Six years had passed since the attack. While the people slowly moved on, the government remained uneasy. They took drastic measures: curfews were enforced, patrols roamed the city nightly, and every household was required to submit a headcount and list of family members. Tourism was limited, and the military was strengthened.
At City Hall, a meeting was underway. Present were Mayor Adlaw, Vice Mayor Man, and eight clan representatives—four from the upper class and four from the lower:
Upper Class Clans:
Buntag Clan, represented by Paso
Tu'na Clan, represented by Kada
Pula Clan, represented by Dulo
Bituon Clan, represented by Tinaw
Lower Class Clans:
Gatos Clan, represented by Shin
Ka'on Clan, represented by Bus
Sina Clan, represented by La
Ika Clan, represented by Tres
The upper and lower clans sat opposite each other. At the front, Adlaw and Man presided.
Man: "Six years... and still no lead. I can't believe it."
Tinaw: "We've tried, but with so few clues, we can't expect much progress."
Adlaw: "What about the serum? Any updates?"
La (Sina Clan): "Yes, sir. There's been a major discovery. Our science team found traces of an unknown chemical—we're calling it Lana. We're still studying its properties."
Adlaw: "We've been studying that chemical for over a decade. And you're only discovering this now?"
La: "We recently acquired a 20-year-old sample. In all past studies, this compound didn't appear."
Adlaw: "I see."
Kada (Tu'na Clan): "This chemical traces back to the terrorists from 18 years ago. If they're the same ones behind the recent attack, can't we track it?"
La: "A valid suggestion, sir—but difficult. Detecting Lana requires massive resources and specialized preparation."
Adlaw: "But it's not impossible?"
La: "No, sir."
Adlaw: "Then make it happen. The city's security is our top priority."
La sat down as the agenda moved forward.
Man: "Next item—the E.A.R.T.H. initiative: The Island project."
Meanwhile, at the city's military barracks, a sparring session was underway. A familiar young man—blonde, tanned—was holding his own against three cadets.
Kus Og, now 16 and a Maharlikan soldier, stood ready with a wooden spear and shield. His opponents attempted to encircle him.
Kus Og: "Come on, guys. I'm not even hitting on Kitt!"
Cadet 1: "Shut up! Just because you're the mayor's son doesn't mean you can have all the girls!"
Kus Og charged the one on the right with his shield, sending him flying and splintering his shield.
Kus Og: "Gotcha!"
The other two rushed him. Kus Og swept his spear in a wide arc, knocking them back—but snapping his own weapon in the process. The first cadet scrambled up to attack again, but Kus Og hurled his shield like a discus. It struck the cadet in the face. He followed with a powerful punch.
Kus Og: "Told you to listen."
He heard someone sneaking up on him from the back. He clench his fist and throw it…
Then—WHAM. A palm strike knocked him off balance. Standing before him was their commanding officer.
Major: "I've told you before—brute strength alone won't always win."
Then the Major punched him in the face knocking him out.
Kus Og was blamed for the chaos and thrown into the barracks' holding cell.
But he wasn't alone.
Lupig: "Hello, Brother."
Kus Og: "Lupig?! What the hell are you doing here?!"
Lupig: "Told you—I'm getting that tape no matter what."
Kus Og: I knew it! You are the one who told them that I'm hitting on Kitt.
Lupig: You did like her. Did you not?
Kus Og grabbed his brother by the collar and slammed him against the wall.
Kus Og: "What's inside this tape?"
Lupig: "You don't need to know that. But I can assure you, it wasn't pornography."
Kus Og: "Do you know how many people tried to beat me up today?! Just because my brother set me up for this tape!"
Lupig: "Oh, I'm sure there's a lot of them. Kitt is such a beauty. I would go after her if my brother is not infatuated by her."
Kus Og: "You wanna die?!"
Lupig: "No. I want to be mayor. And for that, I need that tape."
Kus Og: "Mayor? But Father's running in the next election!"
Lupig: "I'll run against him."
Kus Og (shocked): "What?!"
He loosened his grip.
Lupig: "The lower classes are losing faith in him. After the attack, people started questioning everything. If I don't step up, the Adlaw family loses control of Maharlika."
Kus Og: "Even if Father loses, the upper clans will still support us."
Lupig: "No, they won't. Those snakes are waiting for our fall—they'll take over the moment we stumble."
Kus Og: "Then why not tell Father—or me? We could've—"
Lupig: "Because neither of you would understand. Father still sees me as a powerless child. I am not. I've studied. I've planned. This is the only way to ensure our family remains its influence."
Lupig extended his hand towards Kus Og.
Kus Og took the disk from the pocket of his jacket.
Kus Og: Here.
Lupig: Thank you brother.
Kus Og handed the disk.
Lupig smirks.
Lupig: I couldn't wish for a much foolish brother than you.
Kus Og: Why you!
Kus Og charged towards Lupig. However Lupig's body started to deflate.
Kus Og slams the wall.
Kus Og (slamming the wall): "Lupig! You scheming scoundrel!"
The door creaked open.
Lana: "How is he the scoundrel when you're the one who keeps getting locked up?"