When Jaden stood before the CREDHOS headquarters for the first time, a feeling of wonder and respect washed over him. The imposing structure rose before him, reaching dizzying heights.
Futuristic glass panels captured the sunlight's reflections, creating ever-changing patterns that seemed to dance across the building's surface.
'Wow... This building isn't just large; it's magnificent!' Jaden was in awe. He had seen many buildings, but this one was undoubtedly the most beautiful.
All the lights were secondary to an even more striking and imposing feature. Above the polished steel doors that marked the building's entrance, there was an imposing CREDHOS logo, richly illuminated by integrated LED lights that projected a brilliant glow into the surrounding darkness.
'And this CREDHOS logo looks so realistic. The details on the HOUM are much more visible, and that HOUM... it looks very intimidating.' Jaden thought.
He was only at the entrance of the CREDHOS headquarters, but he felt like he had entered a different world.
'This HOUM... it's as if it was right in front of the sculptor when the logo was created. If it weren't too crazy, I'd believe that was the case.' Jaden thought, utterly astonished.
It wasn't just the HOUM; the elegant contours and intricate details of the logo were visible, capturing the attention of everyone who entered.
The LED lights illuminating the logo cast a subtly changing light, highlighting different parts of the symbol. The effect was both striking and captivating, reinforcing the impression of importance and impact that the organization aimed to convey.
The main entrance was flanked by polished steel doors, each adorned with the iconic CREDHOS symbol. As Jaden approached, he noticed that the doors opened by themselves, anticipating his and the two CREDHOS members' presence.
'Of course, the doors should behave this way. It's just a matter of sensors and a bit of programming.' Jaden thought, not at all surprised that the doors opened automatically.
Once inside, he was greeted by a vast hall of breathtaking proportions.
'They really went all out.' Jaden thought, turning his head in all directions to take in every detail of the magnificent CREDHOS headquarters.
"How do you like it? Pretty cool, huh?" Rush asked, seeing the new recruit awestruck.
Jaden nodded in response as he continued to admire the surroundings.
The walls were covered with illuminated panels projecting moving images, showcasing CREDHOS' achievements and missions worldwide. The marble floor shimmered under the subdued lights, reflecting the screen's glare and adding an elegant touch to the whole setting.
In the center of the hall, a modern fountain created a gentle water murmur, filling the air with a soothing ambiance.
'I must admit, I'm blown away.' Jaden said to himself.
Coming from a very wealthy family, it was rare for him to be impressed by things like buildings, but this one was just too beautiful. He couldn't help but wonder if the limits he had set for himself were indeed his true boundaries.
There were security personnel in black uniforms meant to guide newcomers, but Jaden was new, and he wasn't alone. So none of them had approached him.
"This way, kid." Rush said, seeing that Jaden was a bit lost.
As he walked through the hall, Jaden could feel the eyes of the other team members who were going about their activities. He felt observed and analyzed, as if everyone he passed was wondering what he was doing there, especially with one of the top teams.
Noticing the "where are we going" expression on Jaden's face because they weren't heading toward what seemed to be the reception, Rush burst into enthusiastic laughter, waving his arm around Jaden to make him feel like they were both about to embark on an epic adventure.
"Hey, kid, you're probably wondering where we're dragging you, right? Well, hold on tight, buddy, because you're about to enter the Holy Grail of CREDHOS!
"We're going to what we call 'the Conclave Room.' It's where the brightest and strongest minds in our organization gather to debate, discuss, and decide serious matters." He said boastfully before adding.
"Imagine it like a secret council of superheroes, except the superpowers here are logical reasoning and smart strategies!" He patted Jaden on the shoulder, a wide grin on his face, and continued with his infectious energy.
"You know, this is where the great minds come together to make crucial decisions. Imagine Rei, Zixe, and myself, thinking deeply about how to maintain peace and combat HOUMs."
Jaden was taken aback. Could someone be this proud of themselves and say it out loud? When Rush spoke, it sounded like he thought he was the center of the world. Jaden could only nod helplessly.
However, Rush wasn't done; there was more to come.
"It's like we're a team of geniuses—oh, wait, we are! And you, my friend, are about to join us!"
Rush paused dramatically, raised an eyebrow, and winked at Jaden.
"So, are you ready to step into the den of CREDHOS wisdom?"
Jaden couldn't believe his ears, but he appreciated Rush's kindness, so he smiled and stepped into the elevator.
Once the elevator doors opened, Jaden followed behind Rei and Rush into a spacious vestibule with walls covered in silver metal with a soft sheen.
From there, a double set of conclave doors led to the actual Conclave Room.
"Welcome to the Conclave Room, kid." Rush said when they all had a view of it.
Jaden nodded as he thought: "So, this is the Conclave Room."
The room was vast and circular, with a glass dome at the top that allowed filtered natural light. The walls were adorned with dark wood panels inlaid with gold metal ornaments representing symbols and motifs reminiscent of CREDHOS' history and values.
"So, what do you think, kid? Pretty amazing, huh? Admit it. I get that feeling every time I come here."
Rush said with great enthusiasm, walking into this magnificent room as if he were at home.
Jaden followed them as they headed to the center of the room, where a large elliptical table made of precious wood rested on a steel pedestal.
