From that point on, Jaden was under even greater pressure, barely able to breathe. These guys were the strongest in the country, and some were even world-class. So he had every right to faint if he wanted to.
But instead of hearing Rei or Rush's voice, another voice spoke up. It sounded peaceful and casual, as if nothing mattered. The voice was neither too loud nor too soft; it was just audible enough for everyone to hear.
"These are probably none of my business, but, old man, wouldn't that involve a lot of paperwork? Adding a kid with no proper training to a team." he said.
Jaden was amazed to hear this voice. 'If I weren't sitting at this table, I would never have heard what he just said.' Jaden thought to himself.
The impression this voice gave him was extremely strange, and Jaden was on high alert. How could a voice be so strange? It was better not to mess with this guy too.
'So, this is what these guys are capable of.' Jaden thought for the second time after meeting different CREDHOS members for the second time.
The man who had just spoken was as famous as Rei and Rush and could be considered a rival, although there were quite a few guys like him in the organization. This man was named Zixe. His appearance was in stark contrast to the others.
He had black hair, with one or two strands falling over his forehead on the right side. He wore black sunglasses, somewhat of an 'RNB' style, and there was a touch of yellow in his hair near his left ear.
'Sunglasses inside a room?' Jaden made a point but just let go, it was surely above him.
He wore a white and yellow hoodie with some black here and there. The way the colors were arranged created a very cool design. On the sleeve of his left arm, there was a small black and yellow zipper. Underneath this hoodie, he wore a black turtleneck that was visible at the collar.
He exuded such charm and confidence that it seemed like nothing in the world was his equal. From his appearance, one might think he was a rapper rather than a CREDHOS member.
'I wonder how I didn't notice him; he was almost right in front of me. They're all so strange here.' Jaden thought.
The voice was just one of the things that stood out from the ordinary. He only saw this man when his voice sounded, even though with his unique style, he should have been one of the most noticeable people.
But no, it was as if Zixe had to want to be seen before someone like Jaden could be able to see him. If Jaden had any doubts about the CREDHOS before, they were certainly all gone now, because the presence of each of these people was just extraordinary – he could feel it, and it frightened him.
Another voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
"I would probably have some, but a little more paperwork won't hurt me. However, Rei, I need more details." it was the voice of the old man leading the meeting.
And then everything took a bizarre turn...
Jaden was astonished to find himself waking up. What time had he closed his eyes, and why had he closed them? As he opened his eyes, he noticed that he was lying down and that some time had passed, but he wasn't aware of it. There was a sudden shift in the atmosphere compared to the last time he had been conscious.
'What happened to me? I feel like I missed something.' Jaden was in shock, so he started analyzing his body, and once again...
'My T-shirt is torn, the ****...' He had a strong urge to use that vulgar word, but he thanked his stars that he didn't say it out loud. With the shady abilities of the HOUMs, he now believed that impossible things were almost impossible.
"Rei, did you kill me again!?" Jaden's expression was quite complex, a mix of anger and restraint, as if he was telling himself "Don't get angry, here you're just an ant." He held such self-esteem, an ant? As big as that?
During the 5 minutes he was unconscious, the whole story had probably been told because everyone had a serious look, or almost everyone. Some people like Zixe and Karim just looked curious.
'Did they tell them everything?' Jaden wondered.
If they told them everything, won't they just want to keep Jaden imprisoned? Also why Rei and Rush want to help him; they didn't really know each other, did they?
However, there was one more thing that took all Jaden's attention – the CREDHOS' reaction. Their reactions were definitely not normal; they were either serious or curious, and that was it?
'I'm immortal, for heaven's sake!' Jaden screamed in his head.
What's on their minds, these guys? What have they encountered to be so indifferent to this kind of reality?
Jaden was lost; he had no definition for these CREDHOS. All he knew for sure was that he had a completely wrong view of these guys.
"All right, I accept your request if all the members present here agree and if you accept this young one into your team." The old man's expression was quite normal; he was just stating a fact.
"But, they will not be official members of your team." The old man added, and everyone knew why he said that.
It will be too much for the association; Rei and Rush were the only team with just two members, so adding newbies would just create controversy.
When the old man finished his sentence, someone entered the room, a young man vibrating with exuberant energy and overflowing ambition, measuring about 166 cm (66 inches).
He had tousled jet-black hair, reflecting an active lifestyle and a relaxed attitude toward things. His mischievously sparkling eyes always seemed ready to jump into a new adventure.
He wore the CREDHOS uniform, but unlike the CREDHOS here present, such as Rei, for example, his was not navy blue or off-white; it was rather dark gray. It was the color for aspiring CREDHOS.
'Oh, I think this is the first time I've seen this guy without his smile.' This was Jaden's reaction as soon as he laid eyes on this familiar face.
Just before saying. "The mightiest of heroes."
Surprised to hear this voice and the way he was addressed, the young man who had just entered the room slightly changed his expression. He abruptly raised his eyebrows, then turned his head toward where the voice had come from before saying. "Oh, the genius!"
This young man was Kenzo Ryo. They had been in the same Judo dojo for a long time, and Kenzo was undoubtedly the strongest person he had ever met aside from those supernatural CREDHOS.
The old man then introduced Kenzo to Rei and Rush, laying out his abilities as well as his limitations. It was essential to know your ally well to use them to the fullest.
While Rei and Rush were contemplating the proposal of accepting a new member in addition to Jaden, Kenzo and Jaden engaged in a rather unique conversation.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" Kenzo asked while smiling.
He was a bit confused to see this guy here. He had never seen him during their training year, and he knew from their interactions that Jaden never intended to join the CREDHOS. He wanted to know the reason for his presence.
"Long story, I'll keep it short. I'm unofficially a member of Rush and Rei's team." Jaden replied casually, making it sound like no big deal. But it was a bombshell for anyone hearing this news. Kenzo was no exception.
"What? How?" If eyes could pop out of their sockets, Kenzo's would probably be out after this revelation. He couldn't find the words to express this feeling; it was too much for him to take in.
"Yeah." Jaden replied calmly, taking a little comfort in the shock value of it all. It was the only advantage in this whole story – fame, glory. He had something to be proud of… at least.
"You never cease to amaze me; you're a true genius." Kenzo said with a dejected look after he had processed the news.
"Geniuses don't exist, Kenzo, I keep telling you." Jaden replied with a tired expression because he kept repeating to everyone that geniuses didn't exist.
"You know we have to spar again, a little brawl." Kenzo abruptly changed the subject. It was a better topic for him – a fight, a hero must test himself against worthy opponents.
"No." Jaden rejected his proposal bluntly, without giving it much thought.
"Come on, I know you're itching to accept. I understand you, don't worry; who wouldn't want to face a hero?"
"Me, obviously!" Jaden was a bit irritated, his brow furrowed and one raised. This aspiring CREDHOS was too weird; it was obvious he didn't want to fight.
While the two were arguing about their desires for a brawl, a voice Jaden had come to know all too well resonated.
"Hey, you brats, I accept the old man's proposal... only if you manage to touch me in combat without using your elemental affinities."