Alex materialized out of space as he gazed ahead. Behind him were Zol and Mason who decided to join in last when he came to visit Zol after hearing of his recovery.
"I can't believe there was this many of them," Mason muttered as he and the others took in the sight of thousands of hunters all in their armour, appearing like trained and disciplined soldiers.
"I count twelve S Class hunters in their ranks," Zol added but focused more on the woman in white. Her aura was different compared to the rest of the members of The Order.
"And she must be their leader." Mason finished. "I kinda expected a powerful hunter."
Zol and Mason couldn't recognize any of the hunters because they all had their helms on.
They knew there could be members of The Order who were important dignitaries of the empire as well, so they came prepared for the shock.
Alex remained quiet as he continued to stare at the army of hunters. He didn't feel any malice from them so he knew they weren't there for a fight.
Looking around, he spotted a gigantic base hidden within the void, masked within a space fold. It was difficult to detect and if it wasn't for his spatial awareness, he wouldn't have seen it.
'No wonder they were difficult to find.'
"Wait here," Alex said as he floated forward and within seconds crossed millions of kilometres to arrive before The Order.
Alex ignored all the others and focused on the woman in white. He saw right through the veil covering her face and raised an eyebrow in surprise.
The woman had a genuine smile on her face and was incredibly alluring, but Alex wasn't easily moved. What stood out the most were her eyes and purely white hair.
'Dark sclera with white irises and dark pupils.' Alex noted. It was a unique look he hadn't encountered before. And she felt different from the others.
"Who are you?" He questioned directly. "You don't feel like a normal awakened."
"My name is Elina Tempest," Elina introduced with s polite bow. "I am what you would call an oracle."
"An oracle?" Alex was confused. "Never heard of anything like that before."
"Naturally," Elina chuckled softly. "All will be clear in time." She inhaled slightly and then straightened her posture.
Suddenly, Alex felt the collective aura the hunters gave off change. He narrowed his eyes at this but waited to see what would happen.
"Alexander Gray." Elina began. "The Order has existed for three centuries, awaiting your emergence." Her words shocked Alex and his two companions.
"We exist to serve you, Alexander."
As soon as the words left her mouth, every last hunter behind her—S Class included, took a knee in the void as they clasped their hands together and said as one:
[We exist to serve you, Lord Alexander. We exist to serve…]
[…The Veilwalker…]
Alex was taken aback and was left speechless for several seconds. He expected many things but this was not one of them.
To see thousands of beings take a knee only to declare their loyalty involved some unexpected emotions.
'And what's with the strange name?' It resonated with him like the name was meant for him. 'These people know a lot more than I expected.'
His gaze shifted from the kneeling Order members and back to the woman who still floated there with a bright smile.
In the back, Zol and Mason exchanged confused and shocked looks as they too never expected any of this.
However, the more Zol recalled some of the actions The Order took in the past, things began to make some sense.
'They always went after talented people. At the time, we all thought they just wanted these people for whatever they planned. But there's more than meets the eye.' Zol deliberated as he turned back to the scene before him.
"What's the meaning of this?" Alex asked with a slight frown. "I didn't come here to play games."
The Order members continued to kneel and would remain that way till they got the word to stand up.
"I assure you, Lord Alexander." Elina understood his thoughts. "But what I say is the truth. You may have been chosen at random to be this universe's lord, but you are the lord nonetheless, and we—The Order—are here to help you in any way you believe necessary."
The more she spoke, the more confused Alex became. And the woman seems to have all the answers.
"Why are they still kneeling?" Alex shifted his gaze around Elina. The scene was getting a little bit awkward for him as he didn't feel comfortable seeing people kneel before him.
"We have pledged our loyalty to you, Lord Alexander."
Her words were self-explanatory. She may be the leader but she was before her true boss and only he could command the forces she built for him. Her authority came in second.
"Stand up."
Alex commanded and immediately everyone stood up and at attention, their heads lifted up slightly. It was still a weird feeling seeing so many people move at his will.
At the same time, Alex wasn't easily fooled. He could tell some of the S-Class Hunters were not happy with what they did. He put that observation to the side for the time being.
"I'm sure you have a lot of questions." Elina's words snapped him out of his thoughts. "Please, follow me. We have much to discuss." Elina gestured to the void, but Alex knew she was referring to their base.
"Your companions are invited as well."
Alex looked over his shoulders, signalling Zol and Mason to approach. Once they arrived, Elina turned around and gestured for Alex to come to her side.
Her guards and the S Class hunters made way for the two as they flew towards the space fold with Mason and Zol right behind them.
They were particularly cautious as this was the first time they had come this close to The Order.
Worse, there were a dozen S tiers around them. Should a fight break out, they would be severely disadvantaged.
On the other hand, Alex had different thoughts roaming his head, particularly the name he heard the people call him.
The Veilwalker.