122 Starak

"Thiria Wefira?" Everybody at the venue exclaimed excluding Hayden. The Yojika all went in front of their tables and genuflected. As for Jin, Gafar, and Ysa, they were all frozen. The Kilch Family Head shouted something in Roshist.

This shout woke the dazed trio. They hurriedly knelt. Hayden was the sole person who stood his ground. Ysa whisper-shouted, "What are you doing? Bow. That is the conscious form of the Source Heart!"

"He knows." Gaia turned towards Hayden. "I order you all to stand up."

Everyone stood up. Gaia continued. "I order that no one shall hurt Fenrir. Anybody from Foriast. He is under my protection. Does anybody have rejections?"

All spoke in Roshist deferentially. It seems that they've complied. Gaia was satisfied. "Good. Bring little Fenrir back to the surface. I will have a lovely chat with little Starakt."

Just like that, Gaia vanished. The Yojika all stared at Hayden with incredulous gazes. They couldn't believe that Gaia, the Source Heart herself, appeared for Hayden's sake.

"I-I move that Ot-Fenrir shall not be executed and protected by the Overseers." The Ulthax Family Head stuttered, clearly still in a daze.

"I-I second the motion." Everybody on the Yojika stuttered out their decision. The Kilch Family Head ordered, "Ru-Ysa, Ru-Jin, and Ru-Gafar, escort out guest back to the surface."

The trio simultaneously put both of their hands parallel to their solar plexus. Only their index finger and middle finger stuck out, with the right hand's index finger and middle finger on top of the left hand's.

This was the salute of Overseers for people when a person of higher standing orders them. It was a sign of respect and that 'the job will be done no matter what.'

With that, Hayden rotated his body and went along Ysa, Jin, and Gafar. They exited the Yojikarata in silence.

…..

Meanwhile, in the center edifice where the Yorixia's base of operations is… At the suite below the topmost floor, there was a man sitting on a white couch. He has gaming headphones on his head and a console controller in his hands.

The man wore a simple black tank top, and boxer briefs. His outfit revealed his perfectly toned body identical to Hayden's. The man had long black hair that reached his waist and an unbelievably attractive and manly physiognomy in spite of having no facial hair.

His fingers flashed as he played 'Steel Storm.' He stuck his tongue out as he pressed down one button of the modern console.

That was when, in front of him, Gaia materialized. The man furrowed his brows in an instant. His deep voice resounded. "Guys, I have to quit now. Something came up."

"Hey." Starakt rolled his eyes in exasperation as he stood up. "I'm not all-knowing like you. In 2,058 years, I've kind of let go of most entertainments. I've seen some of my friends come and go. It's hard being the Yorixia. The moment I find a suitable person to become my successor, I will pass it off the first chance I have. And you know I don't like women as much as men, so having offspring is off the table."

"Jeez, you've done so much, don't beat yourself up." Gaia was telling the truth. Starakt was the reason that the Overseers were established in the first place, alongside Foriast. "You won three wars with the people from the other side. Protected the Source Heart for 2,000 years. And has led the world to become peaceful. You're the greatest king people can ask for. That's why you're called the Yorixia."

"I don't really care." Starakt waved the praises off. "As long as the world's a place I can live in. Ahh, how I miss Giruk…"

"It's time for you to find another man." Gaia patted Starakt on the shoulder. "It's been 1,000 years without sexual contact."

"Do not expose me." Starakt pointed at Gaia jokingly. The two laughed. It was obvious that they were close. "Anyhow, what's your business dropping by so precipitously?"

"I've found the chosen one." Gaia became serious.

"Whoa, really?" Starakt's eyes widened. "What're they like? Is he handsome? Is he a he?"

"Don't prey on a 16-year-old boy, Starakt." Gaia rolled her eyes.

"A 16-year-old boy?" Starakt rapidly blinked at Gaia. "The chosen one is a 16-year-old boy? What is he, a Level 2 wielder?"

"Yes." Gaia nodded. "He is actually a Level 2 wielder. Regardless, he is strong. He is a power that I cannot contain. He will be the champion that will repulse the upcoming invasion in 30 years."

"30 years…? That's an awfully short amount of time to train him." Starakt sat on the couch cross-legged with a pensive expression. "How can we train him the fastest? It's a given that I'll let him eat a Reza Hixilia. Wait, should I?"

