously switched to Roshist, speaking absurdly fast. Probably praises.

On the side, Gafar and Jin narrowed their eyes. What the fuck? For years, they weren't able to calm these pangs and outbursts of Ysa. Hayden comes along, and he was able to control it? 'What's up with this guy…?'

"Sorry." A few seconds passed prior to Ysa calming down. She cleared her throat. "What is this candy? Its taste is rich, extremely chocolatey, and sweet. Absolutely sweet. Paradoxically, it isn't overwhelming. It is mellow and easy on the tongue. It's not a sweet that you'll get sick of… What is this?"

"It's a miniature tart I like to call 'Mellow Explosion.'" As usual, Hayden's naming sense was superb. Hayden's disposition changed as he did a lecture. Well, it would've been a lecture if the trio could understand the gastronomical, chemical, and cooking jargons Hayden spouted.

After all, Hayden did incorporate cutting-edge gastronomical machinery and masters-level chemistry for the creation of this tart. In addition, there was his knowledge of ingredients. In 2020, a chef with this kind of extensive knowledge was impressive.

Remember that they were in 2058, which the chefs call 'The Golden Age of Cooking' due to the influx of ingredients that can be used. Hayden literally stored and analyzed tens of thousands, approaching a hundred thousand, of ingredients in his brain. Within six months.

"Oh, sorry, got lost for a moment there." Hayden shook his head. "Anyways. Mellow Explosion is an experimental sweet. It isn't finished yet. Once it is… Well, wouldn't want to ruin the surprise. What are your thoughts, Yu-Ysa?"

Yu- is an honorific for miss. It is usually used during formal events on lectures, work, and etc. It is the shortened version of Yuda. The male equivalent is Yueki, with it being shortened as 'Yue- (yu-eh)'.

"It's amazing for a test version!" Ysa gave Hayden a thumbs up. Her next words shocked Hayden. "Say, Le-Fenrir. Do you have more of this Mellow Explosion?"

Hayden, Jin, and Gafar were all equally dazed. You ask why? Because Hayden was addressed as 'Le-'! Le- was a Roshist honorific that is used for males who you consider a friend. Ye- was used for females, and Te- was the gender neutral honorific for those who doesn't identify as male and female. These were shorts for Leta, Yeta, and Teta.

Hayden was dumbfounded as she hasn't seen his face, yet she'd consider him a friend. As for the two, they were dumbfounded as Ysa, despite of being a kind person, wasn't that easy to befriend!

She'd act kindly towards you and treat you as a sibling, sure. But she will never address you as a friend until you have proven that you were worthy! It took six months for Gafar and Jin to be addressed as 'Le-' by Ysa. Yet…

'Did he… Tame her?' Jin amused himself in his mind. 'Interesting. This guy… He's indeed special. To have such charisma.'

In truth, just possessing extreme skill in something alone wasn't enough to command respect, nor friendship from anyone. One must have sufficient persuasiveness and charisma to be able to do so.

This can be achieved in many ways. Being humble. Not overly though, sometimes that may backfire. Being physically attractive. That's no question. And many more. One way was the way Hayden did it. Having the air of a teacher and establishing that he is an absolutely knowledgeable person without coming off as arrogant.

"Well, I have more." Four more Mellow Explosion materialized in Hayden's right hand. "This is the last I can give you."

In Hayden's Space Ring, there was an entire container that contained 100 pieces of the Mellow Explosion. We all know who will be eating those. It's CHORUS. He's also giving Zeke, Scarlet, and Daniel a taste of it.

As for the remaining, that will be for Eun-ha and Sayuri. More so with Eun-ha, who loves chocolate than anybody. This was common information amongst the VERSE fandom.

"Thank you, Le-Fenrir!" Ysa seized the four pieces of candies on Hayden's open hand. "This favor will be remembered."

Hayden was satisfied with that. A favor from someone stronger than Rhys was more valuable than that life-saving Arcane Gem.

With that, the quartet spoke for a few minutes outside of the gates of the Overseer City of Foriast.

…..

Philippines. It was currently 7:07 PM of January 20, 2058.

In the elevator of the Kapangyarihan edifice that led to the base of Pangkat Anino. Inside was Eva and Duke. Duke wore a white polo underneath a red blazer and white slacks.

As for Eva, she wore her usual Pangkat Anino clothing, mask removed. She gazed at Duke with disgust. "Your fashion sense is contemptible."

"What's wrong with my fashion sense?" Duke's pitch became a bit shrill. "This is good designer clothes. And expensive to boot."

"Psh, designer clothes my ass." Eva rolled her eyes. "This is shit. Red blazer? White polo? White slacks? Black leather shoes? It's pretentious! So retro!"

"Hey, I have my taste in clothes, you have yours." Duke snorted. "Don't meddle with it."

Eva gave Duke a side glance. For the remainder of the ride, she kept quiet. The elevator doors opened. Duke gulped.

