129 Moriel

"What's this!?" Commentator Hayden felt like he was repeating himself. Who can blame him? This match was a rollercoaster of events. "Jorge will be directly facing Hayden! What is Jorge thinking? Does he have some sort of plan? Did they find a way to stop the basketball monster that is named Hayden?"

As said, Jorge did directly walk up to Hayden. Hayden was intrigued, hence, he took a step back and let Jorge in the half court line to prevent the 8-second rule.

Hayden perceived that, behind him, the Golden Eagle Twins loomed in on him. Jorge passed Hayden the ball in this enclosed space. Hayden was perplexed of their actions.

Hayden was the ultimate all-arounder. Without his essence energy and Abilities, Hayden is more than capable of jumping out of this guard. And without that, he is more than skilled enough to force his way out, or passing to a teammate.

"Don't get any funny ideas, Hayden." Jorge talked to him in English whilst Hayden dribbled the ball slowly. "We'll simply intercept the pass and give it back to you. As for shooting, do you think you can-"

Jorge ceased speaking when Hayden turned around and went for a shot… Towards his own team's net. Due to their surprise, Lloyd, Luis, and Jorge couldn't react at all. Until Hayden's hand shifted on the opposite side of the ball, shooting it to the Mexican team's basketball net, scoring another three points.

"What in the world was that!?" Commentator Hayden shouted in astonishment. "Without looking back, Hayden scored another three points! From way beyond the half court line too! He widened the gap by nine points already! Will this be one of the years that the Philippine team will win?"

"I'm sorry. Please give up." Hayden yawned. This was misperceived as him being arrogant. "I'm too tired to entertain any sort of strategy. Just so you know, I will break every one of your strategies with everything I can. Also, what was even the plan there? To exhaust me?"

Hayden's sentences, although belittling, were terrifying beyond words for Jorge, Lloyd, and Luis. They understood that this wasn't an insult in any way whatsoever. This was Hayden being unconditionally serious.

They were tempted to use their Abilities at this juncture. That's when they heard their coach within their heads. 'Don't. You'll invite unnecessary attention from the wielders all around the island. You're Level 2 wielders. You still have a chance to beat Hayden in the GBA World Championship in the future.'

'We cannot give up.' Jorge resolutely stared at their coach. 'If we give up here now, we can't possibly win against him in the future.'

'Then fight till you're satisfied.' Their coach transmitted. 'Try to win with the best with all you've got. Push through.'

…..

Everyone couldn't believe Hayden's athleticism. They all thought that Magnus, the Lightning Bolt, was the fastest Prodigal King. Witnessing Hayden's display, they were second-guessing that.

What's more, it appears that Hayden can do everything that every Prodigal King can. Probably except Kim Jong Hwa's strategies. At least that's what everyone assumed.

With no counter at all, the Mexican team lost every bit of hope. Well, what can they do? Hayden couldn't be cornered at all. He was as slippery as a fish. They also didn't have the option of using long-ranged three-pointers, which is their regular strategy, as Hayden can use it as well.

There was no area that Hayden was weak at in the slightest. Rebounding? Nobody can beat him at all! Dribbling? Like hell can they match up with that agility freak! Blocking his shot? They wish! Hayden can use those forced four-pointers much better than Jorge can!

This goes to show that, in front of a pure incarnation of skill, talent, physical ability, and ingenuity, everybody was akin to a housecat against a full-grown tiger. No amount of strategy can faze Hayden at all, who uses brute strength to take it down.

"Should we give up…?" Jorge was disheartened of these events. His confidence was totally shattered of the existence of Hayden. "No one can possibly…"

"Let's save ourselves from the embarrassment." Lloyd and Luis were similarly dejected. Who the hell wouldn't be in this situation? "Coach, we… Forfeit."

With their decision, the half time break didn't get to finish when the Mexican team announced their surrender. This was unprecedented in Annual Youth Pride as every participant were approximately more or less on the same level each year.

Every player shook hands. When Jorge shook hands with Hayden, he asked one thing. "How can you do all of these?"

"I focus better when I'm drowsy." Hayden scratched his head awkwardly. "I geniunely am sleepy. I couldn't sleep last night due to my nervousness of facing two Prodigal Kings on a single day. Well, who wouldn't be?"

