On a hillside overlooking the old village, Miguel and his growing group of followers—humans and reformed aswang alike—began building their community. They called it Lungsod ng Balanse (City of Balance).
"Everyone, gather round!" Miguel called out as the sun rose over the construction site. "Today we plant the first of our sacred rice fields—fields that will feed us and give us the Lakan we need for cultivation."
A young aswang named Carlos stepped forward. "Miguel, we've had visitors from Iloilo City. They say the Datu ng Kayamanan—Lord of Wealth—wants to speak with you."
"Lord of Wealth?" Rico frowned. "That's Don Fernando Villareal. He owns half the land in Western Visayas, controls the ports, and has connections to the capital. What does he want with us?"
The next day, a convoy of sleek cars wound up the mountain road. Don Fernando stepped out, dressed in a tailored suit, his face sharp and confident. Behind him stood a dozen bodyguards, some of whom carried the faint aura of cultivation.
"Miguel dela Cruz," Don Fernando said, extending his hand. "I've heard about your little community. Very... ambitious."
"Don Fernando," Miguel replied, shaking his hand carefully. "We're building a place where everyone can live in balance with the land and their abilities."
The wealthy lord laughed—a smooth, practiced sound. "Balance is a lovely idea for poets, young man. But the world runs on power and gold. I own the mountain this land sits on. I'm here to offer you a deal: join me, let me use your cultivation methods to strengthen my business, and I'll make you and your people very rich."
"I'm sorry," Miguel said firmly. "Our ways aren't for sale. We take only what we need, and we share what we have."
Don Fernando's smile faded. "Then you leave me no choice. In thirty days, I'll be back with the proper authorities. They'll see your 'community' for what it is—a nest of monsters preying on the land."