"It will be for the best if you do." Gaia sighed out. "Let him in my chamber as well. I have to scan him and unchain some of his Innate Gifts. He still doesn't trust me. That will gain it."

"Heh, a troublesome one, huh?" Starakt chuckled. "Is he someone who refused to protect Earth because of his loyalties?"

"He is the same as you, alright." Gaia shook her head dryly. "In truth, he's worse than you. Why do my heroes always have to be so mistrustful? Ahh, I wish I was in one of those books that mortals write. Where the man heroically saves the maiden."

"Stop fantasizing, you good for nothing goddess." Starakt's expression contorted in repugnance. "This is real life. You can't do those."

"I know, I know." Gaia 'exhaled' heavily through her mouth. "Anyways. There's something else. You should pass onto him a Xirxian."

Xirxian, singular form of Xirixian, is a word that means 'extremely powerful, sentient, and natural object.' These are artifacts of power used by many people from the past and forms naturally. One of them is the true Excalibur used by King Arthur, who is a lifetime of Starakt.

Howbeit, not all of Xirixian are in the possession of the Overseers. Such as some lesser Xirixian of Greek and Roman, Egyptian, and Norse Mythologies. Of course, Zeus' Master Bolt is with them.

"What Xirxian would you suggest we give him?" Starakt didn't reject at all. "One to protect his life, one that can enhance his Ability, or a weapon?"

"Well, Xirixian are the ones that chooses their master." Gaia shrugged. "Just place him in the vault and let the Xirxian that chooses him go to him. Maybe Umbralis will finally find her master?"

"That stubborn Xirxian?" Starakt exclaimed. "Like hell she'll choose your champion. That Xirxian is too prideful."

"Just place him there." Gaia dismissively said. "I'll inform him of everything later. In the present, our two priorities are letting him grow and gaining his trust. He will have no choice but to fight in the war anyways. From what I've gathered, he's a man who will do anything to protect his loved ones. Even selling himself to… What was that? White Sun? An organization he's not that fond of from the start."

"Oho, interesting." Starakt's curiosity was piqued. "Okay. Is that everything? When should I prepare his initiation?"

"No, there won't be any initiation." Gaia calmly replied. "The Orastia (Overseers in Roshist) will ally with him and he will not be part of you."

"That's something." Starakt let out a titter. "You do know that the members will not feel fondly of this? Allying with a Level 2 instead of making him part of us?"

"I fathom the consequences." Gaia didn't deny it at all. "However, he wouldn't join you, or me. All he wants to do is live a life of peace. You won't be able to order him, much less anybody else, to do anything for you guys. Consequently, you, and the Yojika, will not reveal anything of his existence. He will be a shadow."

"Understood." Starakt sat back on the couch. "You can count on me. Now, let me get back to my game."

"Psh, you piece of shit." Gaia's face twitched.

"I love you too." Starakt ignored the insult. It seems that they're used to bickering with each other. How can you blame them for becoming this close? They're the two oldest beings on Earth.

…..

While Hayden was returning to his lodging, in the Southern Airport. A plane landed. Alighting the plane from a terminal were thirteen people with a black skin tone. They were all tall, with the smallest one having a stature of 184 centimeters.

The one in the middle was the tallest, standing at an impressive 201 centimeters. He even has a muscularly bulky build that made him look like a behemoth. Regardless, he was handsome, with dreadlocks that were skimmed backwards.

This was the 16-year-old Ghanaian who challenged Hayden in social media, Akwasi Quatei. He is one of the 11 Prodigal Kings termed as the 'Great Wall.'

The reason for this, obviously, is he is the tallest amongst the 11 Prodigal Kings. Of course, this wasn't the sole reason. His power and speed was unrivalled. At least in Ghanaian high-school level basketball.

When in defense, he has never let a basket past through him, no matter where the basketball player was. In offense, he crushes people with his sole height and his ball handling. He was actually agile irrespective of his bulky build.

In the Prodigal Kings, he was estimated to be the fourth strongest, with Hayden being the first. This was merely estimations as the 11 Prodigal Kings have to compete to know who is superior.