Jorge was put in a daze when he heard this. Lloyd, Luis, their teammates, and Hayden's teammates who overheard Hayden's statement were floored. Brother! You probably are the strongest basketball player of your age and you have this kind of humility? You couldn't sleep last night? You want to be kicked in the balls?

"A-are you serious?" Jorge thought that Hayden was being arrogant when he uttered those words earlier. Seeing Hayden nod, Jorge wholly accepted his inferiority. "Do not lose in the final round."

"I don't intend to." Hayden replied with a smile. With the end of this interaction, came the end of the Mexican and Philippine team's match.

"What do you think of him?" Returning to their bench, his coach asked Jorge. "Is he a good person?"

"He is." Jorge solemnly agreed. "Did he really not use his Ability at all, coach?"

"No, not at all." His coach shook his head. "However, that air, don't you think it's parallel to that person?"

"It… Is…" Jorge's face darkened further. "Yet, he's a good person. How intriguing. You think we should befriend him?"

"For now, let's observe him further." The coach remained cautious of Hayden. "In this cruel world, it is hard to find allies. We don't have a chance to win this anymore. For the remainder of the time we have here, let's observe his actions and focus on taking advantage of this increased circulation."

"Agreed." Lloyd and Luis approached them. Lloyd verbalized himself. "Hayden may be a valuable ally in the future. Nevertheless, we cannot ignore our own strengths."

…..

Taking a transient shower, Hayden briefly met up with Sophia, Scarlet, Daniel, Noah, and Zeke. Afterwards, he met up with his parents, who couldn't watch his first game because of their jet lag, and Christopher and Harper, who closely followed Hayden's parents.

Returning to his hotel room, Hayden was met with Eun-ha and Sayuri. They were already in comfortable wear, with Sayuri wearing red shorts and a white shirt. Meanwhile, Eun-ha was dressed in a white silk shorts and a black shirt with the word CHORUS in white at the chest area.

Hayden inquired, "What are you two doing here?"

"We're here to cuddle with you." Sayuri hugged Hayden. "We noticed that you couldn't sleep last night and we're here to provide comfort."

"Okay." Hayden was too sleepy to even think about anything. He took off his jersey and shirt. He fell asleep the moment he collapsed on the two's arms.

Eun-ha and Sayuri's eyes met prior to chuckling. They did as they said, hugging Hayden tightly without a word. The comfortable atmosphere caused them to drift asleep, too.

…..

While Eun-ha, Sayuri, and Hayden were all contentedly snoozing…

7:00 PM. Monday. Philippines. In a remote forest in Surigao del Sur, San Miguel. There was a genuine stronghold on high-ground with 20-meter-high walls. This was the Main Headquarter branch of Surigao del Sur. The branch that Rose was in charge of.

What made this branch so special is that every wall was built with special world of wielder materials that Puting Araw called 'Multiplicative-Absorbing Cement.' It was the Turaka that Foriast buildings and roads were created of.

As for the base below the citadel, the Multiplicative-Absorbing Cement was lined with Voidstone, which had spatial transference effects. Black Devil had no knowledge of Voidstone having a use of this. Other than being practically indestructible to wielders and cognizants, it had Ability-cancellation and absorption effects as well.

Moreover, the Voidstone that was in this base were fed essence energy by wielders every day and was at maximum toughness. When tested by the wielders in Puting Araw, it was three times tougher than Adamant Alloy.

In the periphery of the walls, Sitan's figure blinked into existence. Stripping his turtleneck sweater, an immaculately sculpted body of a man was revealed. It was on par with Hayden's own body with the golden ratio.

Feathered white wings budded from Sitan's back. He said something in an unknown language optimistically. From his tone, he said something along the lines of 'how exciting is this moment.'

Abruptly, golden light forcefully shone down on Sitan. Sitan basked in the light. Golden armor covered his body and wings. Sitan was actually a Hazium!

He wasn't finished. Sitan muttered something. A white gauntlet, easily triple the size of Sitan's own hand, gradually actualized around his right hand.

"I've been wanting to test you out, Moriel." In response to his words, a bespectacled spectral and lanky man as tall as him who donned a white tux materialized. His similarly white hair was cut and styled cleanly akin to a butler's.

