Our story begins in the mysterious city of Maharlika, nestled in Southeast Asia—a sovereign land that belongs to no country. The people who live here are unlike any others. They live twice as long as ordinary humans. From birth until age thirty, they appear just like any other person. But after that, time slows for them—their aging becomes barely noticeable.
They are led by Mayor Adlaw Adlaw, a direct descendant of the mighty Adlaw family, who have ruled the city since its founding. The mayor has two sons: Lupig and Kus Og—both equally charming and adored by their parents. Lupig, the elder by two years, has pale skin and jet-black hair. Kus Og, with his tanned skin and brown hair, is just as beloved.
Tonight, on the eve of Kus Og's 10th birthday, something extraordinary is about to happen.
It is said that when a child from the higher class of Maharlikans turns ten, they will awaken incredible powers: enhanced strength, unmatched agility, and the ability to wield armor and weapons forged from a rare metal—Adamantine.
---
In the echoing halls of the Mayor's Mansion, Kus Og walked beside his father. The cold marble floor amplified every step. Adlaw glanced down and noticed his son trembling.
Adlaw: "Is something bothering you, my son?"
Kus Og: "I'm scared, Father…"
Adlaw stopped and knelt, leveling his eyes with his son's.
Kus Og: "What if I don't get any powers?"
Adlaw: "Everyone receives their share in time, Kus Og."
Kus Og: "But… Lupig—"
Adlaw: "It's almost midnight. Come, let's head to the ceremony."
---
They entered a large room lit by glowing lanterns. Children who had just turned ten were already gathered, buzzing with excitement. According to tradition, when the clock strikes midnight, their bodies would glow white—signaling the arrival of their blessings.
As Adlaw and Kus Og stepped in, the chatter quieted briefly. At the podium stood the Vice Mayor, Man Lara, delivering a speech. Once finished, he stepped down and approached them.
Adlaw: "Nice speech."
Man: "Thanks. I made it extra long—figured you got lost in your own mansion again."
He turned to Kus Og and smiled warmly.
Man: "Looking sharp, little man. You remind me of your father… back when he was still young and responsible."
Kus Og: "Thank you, Uncle Man. Where's Ka On?"
Man: "Over there with the other kids. Go on, he's waiting."
Kus Og dashed off toward his friend.
Man: "Where's Lana? And Lupig?"
Adlaw: "They won't be joining. Lana's looking after Lupig."
Man: "I see… Come with me. There's something we need to talk about."
---
They moved to a quiet corner. Man Lara pulled out a document and handed it to Adlaw. It contained data on a dangerous chemical—one that had once nearly destroyed Maharlika.
Man: "It's back. The same compound from twelve years ago."
Adlaw's expression darkened.
Man: "And it's worse now. They've weaponized it. No need for injections anymore—just a bruise is enough to strip us of our powers."
Adlaw: "Have the effects changed?"
Man: "No. But even losing our abilities for an hour… that's enough to bring us all down."
Adlaw: "I know."
—--------
In a quiet room somewhere in the mansion, Lupig was studying with his mother, Lana. Unlike his younger brother, when Lupig turned ten, no powers awakened within him. Whispers followed. People began calling him a fake son. Other children avoided him. An outcast.
He once asked his parents if what people said was true. That was when he learned the truth—his biological mother was a lower-class Maharlikan who had died during an incident. But this revelation didn't change anything. Not in his heart. Not in theirs. His father still looked at him with pride. Lana still raised him as her own, never treating him differently from Kus Og.
That night, as firelight flickered in the lamps, they studied together like they always did.
Lana: "Well done, Lupig. Your ability to grasp such complex concepts rivals mine—and I'm supposed to be one of the intellectually gifted."
Lupig: "Thank you, Mother. I like learning because you're the one teaching."
Lana: (smiling) "Aren't you sweet."
Lupig: "May I ask something, Mother?"
Lana: "Of course. What is it?"
Lupig: "Why are people so different from one another? We're made of the same things, we need the same nutrition… so why are we not the same?"
Lana paused, surprised by the depth of the question.
Lana: "That's… a hard one, Lupig. Where is this coming from?"
Lupig: "I don't like being different from you… Father… Kus Og… everyone."
Lana: "I understand. But to me, you're the same as us. All of us are different in some way—but we love each other. That's what matters. You are my son."
Lupig wrapped his arms around her.
Lupig: "Mother… can we go to the ceremony?"
Lana: "You sure?"
He nodded.