The table was equipped with integrated holographic technology, allowing for the projection of complex three-dimensional information during meetings. The seats all around were ergonomic, cushioned with dark leather and adorned with the CREDHOS logo.
Jaden felt the pressure when he laid his eyes on this table because it wasn't just its beauty reflected in his violet-pupiled eyes, but also the faces of the country's greatest CREDHOS.
The most famous women and men in the country were sitting there, right in front of him. He could hardly feel his legs anymore; the pressure was so intense that if he had come to this place before his battle with the HOUMs, he would likely be on the ground by now.
As he grappled with his emotions, an assertive female voice rang out. She had left the table and was heading their way.
"Only you would organize something like this on the spot, Rei."
It was a woman with a mysterious beauty that drew gazes, but nothing made her more captivating than her impulsive aura.
Her deep black hair, akin to a midnight veil, framed her delicate face. It cascaded in gentle waves around her neck and shoulders, creating a striking contrast with her pale and almost ethereal skin.
"Hey, Sera." Rei replied as if he didn't mind being spoken to in that tone at all.
His voice also carried a hint of "you hate to greet someone first, don't you know that?" which added some irritation to Seraphina Nightshade's face.
She narrowed her intense dark-colored eyes, which normally shone like stars in the darkness, but now reflected a gleam of challenge and excitement, testifying to her impulsive and passionate temperament.
She advanced toward the three newcomers entering the room, wearing a leather jacket adorned with silver studs, lace-up knee-high boots, and matching gloves, all adding a rebellious layer to her appearance.
Once Sera was in front of the group, Rush spoke up and positioned himself in front of this woman with enchanting curves without fear, just disgust—he really couldn't stand this Sera.
"Do you want to fight, tigress?"
"The little sidekick comes running to save the number one's honor? Haha, what a shame!" She shook her head with disdain, much more disgust than what Rei had shown.
There was tension in the air as the two faced off.
"So, what was this impromptu meeting about? Who is this young man? Also, could you two stop your childish bickering?" A relaxed voice spoke up, not coming from the table but closer to the wall of the room, observing everything with interest.
The walls were adorned with artistic frescoes depicting scenes of bravery and cooperation among the organization's members. Touchscreens were concealed within the wall panels, allowing participants to share real-time data, make annotations, and vote on proposals.
It was Karim, a man who appeared quite unremarkable except for his glasses that made him a bit of a nerd like Jaden's brother.
He had black hair and a nerdy look about him. He didn't seem rushed, but he wasn't the kind of person to waste time on nonsense.
He wore the same uniform as Rei and Rush, but his was impeccably neat. He emitted no aura, appearing to be the most approachable person. However...
'This guy gives me the creeps.' Jaden thought.
Karim might look cool, but he was probably not someone to mess with—Jaden could sense that.
Sera returned to her seat, allowing the others to do the same. Once they were in front of the table, Rush and Rei took chairs next to each other.
As for Jaden, he wasn't sure if he should sit or not. Before he could dwell on this for too long, he heard a voice.
"So, what's so important?" asked a man at the far end of the table, who appeared to be older than everyone else.
Despite the table being full, there was no one sitting across from him—at the other end of the table.
before Rei or Rush could respond, Sera spoke up, glaring at Jaden as if he didn't even deserve to breathe the same air as her.
"But first, I'd like to know what this kid is doing here?"
'Sera is really weird.' Jaden couldn't help but complain about this impulsive woman who seemed to have a grudge against him and his team—yes, his team.
"Do you find me weird? Want to find out for sure?"
Jaden was certain he hadn't said anything out loud; he had only thought it. True, he said it out loud, but it was in his head, out loud in his head!
So how could this shrew have heard him? Could it be one of her abilities? But it was cheating to have such abilities. No one could have them; otherwise, the world would have known.
There had never been anything like a person who could read thoughts, which was increasingly unsettling for Jaden, what affinity can help someone to read thought?
'Are we in a movie, or perhaps death is just a dream that resembles reality?' That was the only logic conclusion Jaden could come up with.
"Calm down, Seraphina." said the old man who seemed to be in charge of the meeting.
He had black hair with plenty of gray in it, as well as piercing eyes. His physique was such that just by looking at him, you could tell his profession—fighter.
His aura was the most toxic in the room, although it seemed contained. This old man could probably make a regular person faint with just a glance.
"I would like Jaden Lavender here to join our team." Rei said directly once the atmosphere had settled.
It wasn't really a subject of no importance; it was a matter of great significance. However, Rei had mentioned it as if it weren't worthy of mention.
The room was quiet, and there was no noise.
Everyone was trying to digest what they had heard because it implied too many things, besides the simple fact that Jaden hadn't gone through the normal training process that CREDHOS members typically underwent.
There was the notoriety that came with the fact that they were a team with only two members, which contributed to the organization's well-being, and these were just a few among many other considerations.
'So, they haven't told them anything yet.' Jaden pondered.
However, he couldn't understand why they hadn't given a brief summary of the situation before arriving, which would have caused fewer problems.
But as they were the professionals, they probably had a better perspective and knew how to handle things in the best way.
When Jaden was pondering, the old man spoke again.
"You've always turned down new members for your team, even the best from the academy left you indifferent. What's so special about this young man?" He asked.
After this question all eyes were on Jaden, filled with curiosity. Why would these people, who had built a certain image of themselves, suddenly want to add this kid to their team?