Moriel and Sitan conversed in another language. Moriel was respectful all the way, while Sitan was laidback and blithe. In time, Moriel nodded with a smile prior to disintegrating.

Stretching his right hand out, an enormous golden hand above the citadel came into being. Sitan formed a fist. The hand in the sky similarly became a fist. Sitan oriented his hands as if he's going to smash the citadel. The hand followed.

Sitan brought the fist downwards. The entire structure of the base couldn't take the force of Sitan's attack and was destroyed in an instant. Sitan opened his eyes and moved it to the right, wiping half the fortress.

He waved it back to the remaining left side, demolishing it in an instant. As Sitan knew that there was an underground base that can withstand his own power. He took flight and dove on the aftermath of his attack.

"Heh. The so-called Multiplicative-Absorbing Cement couldn't withstand the attack, huh?" Sitan cackled evilly. "Moriel, you're no joke."

It was undemanding for Sitan to find the entrance of the underground base. He punched the door to open it. Sitan descended.

He wreaked havoc. He chased down every single person that ran away from him. He ruthlessly killed off every single bit of wielder that can be killed. The few Level 4 wielders weren't exempted from this execution.

A few minutes later, Rose appeared in front of Sitan. She was surprised of the person standing in front of her. "Sitan…"

"Rose! How wonderful!" Sitan spread his arms. Rose completely activated both of her Abilities. Consequently, her skin transformed into blue and black tattoo markings etched itself on her skin. "How I've missed fighting with you! Have you been well?"

"You…" Rose gritted her teeth. She asked, puzzled, "How are you alive?"

"Oh, dear Rose." Sitan menacingly laughed. "I am not obligated to provide you an answer. But, I'll spare you. I want to have a fun game of cat and mouse with you."

Sitan's figure flickered behind Rose. Without any time to react, Rose was struck on the neck by Sitan, making her lose consciousness. '…Impossible!'

Prior to her passing out, Rose mused how her defense was bypassed by Sitan. She had everything activated. Sitan caught her by the stomach. "How weak you've become. But you'll still be a sufficient plaything for me. Hehe."

Sitan gently put Rose down. He continued sowing chaos on the base, leaving destruction in his wake. Ultimately, the entire base was strewn with corpses, every piece of was equipment destroyed. All that was left was ruin.

In the other branches in Mindanao, the hidden bases of Puting Araw suffered similar fates. In fact, a member of the Walong Sinag ng Araw barely escaped with his life.

It was Ace Navalez, aka Itim na Kabalyero (Black Knight). He was the protector of the Cotabato city branch. He was actually quite lucky to survive the onslaught of attacks from Black Devil, Fan Maiden, and Forest Giant.

'No, I wouldn't have survived. Not with Black Devil's personality and Ability.' Ace was hurriedly limping on the streets of Carmen City on Cotabato.

He was bloodied all over and was seen as abnormally dressed with his Puting Araw get-up and whatnot. This resulted in him attracting the attention of people. 'They deliberately left me alive. This is the only logical explanation!'

Ace was entirely correct in his conjecture. Sitan specifically instructed them to cause rampage, yet leave the members of the Walong Sinag ng Araw alive. Sitan can be said to be a total maniac with this type of mindset.

As for Juan Tamad, due to his opponents being about the same level as him, he was able to save himself from a catastrophe. Even then, the base he was assigned to protect has fallen and he was unable to save nary a single life.

They both boarded the Afterimage Rail Transit at different times and directly went to Makati. While in the train, they called the main branch to report this incident. In the succeeding hours, the entire Puting Araw in Luzon and Visayas panicked and on their toes. Especially since they cannot contact Rose.

…..

9:00 AM. World Government Island. Hayden woke up in the arms of two beauties. Two intoxicating beauties. No biggie.

As usual, Hayden smooched the two on the neck to signal that he was awake. The second Sayuri woke up, she pulled Hayden's face to hers. Hayden and Sayuri passionately made out for the next ten seconds.

Eun-ha indicated through a kiss on Hayden's cheek that she was awake too. Hayden stopped kissing Sayuri and switched to Eun-ha.

