110 Knowledge Compendium Database (1/2)
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.