The eleven Prodigal Kings are, not in order, as follows: Heavenly Emperor (Hayden), Great Wall (Akwasi), The Wizard, Demonic General, Phantom Hand, Lightning Bolt, Demolishing Catapult, Mind Reader, Spectral Dancer, Moving Fortress, and The Acrobat.

"Heh, we'll see if he can beat my skills." Akwasi talked in Akan, the national language of Ghana. "You want her? You'll have to pass through me."

"There you go, talking to yourself again." A bald 16-year-old with a black skin tone, big feminine eyes, and no eyebrows talked. This was Akwasi's best friend, Kokou Osiwa. Kokou is the captain of the Ghanaian Annual Youth Pride team. "That Hayden is a Prodigal King, too. His power is estimated to be at the professional-level. Don't get cocky."

"Don't worry, I'm not underestimating him." Akwasi pouted. "I'm simply raring to face him. He wants my Kim Eun-ha-ssi? He'll have to pass through the Great Wall!"

"Jeez, there goes your K-Pop addiction again." Kokou hit Akwasi behind the head. "She's not yours! Don't be such a Sasaeng! It is not healthy. And not at all ethical. Do not be the gatekeeper as well. It's lame."

"I'm not gatekeeping!" Akwasi looked offended. "Nor am I a Sasaeng! I'm only protecting VERSE's precious Kim Eun-ha-ssi."

Everybody around him all cringed. Including their coach, a bespectacled bearded man. He approached Akwasi and Kokou. He murmured to the two, "Okay, the two of you. I've never told you this, but during the matches, remember that Abilities are forbidden. Utilizing it will violate our code and the warning."

"We know, we know." The two dismissively waved their hands. "It's always been that way since time immemorial."

"It's good that you understand." Their coach nodded. "Activate your Origin Limiters, okay? We cannot risk being found out as wielders."

Across the airports, scenes alike this one transpired. Coaches warning their wielder members to not reveal their status of being a wielder. Especially the impulsive 16-year-olds of the 11 Prodigal Kings, who were all wielders.

…..

9:30 AM. Hayden was in his room, wearing a tux. He was sitting on his bed, both of his thumbs flickering across the screen.

For the past hour, Hayden was messaging with Eun-ha and Sayuri in their group chat. As well as Chung-hee, Mieko, and Shu-Ching. It was quite hectic for him.

As for the Annual Youth Pride? Well, there was no use dwelling over it. Abruptly, somebody knocked on his door. Dominic's voice sounded out from the other side. "Hayden, let's go."

Hayden bade goodbye to the girls and Dusk and Dawn prior to leaving. As for Shadow, she remained in his shadow. Yep, Shadow was a female Qirikian. Surprising…

Moving on, Hayden went to the door and opened it. Dominic was outside. He whispered, "You went outside and circulated?"

"Yes." Hayden didn't hide it. Nevertheless, he wouldn't reveal the existence of the Overseers. That would be idiotic. "I had to."

"I know." Dominic's countenance was solemn. "We cannot let you die. That's why The Boss delivered this to me just now."

On his hand, an Arcane Gem materialized. It was the badge of Pangkat Anino. "Merge with it when your first one is destroyed. Now, you have three lives. We've invested a lot on you. Don't let us down."

"Don't worry, I would never." Hayden determinedly answered. He stored the Arcane Gem in his Space Ring. 'They really value me, huh? Ahh… I collected such debt already....'

Of the many things that Hayden hated, one was having debt. Debt was a heavy thing to shoulder, at least for non-money related ones. You never know when you can settle it nor will you ever know what kind of payment it will be.

Regardless, Hayden already knows how Hayden can repay his debt. It was to fight for Pangkat Anino. 'Uh, such a headache… I wonder when they'll recruit Daniel?'

On that note, Hayden walked out of his hotel room and followed Dominic.

…..

1st Floor of the hotel they were staying at. In the lobby, Hayden sat on a couch for the moment whilst waiting for people. That's when he felt that something, or someone, was observing him.

It was not as overwhelming as Ysa's and Jin's, albeit, it remains to be an observation. He had to be on his toes. Hayden ignored this feeling momentarily. He first uploaded selfies for his social media account. This was vital for keeping his career alive.

In the middle of that, Hayden pinpointed the location of the stalker. 'Indeed, even without Divine Perception, my sensitivity to being observed and danger is high… This is most certainly an innate gift.'