"Shit…" Hayden sat up afterwards. "What is up with you, Sunshine? Forcing me-"

He was interrupted when he felt the two's breasts making contact with his arms. Precipitously, they attacked Hayden on the neck with their lips. It was a steamy scene. A sexually arousing scene. Hayden even thought he was in a dream

Irrespective of that, Hayden closed his eyes instinctively, gently stroking the two's hair with both his hands.

A few seconds later, Hayden removed his hands on the two's heads, put both of it on the bed, and propelled himself forward. He faced them. "What the hell was that!?"

The two faced each other and smiled. This smile became a chortle, likely targeted at Hayden's fluster. Eun-ha pointed something out, "This will be your life from now on, you know? It isn't that strange, right?"

"Uh…" Hayden was thunderstruck of Eun-ha's coolness of the situation. "I mean… Me and Sayuri haven't even done it yet…"

"Really?" Eun-ha teasingly grinned at Sayuri. Her mischievous personality came out at this interval. "Reeeeallllyyy?"

It was Sayuri's time to be agitated. She reddened in a flash. Again, she was great at teasing, but not so great at being subjected to teasing. Her voice at shrunk every word that came out of her mouth, "We agreed that we'd wait at leat three weeks…"

"Hey, hey." Eun-ha got out of bed and stuck herself to Hayden. "I don't want to spoil anything. But you won't be able to forget-"

"Okaaaay." Hayden interrupted Eun-ha in the middle of her sentence. "Enough of the sex talk. I have a match to catch up to in an hour."

"Oh yeah, your opponent gave up last match…" Sayuri rose, getting rid of her embarrassment. "What happened?"

"I needed rest, so I had to shut them down as fast as I can." Hayden stretched. "Also, I'm hyperactive when I am drowsy. In other words, I play better. And of course, this played a factor…"

Hayden released his divine king aura. An overwhelming sense of dread and inferiority came gushing in the two's chest. Eun-ha couldn't put her guard down. "What is that? Where is it coming from? Wait… Ho…ney?"

"I've learned to manipulate it." Hayden didn't hide his Supreme King at all. "It's apparently tied to my Divine Perception. There's another one…"

A demonic killing intent blasted out from Hayden. If the previous feeling was that of despair due to inferiority, this time, they felt immense fear. They were… Terrified of Hayden! Their own boyfriend! They were asphyxiated to boot!

"Yes, I shouldn't release that, huh?" Hayden concluded after seeing the two's expressions. "The killing intent is that powerful?"

"It's probably because it's unexpected on our part and were completely caught off-guard…" Eun-ha and Sayuri released their bated breaths. Eun-ha asked, "It'll probably have lesser effects against enemies on guard."

"Doubtlessly." Hayden acquiesced. "Anyhow, neat power, huh? I'll explain it to you later on. At present, I cannot. Though I think it'll be soon when I can tell the two of you everything."

"It's fine, you don't have to tell us anything." Sayuri sweetly kissed him on the cheek. "We'll be here to support you. As long as you aren't in any danger, you don't have to tell us anything at all."

"She's speaking the truth, you know?" Eun-ha pecked him on the cheek. "We have our own matters that we cannot divulge to you."

"Lunar Assembly?" Hayden casually asked.

"Yep." The two simultaneously confirmed. Eun-ha continued, "Lunar Assembly has its secrets. That information about World Items was classified till we've seen you possess three of them. And now, we can disclose that most A-Rank and S-Rank Ability Wielders have some sort of power that doesn't require the usage of an Ability. This is the aura that you've used. It's called Royal Power. It's something that members of royalty usually possessed back in the day and those that have the qualities to be a ruler today. As we've mentioned when your aura slightly resembled that of a king's back then."

"Ah, I see." Hayden bobbed his head. "Royal Power, huh? This thing has many names. I guess 'it' isn't as limited as 'they' thought."

"Stop it with the enigmatic words." Sayuri pouted. "Don't poke on our intrigue. We are as curious as you on these things."

"Okay, okay." Hayden didn't argue, hugging the two tightly and ruffling their hair. Hayden hesitated, though he still said, "I love you, Gonjunim."

"Yeah, love you too." Eun-ha responded. That moment of hesitation from Hayden didn't escape her discernment, deducing it as awkwardness in Sayuri's presence.

"We'll get there." Sayuri tousled Hayden's hair. "We'll get there, baby."