This didn't escape from Eva's perception. "You nervous?"

"That's a given." Duke touched his forehead as if he's having a headache. "Meeting with the strongest Level 5 is not an everyday occurrence."

Of course, Duke withheld some of the information. 'The thing is, I don't know who's stronger… Sitan or The Boss. From his fearful attitude, he may still be weaker than The Boss. However, what if this is a red herring…'

The one event that Duke was afraid of was that… Sitan expecting his betrayal. Well, he was a meticulous person. He punctiliously covered every bit of his tracks. Needless to say, a sprinkle of fear wasn't peculiar for what he's doing.

Eva led him to the front of Rhys' office. Eva put her right hand on Duke's back. "You still nervous?"

"Yes." Duke exhaled heavily. He turned to Eva. "It seems that you're nervous for me, too."

"Of course I am, idiot." Eva hit Duke on the back of his head, much to his dissatisfaction. "At the end of the day, you are my little brother. Do not worry. As long as your information satisfies Rhys, he will hire you. Albeit, he did say that you will have lesser access to things. But the big benefit will be protection."

"That's fine." Duke fathomed his own situation. He was the one who came begging. And Pangkat Anino would irrefutably not easily trust an outsider. Especially one of the Limang Daliri.

At that moment, the door in front of them opened up. A booming voice escaped from the room. "The two of you. Come in."

Eva and Duke made eye contact prior to walking inside the office. As usual, The Boss' face was shrouded by darkness.

"Welcome to our base, Blood King." Rhys' deep voice sent shivers down Duke's spine. "Or should I call you Duke?"

"Please, call me Duke." Duke respectfully bowed towards Rhys. "It is a pleasure finally meeting you."

"Likewise." Rhys replied affably. "Let us get straight to the point, shall we? I'm dying of curiosity here."

"First, the guarantee that I will be part of Pangkat Anino." Duke's nervousness went to oblivion. "I can't go around revealing information without the guarantee, can't it?"

"You already are part of Pangkat Anino." Rhys laughed loudly. His laugh made the walls of the room shake. Literally. "I made sure to restrain some of your access privileges, of course. As for proof, check your phone. ARCHIE."

"Yes, sir?" A man's voice, not robotic at all, came out of Duke's pocket.

Duke hurriedly fished his phone out of his pocket. A blue straight line was on the screen. As ARCHIE spoke, the straight line distorted. "Welcome."

"A-ARCHIE?" Duke was in disbelief of this development. "What is an ARCHIE?"

"I am ARCHIE.�� ARCHIE answered. "I am a human-like artificial intelligence developed by the person who goes by the pseudonym, "Techno" and his team of developers. ARCHIE stands for "A Ridiculously Complex and Highly Intelligent Escort." I will be your virtual assistant."

"How did you sneak his program in…" Duke wasn't a stranger to programming. In fact, he was a hacker in real life. "Surely, this occupied a big storage of my phone?"

"Well, Eva here connected you to our satellite." Rhys coughed once. "Okay, now. You are protected by our Pangkat Anino. The information."

"As aforementioned, Kamay ng Lagim will be waging war against Puting Araw. The reason is…" Duke put away his phone. "Sitan has returned."

"What?" Rhys exclaimed in utter shock. "Sitan… That bastard… Is alive?"

"Yes." Duke nodded. "It seems that he came back stronger, too. This is the reason that Kamay ng Lagim will be waging war with Puting Araw."

��This is crucial information, indeed." Eva was equally taken aback. Her expression sunk. "How powerful exactly?"

"To what extent? I unfortunately don't know." Duke shook his head. "Howbeit, I can tell you that his aura is as strong as The Boss. He has fully integrated the sponsors into Pangkat Anino. And Forest Giant is willing to cooperate with him."

"Forest Giant? That Level 5?" Rhys sighed. "This is catastrophic. I guess we'd have to invoke a favor, huh?"

"You will call 'him?' Of all people?" Eva's eyes widened. "Oh, goodness. This will be chaos. We're on the verge of a war. I sure hope Hayden will be able to step in Level 3 as soon as possible."

"I have two more information that I can give you." Duke disregarded the mention of Hayden. Black Devil has informed every member of the scenario when he came to assassinate Hayden already. "One is that, at the loss of Crimson Enchantress, somebody replaced her. His moniker is Corrupter. A person who can 'whisper malicious thoughts' into anybody."

"That is troublesome." Rhys approved of the information. "Nevertheless, his mental Ability is weak compared to 'hers.'"

"True." Eva immediately fathomed who was the 'her' Rhys was referring to. "Let me guess, you want another favor for the second information?"

"Yes." Duke didn't mask his intentions at all. "This information is pertaining to the locations of every single base of Kamay ng Lagim and its current states."

"Oho." Rhys' curiosity was piqued. "What do you want?"

"I simply ask one thing." Duke raised his right hand's index finger. "Let me in your next expedition of a Dimensional Realm."