After all, alike Pathfinder, his sensitivity to danger wasn't activated. It was a feeling. Something that was instinctive. It was a gut feeling that was 100% accurate all of the time. That meant it cannot be acquired through training at all.

Of course, Hayden didn't remove the possibility that this was a result of his Divine Perception's passive. Which apparently didn't get deactivated when Origin Limiters are on and when a wielder is affected by Void Stone.

How that worked? Well, Hayden wouldn't know. Although he did assume that this was because a passive was a byproduct of an awakening.

Twisting his head to a particular direction, Hayden recognized his stalker in an instant. It was Akwasi. The one who challenged him in social media. One of the so-called Prodigal Kings.

Akwasi was in an archway, peering outwards as if he could not be seen. He was too conspicuous to not be noticed. Handsome, though pales in comparison with Hayden. Tall. Muscular. And in an expensive tux?

The two was embroiled in a staring contest. Akwasi quivered. 'What the… What a dominating disposition… Truly befitting that of someone termed as Heavenly Emperor.'

Hayden's gaze didn't project hostile intent at all. Nor was it arrogance and looking down on him. It was that of pure nonchalance. As if he didn't care of the existence at all of Akwasi.

That's when Kokou walked out of the archway. He turned to look at Akwasi prior to following Akwasi's gaze and seeing Hayden. Hayden noticed that Kokou's face reddened, probably from embarrassment, in an instant.

Without a warning, Kokou hit Akwasi on the head. He pulled Akwasi and bowed towards Hayden. Hayden smiled at them and nodded. He didn't really care for Akwasi.

Returning his focus to his phone, internally, Hayden was annoyed. 'What a bother… I'm here, sitting peacefully…'

For the second time, Hayden was bothered. It was someone speaking in English. "Hello, Mr. Hayden."

Looking up, Hayden saw it was Magnus Pierce. An American 16-year-old. His hair was golden blonde, and reached to his neck. He was handsome and had a white skin color. His height was at 186 centimeters.

Magnus Pierce is the Power Forward of the USA team, bearing the number 49. He was a Prodigal King estimated to be the second strongest. His nickname was 'Lightning Bolt,' attributed to his lightning-like reflexes, ball-handling, and general agility and athleticism.

He was the forerunner that was predicted to have the highest chance to beat Hayden. Dominic informed him of this.

Hayden stood up and extended his hands amicably. He had no intentions of being an asshole. "Hello, Mr. Magnus. Nice to meet you."

"Same here." Magnus dazzlingly smiled at him. Briefly, Hayden activated his Heavenly Sense. Like him, Magnus' aura was gray. "I've heard so much about you. How do you do it? Balancing your career as a Linker and as a basketball plauer?"

"I don't rest." Hayden lightheartedly answered. At any rate, despite not desiring to be an asshole, he wanted to cut this conversation off as soon as possible. "I've also heard so much about you. I hope to fight you in the court."

"I hope so, too, Mr. Hayden." Magnus chuckled, sitting beside him. Hayden's face twitched ever so slightly. "I've been yearning to fight you ever since I've watched your viral videos. It was exhilarating. Someone who can play basketball at that pace."

"Why thank you. That means a lot coming from the 'Lightning Bolt.'" Hayden sat beside him. He continued using up his social energy for Magnus. "What are your views on being called a Prodigal King? Childish, isn't it?"

"That is childish." Magnus agreed with Hayden with a laugh. "Truly childish. It's as if you're in a manga. How do you think you'll fare in the Annual Youth Pride?"

"I can't say." Hayden humbly deflected the question. "There're people I can definitely beat. Then there are you guys. I deduce I'll have a hard time."

Before Magnus can finish his words, a feeling of danger washed over Hayden. Hayden focused upfront, seeing a man smiling at him. The man had a light brown skin tone and a messy bowl cut. He was as tall as Hayden and was dashing.

It was the Chilean Annual Youth Pride team's team captain, Mateo Vasquez. He carried the number of 16. He was a Prodigal King that had the handle of 'Mind Reader.'

'What a shrewd aura.' One look alone, Hayden felt that Mateo was the kind of person to desire to watch the world burn. 'Tsk, a person that has the same intelligence, yet viler than me.'